Tour Detail
GRAND BALKAN TOUR
WITH THY
VISA-FREE!
EXTRA TOURS INCLUDED!
7 NIGHTS HOTEL STAY
- Day 1
- Istanbul - Ohrid - Struga - Tirana - Shkodra
- We gather at the Turkish Airlines check-in counter at Istanbul Airport 3 hours before our flight. We depart for Ohrid at 10:35 with Turkish Airlines flight TK1009. After a comfortable flight, we arrive in Ohrid at 11:15 local time, complete the country entry procedures, and move to Struga with our private vehicle waiting at the airport. Struga, located in the northwest of Macedonia, on the northeast of Lake Ohrid, offers visitors a fascinating experience with its rich historical and cultural heritage. Our tour begins in the city center at the traditional bazaar, where you will feel the richness of Macedonian culture while learning about local crafts, souvenirs, and fresh products. Afterward, we will stroll along the unique walking paths with views of Lake Ohrid and cross the historical bridges of Struga. After free time, we head to Tirana. Upon arrival in Tirana, we visit one of the city's main landmarks, the Ethem Bey Mosque. Construction of this building began in 1789 and was completed in 1923; it is one of Albania’s cultural treasures. We take a short break in Skanderbeg Square to see the statue of Skanderbeg, who proudly stands in the center of the square. The iconic Clock Tower, built in 1821 by Ethem Bey, is also a highlight of our tour. We then visit the meaningful Peace Bell, made from the melted lead of children from Shkodra during the uprising in 1999. This tour will allow you to collect unforgettable memories as the modern face and historical past of Tirana come together. After free time, we hit the road to the historic city of Shkodra in northern Albania. Shkodra will enchant you with its natural beauty and rich historical texture. Overnight and dinner at our hotel.
- Struga Tour INCLUDED, Tirana Tour INCLUDED
- Ohrid - Struga: 15 km | Struga - Tirana: 115 km | Tirana - Shkodra: 100 km
- Total distance to be covered: 230 km
- Day 2
- Shkodra - Sv. Stefan - Budva - Kotor - Medjugorje
- After breakfast, we set off for the mesmerizing beaches of Montenegro. Our first stop is the famous Sv. Stefan, renowned for its rich history and stunning views. We will enjoy the magnificent view of this islet from above, a postcard-perfect spot for photography. Next, we arrive at Budva, one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Balkans. After a panoramic tour of Budva, we head to the enchanting city of Kotor, famous for its fjords! During our walking tour in this remarkable medieval town, you will feel the historical atmosphere of its narrow streets and discover the heart of Kotor. With its unique architecture and sea views, this small town will take you on a journey through time. After free time in Kotor, we head towards our hotel in Medjugorje or the area. After dinner at our hotel, we retire to our rooms for rest. Overnight at our hotel.
- Budva Tour INCLUDED, Kotor Tour INCLUDED
- Shkodra - Budva: 85 km | Budva - Kotor: 22 km | Kotor - Medjugorje: 191 km
- Total distance to be covered: 298 km
- Day 3
- Medjugorje - Blagaj - Mostar - Sarajevo
- After breakfast, we head towards Sarajevo. Our first stop is Blagaj, located at the source of the River Buna, the strongest water source in Europe. After a short free time in this stunning natural scenery, we proceed to Mostar. In Mostar, we will see the Mostar Bridge, built by architect Hayreddin in 1557. An architectural masterpiece of Ottoman design, this bridge was destroyed by Croatian artillery in 1992 during the war but was reopened in 2004 with significant contributions from the Republic of Turkey. After visiting the Mostar Bridge, we will visit Koski Mehmet Pasha Mosque. Then, we continue to Sarajevo. Upon arrival, we learn about this city, which has been the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries, and became famous as the place where Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary was assassinated in 1914, sparking the First World War. During the devastating wars among Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks in 1992, Sarajevo suffered great destruction but has largely managed to preserve its beauty. During our panoramic city tour, we will see the famous Baščaršija, the historical Ottoman inn Morica Han, the Catholic Cathedral that reflects the city’s religious cosmopolitanism, the Synagogue, Husein Bey and Ferhadija Mosques, and the Latin Bridge where the assassination took place in 1914, as well as the Old Library and Western-style buildings that emerged during the 40-year Austro-Hungarian administration. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel for check-in. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
- Blagaj Tour INCLUDED, Mostar Tour INCLUDED
- Medjugorje - Blagaj: 28 km | Blagaj - Mostar: 12 km | Mostar - Sarajevo: 130 km
- Total distance to be covered: 162 km
- Day 4
- Sarajevo - Belgrade
- After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and begin a pleasant journey to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Belgrade has been one of the most important cultural and strategic centers in the Balkans throughout history, and it is notable today for its liveliness, vibrance, and historical texture. After arriving in Belgrade, we begin a panoramic city tour where we will discover the grandeur of the city. We will first see the Old Palace, notable for its marvelous carved ceilings, which bears the marks of the Ottoman era. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere and explore the texture that combines Belgrade's past and present. Then, we go to one of the city’s most impressive points, where the Sava River meets the Danube River. Exploring this area, which has been the focal point of many conquests and victories throughout history, will be a great pleasure. Continuing to discover this ancient city, we will encounter the Belgrade Fortress, which served as a supply center for the Ottoman navy. While tracing the footprints of history, we will see important sites like Kalemegdan Park and the Stone Square. During our tour, we will visit the Tomb of Şehit Ali Pasha, an important figure from the Ottoman period, and the Bayraklı Mosque, one of the rare Ottoman structures still standing in Belgrade. During these visits, you will deeply explore the rich history of Belgrade and gain knowledge about its cultural heritage from the Ottoman period. Our tour continues with a visit to the Military Museum, which is filled with artifacts that shine a light on Belgrade’s military history and offers a very impressive experience for visitors. Finally, we leave behind the history and vibrant atmosphere of the city as we head to our hotel for check-in. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
