Great Balkans Tour: 7 Nights with Travel Enthusiasts in Kosovo and Sarajevo

Day 1 — Istanbul – Sarajevo

On our first day, after completing our ticket, luggage, and boarding procedures at Sabiha Gökçen Airport International Departures Terminal, we depart for Sarajevo at 12:45 PM on Ajet Airlines flight VF97. Our flight will take approximately one and a half hours, and we will arrive in Sarajevo at 12:50 PM local time. After the entry procedures, we will embark on a city tour of Sarajevo with our private vehicle waiting for us. This city is known as the cultural center of the Balkans and was the site where World War I began with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in 1914. Although it suffered great damage during the war in 1992, Sarajevo's historical and cultural richness still dazzles.

Day 2 — Sarajevo – Mostar – Blagaj – Počitelj – Sarajevo

On our second day, after breakfast, we leave Sarajevo. Our first stop is Mostar, known for its historical and cultural riches. Here, we will visit the Mostar Bridge, built in 1557 by Hayreddin, a student of Mimar Sinan, and considered one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture. This bridge was destroyed during the war in 1992 but was rebuilt in 2004 in its original form with the support of the Republic of Turkey. We will have the opportunity to explore the historical bazaar and stone streets around the bridge, which elegantly connects both banks of the Neretva River. We will discover the enchanting atmosphere of Mostar.

Day 3 — Sarajevo – Belgrade

On our third day, after breakfast, we leave our hotel and head towards Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Throughout history, Belgrade has been one of the important cultural and strategic centers of the Balkans, and today it attracts attention with its vibrant atmosphere and historical buildings. In this captivating city, we will explore the intersections of Ottoman and European cultures. After arriving in Belgrade, we will embark on a panoramic city tour. Here, you can feel the historical texture and see the structures that combine Belgrade's past with the present. Then, we will go to the point where the Sava River meets the Danube River.

Day 4 — Belgrade - Skopje

On our fourth day, after breakfast, we head towards Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. Upon arrival, we start our city tour. Skopje is one of the important cultural centers of the Balkans with its Ottoman heritage and modern structures. We begin our tour with historical sites in the city where the famous Turkish poet Yahya Kemal Beyatlı was born. First, we will visit the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, built in 1492. Then we will see the Murat Pasha Mosque, built in the 15th century. This mosque stands out with its craftsmanship and architecture from the Ottoman period. During our tour, we will also visit the Kapan Han and Sulu Han located in the center of Skopje.

Day 5 — Skopje - Pristina - Prizren - Skopje

On our fifth day, after breakfast, we leave our hotel and head towards Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. After arriving in Pristina, we embark on a panoramic city tour where we will explore both the modern and historical aspects of Kosovo. During the tour, we will visit many important structures from the Ottoman period. We will see the Fatih Sultan Mehmed Mosque and the Yaşar Pasha Mosque from the 18th century. Additionally, we will have the opportunity to commemorate the significant historical event by visiting the Tomb of Sultan Murad I, who lost his life during the Battle of Kosovo in 1389. After our tour in Pristina, we will proceed to Prizren.

Day 6 — Skopje – Tetova (Kalkandelen) - Bitola - Resne – Ohrid

On our sixth day, after breakfast, our first stop is Tetova (Kalkandelen), one of Macedonia's stunning towns. Here, we will visit the Alaca Mosque, one of the most colorful mosques in the Balkans. Built in the 15th century, this mosque is notable for its vibrant colors and intricate decorations on its exterior. After our visit in Tetova, we will begin our tour of Resne and Bitola, known for their historical and natural beauties. We will head towards Bitola, which was once one of the important cultural and trade centers of the Ottoman Empire. Upon our arrival in Bitola, we will see the school where the Great Leader Atatürk was educated.

Day 7 — Ohrid – Sveti Naum – Elbasan - Tirana

On our seventh day, after breakfast, we leave our hotel and embark on an exciting journey to the source of Lake Ohrid and the area where St. Naum Monastery is located. In St. Naum, referred to as 'A Piece of Heaven in the Balkans', we will have the opportunity to photograph the unique landscapes of nature. During our free time, we will explore these historical and natural beauties. After our tour of Sveti Naum, we head towards Tirana, the capital of Albania, filled with unforgettable memories and wonderful photos. Passing through Elbasan, we arrive in Tirana, rich in history and culture.

Day 8 — Tirana – Istanbul

On our last day, after breakfast, we transfer to the airport after leaving our hotel. After completing our ticket, luggage, and passport procedures, we depart for Istanbul at 1:30 PM on Ajet Airlines flight VF368. Our tour concludes with our arrival at Sabiha Gökçen Airport at 5:15 PM. We bid farewell to our valued guests, hoping to see you again on your next trip.