GREAT BALKANS TOUR

 

BY AJET

 

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 - Međugorje - Kotor - Budva - Sv. Stefan - Shkodra - 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 according to travel dates. We kindly ask passengers who will purchase a domestic connecting ticket to obtain the necessary information.
• Meeting at the airline counter at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen airport departure terminal 3 hours before the flight. Departing with AJet flight number VF263 at 12:25 to Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. After a comfortable and pleasant flight, we will arrive at 13:00 local time, and after the entry procedures into the country, we will start our panoramic city tour with our special vehicle waiting at the airport. Skopje is one of the important cultural centers of the Balkans with its Ottoman heritage and modern structures. We begin our tour in Skopje with its historical sites, starting with the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, one of the largest and most magnificent mosques built in 1492. Then we will visit the Murat Pasha Mosque, which was built in the 15th century. This mosque is particularly noted for its decorations 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 are beautiful examples of Ottoman period hans, which were once important centers where merchants stayed and traded. Next, we will 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. Walking over the Stone Bridge, we will continue our tour by seeing the Turkish and Jewish neighborhoods along the banks of the Vardar River. During our walk, we will pass through Macedonia Square, which is the largest and most central point in Skopje, surrounded by modern buildings. Here, we will encounter a large statue of Alexander the Great and other monuments. Then we will see the Ottoman Bridge from the 15th century from the outside and visit the Davut Pasha Hammam to once again feel the grandeur of the Ottoman period. We continue to explore the city by heading towards Skopje’s Turkish Bazaar. Before reaching the bazaar, we will see the Clock Tower, one of Skopje’s symbolic buildings constructed in the 16th century. Here, we will visit Sultan Murat Mosque and Isa Bey Mosque, which are early Ottoman period mosques. These mosques are an important part of the Islamic heritage of the city and are remarkable for their architecture. Finally, we will give free time in the Turkish Bazaar. In this bazaar, you can find many products from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After enjoying your time in the bazaar, we will return to our hotel in the evening. Dinner: An unforgettable dinner awaits you with traditional Balkan music and local dance performances. You will have the opportunity to explore the entertaining and cultural side of Skopje with this special Balkan night, while you will be hosted at one of the region's finest venues, Restaurant Gardenia. The best Balkan music and folklore will be performed live by artists consisting entirely of conservatory students and teachers, making this night an authentic experience. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje. 

• Day 2
• Skopje - Pristina - Prizren - Skopje
• After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head towards Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. Upon arrival, we will 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 Pristina's most important natural beauties. Next, we will see the Kosovo Museum, which showcases Kosovo's cultural heritage. Throughout our tour, we will also visit many valuable structures from the Ottoman period. We will visit the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Mosque and the 18th-century Yaşar Pasha Mosque. During this visit to the city’s historical heritage, we will have the opportunity to commemorate an important historical event by visiting the Tomb of Sultan Murad I, who was killed in the Kosovo Field as a result of the Kosovo Battle of 1389, an important event in Ottoman history. After our tour in Pristina, we will head to Prizren, known as Kosovo’s cultural capital. Upon arrival, we will begin to explore the narrow streets of Prizren, reminiscent of an Anatolian Ottoman city with its architecture and shop signs written in Turkish. In the city, we will visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the most important Ottoman structures. Other important Ottoman works to be seen include Halveti Tekke, Bayraklı Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Bath. After free time in Prizren, we will begin our return journey to Skopje in the evening. Upon arrival, we will be transferred to our hotel, and after having dinner, we will retire to our rooms. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.

