DAY 1: ISTANBUL – PRISHTINA – KALKANDELEN (TETOVA) – OHRID LAKE
We meet at the international departure terminal of Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport
three hours before the flight. After baggage, ticket, and boarding procedures
we embark on our flight to Pristina with Ajet Airlines.
Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable journey in the Balkans, one of
the most authentic regions of Europe? Historical cities, unique natural landscapes,
cultural riches, and delicious Balkan cuisine are waiting for you. Upon our
arrival, we will take a panoramic city tour of Pristina with our vehicle waiting
at Pristina Airport. During our tour, we will first see the Kosova National Library,
notable for its modern and striking architecture. Then, we will visit the elegant
Sultan Murat Mosque and Fatih Mosque from the Ottoman period, and the Clock
Tower near these two mosques, as well as Mother Teresa Square, the main square
of the city, and the modern buildings and sculptures surrounding it.
Afterward, we will head to Ohrid. On the way, we will visit the Kalkandelen
Alaca Mosque adorned with colorful frescoes. After the tour, we will transfer to
our hotel by Ohrid Lake and have free time. Dinner and accommodation at
our hotel.
DAY 2: OHRID – BITOLA (Monastir Atatürk Military Secondary School) – RESNE – SVETI NAUM – OHRID LAKE
After breakfast at the hotel, we will visit the Military Secondary School where
Atatürk graduated, and the Atatürk Museum. Then we will set off to Resne,
one of the most mesmerizing places in Macedonia. In Resne, where Macedonian
and Ottoman histories intersect, we will see Resneli Niyazi Bey's palace, the
Resne Clock Tower, historic houses, and mosques from the Ottoman period.
We will take a photo break at the Resne Palace, which carries traces of the Ottoman
era. After that, we will head to our Sveti Naum tour. The Sveti Naum Monastery
will welcome you with its historical texture, mystical atmosphere, and
breathtaking view. After the tour, we will take a city tour of Ohrid.
In Ohrid, famous for its historical and natural beauties, you will see Ohrid Lake,
one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe, the Church of St. John, located
on a rocky hill and also by the lakeside, Ohrid Fortress, one of the most
important historical structures, and the Historic Ohrid Bazaar, where you can
find rare pearl jewelry, as important spots to visit.
After the tour, we will organize a Balkan Night with dinner. Afterward, we will
return to our hotel in Ohrid. Accommodation at our hotel.
DAY 3: OHRID – TIRANA – SHKODRA
After breakfast at the hotel, we will head to the capital of Albania, Tirana,
via the Elbasan route. During the panoramic city tour, we will visit the most
lively area of the city, Skanderbeg Square, the oldest and most important Ethem
Bey Mosque, and the National Museum of Tirana, which is filled with works
that introduce Albania's history and cultural heritage.
After the tour, we will transfer to our hotel in Shkodra, and have free time to
rest. Dinner and accommodation at our hotel.
DAY 4: SHKODRA – BUDVA – KOTOR – TREBINJE & MEDUGORJE
After breakfast at the hotel, we head towards Budva. On the way, we stop to
take pictures of Sveti Stefan Island from afar. Upon arrival in Budva, we go
for a pleasant walk in the historically integrated Old Town (Stari Grad) area.
As we stroll through the cobblestoned narrow streets and stone houses that
evoke a medieval atmosphere, you will feel as if time has stopped. We will
reach the magnificent Budva Fortress, the center of the city's historical
defense system, where we can enjoy the stunning view of the Adriatic Sea from
the walls of this wonderful structure that combines historical and natural
beauties. We will explore Budva's stunning coastline, its pristine beaches, and
dazzling marina. Afterward, we will set out for Kotor. Kotor, located on the
Adriatic coast of Montenegro, is known for its narrow streets and medieval
walls. In Kotor, we will see the Old Town (Stari Grad), a typical medieval
settlement, the historic St. Tryphon Cathedral built in the 12th century, the
Historical Kotor Fortress, and the central square of Kotor, Weapons Square
(Trg od Oružja). We will also have the opportunity to take great photos with
the stunning view of Kotor Bay. After the tour, we will transfer to our hotel
in Trebinje or Medugorje and have free time to rest. Dinner and accommodation
at our hotel.
