About the Trip
Over 10 days, we’ll explore the country’s history, culture, politics, landscapes, food, and everyday life while meeting the people who are shaping Kosovo today. Based in Prishtina, we’ll use the capital as our home base while heading out across the country to historic Prizren, the mountains of Peja and Rugova, the wine region of Rahovec, and some of Kosovo’s most fascinating cultural and natural sites. We’ll talk about Kosovo’s recent history and the 1998–99 war, explore how the country has developed since the conflict, and look at the political, social, and cultural questions shaping Kosovo today. And in between the history and conversations? We’ll eat a lot, drink endless Kosovo coffee, explore hidden corners of the country, get outside, meet locals, learn how to make traditional food, and experience the café culture and energy that make Prishtina such a fun place to call home for a week and a half. Reserve your spot soon to lock in this bucket list adventure!
Trip Highlights
🕊️ Explore Kosovo’s recent history, conflict, and post-war development
🌍 Learn about the role of the UN and international community in Kosovo
📰 Meet journalists and hear how Kosovo’s story has been reported
🤝 Connect with local NGOs, activists, and civil society organizations
🎨 Discover Kosovo’s contemporary art and cultural scene
🏺 Explore archaeological, religious, and historical sites
🏰 Wander through the historic streets of Prizren
🏔️ Get into the mountains around Peja and Rugova
🐻 Visit Kosovo’s Bear Sanctuary
🫓 Learn to make a traditional Kosovo dish
🍇 Visit the vineyards of Rahovec
☕ Experience Prishtina’s famous café culture
🌆 Spend evenings exploring Kosovo’s capital with your group
🧭 Go beyond the typical tourist itinerary and experience Kosovo through local connections
Itinerary
Day 1 | Prishtina – Welcome to Kosovo!
Welcome to Kosovo! We’ll pick you up at the airport, get settled into our accommodation, and then head out to start exploring Prishtina. We’ll check out some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Newborn Monument, Heroinat, Mother Teresa Square, Skanderbeg Square, the Palace of Youth, and Kosovo’s famously unusual National Library. Then it’s time to do what Prishtina does best: coffee! We’ll spend the evening getting to know the city’s café culture, grabbing some food, and settling into our new home for the next 10 days.
Day 2 | Prishtina – History, Memory & Stories
Today we’re diving into Kosovo’s recent history and getting beyond the headlines. We’ll visit the Jahjaga Museum and Reporting House, exploring personal stories and different perspectives on Kosovo’s past. We’ll then meet with a local journalist to hear firsthand about reporting during and after the Kosovo War and how Kosovo’s story has been told to the world. It’s a day full of stories, questions, and a deeper look at the events that shaped modern Kosovo.
Day 3 | Gračanica & Ulpiana – Ancient Kosovo
Time to go way back! Today we’ll explore some of the many layers of history found across Kosovo. We’ll visit the beautiful Gračanica Monastery before heading to Ulpiana Archaeological Park, where we’ll explore the remains of one of the region’s most important ancient cities. We’ll finish at Gazimestan, a site deeply connected to Kosovo’s historical memory. It’s a day that shows just how much history is packed into this small country.
Day 4 | Prizren – Kosovo’s Historic Gem
We’re hitting the road and heading to Prizren! One of Kosovo’s most beautiful cities, Prizren is packed with winding streets, Ottoman-era architecture, mosques, churches, cafés, and centuries of history. We’ll explore the old town, cross the Stone Bridge, and visit the League of Prizren before making our way up to Prizren Fortress for some seriously amazing views over the city. We’ll also meet a local artisan and get a hands-on look at traditional crafts. Then, of course, there will be plenty of time to wander, eat, and soak up Prizren’s atmosphere.
Day 5 | Prishtina – Meet the People Behind Kosovo
Today we’re getting a closer look at Kosovo as it is lived and experienced today. We’ll visit a local organization working on a current issue and meet the people behind the work. Depending on availability, this could mean diving into civil society, media, governance, security, youth, or social impact. We’ll follow this with a conversation with a local expert or community leader, giving us the chance to ask questions and hear perspectives you simply won’t get from a guidebook.
Day 6 | Prishtina – Kosovo & the World
Kosovo’s story has always had an international dimension, so today we’re looking at the country’s relationship with the wider world. We’ll visit UNMIK to learn more about the UN mission and its continuing role in Kosovo before heading to the Parliament of Kosovo. Where possible, we’ll meet with a representative or parliamentary staff member and get a behind-the-scenes look at Kosovo’s political system. After all that, we’ll head back into the city for some well-earned free time and, naturally, more coffee.
Day 7 | Peja & Rugova – City Streets to Mountain Peaks
Time to trade Prishtina for the great outdoors! We’ll head west to Peja, explore the historic center, and visit the Peja Patriarchate before making our way into the spectacular Rugova Valley. Then the adventure begins. Depending on weather and group interests, we might hike through the mountains, tackle a via ferrata, try climbing, explore a cave, or take on another outdoor adventure. Rugova is one of Kosovo’s most impressive landscapes - and today we get to experience it up close.
Day 8 | Kosovo – Food, Community & Hands-On Experiences
Today is all about getting involved. We’ll spend time with a local organization or community initiative and learn about a real project, issue, or challenge they’re working on. Then we’ll switch gears and head into the kitchen! We’ll learn how to prepare a traditional Kosovo dish such as flija and, most importantly, get to eat what we made. Because honestly, is there a better way to experience a culture than around a table?
