Gjakova

Tours

Benefit from pick-up at a location of your choice in Skopje, and then travel by comfortable air-conditioned vehicle to Kosovo. Visit the 14th-century Gračanica Monastery on the way to Pristina, and then take a sightseeing tour of the city to see some of its beautiful attractions on arrival. Discover the new Cathedral of Saint Mother Teresa, along with highlights such as the National Library and equestrian statue on Skanderbeg Square. Stroll along pedestrianized Nane Theresa and visit the Old Bazaar. Break for lunch at your own expense, and then spend the afternoon in the small town of Prizren. Learn about its rich cultural heritage on a guided tour of the town center. See highlights such as the Old Stone Bridge and medieval Church of St. George. Pass the 17th-century Sinan Pasha Mosque and Bajrakli Mosque behind the Albanian League Museum. Find fine local handicrafts in the many craft shops, and watch the world go by on Shadervan Square.

Join us for a guided tour to Kruja, a historic city just an hour away from Tirana. During this tour, you'll visit key attractions like Kruja Castle, the Skanderbeg Museum, the Old Bazaar, and the peaceful Sari Salltik Mountain. We’ll start by picking you up from your hotel and taking a scenic drive to Kruja. After about an hour, we’ll reach the city and begin our tour at Kruja Castle. This ancient fortress is home to the Skanderbeg Museum, dedicated to Albania’s national hero, Skanderbeg, who led the fight against the Ottomans in the 15th century. Inside the castle, you’ll see replicas of Skanderbeg’s helmet and sword, along with family crests and other historical artifacts. Next, we’ll visit the Ethnographic Museum, set in a beautifully restored Ottoman-era house. This museum offers a look into daily life in Kruja during the Ottoman period, showcasing traditional clothing, tools, and household items. Afterward, we’ll head to the Old Bazaar, a lively market filled with local crafts. You can browse for unique souvenirs like handwoven rugs, silver jewelry, and pottery. To end the tour, we’ll take a scenic drive up to Sari Salltik Mountain, where you’ll visit a peaceful cave at 1,176 meters above sea level. From here, you’ll enjoy stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Sometimes, religious ceremonies take place at the cave, though this is rare. If you’d prefer to avoid this, please let your guide know before the tour. After the visit to Sari Salltik, we’ll return to Tirana. Please consider: The pick up will be handled by the guide, and you will be promptly informed 10 to 15 minutes before we get to your location. You might have to walk some minutes to get on some main road if the bus can't enter the area/ road where you are located. Furthermore, the pickup starts 30 to 40 minutes before your selected time.

️ 1. Ancient Theatre of Ohrid We begin our tour with a visit to the Ancient Theatre of Ohrid, built in 200 BC during the Hellenistic period. It is the only theatre of its kind in North Macedonia. Nestled between two hills, its location provides excellent acoustics and natural shelter from the wind—ideal for performances in ancient times. ⛪ 2. Church of St. John at Kaneo Perched dramatically above Kaneo Beach, the Church of St. John the Theologian is one of the most iconic sites in Ohrid. It is dedicated to John of Patmos, the author of Revelation, and believed by many to be the Apostle John himself. ▶️ Pass by Saint Sofia Church On the way back from Kaneo, we pass by the Church of Saint Sofia, a stunning example of Byzantine architecture, known for its well-preserved frescoes dating back to the 11th century. ️ Optional Boat Ride (€10 per person) From Kaneo, guests have the option to take a short boat ride back to Ohrid City Center, offering a scenic perspective of the lakeshore and historic skyline. ️ 3. Ohrid Old Town & Bazaar We continue exploring the Old Town and the vibrant Bazaar, where cobblestone streets, Ottoman-era houses, and local artisan shops reflect the city's rich multicultural past. Ohrid was once known as Lyhnidas, meaning “shining gemstone” in Latin. ️ 4. Bay of Bones (10-minute photo stop) We make a short stop at the Bay of Bones, an open-air museum built over Lake Ohrid, recreating a prehistoric stilt village from the Bronze and Iron Ages—an excellent place for a photo and a quick walk around the platform. ⛪ 5. Monastery of Sveti Naum We then visit the impressive Monastery of Saint Naum, founded in the 9th century. The monastery holds the tomb of Saint Naum and is considered a sacred site by Orthodox Christians. From 1912 to 1925, this area was part of Albania before returning to Yugoslavia. 6. Drilon National Park (30-minute stop) Back on the Albanian side, we stop at the serene Drilon National Park, famous for its spring-fed ponds, swans, shaded walkways, and natural beauty. A great spot to relax and take photos. ️ 7. Tushemisht Village & Traditional Lunch Our final stop is Tushemisht, a peaceful lakeside village in Albania with a deep connection to the Orthodox tradition. Here, we enjoy a delicious lunch by Lake Ohrid, with the chance to try the rare and delicious Koran fish, a unique trout species found only in this lake.