- Sarajevo - Belgrade: 287 km
- Day 5
- Belgrade - Skopje
- After breakfast, we head to the capital of North Macedonia, Skopje. Upon arrival, our city tour begins. Skopje is an important cultural center of the Balkans, rich in Ottoman heritage and modern buildings. We start our tour with 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, constructed in the 15th century. This mosque is particularly noted for its carvings 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, considered beautiful examples of Ottoman-era hans, were once important centers where merchants stayed and traded. Next, we will visit the Stone Bridge, which has become a symbol of Skopje, built in the 15th century to connect both sides of the Vardar River. We will walk from the Stone Bridge through the Turkish and Jewish neighborhoods along the Vardar River. During our riverside walk, we will pass through Macedonia Square, 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’ll see the Ottoman Bridge from the 15th century from the outside and visit the Davut Pasha Bath to feel the grandeur of the Ottoman period once more. We will continue to explore the city by walking towards Skopje’s Turkish Bazaar. Before reaching the bazaar, we will see the Clock Tower, one of the symbol structures of Skopje, built in the 16th century. Here, we will also visit Sultan Murat Mosque and Isa Bey Mosque, important parts of the city’s Islamic heritage known for their architecture. Finally, we will provide free time at the Turkish Bazaar where you can find many products from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After spending a delightful time in the bazaar, we will return to our hotel for the evening. Dinner: An unforgettable dinner awaits you accompanied by traditional Balkan music and folklore dance performances. During this special Balkan night, you will get to discover Skopje’s entertaining and cultural side while being hosted at Restaurant Gardenia, one of the finest venues in the region. The best music and folklore of the Balkans will be presented live by our artists, who are all students and instructors from conservatories, transforming this evening into an authentic experience. We will be delighted to host you at Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Thank you for your understanding. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.
- Balkan Night INCLUDED
- Belgrade - Skopje: 430 km
- Day 6
- Skopje - Pristina - Prizren - Skopje
- After breakfast, we depart for Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. Upon arrival, we start a panoramic city tour to explore Pristina’s modern and historical aspects. During this tour, we will visit Germia Park, one of the most important natural beauties of Pristina. Then, we will see the Kosovo Museum, which showcases Kosovo’s cultural heritage. We will also visit several valuable structures from the Ottoman period, including Fatih Sultan Mehmet Mosque and Yaşar Pasha Mosque, built in the 18th century. While exploring the historical heritage of the city, we will visit the Tomb of Sultan Murad I, who was killed in the Kosovo Plain during the 1389 Battle of Kosovo, an opportunity to commemorate this important historical event and its place in Ottoman history. After our tour in Pristina, we proceed to Prizren, known as the cultural capital of Kosovo. Upon arrival, we begin to explore Prizren’s narrow streets, reminiscent of an Anatolian Ottoman city with its architecture and shop signs filled with Turkish inscriptions. We will visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the most important examples of Ottoman architecture in the city. Additionally, the Halveti Tekkesi, Bayraklı Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Bath are among the other significant Ottoman artifacts we will see. After free time in Prizren, we begin our return journey to Skopje. Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel, have dinner, and thereafter retire to our rooms for rest. 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 to be covered: 340 km
- Day 7
- Skopje - Tetovo (Kalkan) - Ohrid
- After breakfast, we gather our luggage and set off to discover the unique nature and cultural treasures of Macedonia. Our first stop is Tetovo (Kalkan), one of Macedonia’s picturesque 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 detailed decorations. While exploring this unique example of Ottoman architecture, we embark on a journey through time. After our visit in Tetovo, we travel to Ohrid, surrounded by lush mountains and pristine lakes. As we drive, the breathtaking landscapes of Macedonia will accompany us. Upon arrival in Ohrid, we will conduct a tour to introduce this historic city, which was once an important base for the Ottomans in the Balkans. During our tour, we will see important sites, including the monument to Saints Cyril and Methodius, who are believed to have developed the Cyrillic alphabet in the 9th century, the Church of St. Sophia, and the Ancient Theatre from the Roman period. We will also wander the heart of the city at the Çınar Square, where we will have the opportunity to explore the historical Turkish Bazaar from the Ottoman era. Here, you can visit the Halveti Tekkesi and get a closer feel for the city’s cultural texture. We will also visit the New Bazaar and Ohrid market, where you can witness the daily lives of the local people. Lastly, the stunning views of Lake Ohrid will accompany our tour. After the tour, we have free time and will transfer to our hotel. Overnight and dinner at our hotel. After dinner, enjoy the charming atmosphere of Ohrid in the night, take a short walk along the lakeshore, or retreat to your rooms for rest.
- Tetovo (Kalkan) Tour INCLUDED
- Skopje - Tetovo (Kalkan): 43 km | Tetovo (Kalkan) - Ohrid: 130 km
- Total distance to be covered: 173 km
- Day 8
- Ohrid - Istanbul
- After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport at the time determined by our guide. After ticket, baggage, and passport procedures, we depart for Istanbul at 12:05 with Turkish Airlines flight TK1010. We arrive at Istanbul’s new airport at 14:45, concluding our tour. We bid farewell to our valued guests with the hope of seeing you again on your next journey.