1st Day | Istanbul – Pristina – (Prizren) – Skopje
Meeting at the designated counter in Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport International Departure Terminal 3 hours prior to your flight. After ticket, baggage, and passport procedures, we will depart for Pristina with Pegasus Airlines flight PC341 at 08:15. Arrival in Pristina at 08:50.
After completing passport, baggage, and customs procedures, we begin our panoramic city tour in Pristina, the capital of Kosovo, which is home to a predominantly Muslim Albanian population and one of the youngest states in the world. An emotionally charged day awaits us in these former Ottoman lands that bear the scars of recent humanitarian dramas. The places to be seen from a panoramic view include; Pristina Bazaar, the Bazaar Mosque built by Sultan II. Bayezid in the 15th century, and the Clock Tower built in the 19th century. Free time after the tour.
Guests who wish can participate in the optional Prizren Tour. After the tour, we will depart for Skopje. Overnight stay at our hotel in Skopje.
Optional Tour: Prizren Tour Per Person: 45 EUR
In this tour, we reach Prizren, known as one of the most elegant and authentic cities in Kosovo, with a short bus ride. Prizren showcases the most beautiful reflections of Ottoman architecture in the Balkans. With its stone streets, mosques, bridges, and mountain views, it resembles an open-air museum. During the panoramic tour, we will see the 17th-century Ottoman Turkish Bath, the Sinan Pasha Mosque built in 1615, and the Prizren Fortress, which is located at a dominant position in the city and draws attention with its unique view. During our walk through the streets of Prizren, which largely preserves its historical texture, we will have the opportunity to take unforgettable photos in the presence of stone bridges, traditional houses, and structures from the Ottoman period.
After the tour, there will be free time in Prizren Bazaar. During this time, you can experience Kosovan cuisine in local cafes, buy souvenirs, and enjoy this charming Balkan city, followed by free time to explore this charming town. After free time in Prizren, we continue our journey to Skopje as part of our program.
After having breakfast at the hotel, we start our panoramic city tour of Skopje. In this city, divided by the Vardar River, we will first visit the Makedonian side, famous for its statues. After viewing the Giant Alexander Statue, we cross the Historical Stone Bridge to reach Skopje Turkish Bazaar, where the David Pasha Bath, Kapan Han, and Murat Pasha Mosque are among the places to be visited. After the tour, there will be free time for shopping in the Turkish Bazaar. Şuşka pepper, Ustrumca peanuts, and traditional shoes are among the products that can be purchased. Guests who wish can participate in the optional Tetovo (Kalkanelen) – Matka Canyon Tour. After the tour, we will depart for Ohrid. Overnight stay at our hotel in Ohrid.
Optional Tour: Tetovo (Kalkanelen) – Matka Canyon Tour Per Person: 35 EUR
In this tour, we will have the opportunity to discover both the natural beauties and the Ottoman heritage of Macedonia, starting with Matka Canyon, one of the most impressive landscapes in the Balkans. During a pleasant walk along the high cliffs of the canyon, we will feel the peaceful atmosphere offered by nature and have the opportunity to take unforgettable photos. Guests, who wish, will join a boat tour through the depths of the canyon to closely explore Matka’s unique natural formations. After visiting Matka Canyon, we will head to the city of Tetovo, known in history as Kalkanelen. One of the most important stops on our tour, Alaca Mosque, is famous for its unique calligraphy decorations and colorful exterior, and this structure mesmerizes its visitors.
After visiting Alaca Mosque, we will explore the medrese located within the complex and then have a short free time in the center of Tetovo. After the tour, we will continue our journey to Ohrid in line with the program.
3rd Day | Ohrid – (St. Naum – Resne – Bitola)After having breakfast at the hotel, we start our city tour of Ohrid. This historic city, located on the shores of Ohrid Lake, will feature panoramic views of Halveti Tekke, the Plane Tree, the Turkish Bazaar, Ali Pasha Mosque, Ohrid Harbor, Quarantine Church, Turkish and Horasan Houses, Abbaras, the Ancient Via Egnatia Road, Hagia Sophia Church, and Samuel Fortress. After the tour, there will be free time in Ohrid Bazaar. During this time, you will have the opportunity to learn about and shop for Ohrid’s famous pearl craftsmanship.
Guests who wish can also participate in the optional Ohrid Lake Boat Tour and St. Naum – Resne – Bitola Tour. After the tour, we will return to Ohrid. Guests who wish can also take part in the optional Dinner with a Macedonian Night.
