Kosovo and
North Macedonia

From Resistance to Resilience:
Tracing Democracy Across the Western Balkans

Join us for an 8-day journey through Kosovo and North Macedonia, where the story of democracy is alive, complex, and deeply human. 

We begin in Pristina, Kosovo’s capital, where we'll explore the country’s nonviolent resistance, meet movement leaders turned parliamentarians, and hear directly from those shaping the region’s democratic future. From there, we travel to the cultural heart of Kosovo—Prizren—for conversations with local leaders and changemakers, including a powerful visit with Fahrije Hoti, who rebuilt her town that was devastated by the war with a business venture, and Father Sava Janjić, a Serbian Orthodox priest and outspoken advocate for peace and reconciliation.

We then cross into North Macedonia, beginning in the capital, Skopje, we delve into the country’s post-Yugoslav democratic evolution through guided tours, expert briefings, and an intimate discussion with activists turned parliamentarians from the Colorful Revolution. Then we head to the shores of Lake Ohrid, one of Europe’s oldest and most breathtaking natural and cultural treasures. As we explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, we'll connect history, identity, and civic values across centuries. Our final day we will meet with the current youth movement in North Macedonia and learn about their efforts to hold the government accountable for a national and seemingly preventable tragedy.

Throughout the journey, we balance powerful conversations with cultural immersion, scenic beauty, and moments of joy. We’ll explore North Macedonia’s centuries-old winemaking and, across the trip, enjoy unique and high-end dining experiences that reflect the rich culinary traditions of the region. Expect high-level access, honest dialogue, and the chance to travel with purpose through one of Europe’s most fascinating democratic frontiers.

About this Journey

Dates

October 26-November 2, 2025
May 17-24, 2026
September 6-13, 2026

Destinations

Pristina, Prizren, Skopje, Ohrid

Duration

8 days/8 nights

Included

All Accommodation
8 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 4 Dinners
Local Transportation to Itinerary Stops
Gratuities
Expert Guides

Price

Fall 2025
Double Occupancy: $6,388 (10% Off)
Single Occupancy: $6,889 (10% Off)

Spring 2026
Double Occupancy: $7,098
Single Occupancy: $7,682

  • Spices at the Old Bazaar in Skopje, North Macedonia
  • Prizren, Kosovo. Historic stone bridge over a river at sunset with ornate buildings and flags on a hill in the background.
  • Old Bazaar, Skopje, North Macedonia. Spicy red chili peppers in large bowls at a market stall.
  • Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia. Small boats docked in calm water with a coastal town and hillside houses in the background under a clear blue sky.
  • Prizren Fortress, Kosovo. An aerial view of a historic fortress on a hill overlooking a lake, surrounded by greenery, with a cityscape and mountains in the background.
  • Ancient stone ruins with a cobblestone pathway and arched entryway, set against a backdrop of mountains and overcast sky.
  • A stone and wood mountain lodge with outdoor seating and lanterns, surrounded by lush green forested mountains under a cloudy sky.
  • A brick Orthodox church with multiple domes and crosses on top, surrounded by a fence and a green tree in front.
  • Church with two bell towers, clock on one tower, trees in the foreground, blue sky background, red-tiled roof.
  • An outdoor table set with various dishes including salads, baked dishes, grilled meats, wine, and water, on a red and white striped tablecloth with a scenic forest background.
  • A group of priests dressed in red robes standing on the altar of an Orthodox church, singing from books, with religious icons and flowers in front of them, behind a decorative iconostasis, with Byzantine-style frescoes on the ceiling and walls.
  • Yellow multi-story building with white accents, arched windows, stairs leading up to the entrance, and a blue sky with clouds
  • A baked dish with melted cheese and a piece of roasted meat in a brown ceramic bowl on a wooden table outdoors with trees and a mountain in the background.

