Macedonia A small and beautiful country nestled in the southeast of Europe, Macedonia offers its visitors a unique blend of natural wonders, customs and cultures - as well as a long tradition of unrivaled hospitality.
What’s in MACEDONIA? Adam of Macedonia What’s in a lump of clay? If that is the small figurine found in Macedonia, dated 6.000 years ago, that is the oldest representation of a man ever found. The figurine has remarkable details in the spine, ribs and navel. Adam sits, takes a deep breath, and the history of mankind begins to unfold…
Kokino What’s in a rock? If they are part of the ancient megalithic observatory Kokino, then there is the history of star-gazing lovers dating back 4.000 years ago, recognized by NASA, and ranked 4th on the list of most significant ancient observatories in the world.
Golden Mask What’s in a mask? If it is the Golden Mask from Trebenista, then there is the mystery it covered of a rich ancient Macedonian from Lychnidos and the astonishing delicate design from the 5th century B.C.
Biking What’s in a wheel? If they are the wheels of your mountain bike in Macedonia, then they keep the stories of miles long breath- taking slopes, the memory of the fresh air and the sun on your face. Take the path from Mavrovo to Galichnik, and stop on a Mt. Bistra for a break meeting shepherds and try their unique sheep milk cheese. Unforgettable!
Ohrid perl What’s in a pearl? If it is the famous Ohrid pearl, then there is the 7,000 continuous life in a shell, the secret passion and skill of only a few pearlmaking families, and the beauty of the everlasting. Heraklea Lyncaestis What’s in a ruin? If those are the ruins of the ancient Heraclea Lyncaestis, then there is the history of the ruler Philip II The Macedon, an important stop on the Via Egnatia, intricate mosaics and a few ancient coins on the ground- if you are truly lucky. Paragliding What’s in a wing? If it is a wing of your paraglider in Macedonia, then they overview two lakes from the mountain of Galichica, the ancient city of Ohrid and the cheer of the children underneath. Yes, you can do it again, immediately!
Bigorski What’s in an edifice? If it is the St. John Bigorski Monastery in Western Macedonia, then there is the worldrenowned iconostasis, with over 200 human figures and 500 animals, carved by the distinguished artisans, overlooking some of the rarest relics on earth: Of St. John the Baptist, and even a small part of the Jesus Chist’s cross. Cuisine Food and Wine What’s in a dish? If that is the unique Macedonian food, accompanied by the original Macedonian red wine Vranec, with the soft sound of traditional violin in the background, than it is the perfect ending of the day rich with new experiences, culture, art and new friends.
Skopje - walking tour
Skopje - city tour
Skopje and Matka valley
Sightseeing tours / Half day
Sightseeing tours / Full day
One day tours / Full day
The walking tour is the best way to explore the city, its monuments, churches and sights. The tour starts at, so called, “the new part of the town”, in front of the Old Railway station, today the City museum.
Departure from your hotel. Light drive to nearby mountain Vodno and introducing the city with magnificent panoramic view from the mountain. Arrival at the monastery of St. Panteleimon, located in the village of Nerezi. Visit of the monastery.
Walking towards pedestrian zone and arrive at the main city square called, simply, Macedonia. Walking across the oldest bridge in the town, the Stone bridge.
Dedicated to St. Panteleimon - protector of health, with its famous and unrepeatable compositions “The Descent from the Cross” and “the Lamentation”.
Departure from your hotel. Panoramic sightseeing tour Skopje - drive arround city center and panoramic view of some city’s sights such as Old railway station (today the City museum) the Macedonian Parliament, The Government building,
The left bank of the river Vardar is known also like “Old town”. This part of the city starts with Daut pasha baths (an old Turkish baths, today an art gallery). A chance to feel the atmosphere of Skopje Old Bazaar and see many old craftsmen shops, 19th century old houses… … Many inns (Caravanseray) like Kurshumli An, Suli An together with some modern shops and traditional restaurants. At the exit from the City Bazaar, hidden from a visitors eyes, few meters bellow the ground level, the church of St.Spas (Holly Salvation) was built. This is the most famous church in Skopje, with its marvelous wooden iconostasis. The Old Skopje fortress “Kale” is located in so called “Upper town” with a panoramic view to the city center and the Stone bridge. Nearby is the biggest mosque in Skopje, Mustafa-Pasha mosque, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Museum of Macedonia (complex of Museums of History, Ethnology and Archaeology) that hosts the biggest icon collection in Macedonia. Back to the New part of the city, the government building is on the way to the Cathedral church of St.Klement of Ohrid. End of tour
