DAY 1: ISTANBUL – TIRANA – SHKODRA
Meeting at the Air Albania Airlines counter at Istanbul airport departure terminal 3 hours before our flight. We are departing at 04:20 with Air Albania flight ZB1014 to Tirana, the capital of Albania. After a comfortable and pleasant flight, we arrive in Tirana at 05:00 local time. After the country's entry procedures, we take our private vehicle to Prizren. Upon arrival, we will visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, Halveti Tekkesi, Bayrakli Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Hamam in Prizren, which immediately gives the impression of an Anatolian Ottoman city with its architectural silhouette and the sounds of the call to prayer rising from the minarets. After some free time, we set off for Shkodra. Upon arrival in Shkodra, we will transfer to our hotel. Overnight and dinner at our hotel in Shkodra.
DAY 2: SHKODRA – SVETI STEFAN – BUDVA – KOTOR – MEDJUGORJE
After breakfast, we embark on an unforgettable journey to the enchanting shores of Montenegro. Our first stop is Sveti Stefan, famous for its rich history and breathtaking views. We will enjoy stunning panoramic views of this island from above, ideal for photographing this postcard-like area. Following this, we arrive at Budva, one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Balkans. After a panoramic tour of Budva, we head to Kotor, a captivating city known for its fjords! During our walking tour in this magnificent medieval town, you will feel the historical atmosphere of the narrow streets and the old city as you explore Kotor’s heart. Its unique architecture and sea view will take you on a journey through time. After free time in Kotor, we will head to our hotel in Medjugorje or the surrounding area. After dinner at our hotel, we retreat to our rooms to rest. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 3: MEDJUGORJE – BLAGAJ – MOSTAR – SARAJEVO
After breakfast, we set off for Sarajevo. Our first stop is Blagaj, established at the source of the Buna River, Europe's strongest water source. After a short free time in this stunning natural scenery, we continue our journey to Mostar. In Mostar, we will see the Mostar Bridge, built by Architect Hayreddin in 1557. This bridge, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, was destroyed by Croatian artillery during the war in 1992; however, it was reopened in 2004 with significant contributions from the Republic of Turkey. After the Mostar Bridge, we will visit the Koski Mehmet Pasha Mosque. We will then proceed to Sarajevo. Upon arrival, Sarajevo has been known as the cultural capital of the Balkans for centuries, and it is historically significant as the place where Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary was assassinated in 1914, which sparked World War I. It suffered great damage during the horrific wars between Serbs, Croats, and Bosnians in 1992, yet Sarajevo has managed to preserve much of its beauty. During our panoramic city tour, we will see popular sites including the famous Baščaršija, the historic Ottoman han Morica Han, the Catholic Cathedral reflecting the city’s religious cosmopolitanism, Synagogue, Husein Bey and Ferhadija Mosques, the Latin Bridge where the assassination occurred in 1914, and the Old Library.
DAY 4: SARAJEVO – BELGRADE
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and begin a pleasant journey to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Throughout history, Belgrade has been one of the most significant cultural and strategic centers of the Balkans, and it still attracts attention with its vibrancy, liveliness, and historical texture. Upon our arrival in Belgrade, we will begin a panoramic city tour where we will explore the city’s grandeur. Our first stop is the Old Palace, known for its stunningly carved ceilings and bearing traces of Ottoman history. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere and discover the city's blend of past and present. Next, we will visit the point where the Sava River meets the Danube River, one of the most striking spots in the city. It will be a great pleasure to explore this area, which has historically been a focal point for many conquests and victories. As we continue to discover this ancient city, we will encounter Belgrade Fortress, which was used as a supply base by the Ottoman navy. While tracing the marks of history in this fortress, we will see significant areas such as Kalemegdan Park and the Stone Square. During our tour, we will also 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. Throughout these visits, you will delve deeper into Belgrade's rich history and learn about the cultural heritage from the Ottoman period. Our tour will continue with a visit to the Military Museum, filled with artifacts that shed light on Belgrade's military history and offering a rather impressive experience for visitors. At the end of our tour, we leave behind the city’s history and lively atmosphere as we head to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
DAY 5: BELGRADE – SKOPJE
