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 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
Accommodation: Hotel Manami

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
Accommodation: Hotel Manami

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 Prizren. 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
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 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
Accommodation: Skopje Marriott Hotel

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 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
Accommodation: Su Hotel

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
Accommodation: Su Hotel

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
Accommodation: Skopje Marriott Hotel