Short drive back to Skopje. We will go at the historic part of Skopje, located on the left bank of the river Vardar and start with visit of the Church of St. Spas ((The Holly Salvation), located on the top of, so called “Old city”, the most famous church in Skopje with its marvelous wooden iconostasis. A short walk to the “Upper town” - Skopje fortress Kale, with a panoramic view of the city center and the symbol of the city - The Stone Bridge. A short walk in the “Old town” - Charshija - the old part of Skopje, with picturesque houses and workshops with old crafts. Possibility to buy a traditional and unique souvenirs and hand made parts from gold and silver. The walk ends in front of Mustafa pasha Mosque, the oldest and the biggest mosquein Skopje, built 1492. The tour continue with a drive arround city center and panoramic view of some city’s sights such as Old railway station (today the City museum) the Macedonian. Parliament, The Government building, Macedonian theater and Opera house building, Daut Pasha baths. The drive ends in front of the Cathedral church of St. Kliment in city center. A short visit of the biggest church in Skopje. Time at your disposal or optional lunch at some traditional restaurant in Skopje Old city. Transfer to your hotel. End of tour
Macedonian theater and Opera house building, Daut Pasha baths. The drive ends in front of the Cathedral church of St. Kliment in city center. The tour continue to Matka valley, a unique part of nature and natural beauties, located on just few kilometers from Skopje, in canyon of Treska river. Optional lunch in some of several restaurants located in natural caves and chance to taste some traditional Macedonian food. A light walking is needed to reach the Monastery of St. Andrew. The Monastery of St. Andrew (Sv. Andreja) is situated in the gorge of the River Treska about seventeen kilometres southwest of Skopje. The monastery church, which is hidden among steep, high rocks on the shore of Lake Matka has a picturesque attraction. There are several monasteries located in the Matka area, reachable only by walking. Also, from your guide you will hear the Legend of King Marko and its city called “Markov grad” (Marco’s city) located in the vicinity of St.Andrew monastery. Early in the evening back to your hotel. End of tour
and Stobi and Tikvesh region Kokino The Osogovo Monastery
West Macedonia
One day tours / Full day
One day tours / Full day
One day tours / Full day
Departure from Skopje in the morning. Short stop in city of Veles. Arrival in Stobi. The ancient town of Stobi is situated on the intake of the River Crna and Vardar and it is one of the most famous archaeological sites in Macedonia. Foremost, it was the biggest Roman town in Macedonia.
Departure from your hotel in a morning. After one hour drive arrival at the footsteps of “Macedonian Stonehenge” - that is the popular name of Macedonian Megalithic observatory Kokino. Kokino is located 1030 m above sea level on the “Tativec kamen” 32 km east from city of Kumanovo. According to NASA, it is the fourth oldest observatory (more than 3800 years old) in the world. The observatory defines the four main positions of the moon and three main positions of the sun, the autumnal and vernal equinox and winter and summer solstice. Astronomers and Archaeologists suppose there are three or four more such observatories in this region. Visit to the room of rituals and thrones. Coffe break.Tour continue with descending to Staro Nagorichane and visit to the Church of St. George - famous by its rare monumental Byzantine art.
Departure from your hotel in a morning. After a half hour drive arrival in Tetovo, one of the bigger cities at the west part of Macedonia. Tetovo is located in Polog valley, in the vicinity of Popova Shapka, a famous winter center on the slopes of Shara mountain.
The names of the two ancient Macedonian kings of Philip II and Philip V are connected with this town. Some of the main discoveries are the Stobi theater, The Episcopal residency and basilica, the Prison, the baptistery, Theodosius palace, City fountain and the Town fortress wall. The tour continue to Tikvesh region, famous by producing of the best Macedonian wines. Because of smooth climate and plenty of sunny days, grapes and wine producing is traditional occupation for the locals ever since ancient times. High quality grape types such as Sauvignon, Vranec, Merlot are just a part of the unique taste of Macedonian wines. Also, another famous Macedonian brand named “Rakija” (a fiery brandy) is produced in this region. During the tour you will have a unique opportunity to be a part of the process of grape collecting ,and of course, to observe the entire process of vine production. Later on, you will enjoy the wine tasting tour. Five different types of wine will be tasted before and after the lunch in a traditional wine cellar. Departure to Skopje later afternoon. Arrival in Skopje early in the evening. End of tour
After a short caffee brake in authentic village house, the tour continue towards the small city of Kriva Palanka, to the monastery founded by the monk St. Joakim from Osogovo (St. Joakim Osogovski). The monastery is located on the green slopes of Osogovo mountain, in a very quiet area, where you will have the opportunity to feel the peaceful orthodox life of the monks. The Monastery complex includes the two temples - St. Joakim Osogovski (the Large Monastery Church) and holly Mother of God (the Small Monastery Church). After the visit of this amazing monastery complex, a late lunch will be offered in a fisherman’s lodge where you can taste the fresh fish prepared by a traditional Macedonian recipe. Late afternoon departure to Skopje. Arrival in Skopje in the evening. End of tour
Visit of the famous city sign - The Coloured (Alaja) mosque erected in 1495 by Abdurahman Pasha near the river Pena, at the center of the city. This mosque is a unique piece of art and architecture. The walls are painted with traditional Islamic signs and paintings. The tour continue to Mavrovo. Covering an area of about 300 square km, the The Mavrovo National park offers the visitor sublime scenery of great environmental value - deep canyons, snowy peaks and blue lakes combined with dense forest that abound with diverse wildlife. Mavrovo is also known as a winter center. After a short brake the tour continue along the river Radika, the cleanest Macedonian river. The valley of Radika is also a part of Mavrovo National park. Many authentic villages can be seen on the both sides of the road leading to the Bigorski Monastery (Sv. Jovan Bigorski) The firts church was erected in 1020 by the monarch Jovan. Today the Monastery complex iis comprised of the Monastery church, the ossuary situated next to the church, the defense tower, the monastery mansions complex, as well as the newly built guest mansion. The Monastery church is famous by its iconostasis, done in tiny woodcarwing by the magical hands of local masters. Early in the evening drive back to Skopje. End of tour
Ohrid - walking tour
Ohrid and Ohrid lake
Galichica and Prespa lake
Sightseeing tours / Half day
One day tours / Full day
One day tours / Full day
Discover our UNESCO listed town, brimming with history and culture, and great treasures: The Church of Sv. Bogorodica (The Mother of God), Ancient theatre - recently renovated, The Cathedral church of Sv.Sofija (St. Sophia) built between the 11th and 14th century, was the seat of the Archbishop, the church of Sv. Jovan - Kaneo - standing alone on a small promontory, which juts out into the lake at the western end of the Old Town, and provides spectacular panoramic views of the Lake and surrounding mountains, Ohrid Fortress, the church of Sv. Kliment at Plaoshnik where St. Clement of Ohrid, in the 9th century, founded the first University of Europe and educated 3, 500 students, the City museum (Robev house) and the Ohrid Old bazaar and the typical Ohrid architecture are just some of the sights of the city known as “city of 365 churches”. This tour is a great opportunity to feel the spirit of the old times and to be a part of it.
The tour starts in the morning by walking tour in hrid old city - the Church of Sv Bogorodica (The Mother of God), Ancient theatre - recently renovated, The Cathedral church of Sv. Sofija (St. Sophia) built between the 11th and 14th century, was the seat of the Archbishop. The small church of Sv. Jovan - Kaneo - standing alone on a small promontory, which juts out into the lake at the western end of the Old Town, and provides spectacular panoramic views of the Lake and surrounding mountains, Ohrid Fortress, the church of Sv. Kliment at Plaoshnik where St. Clement of Ohrid, in the 9th century, founded the first University of Europe and educated 3, 500 students, the City museum (Robev house) and the Ohrid Old bazaar and the typical Ohrid architecture are just some of the sights of the city known as “city of 365 churches”. Visit of some art galleries and workshops of the famous Ohrid pearl and the only workshop for hand-made paper, a method remained unchanged since II century B.C. Lunch in a fish restaurant and chance to taste the famous Ohrid trout. In the afternoon, a light drive along the lake coast and arrival in the Monastery complex of St.Naum, situated on the very south part of the lake. Visit of the Monastery of Sv. Naum and the nearby chapel of Sv. Petka. Optional boat trip around the springs of the river Crn (black) Drim. In the evening departure to Ohrid.
The tour starts from the hotel in the morning. Drive along the banks of the Ohrid lake and the villages of Sv. Stefan and Pestani. Entrance at the National park Galichica. Due to its exceptional natural beauty and extremely opulent and endemic flora and fauna Galichica was proclaimed a national park. The park covers an area of 227 square km between the Ohrid Lake and the second largest lake in Macedonia, the Prespa Lake. The road offers a magnificent panoramic view of both the lakes. Galichica is one of Europe’s richest national parks in terms of flora. Flowing into Ohrid Lake through a complex net of subterranean channels running under Galichica Mountain, Prespa Lake is the highest natural lake on the Balkans (853m a. s. L.)
End of tour
End of tour
Optional: - You might prefer to visit several art galleries and workshops of the famous Ohrid pearl or the only workshop for hand-made paper, a method remained unchanged since II century B.C. - One-hour boat cruise with a magnificent view of the Old City.
Photo stop at several places where you can take excellent pictures of Ohrid Lake from bird-sight. Arrival at the banks of the second biggest lake in Macedonia - the Prespa lake. A refreshing coffee break at Otesevo village famous as a natural health centre. Boat trip to the Golem grad island and walking around the island with a great treasure - the Church of Sv. Petar, the remains of the Church of Sv. Dimitrija and the Early Christian basilica. Lunch at fisherman’s village Krani. In the afternoon visit of the nearby church of St. Georgi and the Monastery Slivnica in village Kurbinovo. After the day spent in Prespa lake, drive back to Ohrid passing small city of Resen, situated just several kilometres from the lake.
