7-Night Great Balkans Tour Including Extra Tours and Dinner with AJet from Trabzon to Kosovo
Day 1: Trabzon - Samsun - Skopje
After meeting at 15:00 in front of the Hanife Hatun Mosque in Trabzon, we depart with our private vehicle to Samsun Çarşamba Airport. We will meet 3 hours before the flight in front of the Ajet Airlines counter at the departure terminal. We will depart from Samsun via Ajet Airlines scheduled flight VF4278 at 23:55, flying non-stop directly to Skopje. After a comfortable journey of approximately two hours, we arrive in Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, at 01:25. Following our arrival, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight stay at our hotel.
Day 2: Skopje - Pristina - Prizren - Skopje
After breakfast, we set off towards Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. Upon arrival in Pristina after our journey, we begin our panoramic city tour to explore both the modern and historical aspects of Kosovo. During our tour, we will visit many valuable structures from the Ottoman period. We will see the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Mosque and the Yasar Pasha Mosque, a work from the 18th century. While exploring the city's historical heritage, we will have the opportunity to visit the Tomb of Osman Sultan Murad I Hüdavendigâr, who was killed in the Battle of Kosovo Field in 1389, commemorating this important historical event and its place in Ottoman history. After our tour in Pristina, we head towards Prizren, known as the cultural capital of Kosovo. Upon arrival, we begin exploring the narrow streets of Prizren, which remind us of an Anatolian Ottoman town, featuring architecture and shop signs filled with Turkish inscriptions. 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 Paşa Hamam are among the other significant Ottoman works to be seen. After our free time in Prizren, we begin our evening return journey to Skopje. Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel, enjoy our dinner, and then retire to our rooms. Overnight stay at our hotel in Skopje.
Dinner: An unforgettable dinner awaits you accompanied by traditional Balkan music and local dance performances. While experiencing the fun and cultural side of Skopje on this special Balkan night, you will be hosted at Restaurant Gardenia, one of the region's finest venues. With live performances by our artists, all composed of conservatory students and teachers, presenting the best music and folklore of the Balkans without playback, we will turn this night into an authentic experience. We would be delighted to welcome you at Restaurant Gardenia Skopje, our own establishment. Overnight stay at our hotel in Skopje.
Pristina Tour INCLUDED! | Prizren Tour INCLUDED! | Balkan Night INCLUDED!
Skopje – Pristina: 90 km | Pristina – Prizren: 85 km | Prizren – Skopje: 165 km
Total distance to be covered: 340 km
Day 3: Skopje – Matka Canyon – Tetovo (Kalkandelen) – Bitola – Resne – Ohrid
After breakfast, we set off towards Matka Canyon amidst lush green mountains. Are you ready to explore Matka Canyon, located between the enchanting forests and vast meadows of Vodno Mountain? This natural wonder spanning approximately 5,000 hectares will take you to mystical monasteries dating back to the Middle Ages and peaceful lake views. While hiking on rugged rocks, you can observe endemic plant and animal species of the region. For nature lovers, walking on green trails is the best way to be alone with nature. After our Matka Canyon tour, our first stop is Tetovo (Kalkandelen), one of the eye-catching towns of Macedonia. 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 captivate you with its vibrant colors and detailed decorations on the exterior facade. As we explore this rare example of Ottoman architecture, we will embark on a journey into the depths of history. After our visit in Tetovo, we continue towards Bitola. Upon arrival in Bitola, we visit the Military High School where Atatürk received his education and the Atatürk Museum from the outside. In this magical city, we will also discover historical monuments from the Ottoman era such as the Turkish Bazaar, Bedesten, Ishak Pasha Mosque, and Yeni Mosque. While feeling the historical texture of Bitola, you will have the chance to enjoy a pleasant walk in the nostalgic streets of the city. After our tour, we proceed to Resne. In Resne, we view the Palace of Niyazi Bey of Resne, an important figure who left a mark on Balkan history, panoramically. Resne offers a fascinating atmosphere with both its nature and Ottoman traces. After a short break here, we move towards Ohrid. Breathtaking views will accompany us along the way. Upon our arrival in Ohrid, we will conduct a tour introducing the historic city of Ohrid, which was once an important base of the Ottomans in the Balkans. Among the places we will see during our tour are: The Monument of Saints Cyril and Methodius, 9th-century Byzantine monks believed to have developed the Cyrillic alphabet, and important structures like the Hagia Sophia Church. Also, we will have the opportunity to stroll around Republic Square, the heart of the city, and visit the Old Turkish Bazaar dating back to the old Ottoman period. Here, you can visit the Halveti Tekke and feel the city's cultural fabric up close. Then, by visiting the New Bazaar and Ohrid Market, you will witness the daily life of the local people. Finally, the famous lake of Ohrid and its enchanting views will accompany our tour. After our tour, we 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 retire to your rooms to rest.