Day 9 | Gadime & Rahovec – Bears, Caves & Kosovo Wine
Today we’re exploring some of Kosovo’s more unexpected sides. We’ll start at Bear Sanctuary Prishtina, learning about Kosovo’s wildlife and conservation efforts, before heading underground into the incredible Gadime Marble Cave. Then it’s off to Rahovec, Kosovo’s wine country! We’ll visit a local vineyard or winery, meet producers, and learn about the country’s growing wine industry and family-run businesses. We’ll finish the day back in Prishtina for our final evening together - so make the most of it!
Day 10 | Prishtina – One Last Adventure
It’s our final day, so we’re leaving some room for you to choose your own Kosovo adventure. Depending on the group, we might visit an artist studio, explore a museum, try a photography experience, join another cultural workshop, head outdoors, or simply spend some extra time wandering around Prishtina. We’ll wrap up with one final group experience and a chance to look back on everything we’ve seen, eaten, learned, and experienced together before heading to the airport. Ten days, countless memories, and hopefully a group of strangers who don’t feel like strangers anymore!
Program Details
What's Included:
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Pre-departure support
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Comfortable accommodation with breakfast
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Airport pickup and drop-off
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Transportation for scheduled activities
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All activities listed in the itinerary
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Entrance fees for included activities
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Local guides and hosts
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Local coordination and 24/7 support
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Three cultural/group meals
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Customized itinerary
What's Not Included:
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International flights
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Lunch and dinner except for planned cultural/group meals
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Personal expenses and shopping
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Optional activities or excursions
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Travel visas
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Personal entertainment and nightlife
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Expenses outside the agreed itinerary
Get Involved
9 Nights , Kosovo
Gallery
Check out our gallery to see some amazing shots of our adventure. Each photo shows a piece of the country's beauty and culture. Have a browse and get inspired for your next adventure.
Your Trip Leaders
Name: Rita
From: Kosovo
Meet Rita, your Kosovo-based trip leader and one of the people behind Isla’s programs in the country. Rita has firsthand knowledge of Kosovo and its communities and spends her time connecting students, travelers, and international visitors with local organizations, people, and experiences.As your trip leader, Rita will be with you throughout the journey - helping keep everything running smoothly, introducing you to local people and places, and making sure you get beyond the typical tourist experience. She knows where to find a good cup of coffee, a great local meal, and the places that don’t always make it onto Google Maps.Rita is passionate about sharing Kosovo beyond the usual headlines and showing visitors the history, culture, food, landscapes, and everyday life that make the country what it is. She’s excited to welcome you to Kosovo and show you around her home country!
Name: Dijana
From: Kosovo
Dijana has a strong background in program coordination, project management, and education. She holds a Master's degree from The University of Sheffield in Thessaloniki, Greece, and a Bachelor's degree from AAB College in Prishtina, Kosovo.
As the Isla Program Coordinator , Dijana plays a key role in managing internship programs, building partnerships, and ensuring meaningful experiences for participants. Prior to this role, she worked as a Project Officer at UNI Universum International College, where she managed EU-funded projects, coordinated stakeholder engagement, and oversaw program deliverables. She also contributed significantly to the US Embassy funded American Corner Pristina as a Program Assistant, organizing educational and cultural events.
With experience in teaching, translation, and assessment, Dijana brings excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills to her work. Fluent in Albanian and English, she is passionate about fostering educational opportunities, cultural exchange, and community engagement.
Name: Leila
From: USA
Meet Leila, a former Peace Corps Volunteer who has called Kosovo home for more than 10 years. Over the years, she has built deep relationships across the country and developed a firsthand understanding of Kosovo’s communities, history, culture, and development. Leila brings a long-term perspective to the trip that you simply can’t get from a typical tour. Her years in Kosovo have created connections with people and organizations across the country, helping us get beyond the usual tourist stops and experience places through the people who know them best. She’s excited to share the Kosovo she has come to know over the years - from its history and culture to its people, food, and everyday life - and to help you make the most of your time here.
Got Questions?
We've Got Answers!
Everything you need to know before embarking on your Via Adventure journey.
Which airport should I fly into?
You’ll want to fly into Pristina International Airport (PRN). Airport pickup and drop-off are included, so we’ll take care of getting you to and from the airport.
What kind of accommodation will we have?
You’ll stay in comfortable accommodation in Prishtina, with shared occupancy for the group. Prishtina will be our home base for most of the trip, with day trips and excursions taking us across Kosovo.
How much walking or hiking is involved?
There’s a fair amount of walking, especially while exploring Prishtina, Prizren, and other historic sites. Day 7 in Rugova will be our main outdoor adventure, with options such as hiking, via ferrata, climbing, or cave exploration depending on the group, weather, and conditions. You don’t need to be an experienced hiker to join.
What will the weather be like in June?
June is a great time to visit Kosovo, with generally warm and sunny days. The mountains can be cooler, especially in the evenings, so bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a light jacket.
Is Kosovo safe for travelers?
We’ll be traveling with local trip leaders who know Kosovo well and will be with you throughout the trip. As with any international destination, normal travel precautions apply, and we’ll provide additional information and guidance before you arrive.
Still Have Questions?
Not sure if this trip is right for you? Want to know more about the itinerary, accommodations, activities, or what to expect in Kosovo?
Schedule a call with one of our Program Coordinators and we’ll be happy to walk you through the trip, answer your questions, and help you decide if Kosovo is the right adventure for you.