Itinerary Day 1 – Shkodra to Valbona 06:45 AM – Departure from Shkodra Meet at the Tourist Information Center in Shkodra, located near Hotel Rozafa in the city center. Your journey begins with a scenic drive toward Koman Lake. 08:30 AM – Arrival at Koman Lake & Ferry Boarding Arrive at the Komani ferry terminal and board the passenger ferry for an unforgettable journey through one of Albania’s most beautiful natural wonders. 09:00 AM – 11:30 AM – Komani Lake Ferry Ride Enjoy a peaceful 2-hour boat ride through Komani Lake, surrounded by steep cliffs and lush green landscapes — often compared to the fjords of Norway. 12:00 PM – Fierza Arrival & Minibus Transfer Once the ferry docks in Fierza, a shared minibus transfer takes you deeper into the mountains, directly to Valbona village. 13:00 PM – Arrival in Valbona You’ll arrive in Valbona National Park, where you can check into your guesthouse (not included). The afternoon is free to explore the valley, relax, or prepare for the next day’s hike. We recommend an early dinner and rest. Day 2 – Self-Guided Hike from Valbona to Theth Early Morning – Start Your Hike Begin your self-guided hike from Valbona to Theth. You'll use the digital GPS hiking map we send you by WhatsApp or email the day before, which includes waypoints, altitude info, and all key trail directions. Distance: ~17 km Time: 6–8 hours (depending on fitness level and pace) Elevation Gain: ~1000m, crossing Valbona Pass Trail Conditions: Well-marked mountain trail with multiple photo stops and resting areas Important: The hike is physically demanding and requires proper footwear, 2–3 liters of water, snacks, sun protection, and layers for changing weather. Arrival in Theth (Afternoon) You’ll reach Theth village by late afternoon. From here, you have two options: Option 1: Stay overnight in Theth Enjoy dinner and rest in a guesthouse (not included). We’ll arrange your return transport to Shkodra the next day at 11:00 AM. Option 2: Return to Shkodra the same day If you arrive in Theth before 17:00, we can organize your same-day return to Shkodra. Return to Shkodra (Day 2 or Day 3) Pick-up Location: Theth village center (you’ll receive the exact pick-up location with your travel info) Departure Time: 5:00 PM (same day) or 11:00 AM (next day, if staying overnight) Drive Duration: 2 hours (depending on road and weather conditions) Drop-off Location: Shkodra city center Trip Info Delivery One day before your departure, you will receive: All transport tickets (PDF) A detailed digital hiking map with live GPS tracking Full itinerary with pickup times, meeting points, and contacts Sent via WhatsApp or email

