Kosovo Great Balkans Tour with AJet, Including Extra Tours and Dinners, SJJ-PRN
Tour details
Day 1: Istanbul – Sarajevo
Meeting in front of the airline counter at the departure terminal of Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport. Departure for Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, at 13:15 with AJet flight VF97. After a comfortable flight, arrival at 14:30 local time and, after entry procedures, we depart with our private vehicle waiting in the area. After our arrival, we will see a city that was the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries and went down in history as the place where World War I broke out after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the heir to Austria-Hungary, by Serbs in 1914. During the 1992 war, it suffered great destruction as a result of devastating wars between Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks, but Sarajevo managed to preserve much of 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 of Austro-Hungarian rule. After our tour, transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Day 2: 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 war in 1992, but with major contributions from the Republic of Türkiye, it was reconstructed in 2004 in accordance with the original and has since once again become the symbol of Mostar. Around this elegant bridge, which gracefully connects the two banks of the Neretva River, we will have the opportunity to stroll through the historic bazaar and stone streets. After discovering 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 examine architectural details from the Ottoman period and enjoy the magnificent view of the Mostar Bridge from the mosque’s courtyard. Then we continue to Blagaj, known for its natural beauty and peaceful setting. Blagaj is an impressive settlement built where the Buna River, Europe’s strongest spring, emerges, intertwining history and nature. After some free time here, we proceed to Počitelj, a place that brings the past into the present with its stone houses and historic character. In Počitelj, known as the Turkish Village and largely preserving its historical fabric, we will have the chance to closely see the works built by the Ottomans in the 16th century and feel the region’s unique atmosphere. After our 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 3: Sarajevo – Belgrade
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and start a pleasant journey to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Belgrade, one of the most important cultural and strategic centers of the Balkans throughout history, stands out today with its vibrancy, activity, and historic atmosphere. In this fascinating city, we will have the opportunity to discover the intersection of Ottoman and European cultures. Upon arrival in Belgrade, we begin a panoramic city tour in which we will explore all the city’s splendor. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere and discover the fabric of Belgrade that brings together the past and the present. Then we go to one of the city’s most impressive points, 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 focus of many conquests and victories throughout history. As we continue to explore this ancient city, where Fatih Sultan Mehmed was wounded in its conquest, but where the conquest fell to Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, you will come across Belgrade Fortress, which was used as a supply center for the Ottoman navy. While tracing the marks of 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, and the Bayrakli Mosque, one of the few surviving Ottoman structures in Belgrade. During these visits, you will deeply explore Belgrade’s rich history and learn about its cultural heritage from the Ottoman era. At the end of our tour, we leave the city’s history and vibrant atmosphere behind and head to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Sarajevo – Belgrade : 287 km
Day 4: Belgrade - Skopje
After breakfast, we head to Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. Upon arrival, our city tour begins. Skopje is one of the Balkans’ important cultural centers with its Ottoman heritage and modern structures. We start our tour with historic sites in Skopje, the city where the famous Turkish poet Yahya Kemal Beyatlı was born. 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. Continuing our tour, we will see Kapan Han and Sulu Han, located in the heart of Skopje. These structures, fine examples of Ottoman inns, were once important centers where merchants stayed and conducted trade. Later, we visit the Stone Bridge, which has become the symbol of Skopje. This bridge was built in the 15th century and connects the two banks 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 and is surrounded by modern structures. Here, we will encounter the statue of Alexander the Great and other monuments. Then we view the Ottoman Bridge, dating from the 15th century, from the outside and visit the Davut Pasha Bath to once again feel the grandeur of the Ottoman period. We continue to explore the city by walking 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 the Sultan Murat Mosque and the Isa Bey Mosque, among the early mosques of the Ottoman Empire. The mosques are an important part of the city’s Islamic heritage and attract attention with their architecture. Finally, we give free time in the Turkish Bazaar. In this bazaar, you can find many products ranging from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After pleasant time in the bazaar, we will return to our hotel in the evening.
Dinner: An unforgettable dinner awaits you accompanied by traditional Balkan music and regional dance performances. While experiencing Skopje’s fun and cultural side with this special Balkan night, you will be hosted at Restaurant Gardenia, one of the region’s most select venues. With live performances of the best Balkan music and folklore, presented by our artists who are all conservatory students and teachers, and performed without playback, we will turn this night into an authentic experience. We will be happy to host you at our own restaurant, Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Thank you for your understanding. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.
