Prizren
is centuries of multicultural history
Welcome to Prizren
Picturesque Prizren, with its charming mosque- and church-filled old town, shines with an enthusiasm that's infectious. It's Kosovo's second city and most obvious tourist town and is well worth a day or two's lingering exploration. The castle high above the city is a must-see and there's a museum or two, plus the town can be used as a base for day trips to the Shar Mountains. Prizren is equally known for Dokufest, a documentary film festival held each August that attracts documentary makers and fans from all over the world.
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Kosovo Day Trip: Pristina and Prizren Tour from Skopje
Tour starts with pick up from your hotel in Skopje, traveling to Pristina where you will meet your local guide.Firstly you will visit the monastery of Gracanica and after that you will arrive in Pristina. Here you will take a tour and see: the Kosova National Library that represents a modern architectural design, the Mother Teresa statue – born Gonxhe Bojaxhiu-, George Kastrioti Skanderbeg statue, Open Air Archeological Park with artifacts from Neolithic period, the Kosova Museum that was built by Austrians for the Turkish army in 1898 and has an extensive collection of archaeological and ethnological artifacts including the Neolithic Goddesses on a Throne terracotta; Çarshi Mosque which is Pristina oldest building constructed on 15th century by Turkish Sultan Bajazit; the Academy Building which is a 19th century Ottoman konak style private houses; the Clock Tower, a 26 meter high built by Jashar Pasha on 1764; the Fatih Mosque or Imperial Mosque built on 1461 under the Turkish Sultan Mehmed II Fatih; The Great Hammam bath complex built in 1470 and graced with 15 domes with small holes to let light stream in. Also the ethnographic museum, Emin Gjiku complex is a extremely well preserved building from 18th Century and it’s a the only original building left in old bazaar area. The tour finishes with the visit of Gazimestan Tower.You continue to Prizren. Here you will do a walking tour which includes the attractive Ottoman Old Town, known for its gold and silver filigree craftsmen, the hammam, the museum of Prizren League, the Helveti Tekke, Sinia Pasha Mosque and the church of Our Lady of Ljevis. Prizren has the largest number of preserved Ottoman buildings in Kosovo, so simply wandering the old cobbled streets admiring the town houses, mosques and tekkes is a delight. After little break for resting, you will return in Skopje.
Private Full Day Trip to Pristina and Prizren from Skopje
• Our driver/guide will pick you up from your hotel or any location of your preference in Skopje, with a comfortable A/C car/minivan and take you to Kosovo. The first stop, just before arriving to Pristina, is the beautiful 14th century Gracanica Monastery. The tour continues to Pristina, with a sightseeing tour of Pristina where you will be able to see the Cathedral Mother Teresa, the Pristina University and National Library of Pristina, the Scenderbeg Square and statue, followed by a walk through Nane Theresa pedestrian, the Old Bazaar and the Ethnographic museum – Emin Gjaku. After a lunch break, in the afternoon, the tour continues to the picturesque, small town Prizren to see part of the rich cultural heritage of the town. The guide will lead you through the town to see the Stone Bridge, the medieval St. George church, the Catholic church, Sinan Pasha Mosque, Bajrakli Mosque, the Hammam, the house of Prizren League, through the many craft shops of which the golden and silver felegree work stand out to be recognized as real masterpieces of the craftsmen in Prizren.Some of the places you will most likely pass: Gracanica Monastery Cathedral Mother Teresa University of Pristina National Library Skenderbeg square Nena Teresa pedestrian Carshi Mosque The old bazaar Ethnographic museum -Emin Gjaku NEWBORN monument the Stone Bridge St. George church the Catholic church Sinan Pasha Mosque Bajrakli Mosque the Hammam the House of Prizren League the Shadervan square
Albania Hidden Gems 8 Days Tour
Day 1. Transfer Airport – Hotel TiranaThe group is met at the airport by our Guide and Driver and transfer to the hotel in Tirana. After a short time in the hotel we take a city walk to visit the center of Tirana and Et’hem Bey Mosque.Day 2. Tirana-Marikaj-Kruja – RubikToday we start the day by visiting the History Museum in Tirana. After the visit we head to the agritourist center of Marikaj where a nice lunch arrangements waits for us. Next we travel to the city of Kruja where we can visit the Castle and Scanderbeg Museum. In the end of our visits we transfer to Rubik where will be accommodated.Day 3. Rubik – Prizren – Gjakova – ValbonaWe travel today through the Nation’s Highway toward Prizren, Kosovo. In Prizren we will visit Sinan Pasha mosque, hammam, old city center. Next we drive to Gjakova where we visit