Balkan Tour Starting from Skopje 6N/7D

Day 1: SKOPJE

We depart from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport on an AJET scheduled flight to Skopje. Upon arrival at the specified time (local time), we are greeted by our BALKAN TOUR guide and transferred to Skopje city center. We begin our Skopje city tour, which will captivate us with its historical atmosphere, starting at the Ottoman Turkish Bazaar. During our tour, we visit the Jewelers’ Street, Skopje Fortress, Vardar River, the 16th-century Stone Bridge, Turkish and Jewish neighborhoods, Davut Pasha Complex, Mustafa Pasha Mosque, Sultan Murat Mosque, Isa Bey Mosque, Double Hammam, Sulu Han, Kapan Han, Kursunlu Han, the Clock Tower, Skopje Square, and the massive statue of Alexander the Great, unveiled in 2011, which sparked political controversy with Greece, along with the statues of Samuel and Cyril and Methodius. After our walking tour, we have free time. At the time designated by our guide, we have dinner and stay overnight at our hotel in Skopje.

Day 2: SKOPJE - PRISTINA - PRIZREN

After breakfast at 7:00 AM, we depart from the hotel at 8:00 AM and head to Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. In this city, which has played pivotal roles throughout Ottoman history, we visit the tomb of Sultan Murad I Hüdavendigar, where his internal organs were buried after he was martyred in the 1389 Battle of Kosovo. Next to the tomb, we also visit the Selamlik building, now a museum, where we see photographs from the 1911 visit of Ottoman Sultan Mehmed V Reshad to the Balkans. After the tomb visit, we head toward Prizren, stopping along the way at the square where, in 1989, Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic gave a speech marking the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Kosovo and where he first used the phrase “Greater Serbia,” which contributed to the downfall of Yugoslavia. After a 90-minute drive, we arrive in Prizren, Kosovo's second-largest city, which hosts numerous Ottoman landmarks. During our guided walking tour, we visit Halveti Tekke, Gazi Mehmet Pasha Hamam, the open-air prayer site (Namazgah) where Sultan Mehmed II prayed with his army, Bayrakli Mosque, the Marash district and bridge, a 400-year-old sycamore tree, Emin Pasha Mosque, the Turkish Consulate in Prizren, the Stone Bridge over the Bistrica River, Shadervan Square, Sinan Pasha Mosque, St. George and Catholic Churches, the minaret of Arasta Mosque (the mosque was destroyed during the Yugoslav era), and the Serbian neighborhood that still bears the scars of war. After free time to enjoy this charming city, we return to our hotel in Skopje, where we have dinner and stay overnight.

Day 3: SKOPJE - TETOVO (KALKANDELEN)

After breakfast at 7:00 AM, we depart from the hotel at 8:00 AM and travel to Tetovo (Kalkandelen), a picturesque town an hour from Skopje, built during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent. Our first stop is Harabati Baba Tekke, which was a Bektaşi center during its time. Here, we learn about the tekke from its 20-year caretaker Cemali and Bektaşi dervish Abdulmuttalip. Next, we visit the Alaca Mosque, built in 1833 by Abdurrahman Pasha, known for its interior and exterior decorations created with paint made from animal blood, plant roots, and egg whites in a rare Baroque style for Ottoman structures. We then proceed to Ohrid. Upon arrival in Ohrid, one of the key Ottoman centers in the Balkans, we tour the historic city, visiting landmarks such as the 1,100-year-old sycamore tree, Zeynel Abidin Pasha Tekke, Ali Pasha Mosque, Ohrid Bazaar, St. Clement statue, streets reminiscent of Safranbolu, a shop demonstrating papermaking techniques from 2nd-century China, Hagia Sophia Church, and the Ancient Theater. We conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at our hotel.

Day 4: OHRID - STRUGA - ELBASAN

After breakfast at 7:00 AM, we depart from the hotel at 8:00 AM. Our first stop is Struga, a town on the western shore of Lake Ohrid, predominantly inhabited by Muslims. We see the Black Drin River, which originates from Lake Ohrid, and learn about Struga from our guide. We then proceed to Albania, crossing the Kafasan border. Along the way, we see mushroom-shaped concrete bunkers built by dictator Enver Hoxha between 1945 and 1985, estimated to number around 300,000. Our first stop in Albania is Elbasan, where we pass through the city and take a break at the Elbasan Fortress. We explore the surrounding Turkish streets and visit the Hünkar Mosque before heading to Tirana, the capital of Albania since 1920, founded by Suleyman Pasha in 1614. During a panoramic bus tour of Tirana, we see the Turkish and U.S. embassies, the under-construction Namazgah Mosque, funded by Turkey's Religious Foundation, the statue of Suleyman Pasha, Skanderbeg Square, the Ethem Bey Mosque, the Clock Tower, the National Museum, the University, the Opera and Ballet Building, the Skanderbeg Monument, and government and ministry buildings. After Tirana, we travel to Shkodra, a city on the banks of Shkodra Lake, which borders Montenegro. Known for its strategic importance during 435 years of Ottoman rule, we visit its fortress, walls, and city center before heading to Podgorica, Montenegro, where we have dinner and spend the night.

