2025 Exclusive Balkan Tour 7N/8D

Day 1: TIVAT - KOTOR - BUDVA

We depart for Tivat, Montenegro, on Turkish Airlines flight TK 1095 at 07:30. Upon arrival in Tivat at 08:15 local time, we complete passport, baggage, and customs formalities before proceeding to Kotor in our private buses. Our first stop is the picturesque Bay of Kotor, known for its historical and natural beauty. Following panoramic views, we reach the charming village of Perast, often called the "Little Venice." Here, we photograph medieval palaces, churches, and the islands of St. George and "Our Lady of the Rocks." We then visit the medieval town of Kotor and take a walking tour of Stari Grad (Old Town-Fortress), exploring its unique charm. Afterward, we head to Budva for a prayer break. Later, we photograph the stunning St. Stefan Island from a panoramic viewpoint. Continuing through the towns of Bar and Ulcinj, we arrive in Shkodër, Albania. After checking into our hotel, we overnight in Shkodër.

Day 2: SHKODËR - TIRANA - BERAT - ELBASAN

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Tirana, the capital of Albania. During our panoramic city tour, we explore this city, which was developed by Süleyman Pasha in 1614 and declared the capital of Albania in 1920. Among the highlights are the Ethem Bey Mosque, Clock Tower, National Museum, Opera and Ballet Building, Parliament and Prime Minister’s offices, Presidential Palace, Tirana University Square, and Skanderbeg Square. After free time for lunch and prayers in the city center, we head to Berat, known as Albania’s "museum city." In Berat, we view the castle atop the city and take a walking tour of its historic sites, including the Lead Mosque, Halveti Tekke, the historic Gorica Bridge, and the Muslim and Christian quarters. After free time for lunch, shopping, and prayers, we proceed to Elbasan. Here, we visit the Elbasan Castle and its surroundings before continuing along the Shkumbin Valley to Ohrid, North Macedonia. After checking into our hotel in Ohrid, we stay overnight.

Day 3: OHRID - SVETI NAUM - MATKA CANYON

Following breakfast, we visit Sveti Naum, where the Ohrid Lake originates. After a scenic one-hour journey, we arrive at Sveti Naum to explore this beautiful source and enjoy a nostalgic boat ride on the spring waters. After free time here, we return to Ohrid for a city tour. During the tour, we visit sites such as the 17th-century Halveti Tekke, Ohrid’s iconic plane tree, Turkish Bazaar, Ali Pasha Mosque, Ohrid Port, Quarantine Church, traditional Turkish and Horasan houses, abbaras (covered passages), the ancient Egnatia Road, Heraclea Lyncestis, Clock Tower, St. Dimitri Church, St. Sophia Church, and Samuel’s Fortress. After free time for shopping in Ohrid’s bazaar, we continue through Mavrovo National Park to Tetovo (Kalkandelen). Here, we visit the Harabati Baba Tekke and Alaca Mosque before proceeding to Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. After checking into our hotel, we overnight in Skopje.

Day 4: SKOPJE - KOSOVO

After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our city tour of Skopje, the birthplace of Yahya Kemal Beyatlı. During the panoramic tour, we see the Old Railway Station, the Memorial House of Mother Teresa, Stone Bridge, Fortress Walls, and the Old Town and Bazaar from the Ottoman era. Notable Ottoman architectural masterpieces such as Mustafa Pasha Mosque, Sultan Murad Mosque, Gazi Isa Bey Mosque, Davud Pasha Hammam, and Kapan, Sulu, and Kurşunlu Inns are among the sites visited. After the tour, we travel to Kosovo, one of the world's youngest countries, with a majority Muslim Albanian population. We explore the historical and emotional significance of these lands, starting with a panoramic view of Pristina, followed by a visit to the Tomb of Sultan Murad I. Next, we arrive in Prizren, one of the most charming cities in the Balkans. Here, we see the 17th-century Turkish Hammam, Sinan Pasha Mosque (built in 1615), Prizren Fortress, the historic plane tree, Bayrakli Mosque, Shadërvan Square, Orthodox Church, and Christ the Savior Church. After the tour, we return to Skopje for an overnight stay.