Your driver will pick you up from your hotel or any location in Skopje, with a comfortable A/C car/minivan and take you to the plateau where the Museum of Contemporary Art located. This offers a wonderful view of the central part of Skopje and here the story about the city begins. Afterwards, the Fortress Kale is visited. What follows is a visit to the Mustapha Pasha Mosque, and then the Church of the Holy Saviour. Another visit is the one to the Museum of Macedonia which consists of three parts: an icon gallery, an ethnological and historical departments. Then you continue you stroll through the Old Bazaar where two more caravansaries can be seen Turkish Baths – Chifte Hammam and Daut Pasha Hammam, dating back to the 15th century. The tour continues towards the modern part of the city on the right bank of the River Vardar. Before you cross the Stone Bridge, which is one of the oldest landmarks of Skopje, you can see the Holocaust Memorial Centre and the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle for Independence, IMRO and the Victims of Communism. On the other bank of the river is the main square Macedonia, with a lot of new statues and monuments. You will walk along the main street Macedonia which connects the square to the Old Railway Station. You can stay for a short visit at the Memorial House of Mother Teresa, with the tour ending in front of the Museum of the City of Skopje situated in the building of the Old Railway Station, which was partially destroyed by the earthquake in 1963. From Mount Vodno, you continue by cable-car system to the Millennium Cross and back to middle Vodno. Once back at middle Vodno you continue by the car/minivan to the village Gorno Nerezi, to see the church St. Pantelejmon. The tour continues with a visit to the canyon Matka, about 17 km from Skopje, continue to walk along the bank of the River Treska, which is famous for the competitions in kayaking that take place on it. You will follow the path that goes by the dam and the man-made lake Matka and reach the Monastery of St. Andrew.   After this, you will go on a boat ride along the canyon Matka (8km long) and enjoy the magnificent surroundings, as well as a visit to the cave Vrelo.

Embark on a captivating full-day journey from Durresi or Lalezi to the capital city of Albania Tirana. Begin with a convenient pickup from your hotel or directly from the airport. Discover the history and culture of the capita city as you explore iconic landmarks such as Skanderbeg Square, the National History Museum and Et'hem Bey Mosque. Walk along the Pedestrian Street and experience the charm of Tirana Castle. Discover the city's religious diversity with visits to St. Paul's Church and Namazgah Mosque. Immerse yourself in the intriguing past of communist Albania at the Post-Block Checkpoint monument and Enver Hoxha's old museum & Bunk ' Art. Experience a fascinating blend of old and new and be eager to uncover more hidden treasures in this fascinating city. Visit the unique architecture of the Pyramid. After that, we visit a local restaurant with traditional albania drinking raki and enjoy a traditional Qofte sandwich, a popular Albanian dish made with spicy minced meat grilled to perfection.At the end of the tour, relax yourself with having a coffe in the lake of Tirana. Option 2 : We start our day tour from Tirana, Durresi & Lalezi and pick up all the passengers from their hotels or anywhere in Tirana. We go to Dajti Cable Car where we take the cable car for a few minutes and enjoy the magnificent views up to the top. The guides meet you again at the top where you can enjoy some moments in the beautiful nature of the park or in the bar and restaurant area at the top. After our visit in Dajti National Park we go to Shengjergj, a village hidden in the mountains of Tirana. We do this small walk from the main road to the Waterfall, which takes about 15-20 minutes, it is a very easy walk. We have some free time where you can take pictures at the waterfall or just enjoy the beauty of the waterfall hidden in the deep green nature. Option 3 : Embark on a heart-pounding adventure from Tirana, Durresi & Lalezi with a zipline ticket in Petrela. Prepare for a unique, thrilling descent as you launch into the air and experience the thrill of soaring above picturesque landscapes. Enjoy the unique perspective of the longest zipline in the Balkans, capturing stunning views of Petrela Castle. End your adventure with a soft landing, leaving you with an unforgettable adrenaline rush and the privilege of conquering the sky on Petrela’s epic zipline. After your adventure, take some time to explore the castle and the historic village before heading back to Tirana.

