A Short Break in Kosovo Group Tour

Arrive in Tirana. Meet your guide and group in the arrivals hall and transfer across the border into Kosovo and the beautiful Ottoman town of Prizren (approx 2.5-3 hour drive). Watch the countryside roll past outside the window and begin to learn about this fascinating nation. Take a brief orientation tour of the city before a welcome dinner. (D)

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Explore Prizren this morning, Kosovo’s second city. Those in the know consider Prizren to be the jewel in Kosovo’s crown. On the banks of the River Bistrica this beautiful Ottoman town is nestled in a picturesque valley with the impressive Sharri Mountains on one side and a hilltop citadel on the other. It is packed full of pretty mosques, tekkes and local artisan shops, and quaint town houses line the narrow, cobbled streets. Spend today exploring the central part of Prizren including the Sinan Pacha Mosque, the iconic 16th-century Stone Bridges, the Old Hammam, Halveti Tekke, our Lady of Ljevis Church and the Catholic Cathedral. In the afternoon, head over to the nearby town of Rahoveci, where the surrounding countryside of gently sloping, vineyard-covered hills has many visitors comparing it to Tuscany. Here, visit a private, family-run vineyard for lunch, and enjoy an afternoon wine-tasting session. The evening is free to enjoy at leisure. Return to Prizren for a free evening. (B,L)

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Drive to Prishtina this morning, Europe’s newest capital. En route, stop in Prekaz to visit the house of Adem Jashari, founder of the Kosovo Liberation Army, and the Sultan Murat II tomb, both key to understanding the region’s modern and Ottoman history. Continue to the UNESCO-listed Gracanica Monastery, a fine example of late Byzantine architecture, before heading underground to explore the striking Gadima (Marble) Cave, known for its shimmering rock formations. Arrive in Prishtina and set off on a short city tour, including the Emin Gjiku Ethnographic Museum, which offers insight into life in Ottoman-era Kosovo. Return to Prizren in the afternoon via the scenic Sharri Mountains, one of the highest ranges in the Balkans. Spend the evening at leisure — perhaps walk up to the ruined castle for sweeping views over the town.(B,L)

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Today’s first stop will be Gjakova, where you will enjoy a short walk through the old bazaar. Continue to the nearby UNESCO-listed Decani Monastery, located at the start of stunning Decani Gorge, alongside the crystal-clear River Lumbardhi. The monastery is often thought of as being the best preserved and largest church in the Balkans and was built between 1327 and 1355. Although the buildings suffered damage during the Turkish occupation, the beautiful 14th-century frescoes have been completely preserved. Today a young brotherhood of 30 brethren live in the monastery, continuing to live their lives by the centuries-old-traditions. In the afternoon, travel west to Peja and Pec Patriarchate with its brightly coloured facades and faded interior frescoes dating from the 13-14th Century. Afterwards visit the White Drini Natural Park which has the biggest waterfall in the region as well as the so called ’Sleeping Beauty’ cave. Return to Prizren for a farewell dinner. (B,D)

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After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK. (B)