the Old Bazaar and have lunch as well. After lunch we head toward Valbona valley in Albania.Day 4. Valbona – Kukaj – ValbonaToday we will walk for about 1 hour to Kukaj village where we will learn more about the life of the local shepherds. We will meet with Tahir, a local, who lives in Kukaj. During tonight’s dinner we have invited a folk group to perform for us. They live in a nearby village and are self taught to play the local instruments and dance.Day 5. Valbona – Fierzë – Koman – ShkodërWe travel by our minibus until Fierza to catch the boat that sails for about 2 hours through Koman Lake. In Koman lake have been built 3 of the most important hydro power plants in Albania with an installed power of 600 MW. After lunch we drive towards Shkodër where before entering the city we can visit Rozafa castle, which dates back to 4th century BC.Day 6. Shkodër – Durrës – BeratToday we head to Durrës the 2nd biggest city in Albania, which dates back to 7th century BC to visit the Roman Amphitheatre. Next we resume driving to Berat to visit the UNESCO city. First we will visit the castle, which dates back to 5th century BC and after that we will take a walk through Mangalem quarter which gave a distinctive look to the city’s architecture.Day 7. Berat – Elbasan – Ibë (village near Tirana)Our journey will take us to Elbasan where we will visit the Castle, which dates back from 15th century and Saint Mary church in the castle. After lunch we drive to Kame resort in the near Tirana where will be accommodated.Day 8. Ibë (village) – Tirana – Mother Teresa AirportToday before our flight departure we can take a walk around the village or just relax in the resort before heading up to the airport. End of the Program.
Day Tour of Prizren from Tirana
At 08:30 am our professional guide will pick you up at your hotel in Tirana. Our ride towards Prizren in Kosovo goes through a beautiful valley and mountainous terrain. We arrive in Prizren in about 3 hours from our departure. The river flowing through the heart of the old town and under the many bridges that crisscross the city. If you are looking to experience a lively international experience you should visit Prizren during August, when the medieval city becomes home to one of the most famous short film festivals in the world named Dokufest. The best way to explore the town is by wandering at random through the streets passing by elegant medieval houses that vie for your attention. Filigee artisanal techniques for precious metals are Prizren’s joy and pride. Don’t miss the unique experience for shopping in one of the many filigree shops of the town, where you are welcomed to also see the metalsmithing magic happen. Did you know that The Church of Our Lady of Ljevis is a UNESCO World Heritage site? If you have to choose just one mosque to visit than visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, rich in arabesque color and pattern. The view from the fortress on the hill above the town offers a great panorama of this astonishing town.Will be visited: • The Old Town • The bazar • The castle • The Ligue of Prizren • Sinan Pasha Mosque • The Church of Our Lady Ljevis • The Archeological Museum and its tower
Day Tour of Prizren from Pristina
At 08:30 am our professional guide will pick you up at your hotel in Pristina. Our ride towards Prizren in Kosovo goes through a beautiful landscapes. We arrive in Prizren in about 2 hours from our departure. The river flowing through the heart of the old town and under the many bridges that crisscross the city. If you are looking to experience a lively international experience you should visit Prizren during August, when the medieval city becomes home to one of the most famous short film festivals in the world named Dokufest. The best way to explore the town is by wandering at random through the streets passing by elegant medieval houses that vie for your attention. Filigee artisanal techniques for precious metals are Prizren’s joy and pride. Don’t miss the unique experience for shopping in one of the many filigree shops of the town, where you are welcomed to also see the metalsmithing magic happen. Did you know that The Church of Our Lady of Ljevis is a UNESCO World Heritage site? If you have to choose just one mosque to visit than visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, rich in arabesque color and pattern. The view from the fortress on the hill above the town offers a great panorama of this astonishing town.Will be visited: • The Old Town • The bazar • The castle • The Ligue of Prizren • Sinan Pasha Mosque • The Church of Our Lady Ljevis • The Archeological Museum and its tower
4 UNESCO sites - 4 Countries in 2 weeks - Europes last secret