Day 5: MATKA CANYON - BELGRADE

After breakfast, we visit Matka Canyon, known for its stunning natural beauty. After a walk along the canyon, we enjoy a motorized boat tour on the reservoir, taking in the breathtaking scenery. This boat tour is included in the package. Following the visit, we head to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Along the way, we stop for lunch and prayers at a suitable rest area. Upon arrival in Belgrade, we start our panoramic city tour, which includes St. Sava Cathedral, Slavija Square, bombed military buildings, the Parliament Building, the Old Royal Palace, the Presidential Palace, Moscow Hotel, Terazije Square, Republic Square, National Museum, and Opera House. Next, we take a walking tour with our guide to visit Student Square, Knez Mihailova Street, Kalemegdan Fortress, Military Museum, Istanbul Gate, Clock Tower, Damat Ali Pasha’s Tomb, Dungeon Gate, Leopold Gate, Sokollu Mehmet Pasha Fountain, and Stefan Lazarevic Monument. We also visit the Bayrakli Mosque, the only active Turkish mosque in Belgrade, before ending the tour. After free time in the city center, we transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 6: BELGRADE - SREBRENICA

Following breakfast, we embark on a unique one-hour boat tour on the Sava and Danube rivers. Organized by our company, this tour is included in the package. We’ll see the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers and War Island up close. After this experience, we travel to Sarajevo, passing through Serbian and Bosniak villages to reach the Bosnian border. After completing customs and passport formalities, we enter the Serbian canton of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Our first stop is **Srebrenica**, the site of the tragic events of July 11, 1995. Here, we visit the camp and cemetery where innocent Bosniak people were held and honor their memory. After a stop for lunch and prayers, we cross the Drina Alps and travel through mountain pastures to reach Sarajevo. Overnight stay in Sarajevo.

Day 7: SARAJEVO - KONJIC - MOSTAR

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and travel to Mostar. Along the approximately 2.5-hour journey, we stop at several points of interest. The first stop is the famous Konjic (Konyitz) Bridge, an Ottoman relic restored by Turkey. We admire and photograph the bridge and the Neretva River. Next, we stop in Jablanica to see the Partisan-destroyed Nazi train and learn about its history from our guide during a tea or coffee break. Continuing along the Neretva River, we enjoy panoramic views before arriving in Mostar. During the walking tour of Mostar, we visit the Mostar Bridge, designed by Mimar Hayreddin in 1557, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. The bridge, destroyed by Croatian artillery in 1992, was restored with Turkey’s significant contributions and reopened in 2004. We also visit Koska Mehmet Pasha Mosque, Little Mostar Bridge, Tannery Mosque, and Hammam. After the tour, we visit Počitelj, the last Ottoman border village from the 15th century. Afterward, we proceed to Blagaj to visit the site of Sarı Saltuk. On our way back to Sarajevo, we stop in Jablanica for a meal of roasted lamb or trout at a local restaurant with a view of the Neretva River. Following the meal, we continue to Sarajevo. Overnight stay in Sarajevo.

Day 8: SARAJEVO

After breakfast, we visit Vrelo Bosna National Park to see the source of the Bosna River. We take a relaxing walk along the trails and capture beautiful photographs. After free time, we continue to Sarajevo’s Old Bazaar, Baščaršija. During the panoramic tour, we explore the historical and cultural richness of Sarajevo, often called the “Jerusalem of Europe.” We see buildings damaged during the Bosnian War, Austro-Hungarian structures from the 19th century, and the Latin Bridge, where Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s assassination sparked World War I. We also visit the At Mejdan Square and Fatih Mosque, built in honor of Sultan Mehmed II. After stopping near the National Library, we begin a walking tour. Our first stop is the Kovaci Cemetery, where Aliya Izetbegovic, the first president of an independent Bosnia, rests. We then explore Baščaršija, including the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, Madrasa, and Bezistan, as well as the city’s symbol, Sebil Fountain, Morica Han, and more. We also visit the Catholic Cathedral, Orthodox Churches, and Jewish Synagogue. After free time for shopping and prayers, we regroup and transfer to Sarajevo Airport for Turkish Airlines flight TK 1026, departing at 14:25 or 20:45, to Istanbul. This concludes our tour.

