Cultural Landscapes of Kosovo

Fly to Prishtina and transfer to your hotel. Freshen up at the hotel before heading out for a delicious lunch at the restaurant Gërmia located in Gërmia Park—a sprawling green park with lots of walking trails through the woods. After lunch enjoy a walking tour of Prishtina including walking tour of Prishtina including the Kosovo Museum and Emin Gjiku Ethnographic Museum, as well as photo stops at the Monument of Skanderbeg, Carshi Mosque (Bazaar Mosque) and the Kosovan Parliament. This evening, enjoy dinner at the excellent restaurant "Pishat". (L,D)

This morning, drive south-east to visit the Archaeological site of Upliana, once one of the most important Roman cities in the Balkans.Excavations reveal city fortifications, a basilica, residential quarters, baths, and rich artefacts that illustrate its role as a regional administrative, religious, and economic hub until it was damaged by earthquakes and invasions in late antiquity. Lunch at Restaurant Planeti. In the afternoon visit the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Letnica. It is best known as the place where Mother Teresa experienced her calling to serve the poor in 1928. The church features a prominent stone façade, a serene hilltop setting, and attracts thousands of pilgrims each August for the Feast of the Assumption. Return to Prishtina and enjoy dinner at the Liburnia Restaurant. (B,L,D)

Today visit Gracanica, a 14th-century Serb Orthodox church, before continuing to the stunning Sharri region to see a unique marble cave in Gadima. Stop for refreshments in Brezovica—a Serbian settlement in the Štrpce municipality of Kosovo. Enjoy lunch at the Sharri Mountain Resort before continuing to Prizren, located on the slopes of the Sharri Mountains. Considered by many as the jewel in Kosovo’s crown , Prizren is a beautiful Ottoman town located on the slopes of the Sharri Mountains and on the banks of the River Bistrica. Highlights include the ruined fortress, which offers panoramic views of the town below and the old house and museum of the Prizren League. Dinner at leisure this evening. (B,L)

This morning spend time with your local guide exploring the central part of Prizren including the Sinan Pasha Mosque, the 16th century stone bridge, Hamam, Helveti Tekke, and the church of lady Ljevis. We include another delicious Kosovan lunch at restaurant Besimi before rest of the afternoon free to relax at one of the many outdoor cafes or explore further. Perhaps take a walk up to ruined castle of Prizren for a spectacular view of the town below. (B,L)

In the morning, drive to Rahoveci, where due to gentle sloping hills and abundant vineyards you could be forgiven for thinking you are in Tuscany. Here visit two local wineries, Stonecastle, the largest winery in the country, and Vinica, a small winery belonging to the Petrovic family where tasting and lunch is included. Continue on to Gjakova, stopping at the ancient Ottoman stone bridge. On arrival in Gjakova there is a short walking tour of the town including a visit to the Bektashi Community. Check-in to Hotel Carshia E Jupave for the night and relax with an included dinner.   (B,L)

Today will be spent exploring the region between Gjakova and Peja. First stop will be the village of Junik with its impressively preserved Kulla's (traditional stone houses)- a key part of Kosovan Albanian cultural heritage. Drive on to the Visoki Decani Monastery, often thought of as being the best preserved and largest church in the Balkans, it is listed under UNESCO protection and features many impressive Medieval frescoes. Stop for lunch before continuing to Peć Patriarch monastery, spiritual seat of Serbian archbishops and patriarchs. Reach Peja via the beautiful Rugova Gorge and end the day in the town, where your evening is at leisure. (B,L)

Take a short walk around the town before departing for the Drini River Waterfalls, a beautiful spot for a walk and the source of the White Drin River- the longest in Kosovo. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before driving to the village of Prekaz, where, when the attack of Serbian military and police was launched on March 5, 1998, the leader of the Kosovo Liberation Army, Adem Jashari and his brother, Hamëza, were killed with more than fifty other family members including women and children. Continue on to the Memorial Complex of the Battle of Kosovo (Gazimestan). A climb up the 100 steps to the observation platform for a great view of the Plain of Kosovo is well worth the effort! The day ends back in Prishtina for one last meal at Restaurant Shpija e Vjeter. (B,LD)

Transfer to airport for flight back to the UK. (B)