Kosovo – Balkan Tours by Local Guides

Take a Kosovo Tour and Experience a New Culture

Kosovo is a fairly new European country, having established its independence in 2008. However, the region is rich in history and culture and is a preferred tourist destination. There is much to be seen and experienced in the Balkan peninsula, and Kosovo is no exception. Before planning your Kosovo tour, some basic facts about the country are good to know. To make it easier, we have prepared the primary information about Kosovo below:

Population: 1,761,985
Capital: Pristina
Local Currency: Euro (EUR)
Visa Requirements: No Visa Needed for EU citizens
Language: Albanian, Serbian
Religion: 93% Islam, 6% Christianity
Activities to do: Sightseeing, Cuisine Tasting, Outdoor Activities, Shopping, Nature Exploration
All year round, depending on the activities you wish to try

Kosovo is a small country located in the heart of the Balkan Peninsula. It has been an independent country since 2008, when it officially distinguished itself from Serbia. Even though its historical background is somewhat turbulent, Kosovo has multiple cultural landmarks worth visiting. In addition to that, the natural world in the region is breathtaking, and the opportunities for outdoor activities are countless.

When it comes to the history of Kosovo, you can be confident that historical landmarks dating back to medieval times will be awaiting you there. Kosovo has religious and cultural diversity, accounting for the country’s unique architecture, cuisine, and overall atmosphere. Take a Kosovo tour to explore this Balkan gem, and you won’t be disappointed.

Of course, that is not all the information you need to create an idea in your head about what Kosovo is like, and we are aware of that. Therefore, we have prepared more detailed info about the top places in Kosovo, the main cities worth visiting, and the activities tourists can try. So, buckle up and let’s dive into Kosovo’s culture, history and landmarks together!

Tours including Kosovo:

Serbia – Bulgaria – North Macedonia – Kosovo
Albania – Kosovo – North Macedonia
Serbia – Bulgaria – N. Macedonia – Kosovo
Bulgaria – Macedonia – Kosovo – Albania
Romania – Bulgaria – N. Macedonia – Kosovo

Serbia – North Macedonia – Kosovo – Albania
Balkan Adventure 21 Days | 10 Countries
Grand Balkan Tour: 28 Days | 10 Countries
Ex Yugoslavia Tour
All Balkan Tours

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Pristina

Pristina is the capital of Kosovo and the largest city in the country. It played a crucial role in the Kosovo War in the late 20th century, which led to Kosovo's independence from Serbia. The majority of the population of Pristina is Albanian, and the Serbs are, in fact, a minority. Among the landmarks in the area worth visiting are the Newborn Monument - the symbol of Kosovo’s independence and the Mother Teresa Square. There is a blend of religious influences in Pristina, which coexist together. This leads to a diversity of churches, mosques and other religious sites, the most popular of which remain the Fatih Mosque and the Gračanica Monastery.

Prizren

Prizren is a historic town located in the southern part of Kosovo. It has a rich cultural heritage, picturesque landscapes and medieval architecture. The landmarks worth visiting are the Stone Bridge, the Sinan Pasha Mosque and the Church of St. George. Prizren is surrounded by mountains and is located along the Bistrica River, which accounts for some stunning natural landscapes. The Sharr Mountains National Park is also a great place to try outdoor activities, such as hiking, picnics and birdwatching. The town is famous for its culinary dishes, offering a mix of Albanian, Turkish, and other Balkan cuisines. Therefore, Prizren is always a compulsory stop on every Kosovo tour.

Peć

Peć is located in the southern part of Kosovo and near Montenegro's border. You can admire countless breathtaking natural landscapes in the region, including mountains, rivers and valleys. During the medieval period, Peć played a crucial religious role, as it was the seat of the Serbian Orthodox Church. A landmark which outlines this significance is The Patriarchate of Peć - a complex of medieval monasteries. The economy in the area is well-developed due to the agricultural production of fruits and dairy and its tourist income.

Newborn Monument Prisitna

The Newborn monument is a significant symbol of the city, which was unveiled in 2008. It symbolizes Kosovo’s declaration of independence and serves as a canvas for various messages, some political and some expressing national pride and calls for unity. Therefore, the monument has become a platform for individuals to communicate their views and beliefs.

Orthodox Monastery Gračanica

The Gračanica Monastery is a Serbian Orthodox religious site located 10 km southeast of Pristina. UNESCO protects the monastery due to its cultural significance and medieval history. It was built in the early 14th century and was dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The Gračanica Monastery is particularly famous for its exceptional frescoes depicting various religious themes and scenes from the life of Christ. This site is of high importance and cultural significance to the people of Kosovo and is, therefore, a significant tourist attraction.