• Day 3
• Skopje – Belgrade
• After breakfast, we leave our hotel and embark on a pleasant journey to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Historically one of the most important cultural and strategic centers in the Balkans, Belgrade today captures attention with its vibrancy, liveliness, and historical texture. In this enchanting city, we will have the opportunity to explore the intersection of Ottoman and European cultures. After arriving in Belgrade, we will start a panoramic city tour where we will discover the grandeur of the city. Our first stop will be the Old Palace, which bears the traces of the Ottoman period and is famous for its magnificent carved ceilings. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere and discover the blend of Belgrade's past and present. Next, we will go to one of the most impressive spots of the city where the Sava River meets the Danube River. It will be a great pleasure to explore this area, which has been the focal point for many conquests and victories throughout history. As we continue to discover this ancient city, you will encounter Belgrade Fortress, which was used as a supply center by the Ottoman navy. While tracing the traces of history in this fortress, we will see important points like Kalemegdan Park and the Belgrade Fortress. During our tour, we will visit the Tomb of Şehit Ali Pasha, a significant figure from the Ottoman period and one of the few surviving Ottoman structures in Belgrade, the Bayraklı Mosque. During these visits, you will deeply explore Belgrade’s rich history and learn about the cultural heritage remaining from the Ottoman period. Our explorations will continue with a visit to the Military Museum. This museum is filled with artifacts that shed light on Belgrade’s military history and offers a highly impressive experience for visitors. After our tour, we return to our hotel to have dinner and overnight stay.

• Day 4
• Belgrade – Sarajevo
• After breakfast, we move towards Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Upon arrival, we will see why it has become the cultural capital of the Balkans over the centuries and how it has entered history as the site of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by Serbs, which led to the outbreak of World War I in 1914. During the 1992 war, it suffered significant destruction due to the devastating conflicts that erupted among Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks, yet Sarajevo 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 reflecting the religious cosmopolitan nature of the city, the Synagogue, Husein Bey and Ferhadija Mosques, the Latin Bridge where the assassination of Franz Ferdinand occurred in 1914, the Old Library and the western-style buildings created during the 40 years of Austro-Hungarian rule. After the tour, we will be transferred to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

• Day 5
• Sarajevo - Mostar - Blagaj - Počitelj - Međugorje
• After breakfast, we depart from Sarajevo. Our first stop is Mostar, famous for its historical and cultural richness. Here, we will see the Mostar Bridge, built by Mimar Hayreddin in 1557 and regarded as 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 Paşa Mosque. Next, we will proceed to Blagaj, where the Buna River, known as Europe’s strongest water source, springs forth. After a short free time here, we will move on to Počitelj. We will visit Počitelj, a town preserving its historical fabric known as the Turkish Village, where we will see structures built by the Ottomans in the 16th century. Lastly, we will head to Međugorje, famous for its religious visitors and serene ambiance. After arriving at our hotel, we will retire to our rooms to rest. Overnight at our hotel.

• Day 6
• Međugorje – Kotor – Budva – Sv.Stefan – Shkodra
• After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head towards the stunning city of Kotor. During our journey, you will enjoy breathtaking views. Upon arriving in Kotor, famous for its fjords, we will take a walking tour in this medieval town where you will feel the historical atmosphere of the narrow streets and the old town and discover the heart of Kotor. With its unique architecture and seaside views, this small town will take you on a journey through time. Next, we will proceed to Budva, one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Balkans! After a panoramic city tour, we will head to Sv. Stefan, known for its rich history and dazzling views. We will have the chance to enjoy the stunning view of this islet from above. This area, known to be postcard-perfect, is an ideal spot for photographs. After all these explorations, we will move on to the beautiful city of Shkodra in Albania. After dinner at our hotel, we will retire to our rooms for rest. Overnight at our hotel.

