Kosovo is the other Albanian-speaking state of the Balkans, and a day trip from Tirana is the quickest way to see how its history and character differ from Albania’s. The tour we link, Day Tour of Kosovo from Tirana, Pristina and Prizren, is rated 4.8 from more than 130 reviews and lasts twelve to thirteen hours. It centres on Prizren, the most beautiful town in the country, with an Ottoman old quarter beside the Lumbardhi river, a humped stone bridge, a hilltop fortress and the domed Sinan Pasha Mosque, and on Pristina, the capital, a compact city of university cafés, Mother Teresa Boulevard and some of the most unusual public buildings in Europe, notably the brutalist National Library with its metal-mesh domes. Along the way a guide explains the recent history of the region, the independence declared in 2008 and why the euro is used instead of a national currency. It is a full, fascinating day, and a good choice for anyone who has already seen Tirana’s main sights.
How it works
You are picked up in Tirana and driven north-east across the border, with a guide and driver taking care of the crossing. Carry your passport, because border checks apply even on a day trip, and check entry rules for your nationality before booking. The drive each way is long, so most of the day is split between Prizren, where the old town is best on foot, and Pristina, which suits a shorter stroll between its main sights.
What to expect
Prizren is a place to wander rather than tick off sights, with riverside cafés, craft shops and a climb up to the fortress for the view over its red roofs and minarets. Pristina is more modern and a little rough at the edges, with cafés, student life and a mix of Ottoman, socialist and contemporary architecture. Kosovo uses the euro, so bring some euros for coffee, lunch and souvenirs, and dress modestly if you step into a mosque. Albanian is spoken everywhere, and English is common among younger people.
Making the most of it
Ask your guide how much time is allotted to each town and which stops are included, since operators vary. If you are short on days, this is the most rewarding border-crossing trip from Tirana, and it pairs well with a quiet day in the city afterwards. Travellers who prefer lakes to cities may like the Ohrid and Saint Naum day trip, which crosses a different border.
What to expect
The experience
A guided full-day trip by road from Tirana across the border to Prizren and Pristina in Kosovo.
Best time
Spring and autumn for comfortable walking; Prizren is lovely in the summer evenings but hot at midday.
How long
Twelve to thirteen hours with two long drives.
Tips
Bring your passport and some euros, wear comfortable shoes for the cobbles and check the entry rules for your nationality.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Curious travellers who want to add a second country and a different Albanian-speaking culture to their trip.
- Families
- A long day with border queues; works for older children and teenagers.
- Couples
- A relaxed lunch in Prizren by the river, then Pristina’s cafés.
- Pair with
- A slow city day in Tirana, or the Ohrid day trip for a third country.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
Do I need a passport for the Kosovo day trip?+
Yes, carry your passport, because there is a border crossing in each direction. Check the entry rules for your nationality before you book.
What currency is used in Kosovo?+
Kosovo uses the euro, so take some euros for coffee, lunch and gifts. Albanian lek are not generally used there.
How long is the drive?+
The drive between Tirana and Prizren takes several hours each way, which is why the tour lasts twelve to thirteen hours.
Is Prizren or Pristina better?+
Prizren is the prettier town and the highlight for most visitors. Pristina adds the capital, its architecture and its café life.
Is the tour suitable for first-time visitors to Albania?+
Yes, but it is better after you have seen Tirana, Berat or Kruja, because it is a long day and the border adds time.
