BIG BALKAN TOUR 6 COUNTRIES VISA-FREE
Day 1: Direct non-stop from Izmir to Sarajevo, Blagaj, Mostar, Konjic, Jablanica, Stolac, Pocitelj, Medjugorje
We meet with the agency staff at Adnan Menderes Airport DOMESTIC Terminal. We complete the necessary check-in and baggage procedures. We fly to SARAJEVO BUTMIR AIRPORT (SJJ) with SUNEXPRESS AIRLINES on flight XQ1115 at 10:35. After our flight, which takes about 1 hour, we land at the airport, collect our luggage, complete customs procedures, and meet our guide. With our vehicle waiting for us in Sarajevo, the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina, we begin our pleasant journey accompanied by the deep blue views of Boračko and Jablanica lakes, where nature shows all its generosity. In Jablanica, we salute from afar the historic Neretva Bridge, immersed in the cool waters of the Neretva with its sad story that has been the subject of films, and we reach Mostar, one of the most magical stops in the Balkans. After a lunch break that will leave a lasting taste on your palate with the famous local Bosnian Meatballs, we take our first step into the historical texture of the city with the Crooked Bridge. Then; we visit the magnificent Mostar Bridge, built in 1567 by Mimar Hayrettin, which, although destroyed in 1993, was reborn from its ashes in 2004 and gave the city its name and spirit. After breathing in the authentic atmosphere of Koski Mehmet Pasha Mosque and the historic Old Jewellers Bazaar, we turn our route to Blagaj, a stop of peace. At the source of the Buna River, one of the clearest tributaries of the Neretva; we discover the Blagaj Tekke and the water spring, one of the most valuable works of the Ottoman and Islamic heritage, where nature and history intertwine (entrance fee is paid by our guests). Leaving this mystical atmosphere, we reach the village of Pocitelj via Stolac, where time has stood still. In this Ottoman village, where we will walk through cobblestone streets; we witness the timeless nobility of mosques, inns, baths, madrasas and mansions. At the end of the day, we proceed to our hotel in the Medjugorje (or surrounding area) region with a peaceful journey. Dinner and accommodation at our hotel.
Day 2: Kotor, Budva, Shkodra
After having breakfast at our hotel, we turn our route to the turquoise waters of the Adriatic and, so to speak, set sail toward the blue. Our stop, where we will collect unforgettable memories, is Montenegro, the shining star of the Balkans. Crossing the magnificent mountain roads and descending to the coast, we are welcomed by Kotor, the fairy-tale city of the Middle Ages, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In this city that resembles an open-air museum; we discover its magnificent walls, the Arms (Army), Flour and St. Triphon squares, the historic Clock Tower, a witness to time, and the historic Karampana fountain. After leaving the enchanting atmosphere of Kotor, we view the popular holiday resort of Budva, the jewel of the Adriatic, panoramically and continue on our way, noting these unique coastal views in our minds. After crossing the border, we enter Albania, another mosaic of cultures, and settle into our hotel in the ancient city of Shkodra. Dinner and accommodation at our hotel.
Day 3: Tirana, St. Naum, Ohrid
After having breakfast at our hotel, we travel through Lezhë and Laç toward the capital Tirana, accompanied by Albania's characteristic landscapes. In this dynamic city, whose foundations were laid by Suleiman Pasha in 1618, we discover the Ministry Buildings bearing traces of Italian architecture, Skanderbeg Square, considered the heart of the city, the elegant Et'hem Bey Mosque, the Clock Tower and the University Building. After our city tour, we continue via Elbasan, cross the Kafasan Border Gate and reach Ohrid, the pearl of North Macedonia. Our first stop is the St. Naum Monastery, where nature and history meet in perfect harmony and where its peaceful atmosphere will captivate you. After our mystical discovery here, we set out on a fascinating boat tour on Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage site (extra), depending on weather conditions. From the lake we salute the "City of Light" Ohrid, Tsar Samuel's Fortress, Tito's House of Guests, and the postcard-perfect St. Jovan Kaneo Church and bay as we approach the pier. Now it is time to discover this charming city on foot... After hearing the stories of the iconic statues on the pier, we walk through the tranquil streets of Ohrid, among the finest examples of Ottoman civil architecture, reminiscent of the houses of Safranbolu, built on the historic Roman Road. Passing by Holy Mother Bolnichka Church, we reach St. Sophia Church, one of the most magnificent structures of the period, then follow the traces of history to the old bazaar. In our free time, after resting under the shade of the centuries-old plane tree and seeing the Halveti Tekke and Ali Pasha Mosque, you will have the opportunity to get souvenirs for yourself and your loved ones from Ohrid's world-famous Pearl, Mother-of-Pearl and Coral jewelry. At the end of the day, we settle into our hotel before bidding farewell to this peaceful city. Dinner and accommodation at our hotel in Ohrid.