Day 1: Dubrovnik – Mostar After experiencing the unique medieval town of Dubrovnik independently, cross into Bosnia & Herzegovina and head towards the city of Mostar. Overnight in Mostar. Day 2: Mostar – Sarajevo – Mostar After breakfast, drive to the next destination, Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Visit the Latin Bridge and learn the story about how WWI was triggered right here, in the heart of Sarajevo. Have some free time to enjoy the traditional dishes and have a coffee in the old town. Overnight in Mostar. Day 3: Mostar – Kotor – Montenegrin Riviera Continue towards Kotor, a UNESCO world heritage site. Wander through the maze of narrow, cobblestone streets crisscrossing the old town. Have the afternoon to yourself to explore this magnificent UNESCO world heritage site. Overnight near the Montenegrin Riviera. Day 4: Montenegrin Riviera – Budva – Sveti Stefan – Shkoder Visit Budva in Montenegro, famous for its beaches, nature, and old characteristic buildings. On the way to Albania, make a stop near Sveti Stefan, historically a fishing town on a small island near the coast. Cross the border to Shkoder, Albania, one of the oldest cities in Albania. Overnight in Shkoder. Day 5: Shkoder – Mrizi i Zanave Agrotourism – Prizren Visit one of the best slow food Agro-tourism farms in the Balkans and have free time to enjoy a traditional lunch. In the afternoon, continue the tour towards Prizren, considered as the cultural capital of Kosovo. Have a free afternoon in Prizren. Overnight in Prizren. Day 6: Prizren – Gjakove - Decan – Vineyards near Rahovec – Prizren Continue the tour towards Gjakova. Even though it got destroyed during the first Balkan wars, the second world war, and the Kosovo war, the bazaar got rebuilt again to its old state and is a nice place to enjoy a meal or to take a look at the stores that sell traditional handmade crafts. Visit the Monastery of Decan where Orthodox monks still inhabit the monastery. Before returning back to Prizren, drive towards Rahovec Valley, there is evidence that in this region grapes have been cultivated since Illyrian times, 2000 years ago. Overnight in Prizren. Day 7: Prizren – Kruje – Tirana Visit Kruja, situated in central Albania on a rocky mountainous terrain about 560 meters above sea level. Walk through the narrow streets and the wooden houses of Kruja’s Medieval Old Bazaar. Have some free time to enjoy a tasty traditional lunch, do some souvenir shopping, or admire the city. Overnight in Tirana. Day 8: Tirana Discover Tirana, the capital of Albania and enjoy a unique experience in the city while learning more about the city's culinary treasures. Have the opportunity to try Byrek, Albanian coffee, traditional lunch, and of course, Albanian Raki. Visit BUNKART, one of the most interesting museums in Tirana. Initially designed as a nuclear bunker offering shelter to the Albanian communist supreme leader.

Discover the highlights of Kosovo on a 7-day tour from Pristina. Visit the Gracanica Monastery, the Decan Monastery, and the Patriarchate of Peja. Explore the Rugova Valley National Park and the White Drin River Waterfall. Day 1: Pristina – Gracanica Monastery – Ulpiana – Prizren Begin your tour with a pickup from your hotel in Pristina. Head to the Gracanica Monastery, one of the most attractive monasteries in Kosovo. Continue to Ulpiana to see the Roman Empire ruins. Finally, arrive in Prizren where the river flows through the heart of the old town. Day 2: Prizren – Prevalla National Park – Prizren After breakfast, move towards Prevalla National Park. Admire the impressive views of the Sharr Mountains and the Lepenci River. Explore the park on a hike through the beautiful landscapes. Return to Prizren for the night. Day 3: Prizren – Vineyards in Rahovec Valley – Gjakove Drive towards the west of Kosovo. Visit the Rahovec Valley, known as the capital city of viticulture in Kosovo. Explore the vineyards and have some free time to explore Gjakove on your own. Day 4: Gjakove – Decan Monastery UNESCO Site – Gryka e Decanit (Accursed Mountain National Park) – Gjakove Visit the Monastery of Decan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to the Accursed Mountain National Park, passing through spectacular mountain scenery. Have some free time to enjoy the wild beauty of Kosovo. Day 5: Gjakova – Peja – Rugova Valley National Park Continue towards Peja, home to the Patriarchate of Peja, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through the Old Bazaar of the city. From Peja, go to the Rugova Valley National Park. Day 6: Rugova Valley – White Drin River Waterfall – Prekaz – Pristina Drive towards the White Drin River Waterfall, a stunning natural area known for its deep canyons, lush landscapes, and pristine beauty. Continue to the village of Prekaz, where you visit the memorial of the Jashari family. Day 7: Pristina Visit the capital of Kosovo, Prisitna. See the Newborn monument and Sheshi Nena Tereza. Pass the Skanderberg square with the statue of Skanderberg himself, the national Albanian hero.