Itinerary

  • 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 a welcome dinner at a beloved local restaurant, nestled in the serene surroundings of Germia Park. Over dinner and drinks, one of Kosovo’s leading activist sets the stage and introduces 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

  • Our first full day in Kosovo’s capital begins with a deep dive into the country’s recent history. A private tour of the Independence House provides powerful context on Kosovo’s nonviolent resistance and its path to statehood. Over lunch, we continue the conversation with tenured members of parliament, who share firsthand perspectives on Kosovo’s journey from peaceful resistance to independence and democracy building. 

    In the afternoon, we visit Kosovo’s parliamentary grounds for a special meeting with former President Atifete Jahjaga. As the youngest and first female president in the Balkans, Ms. Jahjaga will share her remarkable story of leadership and resilience — from reimagining Kosovo’s police force to championing efforts that remove stigma and bring healing to survivors of wartime sexual violence.

    The evening is yours to enjoy Pristina’s rich culinary scene. 

    Overnight: Pristina 

  • We begin the day with a private tour of the newly opened Reporting Museum, which chronicles media coverage of the Kosovo War. Guiding us is the museum’s curator, Jeta Xharra — one of Kosovo’s leading journalists and media activists, known for her groundbreaking investigative reporting during and after the war. She will personally walk us through the exhibits, sharing the stories behind the powerful footage and installations.

    After the museum, we will depart for Pristina. Often referred to as the heart of Kosovo, Prizren is a picturesque, multiethnic city nestled at the foot of the Sharr Mountains, where Ottoman architecture, medieval churches, and mosques coexist in a stunning riverside setting. Upon arrival, we set out on a 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 close the day with a dinner with the Mayor of Prizren at an intimate local restaurant in the center of town. There, over regional cuisine, we hear the mayor’s story of governing an ethnically diverse city in a complex region. 

    Overnight: Prizren 

  • 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[EB1] , 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

  • We depart Prizren after breakfast and take a scenic drive through the Sharr Mountains into Skopje, the political and economic heart of North Macedonia, the birthplace of Mother Theresa.  

    After settling into our hotel, we gather for lunch with our resident expert and guest speaker, 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.  

    In the afternoon, we embark on a 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.  

    Later in the afternoon, we engage in a private, off the record, discussion with leading activists from the Colorful Revolution, 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. 

    Overnight: Skopje 

  • After breakfast and hotel check-out, we begin the day with a facilitated discussion on government accountability and democratic renewal, framed around one of North Macedonia’s most tragic and politically revealing events in recent memory. In the wake of a catastrophic nightclub fire[EB1]  in March 2025 that claimed 62 lives and injured more than 190, deep failures in governance — from oversight breakdowns to entrenched corruption and public safety lapses — were laid bare. The tragedy briefly galvanized a wave of youth-led mobilization, demanding transparency, justice, and systemic reform.

    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: Ohrid

  • We begin your day with an expert-guided journey through Ohrid’s enchanting Old City, where over 2,400 years of history come alive. Wander through a captivating blend of ancient, Hellenistic, Roman, and Christian heritage, beautifully intertwined with Ottoman architectural gems. Explore the timeless ruins of the ancient theater, marvel at the exquisite icon collection within the Church of Our Lady the All-Seeing, and step inside the majestic Saint Sofia Cathedral. Stand atop the millennial fortress overlooking the city and visit the iconic St. Clement and St. John at Kaneo churches, perched dramatically above the sparkling lake. Every corner reveals a story, every monument with a legacy — a day where history, spirituality, and natural beauty converge. 

    After our tour, we share an exclusive lunch with a Macedonia chef and her husband in their apartment overlooking lake Ohrid. In the afternoon, you have time for independent exploration, including an opportunity to learn about the local pearl production, a family tradition for several generations.      

    Overnight: Ohrid

  • On Sunday morning, guests enjoy a leisurely morning. Savor a relaxed breakfast at the hotel, take a lakeside stroll or jog, or make a final visit to the city’s historic bazaar for last-minute keepsakes. 

