Semi-Private Tour; Best of North Macedonia in Eight Days

Kick off your adventure in Skopje, where our tour leader will pick you up from your hotel. We'll head to the nearby village of Matka, a nature lover's paradise nestled close to the capital. Here, we'll embark on a thrilling boat ride through the stunning Matka Canyon, journeying all the way to the Vrelo Cave, one of the world's top natural sites. After soaking in the wild beauty of Matka, we'll return to Skopje for a restful night.

After a hearty breakfast in Skopje, we'll journey to the city of Veles, renowned for its porcelain and silk production. We'll explore the city's historical sites, including the towering Clock Tower and the poignant Gemidzi and Ilinden Rebels monuments. We'll also visit the beautiful Saint Panteleimon Church, perched on a hillside. Our day concludes at a local winery, where we'll sample some of North Macedonia's finest wines amidst the picturesque vineyards. Overnight stay will be near the winery.

Day three takes us to the ancient city of Bitola, North Macedonia's second largest and oldest city. We'll explore the city's unique blend of old and new, with Ottoman buildings standing alongside modern office structures. Our journey continues to the ruins of Heraclea Lyncestis, a city dating back to the 4th century BC. Here, we'll marvel at the well-preserved ruins, including an amphitheatre and mosaic floors. After a day of exploration, we'll unwind at a local café or restaurant along the city's pedestrian boulevard. Overnight stay will be in Bitola.

On day four, we'll journey to the village of St Naum, located near the Albanian border. Our route takes us through the breathtaking Galichitsa National Park, a haven of stunning nature and impressive mountains. We'll visit the Monastery of St. Naum, a holy site nestled at the source of the River Crni Drim. After a leisurely lunch and some beach time, we'll head to the city of Ohrid for our overnight stay.

Day five is dedicated to exploring Ohrid, one of Europe's oldest human settlements and a UNESCO World Heritage site. We'll visit the city's famous landmarks, including the Church of St. John, the Church of St. Nicolas, and the Halveti Hayati Tekke Mosque. We'll also take in the stunning views of the lake, the city's architecture, and the castle perched atop the city. Overnight stay will be in Ohrid.

On day six, we'll venture into the wild beauty of Mavrovo National Park. Our first stop is the charming village of Janche, one of the oldest settlements in the region. We'll explore the village's traditional architecture and local attractions before heading to Mavrovo, a verdant paradise and one of the country's most popular skiing destinations. Overnight stay will be near Mavrovo National Park.

Day seven takes us to Tetovo, a city with a distinct Albanian influence. We'll explore the city's landmarks, including the Painted Mosque, adorned with geometric and arabesque ornaments, and the Leshok Monastery, home to a collection of stunning frescos. After a day of cultural immersion, we'll retire for the night in Tetovo.

On the final day of our tour, we'll return to Skopje for a city tour. We'll marvel at the imposing Alexander the Great Statue, stroll across the Stone Bridge, and explore the Old Bazaar, the largest in the Balkans. As we soak in the city's rich history and vibrant culture, we'll reflect on the unforgettable experiences we've shared over the past week. This marks the end of our journey through North Macedonia.