Kosovo Big Balkans Tour with AJet Including Extra Tours and Dinners PRN-SJJ

Day 1: Istanbul - Pristina – Prizren - Shkodra

Meeting in front of the airline counter at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport departure terminal. Departure to Pristina, the capital of Kosovo, at 14:00 on AJet flight VF101. After a comfortable flight, arrival at 13:45 local time and after the entry procedures, we begin our panoramic city tour with our private vehicle waiting at the airport, where we will discover Kosovo’s modern and historical aspects. During our tour, we will also visit many valuable structures from the Ottoman period. We will see the Fatih Sultan Mehmed Mosque and the 18th-century Yaşar Pasha Mosque. During this journey through the city’s historical heritage, we will have the opportunity to commemorate an important historical event and its place in Ottoman history by visiting the Tomb of Sultan Murad I Hüdavendigâr, the Ottoman Sultan who was killed in the Kosovo Plain as a result of the Battle of Kosovo in 1389. After our tour in Pristina, we depart for Prizren, known as the cultural capital of Kosovo. Upon arrival, we begin exploring Prizren’s narrow streets, reminiscent of an Anatolian Ottoman city, with shop signs filled with Turkish inscriptions. In the city, we will visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the most important works of Ottoman architecture. In addition, the Halveti Lodge, Bayraklı Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Bath are among the other important Ottoman works to be seen. After free time in Prizren, we head toward the historic city of Shkodra in northern Albania. Shkodra will fascinate you with its natural beauty and rich historical texture. Overnight stay and dinner at our hotel.

Prizren Tour INCLUDED!

Pristina – Prizren : 85 km | Prizren – Prizren : 85 km | Prizren – Shkodra : 190 km

Total distance to be covered: 170 km

Day 2: Shkodra – Tirana - Ohrid

After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head to Tirana, the capital of Albania. An impressive tour awaits us in this beautiful city, rich in historical and cultural aspects, where we will discover Tirana, considered the center of Bektashism in Europe. Upon arrival in Tirana, we visit the Et’hem Bey Mosque, one of the city’s most important symbols. Begun in 1789 and completed in 1923, this structure is one of Albania’s cultural heritage treasures. We take a short break at Skanderbeg Square and see the Skanderbeg Statue proudly rising in the middle of the square. The Clock Tower, a symbol of Tirana, built by Ethem Bey in 1821, is also one of the highlights of our tour. During this tour, Tirana’s modern face and historical past will come together to create unforgettable memories. After free time, we continue on to Ohrid. Breathtaking landscapes will accompany us along the way. Upon arrival in Ohrid, we will take a tour introducing the historic city of Ohrid, which was one of the important bases of the Ottoman Empire in the Balkans. Among the places we will see during our tour are the 9th-century Byzantine monks Saints Cyril and Methodius Monument, believed to have developed the Cyrillic alphabet, and significant structures such as the Church of St. Sophia. We will also have the opportunity to walk around Çınar Square, the heart of the city, and visit the Turkish Bazaar remaining from the old Ottoman period. Here you can visit the Halveti Lodge and feel the cultural texture of the city up close. Then, by exploring the New Bazaar and Ohrid Market, you will witness the daily life of the local people. Finally, Ohrid’s famous lake and the lake’s enchanting view will accompany our tour. After the tour, free time and transfer to our hotel. Overnight stay and dinner at our hotel. After dinner, you can enjoy Ohrid’s enchanting atmosphere in the quiet of the night, take a short walk along the lakeshore, or return to your rooms and rest.

Tirana Tour INCLUDED!

