Grand Balkans Tour 6N/7D

Grand Balkans Tour 6N/7D

Description

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MONTENEGRO – ALBANIA – NORTH MACEDONIA – KOSOVO

Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure in the Balkans? Join us on this epic journey and discover the best of the Balkans. Enjoy every moment of this enchanting trip, from the lively streets of Sarajevo to the breathtaking views of the Bay of Kotor. Indulge in Balkan cuisine, explore the Ottoman-era bazaars of Tirana, and experience a grand celebration while discovering the iconic Mostar Bridge. Create lasting memories and seize the opportunity to meet fellow travelers who, like you, seek to enrich their journeys with spiritual values. The package includes round-trip airfare from Istanbul with Turkish Airlines, all activities, breakfasts, dinners, accommodations, private transfers, and expert guiding services. Explore the rich history, magnificent nature, and warm hospitality of the Balkans in this 6-day tour. Reserve your spot now, and let the adventure begin!

Accommodation: In double or triple rooms at 4* High Standard Hotels

Departure: Istanbul Airport - Sarajevo Airport - Turkish Airlines

Return: Sarajevo Airport - Istanbul Airport - Turkish Airlines

*You can contact us via WhatsApp to get detailed information using this link.

*All Muslim Friendly Tours Powered by Salam Booking - Certificated Travel Agency(TURSAB) #15093

Day 1: ISTANBUL – PRISTINA – PRIZREN

Halveti Tekke, Gazi Mehmet Pasha Hammam, Namazgah where Fatih Sultan Mehmed prayed with his army, Bayraklı Mosque, Maraş district and Maraş Bridge, 400-year-old large plane tree, Emin Pasha Mosque, TC Prizren Consulate building, Stone Bridge on Bistrica (Akdere), Şadırvan Square, Sinan Pasha Mosque, Aziz Gorgi and Catholic Churches, Arasta Mosque Minaret, which survived despite the mosque being demolished during the Yugoslav era, Serbian neighborhood still showing the destructive effects of the war.

Day 2: PRIZREN – SKOPJE – MATKA CANYON

Mustafa Pasha Mosque, Goldsmiths Street, Arasta Mosque, Stone Bridge, Turkish and Jewish Quarters, Davut Pasha Hammam, Double Hammam, Murat Pasha Mosque, Sulu Inn, Kapan Inn, Kurşunlu Inn, the enormous Alexander the Great Statue that caused the name crisis with Greece in 2011, the statue of Alexander the Great's father, 2nd Philip, Vardar River, Macedonia Archaeological Museum and Archive Building, National Theater Building, Museum of Resistance, sculptures of saints Cyril and Methodius, who invented the Cyrillic alphabet, 17th-century Saint Spas Church, Mother Teresa monument, and Teresa Museum, the Old Train Station building that survived in its collapsed state since the 1963 earthquake.

Day 3: SKOPJE – KALKADELEN – OHRID

Ancient plane tree, Zeynel Abidin Pasha Tekke (Halveti Tekke), Ali Pasha Mosque, Ohrid Bazaar famous for City Square and Pearl Shops, Ohrid Market Square, Statue of St. Clement, Shop where paper-making technique applied in China in the 2nd century BC can be seen, St. Sophia Church, Ancient Theater.

Day 4: OHRID - STRUGA – ELBASAN – TIRANA – SHKODRA – PODGORICA (or overnight in Shkodra)

Republic of Turkey Embassy, 4-domed Namazgah Mosque construction financed by the Presidency of Religious Affairs, Statue of Tiran's founder Suleyman Pasha, Tirana City Square, Ethem Bey Mosque, Clock Tower, National Museum, University Building, Opera and Ballet Building, Skanderbeg Monument, Parliament and Ministry Buildings, Presidential Palace.

Day 5: PODGORICA (or Shkodra) – ST STEFAN – BUDVA – KOTOR – MOSTAR

Presidency, city park built by Azerbaijan, Millennium Bridge, Statue of King Nikola, Budva Castle, fortress built by Napoleon, Inner castle, shops preserved in their original state since the Middle Ages, Catholic Church, Orthodox Church, Marina Arms Square, Clock Tower, Pillar of Shame, Saint Tryphon Cathedral, Craftsmen's Street, Fountain Gates, River Gate, Saint Luke Square.