    Late in the morning, we depart Ohrid and journey back to Skopje, traveling through North Macedonia’s picturesque mountain landscapes. We will stop for lunch at a family-run 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.

    Overnight: Skopje

Essential Trip
Information

  • The trip will begin in Pristina, Kosovo and end in Skopje, North Macedonia. You will therefore fly into Pristina International Airport (PRN) arriving on/before October 26 or May 17, depending on your journey dates. Our welcome dinner is scheduled for October 26/ May 17, please keep this in mind as you look at arrival times. You would fly out of Skopje International Airport (SKP) on/after November 3/ May 24 (anytime). 

    When you arrive, taxis are available directly outside the terminal. Official airport taxis are a safe and reliable option, with fares preset at 15 euro from the airport to downtown Pristina. Alternatively, we can book an airport transfer for you. Please let us know if you prefer this option. Note you will pay for the transport directly.

    For your departure, we will provide transportation for you to the airport at no additional cost.

    • All of your accommodations and breakfasts are included throughout the entirety of the trip. 

    • All meals listed in the itinerary. 8 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners

    • Winery tour and tasting. Alcohol at most meals.

    • Private guided tours of museums, parliament, UNESCO sites.

    • 3 walking tours. 

    • All local transport is included (except during your personal time).

    • Airport transfer at the end of your trip.

    Please note that flights are not included in the price and need to be arranged by travelers themselves or with an agent.

  • As is the case with all of our tours, we intentionally keep our group size small to maximize personal connection and will not exceed 15 people.

  • United States passport holders do not need a visa for trips under 90 days. Other passport holders may require a visa. It is always good to check with the embassy in your country for latest advice regarding visa requirements in the countries we will visit.  

  • Fall: Late October in Kosovo average daytime temperatures typically range from 50°F to 59°F, while evenings and mornings can dip as low as 35°F to 45°F, especially in higher elevations. Rain is not uncommon during this time of year. North Macedonia daytime highs typically range from 54°F to 64°F, while nighttime temperatures can drop to 37°F to 46°F. 

    Spring: In May, both Kosovo and North Macedonia enjoy some of their most pleasant weather of the year.

    • Kosovo: Days are typically mild to warm, with average highs around 68–75°F (20–24°C) and cooler evenings that can dip into the 50s°F (10–13°C). Spring rains are still possible, but they’re usually light and scattered, leaving plenty of clear, sunny days.

    • North Macedonia: Skopje and the lowlands tend to be a little warmer, often reaching the 70s to low 80s°F (22–27°C), while mountain and lakeside areas like Ohrid stay a bit cooler, especially in the evenings. Rain is less frequent than in early spring, and the landscapes are still lush and green from the season’s growth.

  • Kosovo and North Macedonia have a somewhat relaxed dress code. Modesty is appreciated when visiting religious sites. While casual clothing is fine for most of our activities, it's recommended to have some more conservative and dressier options for some events. In general, layered clothing, light sweaters, a rain jacket or umbrella, and some warm clothes are suggested. 

    Tips:

    • Layering is helpful - the weather in the Balkans can be unpredictable, so packing layers is a good idea, particularly for the mountains. 

    • We suggest you bring a jacket, gloves, and a hat for our time in colder areas.

    • Good walking shoes will be essential for exploring cities and optional hiking.  

    • For religious sites (churches, monasteries), it is appropriate to cover your shoulders and knees (a scarf or shawl can be useful) and avoid wearing shorts.

    • For one or two of the meetings, it may be appropriate to wear dressier clothing (e.g., jacket and tie, dress, nice slacks and blouse)

  • The currency used in Kosovo is the Euro (EUR) and the Macedonian Denar (MKD) is used in North Macedonia. Credit cards are accepted at most establishments, but we recommend that you bring some cash/be prepared to pull some cash out for your leisure time.