Day 5: PODGORICA - KOTOR - MOSTAR

After breakfast at 7:00 AM, we depart at 8:00 AM for a panoramic tour of Podgorica, visiting the Presidential Palace, Millennium Bridge, a city park built by Azerbaijan, and the King Nikola Monument. Next, we head to the medieval city of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During our guided tour, we visit Weapon Square, the Clock Tower, Pillar of Shame, St. Tryphon Cathedral, Artisan Street, Tulumba Fountains, River Gate, and St. Luke Square. After some free time, we continue to Bosnia and Herzegovina, passing through Trebinje, Ljubinje, and Stolac before arriving in Mostar. After dinner, we check into our hotel for the night.

Day 6: MOSTAR - BLAGAJ - JABLANICA

After breakfast at 7:00 AM, we depart at 8:00 AM for a tour of Mostar, visiting the Martyrs’ Mosque and its cemetery, Mostar Bazaar, Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, the Turkish Consulate in Mostar, the iconic Stari Most (Mostar Bridge), Tara Tower, Kriva Cuprija (the Crooked Bridge), and the Tabakhane Mosque and Hammam. We then proceed to Blagaj to visit the Alperen Tekke by the Buna River, home to the tombs of Sarı Saltuk and Ali Pasha. After free time at the tekke, we head to Jablanica, known for its lamb dishes and the site of Josip Broz Tito’s battle against the Nazis during World War II. We see the destroyed bridge from that battle and then travel to Konjic, where we visit an Ottoman bridge restored by Turkey, the Broken Minaret Mosque, and a small restored bazaar. Finally, we proceed to Sarajevo for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 7: SARAJEVO

After breakfast, we check out of our hotel at 8:00 AM and head to Baščaršija (Old Bazaar), passing buildings bearing the scars of war, the first electric tram line in Europe, Tito-era Yugoslav army buildings, the second-largest U.S. Embassy, the Sarajevo City Museum, and the Parliament Building. Our first stop is the Martyrs’ Cemetery, where Bosnia’s first president Alija Izetbegovic is buried. After learning about his life, we continue to Baščaršija for a walking tour, visiting landmarks such as the Sebilj Fountain, the Copper Smiths’ Street, Gazi Husrev Bey Mosque and Library, the Latin Bridge, and the Vjecnica Library. After our tour, we transfer to Sarajevo Airport for our flight back to Istanbul, marking the end of our Balkan journey with hopes of seeing you on another BALKAN TOUR adventure.

Day 2: SKOPJE - PRISTINA - PRIZREN

After breakfast at 7:00 AM, we depart from the hotel at 8:00 AM and head to Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. In this city, which has played pivotal roles throughout Ottoman history, we visit the tomb of Sultan Murad I Hüdavendigar, where his internal organs were buried after he was martyred in the 1389 Battle of Kosovo. Next to the tomb, we also visit the Selamlik building, now a museum, where we see photographs from the 1911 visit of Ottoman Sultan Mehmed V Reshad to the Balkans. After the tomb visit, we head toward Prizren, stopping along the way at the square where, in 1989, Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic gave a speech marking the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Kosovo and where he first used the phrase “Greater Serbia,” which contributed to the downfall of Yugoslavia. After a 90-minute drive, we arrive in Prizren, Kosovo's second-largest city, which hosts numerous Ottoman landmarks. During our guided walking tour, we visit Halveti Tekke, Gazi Mehmet Pasha Hamam, the open-air prayer site (Namazgah) where Sultan Mehmed II prayed with his army, Bayrakli Mosque, the Marash district and bridge, a 400-year-old sycamore tree, Emin Pasha Mosque, the Turkish Consulate in Prizren, the Stone Bridge over the Bistrica River, Shadervan Square, Sinan Pasha Mosque, St. George and Catholic Churches, the minaret of Arasta Mosque (the mosque was destroyed during the Yugoslav era), and the Serbian neighborhood that still bears the scars of war. After free time to enjoy this charming city, we return to our hotel in Skopje, where we have dinner and stay overnight.