Day 2: SHKODËR - TIRANA - BERAT - ELBASAN

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Tirana, the capital of Albania. During our panoramic city tour, we explore this city, which was developed by Süleyman Pasha in 1614 and declared the capital of Albania in 1920. Among the highlights are the Ethem Bey Mosque, Clock Tower, National Museum, Opera and Ballet Building, Parliament and Prime Minister’s offices, Presidential Palace, Tirana University Square, and Skanderbeg Square. After free time for lunch and prayers in the city center, we head to Berat, known as Albania’s "museum city." In Berat, we view the castle atop the city and take a walking tour of its historic sites, including the Lead Mosque, Halveti Tekke, the historic Gorica Bridge, and the Muslim and Christian quarters. After free time for lunch, shopping, and prayers, we proceed to Elbasan. Here, we visit the Elbasan Castle and its surroundings before continuing along the Shkumbin Valley to Ohrid, North Macedonia. After checking into our hotel in Ohrid, we stay overnight.

Day 3: OHRID - SVETI NAUM - MATKA CANYON

Following breakfast, we visit Sveti Naum, where the Ohrid Lake originates. After a scenic one-hour journey, we arrive at Sveti Naum to explore this beautiful source and enjoy a nostalgic boat ride on the spring waters. After free time here, we return to Ohrid for a city tour. During the tour, we visit sites such as the 17th-century Halveti Tekke, Ohrid’s iconic plane tree, Turkish Bazaar, Ali Pasha Mosque, Ohrid Port, Quarantine Church, traditional Turkish and Horasan houses, abbaras (covered passages), the ancient Egnatia Road, Heraclea Lyncestis, Clock Tower, St. Dimitri Church, St. Sophia Church, and Samuel’s Fortress. After free time for shopping in Ohrid’s bazaar, we continue through Mavrovo National Park to Tetovo (Kalkandelen). Here, we visit the Harabati Baba Tekke and Alaca Mosque before proceeding to Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. After checking into our hotel, we overnight in Skopje.

Day 4: SKOPJE - KOSOVO

After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our city tour of Skopje, the birthplace of Yahya Kemal Beyatlı. During the panoramic tour, we see the Old Railway Station, the Memorial House of Mother Teresa, Stone Bridge, Fortress Walls, and the Old Town and Bazaar from the Ottoman era. Notable Ottoman architectural masterpieces such as Mustafa Pasha Mosque, Sultan Murad Mosque, Gazi Isa Bey Mosque, Davud Pasha Hammam, and Kapan, Sulu, and Kurşunlu Inns are among the sites visited. After the tour, we travel to Kosovo, one of the world's youngest countries, with a majority Muslim Albanian population. We explore the historical and emotional significance of these lands, starting with a panoramic view of Pristina, followed by a visit to the Tomb of Sultan Murad I. Next, we arrive in Prizren, one of the most charming cities in the Balkans. Here, we see the 17th-century Turkish Hammam, Sinan Pasha Mosque (built in 1615), Prizren Fortress, the historic plane tree, Bayrakli Mosque, Shadërvan Square, Orthodox Church, and Christ the Savior Church. After the tour, we return to Skopje for an overnight stay.

