Kosovo and the Great Balkans Tour: Semester Special with Pegasus for 7 Nights

After completing our ticket, luggage, and boarding procedures at Sabiha Gökçen Airport International Departures Terminal, we fly to Sarajevo at 15:20 on Pegasus Airlines flight PC293. After approximately one and a half hours of flight, we land in Sarajevo at 15:15 local time. After completing our entry procedures, we start our city tour with our private vehicle waiting for us. Historically known as the cultural center of the Balkans, Sarajevo is recognized as the place where World War I began after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in 1914. Although it suffered great destruction during the war in 1992, Sarajevo has managed to preserve its beauty. During our panoramic tour, we will see the famous Baščaršija, the historic Morica Han, the Catholic Cathedral, the Synagogue, the Hüsrev Bey and Ferhadiye Mosques, the Latin Bridge where the assassination occurred in 1914, the Old Library, and Western-style buildings from the Austro-Hungarian period. Transfer to our hotel after the tour. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.

After our breakfast, we depart from Sarajevo. Our first stop is Mostar, known for its historical and cultural richness. Here, we will see the Mostar Bridge, built in 1557 by Mimar Hayreddin, a student of Mimar Sinan, and considered one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture. This bridge was destroyed during the 1992 war but was rebuilt in 2004 in its original form with the support of Turkey. We will have the opportunity to explore the historic bazaar and stone streets surrounding the bridge, which elegantly connects both banks of the Neretva River. After discovering the enchanting atmosphere of Mostar, we will visit the Koski Mehmet Pasha Mosque. Here, we will examine the details of Ottoman architecture and have the chance to enjoy the magnificent view of the bridge from the mosque's courtyard. Then, we proceed to Blagaj, known for its natural beauty. After a short free time here, we move on to the historic Počitelj. In Počitelj, known for its Ottoman-era artifacts, we will have the opportunity to see structures from the 16th century and feel the atmosphere of the region. Transfer to our hotel after the tour. 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. Throughout history, Belgrade has been one of the important cultural and strategic centers of the Balkans, and it attracts attention with its vibrant structure today. In this captivating city, we will explore the intersection of Ottoman and European cultures. Upon our arrival in Belgrade, we start our panoramic city tour. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere and discover the texture that combines Belgrade's past and present. Then, 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 focal point of many conquests and victories throughout history. While discovering this ancient city, where Fatih Sultan Mehmed was wounded for its conquest, but which was destined to be conquered by Kanuni Sultan Süleyman, we will encounter the Belgrade Fortress, which was used as a supply center for the Ottoman navy. While tracing the traces of history in this fortress, we will see important points such as Kale Square and Taş Meydan. During the tour, 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 Ottoman structures in Belgrade. During these visits, you will deeply explore Belgrade's rich history and gain insight into the cultural heritage left from the Ottoman period. At the end of the tour, we leave behind the history and vibrant atmosphere of the city and proceed to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.

Sarajevo – Belgrade: 287 km      

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 the historical places 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 is particularly notable for its decorations and architecture from the Ottoman period. Continuing our tour, we will see the 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. Later, we visit the Stone Bridge, which has become a symbol of Skopje. This bridge was built in the 15th century and connects both banks of the Vardar River. Walking from the Stone Bridge, we will 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 once again feel the grandeur of the Ottoman period. We continue to explore the city by walking towards Skopje's Turkish Bazaar. Before reaching the bazaar, we see the Clock Tower, one of the symbolic structures of Skopje, built in the 16th century. Here, we will visit the Sultan Murat Mosque and the Isa Bey Mosque, which are early Ottoman-era mosques. 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 enjoying your time in the bazaar, we will return to our hotel in the evening.

Dinner: An unforgettable dinner awaits you with traditional Balkan music and local dance performances. You will have the opportunity to explore the fun and cultural side of Skopje during this special Balkan night, hosted at one of the region's finest venues, Restaurant Gardenia. We will transform this night into an authentic experience with performances by our artists, all of whom are conservatory students and teachers, without playback. 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 our breakfast, we leave our hotel and head towards Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. After our journey, 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 have the opportunity to visit the Tomb of Sultan Murad Hüdavendigâr, who was killed in the Kosovo Plain as a result of the Battle of Kosovo in 1389, commemorating this significant historical event and its place in Ottoman history. After our tour in Pristina, we head to Prizren, known as the cultural capital of Kosovo. Upon arrival, we start exploring the narrow streets of Prizren, filled with architecture reminiscent of an Anatolian Ottoman city and shop signs in Turkish. In the city, we will visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the most important structures of Ottoman architecture. Other important Ottoman artifacts to be seen include the Halveti Tekkesi, Bayraklı Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Bath. After spending some free time in Prizren, we begin our return journey 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 our 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 will enchant you with its vibrant colors and intricate 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 to Tetova, we head towards Resne and Manastir (Bitola), famous for their magnificent nature and historical richness. We set off for Manastir, which was once one of the most important cultural and trade centers of the Ottoman Empire. Upon our arrival in Manastir, we will visit the Military Academy where the great leader Atatürk studied and the Atatürk Museum from the outside. In this magical city, we will also explore historical artifacts from the Ottoman period, such as the Turkish Bazaar, Bedesten, Ishak Pasha Mosque, and New Mosque. While feeling the historical texture of Manastir, 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 towards Ohrid. Breathtaking views will accompany us along the way. Upon our arrival in Ohrid, we will conduct a tour introducing the historical 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 Monument of Saints Cyril and Methodius, believed to have developed the Cyrillic alphabet in the 9th century, 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 Tekkesi 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, Ohrid's famous lake and its breathtaking view will accompany our tour. After the tour, we will have free time and transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel. After our dinner, you can enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of Ohrid in the silence of the night, take a short walk by the lake, or retire to your rooms to rest.

Tetova (Kalkandelen) Tour INCLUDED! | Resne Tour INCLUDED! | Manastir (Bitola) Tour INCLUDED!

Skopje – Tetova: 52 km | Tetova - Manastir: 149 km | Manastir – Resne: 30 km | Resne – Ohrid: 35 km

Total distance to be covered: 266 km

After our breakfast, we leave our hotel and embark on an exciting journey to St. Naum, where the source of Lake Ohrid and the St. Naum Monastery are located, known as "A Piece of Heaven in the Balkans." In this enchanting place, you will have the opportunity to photograph the unique beauty of the landscapes nestled 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 will transfer back to our hotel after a day filled with unforgettable memories and wonderful photos. Overnight stay and dinner at our hotel.

Ohrid – Sveti Naum: 21 km

Total distance to be covered: 42 km

After our breakfast, we leave our hotel and head towards Tirana, the capital of Albania. After passing through Elbasan, we arrive in Tirana, rich in historical and cultural aspects. In this beautiful city, an impressive tour awaits us to explore Tirana, considered the center of Bektashism in Europe. Upon our 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 at 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 by children from Shkodra from lead melted during the rebellion in 1999. During this tour, Tirana's modern face and historical past will come together, allowing you to create unforgettable memories. Free time until the hour determined by our guide. After spending free time in Tirana, we transfer to the airport.

After completing our ticket, luggage, and passport procedures, we depart for Istanbul at 02:00 on Pegasus Airlines flight PC284. Arrival at Sabiha Gökçen Airport at 05:40 and the end of our tour. We bid farewell to our valued guests with the hope of seeing you again on your next trip.