Optional Tour: Ohrid Lake Boat Tour Per Person: 25 EUR
Ohrid Lake, one of the most impressive natural beauties in the Balkans, offers an unforgettable experience with its tranquility and stunning views. During this enjoyable boat tour, we will have the opportunity to view the city of Ohrid from a completely different perspective while sailing on the lake's azure waters. The historical structures, churches, and traditional houses around the lake will be seen panoramically; photography enthusiasts will have the opportunity to capture unique shots.
Optional Tour: St. Naum – Resne – Bitola Tour Per Person: 65 EUR
In this tour, a rich Balkan route awaits us to discover nature, history, and Ottoman heritage together. After an hour's journey with magnificent views, we arrive at the St. Naum area. This unique spot, where the springs of Ohrid Lake originate, is breathtaking with clear waters, lush nature, and a peaceful atmosphere. During our free time here, you can walk in nature and take unforgettable photos.
After our visit to St. Naum, we will move on to Resne. Here, we will take a panoramic look at the Palace of Resneli Niyazi, one of the important figures of the Union and Progress, and take a brief journey into Balkan history. Our last stop will be Bitola. A significant city in the Balkans during the Ottoman period, in Bitola we will visit the Turkish Bazaar, Bedesten, Ishak Mosque, Yeni Mosque, Haydar Pasha Mosque, and the Military Idadi (Atatürk Museum), where we will experience the most emotional moments of the trip as it is the school that Atatürk graduated from.
After this meaningful tour where history and emotion intertwine, we will return to Ohrid.
Optional Tour: Dinner with a Macedonian Night Tour Per Person: 50 EUR
For guests wishing to closely experience Balkan culture and have an unforgettable evening, the Dinner with a Macedonian Night offers a delightful experience where music, dance, and flavors come together.
During our tour, after transferring to a traditional Macedonian restaurant, we enjoy a colorful night reflecting Balkan culture with local folk dances and live music. Dances performed with rhythms unique to Macedonian, Albanian, and Balkan geography accompany us.
A rich dinner composed of local flavors will be served. After the tour, we return to our hotel.
4th Day | Ohrid – Elbasan – Tirana – (Kruja)
After having breakfast at the hotel, we complete check-out procedures and start our journey towards Tirana, the capital of Albania, via Elbasan. Upon arrival, we will carry out a panoramic city tour in Tirana, which is noted for its recent history, architecture, and lively city life. During our city tour, we will see Ethem Bey Mosque, the Clock Tower, National Museum, Opera and Ballet Building, Parliament and Prime Minister's Buildings, Presidential Palace, Mother Teresa Statue, and the heart of the city, Skanderbeg Square.
After our panoramic tour, there will be free time. Guests who wish can participate in the optional Kruja Tour. After the tour, we will transfer to Tirana Airport.
Optional Tour: Kruja Tour Per Person: 30 EUR
Kruja, one of the cities that best reflects Albania's history, culture, and Ottoman heritage, is an impressive Balkan town that firmly connects the past with the present. Known in Ottoman times as Akçahisar, Kruja is located about 20 km north of the capital Tirana, noted for its position on steep cliffs. In our tour, we will first visit the Skanderbeg Museum, dedicated to Albania's national hero. The museum houses significant artifacts illuminating Albania's history and the Ottoman period.
Next, we visit the Sarı Saltuk Dergah, recognized as an important spiritual center in the Balkan geography. This sacred place holds great importance both historically and mystically.
Continuing our visit, we will explore the impressive Kruja Castle, which dominates the city; we will enjoy the magnificent views from the castle walls. Among the other important structures to visit within the castle are Dolma Baba Bektaşi Tekke, the Ottoman Bath, and Murat Bey Mosque.
During our tour, we will have some free time in the authentic atmosphere of Kruja Bazaar. In this bazaar, you will have the opportunity to examine and shop for handmade souvenirs, traditional Albanian products, and local crafts.
With its historical texture, unique views, and cultural richness, the Kruja Tour will be one of the most impressive stops of your Balkan journey. After the tour, we will transfer to Tirana Airport.
5th Day | Tirana – Istanbul
After passport and luggage procedures, we depart for Istanbul with Pegasus Airlines flight PC284 at 02:45, arriving in Istanbul at 05:20, concluding our tour.
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Pegasus Airlines Economy Class Flight Tickets from Istanbul – Pristina / Tirana – Istanbul
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Local Transportation Services
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Local Professional Turkish Guided Tour Services
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1 Night Accommodation in Skopje, 2 Nights in Ohrid at 4* Hotels with Breakfast
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Panoramic City Tours of Tirana, Ohrid, Skopje, Pristina
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Airport Taxes
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Transfers Between Airport / Hotel / Airport
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Turkish Guiding Service
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City Taxes
- Foreign Exit Tax Stamp
- Entrance fees for museums and archaeological sites.