Day 6: MOSTAR – BLAGAJ – JABLANICA – KONJIC – SARAJEVO

Mostar Bazaar, Koski Mehmet Pasha Mosque, Mostar Bridge, Tara Tower, Kriva Cuprija (Crooked Bridge), Tabakhane Mosque and Hammam.

Day 7: WAR TUNNEL – SARAJEVO – ISTANBUL

Sebil built with Bosnian architecture from the 18th century, the only active art street that has survived from the Ottoman era, 'Bakircilar Sokak', Charshi Mosque, Morica Han with the local of the Young Muslims organization inside, Gazi Husrev Bey Mosque and Tomb, Clock Tower, Kurshunlu Madrasa, Gazi Husrev Bey Museum and Library, Latin Bridge known as the starting point of World War I, Hünkar Mosque built in the name of Fatih Sultan Mehmet, Horse Square - Archery Square, Orthodox Church, Alija Izetbegovic Park, Ferhadiye Mosque, Ferhadiye Street, Jewish Synagogue, Catholic Church – Cathedral – Church of the Heart of Jesus, Sarajevo Roses (Points where more than one person lost their lives with a bomb during the war).

Pricing:

Single Room Per Person Price: €1,258

Double Room Per Person Price: €1,017

Triple Room Per Person Price: €1,017

Child (0-2 years): €180

Child (2-6 years): €600

Child (6-12 years): €650

Connection Fee: €135

*We are with you with our highest quality, affordable, comprehensive tour programs. Moreover, you don't have to deal with extra expenses! We look forward to seeing you on our next journey.

Visiting

PRISTINA - PRIZREN
PRISTINA - PRIZREN

Day 1: ISTANBUL – PRISTINA – PRIZREN

Depart from Istanbul on a scheduled flight with Turkish Airlines. Arrive in Pristina, the capital of Kosovo, which declared independence unilaterally from Serbia, recognized by many states, including Turkey. Visit the tomb of Ottoman Sultan Murad Hüdavendigar, who fell as a martyr during the Kosovo War in 1389. Explore the adjacent Selamlık building, used as a museum, and see the visit photos of Ottoman Sultan Reşad's visit to the Balkans in 1911. Continue towards Prizren, the second-largest city in Kosovo, known for its Ottoman heritage. Check-in at the hotel, rest, and then embark on a city tour. Places to visit during the walking tour include Halveti Tekke, Gazi Mehmet Pasha Hamam, Namazgah where Mehmed the Conqueror prayed with his army, Bayraklı Mosque, and more. After the tour, return to the hotel in Prizren for an overnight stay.

SKOPJE - MATKA CANYON
SKOPJE - MATKA CANYON

Day 2: SKOPJE - MATKA CANYON

We start with breakfast at the hotel and then check out at 08:00 AM to head towards Skopje, the capital of Macedonia, which is 100 KM away from Prizren. Upon arrival, we ascend Mount Vodno, situated on the outskirts of Skopje, to enjoy a panoramic view of the city, reminding visitors of the Bursa Çekirge road. Next, we visit the natural wonder of Matka Canyon. Depending on the day and crowd (especially on weekends or public holidays), the guide might adjust the schedule. Here, guests have the option to join a boat tour and enjoy a coffee. After exploring Matka Canyon, we continue to Skopje Castle and start our walking tour near the bus drop-off point, beginning at the Skopje Old Bazaar, known in Turkish as the Skopje Türk Çarşısı. This bazaar has maintained its original state from the time it was under the rule of the Ottoman Empire for over 500 years. Highlights of the tour include Mustafa Pasha Mosque, the Goldsmiths Street, Arasta Mosque, the iconic Stone Bridge over the Vardar River, Turkish and Jewish Quarters, Daut Pasha Hammam, Double Hammam, Murat Pasha Mosque, Sulu Han, Kapan Han, Kurşunlu Han, and the controversial statues of Alexander the Great and his father Philip II, which sparked a naming dispute with Greece in 2011. Additional sights include the Vardar River, the Museum of Macedonia, National Theatre, statues of Saints Cyril and Methodius, the 17th-century Church of St. Spas, a monument and museum dedicated to Mother Teresa, and the Old Train Station preserved in its post-1963 earthquake state. After the walking tour, guests have free time before regrouping for dinner at a local restaurant and overnight stay in Skopje. Guests can also explore the city's beautifully illuminated sights at night.