2 Day trip throught Albanian Alps and Kosova. Day 1. Starting early in the morning from Tirana and travelling throught Albania to reach Komani Lake ferry. Enjoying the ferry Ride called the Thailand of Europe where the mountains create an wonderfull panorama with the calming water of the lake. Visits at Bajram Curri(the city in the middle of the Alps) and together we continue to Valbona National Park. Feel amazed from the nature and the high peaks that are carved from the crystal water of Valbona River. Optional Hike to Valbona Waterfall(extra price). Night in the valley. Day 2. Enjoying our breakfast in the nature and the fresh air of the valley. Visiting the glacial lake of Quku i Dunishes, a nature oasis in the heart of the Valbona Village. Crossing the border with Kosova and reaching Gjakova. Gjakova is a historical city known for the area since the Middle Ages. The inhabitants of Gjakova have been known since ancient times for the processing of metal and work tools, holding a record of 27 craftsmen in only the part of Carshia(the old bazaar). Time to Visit Prizren , one of the most Vibrant Cities in Kosova. Prizren is famous for Albanian-Ottoman culture with the castle and famous pedestrial Area, with a lot of coffees and restaurants. Enjoying traditional food and drinking something in the roads of Prizren. The way back to Tirana . End of the Journey

Day 1: Tirana Discover Tirana, the capital of Albania, and enjoy a unique experience in the city while learning more about the city's culinary treasures. Have the opportunity to try Byrek, Albanian coffee, traditional lunch, and of course, Albanian Raki. Visit BUNKART, one of the most interesting museums in Tirana. Day 2: Tirane - Kruje – Prizren (Kosovo) After breakfast, drive to Kruja, situated in central Albania on a rocky mountainous terrain about 560 meters above sea level. Walk through the narrow streets and the wooden houses of Kruja’s Medieval Old Bazaar, the best place to shop for souvenirs. Cross the border towards Prizren, considered as the cultural capital of Kosovo, and enjoy a free afternoon to explore. Day 3: Prizren – Gjakove - Decan – Vineyards near Rahovec – Prizren After breakfast, continue the tour towards Gjakova then the Monastery of Decan, where Orthodox monks still inhabit the monastery. Drive towards Rahovec Valley where there is evidence grapes have been cultivated since Illyrian times, 2000 years ago. Day 4: Prizren – Mrizi i Zanave Agro Tourism (Albania) – Shkoder Visit one of the best slow food Agro-tourism in the Balkans. Take a tour around the farm and enjoy a traditional lunch or buy fresh produce products made onsite. Continue towards Shkoder, one of the oldest cities in Albania. Visit Rozafa castle offering tremendous scenery of the lake. Day 5: Shkoder – Sveti Stefan (Montenegro) – Budva – Kotor – Montenegrin Riviera Today visit Budva in Montenegro, famous for its beaches, gorgeous nature, and old characteristic buildings. On the way stop near Sveti Stefan, historically a fishing town on a small island near the coast. Continue towards Kotor and wander through the maze of narrow, cobblestone streets. Day 6: Montenegrin Riviera – Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina) From Montenegro, cross the border to Bosnia & Herzegovina and head towards the city of Mostar where you will visit the iconic Old Bridge, also known as Stari Most, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon have some free time to explore and wander around Mostar, this splendid UNESCO site. Day 7: Mostar – Sarajevo – Mostar After breakfast, drive from Mostar to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Today’s itinerary includes walking on uneven terrain, while visiting some of the ruins during the Sarajevo tour. You can still see many reminders of the Yugoslav War in bullet holes and cannon marks all around town. The tour will cover the stories of origins of Sarajevo and the medieval Bosnian Kingdom. Have some free time to enjoy the traditional dishes and have wander in the old town. Day 8: Mostar – Transfer Day to Dubrovnik or Split (Croatia) This is the last day of your Balkan adventure marking the end of this amazing experience through the rich history and culture of this part of the World. Your tour leader will take you to the Croatian border. A local representative (driver) will shuttle you to your hotel in Dubrovnik or Split.