Welcome to Macedonia!
• The Time and the Ancient civilizations are engraved in layers in the soil of the modern Macedonia. Life here dates thousands of years back in history, from prehistoric era. The cave drawings and the rock art testify for the ancient beginnings of the human spirit, its need to express its life through pictures. The houses with harts, the pottery, the weapons and tools, the jewelry and the decoration items from the Neolithic and Bronze age prove this was the place of birth of settlements, and as historians, archeologists and architects say: “ The need to live together on one place with others, is the beginning of a civilization.” • Wherever you go in Macedonia, whichever season, you will be warmly welcomed. Do not be surprised if the welcome is with bread and salt at the door, and coffee and candid fruits such are the customs here. That is only the beginning. Afterwards will follow homemade grape brandy and “mezze” (sheep, cow or goat cheese, fresh tomato salad with taste that will bring back memories, and peppers prepared on thousands ways. Macedonia is a country of cheese, country of vegetables where the tomatoes and the peppers are the most delicious in the world. Here the eggplant the zucchini, the okra and several other types of vegetables are the ingredients of the fantastic dish ‘turly tava’. • Macedonia is a fruit garden where the juiciest apples are grown, the sweetest pears, the darkest cherries, the reddest watermelons and the best grape, the one that’s used for production of wine and brandy that will slide through your tongue. • Your hosts in Macedonia are “artists” to prepare lamb on more than 10 exotic ways, prepare sausages with spices, pies with spinach, cheese, meat or leek, homemade bread from black, white, ray or chick-pea flower. In fall or winter they will treat you with what they pride most: preserved vegetables in vinegar, crunchy and luscious, and cabbage full of vitamins. • And after follows the very thing that will make Macedonia memorable, the thing that will make you go back again and again the music with songs from the deepest roots of the human spirit, played by bagpipes, zurla’s, pipes and drums inherited from our grand-grandfathers and the dance which when you start, it will lift your spirit so high, you will never want to let go. The dance is the magic circle of Macedonia, her magic as it was in the Ancient times, her magic as it is today.
What would interest you when travelling in another country?
• It’s nature, it’s people, their way of life, their temples, their culture and their history. • Macedonia has an abundance of light and sun, embodied into the flavors and colors of the natural food, the transparency and the bouquet of it’s wines. It’s forest slopes and green meadows are full of healing herbs in it’s three National Parks in Galicica, Mavrovo and Pelister, monuments of Nature. The Sun dazzles on the surface of it’s three lakes Dojran’s, Prespa’s and Ohrid’s the last being the oldest and deepest in Europe. Rich with fish and other fauna with a large number of endemic species (Ohrid’s trout, eels, sponges, shells and crabs), these lakes are Natures pearls. Combined with mild climate, warm and sunny summers, they are ideal for relaxing or recreational holiday. • For those keen on winter sports there are 3 recreational centers Mavrovo, Popova Shapka, Pelister, Kozhuf and Krushevo (the last is a city with the highest altitude on the Balkans).
THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA Facts The Republic of Macednia is situated in the southern part of the Balkan Peninsula and it is continental country. The relief of Macedonia is characterized by large and high mountain massifs giving way to extensive, flat valleys and plains. There are 14 mountain peaks higher than 2,000 metres. In Macedonia there are 1100 larger sources of water. There are three large tectonic lakes, fifteen artificial lakes and also twenty-five glacial lakes. With its unique flora and fauna characteristic of the tertiary period (2-4 million years ago), lake Ohrid is one of Europe’s great biological reserves. Most of the lake’s plant and animal species are endemic and unique to Ohrid. Mediteranean flora goes together with the plant species of the Euro Siberian regions, while mountains are natural habitats of bear, deer, boar, wolf, and many other animal species. Almost the entire territory is a transitional region between the Mediterranean and continental climate. Macedonia is a land of sharp winters, warm summers and a lot of sunny days. Atractive lakes, mountains, spas, cultural and historical sites are some of the distinctive features of this country. The main tourist resorts are located around the natural lakes of Ohrid, Prespa and Dojran.The three national parks, Mavrovo, Pelister and Galicica, offer visitors inviting conditions for recreation and leisure activities. Evidence of Macedonia’s long and rich historical cultural heritage can be found in the many valuable archeological sites located throughout the country. Distinctive and historic architecture in towns and villages spectacularly frame the natural mountainous beauty of Macedonia, while delicious cuisine and wine abounds in well-known national specialities.
