Kosovo & North Macedonia

Welcome to Pristina, a city of resilience and the proud home of Europe’s youngest democratic institutions. Upon arrival, take your time settling into the hotel and enjoying a moment to relax. 

This evening, we gather for an early welcome dinner at a beloved local restaurant, Boho, right next to the hotel. Over dinner and drinks, our local tour guides and resident democracy experts, Rozafa Ukimeraj and Valentina Imeraj, set the stage and introduce the key actors to Kosovo’s democratic story. It’s the perfect setting to ease into the week ahead, connect with fellow travelers, and begin our journey through Kosovo’s civic and cultural landscape. 

Overnight in Pristina
Accommodation: Hotel Manami

Our first full day in Pristina offers an intimate look at Kosovo’s recent history. We begin with a private visit to the Independence House, where the story of nonviolent resistance and the journey to statehood comes alive. Next, we enjoy an exclusive tour of the newly opened Reporting Museum with curator Jeta Xharra, one of Kosovo’s leading journalists. She guides us through the exhibits, sharing the stories behind the powerful footage and installations and offering her unique insights from years of investigative reporting.

Lunch takes place in Germia Park, Pristina’s favorite green escape. Surrounded by forested hills, winding walking paths, and open meadows, the park invites you to unwind, explore nature, or simply enjoy the fresh air in a serene setting. Locals come here to stroll, picnic, and recharge, giving you a glimpse of everyday life in Kosovo.

The evening is yours to discover Pristina’s vibrant culinary scene, from traditional taverns serving hearty local dishes to modern restaurants and lively cafés.

Overnight in Pristina
Accommodation: Hotel Manami

In the morning, we visit Kosovo’s parliamentary grounds for a private meeting with former President Atifete Jahjaga. As the youngest and first female president in the Balkans, she shares her remarkable story of leadership and resilience, from transforming Kosovo’s police force to championing initiatives that support and bring healing to survivors of wartime sexual violence.

We then enjoy a private lunch with Edita Tahiri, a Kosovar diplomat who played a key role in the country’s peaceful resistance. As Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Dialogue, she led Kosovo’s negotiation team in efforts to normalize relations with Serbia, a process that continues amid ongoing challenges. Over lunch, she provides an insider’s perspective on Kosovo’s complex diplomatic landscape.

In the afternoon, we depart for Prizren, often called the heart of Kosovo. Nestled at the foot of the Sharr Mountains, this picturesque, multiethnic city boasts Ottoman architecture, medieval churches, and mosques along a charming riverside setting.

We close the day with an intimate dinner with Prizren’s Mayor, Shaqir Totaj, at a local restaurant in the city center. Over regional cuisine, the mayor shares his experience of leading an ethnically diverse city and navigating the challenges and opportunities of this historic region.

Overnight in Prizren
Accommodation: Avdissons Hotel

On our fourth day, we meet with two figures who bring the historical content that you absorbed in Pristina to life through impactful personal stories.

We begin with a short drive to the village of Krusha, where we meet Fahrije Hoti, a nationally revered figure to hear her story.  Fahrije’s determination transformed a tragedy into opportunity. In the aftermath of the Kosovo War, Fahrije founded a women-run ajvar cooperative to support the widows of Krusha—after Serbian forces killed the town’s men and boys. More than two decades later, her factory is a thriving symbol of resilience and produces some of the finest ajvar in the country.

We then pause for lunch at a stunning farm-to-table restaurant perched above the Decan Valley with sweeping views of the surrounding area.

In the afternoon, we visit Decan Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site that holds both spiritual and historical significance. There, Father Sava Janjić, a Serbian Orthodox priest known for his outspoken advocacy for peace and reconciliation during and after the war, tells us his story that offers a deeply human lens on the complexities of conflict and coexistence.

On our way back, we will stop at a family-run restaurant in the countryside for dinner.