ItineraryDay 1: Tirana - Kruja - Shkoder Stop At: Kruja Castle, Kruje, Durres CountyOur professional tour guide will pick you up at your hotel in Tirana. Right after the group gets together we start our journey toward northern Albania. On our way to Shkodra we will visit the historic town of Kruja, its medieval castle and the Scanderbeg National Museum. Duration: 3 hoursStop At: Rozafa Castle, Shkoder, Shkoder CountyOvernight in Shkodra, where we visit Rozafa castle, and the Venetian style pedestrian street “pedonale”. Overnight in Shkoder. Duration: 1 dayNo meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.Day 2: Shkodër - Podgorica (Capital city of Montenegro) - Fishtë Stop At: Museum and Gallery of Podgorica, Podgorica, Podgorica MunicipalityOn our way to Montenegro you would be invited by Shkodra’s lake glistening in the sunshine. Within 1 hour we arrive in Podgorica, capital city of Montenegro, where we explore the city’s most important attractions. Duration: 4 hoursStop At: Mrizi i Zanave AgriturizëmOur next destination is a slow food farm in a rural village in Northern Albania. Overnight at the agro – tourism. Duration: 12 hoursNo meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.Day 3: Fishtë - Komani Lake - Valbona Valley Stop At: Komani Lake, Koman, Shkoder CountyKomani Lake journey is described as “one of the World’s greatest boat trips”. As we take the turn from the main road the area becomes more rural, with fewer cars but more wild nature and amazing landscapes. We will stop for a short break by Vau i Dejes Lake, a beautiful and tranquil setting. At 09:00 we get on a ferry that will take us through Komani Lake offering spectacular views of the Albanian Alps, waterfalls, rural villages and wild forests.Duration: 4 hoursStop At: Valbona Valley National Park, Valbona, Kukes CountyOur next destination will be Valbona Valley National Park. After a delicious traditional lunch, we hike to Kukaj, explore the area and admire the so-called Crown of the Albanian Alps. Duration: 12 hoursNo meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.Day 4: Valbona Valley - Prizren (Kosovo) Stop At: Albanian League of Prizren Museum [Muzeu Lidhja Shqiptare e Prizrenit], PrizrenOur journey continues towards Prizren (Kosovo). This town played an important role in the region firstly as an Illyrian settlement and as a crossroad for the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, contributing to the unique architecture of the city. Prizren is considered as the cultural capital of Kosovo, mixing its’ rich history, incredible nature, religious tolerance and gastronomic delights. Overnight in Prizren. Duration: 1 dayNo meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.Day 5: Prizren - Tirana (Capital city of Albania) Stop At: National History MuseumTirana, the capital of Albania would be our final destination for the fifth day, where we have full day city tour. Colourful, lively, vibrant, dynamic, 24/7 and crazy nightlife, these are some of the words that better describe this city where the communist and capitalist-era buildings battle on daily basis. Tirana offers a great combination of very interesting museums, historic sites, national parks and mountains, ottoman, Italian and communist style architecture all clashing between each other, offering however a great pleasure to wander. Not to be missed is Tirana’s delicious food varieties, from the tasty and cheap street food to the finest gourmet options. Overnight in Tirana. Duration: 1 dayNo meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.Day 6: Tirana to Ohrid (UNESCO site, Macedonia) Stop At: Lake Ohrid, Ohrid, Southwestern RegionOhrid (Macedonia) is one of the most seductive destinations in Macedonia, indicated as one of the oldest human settlements in all Europe. Ohrid city and Ohrid Lake are part of UNESCO World Heritage since 1980. Ohrid Lake and its surroundings where inhabited by the Illyrian Tribe of Enkeleys. Ohrid became an important centre for the Orthodox believers during the Byzantine Empire and is famous for it’s 365 Orthodox churches, said to have one church for each day of the year. The houses where built with a very specific architecture that created narrowed streets, tunnels and tiny yards on the hilly terrain, making it possible for every house to have a good view of the lake. Overnight in Ohrid. Duration: 1 dayNo meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.Day 7: Ohrid - Korça (Albania) - DrilonStop At: Korca Old Bazaar, Korce, Korce CountyWe continue our journey towards Korça in the southeastern region of Albania, one of the most beautiful and important cities in the country. Because of its beauty, French-style villas and coffee culture, Korça is also called the ‘little Paris of Albania’. We will take a city tour of this lovely enchanting town. Not to be missed “Pazari i Vjetër”, the most charming neighborhood in Korça and an area that looks like it was pulled straight from a fairy tale; narrow streets, colored buildings, nice cafés and small boutiques can be found everywhere you look. Duration: 6 hoursStop At: Driloni National Park, Pogradec, Korce CountyLate in the afternoon we head to Pogradec. Drilon