Shkodra – Tirana: 100 km | Tirana – Ohrid : 135 km

Total distance to be covered: 235 km

Day 3: Ohrid - Resen - Bitola – Ohrid

After breakfast, we depart for our Resen and Bitola (Manastir) tour, famous for their magnificent nature and historical richness. Our first stop is in Resen, where we panoramically view the Palace of Resneli Niyazi Bey, an important figure who left his mark on Balkan history. Resen offers a fascinating atmosphere with both its nature and Ottoman traces. After a short break here, we head to Bitola, once one of the Ottoman Empire’s most important cultural and commercial centers. Upon arrival in Bitola, we visit from the outside the Military High School where the Great Leader Atatürk studied and the Atatürk Museum. In this magical city, we will also explore historical Ottoman-era works such as the Turkish Bazaar, the Covered Bazaar, Ishak Pasha Mosque, and the New Mosque. While feeling the historical texture of Bitola, you will have the chance to enjoy a pleasant walk through the city’s nostalgic streets. After all these rich cultural stops, we return to Ohrid. Overnight stay and dinner at our hotel in Ohrid.

Resen Tour INCLUDED! | Bitola Tour INCLUDED!

Ohrid – Resen: 34 km | Resen – Bitola: 31 km | Bitola – Ohrid: 69 km

Total distance to be covered: 134 km

Day 4: Ohrid – Tetovo (Kalkandelen) – Skopje

After breakfast, we pack our bags and depart to explore North Macedonia’s unique nature and cultural treasures. Our first stop is Tetovo (Kalkandelen), one of North Macedonia’s most charming towns. Here, we will visit the Painted Mosque, one of the most colorful and impressive mosques in the Balkans. Built in the 15th century, this mosque will captivate you with its vibrant colors and intricate decorations on the exterior. As we explore this exquisite example of Ottoman architecture, we will embark on a journey deep into history. After our visit in Tetovo, we continue toward Skopje, accompanied by lush green mountains. Breathtaking views of North Macedonia will accompany us along the way. Upon arrival, our city tour begins. Skopje is one of the Balkans’ important cultural centers with its Ottoman heritage and modern structures. We begin our tour with historical sites in Skopje, the birthplace of the famous Turkish poet Yahya Kemal Beyatlı. Our first stop is the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, one of the city’s largest and most magnificent mosques, built in 1492. Then we visit the Murat Pasha Mosque, built in the 15th century. This mosque is especially notable for its Ottoman-era ornamentation and architecture. As our tour continues, we will see Kapan Han and Suli Han in the heart of Skopje. These structures, fine examples of Ottoman-era inns, were once important centers where merchants stayed and traded. Later, we visit the Stone Bridge, which has become a symbol of Skopje. This bridge was built in the 15th century and connects the two sides of the Vardar River. Walking from the Stone Bridge, we continue our tour by seeing the Turkish and Jewish neighborhoods along the banks of the Vardar River. During our walk by the river, we pass through Macedonia Square. This square is Skopje’s largest and most central point, surrounded by modern buildings. Here, we will encounter the statue of Alexander the Great and other monuments. Then, we see the Ottoman Bridge dating back to the 15th century from the outside and visit Davut Pasha Bath, once again feeling the grandeur of the Ottoman period. We continue exploring the city on foot toward Skopje’s Turkish Bazaar. Before reaching the bazaar, we see the Clock Tower, built in the 16th century and one of Skopje’s symbolic structures. Here, we will visit Sultan Murad Mosque and Isa Bey Mosque, among the early mosques of the Ottoman Empire. The mosques are an important part of the city’s Islamic heritage and stand out with their architecture. Finally, we provide free time in the Turkish Bazaar. In this bazaar, you can find many products, from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After the enjoyable time you spend in the bazaar, we will return to our hotel in the evening.

Dinner: An unforgettable dinner awaits you accompanied by traditional Balkan music and local dance performances. While experiencing the fun and cultural side of Skopje with this special Balkan night, you will be hosted at Restaurant Gardenia, one of the region’s most distinguished venues. With the best Balkan music and folklore performed live, and all of our artists—consisting of conservatory students and teachers—performing without playback, we will turn this night into an authentic experience. We will be delighted to host you at our own venue, Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Thank you for your understanding. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.

Tetovo (Kalkandelen) Tour INCLUDED | Balkan Night INCLUDED !

