In Unknown Land, Kosovo & North Macedonia
In the heart of the Balkans, two little-known nations unveil their treasures between Orthodox monasteries and ancient lakes.
Duration
15 days
From
€1,140/pers.
Ideal seasons
Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
Located in the heart of the Balkan peninsula, these landlocked countries are one of the hidden gems of the region. Visitors have much to discover.
Indeed, between rolling hills, lush forests, old towns with charming architecture and numerous local traditions, the beauty of Kosovo and North Macedonia will not leave you indifferent. Tour offered as a Self-drive.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Pristina Airport > Pristina
Meet our local agent at the Pristina Airport then depart for the city center for lunch.
Then start your visit to Pristina, Capital of Europe's youngest country.
Pristina is the capital and largest city of Kosovo, located in the central part of the Kosovo plain. The city is constantly evolving, with new modern buildings standing alongside old historic buildings.
Overnight in Pristina.
Pristina > Drin Waterfall > Peja
After your breakfast, head to Peja, the largest city in the western Kosovo situated at the foot of the mountains and the Rugova Gorges.
Reach the White Drin waterfall, take a walk to the summit where you will reach the "Sleeping Beauty Caves" for an indoor visit of the galleries carved over centuries by the force of the water.
Peja > Decani > Gjakova > Prizren
From Peja
After breakfast, head towards the Visoki Dečani Monastery.
A monument dating from the 14th century and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, you will be able to admire its frescoes which constitute one of the pinnacles of Serbian art, powerfully inspired by Byzantine art, notably by the Church of the Holy Saviour in Constantinople.
To Gjakova
Take the road to Gjakova, a charming city in Kosovo with its authentic old town and its many artisan shops.
Meeting with local artisans (subject to availability) who practice trades that no longer exist in Western Europe.
You will discover makers of "Plis" (traditional Albanian hat), "diep" (wooden cradles) as well as Albanian seamstresses.
Prizren
After breakfast, visit the cultural and historical capital of Kosovo. Surrounded by mountainous landscapes, discover the old Ottoman city center where the Lumbardhi river flows.
Its cobbled streets and tea salons in the old bazaar give Prizren a unique Ottoman charm with its three religious compounds nearby: the Sinan Pacha Mosque, the Saint George Orthodox Cathedral and the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Cathedral.
Visit the Albanian League of Prizren, the first league for the defense of Albanian rights established in the late 19th century. Lunch in a traditional restaurant in Prizren.
Free time to visit the Prizren Fortress for breathtaking views of the city.
*Possibility to visit a cheese factory before your arrival in Prizren.
Overnight in Prizren.
Prizren > Skopje
Prizren → Skopje
After breakfast, head towards North Macedonia through the Sharr Mountains and reach Skopje, the Capital of North Macedonia.
Drop off your luggage at your hotel and visit the city. Skopje is a city devastated by an earthquake in 1963 that managed to completely rebuild itself and offer a unique experience.
You will appreciate a city divided between two cultures and two different lifestyles between Macedonian Albanians and Macedonians.
Stroll through its new city centre to discover its famous fortress "Tvrdina Kale" and its stone bridge "Kameni Most" which separates the city into two parts with the old Ottoman bazaar "Čaršija".
Overnight in Skopje.
Skopje > Matka Canyon > Jance
Skopje → Jance
After breakfast, join the Matka Canyon, an essential destination in Macedonia. Embark on a boat to discover the Vrelo caves, which are considered among the deepest underwater caves in the world.
Then head to the Mavrovo National Park. Upon arrival in the park, enjoy stunning landscapes through the Mavrovo Lake and Radika Canyon.
You will stop at the Saint Jovan Bigorski Monastery (Saint, situated on the heights of the canyon, which represents one of the most beautiful monasteries in Macedonia.
Continue then to the picturesque village of Jance, in which a village resident invested in the construction of houses using materials from that era.
Overnight in a charming traditional hotel in Janche.
Jance > Vevcani > Ohrid
From Jance
After breakfast, you will head to the village of Vevtchani located at the foot of the Jablanica mountain.
This village is famous for its costume festival celebrating the New Year according to the old Orthodox calendar, which is one of the oldest in all the Balkans originating more than 1400 years ago.
Explore this small village and walk along a wooden pontoon to enjoy the Vevtchani water spring.
Then join Ohrid, cradle of orthodoxy in North Macedonia.
A city inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List and a sublime lakeside city which, for many, represents the culmination of the Macedonian experience.
Overnight in Ohrid.
Ohrid
After breakfast, set off to explore the wonders of Lake Ohrid.
Brief photo stop at "Bay of bones" (Bay of Bones), an authentic reconstruction of part of a settlement dating from 1200 to 700 BC.