Day 4: Ohrid, Resen, Bitola, Tetovo, Skopje
After having breakfast at our hotel, we bid farewell to fairy-tale Ohrid and set off toward Bitola, accompanied by the fragrant views of Resen's endless apple orchards. We start the day with a visit to the Military High School where the Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk studied, which carries deep meaning for Turkish history. Then we take a pleasant walk along Şirok Street, the heart of the city, and breathe in the atmosphere of Bitola by seeing the New Mosque, Ishak Bey Mosque and the Clock Tower that defies centuries. Continuing our route, we stop in Kalkandelen (Tetovo) to visit the colorful mosque, considered one of the most exquisite works in world art history and mesmerizing with its elegance. After witnessing the dance of colors and patterns, we head to Skopje, the capital and cultural mosaic of Macedonia. We begin exploring this ancient city, nourished by the Vardar River, from Old Skopje. By seeing Ottoman heritage structures such as the Skopje Fortress, Mustafa Pasha Mosque, Kurshumli Han, Double Bath, Murat Pasha Mosque and Kapan Han, we use free time for shopping in the Old Bazaar, where the pulse of history beats. We continue our tour by crossing the legendary Stone Bridge and stepping into New Skopje, the modern face of the city. We embark on a journey through time among the gigantic statues of Alexander the Great and Philip II, the monuments of Dame Gruev, Goce Delchev, Cyril and Methodius, Justinian and Tsar Samuel, and the magnificent Triumph Arch. After examining the latest examples of neoclassical architecture, we crown our tour by visiting the Memorial House of Mother Teresa, who was born in this city in 1910. We end the day at a traditional Macedonian Restaurant, where Balkan tunes echo. After pleasant moments filled with music and local flavors, we head to our hotel to rest. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.
Day 5: Skopje, Kosovo (Pristina - Prizren), Matka Canyon, Skopje
After having breakfast at our hotel, we bid farewell to Macedonia for a short while and enter friendly and brotherly Kosovo. Our first stop is the capital, Pristina, the cultural center of the country with its youthful energy and deep-rooted educational tradition. Here, we open the sad and dignified pages of history by visiting the Tomb of Sultan Murad I Hüdavendigâr, the Ottoman ruler who was martyred after the 1389 Battle of Kosovo. Then we head to Prizren, the most beautiful piece of "one of our own" in the Balkans. In Prizren, whose architecture, echoing call to prayer from its minarets and Turkish expressions on shop signs welcome you with the warmth of an Anatolian city; we take a delicious lunch break where we will taste the famous Kosovan meatballs. After lunch, we discover the city’s landmarks: Sinan Pasha Mosque, Church of the Virgin Mary, Mehmet Pasha Mosque and Bath; and immortalize our memories on the historic Stone Bridge accompanied by the murmur of the White Drin. After these unforgettable moments in Kosovo, we cross back into North Macedonia and head toward the natural wonder Matka Canyon. In this canyon, which boasts a beauty so striking that it makes one say, "There is paradise on earth!", we capture in our souls the unique scenery created by steep cliffs and emerald-green waters. After this peaceful visit in the heart of nature, we return to our hotel in Skopje to rest after the day’s fatigue. Dinner and accommodation at our hotel in Skopje.
