Kosovo Tour: a young country steeped in history, culture and nature

A direct flight from Belgium to Kosovo takes us to the capital, Pristina. From there, we travel straight on to our first stop: the town of Prizren.

Prizren is regarded as the country’s cultural capital. It boasts a unique historical blend of Ottoman, Byzantine and Austro-Hungarian influences. The town lies at the foot of the Šar Mountains, with the Lumbardhi River flowing through it. For centuries, different cultures, languages and religions have come together here.

Prizren feels like a small town because it’s so atmospheric and friendly. The beautiful stone bridge over the river is a favourite meeting place and photo spot. In the evening, the terraces along the riverbanks are full of locals and walkers enjoying themselves. During the day, you can explore the historic centre with its narrow cobbled streets.

On this first day, we’ll soak up the atmosphere of the town during an initial walk. We’ll get to know each other and the town, and have dinner on a lovely terrace.

Overnight stay in a four-star hotel in Prizren – Hotel Centrum

Today we’ll take the time to get to know Prizren properly.

We’ll delve into the history with a visit to the archaeological museum and the city museum.

Afterwards, we’ll explore the old town. Ottoman houses with wooden bay windows, the Sinan Pasha Mosque, the church and monastery, and a lovely bazaar-like atmosphere with little shops.

Anyone who fancies it can make the steep climb up to ‘Kalaja’, the castle. It sits high above the town, offering spectacular views over the rooftops of Prizren, the river and the mountains. Those who don’t fancy the climb can continue to enjoy the town, the atmosphere and a spot on a terrace.

In the afternoon, we’ll head out of the city to the Rahovec wine region. The rolling countryside dotted with vineyards looks so inviting that we’ll be happy to stop off for a visit to a winery. We’ll be given a guided tour and get to taste the wines.

Overnight stay at a four-star hotel in Prizren – Hotel Centrum

Today we leave Prizren behind for a drive to our next stop. On the way, we’ll visit some interesting cultural highlights.

First, we’ll stop at the Teqe of Junik – in other words, the Muslim place of worship (the tekke). This tekke is situated in Junik and is an impressive building reminiscent of a palace. It’s surrounded by high walls with large gates and plenty of greenery and flowers. It’s a special experience to be a guest here for a while and to experience the religious diversity.

After lunch, we’ll visit the town of Gjakovë. We’ll take a short stroll through the town to soak up the atmosphere. This town, too, has a rich tradition, particularly in trade. We can still see this in the Old Bazaar, one of the best-preserved Ottoman market streets in the Balkans and teeming with life: cafés, clothes shops, small boutiques and numerous craftspeople working with silver, woodcarving and textiles.

A third stop is the Visoki Dečani Monastery. Founded in the 1300s, this monastery was built in the Byzantine and Romanesque-Gothic styles. This blend of East and West is quite unique to the region. Monks still live here. The monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and as soon as you step inside, you’ll understand why. The more than 1,000 medieval Byzantine frescoes are nothing short of impressive.

We continue our journey, feasting our eyes on the stunning landscape of the Bjeshkët e Nemuna, or the Cursed Mountains.

There, at the foot of those impressive mountains, lies our final destination for today: the town of Pejë. The view of the mountain ranges here is phenomenal. This town serves as a starting point for hikers, but is also a magnet for culture lovers. But that’s for tomorrow.

Overnight stay in a four-star hotel in Pejë – Hotel Dukagjini

We start the day with a visit to the Pejë City Museum. Afterwards, we walk (about 2.5 km) to a special place: the Patriarchate of Pejë. Just like yesterday, we find ourselves immersed in a religious and historical atmosphere here, as this is a 13th-century Serbian Orthodox monastery complex. The complex lies at the foot of the mountains, and here too the medieval frescoes are stunning. This is one of the reasons why UNESCO has designated this site as a World Heritage Site.

A short bus ride takes us to the source of the River Drini, an idyllic spot and therefore perfect for lunch.

After lunch, you’ll have a few hours to yourself. Relax in your hotel room, explore the town, settle down with a good book on a terrace, or go souvenir shopping.

Overnight stay in a four-star hotel in Pejë – Hotel Dukagjini

Today we drive to Pristina, the capital of Kosovo.

On the way, we’ll make an important stop in Prekaz, a place of crucial significance in the country’s recent history. For many Kosovars, this place remains emotionally charged. Here, we’ll reflect on the figure of Adem Jashari, one of the founders of the Kosovo Liberation Army. We’ll learn about the events that played a major role in Kosovo’s path to independence.

We’ll also stop at Gazimestan. This monument commemorates the Battle of Kosovo in 1389. Here, we’ll learn more about the eventful history of this region.

Upon arrival in Pristina, we’ll explore the city. Among other things, we’ll visit the famous Newborn monument, the very symbol of the young nation of Kosovo, and stroll past some of the capital’s most striking landmarks. We’ll also visit the striking National Library, a building often regarded as one of the most remarkable and talked-about examples of architecture in the Balkans.

Overnight stay at a four-star hotel in Pristina – Hotel Sirius

Today, a natural wonder is on our itinerary: the Gadime Cave, also known as the Marble Cave. In Albanian (the official language of Kosovo), it is called the Shpella e Mermerit. The cave is set in marl limestone and is partially open to visitors. We’ll be given a guided tour through the glistening marble formations and enjoy the cool 13°C (it’s a good idea to pop on a warm jumper here).

The second stop of the day is the archaeological site of Ulpiana. Active research is still taking place at this site, so we’re sure to see and hear about the latest discoveries. Ulpiana is a former Roman city that illustrates what life was like here long before the current national borders existed. At this site, archaeologists have also found traces of settlement dating back to long before the Romans. We’ll be treated to fascinating explanations whilst we take in the sights: residential areas, temple foundations, a cemetery and, of course, the theatre.

The Gračanica Monastery is also well worth a visit. Dating from 1321, it is a Serbian Orthodox monastery and is protected by UNESCO as a medieval monument.

In the early evening, there’s still some time to explore Prishtina further.

Overnight stay at a four-star hotel in Prishtina – Hotel Sirius

Today we’re crossing the border into North Macedonia.

We start with a visit to the Matka Gorge, an impressive nature reserve just outside the city. This canyon attracts many walkers, nature lovers and mountaineers. We opt for a boat trip on the green waters between the steep limestone cliffs. It’s a real treat to take in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Skopje area. If you look closely, you can spot a medieval monastery here and there on the rocky slopes.

We then drive on to Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. The focus is mainly on the old town, with its Ottoman atmosphere, bazaar, bridges and lively streets. We’ll also spend some time exploring the newer part of Skopje. We’ll pass by a few notable landmarks, giving us a clear picture of the contrast between old and new in this unique capital city.

After the visit, we’ll return to Pristina.

Overnight stay at a four-star hotel in Pristina – Hotel Sirius

Today we bid farewell to Kosovo. After an action-packed tour of Kosovo, brimming with culture, nature and new experiences, we return to Brussels. Our suitcases are filled with memories of a country that has surprised us with its hospitality, history, youthful energy and charm.

There may be minor changes to the programme