Magnificent Balkans 6 Countries 7 Nights - With THY 2026 (Summer Season) (SKP - PRN)

Meeting at the Turkish Airlines counter in 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 proceed to Matka Canyon with our waiting vehicle. 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 head to Kalkandelen (Tetovo). In Kalkandelen, we will visit Alaca Mosque, an architectural masterpiece built in 1438 and restored in 1833 to its current form. Unlike other Ottoman mosques typically decorated with ceramic tiles, Alaca Mosque features bright floral paintings. After our visit, we proceed to Bitola (Manastır). During our city tour of Bitola, we will see the Historic Turkish Bazaar, Bedesten, Ishakiye Mosque, Yeni Mosque which is one of the most prominent elements of the city skyline, Manastır Military High School where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk graduated, and the Atatürk Museum. You may have your lunch during the free time in the area. After our break, we continue to Ohrid, the final stop of our day. 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 crown 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 with our private buses for the Ohrid Lake & St. Naum tour. Our first stop on the tour is Ohrid Lake. Ohrid Lake is one of the largest and most important natural treasures of North Macedonia and is 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 magnificent 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 travel approximately 45 minutes to St. Naum amidst breathtaking views. Upon arrival, we visit 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 check-out, we depart for Tirana, the capital of Albania. In our panoramic city tour of Tirana, 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. In the city tour we will conduct, Ebu Bekir Mosque, Rozafa Castle, Tito Square, and 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 stop on a hill with panoramic views of St. Stefan, which was once a fishing village before being transformed into a town that still stands unchanged through the ages, along with its turquoise-colored beaches. Next, we arrive in Budva, the center of Montenegrin tourism, known for its coastal area 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 sites 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 Bay of Kotor, this city is renowned for its beautiful architecture and natural surroundings. Here, we will explore Kotor by walking through its Old Town Center, Stari Grad. Following our visit to Kotor, we head toward the Bosnia-Herzegovina border; after completing customs procedures, we transfer to our final destination, Trebinje or the surrounding area, where we will stay overnight at our hotel. Dinner and overnight 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 Poçitel, a well-preserved historic town known as the Turkish Village, where we will see buildings constructed during the 16th-century Ottoman period and the Poçitel Fortress. Next, our destination will be Blagaj. In this historic town, situated on the banks of the Buna River and surrounded by high cliffs, we will visit the Blagaj Tekke, an Ottoman-era dervish lodge built into the rock face. You can enjoy lunch during your free time along the Buna River. After the break, a short journey will take us to Mostar. In this city built around the Neretva River, our walking tour will begin with 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 visited during our tour. Following the tour, we head back 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 lies at the convergence point of Western Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Southern Ottoman peoples. Throughout history, it has been both an example of clashing civilizations and a beacon of hope for peace through its multiculturalism and tolerance. Known for its religious diversity, Muslims, Christians of various denominations, and Jews have lived together here for centuries. The city’s rich historical variety is reflected in its architecture: some areas resemble Central European towns, while just a few streets away, you may encounter influences reminiscent of Ottoman or Soviet-style socialist modernism. Upon arrival at the city center, our walking tour will include the Vijecnica (City Library), originally built as a municipal building during the Austro-Hungarian Empire but now serving as the national library; Inat Kuca, famous for its surprising story; the Bosna River; the Latin Bridge, which dates back to the Ottoman period and remains intact today; and the site where the Austro-Hungarian archduke was assassinated, sparking the flames of World War I. We will then proceed to Baş Çarşı, Sarajevo’s historic center, renowned for its Ottoman-era cobblestone 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 sights in Baş Çarşı are the Sebili fountain, Güvercin Meydanı (Pigeon Square), the historic clock tower, the Sacred Heart Cathedral, and Morica Han, the only surviving Ottoman caravanserai from the Ottoman era 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 text in the colors of the former Yugoslavian flag (blue, white, and red) and features a copper wreath shaped like laurel leaves, containing an ever-burning open flame. After the tour, you will have free time. At the time specified by our guide, we will transfer to our hotel. 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, important buildings, and the Ministry of Interior building, which was deliberately left standing in the center of the city after being bombed by NATO. Continuing our tour, we disembark from the bus for a walking tour that includes the Bajrakli 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 complete our city tour with a walk along Knez Mihajlova Street, considered the heart of the city. During the free time provided until the meeting time announced by our guide, you can 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 head to Skopje. This city on the banks of the Vardar River has been under the influence of the Ottoman Empire, which is why it houses 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 symbol of the city) over the Vardar River, and Macedonia Square. Free time until the time specified by our guide at Macedonia Square. Then we move 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 Republic of Kosovo. Following customs and passport procedures, we arrive in Prizren. During our tour of this city, which clings to the slopes of the lush Shar Mountains and is divided by the Lumbardh River, we will visit Sinan Pasha Mosque, Şadervan (the city's main square), Prizren Hamam, Bayraklı Mosque, and Halveti Tekke. After our tour, we proceed to Pristina, Europe's youngest capital. Among the places we will see are Germia Park, the National Museum of Kosovo, Yaşar Pasha Mosque, the historic Clock Tower, and the Tomb of Murat I, who lost his life in the First Battle of Kosovo. Following our tour, we transfer to the airport at the time specified by our guide. After baggage, ticket, and passport procedures, we depart for Istanbul on Turkish Airlines flight TK 1020 at 20:25. We arrive in Istanbul at 23:15 local time, concluding our tour.