Getting to Macedonia By air: International airports in Skopje and Ohrid connect directly Macedonia with several major European cities: (Belgrade, Berlin, Budapest, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Istanbul, Ljubljana, Milan, Prague, Rome, Vienna, Zagreb and Zurich) and thru them to all world . Close regional airports in Belgrade, Sofia and Thessaloniki can also be used, as they are all within a few hours’ drive from Macedonia. By train: An international train, operating twice daily, connects Ljubljana, Slovenia and Thessaloniki, Greece by way of Macedonia. By car: The international highway E-75 runs north-south from Serbia to Greece, bisecting Macedonia. This is the most common route for overland tourists to take for entering Macedonia. There are also good roads connecting the country with Bulgaria to the east and Albania to the west. By bus: A number of bus lines connect Macedonia with all neighboring countries and other European cities. Buses are frequent, and offer relatively inexpensive fares and professional service. Area: 25.7 sq km Population : 2 million Capital: Skopje 500.000 inhabitants
Currency: Denar (1 MKD = 100 Deni) Local time: GMT + 1 Language: Macedonian
GEO TOUR MACEDONIA Day 1 / SKOPJE
16:00 Departure to Mavrovo.
Arrival at Skopje airport. Upon meeting, transfer to hotel in Skopje.
18:00 Arrival in Mavrovo and panoramic bus ride around Mavrovo Lake.
16:30 Welcome drink
19:00 Arrival at hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.
17:00 Easy walking, sightseeing of Macedonian capital – Skopje. Visiting Skopje fortress – Kale, and continuing down to the old part of Skopje – the old bazaar, church of St. Spas, Daut Pasha Baths, and across the 6th century landmark of Skopje – the Stone Bridge to the new part – the Macedonia Square, the monument and memorial house of Mother Teresa, Feudal Tower, to Skopje Museum – the Old Railway Station. During the sightseeing, discussion with the travel agency representative about the tour and local customs. 20:30 Dinner and overnight stay in hotel.
Day 3 / MAVROVO 08:00 Breakfast. 09:00 Meeting in front of the hotel and departure to Safari Park. Walk or cycling around the safari park Bunec – a breeding ground for deer. The walk takes around 3 hours and offers magnificent views over Mavrovo lake and pine woods. You will notice small groups of deer watching you quietly from the woods. 12:30 Drive and easy walk to Duf waterfalls.
Day 2 / SKOPJE-MATKA VALLEY - MAVROVO 08:00 Breakfast. 09:00 Transfer to Matka valley, a unique gorge with breathtaking natural beauty. 09:30 Visit to the Church of the Holly Mother (14th century) and the nuns’ workshop where they manufacture robes for the metropolitans. 10:30 short 30 min walk to the little bay of Matka lake where we take a boat to one of the magnificent caves of Matka - the deepest underwater cave in Europe - Vrelo Cave.
14:30 Lunch in nature under the waterfalls (home-made pie and yoghurt). 16:00 Departure to Struga. Along the way, before we enter Struga you’ll have the chance to walk on the old Roman road Via Egnatia.
Day 4 / STRUGA – OHRID 08:00 Breakfast.
17:30 Arriving in Struga. Accommodation in a hotel (h. Biser). Visit to the nearby cave church in Kalishta and
09:00 Departure to Ohrid.
18:30 Free time for strolling and shopping in the old cobblestone streets along River Drim, which flows out of Ohrid Lake.
12:00 Arrival at St Naum, sightseeing of the monastery compound and boat ride in the beautiful lagoon of the springs.
20:30 Dinner and overnight stay in Struga.
13:30 Lunch.
10:00 Arrival in Ohrid, boat ride to St Naum and springs of river Drim.
14:30 Bus transfer to Bay of Bones.
11:45 Arrival at the cave. We will have 30min to explore the inside of the cave, following which we take a boat to the other side of the lake.
15:00 Sightseeing.
12:30 Start the most picturesque walk back to the bay and the monastery of St Andrew on a path curved along the gorge cliff.
16:00 Sightseeing of Ohrid “Old town” - walking tour which starts with visit of the Church of Mother of God - Peribleptos and the Icon gallery with 30 icons created in the period between 11th and 19th century and considered as masterworks. The tour continues to the Tzar Samuil fortress, located on the top of the hill, with a spectacular view over the lake and the old city. Nearby, on Plaosnik locality, is the foundation of the Early Christian basilica and the recently rebuilt Church of St. Clement - the town’s patron saint.
14:00 Lunch (Macedonian traditional cuisine) in a restaurant located in the rocks on the shore of Lake Matka.
15:30 Transfer to Ohrid
Bellow this, in the locality called Kaneo, perched on top of a rock rising from the lake is the Church of St. John of Devine. - a small church with three-sided apse and octagonal dome, a typical piece of traditional architecture. After the visit to the cathedral church of St. Sofia, free time for shopping. 20:30 Dinner in a traditional restaurant. Overnight stay in Ohrid.