Resne Tour INCLUDED! | Bitola (Manastır) Tour INCLUDED!
Skopje – Matka Canyon: 15 km | Matka Canyon – Tetovo: 35 km | Tetovo – Bitola: 145 km | Bitola – Resne: 32 km | Resne – Ohrid: 50 km
Total distance to be covered: 277 km
Day 4: Ohrid – Sveti Naum – Elbasan – Tirana – Shkodra
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and embark on an exciting journey towards St. Naum, known as "A Corner of Heaven in the Balkans," where the source of Lake Ohrid and St. Naum Monastery are located. In this enchanting place, you will have the opportunity to photograph the unique beauty of landscapes located in the heart of nature. During our free time, we will enjoy exploring this historical and natural wonder. After a day filled with unforgettable memories and great photos, we set off towards Tirana, the capital of Albania. Passing through Elbasan, we arrive in Tirana, which is rich historically and culturally. 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 city's most important symbols. Construction of this structure began in 1789 and was completed in 1923; it is one of Albania's cultural heritages. We take a short break at Skanderbeg Square and see the Skanderbeg Statue proudly rising in the middle of the square. The Clock Tower, built in 1821 by Ethem Bey and a symbol of Tirana, is also one of the highlights of our tour. Then, we visit the Peace Bell made in 1999 by children from Shkodra from melted bullets during their uprising. During this tour, Tirana's modern face and historical past come together to create unforgettable memories. After free time, we set off towards the historic city of Shkodra in northern Albania. Shkodra will captivate you with its natural beauties and rich historical texture. Overnight stay and dinner at our hotel.
Tirana Tour INCLUDED! | Sveti Naum Tour INCLUDED!
Ohrid – Tirana: 135 km | Tirana – Shkodra: 100 km
Total distance to be covered: 235 km
Day 5: Shkodra – Sv. Stefan – Budva – Kotor – Medugorje
After breakfast, we embark on an unforgettable journey towards the enchanting coasts of Montenegro. Our first stop is Sv. Stefan, famous for its rich history and dazzling views. We will admire the magnificent view of this island from above; every corner of this area is ideal for taking postcard-like photos. Afterwards, we arrive in Budva, one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Balkans. Our Budva city tour begins. On this walking tour, we will see Budva, one of the most famous holiday centers in the Balkans, with its magnificent beaches and very colorful nightlife. Our next stop is the enchanting city of Kotor, famous for its fjords in the Balkans! On this walking tour in this magnificent medieval town, you will feel its narrow streets and the historical atmosphere of the old town, discovering the heart of Kotor. With its unique architecture and sea views, this small town will take you on a journey through time. After our free time in Kotor, we move towards our hotel in Medugorje or its surroundings. After enjoying our dinner at our hotel, we retire to our rooms to rest. Overnight stay at our hotel.
Budva Tour INCLUDED! | Kotor Tour INCLUDED!