national park was the favorite place of dictator Enver Hoxha, who used to come here to relax. Today Drilon is an attractive summer destination, thanks to its beauty, sandy beaches and delicious cuisine. Overnight in Drilon. Duration: 12 hoursNo meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.Day 8: Drilon - Berat (UNESCO site) Stop At: Berat Castle, Berat, Berat CountyOur next destination is Berat, also known as the 1001 windows city, part of UNESCO world heritage. Walking through the narrowed stone streets offers a fantastic view of the medieval old houses, with windows that seem to stand above each other. Berat has it all; a beautiful medieval castle, ancient churches and mosques, a lively lower town consisting of grand old houses draped on steep hillsides, an old stone bridge, great museums and remains from the communism era in Albania. Berat is also known as the birthplace of Onufri, the famous churches’ painter all-over the Balkans, distinguished for creating a specific reddish colour still difficult to imitate. Overnight in Berat.Duration: 1 dayNo meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.Day 9: Berat - Zvërnec - Vlora Stop At: Zvernec Monastery, Vlore, Vlore CountyOn our way to Vlora we visit the Narta Lagoon, the island of Zvërnec and its ancient Monastery of Saint Mary (XIII century). Duration: 2 hoursStop At: Ethnographic Museum, Vlore, Vlore, Vlore CountyOur tour continues towards Vlora where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet. Free afternoon by the seaside. Overnight in Vlora.Duration: 12 hoursNo meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.Day 10: Vlore - Llogara National Park - HimaraStop At: Llogara National Park, Llogara National Park, Vlore CountyWe drive along the coastline known as Albanian Riviera. We will shortly stop at Llogara National Park offering a spectacular view of the Palasa Beach. Duration: 1 hourStop At: Porto Palermo Castle, Himare, Vlore CountyOur next stop will be the beautiful castle of Ali Pasha at Porto Palermo. Himara would be our final destination for this day. Himara town is next to imposing mountain peaks blanketed in deep green forests, crystal clear seas fringed by long white beaches and sparkling springs inviting you to dive in. Overnight in Himara. Duration: 2 hoursNo meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.Day 11: Himara - Butrint (UNESCO site) - SarandaStop At: Butrint National Park, Butrint, Vlore CountyThe ancient site Butrint, is our next destination. Part of the UNESCO world heritage, Butrinti is the most important archaeological site in Albania. Duration: 4 hoursStop At: Lekuresi Castle, Saranda, Vlore CountyIn the evening we take a city tour of Saranda, including the synagogue and Lekursi castle. On the ruins of the old castle there is a bar with a breath taking view of Saranda and Corfu Island. Overnight in Saranda.Duration: 12 hoursNo meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.Day 12: Saranda - Blue Eye - Gjirokaster (UNESCO site) Stop At: The Blue Eye - Syri i Kalter, AlbaniaOn our way to Gjirokastra we will visit the natural wonder of Blue Eye. Duration: 2 hoursStop At: Gjirokaster Castle, Gjirokaster, Gjirokaster CountyGjirokastra is also known as “The Stone City”, part of UNESCO World heritage. The origin of the city starts with the castle of Gjirokastra, built in IV century AD, and is considered one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Balkans. Right before entering the castle of Gjirokastra you would have to pass by the medieval bazar. The atmospheric old town cascading down in graceful hill crammed full of beautiful narrowed stone decorated streets, where you would be amazed by the wide variety of hand made crafts from local artisans and producers. Overnight in GjirokasterDuration: 12 hoursNo meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.Day 13: Gjirokastër - Permet Stop At: Benja Thermal Baths, Permet, Gjirokaster CountyPërmet, our next destination, is the greenest and the cleanest town in Albania, also known as the "city of roses." The small town of Permet is famous for its folk music, literature personalities, and the good cooking, especially sweets, the so called 'gliko', or preserves. The area is also famous for good wine and strong raki. Very near to Përmet is Bënja, a natural hot thermal spring with a spectacular mountainous view. Overnight in Përmet. Duration: 1 dayNo meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.Day 14: Permet - Apollonia - Tirana Stop At: Apollonia, Fier, Fier CountyAfter breakfast we head back to Tirana our final destination for this tour. On our way to Tirana we visit the ruins of the ancient city of Apollonia the Odeon Theatre, the Church of Saint Mary, the ancient statues of Illyrian times and the mosaic. This marks the end of this amazing experience through history and adventure. Duration: 3 hoursNo meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.