Day 6: Skopje, Belgrade
After having breakfast at our hotel, we follow the route of Kumanovo, Vranje, Leskovac, Niš and Smederevska to reach Belgrade, Serbia's "White City". We begin our tour by visiting St. Sava Cathedral, one of the most magnificent structures of the Serbian Orthodox world, crowning the city skyline. During our panoramic city tour that follows, we see the wide boulevards, the imposing Belgrade skyscrapers, the Government buildings, the Parliament building, and the General Staff and Police Headquarters buildings bombed by NATO, a recent witness to history. Passing Nikola Pašić and Terazije squares, where the heart of the city beats, we reach Republic Square, where the Knez Mihailo Monument, symbolizing the handover of the city by the Ottomans in 1867, is located. Getting off our vehicle at University Square, we immerse ourselves in the cultural atmosphere of Knez Mihailova Street to feel the spirit of Belgrade and its vibrant city life. After the enjoyable free time we have here, we begin our Kalemegdan tour, one of the most strategic points in history. Inside the fortress; we discover precious structures such as the Monument of Gratitude to France, the Fisherman Statue, Roman-era walls, the Karađorđe and Istanbul Gates, the Tomb of Damat Ali Pasha, the Victor Monument and the Sokollu Mehmed Pasha Fountain. While witnessing the magnificent embrace of the Danube and Sava rivers, which inspired songs and marches, we crown the panoramic view stretching from the Gazela, Ada, Branko and Pančevo bridges to War Island with a captivating boat tour (extra) that we will do with our guests who wish. At the end of the day, we take Belgrade's energy with us, settle into our hotel and have our dinner. Accommodation at our hotel in Belgrade.
Day 7: Belgrade, Novi Sad, Sarajevo
After having breakfast at our hotel, we begin our return journey to Sarajevo, where our tour started and which has a special place in our hearts. First, we head to Novi Sad, the capital of Serbia's Vojvodina Province. Our first stop here will be Petrovaradin Fortress. From the fortress, which we will explore with a short walk, we enjoy a magnificent view of Novi Sad. Then we move to the center of Novi Sad. During the walk we will take in the city where Albert Einstein also lived for a while, Republic Square, the Statue of Svetozar Miletić, the Catholic Cathedral, the Orthodox Cathedral of St. George, St. Nicholas Church and the Synagogue will be seen panoramically. After our tour and free time, we head to Sarajevo. On this long but scenic journey, we first cross Serbia's vast plains, then begin climbing toward the mountains accompanied by the unique views of the Sava and Drina rivers. Crossing forest roads reminiscent of the enchanting green of the Eastern Black Sea, we reach Sarajevo toward evening via the routes of Šabac, Loznica, Zvornik, Vlasenica and Sokolac. Upon arrival in the city, we begin our walking tour to discover Sarajevo's historic core. Our first stop is the historic Latin Bridge, which witnessed the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand and sparked the First World War. Then we discover the soul of the city, the Baščaršija Mosque, and the Gazi Husrev Pasha Complex, the most magnificent Ottoman legacy in the region (madrasa, clock tower, mosque, bedesten, bathhouse and Morića Han). We complete our city tour with visits to the Cathedral and the Bloody Market, where we feel the deep traces in the fabric of the city. We crown this cultural feast with Sarajevo's mouthwatering flavors; we do not miss tasting the famous Bosnian burek, fragrant Bosnian coffee and the light dessert known as trileçe. For dinner, we enjoy the delicious Bosnian meatballs, which have become a symbol of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and head to our hotel to rest. Overnight at our hotel in Sarajevo.
Day 8: Sarajevo, Vrelo Bosne, Izmir
After having breakfast at our hotel, we set off to crown our journey in the Balkans with a fairy-tale finale. We visit Vrelo Bosne National Park, the largest and greenest natural wonder of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a beauty so striking that it makes one say, "We found paradise on earth" (entrance fee is paid by our guests). In this magnificent park, nourished by the crystal-clear spring of the Bosnia River at the majestic foothills of the Igman Mountains, we take a pleasant morning walk where we will listen to the tranquil rhythm of nature. With this final discovery accompanied by birdsong, centuries-old trees and the murmur of the river, we end our tour with peaceful memories that will not fade from our minds. Then we enter the airport. With SUNEXPRESS AIRLINES flight XQ827 at 12:30, we land at Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport at local time 15:20.