DAY 5: POČITELJ – BLAGAJ –
MOSTAR – SARAJEVO
After breakfast at the hotel, we will head to Počitel, a village carrying
traces of the Ottoman Empire. This stone village will welcome you with its
timeless structures and unique atmosphere. Structures such as Hacı Aliya
Mosque and the Clock Tower can be seen here. Next, we will head to Blagaj,
a natural wonder. Blagaj is a significant settlement center dating back to the
Middle Ages. The region became a strategic location during the Ottoman Empire
and was also part of trade. Other historical structures and remnants from
the Ottoman period can still be seen in the streets of the town. Guests who
wish can visit the historical Alperenler Lodge located here.
After our tour, we will proceed to Mostar, one of the most impressive cities
in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Upon arrival, we will visit the most famous stone
bridge from the Ottoman period, the Mostar Bridge. While wandering around
the bridge, you will encounter charming stone houses, traditional shops,
and stunning views of the Neretva River. After that, we will start our
panoramic city tour of the capital, Sarajevo. During this panoramic city tour,
you will see the historical Baščaršija, the beating heart of the city from
the Ottoman period, the Sebil Fountain, one of the most important mosques
in Bosnia, the Gazi Husrev Bey Mosque, and the interesting clock system of
the Clock Tower. The Latin Bridge will attract your interest as it is the site
where the assassination that led to the start of World War I occurred. Morića
Han and the Clock Tower are also among the important structures we will see.
After the tour, we will transfer to our hotel and have free time to rest.
Dinner and accommodation at our hotel.
DAY 6: SARAJEVO – BELGRADE
After breakfast at the hotel, we will head to historical Belgrade, the hometown
of Nicola Tesla and one of the oldest cities in the Balkans. Upon arrival in
Belgrade, we will start our panoramic city tour. At the confluence of the Sava
and Danube rivers, Kalemegdan Park and Fortress, which has been a crucial
defense point throughout Belgrade's history, is one of the best spots to see
the view of the Danube River. During the tour, we will see the Nikola Tesla
Museum from the outside. This science center is dedicated to the life and
inventions of the famous inventor Nikola Tesla. The museum showcases Tesla's
revolutionary inventions in electricity and magnetism.
We will make a brief introduction from the outside and observe the impact
of this important scientist on the world and Serbia's respect towards him.
Additionally, Knez Mihailova, Belgrade's most famous and popular street, and
the Cathedral of St. Sava, one of the largest Orthodox churches in Europe, will
also be among the places we will visit during our tour.
Dinner and accommodation at our hotel.
DAY 7: BELGRADE – MATKA CANYON
– SKOPJE
After breakfast at the hotel, we will set off for Skopje, the capital of
Macedonia, divided by the Vardar River. Once we arrive in Skopje, we will
begin our panoramic city tour. Among the places we will see in the city are:
the Stone Bridge, one of the most symbolic points of our Skopje tour, the
Macedonia Square, the largest square in Skopje adjacent to the Stone Bridge,
the Skopje Fortress built by the Byzantines, and the statue of Alexander the
Great, also the historical Turkish bazaar, Mustafa Pasha Mosque, the Kuršumlija
Han, and the double bath.
Afterwards, we will move to Matka Canyon, one of Macedonia's most stunning
natural beauties. Surrounded by high, steep cliffs, this deep valley hosts
the shimmering Matka Lake. The canyon is known for Vrelo Cave, one of
the deepest underwater caves in Europe, waiting to be explored with its
mysteries. The lush vegetation, endemic butterfly species, and bird songs fill
the nature, providing peace to visitors. The spiritual atmosphere of the ancient
monasteries combined with the untamed beauty of nature makes the canyon
a captivating place for both adventurers and those seeking peace.
After our tour, we will transfer to our hotel in Skopje and have free time.
Dinner and accommodation at our hotel.
DAY 8: SKOPJE – PRISHTINA – ISTANBUL
After breakfast at the hotel, we will check out of the rooms. At the time
indicated by our guide, we will transfer to the airport. After baggage, ticket,
and boarding procedures, we will fly to Istanbul with Ajet Airlines. Our tour
and services end upon our arrival at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport.