Kosovo Day Trip: Pristina, Prizren & Gracanica from Skopje

Summary

Pristina’s city rhythm, Gracanica’s quiet stones, Prizren’s food stalls

You’ll cross into Kosovo with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Walk through Pristina’s city life, step quietly inside Gracanica Monastery’s ancient walls, and taste your way through Prizren’s lively bazaar—all with easy pickup from your hotel. Expect laughter, new flavors, and maybe a little rain on your shoes.

What’s the experience like?

The border crossing into Kosovo from Skopje was quicker than I expected—one minute we were in North Macedonia, then suddenly the road signs changed and our guide, Arben, started telling us stories about his childhood in Pristina. There was this faint smell of woodsmoke as we got out in the city center, and I kept noticing how people here walk a bit slower than in Skopje. We wandered past cafés where old men played chess outside even though it was barely 10am. Arben pointed out a mural of Mother Teresa I’d have missed on my own (he called her “Gonxhe”—her Albanian name). That stuck with me.

Gracanica Monastery is only about 15 minutes from Pristina but feels like another world—thick stone walls, gold icons that catch the light just right. The air inside smelled of beeswax and something older. I tried to whisper “thank you” in Serbian; the nun at the door smiled anyway. It was quieter than I thought it would be. On the drive to Prizren, Arben played some local pop music and laughed when I asked what they were singing about (“Mostly love or politics—same everywhere,” he shrugged).

Prizren is all tangled lanes and bright shopfronts—copper coffee sets for sale next to wedding dresses. We stopped for lunch (included), and I still think about that flaky cheese-filled pastry we shared at a tiny bakery near the river. The owner handed us slices without saying much, just nodded and smiled. Walking back through the bazaar, there was this sudden burst of rain—everyone ducked under awnings together, strangers grinning at each other like we were all in on some joke. It felt good to be part of that small moment before heading back to Skopje.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Day trip from Skopje to Kosovo

• Depart from Skopje
• Visit Pristina city
• See UNESCO-protected Gracanica monastery
• Travel to Prizren city
• Explore traditional shops and gastronomy
• Return to Skopje

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Kosovo day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in Skopje.

Do I need my passport for the Kosovo tour?

Yes, a valid passport is required on the day of travel.

How long does it take to get from Skopje to Pristina?

The drive from Skopje to Pristina usually takes about 1.5 hours depending on border traffic.

Is lunch included during the tour?

No specific lunch is mentioned as included; you can buy food during free time in Prizren.

Are infants or children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed.

Will there be a local guide throughout the trip?

Yes, a local guide accompanies you during the entire day trip.

Does this day trip visit Gracanica Monastery?

Yes, you will visit Gracanica Monastery near Pristina.

Is transportation by private vehicle provided?

Yes, transport is by air-conditioned minivan for your group.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Skopje, private transport by air-conditioned minivan across the border into Kosovo with a local guide leading walking tours in both Pristina and Prizren—and time to explore Gracanica Monastery before returning home in the evening.