BIG BALKANS TOUR

 

BY JET

 

6 COUNTRIES

 

VISA-FREE!

 

EXTRA TOURS INCLUDED!

 

7 NIGHTS HOTEL ACCOMMODATION

 

KOSOVO – ALBANIA – BOSNIA HERZEGOVINA – SERBIA – MONTENEGRO – NORTH MACEDONIA

 

Skopje - Pristina - Prizren - Skopje - Belgrade - Sarajevo - Mostar - Blagaj - Počitelj - Medjugorje - Kotor - Budva - Sv. Stefan - Shkodër - Tirana - Ohrid - Tetovo

• Day 1
• Istanbul - Skopje
• FLIGHT DETAILS
• SAW - SKP - VF263 - 12:25 - 13:00
• SKP - SAW - VF264 - 14:00 - 16:30
• IMPORTANT NOTE
• Flight information may vary depending on tour dates. We kindly ask passengers who will purchase domestic connection tickets to inquire.
• Meeting at the check-in counter 3 hours before the flight at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport. We depart for Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, at 12:25 with AJet flight number VF263. After a comfortable flight, we arrive at 13:00 local time and after the entry procedures into the country, we begin our panoramic city tour with our private vehicle waiting at the airport. Skopje is one of the important cultural centers of the Balkans with its Ottoman heritage and modern structures. We start our tour with the historical landmarks in Skopje, the city where the famous Turkish poet Yahya Kemal Beyatlı was born. Our first stop is Mustafa Pasha Mosque, one of the largest and most magnificent mosques in the city, built in 1492. Then we visit Murat Pasha Mosque, which was built in the 15th century and is notable for its Ottoman period decorations and architecture. Continuing our tour, we will see Kapan Han and Sulu Han, which are beautiful examples of Ottoman-era inns located in the heart of Skopje. These structures were important centers where merchants used to stay and do business. Next, we visit the Stone Bridge, which has become a symbol of Skopje. This bridge was built in the 15th century and connects both sides of the Vardar River. We will continue our tour by walking along the banks of the Vardar River, passing through the Turkish and Jewish neighborhoods. During our walk along the river, we will pass through Macedonia Square, the largest and central point of Skopje, surrounded by modern buildings. Here, we will encounter the statue of Alexander the Great and other monuments. Then, we will see the Ottoman Bridge from the outside and visit Davut Pasha Hamam, giving a chance to feel the grandeur of the Ottoman period once again. We continue to explore the city by walking to Skopje's Turkish Bazaar. Before reaching the bazaar, we will see the Clock Tower, one of Skopje's iconic structures built in the 16th century. Here, we will visit Sultan Murat Mosque and Isa Bey Mosque, which are important parts of the city's Islamic heritage and noteworthy for their architecture. Lastly, we will provide free time in the Turkish Bazaar, where you can find many products ranging from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After enjoying your time at the bazaar, we will return to our hotel for the evening. Dinner: An unforgettable dinner awaits you with traditional Balkan music and folk dance performances. You will have the opportunity to discover Skopje's entertaining and cultural side during this special Balkan night. You will be hosted at Restaurant Gardenia, one of the finest venues in the region, with live performances by our artists composed entirely of conservatory students and teachers, transforming the evening into an authentic experience. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje. 
• Day 2
• Skopje - Pristina - Prizren - Skopje
• After our breakfast, we leave our hotel and head towards the capital of Kosovo, Pristina. Upon our arrival, we begin our panoramic city tour where we will explore both the modern and historical aspects of Kosovo. During this tour, we will visit Germia Park, one of the most important natural beauties of Pristina. Next, we will see the Kosovo Museum, showcasing Kosovo's cultural heritage. We will also visit many valuable buildings from the Ottoman period such as Fatih Sultan Mehmed Mosque and 18th-century Yaşar Pasha Mosque. During our exploration of the city’s historical heritage, we will visit the Tomb of Sultan Murad I, who was killed in the Kosovo Plain during the Battle of Kosovo in 1389, allowing us to commemorate this crucial 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 will start exploring the narrow streets of Prizren, reminiscent of an Anatolian Ottoman town with its architecture and shop signs in Turkish. In the city, we will visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the most significant Ottoman buildings. Additionally, we will see Halveti Tekkesi, Bayraklı Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Hammam, which are other important Ottoman structures. After our free time in Prizren, we start our journey back to Skopje in the evening. Upon our arrival, we will be transferred to our hotel and after dinner, we will retire to our rooms. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.
• Day 3
• Skopje – Belgrade
• After breakfast, we leave our hotel and start a pleasant journey towards Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Belgrade has been one of the most important cultural and strategic centers of the Balkans throughout history, and today it stands out with its vibrancy, liveliness, and historical texture. Upon our arrival in Belgrade, a panoramic city tour begins where we will discover the grandeur of the city. Our first stop will be the Old Palace, which carries the traces of the Ottoman period and is known for its magnificent carved ceilings. Here, we can feel the historical atmosphere and discover the texture that merges Belgrade's past with the present. Next, we will visit the remarkable point where the Sava River meets the Danube River, one of the most striking views of the city. Discovering this region, which has been the focal point of many conquests and victories throughout history, will be very enjoyable. Continuing our exploration of this ancient city, you will encounter Belgrade Fortress, which was 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 Tašmajdan. During our tour, we will visit the Tomb of Şehit Ali Pasha, one of the important figures of the Ottoman era, and Bayraklı Mosque, one of the rare surviving Ottoman structures in Belgrade. During these visits, you will have an in-depth exploration of Belgrade’s rich history and learn about the city's cultural heritage from the Ottoman period. Our exploration continues with a visit to the Military Museum, which is filled with artifacts shedding light on Belgrade's military history and offers an impressive experience for visitors. At the end of our tour, we return to our hotel, having left behind the history and vibrant atmosphere of the city. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