TETOVO - OHRID
TETOVO - OHRID

Day 3: TETOVO - OHRID

We depart Skopje at 08:00 AM after breakfast, heading to Tetovo to visit the Harabati Baba Tekke and the colorfully decorated Alaca Mosque. Next, we journey to Ohrid, exploring landmarks like the 11th-century plane tree, historical mosques, the bustling Ohrid Market, and the ancient theatre. The day wraps up with a scenic dinner in Ohrid before our overnight stay.

STRUGA - ELBASAN - TIRANA - SHKODËR - PODGORICA
STRUGA - ELBASAN - TIRANA - SHKODËR - PODGORICA

Day 4: OHRID - STRUGA - ELBASAN - TIRANA - SHKODËR - PODGORICA

After departing from Ohrid, we visit Struga, a lakeside town known for its Muslim heritage. We then cross into Albania, observing Enver Hoxha's bunkers, and stop in Elbasan to explore its historical castle. Moving on to Tirana, we see landmarks like the Namazgah Mosque and the statue of Suleiman Pasha. Our journey continues to Shkodër, a city rich in Ottoman history, before concluding the day with dinner in Podgorica, Montenegro, where we'll stay overnight, unless staying in Shkodër, which omits the Podgorica visit.

OHRID – KALKANDELEN – SKOPJE
OHRID – KALKANDELEN – SKOPJE

Day 5: OHRID – KALKANDELEN – SKOPJE

Begins with breakfast and departure from Podgorica/Shkodër at 07:00 AM for a panoramic city tour, including the Presidential Building, a city park funded by Azerbaijan, the Millennium Bridge, the King Nikola Statue, and the Tirana city square. We then head to the coast, stopping at St. Stefan Island for a photo opportunity before moving on to Budva for a walking tour. Highlights in Budva include the Medieval Castle, a fortress built by Napoleon, preserved shops within the castle, Catholic and Orthodox Churches, and the marina. After some free time for shopping in Budva, we proceed to the UNESCO-protected medieval town of Kotor, where a local guide shows us the Arms Square, Clock Tower, Pillar of Shame, Saint Tryphon Cathedral, Crafts Street, public wells, River Gate, and Saint Luke's square. Following Kotor, we journey to Bosnia and Herzegovina, passing through Trebinje, Ljubinje, and Stolac, to reach Mostar. The day ends with dinner at a local restaurant and an overnight stay in Mostar.

MOSTAR – BLAGAJ – JABLANICA – KONJİC
MOSTAR – BLAGAJ – JABLANICA – KONJİC

Day 6: SKOPJE – PRISTINA – PRIZREN – SKOPJE

After breakfast at 07:00 AM and departing the hotel at 08:00 AM, we begin our tour of Mostar, visiting the iconic Mostar Market, Koski Mehmet Pasha Mosque, and the restored Old Bridge (Stari Most) designed by Mimar Hayrettin, a student of Mimar Sinan, and the Tara Tower now serving as a museum. We also see the Crooked Bridge (Kriva Cuprija) and the Tanners' Mosque. Next, we head to the Blagaj Tekke, a Dervish monastery beside the Buna river spring, observing the military area used during Yugoslavia as an aircraft shelter. In Jablanica, we explore the site of a significant WWII battle led by Tito and continue to Konjic, known for its Ottoman bridge and historical market. Our final stop is Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, where we conclude the day with dinner at a local restaurant and overnight stay.

SARAJEVO – ISTANBUL
SARAJEVO – ISTANBUL

Day 7: SARAJEVO – ISTANBUL

After breakfast and checking out of our hotel at 08:00 AM, we start by visiting the War Tunnel under Sarajevo Airport, a crucial site during the Siege of Sarajevo, offering a poignant glimpse into the city's resilience with a 15-minute video and photo gallery. We then embark on a tour of Sarajevo, exploring the Baščaršija area, witnessing remnants of the Ottoman era, and enjoying the city's iconic Sebilj Fountain. Highlights of our walking tour include the 18th-century Sebilj, the vibrant Bakırcılar Street (Coppersmith Street), various historical mosques and churches, and sites commemorating significant events and figures in Sarajevo's history. Our tour concludes with an opportunity for guests to savor traditional Bosnian coffee at the famous historical café near Sebilj. After exploring Sarajevo's rich history and culture, we head to the airport for our flight back to Istanbul, marking the end of our Balkan journey.

