Balkan Explorer - 2024

Day 1 Fly from London Luton to Kosovo’s capital, Pristina, and check-in at the 4-star Hotel Prishtina for an overnight stay.

Day 2 A morning walking tour of Pristina includes the remarkable ‘cube and dome’ design of the National Library; the city’s new landmark, the Mother Teresa Cathedral with its tall belltower, the first church dedicated to the Albanian saint; the 15th century, Ottoman, Fatih and Carshia Mosques; and the capital’s celebration of freedom fighter, Skanderbeg, his monument echoing that of Tirana and epitomising the shared heritage of the two cities. Drive to see the ancient remains of Illyrian/Roman Ulpiana; and to nearby Gracanica Monastery, a 14th century church, built over the ruins of a 6th century basilica, and boasting vibrant medieval murals, continue to the Battle of Kosovo (Gazimestan) Monument, built in 1953 to commemorate the battle of 1389. Transfer to its historic capital, Prizren, and check-in at the 4-star Hotel Kacinari for two nights. (B, L)

Day 3 Enjoy a morning walking tour of Prizren to landmarks including the lovely little Ottoman Stone Bridge, spanning the Lumbardh River in the heart of town; and the Museum of the League of Prizren, documenting the late 19th century struggle for rights for the Albanian community. Tour to the 14th century monastery complex of Decan, a UNESCO listed site which boasts the largest medieval church in the Balkans, with a thousand beautifully preserved frescoes. Continue to Peja to visit the Patriarchate of Pec, a Serbian Orthodox church and convent, still in use since its 13th century construction. (B)

Day 4 Drive to Gjakova for a visit to the old town, all but destroyed in the 1999 war, but now restored in its traditional style, with a lively central square and Kosovo’s oldest bazaar. Travel across the Albanian border to Fierza, on the Koman Lake shore, embark on the ferry for a stunningly scenic sail to Koman, and continue by road to Tirana, the country’s capital, for two nights at the 4-star Hotel Opera. (B, D)

Day 5 Chaotic, colourful Tirana focuses on the central Skanderbeg Square, where monuments include a huge statue of the national hero; and the mural-adorned National History Museum, which we visit this morning. Travel to Berat to explore its castle citadel and visit the Onufri Museum of Iconography; and the Ethnographic Museum. (B)

Day 6 Drive east, across the border into North Macedonia, to beautiful Ohrid, spread along the shore of the namesake lake. A walking tour includes the 6th-century St. Sophia; the multi-domed St. Clement & St. Panteleimon; the Plashonik archaeological site; the frescoed Holy Virgin of Perivleptos; and 13th-century St. John the Theologian, high on the Kaneo cliff. Overnight at the 4-star Sky Corner Hotel. (B, D)

Day 7 Travel to Stobi to visit the Roman remains of a 7th-century BC city, strategically sited on the Diagonal Road linking Thrace with the Balkans. Continue to the Popova Kula Winery for a tasting, en route to Skopje, and enjoy a walking tour in the capital, historic landmarks include the photogenic Kameni Most (stone bridge), the 12th-century ‘Carsija’ Turkish bazaar, and the Mahmut Pasha Hammam. Overnight at the 4-star Next Door Park Hotel. (B, L)

Day 8 A drive takes you to Matka Canyon, the steep-sided gorge filled with the blue-green waters of an artificial lake; cross the border into Kosovo and visit Gadimë Cave, a karst limestone cavern. Transfer to Pristina airport for the return flight to London. (B)

• Key
• B - Breakfast
• L - Lunch
• D - Dinner