- Extras charged at hotels
- All extra tours not specified in the tour program
- Lunch and dinner & all beverages consumed during meals
- Personal expenses
- Tips for guides and drivers
Extra Tour Package - Full Package: 225 EUR per person instead of 250 EUR
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Prizren Tour - 45 EUR per person
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Tetovo (Kalkandelen) – Matka Canyon Tour - 35 EUR per person
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Ohrid Lake Boat Tour - 25 EUR per person
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St. Naum – Resne – Bitola Tour - 65 EUR per person
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Evening Dinner with Macedonian Night Tour - 50 EUR per person
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Kruja Tour - 30 EUR per person
IMPORTANT NOTES
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In order to benefit from the advantageous travel package prices, payment must be made to the local agency representative during the tour.
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Extra tours take place with a minimum participation of 15 people. If participation is below 15, changes in tour prices may occur or it may be conducted by metro. Our guide may change the days of extra tours, provided that the content remains the same.
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In cases where only category information is provided without specifying the names in the tour program and/or options are available for the same destination, the hotel(s) will be notified by your agency 48 hours before the departure of the trip.
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Our guide will welcome you at the location where you disembark, the package includes guide service only for the panoramic city tour and round-trip airport transfer. If extra tours are purchased, guiding services will also be included. A different guide may accompany our guests during extra tours.
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During periods of fairs, congresses, concerts, events, sports tournaments, etc., hotels may be used at distances beyond the specified kilometers. In such cases, information will be provided by BTB Tours two days before the departure date of the tour.
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Panoramic city tours included in the tour package are organized for the general introduction of cities and are done with panoramic guide narration from inside the vehicle, they do not include entrance fees to museums or archaeological sites and last a maximum of 2-3 hours.
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Panoramic tours and other tours specified in the program may not be conducted if local authorities close the attractions on the day and time of the tour, if the roads along the route are closed due to events, or if weather conditions render the tour impossible. BTB Tours is not responsible for any inability to carry out the aforementioned tours. Some tours may be done by public transport or on foot where road closures or vehicle access restrictions are in place.
GENERAL TERMS
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The tour program indicated at the time of reservation must be communicated to guests along with the general terms and obligations provided below. BTB TOURS is not responsible for complaints that may arise from the information provided. Our guest is considered to have read and accepted all items in advance.
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Guests traveling with a T.C. green passport whose passport issuance date is older than 10 years must renew their passport. Otherwise, they may not be accepted into the country they are going to and/or their flights may not be operated by the airline company from Turkey. In such cases, the responsibility lies with the passenger, and BTB TOURS assumes no responsibility.
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To avoid issues with customs police at the border due to torn, worn, wet, or similarly damaged passports; these passports must be renewed, and if it is a country that requires a visa for T.C. citizens, the relevant visa must be on the new passport. Otherwise, the responsibility lies with the passenger.
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The validity period of guests' passports must be at least 6 months from the date of the return flight. If this is not met, it is the responsibility of the guests to face any obstacles.
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BTB TOURS acts as an intermediary between the passenger and the consulate. The consulate has the right to deny visas at its discretion, and BTB TOURS bears no responsibility for passengers who cannot obtain a visa. BTB TOURS only undertakes the role of an intermediary organization. BTB TOURS has no penalties or liabilities in personal visa applications. Consumers have registered for the tour by accepting these conditions.
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When BTB TOURS applies for a visa on behalf of the passenger, the guest must verify the accuracy of the information on the visa issued. BTB TOURS is not responsible for any errors in the visa that may hinder the flight.
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For passengers applying for their own visas, the provision of necessary documents (hotel confirmation, flight ticket, etc.) generally takes 1 business day. Our guests need to arrange their appointment dates and times considering this timeframe. Otherwise, BTB TOURS is not responsible for any possible inconveniences.
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If the guest cancels their reservation and/or does not participate in the relevant tour, the visa fee and service fee will not be refunded. If the guest obtained their visa and visa service through the BTB TOUR Visa department and this service was specified in the travel contract as an additional service, if BTB TOURS cancels the relevant tour due to insufficient participation or for another reason, the guest can receive a refund for the remaining amount except for the application fees paid to the consulates after presenting that they did not use their visa within a week of the visa's expiration date. If the guest acquired their visa by their means and/or with the assistance of another visa intermediary firm, and BTB TOURS cancels the relevant tour due to insufficient participation or for another reason, no refund will be made to the guest.