Guide languages

Türkçe

Meeting point

Istanbul Airport
Day 1: Pristina
Day 2: Pristina, Skopje
Day 3: Skopje, Tetovo, Skopje, Ohrid
Day 4: Ohrid, Elbasan, Tirana, Podgorica
Day 5: Podgorica, Budva (Svetti Stefan), Kotor, Mostar
Day 6: Mostar, Blagaj, Jablanica, Konjic, Sarajevo
Day 7: Sarajevo, Pristina
  • Istanbul round-trip flight ticket
  • Scheduled tours and visits as specified in the program
  • Airport welcome and departure & return transfers
  • Accommodation in double & triple rooms in 4* and 5* hotels
  • Open buffet breakfasts
  • 6 dinners at local restaurants (Drinks during meals are not included in the price)
  • Luxury bus and professional driver services throughout the tour
  • Professional guidance
  • City taxes
  • Inter-country transit taxes
  • Local guidance in Budva and Kotor cities
  • Footstep fee in Kotor
  • Entrance fee to Blagaj Tekke
  • Personal expenses
  • Beverages during dinners and breaks
  • Hotel extras
  • Lunches
  • Museum entrances (OHRID BOAT TOUR)
  • Travel insurance – Should be obtained before leaving Turkey
  • International exit fee – Paid at the airport or at Ziraat Bank
  • Tours and transfers not specified in the program
  • Connection Fly Fee: 135€

Important Information

Dear guests, thank you for choosing Salam Booking for your holiday. We look forward to providing you with a memorable and fulfilling travel experience. We would like to provide you with some useful information during the program.


Prayer Times: Please don't forget to bring your prayer rug and slippers on every tour. Depending on the region, there may not always be a mosque or prayer facility available at all times. Your guide will direct you to the nearest place to pray.

Tickets: Your tickets are electronic, and you will receive your boarding pass from the airline attendant at the counter by providing your name. For international flights, you need to be at the airport at least 3 hours before departure time, and for domestic flights, you need to be there 2 hours before.

Passports and Other Documents: Participants who are unable to obtain their passports will receive them from our staff at the airport. Those who did not send their passports to our company must bring their passports and identification with them and check the passport's expiration date.

Cancellation & Refund Policy: The entire service fee must be paid at the time of registration.

If the customer cancels the service up to 30 days before the service, taxes, fees, etc. that must be paid, except for costs arising from legal obligations, will be refunded in full (100%).

If the customer cancels the service less than 30 days before the service, taxes, fees, etc. that must be paid, 50% of the price paid, excluding costs arising from legal obligations, will be refunded to the customer.

If the customer cancels the service less than 15 days before the service, no refund will be made.

If a refund fee must be paid, it will be refunded to the customer in the same manner in which they paid.

If the agency unjustly terminates the contract, the agency will return all payments made by the customer to the customer within 14 days.

Health: You may not find every medication or equivalent in Turkey, so make sure you bring your prescription medications with you. Additionally, we recommend that you visit http://www.seyahatsagligi.gov.tr/ for more information.

During the Journey: We kindly request that you pay attention to your group leader's departure times to minimize time loss during your journey. As with any trip, we recommend that you store valuable items and money in the hotel safe. In the unfortunate event of damage, loss, etc. to personal belongings, please inform your group leader immediately. Smoking is not permitted on any flight. Please check your luggage tags after each flight. Public phone booths are available in cities to make phone calls with a phone card. We recommend that you take the hotel's business card when checking in.

I’m a solo female traveller – can I join this trip too? We typically get at least a couple of solo female travellers on each trip and you can count on us to make your experience feel as if you’re travelling with friends.

What about salaat? We factor in salaat times as part of the itinerary so you never have to worry about missing a prayer when travelling with us.

I can’t make the dates but I really want to experience with you, can you help? Sure! Bring at least 9 other friends/family members and we can recreate the same experience on dates that work for you. Fill in the booking form with your request and leave the rest to us!

How much spending money should I bring? You’ll only really need money for souvenirs, meals outside of those included above and any tips you many wish to give your guides and driver. Everything else – transport, tickets for experiences and historical suites, tours, main meals are covered by us.

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