Magnificent Balkans 6 Countries 7 Nights - With THY 2026 (Autumn Season) (SKP - PRN)
Meeting at the Turkish Airlines counter in front of the Istanbul Airport International Departures Terminal 3 hours before departure. After baggage, ticket and passport procedures, we depart for Skopje on Turkish Airlines' scheduled flight TK 1003 at 07:25. Upon arrival at local time 07:55, we set off with our waiting vehicle to Matka Canyon. The canyon is famous for its prehistoric caves and numerous medieval monasteries. After a photo stop at Matka Canyon, one of North Macedonia's most popular open-air destinations and natural beauties, we proceed to Kalkandelen. In Kalkandelen, we will visit Alaca Mosque, an architectural masterpiece built in 1438 and restored in 1833 to its present form. Unlike other Ottoman mosques typically decorated with ceramic tiles, Alaca Mosque features bright floral paintings. After our visit, we head to Bitola. During our city tour of Bitola (Manastır), we will see the Historic Turkish Bazaar, Bedesten, Ishakiye Mosque, Yeni Mosque which is one of the most prominent elements of the city skyline, as well as Manastır Military High School where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk graduated and the Atatürk Museum, where you will experience emotional moments. You may have your lunch during the free time in the area. After our break, we proceed to our final destination of the day, Ohrid. This city, located between high mountains and Lake Ohrid, continues to impress visitors with both its history and nature. During our panoramic city tour on foot in Ohrid, we will see Tsar Samuel's Fortress, which crowns the old town like a tiara and greets the city, St. Sophia Church, the Ancient Theatre—the only Hellenistic theatre in North Macedonia that has survived to the present day—and many churches and monasteries from the Byzantine period. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we depart from our hotel for the Ohrid Lake & St. Naum tour with our private buses. Our first stop on the tour is Ohrid Lake. Ohrid Lake is one of the largest and most important natural treasures of North Macedonia, located in the southwest of the country. Recognized as one of the oldest and deepest lakes in the world, Ohrid Lake is famous for its stunningly clear waters, the natural beauty surrounding it, its unique global freshwater ecosystem hosting over 200 endemic species, and its rich biodiversity. During a break by the lake, you will have the opportunity to take exceptional photos. After the tour, we continue with approximately 45 minutes of travel amidst breathtaking views to reach St. Naum. Upon arrival, we visit the St. Naum Monastery and Church, one of the region's most significant saints. The historic church within the monastery, along with its frescoes and other religious structures, reflects the art and architectural understanding of the Middle Ages. After the tour, we transfer back to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast at our hotel and checking out of the rooms, we depart for the capital of Albania, Tirana. In our panoramic city tour of Tirana, the Ethem Bey Mosque, Clock Tower, Skanderbeg Monument and Square are among the places to visit. After the free time provided, we depart for Shkodra at the time indicated by our guide. During the city tour we will conduct, the Abu Bakir Mosque, Rozafa Castle, Tito Square, and the Five Heroes Monument are among the places to visit. Afterwards, transfer to our hotel and free time. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast at our hotel and checking out of the rooms, we depart for Montenegro. Upon reaching the border, after completing customs and passport procedures, we make a stop on a hill where we can enjoy panoramic views of St. Stefan, originally a fishing village later transformed into a town that today stands resilient against the passage of time, along with its turquoise beaches. Then we arrive at Budva, the center of Montenegrin tourism, known for its coastal location along the Adriatic Sea, its well-preserved medieval walled city, sandy beaches, and vibrant nightlife. During our walking city tour, the Old Town Center (Stari Grad) and Budva Fortress are among the sights to visit. After free time for lunch, we proceed to Kotor at the time specified by our guide. Located in the deepest part of the Kotor Bay, this city is renowned for its beautiful architecture and natural surroundings. Here, we will explore Kotor through a walking city tour in Stari Grad, the Old Town Center. Following our visit to Kotor, we head toward the Bosnia-Herzegovina border; after clearing customs, we transfer to our hotel in Trebinje or its vicinity for overnight stay. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.