Day 5: MATKA CANYON - BELGRADE

After breakfast, we visit Matka Canyon, known for its stunning natural beauty. After a walk along the canyon, we enjoy a motorized boat tour on the reservoir, taking in the breathtaking scenery. This boat tour is included in the package. Following the visit, we head to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Along the way, we stop for lunch and prayers at a suitable rest area. Upon arrival in Belgrade, we start our panoramic city tour, which includes St. Sava Cathedral, Slavija Square, bombed military buildings, the Parliament Building, the Old Royal Palace, the Presidential Palace, Moscow Hotel, Terazije Square, Republic Square, National Museum, and Opera House. Next, we take a walking tour with our guide to visit Student Square, Knez Mihailova Street, Kalemegdan Fortress, Military Museum, Istanbul Gate, Clock Tower, Damat Ali Pasha’s Tomb, Dungeon Gate, Leopold Gate, Sokollu Mehmet Pasha Fountain, and Stefan Lazarevic Monument. We also visit the Bayrakli Mosque, the only active Turkish mosque in Belgrade, before ending the tour. After free time in the city center, we transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 6: BELGRADE - SREBRENICA

Following breakfast, we embark on a unique one-hour boat tour on the Sava and Danube rivers. Organized by our company, this tour is included in the package. We’ll see the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers and War Island up close. After this experience, we travel to Sarajevo, passing through Serbian and Bosniak villages to reach the Bosnian border. After completing customs and passport formalities, we enter the Serbian canton of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Our first stop is **Srebrenica**, the site of the tragic events of July 11, 1995. Here, we visit the camp and cemetery where innocent Bosniak people were held and honor their memory. After a stop for lunch and prayers, we cross the Drina Alps and travel through mountain pastures to reach Sarajevo. Overnight stay in Sarajevo.

Day 7: SARAJEVO - KONJIC - MOSTAR

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and travel to Mostar. Along the approximately 2.5-hour journey, we stop at several points of interest. The first stop is the famous Konjic (Konyitz) Bridge, an Ottoman relic restored by Turkey. We admire and photograph the bridge and the Neretva River. Next, we stop in Jablanica to see the Partisan-destroyed Nazi train and learn about its history from our guide during a tea or coffee break. Continuing along the Neretva River, we enjoy panoramic views before arriving in Mostar. During the walking tour of Mostar, we visit the Mostar Bridge, designed by Mimar Hayreddin in 1557, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. The bridge, destroyed by Croatian artillery in 1992, was restored with Turkey’s significant contributions and reopened in 2004. We also visit Koska Mehmet Pasha Mosque, Little Mostar Bridge, Tannery Mosque, and Hammam. After the tour, we visit Počitelj, the last Ottoman border village from the 15th century. Afterward, we proceed to Blagaj to visit the site of Sarı Saltuk. On our way back to Sarajevo, we stop in Jablanica for a meal of roasted lamb or trout at a local restaurant with a view of the Neretva River. Following the meal, we continue to Sarajevo. Overnight stay in Sarajevo.

Day 8: SARAJEVO

After breakfast, we visit Vrelo Bosna National Park to see the source of the Bosna River. We take a relaxing walk along the trails and capture beautiful photographs. After free time, we continue to Sarajevo’s Old Bazaar, Baščaršija. During the panoramic tour, we explore the historical and cultural richness of Sarajevo, often called the “Jerusalem of Europe.” We see buildings damaged during the Bosnian War, Austro-Hungarian structures from the 19th century, and the Latin Bridge, where Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s assassination sparked World War I. We also visit the At Mejdan Square and Fatih Mosque, built in honor of Sultan Mehmed II. After stopping near the National Library, we begin a walking tour. Our first stop is the Kovaci Cemetery, where Aliya Izetbegovic, the first president of an independent Bosnia, rests. We then explore Baščaršija, including the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, Madrasa, and Bezistan, as well as the city’s symbol, Sebil Fountain, Morica Han, and more. We also visit the Catholic Cathedral, Orthodox Churches, and Jewish Synagogue. After free time for shopping and prayers, we regroup and transfer to Sarajevo Airport for Turkish Airlines flight TK 1026, departing at 14:25 or 20:45, to Istanbul. This concludes our tour.