tour guide kosovo

Kosovo Tours & Vacations

Tiny Kosovo is Europe’s newest (official) country: a handful of landlocked mountains, poppy-dotted meadows and oak forests smack bang in the middle of the Balkans.

The shadow of conflict in the late 90s has kept Kosovo off the holiday radar, which is a real shame. But go there today and you can feel that shadow lifting. NATO troops may still guard Serbian monasteries, and proper independence is an ongoing struggle, but the headlines now are increasingly good ones: an emerging tourist trade, film festivals in Peja, Pristina’s trendy cafe scene and world-class walking in the Rugova Mountains. Yep, Europe’s youngest member is definitely making up for lost time.

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Kosovo, Albania & Macedonia Explorer

Kosovo at a glance

Capital city.

Albanian, Serbian

(GMT+01:00) Belgrade, Bratislava, Budapest, Ljubljana, Prague

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth)

Learn more about Kosovo

Best time to visit kosovo.

Kosovo’s mountainous terrain means cold, snowy winters, hot summers and some pleasant months in between. Between December and January the temperatures can drop below freezing, particularly up in the hills, but life down on the plains is a little more stable. July and August are the warmest, with average daily temperatures around 80°F with very little rain. If you’re after outdoor activities like hiking and swimming, try late spring or early autumn when the days are mild and the sun is shining.

Geography and environment

It’s hard to drop a ball in Kosovo and not have it roll away from you. Most of the country is steep and mountainous, except for two big plains: the Metohija Basin in the west and the Plain of Kosovo in the east. The countryside is mostly rolling fields and meadows – poppies, wildflowers and so on – with dense forests of deciduous oak and beech trees in between. Every so often you’ll come across a Serbian monastery high up in the hills, or a red-roofed town by a riverbank. You could drive across the whole country in a couple of hours. Fun fact: Kosovo has the only river in Europe (the Nerodimka) that splits and flows into two different seas.

Top 5 travel myths about Kosovo

1. there’s a war going on.

Not true anymore. The Kosovo War between Albanian rebels and the Republic of Yugoslavia ended in 1999. These days there is still some tension between the Albanian majority and Serbia (NATO troops still guard isolated Serbian monasteries around Pristina), but the war as it stood is over. Kosovo got its independence in 2008 and has now been recognised by most UN member countries.It’s even on the International Olympic Committee.

2. It’s dangerous

While the scars of war still exist, they’re fading fast. The vast majority of old landmines from the Kosovo War have been cleared, conflict with Serbia has eased considerably and the majority of the country is busy looking to the future. Kosovo has the youngest and fastest growing population in Europe, with major cities like Pristina expanding day by day. All that’s required for traveling there are common sense and a little sensitivity. That’s it.

3. We’re not allowed to travel there

Travel warnings for Kosovo advise caution, but they don’t say not to travel there (except in some areas of the country, check with your relevant government department). It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the current political climate, which is why a group trip in Kosovo makes the most sense. You can travel with a local leader who has their finger on the pulse, and you’ll be informed well in advance if there is any unrest on the horizon.

4. There’s not much history

Even though it’s Europe’s youngest official country, Kosovo has an old soul. Rome conquered the province in the second century BC and ruins of their cities can be found at sites like Ulpiana. Since then it’s been ruled by Bulgarians, Byzantines, Ottomans, Serbians, Hungarians and (recently) Kosovars themselves. There are 13th-century mosques, old churches, Ottoman-style bazaars and crumbling ruins dotted throughout the country – more than enough to keep a history buff happy.

5. The people are unfriendly

Don’t mistake conflict with unfriendliness. The people of Kosovo have earned a reputation in recent years as some of the friendliest in Europe. Ask directions and it’s not uncommon you’ll be led all the way there. Invitations to family meals are common. It’s probably Kosovo’s exposure to international visitors: after the war over 200,000 international workers came to help the country get back on its feet, and the locals have never forgotten it.

Further reading

Kosovo travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do I need a visa in Kosovo?

Australia: No - not required Belgium: No – not required Canada: No - not required Germany: No - not required Ireland: No - not required Netherlands: No - not required New Zealand: No - not required South Africa: No - not required United Kingdom: No - not required USA: No - not required

Is tipping customary in Kosovo?

In restaurants, bars and taxis, travelers are expected to leave a small tip.

What is internet access like in Kosovo?

Internet access is fairly simple in Kosovo. The country has a good broadband network and there are plenty of internet cafes in city centers like Pristina and Prizren. Though more rural areas have been known to suffer outages.

Can I use my cell phone in Kosovo?

Most Kosovars communicate by cell phone, and the coverage is pretty consistent across the country. Prepaid SIM cards are available in most convenience stores and supermarkets if you want to avoid international roaming charges.

What are the toilets like in Kosovo?

Most toilets in Kosovo are flush toilets, but access can be tricky. There are no public restrooms in Pristina, so your best bet is to call in at a cafe or restaurant. It’s not uncommon for Kosovo toilets to be out of toilet paper, so carry a stash of your own just in case. Using a public toilet or a toilet in a café will require payment, so it’s best to have some loose change on hand.

What will it cost for a…?

Beer: 50c Coffee: 1 EUR Simple lunch at a cafe: 3 EUR Dinner for two in a restaurant: 17 EUR Bottle of water: 33c

Can I drink the water in Kosovo?

Although the locals say the tap water is safe to drink, it’s probably best to stick with filtered water while in Kosovo, as there have been accounts of contamination.

Are credit cards widely accepted in Kosovo?

Cash is still the king in Kosovo. While major supermarkets and upmarket restaurants accept all major credit cards, there are plenty more who don’t, so be prepared and keep some euros on you at all times.

What is ATM access like in Kosovo?

ATMs are the safest and easiest way to get cash in Kosovo, and there are plenty around in major towns like Pristina and Prizren. You’ll struggle to find them in smaller towns though, so make sure to withdraw enough cash to see you through until the next big city.

What public holidays are celebrated in Kosovo?

• 1 Jan New Year's Day
• 7 Jan Orthodox Christmas
• 17 Feb Kosovo Independence Day
• 9 Apr Kosovo Constitution Day
• *Easter Monday
• 1 May International Labor Day
• 9 May Europe Day
• *Eid Al-Fitr / End of Ramadan
• *Eid Al-Adha / Feast of Sacrifice
• 25 Dec Christmas Day

*Please note these dates may vary. For a current list of public holidays in Kosovo, go to the World Travel Guide Website

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

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Wander-Lush

Perfect Kosovo Itinerary for 7-10 Days of Travel

This 7-10 day Kosovo itinerary by public transport covers all the best things to do in Kosovo, including Pristina and Prizren, the biggest bazaar in Kosovo, all four UNESCO Medieval Monuments, hiking in Kosovo, and much more.

Whenever someone asks me what my favourite place in the Balkans is, I always include Kosovo among my top three. After travelling the entire region overland for 6 months, Europe’s youngest nation stands out for so many reasons.

Kosovo was the country I knew nothing about and had zero expectations for. I was blown away by the cosmopolitan cities, charming old towns, beautiful nature, delicious cuisine – and above all the generosity and warmth of the people.

Kosovo is – in my experience – affordable, safe, and extremely easy to navigate relying only on public transport (intercity buses).

I spent a total of 2 weeks in Kosovo. The itinerary presented here focuses mostly on the western side of the country and is a condensed version of the exact route my husband and I followed.

Though I recommend lingering for as long as possible and travelling slowly, you can see the best the country has to offer in terms of history, culture, cities and nature in 7-10 days.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Where should you start your Kosovo itinerary?

Figuring out your entry and exit points is an important part of planning your travels in Kosovo . As you probably know, entering from Serbia and exiting through a neighbouring country (or vice versa) can cause issues, either at the border or in the future.

Having already visited Serbia earlier in our trip, we planned our route to purposefully avoid the border zones. We arrived in Prizren from Ulcinj in Montenegro (by way of northern Albania ) and left to Skopje from Pristina. We had absolutely no issues.

Good to know: Kosovo has good relations with neighbouring Albania, Montenegro and North Macedonia, thus overland travel between these countries is no problem. Bus connections between the four countries are plentiful, especially in the summer months when domestic tourism is at its peak.

Our route was as follows: Prizren – Gjakova – Peja – Pristina. If you plan to fly into Kosovo’s international airport in Pristina or you prefer to start your overland travels in the capital, then you can easily flip the script and do this itinerary in reverse.

For advice about the borders and entry/exit procedures, I recommend consulting an official source. The UK travel advisory does a good job of breaking things down.

Kosovo itinerary overview

This itinerary for Kosovo is based on the exact route we followed through the country, shortened and refined a little to fit into 10 days.

You could trim it down further to 7 days – but anything less than a week in Kosovo is pushing it in my opinion. Kosovo is small and easy to get around, but there is a lot to do and you almost always wind up spending longer than planned in each place (those outdoor cafes will do that to you).

Days 1-2: Prizren Days 3-4: Gjakova Days 5-7: Dečani, Peja & Rugova Gorge Days 8-10: Pristina & Gračanica

Where we stayed in Kosovo

Here is a quick list of our accommodations in Kosovo. You’ll find more suggestions for a range of budgets under each section in the itinerary that follows.

• Prizren: Hotel Denis , a budget-friendly but extremely comfortable hotel with kind staff and a free breakfast. → Check prices & availability on Agoda .
• Gjakova: Kulla Dula , the best and only place to stay in Gjakova! Hosted by a lovely family in their 200-year-old home. → Check prices & availability on Booking.com .
• Peja: Stone Bridge , clean and tidy rooms in the centre of the city. → Check prices & availability on Booking.com .
• Pristina: We stayed at an Airbnb in Pristina. I highly recommend you stay at Hotel Gračanica , a gorgeous social enterprise (and Kosovo’s first boutique hotel) 20 minutes outside the centre, near the monastery. → Check prices & availability on Booking.com .

Kick things off in Prizren, Kosovo’s cultural heartland

• Recommended time to spend in Prizren: 2-3 nights

Most people start their Kosovo trip in Pristina. Because of transport logistics, we ended up visiting Prizren first – and I think that worked out for the best.

Prizren is compact and completely charming. It’s the ideal place to get a feel for everyday life in Kosovo. By day, wander the cobbled streets and soak up the legendary cafe culture as the call to prayer rings out from the Sinan Pasha Mosque. In the evening, do as the locals do and walk up for a sweeping sunset view from the castle.

This being the traditional cultural and intellectual capital of Kosovo, you can find some of the country’s finest museums and monuments in Prizren. That includes Our Lady of Ljeviš (Bogorodica Ljeviška or Kisha e Shën Premtës), one of the four edifices that make up the UNESCO-protected Medieval Monuments in Kosovo . 

Built in the 14th century, the church was heavily damaged in 2004 during riots. Today it remains fenced off with barbed wire and monitored by a security guard.

To go inside, you’ll need to make an appointment in advance with the priest. Otherwise you can view the church from outside or better still from atop the clock tower inside the nearby Archaeological Museum.

→ For more great things to do in Prizren, see my Prizren city guide and video .

Where to stay in Prizren

• Mid-range hotel: Hotel Denis is located close to the bus station and walking distance to the centre of town. Rooms are simple but tastefully decorated, and most come with a small balcony. Breakfast at the cafe downstairs is included in the room rate. Staff are incredibly hospitable and helpful.
• Luxury hotel: Hotel Tiffany is located in a historic building in the centre of town and features an onsite restaurant.
• Budget hostel: Driza’s House is a family run hostel-style accommodation set in a local home.

Continue to Gjakova, the most beautiful place in Kosovo

• Recommended time to spend in Gjakova: 2 nights

Gjakova is my favourite place in Kosovo. A small city north of Prizren, it centres on an atmospheric Grand Bazaar (Çarshia e Vjetër e Gjakovës) – one of the oldest and largest in the entire region, and the longest in Kosovo today.

A kilometre of delightful little wooden shops accommodates woodworkers, hatters, wedding tailors and antique vendors. Artisans welcome you inside to see how Gjakova’s specialty craft, brightly painted baby cradles called Djepaxhiu , are made.

Gjakova is laid back and gently paced – the ideal spot to slow down for a couple of days. Visit the beautiful 16th century Hadum Mosque and the catholic church, tour the small but excellent Ethnographic Museum, climb the hill for a view, and see how many of the cafes and bars along the vibrant pedestrian street you can fit in.

→ For more things to do, see my detailed guide to Gjakova .

Where to stay in Gjakova

• Guesthouse: Kulla Dula is the best place we stayed in Kosovo. The family are incredibly kind and the heritage house unbelievably beautiful.
• Boutique hotel: Hotel Çarshia e Jupave is a lovely hotel-restaurant complex set in restored Ottoman-style houses.

How to get to Gjakova from Prizren

Buses depart from Prizren every 30 minutes. The journey to Gjakova takes just over an hour and the fare is €2.50.

Top tip: The Gjirafa website is a great resource for checking bus routes and schedules. It’s usually pretty accurate in my experience, but it pays to double-check departures on the ground before you travel. The website also works for Albania.

Make a detour to visit Dečani Monastery

Located roughly halfway between Gjakova and Peja, Dečani Monastery (Visoki Dečani Monastery or Manastiri i Deçanit) is the second UNESCO monument to feature on this Kosovo itinerary.

From a visitor’s perspective, this is definitely the most intense and intimidating of the quartet as it’s the only one still guarded by KFOR, the NATO-led peacekeeping force in Kosovo. Despite this, we felt completely safe during our visit.

As you approach on foot or by road from the town of Desan, you encounter a traffic barrier and watch tower. The entrance to the monastery is heavily guarded; we had to hand our bags over and register with our passports to enter inside.

Visoki Dečani was founded in the 14th century and is decorated with lavish frescoes. Honestly though it’s the setting that I found most impressive – the monastery is nestled in greenery at the foot of the Accursed Mountains against a backdrop of majestic forest.

Recently Dečani was named as one of the seven most endangered cultural heritage sites in Europe .

How to get to Dečani Monastery

It’s possible to visit Visoki Dečani from either Gjakova or Peja. If you’re travelling between the two cities and your luggage is light enough, you can alight the bus early in Desan en route.

We chose to go from Peja as it’s slightly closer. Buses that stop in Desan depart every 15 minutes. The journey time is 20 minutes and the fare is €1.

Head north to Peja, the gateway to Rugova Gorge

• Recommended time to spend in Peja: 2 nights

Located in the north-western corner of Kosovo close to the Montenegrin border, Peja (Pejë or Peć) is a small city in the foothills of the Accursed Mountains. If you want to go hiking in Kosovo, you’ll cross paths with Peja at some point – this is the portal to Rugova Gorge and the country’s best mountain trails.

Peja city has a long and fascinating history, too. In 1346 it became the seat of the Serbian Orthodox Church. A century earlier, the Patriarchal Monastery of Peć (the third UNESCO World Heritage Site) was built in the hills behind the city.

Up to 80% of the buildings in downtown Peja were destroyed in the war. The Old Bazaar and pedestrianised streets have since been rehabilitated. Alongside Ottoman-style heritage architecture you’ll see some interesting Brutalist facades and Socialist-style apartment blocks, giving the city a very distinct skyline.

In spring, we happened upon beautiful colours in the city’s parks. The thing I loved most about Peja was the inescapable backdrop of the Prokletije mountains that greets you at every turn. The city is so close to the alps, you really feel totally embraced by the peaks.

Rugova Valley (Gryka e Rugovës) is easily accessible from Peja by foot or taxi. Stretching back 25m into the mountains, it’s one of the longest and deepest canyons in Europe. The whole area behind Peja is a lush landscape of waterfalls, cliffs and caves – even just a short walk here will leave you feeling refreshed.

Inside the park you’ll find hiking routes that follow old mule trails, water sports in spring and summer, and even ziplining . Never in a million years did I think I would go ziplining in Kosovo – but hey, it happened and it was fun!

Where to stay in Peja

• Mid-range hotel: Stone Bridge offers clean and tidy rooms in the centre of the city, walking distance from the Old Bazaar. The owners are friendly and extremely helpful.
• Mid-range hotel: Hotel Camp Karagaq is set inside a beautiful house on the edge of the park, just south from the Old Bazaar.
• Budget hostel: Central Hostel offers both dorms and private doubles and is a popular choice among backpackers.

How to get to Peja from Gjakova

Buses to Peja depart from Gjakova’s bus station every 15 minutes or so. The trip takes 45 minutes and the fare is €2.50. The bus stops in Desan (for Visoki Dečani) along the way.

Visit the Patriarchate of Peć

Located behind Peja, walking distance from the centre, the Patriarchate of Peć (Patrikana e Pejës) is easy to visit on the way into Rugova Canyon. The walk up is extremely pleasant and well worth doing even if you have limited time in Peja.

Built in the 13th century, this monastery became the seat of the Serbian Patriarchs and still enjoys an immensely important status today. The complex is vast and fascinating, with three interconnected churches, a trio of cupolas and a set of larger-than-life murals.

The russet-coloured facade with geometric motifs and the abstract shapes of the interior frescoes set it apart from the other monasteries in Kosovo.

For me, this was the most enjoyable of the four UNESCO monasteries by far. The 18-chapter audio tour (available for €2) is very well done.

Finish your Kosovo travels in Pristina, the cosmopolitan capital

• Recommended time to spend in Prishtina: 2-3 nights

End on a buzz with a few days in Kosovo’s biggest city, Pristina (Prishtina). Here, the cafe culture reaches its pinnacle. Matched with a world-famous nightlife scene, you’ll end up spending all your leftover money on macchiatos and craft beer.

This being Kosovo’s capital, Pristina has its fair share of wonderful museums and monuments too. The most iconic is the Newborn Monument, which changes its face every year and has become a symbol of Kosovo, and the National Library, famously dubbed the ‘world’s ugliest building’.

Other highlights include the Cathedral of Saint Mother Teresa, half a dozen dazzling historic mosques, and the open-air produce market.

Don’t miss the ride to the top of the cathedral tower to observe Europe’s youngest capital from above.

→ For more ideas, see my guide to the best things to do in Pristina .

Where to stay in Pristina

• Boutique hotel: Hotel Gračanica is an innovative socially-minded property with a gorgeous pool and sublime design. It’s located 20 minutes outside Pristina, close to Gračanica Monastery.
• Mid-range hotel: City Inn is a trendy, comfortable hotel centrally located 300 metres from the Skanderbeg Statue.
• Budget hostel: Prishtina Center Hostel offers a range of dorms, a shared kitchen and a lovely outdoor terrace.

How to get to Pristina from Peja

Buses depart from Peja bus station roughly every 20 minutes. The journey time is 1.5 hours and the fare is €5.

Side trip to Gračanica Monastery

A short bus ride from Pristina, Gračanica Monastery (Manastir Gračanica or Manastiri i Graçanicës) is the final UNESCO Monument in Kosovo. It has the most laid-back feel of all four – perhaps because there were several families visiting while we were there.

Interestingly, you can find a replica of Gračanica in Trebinje in Bosnia and Herzegovina .

Gračanica is a Serb majority community. While you’re there, drop in to visit a unique business that celebrates Kosovo’s diversity: Hotel Gračanica . This is one of the only venues in the country that employs Serbian, Kosovar and Roma people in upper management positions.

As well as having a great story and mission behind it, it must be said that the design and architecture here are really something. Walk-ins are welcome for lunch or dinner at the restaurant – a great option if you’re staying in Pristina and just visiting the area for the day.

How to get to Gračanica

Buses bound for Gjilan depart every 30 minutes from Pristina bus station and stop at Gračanica along the way. The journey is 20 minutes and the fare is €1.

More time? Other great places to visit in Kosovo

This small city in south-eastern Kosovo (roughly an hour from Pristina by road) is famed for its beautiful architecture, local cuisine and bustling Sunday market. Learn more about Gjilan here .

An hour north of Pristina, Mitrovica or Kosovska Mitrovica as it’s sometimes referred to is a ‘divided city’, split in half by a river and shared between Kosovo and Serbia. Aside from the heavily guarded bridge, you’ll likely find it feels a lot like other cities in the region, with vibrant markets, cafes and a plurality of religious monuments.

Ferizaj (Uroshevac)

Known for being a bastion of religious tolerance, Ferizaj is defined by two landmarks: The Saint Uroš Cathedral and the Madhe Mosque, which face each other across a beautiful green square.

The city is under an hour from Pristina by road on the way to the North Macedonian border.

Kosovo travel FAQ

Is kosovo safe for tourists.

As a child of the 90s, my perceptions of Kosovo have been mostly negative for my entire life, shaped by images of the Kosovo War and refugee crisis.

I can only speak to my experience (which was overwhelmingly positive), but hand on heart: Kosovar people are some of the loveliest we met anywhere in the Balkans. There was always someone willing to go out of their way to help us no matter what situation we got ourselves into. We never once felt threatened or unsafe.

Hospitality is a huge part of Kosovo culture, just as it is in Albania . My overall impression was that people were extremely excited and grateful to see foreign tourists enjoying their cities and learning about their history.

Of course you still need to exercise common sense and caution just as you would in any other country. Read up on the latest travel advice before you go, and be mindful of your personal safety when visiting areas where ethnic tensions are still high, such as the UNESCO monasteries (especially Dečani) and Mitrovica.

Find more tips for staying safe in Kosovo – and read the perspectives of other travellers – in this guide by my friend Kami .

Is Kosovo expensive? Our travel costs

The official currency in Kosovo is the Euro. I was concerned this would make travel more expensive, but in the end Kosovo still turned out to be a very affordable destination.

We stayed in mid-range hotels and at one Airbnb. Our total accommodation costs were €332.23 or €25.50/night. On top of that, we spent a total of €444 on food, activities and transport for two people for 13 days.

Our Kosovo expenses:

• Accommodation: €332.23
• Restaurant meals: €186.80
• Snacks & drinks: €49.63
• Groceries: €19.09
• Ground transportation: €37.00
• Tickets & activities: €10.00
• Souvenirs: €35.20
• Miscellaneous: €106.40

Should you hire a car in Kosovo?

Bus travel is reliable and affordable in Kosovo. If you’re on a tighter timeline or you want greater flexibility, you might consider hiring a car and self-driving.

I recommend using Discover Cars to search for a budget-friendly rental in Pristina. Prices start from just €8/day.

If you’re in need of inspiration, check out this round-up of Balkan road trip itineraries , including driving routes in Kosovo.

→  Find a rental on Discover Cars .

Kosovo packing list

• A good quality backpack. If you plan on moving around Kosovo by bus, it’s a good idea to travel light. I recommend using an anti-theft backpack for your day pack.
• A scarf (women). A lightweight cotton scarf is my number one travel essential. In Kosovo, it will come in handy for covering your hair when entering a mosque or monastery. This neutral travel scarf goes with anything and it even has a hidden pocket.
• Good walking shoes. Kosovo’s cities are all pedestrian friendly. Comfy shoes are essential – I love these ones for women, while my partner lives in these waterproof shoes .
• A reusable water bottle. I always travel with a S’Well water bottle .
• Biodegradable wet wipes. Try this convenient travel pack .
• Entertainment for bus journeys. If you don’t suffer from motion sickness, an e-reader is great for passing the time on road journeys. If you have a travel buddy, pick up a headphone splitter – probably my favourite travel gadget of all time – so you can share a screen or a podcast.

Have you travelled to Kosovo? Do you have any extra recommendations to share or places I should visit next time around? If you have any questions about your own Kosovo itinerary, please leave them in the comments below and I’ll do my best to help out.

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Kosovo Tours & Trips

Find the right tour for you through Kosovo. We've got 5 adventures going to Kosovo, starting from just one day in length, and the longest tour is 7 days. The most popular month to go is March, which has the largest number of tour departures.

5 Kosovo tour packages with 5 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Sightseeing
• Christmas & New Year

Explore the youngest country of Europe: Kosovo tour in seven days

This tour was fantastic. The cities are all different and thriving. The countryside is beautiful a varied. This is a beautiful young country with amazing history. Our guide Arber was very knowledgeable and helpful . Every day was wonderful Thank you . Barbara Anderson

Day tour of Prizren from Pristina; Small Group

Prime Kosovo 7 days

Full Day Tour of Kosovo from Skopje; Prisitna & Prizren

• Food & Culinary

The Pearls Of Kosovo

Looking for tours beyond just kosovo.

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International Versions

• Deutsch: Kosovo Rundreisen
• Français: Circuits et voyages au Kosovo
• Español: Circuitos y viajes por Kosovo
• Nederlands: Kosovo Rondreizen

Kosovo Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

8 kosovo trips. compare tour itineraries from 8 tour companies. 52 reviews. 5/5 avg rating., popular kosovo tours.

Cycle the Balkans

• Visit the Unesco-listed town of Ohrid in North Macedonia
• Experience the magnificent Mavrov Lake and nationalpark
• Challenge yourself against the Durmitor mountains, part of the Dinaric Alps

Kosovo, Albania & Macedonia Explorer

• Explore the remote northern reaches of Albania and take one of the world’s best boat trips with a cruise through the mountainous corridors of Lake Koman
• Experience daily life in the Valbona Valley with a stay at a local guesthouse. Clink glasses with the locals in the village and hike the rugged valley passes.
• Sail across the blue waters of Lake Ohrid, one of Europe's oldest lakes. No wonder North Macedonia and Albania share this beautiful attraction – nobody would want to let it go.
• Kososvo is rich in history and contrasts. Step back in time and learn about the infamous Battle of Kosovo on a day trip to the Field of Blackbirds, before embracing the modern culture thriving in Prishtina, Europe’s youngest capital.
• Lose yourself in Tirana, the Albanian capital full of a revitalised urban energy, and partake in the local's favourite pastime: drinking coffee and people-watching.

Balkan Kaleidoscope - 8 Balkan Countries in 14 Days

Balkan Explorer

• Discover Skopje and Sofia, two of the most vibrant capitals in the Balkans
• Visit the Unesco-listed Rila Monastery in Bulgaria
• Discover the Tikvesh wine region and alluring Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia
• Explore Prizren, the culture capital of Kosovo
• Enjoy natural beauty, ancient sites and traditional Balkan cuisine

Western Balkans Uncovered

• Sail across the blue waters of Lake Ohrid – one of Europe's oldest lakes. No wonder North Macedonia and Albania share this beautiful attraction, who would want to let it go?
• Admire the World Heritage-listed architecture of Dubrovnik (of Game of Thrones fame) and Montenegro’s Kotor as you walk along their ancient city walls.
• Sit down for a fresh farm-to-table lunch experience in Fishte in the midday Albanian sun. Enjoy local produce, wild fish and organic meat, all prepared on-site with the freshest local ingredients.
• Enjoy walking tours with local guides who have all the insider knowledge in Prizren, Berat and Tirana.
• Venture out to Matka Canyon, a deep ravine cut into the Suva mountains by the Treska River and explore this beautiful natural area on foot and by boat.

Slovenia to Macedonia Real Food Adventure

• Experience an authentic taste of this region and a look at local life when you dine in family homes in Rakovica, Ohrid, Lake Prespa and Dihovo.
• See behind the scenes of local produce when you visit local farms, a centuries-old smokehouse, an olive mill, a Benedictine nunnery and meet a local beekeeper for a honey tasting.
• Take a day trip to the island of Brac and indulge in the finest organic olive oils from the largest olive grove in Croatia, followed by a sugared walnut cake that has become ‘a protected item of intangible heritage’!
• Try the most iconic foods of Slovenia, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro and Kosovo, including smoked and barbecued meats, cheese, honey, apples and locally produced wine.
• Learn how to make a hand-formed pasta shape in a Croatian konoba, the greens-filled soparnik with experts in Split, and brightly coloured and flavoured ajvar in Dolno Dupeni.

The Balkans Real Food Adventure

• Experience an authentic taste of the Balkans and a look at local life when you dine in family homes in Ohrid, Lake Prespa and Dihovo.
• Take in a cooking demonstration in the village of Dolno Dupeni, then get a fresh taste of homemade North Macedonian cuisine.
• See behind the scenes of local produce when you visit a centuries-old smokehouse, an olive mill, an apple farm and meet a local beekeeper for a honey tasting.
• Explore the stunning landscapes and charming cities of the region, discovering the legendary Rozafa Fortress and going on guided tours of Prizren and Skopje.
• Try the most iconic foods of Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro and Kosovo, including smoked and barbecued meats, cheese, honey, apples and locally produced wine.

Split to Skopje Real Food Adventure

• Learn how to make a hand-formed pasta shape in a local konoba, before cooking and eating your creation with lunch.
• Visit iconic Croatian cities Split and Dubrovnik and explore the stunning landscapes and charming cities of the Balkans, discovering the legendary Rozafa Fortress.

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Kosovo reviews & ratings, brilliant balkans.

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4 counties in 15 days!

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Great climbs, wonderful scenery, good food and company.

The challenges were so worth while. The guide and driver/mechanic Dimitri and Juli were lovely guys. Juli made you smile every time he passed us slogging up the h...

Excellent trip

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Visit Kosovo: Complete Itinerary of the Best Things to do in Kosovo

August 26, 2017 by Karen Turner 23 Comments

If you’re doing a Balkan trip, you might be passing through Kosovo.  Often, Pristina, Kosovo is a transfer point for Balkan buses, but Kosovo is much more than Pristina.

If you only visit Pristina, you’ll miss out on the many other things to do in Kosovo. Kosovo tourism is still developing, so expect friendly locals, cheap hotels, and a lot of beautiful places. Keep reading for a Kosovo itinerary with the best places to visit in Kosovo.

This is a travel guide to Kosovo for independent travelers.  Although many people take tours in Kosovo, they are not necessary as Kosovo is safe with a robust bus system, friendly locals, and low crime. It is not a war zone.

However, there are regions ( Mitrovicë ) more prone to ethnic tensions that may not be advised for visitors ( check travel advisories beforehand).  I consider it one of the best countries to visit on a budget.  Let’s just get this of the way now saying that Kosovo is a country is political.

• 1 Table of Contents
• 2 Where is Kosovo?
• 3 Kosovo’s History: A Quick Explanation WHY it matters
• 4 Kosovo Travel Basics
• 5 Visiting Kosovo and Serbia on one trip
• 6 Why visit Kosovo?
• 7 Quick summary of the best things to do in Kosovo
• 9 Where to eat in Pristina
• 10 Where to stay in Pristina
• 11 How to get from Pristina Airport into City 
• 12 Day Trip from Pristina
• 14 Day Trips from Peja
• 16 Day Trip from Gjakova
• 18 Weekend trips from Prizren & Day trips from Prizren
• 19 If you’re interested in moretips for Kosovo, check out Lavdi’s blog for insider tips from a Kosovo local. ​(Thank you to Lavdi for helping me edit/double check this guide!)
• 20 Have you visited Kosovo? 

Table of Contents

Where is kosovo.

• A brief history of Kosovo
• Which currency is used in Kosovo?
• Is Kosovo safe? Yes
• Visa to Kosovo
• Why Visit Kosovo?
• Quick summary of things to do in Kosovo
• Pristina.  Best things to do in Pristina & Day Trips from Pristina
• Peja.  Best things to do in Peja & Day Trips from Peja.
• Gjakova.  Best things to do in Peja & Day Trips from Gjakova.
• Prizren.   Best things to do in Prizren & Day Trips from Prizren.

Kosovo is nestled in the Balkans. It’s in between Albania, Montenegro, Serbia, and Macedonia.  It’s okay if your geography isn’t great, however Kosovo has a great bus network to/from other countries, which makes both Prizren and Pristina great transfer points for buses in the Balkans.

Many people only visit Prizren or Pristina en route to other places; however, this tiny country has incredibly friendly locals who speak good English, gorgeous architecture, great transportation, a unique blend of cultures, and natural beauty.

Kosovo’s History: A Quick Explanation WHY it matters

That said, Kosovo has had many difficulties becoming recognized by different institutions (including the United Nations) as a result of Serbia’s contention that Kosovo is part of Serbia. As a result, Kosovo citizens have some of the worst passports in the world , marginally better than the passport of South Sudan and North Korea.

Kosovo is getting recognized by more countries, but Kosovo is not universally recognized as an independent country (hence why you might read that Kosovo is a disputed territory).  Simply, writing that Kosovo is a country is inherently political.

However, I call Kosovo a country and I am lucky to call Lavdi, a born and raised Kosovo citizen who has struggled to travel with a Kosovo passport, a friend.

(Edit: I’ve now visited Serbia and I understand this post may be very difficult for many Serbians, but I’ve met Serbians who have visited Kosovo recently.  They commented that they did not feel that people were hostile in any manner and if anything, many Albanians that they met wanted to practice Serbian with them as it had been many years since they had spoken with them.  However, others preferred to speak in English.)

Kosovo Travel Basics

• The currency that is used is the Euro.
• The predominant language and ethnic group is Albanian. Serbians and Serbian speakers are the biggest minority group. There are other ethnic groups as well.
• Albanians and Serbians are culturally and religiously distinct .
• Cities often have two names: An Albanian name and a Serbian name.
• Kosovo has a robust bus system although you need to double-check the schedule one day before you leave (or just hop on the next bus). You typically pay on the bus.
• Hitchhiking is easy (and fairly normal).  Buses in Kosovo run regularly between major cities, but schedules are less regular for smaller cities/natural parks.

Visiting Kosovo and Serbia on one trip

Why visit kosovo.

Kosovo is one of those countries that make you want to travel more and it’s also one of the best countries for Americans to visit.  People in Kosovo are very kind to travelers, sometimes to the point that you wonder what you’ve done to deserve the kindness that others show to you.

If you’re American, it’s due to America’s role in advocating Kosovo’s independence.  If you’re from anywhere else, it’s simply because you’re a tourist and Kosovo is developing itself as a European destination for tourism.

Simply:  You will feel welcome here.

People from Kosovo are often happy that you’re visiting their country as a tourist and out of ALL the countries in the world, you’d decide to spend your money visiting their country.  Be expected to answer the question on why you’ve decided to visit Kosovo.

It might seem strange, but given Kosovo’s issues being recognized as a country, you will feel like a beloved guest everywhere you go.

Expect random acts of kindness: free desserts, strangers thanking you for coming to Kosovo, free rides to faraway towns, and strangers offering to help you.

As someone who has traveled many places, I have never experienced a country like Kosovo–and it’s really become a special place to me.

Kosovo is a place that can seem like a backpacker’s paradise as it’s inexpensive, but do not mistake its low costs for a lack of interesting things to do. It just means that Kosovo tourism will be booming in a few years once people realize how much is possible within this tiny country.

Quick summary of the best things to do in Kosovo

• Visit Kosovo’s gems: Prizren, Peja, Gjakova, and Pristina
• Visit Kosovo’s beautiful mosques!
• Visit Kosovo’s UNESCO protected medieval monasteries. 
• Explore Kosovo’s beautiful markets
• Go hiking in Kosovo’s mountains!
• Experience the ridiculously warm hospitality of Kosovo citizens.
• Experience Kosovo’s historic cities and its new cities’ fascinating architecture

How many days to spend in Pristina?  One day in Pristina is probably enough, but maybe two days if you’ll be using it as a transit hub.

This modern capital of Kosovo hosts some of the most fascinating architecture and quirky statues that I’ve seen in a long time.  Pristina isn’t the most beautiful city, but it’s full of things to do.

Admittedly, if you only visit Pristina, you might be wondering where all the beautiful places in Kosovo are, but I encourage you to continue reading as Pristina is lovely and modern, but it’s not beautiful in a historic way as the other cities in Kosovo.

One of the best things to do in Pristina includes the National Library of Kosovo , which reminds me of the Hunger Games. I was just fascinated by the architecture!  It’s surrounded by the University of Pristina.

If you’re a fan of the Clintons [or not], say hi to Bill Clinton’s statue in Pristina and stop into Hillary I or Hillary II .  A fan of Hillary Clinton created a line of women’s business clothes inspired by her wardrobe.

Of course, you’ll find the infamous pant suits, but you’ll also find other suitable business clothes.  Gender equality remains a significant issue in Kosovo with many women not part of the labor force. As a result, I found this quirky store inspired by Hillary Clinton interesting.

If you’re into shopping , I recommend saving some euros to shop in Pristina in stores that aren’t necessarily inspired by Hillary Clinton.  Overall, Pristina felt even more fashionable than Amsterdam.

I ended up splurging on a fashionable jacket (30 euros) that I still use regularly. I routinely felt horribly underdressed when we were in Pristina as I went in my backpacker chic combination of hiking sneakers with jeans, and a hiking jacket.

A post shared by Lavdi Zymberi (@kosovogirltravels) on Jun 10, 2017 at 8:30am PDT

Some other things to do in Pristina include visiting the NEWBORN sign built to celebrate Kosovo’s independence, visiting the free Ethnographic Museum about Albanian traditions, and visiting some of Pristina’s ornate mosques .

Where to eat in Pristina

Pristina has some really cool and modern places to hang out in that make you feel like you’re anywhere in Europe.  If you’re looking for a more chill alternative place, eat at the cafe/restaurant Dit’ e Nat’ or hang out at Soma Bookstation , a bookstore/cafe/restaurant in Pristina.  We had a formal and delicious meal at Pishat for those looking for a good restaurant in Pristina.

Where to stay in Pristina

How to get from pristina airport into city , day trip from pristina.

Gračanica Monastery is a Serbian Orthodox monastery only about 20 minutes from Pristina that has been recognized by UNESCO. They are in the process of preserving the frescos and renovating the beautiful church in accordance with UNESCO requirements.

Peja was a city in Kosovo that surprised us in a good way.  Everything I read focused on Prizren and Pristina, but Peja felt very cosmopolitan yet accessible.

We spent our evenings trekking along Esad Mekuli street stepping into the various cafes for a drinks and macarons. We had a tasteful dinner in a beautiful environment at Art Design.

The Bazaar of Peja was also non-touristy and fascinating for travelers interested in learning more about Kosovo’s  cultural traditions. I spent a while admiring the extravagant and traditional gowns outside the many dress shops.

I was standing outside of one of the shops admiring a beautiful gold and white dress when the shopkeeper invited me in. She showed me her technique of hand-sewing each of the dresses with gold thread, which was incredible to see.  These elaborate gowns are created for brides as well as recently married women.

However, the other beautiful gowns are for married women attending a traditional Albanian wedding. Next to the Bazaar, you’ll find Peja’s historic mosque. Women will need to dress modestly to enter the mosque and it’s possible to pick up a hijab at one of the nearby shops in the market.

At night, we spent our evening cafe hopping along the main cafe street although I fell in love with Green Cafe for their delicious drinks and their live Albanian music.

Albanian folk music varies depending on the region, however we heard something that resembled Tallava [one of the styles of Albanian music you’ll hear] the most.  I found Albanian music to be upbeat and energetic. (It will make you want to dance!)

Finding live Albanian music can take some work, but it’s worth checking ahead online which cafes will have live music.

Day Trips from Peja

The Patriarchy of Peja (Serbian: Patriarchy of Peć) is a must if you visit Peja. This UNESCO Serbian monastery dates back to the 13th century.

This Eastern Orthodox church is actually a series of three churches that were connected together at a later point in time to form one church, however it is absolutely magnificent in terms of its interior.

It is an easy day trip, even on foot from Peja. You’ll need to carry your passport with you and possibly have to give it to the police outside of the monastery.

The setting itself is very calm, however there have been some attempts to burn down this historic building, which has resulted in the police verifying the identities of everyone who enters the property.

From the Patriarchy of Peja, you can see the beauty of the Rugova mountains with its dazzling streams and views, even if you don’t have much time in Peja.

If you’re into hiking , you will want to spend at least 2 days hiking in the Rugova canyon and the surrounding Accursed Mountains.

It’s even possible to do a climbing course / via ferrata Ari for an epic view of the canyon.  Similarly, there’s just a lot of hiking in the Rugova canyon and a lot of beautiful waterfalls.

Without a car, this area is harder difficult to access, however hitchhiking down the main road is possible (according to others) with a lot of patience for waiting… (We were not successful.)

There are some other stunning areas along the road between Peja and the Montenegro border, however you’ll need to plan where you want to go accordingly as there are specific entry points to various “famous” areas in the National Park, including Gjeravica (the second tallest mountain in Kosovo).

We did not give ourselves enough time to do proper hiking in the Accursed Mountains in Kosovo, but there’s also some mountaineering possible for those interested in more intense outdoor activities in Kosovo.

One of the prettiest waterfalls in Kosovo is White Drin Waterfall (Ujëvara e Drinit të Bardhë).  This beautiful waterfall (and one of the largest waterfalls in Kosovo) is about 20 minutes from Peja by car, but it is easy to spend most of a day here.   It’s possible by mini-bus (which doesn’t run often) or hitch-hiking towards Fierze [plus walking].

We struggled to find this waterfall until we realize that you had to pass directly through one of Peja’s best restaurants, Ujvara e Drinit , which has situated itself directly before the waterfall.  The food at this restaurant is exceedingly fresh with massive portions and you’ll want to have the smoked trout if you eat here.

The White Drin Waterfall is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Peja–and certainty one that you’ll not want to miss.  The surrounding water has a beautiful color and it’s especially beautiful in autumn.

After walking near the top of the waterfall, you can follow a sign to the newly opened Radac Caves (Shpella e Radacit).   These beautiful caves, known as the Sleeping Beauty caves, are home to hundreds of bats. It’s possible to explore the public areas with a reservation.

It is also possible to go caving in the underground canyon (which is still being explored and mapped out). However, you must make a reservation at least 2 days beforehand to allow them to get the equipment.

Cave spelunking (with a private guide who speaks quite good English) costs about 20 euros. (Click for more information about  caving in Kosovo ).

The Decani Monastery is another Serbian UNESCO protected monument in Kosovo. The monastery dates back to the 1300s and is one of the most well protected monuments as a result of the various arson attempts to destroy it.

The Decani Monastery has some of the best preserved frescoes of the Serbian Orthodox monasteries in Kosovo, so it is worth a visit.

You will need to give your passport to the NATO troops (who protect the building) at the checkpoint prior to entry. It’s a possible day trip from Peja although it’s probably best to stop off in Decani en route from Peja to Gjakova.

This market town has a really interesting laid back vibe. If you’re traveling from Peja to Prizren, it’s likely that you’ll transfer (or at least pass through) Gjakova by bus.

Gjakovë is famous for the oldest bazaar in Kosovo [ Grand Bazaar ] (although it’s partially rebuilt now). There’s something so charming about the beautiful wood lined stalls with artisans showing off their crafts and the many cozy cafes to sip coffee in as night falls. (It’s pronounced like Jack-o-va.)

 If you’re not entirely sold on Kosovo, you need to spend even one hour strolling the romantic and wide Çarshia e Madhe to soak in the culture and architecture.

Unfortunately, the main street of the Grand Bazaar in Gjakova was partially destroyed in World War I, World War II, and during the Kosovo War, however the residents have come back following a mass exodus of the population during the war.

Gjakova has many artisans that specialize in horse-related crafts if you’re looking for a unique gift to bring home with you although there’s no shortage of shops in this historic Balkan trading town.

Most important of all is the Hadum Mosque , which dates back to the 1500s. This beautiful and ornate mosque is built in a classic Islamic-Kosovar style, but its ornate paintings all over amazed me.

We had visited several mosques by this point, but the ornate decorations lining the dome certainly amazed me.

The most famous mosque of Gjakove is typically open day time to tourists, so however it’s good to say hi to the friendly imam who welcomes anyone into his mosque.

Non-muslim women aren’t required to wear a hijab although appropriate dress is still important , but it’s considerate to cover your hair when entering a mosque. Part of the mosque, including the historic library, was destroyed during the war, but they are slowly restoring the building to its pre-war beauty.

It is also possible to visit some of the preserved homes of traditional homes, including the home of Abdullah Pashë Dreni.  He was an Albanian tribal leader and a member of the Ottoman army, however his home boasts traditional Kosovo style architecture and artifacts. (We spotted a cute kitty there too!)

If you’re considering staying in Gjakova, you’ll find a few guesthouses.  As there aren’t that many options, I recommend booking in advance.

Day Trip from Gjakova

Prizren is one of the most beautiful cities in Kosovo and the second that you arrive, you’ll understand why anyone who visits only Pristina is missing out on one of Kosovo’s most beautiful places.

Prizren is a historic city in the southern part of Kosovo. Those passing through Kosovo from Macedonia are likely to travel through Prizren, which makes it an important transfer point for Balkan buses.

Prizren itself was mostly untouched by the Kosovo war, however the areas around Prizren suffered. However, Prizren is considered to be one of Kosovo’s most diverse cities in terms of ethnicities, which makes Prizren a nice introduction to Kosovo in terms of food/culture/history/nature.

You’ll also find many historic ruins around the city for history lovers.  Note: There are easy bus connections to Skopje from Prizren and Pristina from Prizren.

Any visitor to Prizren cannot miss Prizren fortress ( Kaljaja) for an free and epic view over the city. It’s best to visit close to sunset.  The Kaljaja dates back to medieval times and was built by the Byzantines with some later renovations from the Ottomans.   I found it fascinating to wander around its spacious grounds and to sit on the edge enjoying the best view of Prizren.

On your way up to the fortress, you may pass the entrance to the Church of the Holy Savior , a Serbian Orthodox church viewable from the fortress which dates back to the 1300s.

It was set on fire in 2004 and as a result, it may not be open for visitors when you visit Prizren.  There is a gate and a security guard, however if the security guard is not there, you cannot enter the church property.

One another must-see in Prizren (and Kosovo) is the historic and iconic Stone Bridge (Ura e Gurit) of Prizren.

This bridge was originally built back to the 1500s, however heavy floods in the 1970s destroyed it. The locals rebuilt it with love and it serves as the major pedestrian bridge in Prizren.

Those interested in Kosovo’s cultural heritage will want to visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque.  It is an Ottoman-style mosque dating back to the 1600s, however this large mosque is also said to be built with parts of a nearby Serbian monastery that fell into disrepair. Some of its paintings have faded due to water damage.

Most locals and tourists hang out in the main part of the city at night, which has a lively bar/cafe culture around the square surrounding Sheshi i Shadervanit. We were also lucky enough to spot a wild hedgehog, which made its way into the city centre (somehow).

Thanks to the recommendation of our hosts at Driza’s House, we ended up visiting a small local traditional restaurant (with amazing food)  at the top of the stairs above the movie theatre DokuKino  with live traditional Albanian music (and dancing) on the night that we were there.

Most cafes in Prizren typically play modern Albanian music and some standard European music, so we enjoyed this cafe.

We stayed at Driza’s House , which is a small hostel with a lot of character. It’s run by a young Albanian couple, one of whom grew up in the very house that you’re staying in.  It’s ridiculously clean and social. If you’re looking for a memorable experience, stay here.  We found the owners so helpful in terms of figuring out logistics for Kosovo.

If you’re interested in more tips for Kosovo , check out Lavdi’s blog for insider tips from a Kosovo local . ​(Thank you to Lavdi for helping me edit/double check this guide!)

Have you visited kosovo .

About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

Reader Interactions

August 27, 2017 at 4:30 am

I really did not know much about Kosovo and never really thought about visiting but know I am really intrigued. The history is really fascinating and nice to hear it is a great place to visit on a budget. Adding to my list, so pinning for future reference.

August 27, 2017 at 6:09 am

Fantastic posts! Awesome that you’re dispelling any fears that people might have about traveling to such a beautiful area. Loved the Hillary Clinton stores.

August 27, 2017 at 7:53 pm

This is just wonderful! Really informative and helpful. Thank you so much.

August 27, 2017 at 8:49 pm

Ugh, I’m so jealous! My husband and I had this whole trip to the Balkans mapped out, and then we couldn’t go. Looks like a fabulous destination to see some fall foliage 🙂

August 27, 2017 at 8:51 pm

Very detailed post and beautiful writing. As an ethnic Serbian I have mixed feeling about this type of post due to the fact that the land was forcefully taken and our national landmarks going back to the 14th century were destroyed in the process. Nevertheless I hope that piece and mutual understanding from each side will come to flourish in the future.

August 27, 2017 at 9:48 pm

Hi Matea, Thank you for reading and I know that it’s a difficult topic. (I really respect that you’ve left a comment and I will be keeping it.)

I also am truly sad that these historic landmarks have been destroyed. I only hope that we can continue to preserve the ones that exist now and I am hopeful as I saw careful painting restorations to faded paintings going on when I visited Gračanica.

I only wish the best for the region with the end of tensions in the future and of course, it will take time for the wounds from both sides to heal. 🙂

Best, Karen

August 27, 2017 at 9:28 pm

argh your post is making me want to spend more time on my upcoming trip than I had planned. I am even more excited now. I can’t wait to see that Hillary shop! Too funny! Peja sounds really cool and I love all the Ottoman influence everywhere. You wrote this guide just in time for me…thanks!! LOL

August 28, 2017 at 1:16 pm

I really knew nothing about Kovoso before reading, but know I’m armed with knowledge! Seems to be definitely worth a visit some of the old towns look beautiful

August 28, 2017 at 7:32 pm

Comprehensive to say the least. I love the mixture of things to do. The elaborate gowns and macaroon hunting in the cities, nature for the explorers, monastery for the history buffs, Kosovo has it all. Great Guide for future travelers.

August 28, 2017 at 10:17 pm

Wow this was so in-depth and informative, I learned a ton! Hearing about how welcoming the people are made me really want to visit! Thanks for opening my eyes to the beauty and history of this country!

August 29, 2017 at 3:35 am

What an interesting read. I had no idea what a beautiful and accessible place Kosovo was. Thanks to your post it’s certainly on my radar now.

September 3, 2017 at 11:25 pm

You did not explore Gjilan region. It has a lot of things to see and explore. Its not just 4 cities mentioned in your blog. Read about Gjilan and Novobrdo.

September 7, 2017 at 11:40 am

Hi Kastriot, I didn’t, however I’m happy to update the post with more information about this region. Feel free to shoot me an email as I don’t know much about the region.

October 12, 2017 at 10:55 pm

I am just back from Kosovo and this country marked me like hardly any other. Unfortunately we didn’t have the time to visit Gdakova or do a hike in the Rukova canyon. 3 days are just not enough to explore Kosovo. We had lunch in the ArtDesgin restaurant too, such a quaint place 🙂 I also wanted to thank you for putting me in touch with Lavdi. She is such a smart girl and I am looking forward where the travel road will lead her. The generosity and kindness of Kosovo people will accompany me for a long time. Thank you for sharing so much in-depth information.

October 17, 2017 at 3:55 pm

Dear Karen and Jacob,

I’m must thank you for promoting Kosovo as touristic destination and sharing your impression with other people, how good is to visit Kosovo, very nice people to meet, nice attractive and historic places to visit, food is perfect …just perfect place … i would like to inform you that You can not visit Kosovo in short period of time, cause there are much more to see in Kosovo.

November 13, 2017 at 1:51 am

Hi! Thank you so much for this truly informative blog. I had been searching for information on Kosovo as we intend to go there as a family this Dec. We have yet to book our flight as prices continue to rocket because we want to keep our options open. I had my doubts on whether it is a country worth spending more than a week there. However, this blog post did it! I read it and sent the url to my hubby to read it too. We’ll search for the best-priced flights and with God’s will, we’ll be there next month. Can’t wait to plan out our itinerary there! Thanks again.

November 13, 2017 at 12:45 pm

There are a lot of places to visit especially during winter season. A week is enough to go through beautiful ski center and different cities as well as restaurants.

Fly to Austria or Turkey and then to Kosovo its much cheaper.

June 24, 2018 at 12:14 am

Hello, Interesting and good reads. Does anyone have any experience or advice on car camping in Kosovo and the region? Thanks!