• Day 4
• Belgrade – Sarajevo
• After breakfast, we head towards the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo. Upon our arrival, we will discover that Sarajevo has been the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries and has historically marked the place where the First World War broke out after Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary was assassinated by Serbs in 1914. Additionally, during the war in 1992, it suffered significant destruction due to the devastating conflicts among Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks, yet Sarajevo managed to largely preserve its beauty. During our panoramic city tour, we will see the famous Baščaršija, the historic Ottoman han Morica Han, the Catholic Cathedral reflecting the city’s religious cosmopolitanism, the Synagogue, Gazi Husrev Bey Mosque, and Ferhadija Mosque, the Latin Bridge where the assassination of Franz Ferdinand took place in 1914, the Old Library, and the Western-style buildings formed during Sarajevo’s 40-year Austro-Hungarian rule. After our tour, we will transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
• Day 5
• Sarajevo - Mostar - Blagaj - Počitelj - Medugorje
• After breakfast, we depart from Sarajevo. Our first stop is the historically and culturally rich Mostar. Here we will see the Mostar Bridge, built in 1557 by architect Hayreddin, considered one of the masterpieces of Ottoman architecture. This bridge was destroyed in 1992 but was reconstructed in 2004 with the contributions of the Republic of Turkey. After exploring the enchanting atmosphere of Mostar, we will visit the Koski Mehmet Pasha Mosque. Next, we head to Blagaj, which is built at the source of the Buna River, one of Europe’s strongest water sources. After a short free time here, we visit Počitelj, a preserved historical site known as the Turkish Village, where we will see the structures built by the Ottomans in the 16th century. Lastly, we head to Medugorje, which is famous for its religious visitors and is a peaceful place. Upon arrival at our hotel, we will retreat to our rooms for some rest. Overnight at our hotel.
• Day 6
• Medugorje – Kotor – Budva – Sv.Stefan – Shkodër
• After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head towards the mesmerizing Kotor. During our journey, you will enjoy breathtaking views. Upon our arrival in Kotor, we will take a walking tour in this medieval town famous for its fjords, feeling the historical atmosphere of the narrow streets and the old city, discovering the heart of Kotor. Following this, we will visit Budva, one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Balkans! After a panoramic city tour, we will move on to Sv. Stefan, known for its rich history and dazzling views. We will admire the magnificent view of this tiny isle from above. After all these explorations, we proceed to the beautiful city of Shkodër in Albania. After dinner at our hotel, we will retreat to our rooms for some rest. Overnight at our hotel.
• Day 7
• Shkodër – Tirana - Ohrid
• After breakfast, we depart from our hotel and head towards Tirana, the capital of Albania. In this historically and culturally rich beautiful city, we have an impressive tour awaiting us to explore Tirana, which is considered the center of Bektashism in Europe. Upon our arrival in Tirana, we will visit the Ethem Bey Mosque, which began construction in 1789 and was completed in 1923, as one of Albania's cultural heritages. We will take a short break at Skanderbeg Square and see the statue of Skanderbeg, who proudly stands in the middle of the square. The Clock Tower of Tirana, built by Ethem Bey in 1821, is also one of the highlights of our tour. Next, we will visit the meaningful Peace Bell, made from lead melted by the children of Shkodër during the rebellion in 1999. During this tour, you will create unforgettable memories as Tirana’s modern face meets its historical past. After our free time, we will head towards Ohrid. The breathtaking views will accompany us on the way. Once we arrive in Ohrid, we will take a tour introducing this significant historical city, once an essential stronghold of the Ottomans in the Balkans. The places we will see during our tour include: the Monument of 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 have the opportunity to stroll around the lively Çınar Square, and see the Turkish Bazaar that dates back to the Ottoman period. Here, you may visit the Halveti Tekkesi and closely feel the cultural essence of the city. Afterward, we will explore the New Bazaar and Ohrid Market, and witness the daily life of the local people. Lastly, the famous lake of Ohrid and its enchanting view will accompany us on our tour. After our tour, we will have free time and transfer to our hotel. Overnight and dinner at our hotel. After dinner, you may enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of Ohrid in the quiet of the night, take a short walk along the shores of the lake, or retreat to your rooms to rest.
• Day 8
• Ohrid – Tetova (Kalkandelen) – Skopje - Istanbul
• After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head to Skopje Airport. Upon arrival at the airport and completing boarding procedures, our flight to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport will be realized on the scheduled flight VF264 of AJet Airlines at 14:00. After a comfortable flight, we will arrive in Istanbul at 16:30, and our tour concludes. We bid you farewell, hoping to see you again on your next journey.
• ACCOMMODATION DETAILS
• Skopje: 5* New Star etc.
• Belgrade: 4* Queen Astoria etc.
• Sarajevo: 4* Holiday etc.
• Medugorje: 4* Sole etc.
• Shkodër: 4* Holiday Koplik etc.
• Ohrid: 4* Hotel Sileks etc.

- Round-trip flight tickets on the route Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport / Skopje / Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport with AJet Airlines - Accommodation for a total of 7 nights, including 2 nights in Skopje, 1 night in Shkodra, 1 night in Medjugorje, 1 night in Sarajevo, 1 night in Belgrade, and 1 night in Ohrid, in 4*/5* hotel category - Breakfasts - Dinner at the hotel - Bosnian Night decorated with meals, entertainment, and folklore shows - All transfers specified in the program - City tours mentioned in the program - Pristina and Prizren (Kosovo) Tour - Tirana tour - Extra Tour to Blagaj - Tetovo (Kalkandelen) Tour - Extra Tour to Poçitel - Mostar Tour - Budva Tour - Kotor Tour - All highway, parking, and checkpoint expenses - Professional Turkish guiding services - Mandatory Insurance (Professional Liability)

-Outbound Exit Tax Stamp           

-Travel Insurance (20 Euros)

-Lunches

-All hotel extras and personal expenses

-City Taxes and Kotor Entrance Fee: 20 Euros

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

- It is mandatory to have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of the end of the tour for trips abroad. Passports older than 10 years are not valid for international travel and must be renewed before the tour departure date. Torn and worn-out passports cannot be used for entry. - In cases where children under 18 years old are not traveling with one or both parents, a consent letter from one or both parents is required. It is mandatory for participants to keep the required consent letters for the tour with them during their travel. - Guests who register for the tour have the right to cancel free of charge up to 30 days before the tour departure date. If canceled between 30 and 15 days before the departure date, a penalty fee will be applied. If canceled less than 14 days before the departure date, the entire tour fee will be subject to a penalty and will not be refunded. Documents such as hospital reports, work leave certificates, etc., from authorities in Turkey regarding cancellation of hotels and services abroad will unfortunately not be accepted. - In order to make purchases and expenditures in all countries included in the tour program, it is sufficient to carry Euros. The guide will assist with currency exchange in regions where local currencies are used. - It is advisable to wear comfortable walking shoes or sports shoes during the trip. Additionally, it is beneficial to have a cardigan or similar clothing for the evening. - In our tours, a rotational seating arrangement is implemented daily, and no fixed or front seat guarantees are provided. Seat changes are organized by the vehicle guide. - There is a requirement for a minimum of 3 days of stay when bringing items (alcohol, cigarettes, etc.) into Turkey from abroad. - The duty-free shopping limits when entering Turkey from abroad are as follows: Cigarettes: 3 cartons; Alcoholic beverages: 1 liter of alcoholic drink (excluding those containing more alcohol than 18%, wine and champagne); Alcoholic beverages: 2 liters of alcoholic drink (including those containing less than 18% alcohol, including wine and champagne); Perfume: 600 ml; Makeup or skincare products: 5 items; Chocolate and candy: 2 kg; Coffee: 1 kg; Tea: 1 kg. - During the tour, guides may make changes to the program flow as long as they allow showing all the places specified in the program, depending on weather and road conditions. - Our tour program is organized with a minimum participation requirement of 25 people. If sufficient participation is not achieved, the cancellation notification will be made 20 days before the tour departure. Tours canceled due to insufficient participation will be communicated by Malitur. - In cases where only category information is provided without specifying names in the tour program and/or there are options for the same destination, the hotels will be informed 2 days before the tour departure by Malitur. - During periods such as fairs, congresses, concerts, events, sports tournaments, etc., accommodations may be used at distances greater than indicated. In such cases, information will be provided by Malitur 15 days before the tour departure. - Triple rooms are