After breakfast, we head towards Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. Following our arrival, we begin a city tour. Skopje is an important cultural center in the Balkans, known for its Ottoman heritage and modern architecture. Our tour starts with the historic sites in Skopje, the city where the famous Turkish poet Yahya Kemal Beyatlı was born. Our first stop is the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, built in 1492, one of the largest and most magnificent mosques in the city. Next, we visit the Murat Pasha Mosque, constructed in the 15th century, known particularly for its Ottoman-era carvings and architecture. Continuing our tour, we will see Kapan Han and Sulu Han, located in the heart of Skopje. These are beautiful examples of Ottoman-era inns which were important centers for merchants to stay and conduct trade. Then, we visit the Stone Bridge, which has become a symbol of Skopje, constructed in the 15th century and connecting both banks of the Vardar River. Walking across the Stone Bridge, we will continue our tour by visiting the Turkish and Jewish quarters along the riverside. During our riverside walk, we 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. We will later see the Ottoman Bridge from the outside and visit the Davut Pasha Hamam to once again feel the grandeur of the Ottoman period. Continuing, we will walk along the Turkish Bazaar. Before reaching the bazaar, we will see the Clock Tower, built in the 16th century and one of Skopje's iconic structures. Here we will also visit Sultan Murat Mosque, one of the early Ottoman period mosques, and Isa Bey Mosque, both significant parts of the city’s Islamic heritage known for their architecture. Lastly, we will have free time in the Turkish Bazaar, where you can find a variety of products, from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After enjoying some time at the bazaar, we will return to the hotel for dinner. Dinner: An unforgettable dinner awaits you with traditional Balkan music and local dance performances. This special Balkan night gives you the chance to explore the fun and cultural side of Skopje, hosted at one of the region's finest venues, Restaurant Gardenia. The best Balkan music and folklore will be presented live, performed by artists composed entirely of conservatory students and teachers, transforming this night into an authentic experience. We are happy to host you at Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Thank you for your understanding. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.
DAY 6: SKOPJE – TETOVA (KALKANDELEN) – OHRID
After breakfast, we gather our luggage and set off to explore the unique nature and cultural treasures of Macedonia. Our first stop is Tetova (Kalkandelen), one of Macedonia's stunning 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 intricate decorations. As we discover this rare example of Ottoman architecture, we will embark on a journey through the depths of history. After our visit in Tetova, we head towards Ohrid, surrounded by lush mountains and azure lakes. Spectacular views of Macedonia will accompany us along the way. Upon arrival in Ohrid, we will have an informational tour of this historic city that once served as a significant base for the Ottomans in the Balkans. During our tour, we will explore important sites such as the Statue of Saints Cyril and Methodius, believed to have developed the Cyrillic alphabet in the 9th century, the Church of St. Sophia, and the Ancient Theater from Roman times. We will also stroll in the heart of the city at the Chinar Square and have the opportunity to explore the Turkish Bazaar from the Ottoman period. Here you can visit the Halveti Tekke and experience the city's cultural fabric up close. Afterward, we will visit the New Bazaar and Ohrid Market, where you will witness the daily lives of the local people. Lastly, the lake and its magical views will accompany our tour. After the tour, you will have free time before transferring to our hotel. Overnight and dinner at our hotel. After dinner, you can enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of Ohrid in the evening, take a short walk by the lake, or retreat to your rooms to rest.
DAY 7: OHRID – TIRANA
After breakfast, we depart from our hotel and head towards Tirana, the capital of Albania. In this historically and culturally rich city, we are in for an impressive tour that highlights Tirana as the center of Bektashism in Europe. Upon arriving in Tirana, we first visit Ethem Bey Mosque, which commenced construction in 1789 and was completed in 1923, being one of Albania's cultural heritage sites. We briefly stop at Skanderbeg Square, where we see the statue of Skanderbeg rising with pride in the center of the square. The iconic Clock Tower of Tirana, built by Ethem Bey in 1821, is another highlight of our tour. Next, we visit the Peace Bell, a meaningful symbol made from lead melted by the children of Shkodra during the uprising in 1999. During this tour, the modern face of Tirana and its historical past will combine, allowing you to create unforgettable memories. After the tour, we will have some free time and transfer to the airport at the time set by our guide.
DAY 8: TIRANA – ISTANBUL
After check-in, baggage, and passport procedures, we will depart for Istanbul at 00:40 with Air Albania flight ZB1013. We will arrive at Istanbul Airport at 03:20 and thus conclude our tour. We bid farewell to you, our valued guests, hoping to see you again on your next journey.