After breakfast at our hotel and checking out of the rooms, we set off to explore the historic cities of Bosnia. First, we will visit Pocitelj, a well-preserved historical town known as the Turkish Village, where we will see buildings constructed during the Ottoman period in the 16th century and the Pocitelj Fortress. Next, our destination will be Blagaj. In this historic town, we will visit Blagaj Tekke, an Ottoman-era dervish lodge built along the Buna River and surrounded by high cliffs. You can have lunch during the free time by the banks of the Buna River. After the break, we will take a short journey to Mostar. In this city built around the Neretva River, our walking tour will first take us to the Mostar Bridge. A masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, the bridge is the symbol of the city. Although it was destroyed in the conflicts of late 1992, it was rebuilt in 2004 with significant contributions from the Republic of Turkey. The Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque will also be among the sites we visit on our tour. After the tour, we head to Sarajevo. As the capital and largest city of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo is a center of great importance, especially within the Balkans. The city is a meeting point for Western Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Southern Ottoman peoples. Throughout history, it has been an example of clashing civilizations, yet at the same time, a beacon of hope for peace due to its multiculturalism and tolerance. Known for its religious diversity, Muslims, Christians of different denominations, and Jews have lived together here for centuries. The city reflects its rich historical diversity in its architecture; some areas resemble Central European towns, while just a few streets away, you may encounter influences of Ottoman or Soviet-style socialist modernism. Upon arriving at the city center, our walking tour will include Vijecnica (Central Library), originally built as a municipal building during the Austro-Hungarian Empire but now serving as the national library; Inat Kuc, known for its surprising story; the Bosna River; the Latin Bridge, which dates back to the Ottoman period; and the site where the Archduke of Austria-Hungary was shot, sparking the beginning of World War I. Then, we will proceed to Bas Carsija, Sarajevo’s historic center, famous for its Ottoman-era cobblestone narrow streets, traditional bazaar, and historic mosques. In this area, it is possible to hear the call to prayer while passing by a church or synagogue. Among the places we will visit in Bas Carsija are the Bas Carsija Sebili, Golubaca Square, the historic clock tower, the Sacred Heart Cathedral, and Morica Han, the only Ottoman caravanserai preserved from the Ottoman period to the present day. We will conclude our tour by visiting Vjecna Vatra (The Eternal Flame), a monument dedicated to the military and civilian casualties who liberated Sarajevo during World War II. The monument consists of tiles inscribed with writing in the colors of the former Yugoslav flag (blue, white, and red) and features a copper bowl shaped like a laurel wreath containing an open flame that burns continuously. After the tour, there will be free time. Transfer to our hotel at the time specified by our guide. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast at our hotel and checking out of the rooms, we depart for Belgrade. Upon arrival in Belgrade, we begin our panoramic city tour. During the tour, we observe the city's daily life, its important buildings, and the Ministry of Interior building in the city center that was deliberately left as a reminder after being bombed by NATO. Continuing our tour, we disembark from the bus for a walking tour where we will visit Flag Mosque, Belgrade Fortress, Tomb of Damat Ali Pasha, Clock Tower, Sokollu Mehmed Pasha Fountain, Military Museum, Istanbul Gate, Zindan Gate, Leopoldov Gate, Monument to Stefan Lazarevic, Nebojsa Tower, Kale Square, Saborna Church, Republic Square, Terazije Square, and Stone Square. We conclude our city tour with a walk along Knez Mihailova Street, considered the heart of the city. During the free time provided until the meeting time announced by our guide, you may shop or enjoy the cafes on the street. Transfer back to our hotel at the time set by the guide. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast at our hotel and checking out of the rooms, we depart for Skopje. Located on the banks of the Vardar River, this city has been under the influence of the Ottoman Empire and therefore hosts many historical mosques, bazaars, and hans. During our city tour of Skopje upon arrival, we will visit Mustafa Pasha Mosque, Isa Bey Mosque, Kapan Han, Turkish Bazaar, Skopje City Park, the Stone Bridge (the city's symbol) over the Vardar River, and Macedonia Square. Free time until the time specified by our guide at Macedonia Square. Then, we proceed to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast at our hotel and checking out of the rooms, we depart for the Republic of Kosovo. Following customs and passport procedures, we arrive in Prizren. In this city nestled on the slopes of the lush Shar Mountains and divided by the Lumbardh River, our tour includes visiting Sinan Pasha Mosque, Şadervan (the city's main square), Prizren Hamam, Bayraklı Mosque, and Halveti Tekke. After our tour, we proceed to Europe's youngest capital, Pristina. Places to see include Germia Park, the National Museum of Kosovo, Yasar Pasha Mosque, the historic Clock Tower, and the tomb of Murat I, who lost his life in the First Battle of Kosovo. After the tour, we transfer to the airport at the time specified by our guide. Following baggage, ticket, and passport procedures, we depart for Istanbul via Turkish Airlines flight TK 1020 at 20:25. We arrive in Istanbul at 23:15 local time, concluding our tour.
Important Notes;
• A passport valid for at least 6 months is required to cover the minimum tour duration for this tour.
• Ferfergez.com acts as an intermediary between the passenger and the airline, and is subject to the Hague Protocol of 28.09.1955.
• During registration, the name, date of birth, and passport number appearing on the passport must be entered into the system. Flight tickets are issued based on this information. Any flight ticket cancellations or changes resulting from incorrect information will be charged to the guests as no-show fees.
• The city where the plane lands may vary. Ferfergez.com cannot be held responsible for time changes made by airlines or any potential delays.
• Airline rules apply to group tickets; according to group ticket regulations, if the outbound flight is not used, the return flight also cannot be used.
• For most flights departing from Turkey, checked baggage allowance is 20 kg. This weight may vary depending on the airline and the destination country. On domestic flights within the destination countries, this allowance may drop to 15 kg. Rules and prices for excess baggage are determined by the airlines and are not under the responsibility of Ferfergez.com.
• In case there are insufficient participants for the package tour, cancellation will be notified to the consumer 20 days in advance.
• The tour route specified in the program is an example route, and changes may occur in the actual tour itinerary. City sightseeing tours may be conducted on the following day(s) depending on the arrival time in the city. Sightseeing activities specified in the programs may be carried out on a different day(s) than indicated, at the guide's discretion due to any reason.
• City sightseeing tours may be conducted on the following day(s) depending on the arrival time in the city.
• Sightseeing activities specified in the programs may be carried out on a different day(s) than indicated, at the guide's discretion due to any reason.
• Extra tours can only be organized with a minimum participation of 20 people. If participation is lower, they may still be organized at the guide's discretion, potentially with adjusted prices. Ferfergez.com cannot be held responsible if these tours or excursions cannot be carried out.
• Extra tours along the route will take place only if at least 10 members of the group participate. Guests who do not wish to participate will be waited for at the rest stop.
• Tours or excursions that local authorities do not permit for any reason will not be conducted. Ferfergez.com cannot be held responsible if these tours or excursions cannot be carried out.
• Entrance fees for museums and historical sites are not included in the prices.
• Ferfergez.com reserves the right to change hotel names, provided the star category remains the same.
• All hotel names mentioned in the programs, etc., (and similar) are written as examples to indicate star category and distance. This does not imply that accommodation will be made at the named hotels.
• Rooms for three persons include an extra bed; the third bed is smaller than a standard bed and/or is an additional foldable/expandable bed.
• Children under 18 years of age who are not considered legal adults must carry the necessary consent letters from their mother or father, or both, during travel if they are not participating in the tour accompanied by one or both parents.
• In cases of cancellation or changes, the "Ferfergez.com Sales Contract" applies.
What's Included
- Airline tickets for Istanbul – Skopje // Pristina – Istanbul flights with Turkish Airlines,
- Airport Taxes,
- Transfer services between airport and hotel, as well as inter-country transfers,
- 7 Nights – 8 Days Half Board Accommodation in 4* Hotels (Breakfasts and Dinner included)
- Breakfasts and Dinners provided at the hotels
- Tours to Matka Canyon, Kalkandelen, Bitola, Ohrid, St. Naum, Tirana, Shkodra, Budva, Kotor, Trebinje, Počitelj, Blagaj, Mostar, Sarajevo, Belgrade, Skopje, Prizren, and Pristina
- Turkish-speaking Guide Services
Not Included
- Departure Tax
- Excursions and tours not specified in the program,
- Museum and Archaeological Site Entrance Fees,
- Lunches and Personal Expenses,
- Tourist City Taxes + Guide and Driver Tips (100 Euro) – These will be collected by your guide on the first day of the tour.