Monastery Visoki Decani

The Visoki Decani is another medieval Serbian Orthodox monastery with significant historical and cultural significance. Its architecture represents a mix of Byzantine and Romanesque styles with ornate carvings, sculptures, and numerous decorative elements. UNESCO protects it due to its significant role in preserving the Serbs' religious traditions and culture during their turbulent history. Even though this holy site has witnessed numerous political and ethnic tensions, it still stands tall and proud and is, therefore, beloved by visitors to the country.

Gradime Cave

The Gradime Cave in Kosovo is a notable geological formation located near the village of Gadime e Ulët. The cave is known for its stalactite, stalagmite formations, and breathtaking landscape. The cave is open to visitors, and numerous guided tours are available. Apart from being a natural landmark, this cave is also a source of local pride. Its uniqueness brings numerous visitors for educational purposes, with people learning about the geological processes and other distinctive influences that led to the formation of the cave. Gradime Cave is, therefore, a must-see destination on every Kosovo tour.

National Library of Kosovo

The National Library of Kosovo is a prominent institution in Kosovo’s capital city - Pristina. It was established in 1944 and had a significant role in preserving Kosovo's cultural and intellectual heritage during turbulent times. The iconic library building is an architectural marble with a unique design and a mix of traditional and contemporary elements. It features a significant collection of books, maps, manuscripts and other valuable resources and is therefore perceived as an educational hub. The National Library of Kosovo actively collaborates with other libraries and hosts various exhibitions. It is a great tourist attraction for those eager to experience more of Kosovo’s culture.

Prizren Old Town

Prizren Old Town is a district renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture, cultural landmarks and long history, dating back to the Roman times. Numerous civilizations, including Byzantine, Ottoman, and Serbian, influenced the region's outlook. The town's most significant landmarks are the Stone Bridge, originally built during the Ottoman era, and the Shadervan Square, which surrounds cafes, restaurants, and craft shops. Another prominent part of the old town is the League of Prizren Complex, commemorating the political organization founded in 1878 to defend the territorial integrity of the Ottoman Empire's Albanian-populated lands.

Depending on your preferences, you can take up most activities while on your Kosovo tour. Make sure to research what is available before planning your trip so you can better tailor your itinerary to reflect your preferences and desires. Please get in touch with us with a list of places you wish to explore so we can create the best experience for you. However, if you don’t have the time or energy to research, you can leave the entire tour planning and organisation phase to us. Here are some of the activities we usually propose to our clients:

Explore Pristina
Visit Prizren
Hike in the Rugova Valley
Visit Monasteries and Religious Sites
Go Skiing
Attend Cultural Events and Festivals
Explore Nature Reserves
Enjoy the Local Cuisine
Take a Boat Tour of Lake Badovc or Lake Barllava
Go Paragliding, Rock Climbing or Cycling

1. What do you need to enter Kosovo?
Of course, you need your passport, which has to be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in Kosovo. Regarding visas, Kosovo has a visa-free regime for short stays of up to 90 days within 180 days. One thing to be aware of is that you might receive a stamp on your passport upon entering Kosovo.

2. Is it safe to travel to Kosovo?
Since the 1990 conflicts in Kosovo, it has been considered a safe destination. Of course, there are some factors worth considering before planning your Kosovo tour regarding the current political stability in the country, the health and safety situation, the road safety and the presence of grand political demonstrations during your stay - always avoid such at all costs.

3. Is Kosovo worth going to?
There is no specific correct answer to this question, as this depends on your preferences and what you look for in a travel destination. Kosovo has a rich history with influences from various civilizations, leading to a grand cultural diversity. Fascinating historical sites, different natural landscapes and formations, and delicious local cuisine exist.

4. What is the best time to visit Kosovo?
This depends on the types of activities you wish to take, but generally, spring and summer are the best periods for touring Kosovo, and this is when the peak of the tourist season happens. Winter is a quieter time for tourism, and access to some landmarks might be restricted during this period, so do your research first.

Other Destinations:

Here are some more example Balkan tour itineraries including Kosovo:

28 Days “Grand Balkan Tour” – 10 Balkan Countries
21 DAYS “Complete Balkan Tour”
16 DAYS “Countless Memories: The Ultimate Balkan Tour”
14 DAYS “Dream Fortnight Balkan Tour”
10 DAYS “Balkan Adventure”
8 DAYS “Soul of the Balkans”

If you don’t find the Balkan itinerary which suits your travel plans drop us a mail and share your ideas with us. We will do our best to customize a program according to your preferences.

If you are already eager to experience the culture and vibe of Kosovo, consider booking your tailor-made tour with Private Guide. Undoubtedly, you will be left satisfied with our services as we have over a decade of experience in creating guided Balkan tours. But if you are still uncertain as to why you should pick us for your next adventure, consider the following perks of booking a Balkan trip with us:

A 100% unique experience designed for your needs and wishes.
Insights from friendly locals.
Seamless organization of your itinerary.
Carefully selected accommodations and dining places.
Licensed expertise in the entire Balkan region, including history, cuisine, traditions and many more.
Hassle-free transportation by car.

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