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

After completing our ticket, baggage, and boarding procedures at Sabiha Gökçen Airport International Departures Terminal, we depart for Sarajevo at 12:45 PM on Ajet Airlines flight VF97. After approximately one and a half hours of flight, we arrive in Sarajevo at 12:50 PM local time. After the entry procedures, we begin our city tour with our private vehicle waiting for us. Sarajevo is known as the cultural center of the Balkans, and it ignited the fuse of World War I with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in 1914. In the 1992 war, it suffered significant damage due to conflicts among Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks, but Sarajevo has largely managed to maintain its beauty. During our panoramic tour, we will see the Baščaršija, the historic Ottoman caravanserai Morica Han, the Catholic Cathedral, the Synagogue, the Hüsrev Bey and Ferhadiye Mosques, the Latin Bridge where the assassination took place in 1914, the Old Library, and Western-style buildings from the Austro-Hungarian period. After the tour, we proceed to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.

After breakfast, we depart from Sarajevo. Our first stop is the historic and culturally rich Mostar. Here, we will see the Mostar Bridge, built in 1557 by architect Hayreddin, a student of Mimar Sinan, which is one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture. This bridge was destroyed in the 1992 war but was rebuilt in 2004 with the support of the Republic of Turkey. We will explore the historic bazaar and stone streets around the elegantly connecting bridge over the Neretva River. After experiencing the enchanting atmosphere of Mostar, we will visit the Koski Mehmet Pasha Mosque. Here, we will examine the details of Ottoman architecture and enjoy the magnificent view of the bridge from the mosque's courtyard. Next, we head to Blagaj, known for its natural beauty. Blagaj is the birthplace of the Buna River, the strongest water source in Europe. After a short free time here, we proceed to Počitelj, which has preserved its historical texture. We will have the opportunity to closely see the works built by the Ottomans in the 16th century and feel the atmosphere of the region. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay 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

After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head towards Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Historically one of the important cultural and strategic centers of the Balkans, Belgrade still attracts attention with its vibrancy and historical texture. In this fascinating city, we will explore the meeting point of Ottoman and European cultures. After arriving in Belgrade, we start our panoramic city tour. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere and discover the texture that combines Belgrade's past with the present. Next, we go to the point where the Sava River meets the Danube River. In this unique view, it will be enjoyable to explore this area, which has been the center of many conquests and victories throughout history. While discovering this ancient city, where Fatih Sultan Mehmed was wounded but the conquest was granted to Kanuni Sultan Süleyman, you will see the Belgrade Fortress, which was used as a supply center for the Ottoman navy. We will also visit important points such as Kale Square and Tašmajdan. Additionally, we will visit the Tomb of Şehit Ali Pasha, one of the important figures of the Ottoman period, and the Bayraklı Mosque, one of the rare surviving Ottoman structures in Belgrade. During these visits, you will have the opportunity to deeply explore Belgrade’s rich history and learn about the cultural heritage of the Ottoman period. At the end of the tour, we leave the history of the city behind and proceed to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.

Sarajevo – Belgrade: 287 km

After breakfast, we head towards the capital of North Macedonia, Skopje. 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 the 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 largest and most magnificent mosques in the city, built in 1492. Then we visit the Murat Pasha Mosque, built in the 15th century. This mosque stands out with its decorations and architecture from the Ottoman period. During our tour, we will see Kapan Han and Sulu Han, located in the heart of Skopje. These structures, beautiful examples of Ottoman-era inns, were once important centers where merchants stayed and traded. Next, we visit the Stone Bridge, which has become a symbol of Skopje. This bridge was built in the 15th century and connects both 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 riverside walk, we pass through Macedonia Square. This square is the largest and most central point of Skopje, 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 15th century from the outside and visit the Davut Pasha Bath to feel the grandeur of the Ottoman period once again. We continue to explore the city by walking towards Skopje’s Turkish Bazaar. Before reaching the bazaar, we see the Clock Tower, which was built in the 16th century and is one of the symbolic structures of Skopje. Here, we will visit the Sultan Murat Mosque and the Isa Bey Mosque, which are among the early Ottoman mosques in the city. Finally, we give free time in the Turkish Bazaar. In this bazaar, you can find many products from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After spending a pleasant time in the bazaar, we will return to our hotel for the night.

Dinner: An unforgettable dinner awaits you accompanied by traditional Balkan music and local dance performances. You will have the opportunity to explore the entertaining and cultural side of Skopje during this special Balkan night, hosted at one of the region's finest venues, Restaurant Gardenia. With live performances of the best Balkan music and folklore, performed by our artists, all of whom are conservatory students and teachers, we will turn this night into an authentic experience. We will be happy to host you at our own Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Overnight stay at our hotel in Skopje.

Balkan Night INCLUDED!