• Day 7
• Shkodra – Tirana - Ohrid
• After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head towards Tirana, the capital of Albania. In this culturally and historically rich beautiful city, a fascinating tour awaits us as we explore Tirana, known as the center of Bektashism in Europe. Upon reaching Tirana, we will visit one of the city's most important symbols, Ethem Bey Mosque. Started in 1789 and completed in 1923, this structure is one of Albania's cultural heritages. We take a short break at Skanderbeg Square, where we will see the statue of Skanderbeg proudly rising in the center of the square. Another highlight of our tour will be the Clock Tower, a symbol of Tirana, built by Ethem Bey in 1821. Afterwards, we will visit the meaningful Peace Bell made from lead melted by children from Shkodra during the rebellion in 1999. During this tour, the modern face of Tirana will meet its historical past, allowing you to create unforgettable memories. After some free time, we will head to Ohrid. Along the way, we will be accompanied by breathtaking views. Upon arriving in Ohrid, we will conduct a tour introducing the historical city of Ohrid, which was one of the important bases of the Ottomans in the Balkans. During our tour, we will see: 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 among significant structures. Additionally, while strolling around the bustling Çinar Square, we will have the chance to visit the Turkish Bazaar from the old Ottoman period. Here you can see the Halveti Tekke and deeply feel the city’s cultural texture. Afterward, we will visit the New Bazaar and Ohrid Market to witness the daily life of the local people. Finally, the famous lake of Ohrid and the breathtaking views of the lake will accompany our tour. After the tour, we will have free time and be transferred to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel. After dinner, you can enjoy the mesmerizing atmosphere of Ohrid in the silence of night, take a short walk by the lakeside, or retire to your rooms and rest.

• Day 8
• Ohrid – Tetovo (Kalkandelen) – Skopje - Istanbul
• After breakfast, we depart from our hotel and head towards Skopje airport. Upon arrival at the airport and completing boarding procedures, we will take flight AJet airlines' VF264 scheduled flight at 14:00 to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen airport. After a comfortable flight, we will arrive in Istanbul at 16:30, and our tour ends. We bid farewell with the hope of seeing you again on your next journey.

• ACCOMMODATION DETAILS
• Skopje: 5* New Star etc.
• Belgrade: 4* Queen Astoria etc.
• Sarajevo: 4* Holiday etc.
• Međugorje: 4* Sole etc.
• Shkodra: 4* Holiday Koplik etc.
• Ohrid: 4* Hotel Sileks etc.

- Round-trip flight tickets with AJet Airlines from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Skopje and back to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport - Accommodation for 7 nights including 2 nights in Skopje, 1 night in Shkoder, 1 night in Medugorje, 1 night in Sarajevo, 1 night in Belgrade, and 1 night in Ohrid in a 4*/5* hotel category - Breakfasts - Dinner at the hotel - Balkan Night with food, entertainment, and folklore shows - All transfers mentioned in the program - City tours specified in the program - Pristina and Prizren (Kosovo) Tour - Tirana Tour - Extra Blagaj Tour - Tetova (Kalkandelen) Tour - Extra Pocitelj Tour - Mostar Tour - Budva Tour - Kotor Tour - All highway, parking, and check-point fees - Professional Turkish guidance services - Mandatory Insurance (Professional Liability)

-Foreign Exit Tax Stamp           

-Travel Insurance (20 Euro)