Shkodra - Budva: 85 km | Budva - Kotor: 22 km | Kotor - Medugorje: 191 km
Total distance to be covered: 298 km
Day 6: Medugorje – Počitelj – Blagaj – Mostar – Sarajevo
After breakfast, we head towards Sarajevo. Our first stop is Poçitel, preserved with its historical texture and known as the Turkish Village, where we see works built by the Ottomans in the 16th century. After the tour, we visit Blagaj, built at the source of the Buna River, Europe's strongest water source. After a short free time in this magnificent natural landscape, we set off towards Mostar. In Mostar, we will see the Mostar Bridge, built by architect Hayreddin in 1557. This masterpiece of Ottoman architecture was destroyed by Croatian artillery during the war in 1992; however, with the significant contribution of the Republic of Turkey, it was reopened to service in 2004. After the Mostar Bridge, we will visit the Koski Mehmet Pasha Mosque. Then we move towards Sarajevo. Upon our arrival, we note that it has been the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries and passed into history as the place where World War I broke out following the assassination of Austro-Hungarian Crown Prince Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Serbs in 1914. In the 1992 war, it suffered great destruction due to devastating wars between Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks, but Sarajevo managed to preserve its beauty to a large extent. During our panoramic city tour, we will see the famous Baščaršija, the historical Ottoman inn Morica Han, the Catholic Cathedral reflecting the city's religious cosmopolitanism, the Synagogue, Hüsrev Bey and Ferhadiye Mosques, the Latin Bridge where the Franz Ferdinand assassination took place in 1914, the Old Library, and Western-style buildings formed during Sarajevo's 40-year Austro-Hungarian rule. After our tour, we transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.
Počitelj Tour Included! | Blagaj Tour INCLUDED! | Mostar Tour INCLUDED!
Medugorje - Počitelj: 20 km | Počitelj - Blagaj: 30 km | Blagaj – Mostar: 12 km | Mostar - Sarajevo: 130 km
Total distance to be covered: 192 km
Day 7: Sarajevo – Srebrenitsa - Belgrade
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and begin a pleasant journey towards Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. On our route, we first stop at Srebrenitsa. During this tour, we will visit the Bosniak Martyrs' Cemetery, where one of the largest massacres of the last century took place during the Bosnian War, with thousands of Bosniaks being killed and buried in mass graves. It is the site of the first documented genocide in Europe since World War II and the largest massacre. After our visit, we move towards Belgrade. Throughout history, Belgrade has been one of the most important cultural and strategic centers of the Balkans, and today it continues to attract attention with its liveliness, activity, and historical texture. In this enchanting city, we will have the opportunity to explore the intersection point of Ottoman and European cultures. Upon our arrival in Belgrade, a panoramic city tour begins to explore all the splendor of the city. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere and discover the texture that brings Belgrade's past and present together. Then, we go to the point where the Sava River meets the Danube River, one of the most impressive points of the city. In this unique landscape, it will be a great pleasure to explore this region, which has been the focal point of conquests and victories many times throughout history. As we continue to explore this ancient city where Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror was injured but the conquest was granted to Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent, you will encounter Belgrade Fortress, 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 Square. During our tour, we will see the Tomb of Martyr Ali Pasha, an important figure of the Ottoman period. During these visits, you will deeply explore Belgrade's rich history and gain information about the cultural heritage left from the Ottoman period. At the end of our tour, we leave the city's history and lively atmosphere behind and move to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.
Sarajevo – Belgrade : 287 km
Srebrenitsa Tour INCLUDED!
Day 8: Belgrade – Skopje – Samsun – Trabzon
After breakfast, we head towards Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. Upon arrival, our city tour begins. Skopje is one of the important cultural centers of the Balkans with its heritage from the Ottoman period and modern structures. We start our tour with historical sites in Skopje, the city where the famous Turkish poet Yahya Kemal Beyatlı was born. Our first stop is the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, built in 1492, one of the largest and most majestic mosques in the city. Then we visit the Murat Pasha Mosque, built in the 15th century. This mosque stands out especially with its ornaments and architecture from the Ottoman period. Continuing our tour, we will see Kapan Han and Sulu Han, located in the heart of Skopje. These structures, beautiful examples of Ottoman inns, were once important centers where merchants stayed and traded. Then, we visit the Stone Bridge, which has become a symbol of Skopje. This bridge was built in the 15th century and connects the two banks of the Vardar River. Walking from the Stone Bridge, we will continue our tour by seeing the Turkish and Jewish neighborhoods along the Vardar River. During our walk by the river, 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 Great Alexander and other monuments. Then, we see the Ottoman Bridge from the 15th century from the outside and visit Davut Pasha Hamam to feel the grandeur of the Ottoman period once again. We continue to explore the city by walking towards the Turkish Bazaar of Skopje. Before reaching the bazaar, we see the Clock Tower, built in the 16th century and one of the symbolic structures of Skopje. Here, we will visit the Sultan Murat Mosque and Isa Bey Mosque, which are among the early period mosques of the Ottoman Empire. 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 ranging from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After spending enjoyable time in the bazaar, we transfer to the airport. After ticket, baggage, and passport procedures, we fly non-stop direct to Samsun on Ajet Airlines scheduled flight VF4279 at 02:25. After a comfortable and relaxing flight, upon arrival at Samsun Çarşamba Airport at 05:50, we transfer to Trabzon with our private vehicle waiting in the area, and the tour ends. We bid farewell to our valued guests, hoping to see you again on your next journey.
