Day 1: Istanbul – Tuzla (Bosnia and Herzegovina) – Sarajevo
After completing our ticketing, baggage, and boarding procedures at the international departures terminal of Sabiha Gökçen Airport, we depart for Tuzla Airport in Bosnia and Herzegovina, about 2 hours from Sarajevo, with Ajet Airlines flight VF271 at 14:20. After a flight of approximately 1.5 hours, we arrive at Tuzla Airport at 14:20 local time. After passport control, we depart for Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with our private vehicle waiting at the airport. Upon arrival, we will see a city that was the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries and has gone down in history as the place where World War I broke out after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to Austria-Hungary, by Serbs in 1914. In the 1992 war, it suffered major damage as a result of the devastating conflicts 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 under Austro-Hungarian rule. Transfer to our hotel after the tour. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
2. Day: Sarajevo – Mostar – Blagaj – Počitelj – Medugorje
After breakfast, we depart from Sarajevo. Our first stop is Mostar, famous for its historical and cultural richness. Here, we will see the Mostar Bridge, one of the masterpieces of Ottoman architecture, built in 1557 by Architect Hayreddin. This bridge was destroyed in 1992 but was rebuilt in 2004 with the contributions of the Republic of Turkey. After discovering the enchanting atmosphere of Mostar, we will visit the Koski Mehmet Pasha Mosque. Then we head to Blagaj. Blagaj is built at the source of the Buna River, Europe’s most powerful spring. After some free time here, we continue to Počitelj. By visiting Počitelj, preserved with its historical texture and known as the Turkish Village, we will see the works made by the Ottomans in the 16th century. Finally, we depart for Medugorje. Medugorje is a peaceful place famous for its religious visitors. After arriving at our hotel, we retreat to our rooms to rest. Overnight at our hotel.
Mostar Tour INCLUDED! | Blagaj Tour INCLUDED! | Počitelj Tour INCLUDED!
Sarajevo - Mostar: 130 km | Mostar - Blagaj: 12 km | Blagaj - Počitelj: 30 km | Počitelj - Medugorje: 20 km
Total distance to be covered: 192 km
Day 3 : Medugorje – Kotor – Budva – Sv. Stefan – Shkodër
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and set off for the enchanting Kotor. During the journey, you will enjoy magnificent views. When we arrive in Kotor, on our walking tour in this medieval town famous for its fjords in the Balkans, you will feel the historic atmosphere of the narrow streets and the old town and discover the heart of Kotor. With its unique architecture and sea views, this small town will take you on a journey through time. Afterwards, our next stop is Budva, one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Balkans! After our panoramic city tour, we head to Sv. Stefan, famous for its rich history and dazzling scenery. We will admire the magnificent view of this islet from above. This area, postcard-perfect in every corner, is an ideal spot for photography. After all these discoveries, we move on to Shkodër, the beautiful city of Albania. After our dinner at the hotel, we retire to our rooms to rest. Overnight at our hotel.
Kotor Tour INCLUDED! | Budva Tour INCLUDED!
Međugorje - Kotor: 191 km | Kotor - Budva: 22 km | Budva - Sv. Stefan: 15 km | Sv. Stefan - Shkodër: 85 km
Total distance to be covered: 313 km
Day 4: Shkodër – Tirana – Ohrid
After breakfast, we depart from our hotel and set off for Tirana, the capital of Albania. A fascinating tour awaits us in this beautiful city, rich in historical and cultural aspects, where we will explore 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 landmarks. This structure, whose construction began in 1789 and was completed in 1923, is one of Albania’s cultural heritages. We take a short break at Skanderbeg Square and see the Skanderbeg Statue proudly standing 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. During this tour, Tirana’s modern face and historical past come together, allowing you to create unforgettable memories. After free time, we head towards Ohrid. Breath-taking views 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 Ottomans in the Balkans. The places we will see during our tour include important structures such as the Monument to Saints Cyril and Methodius, 9th-century Byzantine monks believed to have developed the Cyrillic alphabet, and the Church of Hagia Sophia. We will also have the opportunity to stroll around the Tree Square, the heart of the city, and visit the Turkish Bazaar from the old Ottoman period. Here, you can visit the Halveti Tekke and feel the city’s cultural fabric up close. Afterwards, you will witness local life as we tour the New Bazaar and Ohrid Market. Finally, Ohrid’s famous lake and its enchanting view will accompany our tour. After the 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 silence of the night, take a short walk along the lakeshore, or retire to your rooms and rest.
