Practicalities in Brief

Following the success of the first Culture tour in 2008, the second tour is being organised on 27th of September 2009. It is a leisure bicycle tour from Junik to Gjakova/Djakovica and from Gjakova/Djakovica via Rahovec/Orahovec to Hoqa e Madhe/Velika Hoca. Just like last year, the tour will include several stop-overs for refreshments and visiting various interesting cultural heritage sites on the way. In between, enjoy the beautiful country and scenery of the South West   Kosovo. The Culture Tour is also a social event intended to bring together people and organisations interested in the promotion of the cultural and natural assets of Kosovo.  Therefore, do not forget your cameras. 

The Culture Tour will follow less busy, country roads, which will add to the scenic character of the itinerary, and be led by competent guides.  The tour is not a race and will give the cyclist the opportunity to cover the itinerary at their individual pace, or chose to join or leave the tour at any time. The route has been designed in such a way as to suit both male and female cyclists of all ages.

If you feel like using another type of non-motorised transport (jogging, skating, horse, etc.) please feel free to do so, for part or for the whole trip.

If you plan to participate, please inform us as soon as possible by writing to culturetour@unhabitat-kosovo.org, individually or as a group, so refreshments, food  can be ordered accordingly.

You will receive further practical information through the same channel.

Objectives of the Culture Tour

The Culture Tour is organised on the occasion of European Cultural Heritage Days which starts on 11th of September 2009.

To find out more about the European Cultural Heritage Days, visit:

http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/cultureheritage/Aware/EHD/default_en.asp

Culture Tour objectives are:

Promote existing sites/landmark of cultural and natural heritage in Kosovo

Enhance inter ethnic and inter religious cooperation

Promote non-motorised transport for more efficient mobility for all, for healthy lifestyles and  for a cleaner environment

Increase awareness among Kosovo citizens and decision makers about the importance of safer roads and non-motorised transport itineraries

Discover potential sites for developing sustainable tourism

Promote equal participation and involvement of men and women, boys and girls in out-door leisure activities.

Culture Tour is an annual event.  It is growing with each edition and is becoming a Kosovo wide popular event.  Be part of it!

Organisers

The Municipalities of Junik, Gjakova/Djakovica, Rahovec/Orahovac and community leaders of Hoqa e Madhe/Velika Hoca participate and co-organise the Culture Tour 2009 as part of their mobility and cultural heritage policies.

Furthermore, Culture Tour is co-organised by:

Cultural Heritage without Borders, Municipal Spatial Planning Support Programme implemented by UN-HABITAT and funded by Sida, European Commission Liaison Office, Council of Europe, Cyclist Federation of Kosovo and Cycling Clubs of Peja/Pec and Gjakova/Djakovica.

Special Information Note:

An ambulance, a mechanic and a back-up truck will accompany the tour. Refreshment and food as well as transport will be provided.  BUT participation is at own risk, the organiser decline any responsibility for your health, safety and comfort.  You should be able to rely on your own fitness, equipment and logistics at all times.