*Balkan Special Cancellation Guarantee Package: 50 Euro*
(With the cancellation guarantee package application, we offer our guests the right to cancel their reservations penalty-free under all conditions. With this application, it is possible to cancel your reservation up to 9 days before the tour's departure date. In case of reservation cancellation, the full tour fee is refunded, while the cancellation guarantee package fee and any additional service fees (Visa, insurance, etc.) are not refunded.)
**The specified cancellation guarantee package is not valid for group reservations.**
**There is a limited number of quotas available for each tour.**
Positive Aspects of the Tour
• Comprehensive Visits: A wide travel program covering important cities and tourist spots of the Balkans is offered. Many important cities such as Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, Ohrid, and Skopje are visited.
• Ottoman History: Important structures and cultural heritage from the Ottoman period are visited, offering a pleasant experience for those interested in history.
• Religious and Cultural Richness: Structures belonging to different religions (mosques, churches, synagogues) are visited, exploring the cultural diversity of the region.
• Natural Beauties: Exquisite natural beauties like Lake Ohrid are experienced throughout the tour.
• Visa-Free Travel: Includes visa-free destinations, reducing extra paperwork and costs.
• Professional Guiding: Opportunities to gain detailed information about cities and historical sites are provided with a guide.
• Local Cuisine Experience: Participants experience a gastronomic journey with dinners full of traditional Bosnian dishes, Balkan cuisine, and local flavors.
• Restaurant Gardenia Skopje Experience: An opportunity to enjoy local tastes and the special Balkan night at Restaurant Gardenia Skopje, one of the finest restaurants in Skopje, is offered.
• All Tours Included: All side trips and extra tours included in the program are included in the tour price, allowing participants to visit all important points without paying extra costs.
• Dinners Included: Dinner is included in the program every day, preventing participants from making extra expenses while tasting local flavors.
• No Need to Spend: The tour is ideal for guests who do not wish to spend money. Except for lunch, taxes, tips if desired, and souvenirs for loved ones, no extra money will come out of your pocket.
Points to Consider
• Intense Program: Traveling to a different city every day makes the tour extremely rich and full. However, this intense pace may be tiring for those who want to explore more.
• Long Journeys: Inter-city distances (e.g., Skopje-Belgrade) pass with beautiful views throughout the tour, but there may be days spent long on the bus. Nevertheless, a comfortable journey is ensured with breaks given along the way.
• Limited Free Time: Since the tour program is comprehensive, free times may be limited. However, the opportunity to visit all important points with a guide is provided.
• Weather Conditions Depending on Season: Weather conditions in the Balkans can be variable at certain times. Therefore, choosing appropriate clothing can make this situation comfortable.
• Accommodation and Service Quality: Although the hotels included in the tour are carefully selected from options reflecting the character of the region and local culture, some hotels in small towns may not offer facilities as extensive as luxury hotels in Turkey. However, comfort and cleanliness are emphasized in these hotels.
• Food and Culinary Experience: There is an opportunity to try the region's unique local flavors throughout the tour. Balkan cuisine is full of rich and delicious dishes, but some flavors may be unfamiliar to some participants. This is a great opportunity to get to know the local culture and cuisine closely, but it may be beneficial to consider that you may encounter different flavors.
City Hotel Breakfast Dinner
Ohrid 4* Beograd etc. Hotel Hotel
Shkodra 4* Holiday Koplik etc. Hotel Hotel
Medugorje 4* Kaktus etc. Hotel Hotel
Skopje 4* Vlaho etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia
Skopje 4* Vlaho etc. Hotel Restaurant Gardenia
Belgrade 4* Nobel etc. Hotel Hotel
Sarajevo 4* Holiday etc. Hotel Hotel
With Ajet Airlines
Departure Point Arrival Point Departure Time Arrival Time
Samsun Skopje 23:55 01:25
Skopje Samsun 02:25 05:50