Kosovo Day trip from Skopje
Description
The driver/guide will pick you up from the hotel or any location of your preference in Skopje. This full day tour will start with a visit to a beautiful medieval monastery in Grachanica (90 km, approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes from Skopje), rebuilt in 1321 on the foundations of an Orthodox church from the 6th century. Then, we drive to Kosovo’s capital Prishtina (20 minutes from Grachanica). We will be able to visit the 26m high clock tower and the National Library. In the Independent House of Kosovo we will find out the story of the former president Ibrahim Rugova in the campaign for independence from Serbia, and see the Newborn Monument from 2008, when Kosovo declared its independence. Sultan Mehmet Fatih Mosque and Jashar Pasha Mosque are two beautiful Ottoman mosques and famous local attractions. Somewhere on the way, we will have lunch. In the end, we drive back to Skopje and will drop you off in any location of your preference in Skopje.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Today, after a quite turbulent history, this monastery has become the most important spiritual, national, and political center of the Serbian people in Kosovo. Grachanica Monastery is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage and it is a Monument of Culture of Exceptional Importance and protected by Serbia as a result of the unaccepted self-declared independence of Kosovo.
The cathedral's construction sparked some controversy in Muslim circles where it was seen as outsized considering the small number of Catholics in the area. The cathedral is one of Pristina's tallest buildings.
The mission of the library is to collect, preserve, promote, and make accessible the documentary and intellectual heritage of Kosovo. It holds exhibitions and holds an archive of national newspapers. The library also provides a number of other services. It is known for its unique history, and the style of the building designed by Croatian architect Andrija Mutnjaković, followed by controversies about the outside appearance of it.
It was unveiled on 17 February 2008, the day that Kosovo formally declared its independence from Serbia. The monument consists of the English-language word "Newborn" in capital block letters, which were painted bright yellow when the sculpture was first revealed. The monument was later re-painted with the flags of the states that have recognized Kosovo.
This mosque, which was fully renovated in 2015 as a gift from the Turkish government, has vibrant interiors that exemplify the Turkish baroque style.
The Imperial Mosque, also known as the Fatih Mosque, is built in 1461 by Sultan Mehmet II Fatih. The mosque was declared a Monument of Culture of Exceptional Importance in 1990 by the Republic of Serbia.
Gadime cave is located within the marble limestones belonging to the Mesozoic era. The cave is full of quite extraordinary crystallized stalagmites and stalactites that have formed over millions of years.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We can pick you up at your hotel or any location of your preference in Skopje.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- In this tour we are crossing the border with Kosovo. You MUST confirm and obtain any visa requirements prior to border crossing. All visa requirements are the sole responsibility of the traveller,
- The tour operates in various weather conditions, please dress accordingly
Reviews(3)
This tour was amazing. We changed our itinerary slightly as we decided to stay in Pristina the night before the tour, so our guide met us at the hotel instead. Avi was so knowledgeable about the city and we saw so much on the walking tour, it is one of the most interesting cities we've ever visited! The itinerary was perfectly planned and the ideal pace. I highly recommend this tour and a visit to Kosovo. It's an amazing place with the kindest people!
Thank you, we are glad that you had a wonderful experience.
This was my first trip to Macedonia and Kosovo, and I couldn't have hoped for a better company to handle all of my travel needs while over there! Since these are unusual Covid19 times, and things change on a daily basis with visas and such, Daniel kept me informed every day with updates directly from the Balkan countries. He was extremely professional, and super fast at responding via Whatsapp. Once we reached Skopje, Daniel, Alexander, and Kristina met us at our hotel. We chatted for a bit, and then they took us around Skopje for an amazing little city tour and a nice dinner. That team truly cares for each customer they have, and will customize any trips you might have in mind. They have been in the business a long time, and made us feel so comfortable the entire time. We then took a one day trip from Skopje to Prishtina, and this was definitely the highlight of our time there. Our guide Pete (Petrit) was an absolute legend! This guy was so personable, professional, and passionate about his beautiful country that is Kosovo! We were entertained and educated on the lifestyle of these amazing people, their culture, and the outstanding food they have. Do not let people steer you away from visiting this unique and gorgeous country. But all of this wouldn't have been possible wouldn't have been for this amazing team! Two thumbs way up to Daniel, Alexander, Kristina, and Petrit, for welcoming us with open arms, and treating us like family. I wouldn't travel with any other company on my visit to the Balkan countries!
Hi Steve, Thank you for the kindest words, it was an honor being your host. Until next time, take care!
The local guide was very professional and knowledgeable, and also a safe and excellent driver. He took us to Gadime cave, than to Gracanica monastery. We then drove to Pristina and learnt a lot about this country. I highly recommend this trip - thank you.
