Kosovo Tours & Holidays
Small Group Tours & Tailor-Made Holidays
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Overview
Set in the heart of the Balkan Peninsula, Europe’s newest country is a land of fascinating contrasts and complexities. Rising from the ashes of a brutal civil war it remains one of Europe’s last untouched frontiers, presenting spectacular mountains and an abundance of rivers and forests that provide home for wolves, lynx, bears and over 300 different bird species. Independent since 2008, many nations still do not recognise Kosovo’s right to exist, including neighbouring Serbia. ...
Set in the heart of the Balkan Peninsula, Europe’s newest country is a land of fascinating contrasts and complexities. Rising from the ashes of a brutal civil war it remains one of Europe’s last untouched frontiers, presenting spectacular mountains and an abundance of rivers and forests that provide home for wolves, lynx, bears and over 300 different bird species. Independent since 2008, many nations still do not recognise Kosovo’s right to exist, including neighbouring Serbia. That hasn’t stopped Kosovo though. With a religious heritage that includes the UNESCO World Heritage site of Decani Monastery and a majestic landscape that encompasses part of the famous Via Dinarica, Kosovo can boast some of the finest hiking country in the region.
Sharri National Park provides some of the highest and most spectacular mountains anywhere on the Balkan Peninsula, whilst the dramatic Rugova Valley offers up a chance to explore a country steeped in Albanian tradition, where the strains of Kosovan music echoes across the mountain landscapes. The city of Prizren is home to a staggering collection of Ottoman and Orthodox architecture, whilst characterful Gjakova is rightly considered one of the country’s most authentic towns. New kid on the block it may be, but Kosovo’s cultural and natural highlights can hold their own with the finest that Europe’s old order have to offer.
Meet the Experts
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Group tours
Travel to Kosovo with like-minded people on one of our small group tours (usually max size 12), featuring knowledgeable local guides and an expert tour leader.
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WHEN TO GO
LGBTQIA+ Guidance
When planning to travel as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, there may be additional things you wish to consider doing, such as:
- Speaking to one of our travel experts for information about travelling in your chosen destination and local attitudes towards members of the LGBTQIA+ community
- Checking the Human Dignity Trust map of countries that criminalise LGBTQIA+ people, which highlights potentially dangerous regions and countries
- Checking the ‘Local laws and customs’ section of your country's official foreign travel advice page
- Looking for any updates for your desired destination on the Human Rights Watch LGBTQIA+ rights page
- Buying a recommended guidebook, as many include an LGBTQIA+ section and advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers
USEFUL INFORMATION
Health and Vaccinations
There are no mandatory immunisations for travellers to Kosovo though you should be up to date with Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A. We recommend you seek advice from your local GP or travel centre as to the correct immunisations and preventative treatments.
Currency
In Kosovo the official unit of currency is the Euro.
To check out the latest exchange rate for the places that you are visiting you can go to www.oanda.com.
Cultural Sensitivity
On our tours you will frequently interact with local people, each with their own distinct customs and traditions. We therefore ask you to be considerate and to treat them with respect. Your tour-leaders and guides will always be able to advise you accordingly.
In the churches and cathedrals women should cover their heads with a scarf or hat, while men should take their hats off.
Language & Religion
Today, over 90% of Kosovo's population are from Muslim family backgrounds, most of whom are ethnic Albanians. One thing to note is that Islam was never enforced, but only accepted by the Balkan population. Most of the people who turned to Islam were Albanians.
Given the crossover of ethnic minorities in this region both Serbian and Albanian are widely spoken in Kosovo.
Time
Kosovo is 1 hour ahead of GMT
A useful website to check the time zone differences is www.worldtimezone.com.
Food and drink
Bread and dairy are important staples in Kosovar Albanian cuisine. The most widely used dairy products are milk, yogurt, ayran, spreads, cheese and kaymak. Meat (beef, chicken and lamb), beans, rice and peppers are likewise major parts of the Kosovo Albanian diet. Vegetables are used seasonally.
Travelling Solo In Kosovo
All of our small group tours are designed to cater for solo travellers: the number of solo travellers will vary from tour to tour, but usually over half will be travelling alone. Get all of the excitement of discovering new places combined with the security of travelling with an organised group, with like minded people.