Ohrid – Tetovo (Kalkandelen): 130 km | Tetovo (Kalkandelen) – Skopje: 43 km

Total distance to be covered: 173 km

Day 5: Skopje – Belgrade

After breakfast, we leave our hotel and set off on a pleasant journey to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Throughout history, Belgrade has been one of the most important cultural and strategic centers of the Balkans, and today it continues to stand out with its vibrancy, dynamism, and historical texture. In this fascinating city, we will have the opportunity to discover the meeting point of Ottoman and European cultures. Upon arrival in Belgrade, a panoramic city tour begins, where we will explore the city in all its splendor. On our tour, we will first see the Old Palace, which bears traces of the Ottoman period and is known for its magnificent carved ceilings. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere and discover the texture that brings together Belgrade’s past and present. Then we head to one of the city’s most impressive spots, where the Sava River meets the Danube River. In this unique view, it will be a great pleasure to explore this area, which has been the focal point of many conquests and victories throughout history. As we continue exploring this ancient city, where Fatih Sultan Mehmed was wounded in its conquest, but its capture was achieved by Suleiman the Magnificent, you will encounter Belgrade Fortress, which was used as a supply center for the Ottoman navy. As we trace history in this fortress, we will see important points such as the Fortress Square and Stone Square. During our tour, we will visit the Tomb of Şehit Ali Pasha, one of the important figures of the Ottoman period. These visits will allow you to explore Belgrade’s rich history in depth and learn about the cultural heritage remaining from the Ottoman era. At the end of our tour, we leave behind the city’s history and vibrant atmosphere and transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

Skopje – Belgrade : 430 km

Day 6: Belgrade – Sarajevo

After breakfast, we depart for Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Upon arrival, this city, which for centuries was the cultural capital of the Balkans and became famous as the place where World War I broke out after Austro-Hungarian Crown Prince Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated by Serbs in 1914, was heavily damaged in the devastating wars between Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks during the 1992 war, yet Sarajevo largely succeeded in preserving its beauty. During our panoramic city tour, we will see the famous Baščaršija, the historic Ottoman inn Morica Han, the Catholic Cathedral reflecting the city’s religious cosmopolitanism, the Synagogue, the Gazi Husrev Bey and Ferhadija Mosques, the Latin Bridge where Franz Ferdinand’s assassination took place in 1914, the Old Library, and the western-style buildings formed during the city’s 40 years under Austro-Hungarian rule. After the tour, transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

Belgrade - Sarajevo: 294 km

Day 7: Sarajevo – Počitelj – Blagaj – Mostar – Sarajevo

After breakfast, we depart from Sarajevo. Our first stop will be Mostar, famous for its historical, cultural, and architectural richness. Here, we will see the Mostar Bridge, built in 1557 by Mimar Hayreddin, one of Mimar Sinan’s students, and regarded as one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture. This bridge was destroyed during the 1992 war, but thanks to significant contributions from the Republic of Turkey, it was rebuilt faithfully to the original in 2004 and has once again become Mostar’s symbol today. Around this bridge, which gracefully connects the two banks of the Neretva River, we will have the opportunity to walk through the historic bazaar and stone streets. After exploring the enchanting atmosphere of Mostar, we will visit the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, one of the city’s most important religious buildings. Here, we will both examine architectural details from the Ottoman period and enjoy the magnificent view of Mostar Bridge from the mosque courtyard. Then, we head to Blagaj, known for its natural beauty and peaceful environment. Blagaj is an impressive settlement founded at the source of the Buna River, Europe’s strongest spring, where history and nature intertwine. After a short free time here, we continue to Počitelj, a place that carries the past into the present with its stone houses and historical texture. In Počitelj, known as the Turkish Village and preserving much of its historical texture, we will have the chance to closely see works built by the Ottomans in the 16th century and feel the unique atmosphere of the region. After the tour, transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

Počitelj Tour Included! | Blagaj Tour INCLUDED! | Mostar Tour INCLUDED!