subject to availability at hotels, and the bed assigned to the 3rd person in these rooms is smaller than standard beds. Triple rooms consist of 1 large bed + 1 extra bed. Since extra beds are made as pull-out and coach beds, the tour participant acknowledges that they accept the potential crowding and bed types in triple rooms. Child discounts apply only for one child of the eligible age group staying with 2 adults. - The services included in the tour program, such as breakfast at the hotel, are offered as a limited menu consisting of butter, jam, bread, tea, or coffee in accordance with the breakfast culture of the country being visited and may be served in a separate hall assigned to the group. - The panoramic city tours included in the tour package are organized as a general introduction to the cities and consist of tours made from within the vehicle with narration by the guide, which do not include museum or site entrance fees and last a maximum of 2-3 hours. The tours may not be carried out if local authorities do not allow visiting or entering due to any event or due to closed roads, or if the weather conditions make the tours impossible; in such cases, the tour operator is not responsible for the inability to do so. Some tours may be conducted using public transport or on foot if there are closed roads or points where vehicle entry is not allowed. - During the travel, waiting times at border customs crossed by road may exceed standard durations, and the tour operator cannot be held responsible for negative experiences arising from such waiting times. - Extra tours are arranged with a minimum participation of 20 people by the local tour operator from whom we provide services. If sufficient participation is not achieved, the excursions cannot take place, or extra tour prices, content, and the vehicle to be used may vary according to the number of participants. Additionally, the days and times of the tours can be changed by the guide based on the opening/closing status of the museums and heritage sites in the visited areas and weather conditions. - Participation in extra tours is at the discretion of the participant and is not mandatory. Passengers who do not wish to participate in the extra tours organized during the tour are deemed to have accepted to wait at a convenient rest facility along the way. These passengers will be dropped off at a roadside rest area before the extra tour begins and will be picked up from the same location after the completion of the tour. - For those participating in tours with flights, check-in and boarding procedures must be conducted personally by the guests either at the relevant airline counters at airports or online through the airline's websites before the flight. - Those who are not present at the specified airport at the times communicated by the tour operator for participation in the tour, who do not complete check-in and boarding procedures on time, or those who complete these procedures but do not board the aircraft are not the responsibility of the tour operator. Those who miss their flight will have to bear the costs of getting new round-trip flight tickets and transfers in the destination area to participate in the tour. - The tour operator acts as an intermediary between the airline and passengers and is subject to the 28.09.1955 Hague Protocol. There may be risks of delays in scheduled and charter flights, or flight times may change before the existing trip. The tour operator is obliged to notify these changes as soon as possible. The passenger accepts the risk of time changes when purchasing the trip. Children between the ages of 0-2 do not pay airport fees and airport services fees. - The types of vehicles used in our tours are classified according to the number of participants as follows. The vehicle types listed below are assigned based on the number of participants in each tour. - The transportation used in our tours is classified based on the number of participants as follows. The vehicle types below are assigned according to the number of people on each tour. Our vehicles do not have headphones available. In vehicles equipped with TV units, we recommend bringing an external charger to avoid reducing your phone's battery life when charging your phone.