Kosovo and the Great Balkans Tour: 5 Nights SJJ-OHD with Thy

After completing our ticket, luggage, and boarding procedures at the Istanbul Airport International Departures Terminal, we depart for Sarajevo at 07:20 with Turkish Airlines flight TK1021. After approximately 1.5 hours of flight, we arrive in Sarajevo at 08:15 local time and complete our entry procedures. Our first stop is Mostar, known for its historical and cultural riches. Here, we will see the Mostar Bridge, built in 1557 by Architect Hayreddin, which is one of the significant works of Ottoman architecture. 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 towards Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. After our arrival, we will explore Sarajevo, known as the cultural capital of the Balkans and historically significant as the place where Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary was assassinated by Serbs in 1914, triggering World War I. Despite suffering significant destruction during the devastating wars among Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks in the 1992 war, Sarajevo has managed to preserve its beauty. During our panoramic city tour, we will see the famous Baščaršija, the historical Ottoman caravanserai Morica Han, the Catholic Cathedral, the Synagogue, the Hüsrev Bey and Ferhadiye Mosques, the Latin Bridge where the assassination of Franz Ferdinand took place in 1914, the Old Library, and the western-style buildings constructed during the 40 years of Austro-Hungarian rule. After the tour, transfer to our hotel. Dinner and accommodation at our hotel.

Sarajevo – Mostar: 125 km | Mostar – Sarajevo: 125 km

Total distance: 250 km

After our breakfast, we leave our hotel for a pleasant journey to 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 vibrancy and historical texture. In this fascinating city, we will have the opportunity to explore the intersection of Ottoman and European cultures. Upon our arrival in Belgrade, a panoramic city tour begins, where we will see the city's grandeur. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere and discover the texture that combines Belgrade's past with the present. Then, we go to the point where the Sava River meets the Danube River. Exploring this unique view, which has been the focal point of many conquests and victories throughout history, will be a great pleasure. While continuing to explore this ancient city, where Fatih Sultan Mehmed was wounded but whose conquest was destined for Kanuni Sultan Süleyman, you 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 our 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 surviving Ottoman structures in Belgrade. During these visits, you will deeply explore Belgrade's rich history and learn about the cultural heritage from the Ottoman period. At the end of our tour, we leave behind the history and vibrant atmosphere of the city and head to our hotel. Dinner and accommodation at our hotel.

Sarajevo – Belgrade: 287 km

After our breakfast, we head towards Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. Upon our arrival, we begin our city tour. Skopje is one of the important cultural centers of the Balkans with its Ottoman heritage and modern structures. We start 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 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. 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 Vardar River. During our riverside walk, we pass through Macedonia Square. This square is the largest and most central point in 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 Skopje's symbolic structures built in the 16th century. Here, we will visit the Sultan Murat Mosque and the Isa Bey Mosque, which are among the early Ottoman mosques in the city. 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 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 Skopje's entertaining and cultural side 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 delighted to host you at our own Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Overnight 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. Upon our arrival in Pristina, we begin our panoramic city tour, where we will explore Kosovo's modern and historical aspects. 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 our arrival, we start exploring the narrow streets of Prizren, which remind us of an Anatolian Ottoman city, filled with 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 works to be seen include the Halveti Tekke, Bayraklı Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Bath. After our free time in Prizren, we begin our return journey to Skopje in the evening. Upon our arrival, we are transferred to our hotel and after having our dinner, we retreat 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: 340 km

After our breakfast, we set off for our tour of Resne and Bitola, famous for their magnificent nature and historical riches. We head towards Bitola, which was once one of the most important cultural and trade centers of the Ottoman Empire. Upon our arrival in Bitola, we 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 enjoy a pleasant walk through the nostalgic streets of the city. After a short break here, we continue towards Resne, where we will see the Palace of Resneli Niyazi Bey, an important figure who left his mark on Balkan history, panoramically. Resne offers a fascinating 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 Ottoman Empire 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 heart of the city, Çınar Square, and visit the old Turkish Bazaar from the Ottoman period. Here, you can visit the Halveti Tekke and feel the cultural texture of the city up close. Then, by visiting 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, we have free time and transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight 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.

Resne Tour INCLUDED! | Bitola Tour INCLUDED!

Skopje – Bitola: 170 km | Bitola – Resne: 30 km | Resne – Ohrid: 35 km

Total distance: 235 km

After our breakfast, we have free time until the transfer time after checking out of the rooms. After free time, we transfer to Ohrid Airport. After completing the boarding procedures, we fly to Istanbul at 14:35 with Turkish Airlines flight TK1012. After arriving at Istanbul Airport at 17:10, our tour ends. We bid farewell to you with the hope of seeing you on your next trip.

*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 all circumstances. With this application, it is possible to cancel your reservation up to 9 days before the tour departure date. In case of reservation cancellation, while the entire tour fee is refunded, the cancellation insurance package fee and any additional service fees (Visa, insurance, etc.) are not refunded.)

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

**There are limited spots available for each tour.**