Sarajevo - Mostar: 120 km | Mostar - Blagaj: 12 km | Blagaj – Počitelj: 22 km | Počitelj - Sarajevo: 150 km

Total distance to be covered: 304 km

Day 8: Sarajevo - Istanbul

After breakfast, check-out from the rooms and free time until transfer time. At the time determined by our guide, transfer to Sarajevo Airport. After boarding procedures, flight to Istanbul at 14:15 on AJet Airlines scheduled flight VF98. Following arrival in Istanbul at 18:05, end of our tour. We bid you farewell, hoping to see you on your next trip.

*Balkan Special Cancellation Guarantee Package: 50 Euro*

(With the Cancellation Guarantee package application, we offer our guests the right to cancel their reservations without penalty under all circumstances. With this application, it is possible to cancel your reservation up to 9 days before the departure date of the tour. In the event of cancellation, the full tour fee is refunded, while the cancellation guarantee package fee and any additional service fees (visa, insurance, etc.) are not refunded.)

**The specified cancellation guarantee package is not valid for group reservations.**

**A limited number of spots are available for each tour.**

Positive Aspects of the Tour

• Comprehensive Visits: A broad travel program covering important Balkan cities and tourist spots is offered. Many important cities such as Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, Ohrid, and Skopje are visited.

• Ottoman History: Important Ottoman-era structures and cultural heritage sites are visited, offering an enjoyable experience for history enthusiasts.

• Religious and Cultural Richness: Structures belonging to different religions (mosques, churches, synagogues) are visited, allowing the region’s cultural diversity to be discovered.

• Natural Beauty: Magnificent natural sights such as Lake Ohrid are experienced throughout the tour.

• Visa-Free Travel: Includes destinations that do not require visas, reducing extra paperwork and costs.

• Professional Guidance: Accompanied by a guide, there is an opportunity to obtain detailed information about cities and historical places.

• Local Cuisine Experience: Participants enjoy a gastronomic experience with dinners full of traditional Bosnian dishes, Balkan cuisine, and local flavors.

• All Tours Included: All surrounding tours and extra excursions in the program are included in the tour price, so participants can visit all important points without paying extra.

• Dinner Included: Dinner is included in the program every day, preventing participants from incurring extra expenses while tasting local flavors.

• No Need to Spend: The tour is ideal for guests who do not want to spend money. Aside from lunch, and if they wish, tips and souvenirs for their loved ones, no extra money will come out of your pocket.

Situations to Consider

• Busy Program: Traveling to a different city every day makes the tour extremely rich and full. However, this busy pace may be tiring for those who want to explore more.

• Long Journeys: Intercity distances (for example, between Skopje and Belgrade) are traveled with beautiful scenery throughout the tour, but there may be days spent a long time on the bus. Nevertheless, a comfortable journey is ensured with breaks given along the way.

• Limited Free Time: Since the tour program is comprehensive, free time may be limited. However, there is the opportunity to visit all important points with a guide.

• Seasonal Weather Conditions: Weather conditions in the Balkans may vary during some periods. Therefore, choosing appropriate clothing can make this more comfortable.

• Accommodation and Service Quality: Although the hotels included in the tour are carefully selected from options reflecting the character of the region and local culture, hotels in some small towns may not offer as many facilities as luxury hotels in Turkey. However, comfort and cleanliness are prioritized in these hotels.

• Food and Cuisine Experience: Throughout the tour, participants are offered the opportunity to taste the region’s distinctive local flavors. Balkan cuisine is full of rich and delicious dishes, but some participants may encounter unfamiliar tastes. This is a great opportunity to get to know the local culture and cuisine up close, but it may be helpful to keep in mind that you may come across different flavors.

City Hotel Breakfast Dinner

Shkodra 4* Holiday Koplik etc. Hotel Hotel

Ohrid 4* Hotel Sileks etc. Hotel Hotel

Ohrid 4* Hotel Sileks etc. Hotel Hotel

Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel

Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel

Belgrade 4* Queen Astoria etc. Hotel Hotel

Skopje 4* Vlaho Hotel etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia

With Ajet Airlines

Departure Place Arrival Place Departure Time Arrival Time

Istanbul Pristina 14:00 13:45

Sarajevo Istanbul 14:15 18:05