Overnight: Prizren
Accommodation: Avdissons Hotel

We start our morning with an optional guided walking tour through the city’s old quarter, tracing its architectural and civic history. The tour culminates with a short hike up to the iconic Prizren Fortress, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding valley. 

We then begin our journey to North Macedonia with two distinct stops. Just outside the capital of Skopje, we visit the archaeological site of the ancient city of Stobi, a remarkably preserved crossroads of empires where grand Roman theaters, intricate mosaics, and early Christian basilicas reveal the layers of history that shaped the Balkans. The ruins span the Hellenistic period (3rd–2nd century BCE), the Roman era (1st–4th century CE), and the early Christian/Byzantine period (4th–6th century CE).

From there, we follow the Vardar River into the Tikveš wine region, where we tour the country’s largest and most renowned winery and enjoy a leisurely and delectable five course early dinner with exquisite local wine pairings.

After this incredible day of culture and leisure, we return to Skopje.

Overnight in Skopje
Accommodation: Skopje Marriott Hotel

We begin our day with an optional guided walking tour of Skopje’s City Center, weaving together the city’s layered history — from the Ottoman-era Bazaar to the impact of the 1963 earthquake, and the controversial Skopje 2014 political project that reshaped its urban landscape.

In the early afternoon, we gather for lunch with our resident expert and guest speaker, Sasho Orandowski, focusing on Macedonia’s democratic journey since its secession from Yugoslavia in 1991. Over a curated menu of local specialties, we explore the key political and social shifts that have shaped the country’s modern identity.

Later in the afternoon, we engage in a private, off the record, discussion with leading activists from the Colorful Revolution, Dr. Irena Stefoska and Ivana Tufegdzic whose movement helped end the Nikola Gruevski regime in 2017 and paved the way for democratic reforms, reconciliation with Greece, and North Macedonia’s accession to NATO as its 30th member.  

We close this full and insightful day with an elegant dinner.

We will then begin our journey to Lake Ohrid with two distinct stops. Just outside Skopje, we visit the archaeological site of the ancient city of Stobi, a remarkably preserved crossroads of empires where grand Roman theaters, intricate mosaics, and early Christian basilicas reveal the layers of history that shaped the Balkans. The ruins span the Hellenistic period (3rd–2nd century BCE), the Roman era (1st–4th century CE), and the early Christian/Byzantine period (4th–6th century CE).

From there, we follow the Vardar River into the Tikveš wine region, where we will tour the country’s largest and most renowned winery and enjoy a leisurely and delectable five course lunch with exquisite local wine pairings.

Afterwards, we continue to Ohrid, where guests will have the evening free for rest and relaxation after a full day of travel and discovery.

Overnight in Skopje
Accommodation: Skopje Marriott Hotel

On our last day together, we begin with a coffee with Toshe Zafirov, a leading civic activist in North Macedonia, who will lead a discussion on government accountability and democratic renewal.

Around noon, we head out for a final wine paired lunch at the organic, family-run winery, Brzanov Winery, in the vineyard-covered hills outside Skopje for a final afternoon to revel in our new memories, new friendships, and new inspiration to take back home with us. We will be joined by a special guest who will bring color and dimension to what it means to stand up to autocracy with humor and humanity.

The evening is yours for final shopping or relaxation before the trip ends the following morning!

Overnight in Skopje
Accommodation: Skopje Marriott Hotel

Skopje is the perfect starting point to explore the breathtaking wonders of the Balkans. Just a few hours away lies the enchanting city of Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled beside a stunning glacial lake.

Spend extra days in Ohrid exploring its numerous historic churches, wandering through charming cobblestone streets, and hiking scenic trails with panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Immerse yourself in the region’s rich culture and natural beauty, then unwind in a privately owned, boutique guesthouse, designed for comfort after a day of adventure.

Let us craft your unforgettable Ohrid experience with exclusive activities tailored just for you. Contact us at info@democracyjourneys.com to learn more and reserve your add-on.