Belgrade – Skopje: 430 km

After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head towards Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. Upon arrival in Pristina, we start our panoramic city tour, where we will explore 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 Yaşar Pasha Mosque. During this trip through the city's historical heritage, we will visit the Tomb of Sultan Murad Hüdavendigâr, who was killed in the Kosovo Plain as a result of the Battle of Kosovo in 1389, and have the opportunity to commemorate this important historical event and its place in Ottoman history. After our tour in Pristina, we move to Prizren, known as the cultural capital of Kosovo. Upon arrival, we begin to explore the narrow streets of Prizren, filled with signs in Turkish and architecture reminiscent of an Anatolian Ottoman city. In the city, we will visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the most important structures of Ottoman architecture. Additionally, the Halveti Tekke, Bayraklı Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Bath are among the other important Ottoman works to be seen. After spending free time in Prizren, we begin our journey back to Skopje in the evening. Upon arrival, we are transferred to our hotel and after having dinner, we retire to our rooms. Overnight stay 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

After breakfast, our first stop is Tetova (Kalkandelen), one of Macedonia's dazzling towns. Here, we will visit the Alaca Mosque, one of the most colorful and impressive mosques in the Balkans. Built in the 15th century, this mosque stands out with its vibrant colors and detailed decorations on its exterior. While discovering this rare example of Ottoman architecture, we will embark on a journey into the depths of history. After our visit in Tetova, we head to Ohrid. Breathtaking views will accompany us along the way. Upon arrival in Ohrid, we will conduct a tour introducing the historic city of Ohrid, which was one of the important bases of the Ottomans in the Balkans. Among the places we will see during our tour are the Statue of Saints Cyril and Methodius, believed to have developed the Cyrillic alphabet, and the Church of St. Sophia. We will also have the opportunity to stroll around the Çınar Square, the heart of the city, and explore the old Turkish Bazaar from the Ottoman period. Here, you can visit the Halveti Tekke and closely feel the cultural texture of the city. Afterward, we will visit the New Bazaar and Ohrid Market, witnessing the daily life of the local people. Finally, the famous lake of Ohrid and its enchanting view will accompany our tour. After the tour, we will have free time and transfer to our hotel. Overnight stay and dinner at our hotel. After dinner, you can enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of Ohrid in the silence of the night, take a short walk by the lake, or retreat to your rooms to rest.

Tetova (Kalkandelen) Tour INCLUDED!

Skopje – Tetova: 44 km | Tetova – Ohrid: 132 km

Total distance to be covered: 176 km

After breakfast, we leave our hotel and embark on an exciting journey to St. Naum, known as "A Piece of Heaven in the Balkans," where the source of Lake Ohrid and the St. Naum Monastery are located. In this enchanting place, you will have the opportunity to photograph the unique beauty of the landscapes in the heart of nature. During our free time, we will enjoy exploring this historical and natural wonder. After our tour of Sveti Naum, we head towards Resne and Bitola, famous for their magnificent nature and historical richness. We are on our way to Bitola, which was once one of the most important cultural and trade centers of the Ottomans. Upon arrival in Bitola, we will visit the Military High School where the great leader Atatürk studied and the Atatürk Museum from the outside. In this magical city, we will also explore historical Ottoman artifacts such as the Turkish Bazaar, Bedesten, İshak Pasha Mosque, and Yeni Mosque. While feeling the historical texture of Bitola, you will have the chance to take a pleasant walk through the nostalgic streets of the city. After a short break here, we continue to Resne, where we will see the Palace of Resneli Niyazi Bey, an important figure who made a mark in Balkan history, panoramically. Resne offers a captivating atmosphere with both its nature and Ottoman traces. After our tour, we head back to Ohrid. Breathtaking views will accompany us along the way. Upon arrival in Ohrid, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight stay and dinner at our hotel. After dinner, you can enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of Ohrid in the silence of the night, take a short walk by the lake, or retreat to your rooms to rest.

Sveti Naum Tour INCLUDED! Resne Tour INCLUDED! | Bitola Tour INCLUDED!

Ohrid – Sveti Naum: 29 km | Sveti Naum - Bitola: 80 km | Bitola - Resne: 33 km | Resne - Ohrid: 36 km

Total distance to be covered: 178 km

After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head towards Tirana, the capital of Albania. Passing through Elbasan, we arrive in Tirana, which is rich in history and culture. In this beautiful city, an impressive tour awaits us where we will explore Tirana, considered the center of Bektashism in Europe. Upon arrival in Tirana, we visit the Ethem Bey Mosque, one of the most important symbols of the city, which began construction in 1789 and was completed in 1923. We take a short break in Skanderbeg Square, where we see the statue of Skanderbeg proudly rising in the center of the square. The Clock Tower 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 from lead melted by children from Shkodra during the rebellion in 1999. During this tour, the modern face of Tirana and its historical past will come together to create unforgettable memories. After our tour, we transfer to the airport. After ticket, baggage, and passport procedures, we depart for Istanbul at 18:55 on Ajet Airlines flight VF368. Arrival at Sabiha Gökçen Airport at 20:40 and the end of our tour. We bid farewell to our valued guests with the hope of seeing you again on your next journey.

Tirana Tour INCLUDED!

Ohrid - Elbasan: 91 km | Elbasan – Tirana: 38 km

Total distance to be covered: 139 km

*Balkan Special Cancellation Insurance Package: 50 Euro*

(With the cancellation insurance 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 tour departure date. In the case of reservation cancellation, the full tour fee will be refunded, while the cancellation insurance package fee and any additional service fees (Visa, insurance, etc.) will not be refunded.)

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

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