    Both countries have Type F wall sockets using the standard European 2-pin plugs. The standard voltage is 230 V at a frequency of 50 Hz. Some devices, such as hair dryers, may require a voltage converter in addition to a plug adapter. Check your chargers and adapters to see what is required.

    Wifi is widely available in all hotels as well as many coffee shops and restaurants. 

    Many major US cell phone carriers work on Kosovo and North Macedonia’s cell phone networks while roaming. Check with your carrier to see if you’re able to use your phones in these countries. Alternatively, you can purchase local SIM cards or an eSIM with a prepaid/pay-as-you-go plan for access to high-speed data.

  • We use multiple sources of information to assess the risks associated with each itinerary to ensure a safe experience for all travelers. While we have experience working in conflict zones, we can assure you we are not taking you to any of them! As is the case everywhere, we can face unexpected risks during our travel, which we are prepared to address to minimize any potential harm.

    International SOS - We partner with International SOS to provide 24/7 emergency assistance for all Democracy Journeys travelers. International SOS is a leading provider in the industry that offers rapid support for medical issues, security concerns, travel logistics, and other emergencies. They have highly trained experts around the world on standby. You can easily access their services by phone, online, or through the International SOS app (available in your mobile app store). We have used them for years and can personally attest to their responsiveness and robust support.

    Additional Safety and Security Resources - Travelers will receive detailed pre-departure briefings from International SOS and can ask them any specific pre-departure medical or security questions. As a part of the pre-trip resources package, Democracy Journeys will ensure you have the International SOS medical resources for our itinerary. In addition, the Core Journeys Team member on your journey is First Aid & CPR Certified and will always travel with a First Aid Kit. 

    Information Sources - We triangulate information from multiple sources to assess risk in each destination and guide our travel decisions. We reference International SOS Global Risk Ratings, U.S. State Department travel advisories (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/), and local experts on-the-ground. We monitor these sources regularly before and during our trip and may make changes to our itinerary to avoid risky areas, or postpone the journey entirely, if necessary.

    Security in Kosovo and North Macedonia - Kosovo and North Macedonia are low risk travel locations. Our security partner advises taking standard security precautions against crime, such as keeping your personal items close to you and maintaining awareness of your surroundings. Our provider also encourages travelers to bypass protests or demonstrations, which we do not anticipate on our journey and will proactively plan around them if needed.

  • It is required that all travelers on a journey provide proof of travel insurance before the trip begins. Travel insurance must cover (1) personal injury, (2) medical treatment, (3) repatriation, and (4) evacuation expenses, including helicopter rescue and air ambulance internationally. There are a number of companies offering this coverage including International SOS, Battleface, Insure My Trip, IMG Global and AIG Travel Guard.

    Travelers can receive health requirements for our destination through a pre-travel briefing from International SOS, your primary doctor, a travel clinic, or the U.S. Center for Disease Control.

    We suggest you start with the International SOS briefing and plan a visit to your own doctor or local travel clinic who will have the most up-to-date travel advice and administer any vaccinations prior to travel based on your medical history.

  • Bookings require a $500 nonrefundable deposit to hold your seat. For this journey, we will require payment for the remaining balance by September 15. If you make your booking on or after September 15, the full payment will be due at the time of booking and is nonrefundable.

    We will confirm the trip by no later than September 19. Please do not make nonrefundable travel arrangements until you receive this confirmation. If we must cancel the trip, we will refund you the full amount you have paid. 

    The Spring 2026 journey will follow the standard timeline, as detailed in our Terms and Conditions. In sum, full payment will be due by 60 days before the start date. Democracy Journeys will confirm the trip by 60 days before the trip start date as well. Please see the Terms and Conditions for full details.

  • We will host information sessions to provide more information on our upcoming journeys periodically. To be notified of our upcoming journeys, sign up for our newsletter.

    We are also available to connect one-on-one any time. You can reach out via our Contact Us page.

    In the meantime, check out our FAQ page for more information.

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