8 days in the heart of North Macedonia

Upon arrival at Skopje International Airport, look out for the friendly face of your chauffeur waiting for you in the arrivals hall.

After assisting you with your luggage, your private transfer will drive you to your hotel in the heart of Skopje which will be your base for the night. Don't forget to look out the window and be awed by this quaint yet charming city, a jewel in the heart of North Macedonia.

After you've checked in and freshened up, feel free to spend the rest of the day at your own pace and leisure.

Why not use the cable car to get to one of the city’s landmarks – Millennium Cross, a perfect place to see the whole city from the mountain Vodno, so you can get your bearings for the remainder of your stay.

After breakfast, we'll head towards Matka Canyon, a must-see in Macedonia. Here you'll embark on a boat tour to discover the caves of Vrelo, which are considered among the deepest sea caves in the world.

We'll then head back to Skopje, where after lunch, we'll begin a sightseeing tour of the earthquake-ravaged city that has completely rebuilt itself and offers a unique experience.

You will enjoy a distinctive city set between two cultures and two different lifestyles between Albanian Macedonian and Macedonian.

Stroll through its new city center to discover its famous fortress "Tvrdina Kale" and the stone bridge "Kameni Most" that separates the city into two parts with the old Ottoman bazaar "Čaršija".

This morning we're headed for Mavrovo National Park, where along the way, we'll at Tetovo to discover its 15th century painted Mosque of Sarena Dzamija. Painted both indoors and outdoors, it is one of the most beautiful mosques in Macedonia.

Upon arrival in the Mavrovo National Park, marvel at sumptuous landscapes, Mavroro Lake, and the Radika Canyon. You will stop at the Monastery of Saint Jovan Bigorski, located at the heights of the canyon, which represents one of the most beautiful monasteries in Macedonia.

After lunch, you will head to Duf Waterfall for a hike to the small mountainous village of Janche. Here you'll have the option to take part in a yoga lesson with a local before a sumptuous dinner.

Today we'll leave Janche in the direction of Ohrid, the Heart of Orthodoxy.

We'll stop at the Bay of Bones, an authentic reconstruction of a colony, dating from 1200 to 700 BC before visiting the Saint Naum Monastery. Built-in the tenth century is a refuge of tranquility on the border between Albania and Macedonia.

In Ohrid, we'll embark on a sightseeing tour of the city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and sublime lakeside city, which for many represents the culmination of the Macedonian experience - a kingdom of light and water and a reference to the ancient ruins of the traditional kingdom of Macedonia.

Discover its historical heritage and well-preserved sites such as the church of Saint Jovan or its ancient Roman theater.

This morning, prepare for the journey to the village of Vevtchani, which sits at the foot of Jablanica Mountain. It's famed for its costume festival celebrating the Orthodox New Year. Travel through this small village and walk along a wooden boardwalk to enjoy the opalescent Vevtchani water source.

We'll then continue onto the village of Kalichta, located at the edge of Lake Ohrid, to visit its complex of monasteries to Saint Bogorodica, founded in the 14th century. You will then follow the shore of the lake to reach the St. Athansa Rock Church located on the cliff which hangs facing the lake, offering panoramic views.

After breakfast, we'll hit the road headed to Bitola, the second-largest city in northern Macedonia.

Our first stop is the archeologic site of "Heraclea Lyncestis", to discover the remains of this ancient city of the Kingdom of Macedonia whose foundations go back to the 4th century BC.

Upon arrival in Bitola, prepare for a guided tour of the "city of consuls" where you'll discover a Mediterranean-style city with churches, mosques, an old Ottoman bazaar, and beautiful neoclassical houses.

After lunch, we'll hit the road again headed for the Popova Kula vineyard. Here, you'll immerse yourself in the wine culture of a small Macedonian vineyard located on the heights of a hill which offers a magnificent panoramic view of the region. 

Drop off your bags and begin a tour of the vineyard to discover the traditional Macedonian wine production while tasting 5 different locally grown wines.

After breakfast, we'll begin the drive towards Kratovo, one of the most well-preserved medieval cities of Macedonia.

Known for its Ottoman bridges, its medieval towers, and its 19th-century houses, Kratovo is a pretty little village perched on the western hills of the Osogovo Mountains, on an extinct volcano crater, at an altitude of 600 meters above sea level. Here, we'll get to enjoy a traditional lunch with locals.

Then it's back to Skopje where the afternoon free is to walk amongst its old bazaar to buy some souvenirs.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at an authentic restaurant where you feel at home in the Macedonian atmosphere and hospitality.

This morning you’ll have some free time to spend it your own pace and leisure to discover or revisit that which you may have missed. Depending on when your flight is, you may need to head straight to the airport.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end but we hope you have enjoyed your time exploring the very best that this region of the Balkans has to offer. We hope you have had a memorable trip and wish you pleasant onward travels!