16:00 Sightseeing 17:00 Bitola – visit to the Neolith Museum 18:00 Sightseeing of the old town of Bitola – the city of consuls, with beautiful buildings in old traditional architecture, newly restored. 20:00 Dinner and overnight stay in Bitola. Day 6 / BITOLA – PRILEP – POPOVA KULA 07:00 Breakfast. 08:00 Departure to Prilep. 09:00 Arrival in Prilep, where we start easy hike and sightseeing of King Marko Towers. 12:00 Departure from Prilep to the vineyards of Popova Kula .
Day 5 / OHRID – PRESPA - BITOLA 07:00 Breakfast. 08:00 Departure to Prespa Lake. We’ll drive over Mt Galicica down to Prespa Lake – Konjsko. 10:30 Arrival at Konjsko. Boat ride around the Hidden Island on Prespa Lake, which was the first settlement of Tzar Samuil; today remains of the old buildings are hidden in the dense forest, and the only inhabitants of the island are thousands of snakes, cormorants and pelicans. Excellent bird watching spot. 13:00 Transfer to a fish restaurant on the lake shore for lunch. 13:30 Lunch 15:00 Departure to archaeological site Heraclea Lyncestis, home to the most significant mosaics from the antic period in Europe
13:30 Vine tasting and lunch in one of the wineries. 16:00 Sightseeing. Dinner and overnight stay in Popova Kula. Day 7 / POPOVA KULA – GINOVCI – KOKINO – SKOPJE 07:00 Breakfast. 08:00 Departure to village of Ginovci where you will be fishing your own lunch. 16:00 After lunch departure to Kokino Megalithic Observatory site. 18:00 Departure to Skopje. Dinner and party Overnight stay in Skopje. Day 8 / SKOPJE – flight home 07:00 Breakfast. Visit to the Old Turkish Bazaar and transfer to the airport.
Korab
Pelister
NATIONAL PARKS TOUR Day 1 / SKOPJE Arrival at Skopje airport. Upon meeting, transfer to hotel in Skopje. Welcome drink. Easy walking sightseeing with professional tourist guide of the Macedonian capital – Skopje. Visiting Skopje fortress – Kale, and continuing down to the old part of Skopje – the old bazaar, church of St. Spas, Daut Pasha Baths, and across the 6th century landmark of Skopje – the Stone Bridge to the new part – the Macedonia Square, the monument and memorial house of Mother Teresa, Feudal Tower, to Skopje Museum – the Old Railway Station. After the sightseeing, dinner in the bohemian part of Skopje - the soul of the city - Debar Maalo and discussion with the travel agency representative about the tour and local customs. Transfer to hotel and overnight stay. Time of effective walking: 3 h Accommodation: hotel 3***
Beginning at 527m asl, peak at 1,066m asl, end at 320 m asl Best period: March - November. Standard mountain hike equipment needed. Accommodation: mountain hut.
Day 4 / JANCE - ST BIGORSKI-DUF-LAZAROPOLE
Day 2 / SKOPJE-MATKA VALLEY - FOOTHILL OF MT KORAB 07:00 Breakfast. 08:00 Transfer to Mount Vodno on height of 527m asl. 08:30 Start with climbing to the Millennium Cross on the peak of Vodno Mountain (1.066m asl) 10:00 Short tea break in the Vodno mountain hut. 10:30 Trecking to Matka 13:30 Arrival at the monastery St Nikola (524m asl) and stop for photo session of Matka valley, a unique gorge with breathtaking natural beauty. 14:00 Start trecking down to Matka gorge. 15:00 Lunch (Macedonian traditional cuisine) in a restaurant located in the rocks on the shore of Lake Matka.(320m asl) 16:00 Short 30 min walk to the small bay of Matka lake where we take a boat ride to one of the magnificent caves of Matka- the deepest underwater cave in Europe- Vrelo Cave. 17:00 Arrival at the cave. We’ll have 30min to explore the inside of the cave, following which we take a boat to the other side of the lake. 17:30 Start the most picturesque walk back to the bay and the monastery of St Andrew on a path curved along the gorge cliff. 19:00 Departure to Strezimir, on the foothill of Mt Korab. 20:30 Arrival in Strezimir. Dinner and overnight stay in a mountain hut. Difficulty of the tour ** Time of effective walking 7 h
Difficulty of the tour *** Time of effective walking: 8 h. Beginning at 1,450m asl , peak at 2,764m asl, end at 1,540m asl Best period: May to October . Standard mountain hike equipment needed. Accommodation: hotel 3***.
Day 3 / STREZIMIR - Mt KORAB - JANCE 07:00 Breakfast. 08:00 Start hiking on Mt Korab. Mt Korab is the highest mountain in Macedonia (2.764m asl) Hike starts from 1.450m asl. 12:30 Arrival at the peak Golem Korab. Short break for photos. 13:15 Start trekking down to Strezimir. (lunch break in the mountains - sandwiches). 17:00 Transfer from Strezimir to the hotel (3***) in village of Jance, famous for its old, very well preserved typical houses made from, as their restorers say, stone, mud, water and a little secret… This typical eco-architecture has recently been exported from this village to the streets of many places in Tuscany and Northern Italy… 18:00 Arriving in hotel Tuto in Jance, which is built in the same architectural style as the old restored houses in the village. 19:30 Traditional Macedonian dinner and overnight stay.