Visit the Saint Naum Monastery. Surrounded by lush vegetation and built in the 10th century, the monastery is a haven of tranquility on the border between Albanie and Macedonia.
Overnight in Ohrid.
Ohrid
After breakfast, free day to enjoy the beaches of Lake Ohrid.
OPTION : Paragliding - Jump from 1400 meters or 1600 meters altitude. Head to the designated location for the jump where you will be equipped by your instructor for an unforgettable experience.
OPTION : Diving - Meet your diving instructor and discover Europe's oldest and deepest lake which contains approximately 200 different species. Discover the fauna and underwater flora of Lake Ohrid, also internationally famous for the discovery of remains dating back to the Bronze Age.
OPTION : Kayaking - Departure for a full day of kayaking, during which you will be accompanied by a professional guide who will take you through the most splendid natural spaces of Lake Ohrid.
OPTION : Quad - This adventure takes you up to 1200 m.a.s.l. and connects 3 villages Velestovo, Sipokno and Konjsko. With a stunning view of Ohrid and the lake, you will traverse different natural environments and roads. It covers approximately 20 km with no backtracking and is perfect for those who want to experience the spirit of the old Macedonian countryside.
OPTION : Hiking - Set off for a half-day hike in the splendid Galitchitsa National Park (extra fee for guide). Reach the hiking starting point and begin an ascent to Magaro peak, the highest point of Galitchitsa, which rises to 2,255 meters altitude. Picnic included.
*Hiking possible in Galicia park with an English-speaking guide.
Ohrid > Prilep > Omorani
From Ohrid
After breakfast, head towards Prilep to see the Markovi Kuli (Towers of Marko) (« Markovi Kuli ») are actually the remains of a vast 14th-century fortress.
To Omorani
Then join the tiny village of Omorani in the Macedonian countryside for a rural experience in an 80-year-old stone house. Enjoy its swimming pool and charming hosts.
Possibility of organizing various activities such as romantic dinner, a trip to the Babuna waterfall, making natural cosmetics.
Omorani
After breakfast, free day at your stunning guest house.
Possibility to organize various activities such as romantic dinner, excursion to the Babuna waterfall, making natural cosmetics.
Omorani > Stobi > Crvulevo
From Omorani
After breakfast, join Stobi, the largest archaeological site in Macedonia.
Discover the ruins of an ancient city established in the 4th century BC and learn more about the history of the Romans present on the ancient territory of Macedonia.
Possibility to visit the Stobi vineyard on your route.
To Crvulevo
Finally join the small village of Crvulevo for a night's stay in a charming accommodation in the middle of nature.
Crvulevo > Kratovo > Gracanica
From Crvulevo
After breakfast, free morning, and depart for Kratovo.
Visit the city, a hidden gem of North Macedonia, seduced by its medieval charm. Explore its cobblestone streets lined with stone houses, admire the emblematic clock tower and discover its century-old Orthodox churches.
Stroll along the banks of the Kratovska River for a complete immersion in this city full of history and character.
To Gračanica
Finally back to Kosovo with the Serbian village of Gračanica.
Gracanica
After breakfast, you will head towards the "Bear Sanctuary" or "Bear Sanctuary". This park welcomes many bears, formerly held in captivity in private restaurants in Kosovo and Albanie, then rescued after their release.
Lunch at the sanctuary.
Visit the Novo Brdo Castle located on the heights of a plateau offering a splendid panoramic view over the region.
Visit the Gračanica Monastery dating from the 14th century and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Free afternoon to relax at your hotel.
Gračanica > Pristina Airport
Gračanica → Aéroport De Pristina
After breakfast, head to the Pristina Airport for your return flight.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- All additional charges not mentioned in the program
- Full board (lunches and dinners)
- The activities not mentioned in the included price and the entrance fees to monuments
- Tips
- Insurance
- Round-trip flights
Included
- Nights in 3* - 4* hotels, guesthouses or chalets in double/twin rooms with breakfasts (local standards subject to availability)
- The digital travel journal with all useful information (itinerary, addresses, tips...)
- 24/7 assistance
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Les informations ci-dessous concernent les voyageurs ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen (EEE), de la Suisse et du Canada se rendant en Albanie dans le cadre d'un séjour touristique. Les règles d'entrée pouvant évoluer, nous vous recommandons de vérifier les informations auprès des autorités officielles avant votre départ.
Passeport
Pour entrer en Albanie, votre passeport doit être valide pendant toute la durée du séjour et comporter au moins une page vierge pour les tampons d'immigration.
Le document doit être en bon état (pas de pages détériorées, déchirées ou modifiées).
