WILD TRAILS OF KOSOVO (27 SEP - 4 OCT 2026), OPTIONAL VIA FERRATA

Let's explore the wild, untamed beauty of Kosovo, the Balkan's hidden gem, by trekking some of the best parts of the Via Dinarica! Duration: 7 nights Group size: 16 Accommodation: Family-run guesthouses and hotels Meals: 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches + 5 packed lunches, 6 dinners Trip cost: £899 Optional via ferrata on day 4! This epic trekking adventure takes us through one of the most wild and remote mountain regions of the Western Balkans and most spectacular parts of the Accursed Mountains in undiscovered Kosovo. Hiking some of the most scenic sections of the Via Dinarica and Peaks of the Balkans trails, we tackle rugged shepherd paths, cross high ridges, and climb two of the country’s most iconic peaks—Hajla Mountain and Gjeravica, the highest point in Kosovo. Along the way, we pass through beautiful alpine meadows, remote valleys, Edelweiss-covered slopes, and the mirror-like Liqenati Lakes. Each night, we'll rest in welcoming mountain guesthouses or hotels, refuelling with hearty homemade meals and experiencing the warm hospitality of the Kosovan highlands. Our journey ends with a rich taste of Kosovo’s culture in the Rahoveci wine region and the historic city of Prizren. This off the beaten track adventure is for intrepid hikers who like challenge, amazing scenery, and an authentic taste of the Balkans—away from the tourist trail. ACCOMMODATION: Accommodation will be a combination of 3 nights in twin rooms in hotels and and 4 nights in shared rooms in mountain guesthouses (likely about 3-4 people per room). DIFFICULTY: Hikes will be challenging with significant elevation gains and this trip is therefore suitable for fit and experienced hikers. You should be comfortable walking on rough, rocky, steep and uneven terrain and have a head for heights. We will only need to carry a day pack on our hiking days as our main bags will be transferred each day, but please ensure you will be able to comfortably manage the distances and elevations in the below itinerary (up to 18.5km with 860m ascent/descent, 7-8hrs). ITINERARY: Sun 27/09 (L) - Arrival at Pristina airport and transfer to Peja. Visit the White Drini Natural Park, marvel at the region’s largest waterfall, and explore the Sleeping Beauty Cave. Overnight in a comfortable hotel near Peja’s city centre. Free evening. Mon 28/09 (B/PL/D) - Transfer to to Shtedimi ridge. Hike on Rusolia Mountain, known for its giant sinkholes and carpets of delicate Edelweiss flowers. Follow the Via Dinarica trail through Zhlebi valley, blueberry fields, and rocky alpine terrain, with panoramic views of the Accursed Mountains. Overnight at Hajla Cabin Guesthouse. (16km, +882m -882m, 5-6hrs) Tue 29/09 (B/PL/D) - Summit Hajla Mountain (2,403 m), the highest peak in the Rugova Valley, and hike along the Hajla ridge for magnificent vistas across the national park. End the day in Boge village, staying at a welcoming guesthouse. (14km, +540m -840m, 5-6hrs) Wed 30/09 (B/PL/D) - Short transfer to trailhead. Hike to the serene Liqenati Mountain Lakes, passing Kuqishte Lake, Drelaj Lake, and scenic pine forests. Overnight at a family-run guesthouse in Milisheci, with traditional local cuisine. (14km, +722m -480m, 5-6hrs). On this day there is also the opportunity to do the optional via ferrata activity instead of the hike. Thu 01/10 (B/PL/D) - Hike through Roshkodoli Valley and blueberry fields toward Gacaferri Mountain, a remote village near the Three Borders peak. Overnight at a family guesthouse with hearty local food. (16.5km, +580m -580m, 5-6hrs) Fri 02/10 (B/PL/D) - Hike Gjeravica Mountain (2,656 m), Kosovo’s highest peak, passing some of the highest lakes in the Balkans. Transfer to Gjakova for a restful evening in a family-run hotel near the Grand Bazaar. (18.5km, +860m -860m, 7-8hrs) Sat 03/10 (B/L/D) - Cultural day: visit the Rahoveci wine region, sampling local wines, then continue to the historic city of Prizren. Stroll along the Lumbardhi River, cross the Old Stone Bridge, visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, and finish with a sunset view from the castle. Overnight in a city-center hotel. Sun 04/10 (B) - After breakfast in the hotel, transfer to the airport for our return flight. Trip finish. Although we will do our very best to adhere to this itinerary, it is subject to change for various reasons, including weather, or circumstances beyond our control. INCLUDED: Accommodation: 7 nights accommodation in family-run guesthouses and hotels (3 nights in twin rooms in hotels and and 4 nights in shared rooms in mountain guesthouses) Meals: 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches + 5 packed lunches, 6 dinners Experienced local English-speaking guide and Epic Adventure Club trip leader Airport transfers timed to meet the recommended flights (see below) All transfers according to the itinerary (comfortable Mercedes Sprinter and 4x4 Land Rover Defenders for the mountainous terrain) Luggage transfers for our 5 hiking days (15kg max, soft/semi-soft bags only) National Park fees Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law 1992 NOT INCLUDED: Flights (see below) Any other meals not specified Optional via ferrata activity on day 4 (cost around EUR 40, minimum 2 participants required) Travel Insurance FLIGHTS: Our airport transfers will be timed to meet the following connecting flights with Austrian Airlines: Outbound Sun, 27 Sep 2026: Austrian Airlines OS340: 06:00 LHR London Heathrow - 09:10 VIE Vienna Austrian Airlines OS743: 10:00 VIE Vienna - 11:30 PRN Pristina Inbound Sat, 4 Oct 2026: Austrian Airlines OS744: 12:15 PRN Pristina - 13:50 VIE Vienna Austrian Airlines OS337: 17:15 VIE Vienna - 18:40 LHR London Heathrow We would highly recommend arriving a day or two early to explore the vibrant capital city of Pristina (the organiser will arrive on Friday 25 September and anyone is welcome to join early to explore the city). If you choose to book different flights then you can meet the group at Pristina Airport on Sun, 27 Sep 2026 at 12:00. Please do not book any flights arriving later than 11:30 on 27/09 and leaving no earlier than 12:15 on 04/10. HOW TO BOOK: The trip cost is £899. To confirm your place either full payment or a £299 deposit is required. Your RSVP is not enough to reserve a space on this trip. If paying instalments, the remainder is to be paid as follows: £300 by 28 February 2026 £300 by 31 May 2026 Please send all payments by bank transfer and use KOSOVO as your payment reference. The account details are: Account Name: EPIC ADVENTURE CLUB LTD Sort Code: 08-92-50 Account Number: 63235003 Please email [email protected] when you send payment so that we can send you the confirmation. These Terms and Conditions apply to all trip bookings. IMPORTANT NOTE: Safety is our top priority. While we avoid unnecessary risks, all outdoor activities carry a potential risk of injury or death. You should be aware of and accept these risks, as you are responsible for your own safety and should not attempt anything beyond your abilities. It is also your responsibility to ensure you are properly equipped for both the weather and the activity you choose to participate in. If you don't want to miss out on any new Epic Adventure Club trips, please join our WhatsApp group for trip announcements here!