8 Days 7 Nights Grand Balkans Tour Departing from Safranbolu, Karabük
Skopje / Pristina / Prizren / Bitola / Resen / Ohrid / Tirana / Shkodra / Medjugorje / Počitelj / Blagaj / Mostar / Sarajevo / Belgrade
Day 1: Safranbolu / Karabük / Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport / Skopje
Departure at 5:00 AM from Safranbolu Ata Merkez and 5:30 AM from Şelale Büfe opposite the Karabük Terminal. We arrive at the departures area of Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport around 11:00 AM. Our flight, AJet VF263, departs at 2:00 PM for Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia.
After a 3-hour flight, we arrive at 13:30 local time. After completing check-in procedures, we depart from the airport by bus to explore the historical and cultural treasures of Macedonia. Our first stop is Tetova (Kalkandelen), one of Macedonia's dazzling 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 exterior decorations. As we explore this rare example of Ottoman architecture, we will embark on a journey deep into history. After visiting Tetova, we will travel to Ohrid, accompanied by lush green mountains and azure lakes. The breathtaking landscapes of Macedonia will accompany us along the way. Upon arrival in Ohrid, we will join a tour introducing this historic city, one of the important Ottoman bases in the Balkans. During our tour, we will see important structures such as the Monument to Saints Cyril and Methodius, 9th-century Byzantine monks believed to have developed the Cyrillic alphabet, and the Hagia Sophia Church. We will also have the opportunity to stroll through Plane Tree Square, the heart of the city, and explore the old Ottoman-era Turkish Bazaar. Here you can visit the Halveti Tekke and experience the city's cultural fabric up close. Afterwards, we will visit the New Bazaar and Ohrid Market to witness the daily life of the locals. Finally, Ohrid's famous lake and its captivating views will accompany our tour. Following the tour, free time and transfer to our hotel. Overnight stay and dinner at the hotel. After dinner, you can enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of Ohrid in the quiet of the night, take a short walk along the lake shore, or retire to your rooms to relax.
Skopje – Tetovo (Kalkandelen): 43 km | Tetova (Kalkandelen) – Ohrid: 130 km
Total distance covered: 173 km
Day 2
Ohrid - Resen - Bitola – Ohrid
After breakfast, we begin our tour of Resen and Bitola (Manastir), famous for their magnificent nature and rich history. Our first stop is Resen, where we will see the panoramic view of the Resenli Niyazi Bey Palace, a significant figure who left his mark on Balkan history.
Resen offers a captivating atmosphere with both its nature and Ottoman-era remnants. After a short break and free time here, we set off towards Bitola, once one of the most important cultural and commercial centers of the Ottoman Empire.
Upon arriving in Bitola, we will visit the Military High School where our great leader Atatürk received his education, and the Atatürk Museum. In this magical city, we will also explore historical structures from the Ottoman period such as the Turkish Bazaar, the Bedesten, the Ishak Pasha Mosque, and the New Mosque. While experiencing the historical texture of Bitola, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy a pleasant walk through the city's nostalgic streets. After all these rich cultural stops, we return to Ohrid. Overnight stay and dinner at our hotel in Ohrid. Resen Tour
Ohrid – Resen: 34 km | Resen – Bitola: 31 km | Bitola – Ohrid: 69 km
Total distance covered: 134 km
Day 3
Ohrid – Tirana – Shkodra
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and set off for Tirana, the capital of Albania. In this beautiful city rich in history and culture, an impressive tour awaits us, where we will explore Tirana, considered the center of Bektashism in Europe. Upon arrival in Tirana, we will visit the Ethem Bey Mosque, one of the city's most important landmarks. This structure, begun in 1789 and completed in 1923, is one of Albania's cultural heritage sites. We will take a short break at Skanderbeg Square and see the Skanderbeg Statue proudly rising in the middle of the square. The Clock Tower, built by Ethem Bey in 1821 and a symbol of Tirana, is also one of the highlights of our tour. During this tour, Tirana's modern face and historical past will come together, allowing you to create unforgettable memories. After free time, we will set off towards the historical city of Shkodra in northern Albania. Shkodra will enchant you with its natural beauty and rich historical texture. Overnight stay and dinner at our hotel.