Day 3: SKOPJE - TETOVO (KALKANDELEN)

After breakfast at 7:00 AM, we depart from the hotel at 8:00 AM and travel to Tetovo (Kalkandelen), a picturesque town an hour from Skopje, built during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent. Our first stop is Harabati Baba Tekke, which was a Bektaşi center during its time. Here, we learn about the tekke from its 20-year caretaker Cemali and Bektaşi dervish Abdulmuttalip. Next, we visit the Alaca Mosque, built in 1833 by Abdurrahman Pasha, known for its interior and exterior decorations created with paint made from animal blood, plant roots, and egg whites in a rare Baroque style for Ottoman structures. We then proceed to Ohrid. Upon arrival in Ohrid, one of the key Ottoman centers in the Balkans, we tour the historic city, visiting landmarks such as the 1,100-year-old sycamore tree, Zeynel Abidin Pasha Tekke, Ali Pasha Mosque, Ohrid Bazaar, St. Clement statue, streets reminiscent of Safranbolu, a shop demonstrating papermaking techniques from 2nd-century China, Hagia Sophia Church, and the Ancient Theater. We conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at our hotel.

Day 4: OHRID - STRUGA - ELBASAN

After breakfast at 7:00 AM, we depart from the hotel at 8:00 AM. Our first stop is Struga, a town on the western shore of Lake Ohrid, predominantly inhabited by Muslims. We see the Black Drin River, which originates from Lake Ohrid, and learn about Struga from our guide. We then proceed to Albania, crossing the Kafasan border. Along the way, we see mushroom-shaped concrete bunkers built by dictator Enver Hoxha between 1945 and 1985, estimated to number around 300,000. Our first stop in Albania is Elbasan, where we pass through the city and take a break at the Elbasan Fortress. We explore the surrounding Turkish streets and visit the Hünkar Mosque before heading to Tirana, the capital of Albania since 1920, founded by Suleyman Pasha in 1614. During a panoramic bus tour of Tirana, we see the Turkish and U.S. embassies, the under-construction Namazgah Mosque, funded by Turkey's Religious Foundation, the statue of Suleyman Pasha, Skanderbeg Square, the Ethem Bey Mosque, the Clock Tower, the National Museum, the University, the Opera and Ballet Building, the Skanderbeg Monument, and government and ministry buildings. After Tirana, we travel to Shkodra, a city on the banks of Shkodra Lake, which borders Montenegro. Known for its strategic importance during 435 years of Ottoman rule, we visit its fortress, walls, and city center before heading to Podgorica, Montenegro, where we have dinner and spend the night.

Day 5: PODGORICA - KOTOR - MOSTAR

After breakfast at 7:00 AM, we depart at 8:00 AM for a panoramic tour of Podgorica, visiting the Presidential Palace, Millennium Bridge, a city park built by Azerbaijan, and the King Nikola Monument. Next, we head to the medieval city of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During our guided tour, we visit Weapon Square, the Clock Tower, Pillar of Shame, St. Tryphon Cathedral, Artisan Street, Tulumba Fountains, River Gate, and St. Luke Square. After some free time, we continue to Bosnia and Herzegovina, passing through Trebinje, Ljubinje, and Stolac before arriving in Mostar. After dinner, we check into our hotel for the night.

Day 6: MOSTAR - BLAGAJ - JABLANICA

After breakfast at 7:00 AM, we depart at 8:00 AM for a tour of Mostar, visiting the Martyrs’ Mosque and its cemetery, Mostar Bazaar, Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, the Turkish Consulate in Mostar, the iconic Stari Most (Mostar Bridge), Tara Tower, Kriva Cuprija (the Crooked Bridge), and the Tabakhane Mosque and Hammam. We then proceed to Blagaj to visit the Alperen Tekke by the Buna River, home to the tombs of Sarı Saltuk and Ali Pasha. After free time at the tekke, we head to Jablanica, known for its lamb dishes and the site of Josip Broz Tito’s battle against the Nazis during World War II. We see the destroyed bridge from that battle and then travel to Konjic, where we visit an Ottoman bridge restored by Turkey, the Broken Minaret Mosque, and a small restored bazaar. Finally, we proceed to Sarajevo for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 7: SARAJEVO

After breakfast, we check out of our hotel at 8:00 AM and head to Baščaršija (Old Bazaar), passing buildings bearing the scars of war, the first electric tram line in Europe, Tito-era Yugoslav army buildings, the second-largest U.S. Embassy, the Sarajevo City Museum, and the Parliament Building. Our first stop is the Martyrs’ Cemetery, where Bosnia’s first president Alija Izetbegovic is buried. After learning about his life, we continue to Baščaršija for a walking tour, visiting landmarks such as the Sebilj Fountain, the Copper Smiths’ Street, Gazi Husrev Bey Mosque and Library, the Latin Bridge, and the Vjecnica Library. After our tour, we transfer to Sarajevo Airport for our flight back to Istanbul, marking the end of our Balkan journey with hopes of seeing you on another BALKAN TOUR adventure.