Tirana Tour INCLUDED!
Shkodër – Tirana: 100 km | Tirana – Ohrid : 135 km
Total distance to be covered: 235 km
Day 5: Ohrid – Resne – Monastir – Skopje
After breakfast, we depart for our tour of Resne and Monastir (Bitola), famous for their magnificent nature and historical riches. Our first stop is Resne, where we will have a panoramic view of the Palace of Resneli Niyazi Bey, an important figure who left his mark on Balkan history. Resne offers a fascinating atmosphere with both its nature and Ottoman traces. After a short break here, we head to Monastir, once one of the Ottoman Empire’s most important cultural and commercial centers. Upon arrival in Monastir, 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 discover Ottoman-era historical monuments such as the Turkish Bazaar, the Bedesten, the Ishak Pasha Mosque, and the New Mosque. While feeling the historical texture of Monastir, you will have the chance to take a pleasant walk through the city’s nostalgic streets. After our visit, we continue towards Skopje accompanied by lush green mountains. Breath-taking views of Macedonia will accompany us along the way. Upon arrival in Skopje, 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 stands out especially for its Ottoman-era ornaments and architecture. In the continuation of our tour, we will see Kapan Han and Sulu Han in the heart of Skopje. These structures, fine examples of Ottoman-era inns, were once important centers where merchants stayed and traded. Afterwards, 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 will continue our tour by seeing the Turkish and Jewish neighborhoods along 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 buildings. Here we will encounter the statue of Alexander the Great and other monuments. Then we see the Ottoman Bridge from the outside, dating from the 15th century, and by visiting the Davut Pasha Bath we will 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 Murad Mosque and the Isa Bey Mosque, which are 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 give free time in the Turkish Bazaar. In this bazaar, you can find many products, from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After the pleasant time you spend in the bazaar, transfer to Restaurant Gardenia for the Balkan Night. Afterwards, transfer to our hotel and then retire to our rooms. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.
Dinner: An unforgettable dinner awaits you accompanied by traditional Balkan music and local dance performances. You will enjoy the opportunity to discover Skopje’s fun and cultural side with this special Balkan night, hosted at Restaurant Gardenia, one of the region’s most exclusive venues. With the best Balkan music and folklore performed live, and with all 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 Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Thank you for your understanding. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.
Resne Tour INCLUDED! | Monastir (Bitola) Tour INCLUDED! | Balkan Night INCLUDED!
Ohrid – Resne: 34 km | Resne – Monastir: 31 km | Monastir – Skopje: 70 km
Total distance to be covered: 134 km
Day 6: Skopje – Pristina – Prizren – Skopje
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and set off for Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. After our journey, upon arrival in Pristina, we begin our panoramic city tour where we will discover both the modern and historical aspects of Kosovo. 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 Yasar Pasha Mosque. During this tour through the city’s historical heritage, we will have the opportunity to commemorate this important historical event and its place in Ottoman history by visiting the Tomb of Ottoman Sultan Murad I Hüdavendigâr, who was killed on the Kosovo Plain as a result of the 1389 Battle of Kosovo. After our tour in Pristina, we head to Prizren, known as the cultural capital of Kosovo. Upon arrival, we begin exploring the narrow streets of Prizren, whose architecture recalls Anatolian Ottoman towns and whose shop signs are 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 Tekke, the Bayrakli Mosque, and the Mehmet Pasha Bath are among the other important Ottoman monuments to be seen. After free time in Prizren, we begin our return journey to Skopje in the evening. Upon arrival, we are transferred to our hotel and after dinner we retire to our rooms. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.
Pristina Tour INCLUDED! | Prizren Tour INCLUDED!
Skopje – Pristina: 90 km | Pristina – Prizren: 85 km | Prizren – Skopje: 165 km
Total distance to be covered: 340 km
Day 7 : Skopje – 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, still stands out today with its vibrancy, movement, and historical texture. In this fascinating city, we will have the opportunity to discover the meeting point of Ottoman and European cultures. After arriving in Belgrade, a panoramic city tour begins, where we will explore the city in all its splendor. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere and discover Belgrade’s fabric that brings together the past and the present. Then we go 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 focus of conquest and victory many times throughout history. As we continue exploring this ancient city, where Fatih Sultan Mehmed was wounded for its sake but its conquest was achieved by Suleiman the Magnificent, you will encounter Belgrade Fortress, used as a supply center by the Ottoman navy. While tracing the marks of history in this fortress, we will see important points such as 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. During these visits, you will explore Belgrade’s rich history in depth and learn about the city’s cultural heritage from the Ottoman era. At the end of our tour, leaving behind the city’s history and lively atmosphere, we head to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Skopje – Belgrade : 430 km
Day 8: Belgrade – Tuzla (Bosnia and Herzegovina) – Istanbul
After breakfast, check-out from the rooms and transfer to Tuzla Airport after breakfast. After the boarding procedures, departure to Istanbul at 15:20 with Ajet Airlines scheduled flight VF272. After arrival at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport at 19:10, the tour ends. We bid you farewell, hoping to see you on your next trip.