Ohrid – Tirana: 135 km | Tirana – Shkodra: 100 km
Total distance covered: 235 km
Day 4
Shkodra – Prizren - Pristina - Skopje
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head towards Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. Upon arrival in Pristina, we begin our panoramic city tour, exploring the modern and historical aspects of Kosovo. During our tour, we will visit many valuable structures from the Ottoman period. We will see the Fatih Sultan Mehmed Mosque and the 18th-century Yaşar Pasha Mosque. During this tour covering the city's historical heritage, we will have the opportunity to visit the tomb of Ottoman Sultan Murad I, who was killed on the Kosovo Plain in 1389 during the Battle of Kosovo, and commemorate this important historical event and his place in Ottoman history. After our tour of Pristina, we set off towards Prizren, known as the cultural capital of Kosovo. Upon arrival, we begin exploring the narrow streets of Prizren, with its architecture reminiscent of Anatolian Ottoman cities and shop signs filled with Turkish inscriptions. In Prizren, we will visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the most important examples of Ottoman architecture. Other significant Ottoman structures to see include the Halveti Tekke, the Bayraklı Mosque, and the Mehmet Pasha Hammam. After some free time in Prizren, we will begin our return journey to Skopje. Upon arrival in Skopje, our first stop will be the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, built in 1492 and one of the largest and most magnificent mosques in the city. Next, we will visit the Murat Pasha Mosque, built in the 15th century. This mosque is particularly noteworthy for its Ottoman-era decorations and architecture. Continuing our tour, we will see Kapan Han and Sulu Han, located in the heart of Skopje. These structures, beautiful examples of Ottoman-era caravanserais, were once important centers where merchants stayed and traded. Afterwards, we will visit the Stone Bridge, which has become a symbol of Skopje. Built in the 15th century, this bridge connects the two banks of the Vardar River. We will continue our tour by crossing the Stone Bridge and seeing the Turkish and Jewish quarters along the Vardar River. During our walk along the riverbank, we will pass Macedonia Square. This square, surrounded by modern buildings, is the largest and most central point of Skopje. Here we will see the statue of Alexander the Great and other monuments. Afterwards, we will see the 15th-century Ottoman Bridge from the outside and visit the Davut Pasha Hammam, feeling the splendor of the Ottoman era once again. We will continue exploring the city on foot towards Skopje's Turkish Bazaar. Before reaching the bazaar, we will see the Clock Tower, built in the 16th century and one of the symbolic structures of Skopje. Here, we will visit the Sultan Murat Mosque and the Isa Bey Mosque, among the first mosques of the Ottoman Empire. The mosques are an important part of the city's Islamic heritage and are notable for their architecture. Finally, we will give you free time in the Turkish Bazaar. In this bazaar, you can find many products ranging from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After enjoying a pleasant time in the bazaar, transfer to Gardenia Restaurant for Balkan Night. Then transfer to our hotel and rooms. Overnight stay at our hotel in Skopje.
Dinner: An unforgettable dinner awaits you with traditional Balkan music and regional dance performances. Experience the fun and cultural side of Skopje with this special Balkan night, hosted at Gardenia Restaurant, one of the region's most distinguished venues. We will transform this evening into an authentic experience with the best Balkan music and folklore performances, performed without playback by our artists who are conservatory students and teachers. We will be happy to welcome you to our own venue, Gardenia Restaurant Skopje. Thank you for your understanding. Overnight stay at our hotel in Skopje.
Pristina Tour INCLUDED! | Prizren Tour INCLUDED! | Balkan Night INCLUDED!