-Lunches

-All hotel extras and personal expenses

-City Taxes and Kotor Entrance Fee: 20 Euro

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

- It is mandatory to have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of tour completion for international trips. Passports older than 10 years are not valid for overseas travel and must be renewed before the tour movement date. Entry is not allowed with torn or worn-out passports. - In cases where children under 18 years old are not accompanied by one or both parents during the tour, a consent letter must be obtained from one or both parents. It is mandatory for individuals to keep the required consent letters with them during the trip. - Guests who register for the tour have the right to cancel free of charge up to 30 days before the tour departure date. A penalty is applied between 30-15 days before the tour departure date. If there are less than 14 days left until the tour departure, the entire tour fee is subject to penalty and cannot be refunded. The cancellation requests along with documents such as hospital reports, work permission letters, etc., cannot be accepted for cancellations of hotels and services in Turkey. - To make purchases and expenditures in all countries included in the tour program, it is sufficient to carry Euros. Our guide will assist with currency exchange in regions that use local currencies. - Comfortable walking shoes or sports shoes should be preferred during the tour. It is advisable to bring a cardigan or similar clothing for the evening. - In our tours, daily seat rotation is implemented in the seating plan, and fixed or front seat guarantees are not provided. Seat changes are organized by the vehicle guide. - To bring items (alcohol - cigarettes, etc.) into Turkey from abroad, there is a minimum accommodation requirement of 3 days. - The free shop purchase limit when entering Turkey from abroad is as follows: Cigarettes: 3 cartons, Alcoholic Beverages: 1 liter of alcoholic drink (excluding alcoholic drinks with more than 22% alcohol content, wine, and champagne), Alcoholic Beverages: 2 liters of alcoholic drink (including alcoholic drinks with less than 22% alcohol content, wine, and champagne), Perfume: 600 ml, Makeup or Skin Care Products: 5 items, Chocolate and Confectionery: 2 kg, Coffee: 1 kg, Tea: 1 kg. - The guides may change the program flow while ensuring to show all specified places 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 last cancellation notification date will be 20 days before the tour departure. Tours canceled due to participation insufficiency will be communicated by tour management. - When only category information is provided in the tour program without specifying names and/or there are options for the same destination, the hotels will be communicated by tour management 2 days before the tour departure. - During periods such as fairs, congresses, concerts, events, sports tournaments, etc., hotels may be located farther than the specified distances. In such cases, tour management will inform about this 15 days before the tour departure. - Triple rooms can be provided depending on hotel availability, and in such rooms, the bed allocated for the 3rd person is smaller than standard beds. Triple rooms consist of 1 large bed + 1 extra bed. Since extra beds are made from folding and coach beds, the tour participants are deemed to have accepted the possible tightness and bed types in 3rd person and/or child reservations. Child discounts apply for only one child who is the appropriate age group staying with two adults. - The services included in the tour consist of hotel breakfasts, which are served in accordance with the breakfast culture of the respective country, and generally consist of a limited menu called continental breakfast that includes butter, jam, bread, tea, or coffee and may be served in a separate room allocated for the group. - The panoramic city tours included in the tour package are organized for the general introduction of the cities and are conducted as a panoramic tour from inside the vehicle with guide narration, without including museum or archaeological site entrances, and they last a maximum of 2-3 hours. The tour provider is not responsible for the inability to conduct these tours due to local authorities not permitting visits, closed roads due to any event, or impossibility due to weather conditions. Some tours may be conducted via public transport or on foot where vehicle entry is not allowed or due to closed roads. - During road trips when crossing customs borders, waiting times may exceed the standards; the tour provider is not responsible for any negative experiences arising from these waiting times. - Extra tours are organized by the local tour provider with a minimum of 20 participants. If sufficient numbers are not met, the tours cannot be conducted, or the extra tour prices, content, and vehicles to be used may vary depending on the number of participants. Additionally, the days and times of the tours may be changed by the guide depending on the status of museums or archaeological sites being open/closed and weather conditions. - Participation in extra tours is optional and not compulsory. Passengers who do not wish to join the extra tours organized during the tour are deemed to have accepted to wait at a suitable rest area along the way. These passengers will be dropped off at a roadside rest area before the extra tour starts and picked up from that point after the tour is completed. - For participants in tours including flights, check-in and boarding procedures must be conducted personally by the guests at the relevant airline counters or online on the airline’s websites before the flight. - Tour management is not responsible for individuals who are not present at the airport during the times announced by the tour provider for participation in the tour, who do not perform check-in and boarding processes on time, or for those who do perform these processes on time but do not board the plane. Individuals who miss the flight are responsible for all expenses related to obtaining new round-trip flight tickets and transfers in the destination area. - The tour provider acts as an intermediary between passengers and airlines and is subject to the Hague Protocol of 28.09.1955. There may be delays in scheduled and special flights, or flight times may change before the trip. The tour provider is obliged to inform these changes as soon as possible. Passengers accept the risk of time changes when purchasing the tour. Children aged 0-2 do not have to pay airport taxes and fees. - The types of vehicles used in our tours are classified according to the number of participants. The types of vehicles provided in each of our tours will be determined according to the number of participants listed below. - Our transportation arrangements are classified based on the number of people. The vehicles provided for each of our tours will be as listed below. Our vehicles do not have earphones. In vehicles equipped with TV units, it is recommended to carry an external charger to avoid reducing the battery life of your phone when charging it.