The frescoes at Dečani Monastery are unmissable. On the Great Balkan Ride, we spend one night in Kosovo and, despite the briefness of our stay, the young country easily manages to defy expectations. One of the most memorable moments is visiting Dečani monastery: this 14th century masterpiece is as stunning as it is controversial. You many […]
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The “Good Old Days” of Yugoslavia… On Film
See Yugoslavia as it was in 1986. The Great Balkan Ride visits places that are, compared to much of Europe, undiscovered treasures. And while nowadays people, our participants included, are coming to appreciate the attractions of the Balkan region, it was even less appreciated in 1986. That was when the American TV series “2 on the town” […]
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The Great Balkan Recap: Day 3
From Peja to Shkodër, on Day 3 teams left Kosovo and made their way to beautiful Albania. Photo by Theodore Marković Day 3 of the Great Balkan Ride 2017 began understandably slowly, after Day 2 had ended with a late night out drinking rakia of the lively boulevard of Peja. Once teams had recovered enough to […]
Continue ReadingThe Big Book of Balkan History
You can read 700 pages in a year, right? Besides the incredible scenery — mountain peaks, tranquil lakes, golden beaches, and more — and of course the warm hospitality, a great attraction of visiting the Balkans is the rich and complex history. There’s no better way to learn about the region’s past than by visiting […]
Continue ReadingThe Great Balkan Recap 2017: Day 2
On the second day of the Great Balkan Ride, we entered the magical country of Kosovo. Photo by Theodore Marković After a busy first day of the Great Balkan Ride, more stunning scenery awaited the teams on Day 2. There was still much of North-Eastern Montenegro to explore, after which we would be introduced to yet another country: […]
Continue ReadingThe Languages of the Balkans
Who speaks what, where? Introducing the languages of the Balkans. During the Great Balkan Ride we’ll cross many borders, and that means entering different cultures, with separate traditions, and (usually) a new language. Things are never simple in the Balkans, though, so let us explain exactly what the languages of the Balkans are, and how […]
Continue ReadingPrizren: Why We Love Kosovo’s Second City
Prizren, Kosovo’s second city, might be our favourite small city in the Balkans. Photo by Tobias Klenze Prizren is a truly remarkable place, far from anyone’s preconceptions about Kosovo. It is a picturesque gem, packed with history and culture. At times it seems like a miniature Sarajevo, complete with gorgeous old town and tragic history. […]
Continue ReadingTheth: Albania’s Mountain Paradise
Theth is an isolated village in mountainous Northern Albania. Photo by ViolaCiv Albania is filled with glorious scenery, isolated communities, and ancient traditions, and nowhere is more picturesque than the Northern mountains, close to the borders with Montenegro and Kosovo. Hidden there is the tiny village of Theth, perhaps Albania’s most gorgeous location. This isolated village, set […]
Continue ReadingWhy You Should Visit Kosovo
There are so many reasons to visit Kosovo. Photo by Snownjeri All of the Balkans are steeped in history, but nowhere moreso than Kosovo. In Europe’s newest country, the past isn’t over. Less than two decades have passed since the conflict with Serbia. Independence was only declared in 2008, and the state isn’t yet fully […]
Continue ReadingAlbania’s Concrete Bunkers: Defences Against an Enemy that Never Came
Photo by Concrete Mushrooms Project An introduction to Albania’s Concrete Bunkers. Of all the countries explored by the Great Balkan Ride adventure rally, Albania is likely the most unknown and underrated. It has an incredibly diverse landscape, a unique culture, and a fascinating history. Albania’s concrete bunkers are the most visible relic of the country’s past, since they are to […]
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