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.

- Round Trip Flight Tickets With Turkish Airlines From Istanbul Hl. / Ohrid / Istanbul Hl. - Accommodation for a total of 7 nights in 4 and 5-star hotels: 1 night in Skopje, 2 nights in Shkodra, 1 night in Medugorje, 1 night in Sarajevo, 1 night in Belgrade, and 1 night in Ohrid - Breakfasts - Dinners at the hotel - A Balkan Night decorated with meals, entertainment, and folklore shows - All transfers mentioned in the program - City tours specified in the program - Tirana Tour - Pristina Tour - Prizren Tour - Blagaj Extra Tour - Mostar Tour - Budva Tour - Kotor Tour - All highway, parking, and checkpoint expenses - Professional Turkish speaking guiding services - Mandatory insurance (Professional Liability)

 - International Exit Tax Stamp

- Travel Insurance

- Lunches

- All Kinds of Hotel Extras and Personal Expenses

- City Taxes and Kotor Entrance Fee: 20 Euro

(Must be paid to the guide during the tour.)

- General Terms are an inseparable part of the tour program and cannot be considered independently of the tour program. - In case sufficient participation for the trip is not provided; Turdan Tura can cancel the tour up to 21 days before the travel date. In such a case, the cancellation information will be communicated to the guest. The total tour fee will be refunded to the guest. Refunds for additional services purchased outside the tour; domestic flight connections purchased from Turdan Tura will also be refunded to the guest, visa services, and for travel health insurance, if the visa application has been made on behalf of the guest, these services cannot be refunded as they are considered used, if no visa application has been made, the visa and travel health insurance will also be canceled and a fee refund will be made. If the guest has purchased domestic flight connections from a different service provider independent of Turdan Tura, in the case of cancellation of the trip by Turdan Tura, the guest cannot claim any refund from Turdan Tura. The guest accepts in advance any material and moral losses that may occur due to the cancellation of the tour at the time of purchasing the tour and cannot hold Turdan Tura liable. - In the event of insufficient participation for the trip, Turdan Tura has the right to show goodwill by not canceling the tour. In this case, since it would be possible to provide the tour individually for the guest, the included guiding service will only cover the transfers to and from the international departure. - Cancellation and Changes - For our tours, the tickets related to transportation are arranged at the time of reservation. Cancellations made more than 30 days prior to the tour departure date will incur a penalty on these flight ticket costs, which do not have a right of cancellation, changes, or refunds. - Our guests have the right to cancel without penalty until 30 days before the tour departure date, provided they notify Turdan Tura in writing, except for airline tickets that have been paid for and/or committed to by Turdan Tura. If there are less than 31 days left until the start of the trip, the guest can cancel by paying a penalty equal to "P" of the remaining tour fee from the flight ticket price, and in case of cancellation 15 days or less before the start of the trip, they can cancel by paying the entire tour fee as a penalty. In the case of a cancellation request, the refund conditions for additional services such as domestic flight connections, visa services, and travel health insurance may vary depending on the timing of the cancellation request, so it is necessary to inquire in advance regarding refunds. Turdan Tura cannot make any commitments for refunds regarding additional services. - Guiding Services and Extra Tours - The days and times of the tours specified in the program can be changed by the guide according to the status of the museums and historical sites in the places to be visited, and the weather conditions. Different guides may accompany our guests during tours. - The panoramic city tours included in the tour package are designed for the general introduction of the cities and are conducted as panoramic tours from within the vehicle without including entrance to museums and historical sites, lasting no more than 2-3 hours. Panoramic tours, along with other tours indicated in the program, are not the responsibility of Turdan Tura if they cannot be conducted on the scheduled day and time due to local authorities not permitting visits, any closures due to events, or in cases where the conditions due to weather make the tour impossible. Some tours may need to be carried out via public transport or on foot in locations where roads are closed or vehicle access is not permitted, within the capabilities. - Our guide may change the days of the city tour and/or additional tours based on the number of participants and the closure status of the museum and historical sites, in accordance with the content of our tours. This applies in the case of any changes that may occur in flight times. - For tours conducted by Speed Boats, guests are advised not to consume heavy meals or large amounts of water immediately before boarding the boat. Guests with stomach, back, or neck complaints, as well as pregnant guests, must inform their guides of their conditions. - There is no refund for not participating in the services included in the prices for the specified tours or meals. - About Flights - Turdan Tura serves as an intermediary between the air carrier and the passenger, and in case of disputes, the relevant provisions of Turkish law, as well as the Hague Protocol and the Warsaw Convention, will apply. - Delays or changes in flight times may occur on scheduled and charter flights. Turdan Tura is obliged to notify the guests of these changes as soon as possible. The passenger accepts the risk of changes/cancellations of flight times when purchasing the trip. - Children aged 0-2 only pay the airport tax. - According to airline regulations; if the outbound flight of round-trip tickets purchased is not used, the return flight will be canceled by the airline. - The check-in and boarding procedures that need to be carried out for participants in air tours are personal responsibilities, and these procedures must be completed by the guests at the airport, at the airline counters, or online through the airline's website before the flight. - Last-minute delays and gate changes in flights are announced audibly at the airports and shown on the information boards in the area. This information must be followed up by the guests themselves. - Guests who do not show up at the designated airport at the times notified by the airline's regulations for participation in the tour, who do not carry out the check-in and boarding procedures on time, or who do complete the check-in and boarding procedures on time but miss the flight, are not held responsible by Turdan Tura for not being able to take the flight. All expenses related to obtaining new round-trip flight tickets and transfers in the destination area for guests who miss the flight are their own responsibility. - The general baggage weight limit for flights departing from Turkey is 20 kg. This weight may vary according to the airline