Balkan Night INCLUDED!
Belgrade – Skopje : 430 km
Day 5: Skopje – Bitola - Resen – Ohrid
After breakfast, we depart for our tour of Resen and Bitola, famous for their magnificent nature and historical riches. We set out toward Bitola, once one of the Ottoman Empire’s most important cultural and trade 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 Ottoman-era historic sites such as the Turkish Bazaar, the Bedesten, the Ishak Pasha Mosque, and the Yeni Mosque. While feeling the historical texture of Bitola, you will have the chance to take a pleasant walk through the city’s nostalgic streets. After a short break here, we continue to Resen, where we panoramically see 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 our tour, we head toward Ohrid. Breath-taking views will accompany us along the way. Upon arrival in Ohrid, we will conduct a tour introducing the historic city of Ohrid, which was once one of the Ottoman Empire’s important bases in the Balkans. Among the places we will see during our tour are the Monument of Saints Cyril and Methodius, 9th-century Byzantine monks believed to have developed the Cyrillic Alphabet, the Church of Hagia Sophia, and the Ancient Theatre dating from the Roman period. We will also have the chance to stroll through Çınar Square, the heart of the city, and visit the Turkish Bazaar from the old Ottoman era. Here you can visit the Halveti Tekke and feel the city’s cultural fabric 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 its enchanting view will accompany our tour. After our tour, free time and transfer to our hotel. Overnight 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 retire to your rooms to rest.
Resen Tour INCLUDED! | Bitola Tour INCLUDED!
Skopje – Bitola: 170 km | Bitola – Resen: 30 km | Resen – Ohrid: 35 km
Total distance to be covered: 235 km
Day 6: Ohrid – Tirana – Shkodra
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and set off for Tirana, the capital of Albania. In this beautiful city, rich in historical and cultural aspects, an impressive tour awaits us as we discover Tirana, regarded as the center of Bektashism in Europe. Upon arrival in Tirana, we visit the Ethem Bey Mosque, one of the city’s most important symbols. Construction of this structure began in 1789 and was completed in 1923; it is one of Albania’s cultural heritages. We take a short break at Skanderbeg Square and see the Skanderbeg Statue proudly rising in the middle of the square. The Clock Tower, the symbol of Tirana, built by Ethem Bey in 1821, is also one of the highlights of our tour. Then we visit the meaningful Peace Bell, made in 1999 from bullets melted by Shkodra’s children during a protest. During this tour, Tirana’s modern face and historical past come together to create unforgettable memories. After free time, we head to the historic city of Shkodra in northern Albania. Shkodra will fascinate you with its natural beauty and rich historical fabric. Overnight and dinner at our hotel.
Tirana Tour INCLUDED!
Ohrid – Tirana: 135 km | Tirana – Shkodra: 100 km
Total distance to be covered: 235 km
Day 7: Shkodra – Prizren- Pristina
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and set off for Prizren. Upon arrival in Prizren, with its architectural silhouette, the call to prayer rising five times a day from its minarets, and Turkish inscriptions on road and shop signs, the city immediately gives the impression of an Anatolian Ottoman town. In Prizren, we will see the Sinan Pasha Mosque, the Halveti Tekke, the Bayrakli Mosque, and the Mehmed Pasha Bath. After our Prizren tour, we proceed to Pristina. Upon arrival in Pristina, we begin our panoramic city tour, where we will discover Kosovo’s modern and historical sides. During this tour, we will visit Germia Park, one of Pristina’s most important natural beauties. Then we will see the Kosovo Museum, which showcases Kosovo’s cultural heritage. During our tour, we will also visit many valuable Ottoman-era structures. 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 visit the Tomb of Sultan Murad I Hüdavendigar, the Ottoman sultan killed on the Kosovo Plain as a result of the Battle of Kosovo in 1389, giving us the opportunity to commemorate this important historical event and its place in Ottoman history. After our tour in Pristina, transfer to our hotel. Overnight and dinner at our hotel.
Prizren Tour INCLUDED!