Les ressortissants de l'Union européenne peuvent également entrer en Albanie avec une carte nationale d'identité valide en lieu et place du passeport.
Séjour touristique sans visa
Les ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen, de la Suisse et du Canada bénéficient d'une exemption de visa pour les séjours touristiques.
Cette exemption permet un séjour pouvant aller jusqu'à 90 jours sur une période de 180 jours sur le territoire albanais.
Les autorités peuvent également demander :
un billet de sortie du territoire (vol retour ou continuation),
une preuve de ressources financières suffisantes pour la durée du séjour,
une réservation d'hébergement ou une adresse de séjour sur place.
Enregistrement auprès des autorités locales
Tout visiteur séjournant en Albanie est en principe tenu de s'enregistrer auprès des autorités de police locales dans les 30 jours suivant son arrivée. Dans la pratique, cet enregistrement est généralement effectué automatiquement par l'hôtel ou l'hébergement touristique. En cas de logement chez un particulier, il appartient à l'hébergeur ou au voyageur de procéder à cette démarche.
Voyage avec des enfants
Les mineurs doivent être titulaires de leur propre passeport ou carte d'identité valide couvrant la durée du séjour.
Dans certains pays européens, lorsqu'un mineur voyage sans l'un de ses parents, une autorisation de sortie du territoire peut être exigée selon la réglementation du pays de résidence.
Autres nationalités
Les conditions d'entrée peuvent varier selon la nationalité. Les voyageurs concernés doivent se renseigner auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat d'Albanie de leur pays de résidence.
Pour participer à nos voyages, il est fortement conseillé d'être assuré en assistance-rapatriement et frais médicaux à l’étranger.
Votre agence locale vous encourage à prendre connaissance du contrat spécifique élaboré avec notre partenaire CHAPKA ASSURANCES et AXA ASSISTANCE.
Pour souscrire à une assurance, connaître les garanties et les tarifs, suivez le lien ci-dessous.
CAP EXPLORER : La solution d’assurance complète conçue pour vivre sereinement votre voyage !
Choisissez la formule qui vous correspond le mieux:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Spécifiques à nos voyages, nous suggérons fortement d’y souscrire.
Si vous choisissez de souscrire à l’une de ces formules, la convention détaillant l’ensemble des garanties et les modalités de déclaration du sinistre sont disponibles sur le site Internet de l'assureur.
Votre agence locale en aura connaissance, mais seul le participant est responsable du respect des procédures de déclaration de tout sinistre. Le participant doit donc conserver cette convention avec lui pendant toute la durée de son voyage.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Non, les ressortissants français peuvent séjourner jusqu'à 90 jours en Albanie sans visa. Passeport valide au moins 3 mois après l'entrée requis (ou carte d'identité selon la règle en vigueur). Confirmez les conditions à jour auprès du consulat avant le départ.
Rendez-vous dans la section Mes Voyages pour retrouver tous vos projets.
Vous pouvez envoyer un message à votre hôte directement depuis le Salon de Thé.
Pour un voyage sur mesure de qualité, comptez entre 100 et 170 euros par jour et par personne, incluant hébergement, repas, transports internes et activités. Les vols internationaux (200-450 euros A/R) sont en supplément. L'Albanie est l'une des destinations les plus abordables d'Europe.
Vos documents sont accessibles dans l'onglet Documents de votre voyage.
Absolument. Nous adaptons chaque circuit au profil des voyageurs. Pour les familles, nous privilégions des rythmes détendus, des hébergements familiaux, des activités ludiques et pédagogiques, et des transferts privés confortables. Nos guides locaux francophones savent capter l'attention des enfants avec des anecdotes adaptées à leur âge.
C'est simple. Vous échangez avec notre équipe locale pour définir vos envies, votre budget et vos dates. Vous recevez une proposition d'itinéraire détaillée sous 48 heures. Vous ajustez ensemble chaque détail jusqu'à la version parfaite. Vous confirmez et partez l'esprit tranquille. Votre agence locale reste disponible 7j/7 pendant toute la durée du voyage.
En cas d'urgence, contactez immédiatement votre agence locale.
Le paiement s'effectue généralement en deux fois.
Notre agence fait partie du réseau Nomadays, immatriculé en France. Vous bénéficiez de la garantie APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) qui couvre 100% de vos fonds. Paiement sécurisé, assurance rapatriement incluse, et assistance francophone 24h/24 sur place pendant tout votre séjour.
Let's talk about your adventure — Northern Alps
Hidden Balkans Explorer, based in Pristina
What struck me in Albania is this feeling of constant discovery. You often get the impression of arriving in places that haven't yet lost their spontaneity.
— Quentin
