Splendid Bosnia’s Cultural Treasures 3 Nights – With Turkish Airlines on November 15 (Special November Midterm Break)

Meeting at the Turkish Airlines international departures counter at Istanbul Airport 3 hours before the flight.  Following passport and check-in procedures, departure for Sarajevo at 14:50 on Turkish Airlines’ scheduled flight TK1021. After our arrival at 14:40 local time, we will proceed to Sarajevo city center with our vehicle waiting at the airport. The capital and largest city of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo is also a highly important center in the Balkans.  The city is the meeting point of Roman Catholics in the west, Eastern Orthodox Christians in the east, and Ottoman peoples in the south. While it has been an example of the clash of civilizations throughout history, it is also a beacon of hope for peace with its multiculturalism and tolerance. In this city, also known for its religious diversity, Muslims, Christians of different denominations, and Jews have lived together for centuries. Having reflected its broad historical diversity in its architecture as well, the city at some points almost resembles a Central European city, while just a few streets away it is possible to encounter the influences of Ottoman or Soviet-style socialist modernism. After our arrival in the city center, during our walking city tour, we will see Vijecnica (Central Library), built as a municipal building during the Austro-Hungarian Empire but used today as the national library; Inat Kuca, with its surprising story; the Bosna River; the Latin Bridge, which has survived from the Ottoman period; and the site where the Austro-Hungarian archduke was shot, sparking the First World War. We will then proceed to Baščaršija, the historic center of Sarajevo, famous for its narrow cobbled streets dating from the Ottoman period, traditional bazaar, and historic mosques. In this area, it is possible to hear the call to prayer while passing by a church or synagogue. Baščaršija Sebilj and Pigeon Square, the historic clock tower, the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, and Morića Han, the only Ottoman inn from the Ottoman period preserved to the present day, are among the places we will see in the Baščaršija area. We will end our tour by also seeing the Eternal Flame (Vječna Vatra), dedicated to the military and civilian casualties who liberated Sarajevo during the Second World War.  The monument consists of tiles bearing inscriptions in the colors of the former Yugoslav flag (blue, white, and red), and contains a copper bowl in the form of a laurel wreath with an open flame that is always burning inside. Free time after our tour. Transfer to our hotel at the time indicated by our guide. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we depart from the hotel for the Magnificent Bosnian Heritage (Počitelj & Blagaj & Mostar) tour. First, we will visit Počitelj, known as the Turkish Village and preserved with all its historical fabric along our route, where we will see the buildings constructed during the Ottoman Period in the 16th century and Počitelj Fortress. Our next stop will be Blagaj. In this historic town, we will see the Blagaj Tekke, built as a dervish lodge during the Ottoman Period on the banks of the Buna River and surrounded by high cliffs. You may have lunch during the free time to be given on the banks of the Buna River. After the break, we will arrive in Mostar after a short journey. During our walking tour of the city, which was established around the Neretva River, we will first see the Mostar Bridge. A masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, the bridge is the symbol of the city. Although it was destroyed in the clashes that took place toward the end of 1992, it was rebuilt in 2004 with significant contributions from the Republic of Türkiye. The Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque is also among the places to be seen on our tour. Free time after the tour. Transfer to our hotel at the time specified by our guide. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we depart from the hotel for the Natural and Historical Splendor of Travnik tour. The city is known as the “City of Viziers” because it was the hometown of many viziers during the Ottoman Empire, and it captivates visitors with its historical texture, narrow streets dating back to the Ottoman period, fountains, and stone houses. During our tour, the Suleymaniye Mosque (Alaca Mosque) and Travnik Fortress, which is highly significant in both Ottoman and Bosnian history, are among the places to be visited. Free time after our tour. Transfer to our hotel at the time specified by our guide. Overnight at the hotel.

Free time after breakfast at our hotel in the morning. Later, transfer to the airport at the time determined by the guide. After baggage and ticket procedures, departure for Istanbul at 15:30 on Turkish Airlines flight TK1022. Arrival at 19:30 local time and the end of our tour.