Shkodra – Prizren: 186 km | Prizren – Pristina: 85 km
Total distance to be covered: 271 km
Day 8: Pristina - Istanbul
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head to Pristina Airport. After arrival at the airport and boarding procedures, our flight to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport will take place at 15:45 with AJet Airlines scheduled flight VF102. After a comfortable flight, arrival in Istanbul at 18:25 and the end of our tour. We bid you farewell with the hope of seeing you again on your next trip.
*Balkan Special Cancellation Guarantee Package: 50 Euro*
(With the Cancellation Guarantee package, we offer our guests the right to cancel their reservations without penalty under any circumstances. With this application, it is possible to cancel your reservation up to 9 days before the departure date of the tour. In case of cancellation, the full tour fee is refunded, while the cancellation guarantee package fee and any additional service fees (visa, insurance, etc.) are non-refundable.)
**The specified cancellation guarantee package is not valid for group reservations.**
**Limited quota available for each tour.**
Skopje 4* Vlaho etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia
Belgrade 4* Queen Astoria etc. Hotel Hotel
Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel
Shkodra 4* Holiday Koplik etc. Hotel Hotel
Ohrid 4* Hotel Sileks etc. Hotel Hotel
Pristina 4* Ador etc. Hotel Hotel
Istanbul Sarajevo 13:00 12:25
Pristina Istanbul 15:45 18:25
What's included
Services Included:
• Round-trip flight tickets on the AJet Airlines route Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen HL. / Sarajevo - Pristina / Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen HL.
• 7 Nights accommodation in a 4* hotel category: 1 Night in Skopje, 1 Night in Shkodra, 2 Nights in Sarajevo, 1 Night in Pristina, 1 Night in Belgrade, and 1 Night in Ohrid.
• Breakfasts
• Dinners to be taken at the hotel
• A Balkan Night adorned with meals, entertainment, and folklore performances
• All transfers specified in the program
• City tours as specified in the program
• Pristina and Prizren (Kosovo) Tour
• Tirana tour
• Blagaj Extra Tour
• Počitelj Extra Tour
• Mostar Tour
• Resne Tour
• Monastery Tour
• Customs fees
• All highway, parking, and check-point expenses
• Professional Turkish guiding services
• Mandatory Insurance (Professional Liability)
Not included
Services Not Included:
• Overseas Exit Fee Stamp
• Travel Insurance (Up to 65 Years Old)
• Lunches
• All hotel extras and personal expenses
• City and Hotel taxes
Need to Know
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1- The General Terms and Conditions are an integral part of the tour program and cannot be considered independently of the tour program.
2- In case of insufficient participation for the trip; the Agency can cancel the tour up to 21 days before the departure date. In such a case, the cancellation information will be communicated to the guest. The total amount of the tour fee will be refunded to the guest. If additional services purchased outside the tour are refundable; domestic connecting flights purchased from the Agency will also be refunded to the guest, visa services, if a visa application has been made on behalf of the guest using travel health insurance, these services cannot be refunded as they have been used, if no visa application has been made, the visa and travel health insurance will also be cancelled and a refund will be made. If the guest has purchased the domestic connecting flight from a different provider independent of the Agency, in the event of cancellation of the trip by the Agency, no fee refund may be requested from the Agency. The guest accepts in advance all financial and moral losses that may arise due to the cancellation of the tour when purchasing the tour, and the Agency cannot be held responsible.
3- In case of insufficient participation for the trip, the Agency has the right to show goodwill and not cancel the tour. In this case, since the tour will be arranged individually for the guest, the included guiding services in the package will only cover the international round-trip transfers.
Cancellation and Changes
4- In our tours, tickets for transportation are arranged at the time of booking. Cancellations made more than 30 days prior to the tour's departure date will reflect the non-refundable ticket costs as a penalty.
5- Our guests have the right to cancel without penalty until 30 days before the tour departure date, provided they inform the Agency in writing; except for airline tickets that have been paid and/or pledged by the Agency. In case of less than 31 days remaining until the trip start date, the guest can cancel by paying a penalty fee amounting to 50% of the remaining tour fee from the flight ticket price, and in case of less than or equal to 15 days remaining before the trip start date, they can cancel by paying the entire tour fee as a penalty. In case of a cancellation request, the cancellation refund conditions for additional services such as domestic connecting flights, visa services, and travel health insurance may vary depending on the duration of the cancellation request, therefore prior information must be obtained regarding refunds. The Agency cannot make any commitments regarding refunds for additional services.