08:00 Breakfast on the balcony of hotel Tuto with a beautiful view of the river Radika Valley and the old village. 09:00 Departure through the spectacular gorge of River Radika to the monastery St Jovan Bigorski – famous for housing one of the world’s most impressive carved wooden iconostasis, crafted by the Miyak’s masters. 09:30 Arrival at the monastery. Sightseeing. 10:00 Departure to village of Rostushe. 10:30 Arrival in Rostushe at the starting point of the trecking path leading to the magnificent Duf waterfalls. Path takes you through a beautiful forest scenery… 11:15 Duf waterfalls. Short break for photos and snacks. 11:45 Departure to Rostushe. 12:15 Transfer to village Lazaropole. 13:15 Arrival in Lazaropole. Accommodation in guesthouse. Lunch. 15:00 Horse riding in the fields around the village. (Alternative trekking to the village of Tresonce and the waterfalls on Tresonce river, which takes 5 hours). 19:00 Dinner in Lazaropole and overnight stay. Difficulty of the tour * Time of effective walking: 1,5 h or 6,5h if alternative Tresonce trecking included. Altitude difference: approx. 100m Best period: April to October. Standard mountain hike equipment needed. Accommodation: guest houses. Day 5 / LAZAROPOLE - IZVOR - BITOLA 07:00 Breakfast 08:00 Start trecking from Lazaropole (1,100m asl) to Izvor (600m asl). Trecking takes 5 hours.
Korab
13:00 Lunch break at the springs of river Treska (traditional pies and salads). 15:00 Transfer to archaeological site Heraclea Lyncestis (in Bitola), home to the most significant mosaics from the antic period in Europe. 16:15 Short walk in the old town of Bitola – the city of consuls, with beautiful buildings in old traditional architecture, newly restored. 19:00 Transfer to the hotel on Pelister. Dinner and overnight stay. Difficulty of the tour ** Time of effective walking 5h Beginning at 1,100 m asl, peak at 1,507 m asl, end at 600 m asl Best period: April to October. Standard mountain hike equipment needed. Accommodation: hotel 1* Day 6 / BITOLA - PELISTER MOUNTAIN HUT GOLEMO EZERO 07:00 Breakfast 08:00 Start hiking to Mount Pelister (2,602m asl) - the summit of the Baba Mountains. The National Park Pelister is the oldest national park in Macedonia. It is famous for its ancient Molika pine trees, as well as some rare species of lynx, bearded eagle, gentian plants and many other different types of flora and fauna. 14:30 Arrival at the peak. Lunch break. 15:30 Start trecking to mountain hut “Golemo Ezero” at the glacier lakes. 17:30 Accommodation in the mountain hut. 18:30 Start camp fire and BBQ dinner. Overnight stay in mountain hut. Difficulty of the tour *** Time of effective walking 8h30min Beginning at 1.200 m asl, peak at 2.602 m asl, end at 2.218 m asl Best period: May to October Standard mountain hike equipment needed. Accommodation: mountain hut
Prespa Lake
12:00 Arrival at Brajcino. Transfer to village Konjsko on Prespa Lake. 13:00 Lunch - fish picnic in Konjsko. 14:00 Boat ride around the Hidden Island on Prespa Lake, which was the first (settlement) of Tzar Samuil; today remains of that buildings are hidden in the dense forest, and the only inhabitants of the island are thousands of snakes, cormorants, and pelicans. Excellent point for bird watching. 18:00 Transfer over Galicica mountain to Ohrid Lake. 19:00 Arrival at the fishermen village of Trpejca. Dinner on the lakeshore and overnight stay in guesthouses. Difficulty of the tour ** Time of effective walking 5h Beginning at 2,218m asl, end at 1,050m asl Best period: May to October Standard mountain hike equipment needed. Accommodation: guest house
Golemo E zero
Day 8 / TRPEJCA - GALICICA MOUNTAIN - OHRID 07:00 Breakfast. 08:00 Transfer to starting point (1,568m asl) for hike on Mount Galicica - the peak id Magaro ( 2,254m asl). 08:30 Start hiking to Magaro - the point on Galicica which offers a splendid view of both Ohrid and Prespa Lakes. 11:00 Arrival at the summit. Short break for sightseeing and snacks. 11:30 Departure back to transfer point. 13:30 Transfer to picnic site on Galicica for lunch. 15:00 Transfer to Ohrid. 15:00 Arrival in Ohrid. Accommodation in villa. 16:00 Sightseeing of Ohrid “Old town” - walking tour which starts with visit of the Church of Mother of God - Peribleptos and the Icon gallery with 30 icons created in the period between 11th and 19th century and considered as masterworks. The tour continues to the Tzar Samuil fortress, located on the top of the hill, with a spectacular view over the lake and the old city. Nearby, on Plaosnik locality, is the foundation of the Early Christian basilica and the recently rebuilt Church of St. Clement - the town’s patron saint. Bellow this, in the locality called Kaneo, perched on top of a rock rising from the lake is the Church of St. John of Devine. - a small church with three-sided apse and octagonal dome, a typical piece of traditional architecture. After the visit to the cathedral church of St. Sofia, free time for shopping. 18:00 Free time for shopping. 20:00 Farewell dinner in Ohrid traditional restaurant. 22:00 Overnight stay in hotel. Difficulty of the tour ** Time of effective walking 4h30 min. Beginning at 1,568 m asl, peak at 2,254 m asl, end at 1,568 m asl Best period: April to October. Standard mountain hike equipment needed. Accommodation: apartments. Day 9 / OHRID - SKOPJE
Day 7 / PELISTER MOUNTAIN HUT GOLEMO EZERO - BRAJCINO - KONJSKO - TRPEJCA
Breakfast Departure to Skopje and transfer to airport.