and the destination country. If internal flights exist in the destination country, the baggage weight on those internal flights may drop to 15 kg. Extra baggage weight/price regulations are determined by the airlines and are not the responsibility of Turdan Tura. - Guests wishing to upgrade their flight tickets using their miles (to business or first class) may carry out upgrade procedures depending on the airline's availability after the tickets have been issued. There is no guarantee of miles per flight. Please check whether the tickets for the program are upgradeable. - In some airlines, food and drink and online check-in services may be subject to extra charges. - Other Matters - Turdan Tura will not accept responsibility for any changes or cancellations made directly by the guest with the hotel. In this case, the cancellation conditions of Turdan Tura will apply. - In cases where hotels are listed only by category information without naming specific hotel(s) in the tour program, and/or when options are presented for the same destination, the hotel will be communicated to the guest by Turdan Tura 48 hours before the departure of the trip. - During special periods such as fairs, congresses, concerts, events, and sports tournaments, hotels may be utilized farther than the specified locations or kilometers. In such cases, the guest will be informed by Aente 15 days before the departure date of the tour. - At the time of registering for the purchased tour, the guest must accurately input the name, date of birth, and passport number as it appears on the passport into the system. Airline tickets will be issued according to this information. The penalty for any cancellations or changes to airline tickets resulting from incorrect information will be borne by the guests. - To use mobile phones abroad, guests must verify that their phone is activated for international use before leaving Turkey by contacting the service provider. - The hotel check-in time is 15:00, and the check-out time is 12:00. - Requests regarding the room (high floor, close to common areas, smoking/non-smoking, bed type) will be communicated to the hotel by Turdan Tura. Care will be taken for the reserved rooms to meet the guest's preferences based on hotel availability. The fulfillment of these requests depends on the hotel's availability at the time of check-in and cannot be guaranteed by Turdan Tura. - The breakfast offered at hotels may differ from the traditional rich Turkish breakfast. It is usually served as a continental breakfast consisting of limited options, including butter, jam, bread, tea, or coffee, and may be served in a separate allocated hall for groups. - In some cases, a double room may instead consist of a double bed. Most European hotels offer rooms with 2 beds that can be combined when necessary. - The child and extra bed policy may vary at each hotel based on room types. - Any additional bed and baby cot is subject to availability and must be approved by the hotel. - Capacity for additional beds or baby cots in a room is limited to 1 (maximum). - In triple rooms, there is an additional bed application, and the bed designated for the 3rd person in these types of rooms is smaller than standard beds. Triple rooms consist of 1 large bed + 1 additional bed. Additional beds may consist of folding beds or beds known as coach beds. Our guests confirm that they accept any tightness and bed type due to additional beds added to the standard room in their triple room and/or bookings with children. - If the number of children and their ages staying with adult guests in hotel reservations are incorrectly stated by the guests, the relevant hotels may charge additional fees. In such a case, the responsibility lies with the guest who made the incorrect declaration. Hotels may request identification for age verification regarding children. - In reservations for 2 adults + 1 child, there may not be a separate bed for children. Child prices are only valid if the child is accommodated next to two adults. Child discounts apply to one “single child” who matches the age group staying with two adults. - Daily exchange rates will be reflected in the TL prices. The rates valid at the time of payment are applicable. Any additional requests, some extra services (mini-bar, ironing, etc.) that will be taken at the hotel are subject to additional charges by the hotel. These expenses are not included in the cost at the time of purchase and will be paid directly to the hotel during your stay. - Some countries have different practices regarding city, tourism, or local taxes. All kinds of city, tourism, or other taxes that are applied this way will be collected from the guest by the hotel at the time of entry or exit. - The road distances provided in the programs are map-based. Travel durations may be extended due to traffic, weather conditions, geographical location of the visited country, road works, and conditions. - Turdan Tura may change the sequence of cities in the program and the main airline to be flown, without altering the content of the program, in compulsory situations or when deemed necessary. - Personal belongings, bags, luggage, passports/identities of the participants in the tour are under their own responsibility, and Turdan Tura is not responsible for any forgotten/lost/stolen items. Costs incurred during the return of forgotten items to the country and/or person are the responsibility of the item owner. - Participants in the tour are required to carry their travel health insurance policy and any medications and reports related to any health issues with them. - For possible extra expenses, upon check-in at the hotel, official identification/photo ID and credit card or cash deposit may be requested by the authorities. The return of the requested deposit at check-out is a matter between the hotel and the guest, and Turdan Tura has no intervention in this matter. - - Visa and Passport - Guests must ensure their passports are valid for at least 6 months beyond the return date of travel. - At customs crossings/border posts, in order to receive entry-exit stamps on your passport, there must be at least 2 blank pages in your passport. - Being exempted from a visa for the countries in this tour or having obtained a visa does not mean that entry/exit into the country will be granted, as the passport police have the authority to refuse entry/exit. Turdan Tura is not responsible for this situation, and the responsibility lies with the passenger. - Guests who are not Turkish citizens or have dual citizenship and will participate in the tour using another country’s passport must inquire about the visa procedures applicable to that country from the relevant consulates in person; otherwise, Turdan Tura will not be held responsible for any resulting consequences. - Due to torn, worn, wet, and/or damaged passports; it is necessary to renew passports to avoid problems with border police at the border crossing of the country to be visited. Otherwise, the responsibility lies with the passenger. - Guests under the age of 18 traveling alone or with only one parent are advised to be mindful as they may be asked for a joint consent document from both parents by the police officer on duty at the entry-exit points.