Guiding Services and Extra Tours
6- The days and times of the tours specified in the program may be changed by the guide depending on the status of the museums and archaeological sites at the places to be visited, and weather conditions. During the tours, our guests may be accompanied by different guides.
7- Panoramic city tours included in the tour package are organized for the general introduction of the cities and are conducted as a panoramic tour with the guide's narration from within the vehicle, lasting a maximum of 2-3 hours, excluding the entrance to museums and archaeological sites. The Agency shall not be liable for the inability to carry out these tours if local authorities do not permit visits or entry due to closed sites or roads for any event, and also if the tour cannot be conducted due to weather conditions. Some tours may be conducted using public transportation or on foot where access is not permitted due to closed roads or vehicle restrictions.
8- Our guide may make changes to the days of city tours and/or additional tours based on the number of participants and the status of the museum and archaeological site closures, depending on the content of our tours. This situation is also valid in cases of changes to flight times.
9- Precautions to be taken for our tours conducted with speed boats include not consuming heavy meals and avoiding excessive water intake just before boarding the boat. Guests with stomach, back, or neck issues or pregnant guests must inform their guides about their conditions.
10- There are no refunds for services included in the prices, such as tours or meal services, if participation is not provided.
About Flights
11- The Agency is an intermediary between the airline and the passenger, and in case of any disputes, the relevant provisions of Turkish law as well as the Hague Protocol and the Warsaw Convention will apply.
12- There may be delays or changes in flight times for scheduled and charter flights. The Agency is obliged to inform about these changes as soon as possible. The passenger acknowledges the risk of flight time changes/cancellations when purchasing the trip.
13- Children aged 0-2 only pay the airport tax fee.
14- According to airline rules; if the outbound flight of return tickets purchased for round trip is not used, the return flight will be canceled by the airline.
15- Check-in and boarding procedures for individuals participating in tours with flights are personal responsibilities and must be done by the guest before the flight at the airports, at the relevant airline counters, or online through the airline's websites.
16- Last-minute delays and gate changes in flights are announced audibly at the airports and displayed on the information boards. This information must be followed by the guests themselves.
17- The Agency shall not be held responsible for the passengers who are not present at the specified airport at the times reported in accordance with the airline regulations, do not timely carry out the check-in and boarding procedures, or do so on time but fail to board the plane. All expenses for obtaining new round-trip tickets, transportation and other matters related to re-participating in the tour for those who miss their flight are their responsibility.
18- The general baggage weight limit for outgoing flights from Turkey is 20 kg. This weight may vary according to the airline and the country of destination. If there are domestic flights in the destination country, the baggage weight may drop to 15 kg for these domestic flights. The rules for excess baggage weight/pricing are determined by the airlines and are not the Agency's responsibility.
19- For our guests who wish to upgrade their tickets with miles (to business or first class); upgrade procedures can be performed after the tickets are issued, subject to the availability of the airline (please check with the airline you are a member of). No mile guarantee is provided for each flight. Please check whether the tickets in the program are of an upgradeable class.
20- Some airlines may charge extra for in-flight meals and online check-in services.
Other Matters
21- The Agency shall not be held responsible for any changes or cancellation processes made by the guest directly communicating with the hotel. In such cases, the Agency's cancellation conditions will apply.
22- If the hotels are specified only by category information and/or offered as options for the same destination without naming specific hotels in the tour program, the Agency will inform the guest 48 hours before the trip.
23- During special periods such as fairs, congresses, concerts, events, sports tournaments, etc., hotels may be located further than the specified locations or kilometers. In such cases, information will be provided by the Agency 15 days before the departure date.
24- Upon registration for the purchased tour; the guest must accurately enter/declare the name as it appears on their passport, date of birth, and passport number into the system. Flight tickets will be issued based on this information. Penalty fees for cancellation or changes resulting from incorrect information will be charged to the guests.
25- To use your mobile phone abroad, ensure your phone is activated for international use before leaving Turkey, by contacting the company to which your line belongs.
