ALTHOUGH AMONG EUROPE’S youngest states, Kosovo, Albania and North Macedonia abound with old-world culture, superb art, fascinating archaeology, and stunning landscapes of wild lakes and mountains. Less explored than their neighboring countries, this seemingly isolated region is a historical synapse connecting traditions and empires – Greek, Macedonian, Roman, Bulgarian, Byzantine, Serbian and Ottoman.

Imperial echoes are still recognisable in a typical eastern Balkan mix of cultures, rustic cuisine, delicious wines and very welcoming people.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The Serbian royal monasteries of Visoki Dečani and Gračanica (Kosovo) – where stern Byzantine and experimental western styles met for the first time
• Berat (Albania) – a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a unique style of architecture combining influences from several civilizations
• Ohrid (North Macedonia) – a cultural centre of several empires and one of the oldest cities in Europe