*Balkan Special Cancellation Protection Package: 50 Euro*
(With the Cancellation Protection package application, 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 protection package fee and any additional service fees (visa, insurance, etc.) are not refunded.)
**The specified cancellation protection package is not valid for group reservations.**
**A limited number of seats 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, Kotor, Ohrid, and Skopje are visited.
• Ottoman History: Important structures and cultural heritage from the Ottoman period are visited, offering an enjoyable experience for history enthusiasts.
• Religious and Cultural Richness: Structures belonging to different religions (mosques, churches, synagogues) are visited, revealing the region’s cultural diversity.
• Natural Beauties: Magnificent natural beauties such as the Kotor fjords and Lake Ohrid are experienced throughout the tour.
• Visa-Free Travel: It includes destinations that do not require a visa, reducing extra paperwork and costs.
• Professional Guidance: Accompanied by a guide, it offers the opportunity to learn 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 excursions and extra tours in the program are included in the tour price, so participants can visit all important points without paying extra.
• Dinners Included: Dinner is included in the program every day, preventing participants from incurring extra expenses while tasting local flavors.
• No Need to Spend Money: The tour is ideal for guests who do not want to spend money. Apart from lunch, tips if they wish, and souvenirs they buy for 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 intense pace may be tiring for those who want to explore more.
• Long Journeys: Intercity distances (for example between Skopje and Belgrade) are covered 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 along the way.
• Limited Free Time: Since the tour program is comprehensive, free time may be limited. However, there is an opportunity to visit all important points with a guide.
• Seasonal Weather Conditions: In some periods in the Balkans, weather conditions may vary. Therefore, choosing suitable clothing makes this comfortable.
• Accommodation and Service Quality: Although the hotels included in the tour are carefully selected from options reflecting the region’s character and local culture, hotels in some small cities 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, you are offered the opportunity to try the region’s distinctive local tastes. Balkan cuisine is full of rich and delicious dishes, but some flavors may be unfamiliar to some participants. This is a great opportunity to get to know the local culture and cuisine up close, but it may be useful to keep in mind that you may encounter different flavors.
City Hotel Breakfast Dinner
Skopje 4* Vlaho etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia
Skopje 4* Vlaho etc. Hotel Hotel
Belgrade 4* Nobel etc. Hotel Hotel
Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel
Medugorje 4* Sole etc. Hotel Hotel
Shkodër 4* Holiday Koplik etc. Hotel Hotel
Ohrid 4* Beograd etc. Hotel Hotel
With Ajet Airlines
Departure City Destination City Departure Time Arrival Time
Istanbul Tuzla 14:20 14:20
Tuzla Istanbul 15:20 19:10
Included Services:
• Round trip flight tickets with AJet Airlines from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Tuzla (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and back
• Accommodation for a total of 7 nights in 4-star hotels: 2 nights in Skopje, 1 night in Shkodra, 1 night in Medjugorje, 1 night in Sarajevo, 1 night in Belgrade, and 1 night in Ohrid
• Breakfasts
• Dinners at the hotel
• A Balkan Night decorated with food, entertainment, and folklore shows
• All transfers as specified in the program
• City tours as specified in the program
• Tirana tour
• Blagaj Extra Tour
• Resne Tour
• Monastery Tour
• Pristina Tour
• Prizren Tour
• Poçitel Extra Tour
• Mostar Tour
• Budva Tour
• Kotor Tour
• Professional Turkish guiding services
• Mandatory Insurance (Professional Liability)
Services Not Included:
• International Departure Fee Stamp
• Travel Insurance (Up to 65 Years Old)
• Lunches
• All hotel extras and personal expenses
• City and Hotel taxes: (Includes mandatory payment of 20 Euros per person covering city tax, checkpoint fees, local service charges, handling fees, bus entrance fees, and operational service expenses, which will be collected in cash by the guide on the first day of the tour)