26- The hotel check-in time is 15:00, and the check-out time is 12:00.
27- Requests related to the room (such as high floor, close to common areas, smoking/non-smoking, bed type) are communicated by the Agency to the hotel. Efforts will be made to ensure that the reserved rooms correspond to the guests' preferences based on hotel availability. The realization of these requests is subject to availability at the time of check-in and cannot be guaranteed by the Agency.
28- The breakfast offered in the hotels may differ from the rich breakfast tradition of Turkish cuisine. It is generally served as a continental breakfast, consisting of limited options such as butter, jam, bread, tea or coffee, and may be served in a separate hall designated for groups.
29- In some cases, instead of a twin-bedded room, there may be a double bed. Most European hotels offer rooms with two beds that can be pushed together if necessary.
30- The child and extra bed policy may vary depending on each hotel's room types.
31- Any type of extra bed and baby cot is provided upon request and subject to the hotel's availability and must be approved by the hotel.
32- The capacity for an additional bed or baby cot in the room is 1 (maximum).
33- In triple rooms, there is an application for an extra bed; the bed allocated to the 3rd guest in these types of rooms is smaller than standard beds. Triple rooms consist of 1 large bed + 1 extra bed. Extra beds are foldable and are called coach beds. Our guests acknowledge that they accept the potential crowding and bed type resulting from the extra beds added to the standard room in triple room and/or child-inclusive reservations.
34- If the number of children and their ages accompanying adults in hotel reservations are inaccurately declared by our guests, the relevant hotels may charge additional fees. In such a case, the responsibility lies with the guest who made the incorrect declaration. The hotel may request identification for age verification of children.
35- In reservations for 2 adults + 1 child, there may not be a separate bed for the child. Child rates apply only when the child stays with two adults. Child discounts only apply to a "single child" who meets the age group while staying with two adults.
36- Daily exchange rates affect TL prices. Rates valid at the time of payment apply. Additional requests and certain extra services you will obtain at the hotel (mini-bar, laundry, etc.) are subject to additional fees by the hotel. These expenses are not included in the purchase price and will be paid directly to the hotel during your stay.
37- Some countries have different applications regarding city, tourism or local taxes. All types of city, tourism or other taxes currently in effect will be collected from the guest by the hotel at the time of entry or exit.
38- The travel distances given in the programs are based on maps. Travel times may be extended due to traffic, weather conditions, the geographical location of the visited country, road works, and other circumstances.
39- The Agency can change the order of the cities in the program and the main airline to be used without altering the content of the program in case of necessary situations or at its discretion.
40- Participants in the tour are responsible for their personal belongings, bags, suitcases, passports/identities, and the Agency is not responsible for forgotten/lost/stolen items. In the event that forgotten items are found, the costs of delivering them to the country and/or the individual will be borne by the owner of the item.
41- Participants in the tour are required to carry their travel health insurance policy documents and any medicines and reports for health issues with them.
42- For possible extra expenses, upon entering the hotel, a photo ID passport and a credit card or cash deposit requested by official institutions may be required. The return of the deposit requested at check-out is a transaction between the hotel and the guest, and the Agency has no intervention in this.
Visa and Passport
1- Guests' passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel completion.
2- To obtain an entry-exit stamp on your passport at customs crossings/border gates, your passport must have at least 2 blank pages.
3- Exemption from visas and holding a visa for entry into the countries on this tour does not guarantee entry/exit into or from the country, as the passport control authorities have the right to deny entry/exit; the Agency is not responsible for this, and the responsibility lies with the passenger.
4- Guests who are not Turkish citizens or who hold dual citizenship and intend to participate in the tour using a non-Turkish passport must personally consult the relevant consulates regarding the visa procedures applied by the country of travel, otherwise, the Agency will not be responsible for any consequences arising.
5- To avoid issues at the country's border gate with customs police due to torn, worn, wet, or damaged passports; passports must be renewed. Otherwise, the responsibility lies with the passenger.
6- Passengers under 18 should be aware that when traveling alone or with only one parent, customs officials may request a document demonstrating the shared consent of both parents at country entry/exit; therefore, minors and their parents are advised to pay attention to this matter.