ORTA organizes a variety of customized tours that offer authentic nature-based and cultural experiences. These experiences include:

• A two day hike from the Dragjini village of Isniq 2,000 meters up into the mountains of Beleg, overnight in a ‘stan’ (mountain hut). Traditional food is provided by a local shepherd.

• A Weekend in Nature beginning at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level in the village of Isniq with a visit to the Qeli Kulla and a traditional lunch of ‘fli’, cheese, and sausage baked in ashes.

• Pristina Heritage Tour led by a professional guide to sites including:

• Ancient Roman ruins of Ulpiana

• Artana (Novobërda) medieval castle

• 15th century Pristina Mosques

• City Hamam (Turkish Bath)

• Catholic Church

• Graçanica Orthodox Monastery

• Kosovo Museum

• Ethnology Museum

• Independence House Museum

• Academy of Science and Arts

• Clock tower

• Institute for the Protection of Monuments in Kosovo

• Jewish cemetery

• Sultan Murat Mausoleum

• One to two day visits in “kullas” (traditional stone houses)

Albanian Kullas…

…a place where the fire didn’t go out for hundreds of years

…a place where a stone speaks louder than history

…a place where you sit at a “Sofër” (dining table), where you find history: The “Kanun”, the “Oda”, the “Besa” (oath)…

Most kullas date from the 18th and 19th centuries and are characteristic of the western part of Kosovo and northeast Albania. Most kullas were damaged or destroyed, but those that remain and have been restored offer ideal venues for cultural tourism.

Visits can also be arranged in the following kullas:

Ramë Zymberi Kulla, Junik

This is the only kulla renovation that was initiated and financed by private investment. This kulla was officially inaugurated during the 2007 celebration of European Heritage Days in Kosovo.

Mazrekaj Kulla / Dranoc Village, Deçan

Supported by the Swedish Government, this kulla was restored in 2004 and today, it has been transformed into a cultural center. It offers an ideal venue for youth camps, seminars, and family-style dinners, as well as for bed and breakfast stays. ORTA also recommends this kulla for filming, photography, product advertising and international presentations.

Traditional music, dancing, “lahuta” demonstrations, singing, and “Kanun” storytelling can also be arranged. A lahuta is a traditional one-stringed instrument played throughout the Balkans. “Kanun” is a traditional set of laws existing throughout the region.

Contact:

NGO ORTA

Address: Rr. Skenderbeu pn. 10 000, Deçan

Phone: +381 (0) 390-362-150, Mobile: +377 (0) 44 392-648

Email: [email protected]