Shkodra – Prizren: 186 km | Prizren – Pristina: 85 km | Pristina – Skopje: 165 km
Total distance covered: 436 km
Day 5
Skopje – Belgrade
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and begin a pleasant journey to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Belgrade, one of the most important cultural and development centers of the Balkans throughout history, continues to attract attention today with its vibrancy, dynamism, and historical texture. In this fascinating city, we will experience the intersection of Ottoman and European cultures. Upon arrival in Belgrade, a panoramic city tour begins, where we will discover the full power of the city. Our tour starts with the Old Palace, known for its magnificent carved ceilings and traces of the Ottoman period. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere and discover the texture that brings together Belgrade's past and present. Afterwards, we will visit one of the most impressive points of the city, where the Sava River meets the Danube River. This magnificent view, which has been the focal point of many conquests and victories throughout history, will be a place you will greatly enjoy leaving behind. Continuing our exploration of this ancient city, where Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror was wounded but ultimately conquered by Suleiman the Magnificent, you will encounter Belgrade Fortress, which served as a supply center for the Ottoman navy. Following the historical traces within this fortress, you will continue to important points such as Fortress Square and Stone Square. During our tour, we will visit the tomb of Şehit Ali Pasha, an important figure of the Ottoman period. During this visit, you will discover Belgrade's rich development and learn about the city's cultural heritage from the Ottoman era. At the end of our tour, we return to our hotel, leaving behind the city's historical and vibrant atmosphere. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel. Skopje – Belgrade: 430 km
Day 6
Belgrade – Sarajevo
After breakfast, we depart for Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Upon arrival, we will tour Sarajevo, the cultural capital of the Balkans. Shaped over centuries, this city reached its climax in 1914 with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by Serbs, an event that triggered the start of World War I. Although it suffered significant destruction during the 1992 war between Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks, it has largely retained its beauty. Our panoramic city tour will include the famous Baščaršija (Old Bazaar), the historic Ottoman caravanserai Morica Han, the Catholic cathedral that changed the city's religiously cosmopolitan character, the synagogue, the Husrev-bey and Ferhadiye mosques, the Latin Bridge (where the assassination of Franz Ferdinand began in 1914), the Old Library, and Western-style buildings dating from the city's 40-year period under Austro-Hungarian rule. Following the tour, we will transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel. Belgrade - Sarajevo: 294 km
Day 7
Sarajevo – Pocitelj – Blagaj – Mostar – Sarajevo
After breakfast, we depart from Sarajevo. Our first stop will be Mostar, famous for its historical, cultural, and architectural richness. Here, we will find the Mostar Bridge, built in 1557 by architect Hayreddin, among others, and considered one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture. This bridge was destroyed during the war in 1992, but was rebuilt in its original form in 2004 with significant contributions from the Republic of Turkey and has become a symbol of Mostar today. Around this bridge, which elegantly connects the two banks of the Neretva River, we will have the opportunity to explore the historical bazaar and stone streets. After exploring the enchanting atmosphere of Mostar, we will visit the Koski Mehmet Pasha Mosque, one of the most important religious buildings in the city. Here, we can enjoy both the details of Ottoman architecture and the magnificent view of the Mostar Bridge from the mosque's courtyard. Afterwards, we move on to Blagaj, known for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. Blagaj is an impressive settlement where history and nature intertwine, located at the source of the Buna River, one of Europe's most powerful water sources. After a short free time here, we go to Pocitelj, with its stone houses and historical past. In Pocitelj, known as the Turkish Village, which has largely preserved its historical character, you will have the opportunity to see the structures built by the Ottomans in the 16th century and experience the atmosphere of the region. After our tour, transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Pocitelj Tour Included! | Blagaj Tour Included! | Mostar Tour Included!
Sarajevo - Mostar: 120 km | Mostar - Blagaj: 12 km | Blagaj – Pocitelj: 22 km | Pocitelj - Sarajevo: 150 km
Total distance covered: 304 km
Day 8
Sarajevo - Istanbul
After breakfast, we check out of our rooms and have free time until departure time for the transfer to Sarajevo Airport, as determined by our guide. At the appointed time, we gather at the airport and after boarding procedures, our flight begins.
