Kosovo and Metohija Tour 1

Zica Monastery, Studenica Monastery, Banjska Monastery, Velika Hoca, Zociste Monastery, Decani Monastery, Pec Patriarchate Monastery, The Holy Virgin of Levish Church Prizren, Saint Savior Church Prizren, The Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel Monastery, Shar Mountain and National Park, Gracanica Monastery, Prolom Banja Spa, Devils Town…

Kosovo and Metohija is the crossroads of more than eight directions, some of which used to be major lines of communications in the middle ages between Europe and the Adriatic Sea, and Near and/or Middle and Far East. Complex geo-historical conditions, pronounced geomorphological plasticity with numerous gorges and canyons, and high mountains, its specific position at the contact point of coastal and continental parts of the Balkans, and being the hydrographic center of the Balkan peninsula – all these elements contribute to fascinating natural riches and the diversity of wildlife in Kosovo and Metohija, thus defining the region as one of the major centers of European biodiversity. Sheltered by the high and seemingly impassable mountainous enclosure of gorgeous Prokletije Mountains /2.656m/, Shara Mountain /Sar-planina 2.651m/ and Kopaonik Mountain /2.017m/, the area of Kosovo and Metohija is at the time easy to approach via a number of natural corridors which have throughout history been open to the incoming influences of different civilizations. Studded with more churches and monasteries than any other Serbian land /the identified presence of 1.500 monuments of Serbian culture/, Kosovo and Metohija became the spiritual nucleus of Serbs and was always treated as the birthplace of Serbia.

Take the UNIQUE privilege to attend the latest KOSOVO and METOCHIA TOURS to witness hidden information on the KOSOVO catastrophe of so-called “multi-ethnic Kosovo” IN FRONT OF YOU ! This primarily cultural and rather adventurous route enables secure assessment to the heartland of the Serbian culture and exploration of the spring-well of Serbian historical traditions at its best ! Visiting precious Kosovo and Metohija shrines /nowadays extremely endangered/, as well as encounters with common brave Serb population living in isolated ghettos of Velika Hoca and Orahovac and Gorazdevac, striving for survival under tremendous pressure, experiencing atrocities and crimes against humanity under the constant lack of basic human rights … will make all who catch this possibility truly shocked and will encourage them to ask questions and discover what is going in Kosovo right now…All learned on this exquisite tour will be afterwards strongly memorized and appreciated enabling real paths to enlightenment benefiting the local population in Kosovo and Metohija…

Day 1  Morning departure from Belgrade and drive southwards along Belgrade-Nis highway and passing by Kragujevac and Kraljevo to Zica Monastery. Visit to the Monastery Complex and short brake in beautiful garden surrounding the shrine. Drive on to Studenica Monastery, the magnificent principal endowment of Stefan Nemanya, the minded and most powerful ruler of Serbian Medieval State, situated in the beautiful valley of Studenica River. Accommodation in Monastery Dormitory /3 stars hotel quality of accommodation/ monastic dinner, overnight.

Day 2  After breakfast drive via Raska to Banjska Monastery, the endowment and the burial place of King Milutin /King Stefan Uros 2nd/, one of the most powerful rulers in Nemanjic Dynasty and the greatest builder of churches amongst all the Serb medieval rulers. Sightseeing of the monastery and drive on to Velika Hoca village, isolated Serbian ghetto in central Kosovo and Metohija. Traditional welcome by local population and accommodation in private households. Traditional lunch. Visit to Monasteries of St. Nicola’s, St. John’s, St. Archdeacon Stephen, St.Ann’s, famous Decanska vinica – Decani Winery, the House of Hadzispasic Family…. Delicious Metohija Wines tasting in authentic wine cellar /possibility of buying delicious wines from local producers/. Afternoon drive to nearby Monastery of St Healers Cosmas and Damien in Zociste village and tour to the 13th century Monastery reconstructed after the Albanian violent attacks and demolition in March 2004. Return to Velika Hoca village, folklore performance, handwork and old-crafts exhibition /possibility of buying unique handworks from local artisans/. Traditional dinner, overnight.

Day 3  After breakfast drive along the western part of Kosovo and Metohija to Decani Monastery, the most significant and majestic endowment of St. King Stefan of Decani, built in 14th century. The Holy Liturgy, tour of the Monastery Complex with visit to the Icon workshop. Refreshment. Drive on to the Pec Patriarchate Monastery, located at the very entrance of the Rugova Gorge near Pec along the Pec Bistrica River. Visitation of Complex of four medieval Monasteries. Accommodation and dinner in Monastery Dormitory. Overnight.

Day 4  After breakfast and conversation with nuns drive to Prizren. Walk along the center of former Tzar’s Town and visit to the The Church of the Holy Virgin of Ljevish in Prizren /the Most Holy Theotokos/ one of the most important monuments of Byzantine art and architecture, the artistic value of which surpasses national borders built in 13th century housing monumental medieval fresco decoration heavily damaged in 2004 March attacks by Albanian extremists. Visit to the Church of St. Savior, thoroughly rebuilt after demolition. Drive on along the Prizren Bistrica River valley to the Monastery of the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel. Visitation of the ruins of former splendorous Medieval Complex built by Serbian Tzar Dusan, one of the most monumental architectural complex of holy shrines well-kept as the stronghold surrounded by walls around the whole complex that is connected with Visegrad fortification on top of the safeguarding point. Conversation with brethren and monastic refreshment. Drive on to Strpce and Brezovica villages at the foothill of fascinating Shara Mountain. Cordial welcome by local population. Accommodation in mountainous cottages and traditional households situated within the intact nature of Shara Mountain and National Park. Walks “along the Tzar Dusan’s meadows” featuring breathtaking natural beauties. Traditional dinner with folklore performance, overnight.

Day 5  After breakfast drive to Gracanica Monastery, the famous endowment of King Milutin built in 14th century. Sightseeing tour and short refreshment organized by local inhabitants. Afternoon drive via Podujevo and Merdare to Prolom Banja Spa. Hotel accommodation, dinner, overnight. /optional relaxation in swimming pool and wellness center/

Day 6  After breakfast tour to the Devil’s Town, the natural phenomenon of numerous stone pyramids located in the pure natural ambiance. Visit to the Lazar’s Church. Traditional lunch on the river banks. Afternoon departure for Belgrade with late evening arrival. End of program.

Price: 340 EUR per person   Minimum: 20 participants

Included: luxurious coach transportation, 2 overnights with accommodation in traditional households /facilities/, 2 overnights with accommodation in monastery dormitories /facilities/, 1 overnight with 3 stars hotel accommodation, meals and brunches on local home-made full-board basis, wine tasting, folklore performances, UN-KFOR-EULEX Security Police guard throughout Kosovo and Metohija, professional PANACOMP guidance and logistics.

NOTE: Visits to Serbian Orthodox monasteries and churches are on the program free of charge, but visitors traditionally donate sums of their personal choice /please inquire for further information – thank you!/