06:00 Breakfast 07:00 Climb down to village of Brajcino.
End of tour
We have the honor to present you our agency Macedonia Travel. It is founded in 2004, as a partnership of two experienced tour operators with over 15 years of experience each in the traveling business. Macedonia Travel was founded with the goal of creating the synergy of knowledge, experience and energy of the professionals that are familiar with the myriad of possibilities offered by the tourism, and with strong will and knowledge to offer our clients the best service under the most competitive prices, and the best conditions for traveling in-country and abroad. We are a licensed travel agency with own terminals for booking and reservation of flights, hotels, rent-a-car, and with contracts with several air companies and subcontracting travel agencies with own representative offices in Skopje, Belgrade, Sofia, Tirana, Thessalonica,Pristina and Sofia. Our main services are FIT travel ,MICE and recently Incoming . Whether you require a scheduled flight trip or a tour to include many venues to perform at, we will work with you to make your trip special.
Welcome to MACEDONIA TRAVEL – a different way of traveling
8 DAY HIKING TOUR MACEDONIA Day 1 / Arrival in Skopje. Depending off the arrival time small introduction tour off the city, dinner and accommodation in hotel. Hotel **/*** Day 2 / Breakfast in hotel. 3 hours walking sight seeing off Skopje, where the passengers can see Kale fortress, Old Bazaar, Mother Teresa monument, National museum. Lunch in traditional Macedonian house restaurant. Departure to Mavrovo via Tetovo and Gostivar. Dinner and accommodation in hotel in Mavrovo. Hotel **/*** Day 3 / After breakfast, transfer from the hotel to start point, fro where the hiking tour to Medenica (2163 m) will start. From there downhill to village off Galicnik, picnic brake, continue to village Jance. From there transfer to to the monastery of St. John Baptist, dinner. Difficulty of the tour ** - Time 6 h effective walking - Beginning at 1600 m, peak Medenica 2163 m, end at 800m - Best period May-October. - Standard mountain hike equipment. Day 4 / After breakfast, transfer to village Rostuse. From there 45 min short trip to Duf wotherfall. Departure to Lake Ohrid and accommodation in village Elsani. Dinner.
Day 5 / After breakfast, departure to the pike Bugarska Cuka 1801 m from where you can see two lakes. Picnic and back to the village. Dinner. Difficulty of the tour ** - Time 7h effective walking - Beginning at 900 m , peak Bugarska Cuka 1801 m. - Best period April to Jul and September to December. - Standard mountain hike equipment. Day 6 / After breakfast, tour to the village Trpejca with picnic on the lake shore. After thr picnic transfer to St Naum, sightseeing and transfer to the hotel in Ohrid. Accommodation, Dinner. Difficulty of the tour * - Time 3 h effective walking - Beginning at 900 m , peak at 1050 m, end at 800 m. - Best period September to December - Standard mountain hike equipment. - Hotel **/*** Day 7 / After the breakfast , half day sightseeing of Ohrid city, Antic theatre, samoil fortress, church off st Jovan Kaneo, st Kliment university, museum etc. Free afternoon. Dinner Day 8 / After breakfast departure to Skopje via Bitola vher you will visit Heraclea, the ancient city devoted in honour of Hercules. Transfer to the airport in Skopje.
Makedonija Travel D.O.O. Ul. Orce Nikolov br. 109/1/3 • 1000 Skopje, Makedonija Tel. ++389 (0)2 3112-408, 3112-372; Fax: ++ 389 (0)2 3112-372 www.macedoniatravel.com • e-mail: info@macedoniatravel.com Skype: macedoniatravel