Kosovo’S Highlights; Decan Monastery, Rugova Valley & Prizre

Our tour leader will come and pick you up at your hotel in Pristina. Our first destination will be the Monastery of Decan. This one stands out for its white colour, but even more remarkable is the fact that Orthodox monks still inhabit the monastery and make fresh organic food there, such as cheeses. The monastery became part of UNESCO in 2004 because of its frescoes, which portray the lives of people during the 14th century as well as the Palaeologan renaissance that changed the way of Byzantine painting. Our second destination for today is Peja, which is located at the entrance of Rugova valley, one of the most beautiful valleys of the Accursed Mountains. We will wander through the characteristic Old Bazaar of the city. Overnight in Peja.

In the morning, we will we will start our journey to hike in Rugova Mountains, one of the most scenic parts of Kosovo. No matter what season it is, Rugova Valley looks beautiful during all of them. Waterfalls, rocks, small villages, lakes, caves and numerous mountains with high peaks. Hiking in Rugova Mountains is a must when you visit Kosovo. This valley is part of the Accursed Mountains and it includes the region around the riverbed of Lumbardhi i Pejes. Hiking in the Rugova Valley is just one section of a much wider trail network called Peaks of the Balkans. This massive hiking route stretches out to 192 km in total, of three countries: Kosovo, Montenegro and Albania. These peaks, cliffs and fields home of 12 villages are mostly populated only during the summer. This peak also marks the border with Montenegro and it is rich with flora and fauna. After this hiking experience we will drive towards Prizren. Overnight in Prizren.

After breakfast we will continue with the city tour of Prizren, considered as the cultural capital of Kosovo, mixing its rich history, incredible nature, religious tolerance and gastronomic delights. Prizren has played an important role in the region as an Illyrian settlement and a crossroad for the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, contributing to the unique architecture of the city. The river flows through the heart of the old town and under the many bridges that crisscross the city. If you are looking to experience a lively international experience you should visit Prizren during August when the medieval city becomes home to one of the most famous short film festivals in the world named Dokufest. The best way to explore the town is by wandering through the streets passing by elegant medieval houses that fight for your attention. Filigree artisanal techniques for precious metals are Prizren’s joy and pride. Don’t miss the unique experience of shopping in one of the many filigree shops of the town, where you are welcomed to also see the metalsmithing magic happen. If you have to choose just one mosque to visit then visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, rich in arabesque colour and pattern. The view from the fortress on the hill above the town offers a great panorama of this astonishing town. After exploring the cultural capital of Kosovo, we will drive back to Pristina