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Route changes may occur depending on the city where the plane will land. The type and time of the aircraft may change, and hotels may show variations in availability during high season or special periods, so a similar hotel may be provided. These circumstances have been communicated at the time of contract, and THE PASSENGER HAS ACCEPTED THE RISK OF TIME CHANGE AND HOTEL CHANGE WHEN PURCHASING THE TOUR.
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Triple rooms are subject to availability in hotels. There is an additional bed application in triple rooms and the 3rd bed is smaller than a standard bed. No guarantee can be given for 3 separate beds in triple rooms, but accommodations will be blocked by the hotel depending on availability for such request.
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Child discounts are only valid for children accompanying 2 adults.
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The breakfasts provided at the hotels are continental, not Turkish breakfast. Continental breakfast consists of butter, jam or honey, bread, tea or coffee, and juice.
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Group breakfasts may be served in a separate room.
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During reservation/registration, the name-surname, date of birth, and passport number as per the passport to be traveled must be reported and entered into the system. Flight tickets are issued according to this information. Penalties for cancellations or changes of flight tickets resulting from incorrect information are the responsibility of the guests.
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Our guests are required to have a travel and health insurance policy that begins one day before the tour date and ends one day after the tour date, whether provided by BTB TOURS or not, and must have the relevant insurance policy with them. Guests who do not carry their travel insurance may be fined by the local police of the relevant country. In the event of penalties due to not carrying the travel insurance, the responsibility lies with our guests.
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Due to diplomatic relations between countries, having entered and exited some countries may result in being unable to obtain visas from another or multiple countries or entering the border post. BTB TOURS does not have responsibility for such situations.
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In order for the visit to provide economic and time benefits to the group, our guests who do not wish to participate in the tours conducted along the route must agree to wait at a nearby facility until the extra tour is completed. At the end of the tour, our bus will pick these guests up, and our tour will continue.
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Panoramic city tours are conducted to introduce the cities. City tours and extra excursions may be held on different days, provided the content does not change, or they may not occur due to weather conditions. In such cases, BTB TOURS is responsible for offering the most suitable alternative to our esteemed guests. Extra tours are organized with a minimum participation of 20 people. If the required majority is not met, extra tours may not take place, or prices may change.
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Tours or excursions that are not permitted by local authorities may not be conducted. BTB TOURS cannot be held responsible for the inability to conduct these tours.
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The flight seats in our programs are group seats, and round-trip flight tickets are arranged as a single ticket. If the outbound flight is missed and/or not used, the return flight may also automatically be canceled. In such cases, the rules of the airline company apply.
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Last-minute delays and gate changes on flights are shown on information boards/screens at airports. This information must be monitored by individuals. In case of missing a flight due to such a situation or personal reasons, the guest must obtain their new ticket (if necessary, as a round-trip ticket per the previous item) at their own expense. Additionally, missing the group departure might result in partially or completely missing the first day's program; in this case, the responsibility lies with the guest. Furthermore, if traveling to the city/country with a different flight from the group, the area-city or area-hotel transfer is the responsibility of the guest.
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Guests wishing to upgrade their flight tickets with miles can only do so after the tickets have been issued, depending on the availability on the relevant flight of the airline. Since the flight seats in our programs are in group class, in case of desire to upgrade the ticket, the fare indicated by the airline company needs to be paid, and the ticket may have to be upgraded from group class to an economy class eligible for upgrading. The price difference that arises in this case is the responsibility of the guest. Group tickets in our programs are issued a few days before the departure of the tour.
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To be able to use your mobile phones abroad, it is necessary to check with your GSM operator before leaving Turkey whether your line is enabled for international calls/receiving calls.
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During your trip, please ensure that you have taken all your belongings completely when briefly or completely departing from the transport vehicles you have used and the hotels you stayed at.
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BTB TOURS reserves the right to change the order of cities in the program and/or the airline company to be used without disrupting the content of the program in the event of force majeure or deemed necessary.
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BTB TOURS reserves the right to change hotel names while maintaining the same category.
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BTB TOURS is not responsible for forgotten, lost, or stolen items during the tour.
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Children under 18 years old traveling with their mother must obtain consent from their father; if traveling with their father, they must obtain consent from their mother. If traveling with a third person, they must obtain consent from both parents. BTB TOURS cannot be held responsible if the flight cannot occur due to a lack of consent.
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General Terms are an integral part of the tour program and cannot be considered independently from it.