June 25, 2018 at 2:10 pm

I’d check on travels of a bookpacker. They went overland.

June 26, 2018 at 10:25 pm

Hello, I will do that, thanks for the advice!

November 14, 2020 at 6:16 am

Hi Joe, There’s Camping ground in Prevalla only in summer time not sure if you can camp in your car ,but if you have tent or RV definitely can and you’ll love it there it’s very popular place where most Kosovars spent their weekend up there. Day trips many cottages and tents are up there and it’s super safe lots of fun. Locals cook a traditional dish called Flia by fire and a special tool they hike up the surrounding trails you can pick fresh wild blueberries and wild edible mushrooms delicious also you can find wild strawberries around. Also Brezovica is not just a ski resort not too far from Prevalla there’s restaurants a store up they and lots of cottages usually privately owned. Many trails and beautiful place. If you drive down through a village called Firaje where you can hike the longest mountain in Balkan . Mountain Luboten and they have the purest air in the country. There’s also Gjoli a water sitting in the middle of mountains it’s intriguing. Locals very helpful and welcoming some would offer to hike with us and show us around. There’s few restaurants along the river and offer delicious fresh trout and other comfort food or traditional dishes. It’s worth visiting my visit last year was 4 weeks and my 14 year old wants to go back again we all loved all places we’ve seen including Budva, Montenegro, Croatia all along the Adriatic Sea including Albania and Greece.

[…] This is Kosovo. Vacation days are what I live for, so I only take off days that are tied around weekends and/or public holidays to maximize my time off.  By “sewing together ” public holidays with weekends to take off the day bridging it with the weekend PLUS +/- 1 day before and after, I get a five/six day vacations with only two vacation days used.   (This is how I snuck over to Kosovo!) […]

[…] of the most unexpected places to find beautiful fall foliage is Kosovo in the Balkans! Just an easy trip from the picturesque city of Prizren, you’ll find the Sharr […]

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• Europe Tours
• Kosovo Tours
• Tour Operators

Top Tour Operators and Travel Agencies in Kosovo 2024/2025

Top Tour Operators and Travel Agencies in Kosovo. Below you will find 5 of the best tour operators and travel agencies in Kosovo offering in total 14 tours and holidays through-out Kosovo. Combined they have received 8 customer reviews and an average rating of 5 out of 5 stars. The top tour activities offered in Kosovo are: Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history & Wildlife, landscapes and nature.

• Tours in Kosovo

5 Tour Operators in Kosovo with 8 Reviews

Visit Macedonia

• Address 3b, Angel Dinev str, , Skopje, Macedonia
• Response Rate 84%
• Response Time 1 hour

• Address Nelson House, 55-59 Victoria Rd, Farnborough, England
• Response Rate 96%
• Response Time 2 hours

• Best-in-Class Top 5% of companies
• Excellent Service Top 10% of companies
• Superior Service Top 15% of companies

Penguin Travel

• Address 2, Sveta Gora str. , Sofia, Bulgaria
• Response Rate 100%
• Response Time 3 hours

• Address 1B Osiers Road, Wandsworth, London, England
• Response Rate 90%

Choose Balkans

• Address Rruga Reshit Çollaku, Pallati 38, Shkalla 2, Tirana, Albania

Traveling to Kosovo? Chat with a local travel specialist in Kosovo who can help organize your trip.

Kosovo Tour Reviews

• George Willing
• Valerie Kilfoil
• Eco tours in Kosovo
• Kosovo guided tours
• Kosovo family tour packages
• Kosovo small group tours
• Kosovo solo trips
• Kosovo tailor-made vacation packages
• Kosovo tours for senior citizens
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A tumultuous past and bright future defines Pristina; see the best of this young European capital with your Kosovo tour guides from tourHQ.

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Pristina Tour Guides

My name is Enes. I have studied architecture and my main focus and experience of professional ...

Redzep Ibraimi

Welcome to Kosovo!Whether you're looking for a tour guide or beautiful view, we will ensure that ...

Dorian Disha

My name is Dorian. I am a licensed tourist guide and qualified driver in Albania & the Balkans.My ...

Aphrodite Tafil Debouse

I am a licensed tour guide and tour companion. I have a bachelor degree in tourism and travel ...

Muamer Hasani

My name is Muamer but you can call me Muki, or you can call me whatever you want when I'm not ...

Adriana Pllana

Discover Kosovo like an local ... I am a certified Tour Guide in Kosovo. I love guiding ...

Suad Tosuni

Hi everyone, my name is Suad,I am a local English tour operator--private tour guide,. I have been ...

Gezim Shimi

HI everyone. I am Gezim from Tirana and since 2013 I'm working as a travel guide. I like ...

Dejan Gjorgjeski

My motto is: Traveling is an elixir for the soul and gymnastics for the brain, an leave it to us ...

Naile Çekaj

I am Naile from Kosovo and I used to work as a Tour Guide in Kosovo since 2010. I do tours ...

Taulant Pjetergjokaj

Discover Albania like a local... I am a Certified National Tour Guide accredited from the Ministry ...

I am interested that tourists enjoy the beauty of my country. I have a tourist agency and one ...

Ermal Qufaj

My name is Ermal Qufaj, I am an Agriculture and Plant Protection Expert. Very passionated ...

Jetmir Molla

Hi, I live in Tirana, Albania. Thanks very much for reading my profile and I hope you will ...

Ljupcho Kurtelov

As a licenced guide in Republiv of Macedonia I have a lot of experience in giving guided tours to ...

Orhan Ramadani

Geboren und aufgewachsen in Pristina. Schon früh entwickelte ich eine Leidenschaft für Natur und ...

Sat deep in the territories of the Former Yugoslavia, Pristina has struggled since the fall of The Wall to stake its place on the global stage. However, just one trip into the buzzing, cosmopolitan heart of this town is enough to show that it's on the upward ho, as Italian trattorias mix with all-American fast food joints along the boulevards. In fact, as the political organization at Pristina and its near Serbian neighbors edge closer to reconciliation after the destructive wars in the Balkans, this capital continues to thrive. There's not much in the way of totemic monuments to see, but there are countless districts of earthy Islamic architecture, where sun-cracked streets hide beneath minarets, arabesque bazaars throb with life and shisha smoke twists in the Turkic coffeehouses. Nearby, there are UNESCO-attested Serbian Orthodox monasteries to see, along with the rugged Goljak Mountains, where Pristina tour guides can showcase the wilder wonders of the Balkan Peninsula.

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Find a local private tour guide for your sightseeing tour of Kosovo using Private Guide World by filtering your preferred language in the field at the top of this page in the center

Select a private local tour guide in Kosovo

Thanks to the Private Guide World service with a few clicks you can choose a local personal tour guide to nearby attractions of Kosovo. Just enter your destination and your search parameters, and your preferred language and see the results. You can use the filter ONLINE ONLY to see which local tour guide in Kosovo is currently online!

Our local private tour guides know Kosovo and the surrounding region very well, speak the local Albanian, Serbian language plus the other languages, too, and can help you to understand the local people of Kosovo, culture, traditions, and history better while you are in Kosovo. During the tour around Kosovo, you will not have any problems with locals if a tour guide is by your side. Your personal local tour guide in Kosovo will help you learn a lot about the region, and share with you only the most exciting knowledge and best experiences. Check out some of the local sights & attractions in Kosovo, wildlife & nature, and ask your personal tour guide to show you the local gems of Kosovo hidden from a regular tourist without a local professional tourist guide. Before you travel to Kosovo, be sure you have enough local currency EUR with you in case you need to buy a souvenir or tip a tour guide!

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