Best of North Macedonia Tour

 

 

Day 1. Skopje Airport – Tetovo – Ohrid (200 km, 3 hours drive)

Meet and greet at the airport and transfer to Tetovo one of the largest cities in North Macedonia home to a majority ethnic Albanian population, to visit one of its most important monuments known as the Painted or Decorated Mosque. The colourful mosque was originally built in 1438 and later rebuilt in 1833 by Abdurrahman Pasha. Most mosques of the time had sultans, bejs (noblemen) or pashas financing their constructions, however the Painted Mosque, was financed by two sisters from Tetovo. More than 30,000 eggs were used to prepare the paint and glaze that went into the elaborate decorations. After visiting this exquisite example of Islamic art we continue onto Ohrid a UNESCO site where we take a visit of the old town and a few other sites: Church St. Sofia, built between the 11th and 14th century, which was the seat of the Archbishop. “St. Clement”, a classic Orthodox Byzantine church, dominating the Old Town, demonstrates the link between Byzantine and Italian Renaissance art. St. John at Kaneo, stands alone on a small peninsula 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, visit Samuil fortress. Overnight in Ohrid .

Day 2. Ohrid – Bitola – Ohrid (UNESCO) (150 km, 3.5 hours drive)

After breakfast drive to Bitola the second largest in the country, historically known as Monastir or Manastır and often called the city of consuls during the Ottoman period, since many European countries had their consulates there. Bitola is one of the oldest cities on the territory in the Republic of North Macedonia. It was founded as Heraclea Lyncestis by Philip II of North Macedon in the middle of the 4th century BC, after he had conquered the surrounding region of Lyncestis and incorporated it into his kingdom of Macedon. The city was named in honor of the mythological Greek hero Heracles. Famous for its dazzling mosaics, ancient theater and Roman baths, Heraclea is the most vividly preserved city from the surviving Ancient North Macedon Empire in the country. After visits of Heraclea ancient site we visit the rich Museum of Bitola and return to Ohrid. Overnight in Ohrid.

 

Day 3. Ohrid – Kalista – Vevcani – Struga – St. Naum – Ohrid (130 km, 3 hours drive)

After breakfast drive Kalishta to visit the monastery complex of small cave churches situated high up in the rocks. The paintings in the churches date from the 14th -16th century. The trip continues towards the village Vevcani built on a steep hillside and sheltered by a mountain. Its architecture is most appealing with many old houses and buildings of all styles and shapes. The famous Vevcani springs have a water flow of between 400-4000Lt/sec which explains the many water-mills in this area. Continue on to Struga where the Black Drim river starts its journey to the Adriatic and then after the visits return to Ohrid. In the afternoon take a boat trip to St. Naum Monastery. In the monastery we follow the path of St. Naum, meeting the legends of all the miracles he made before and after he built his church on the top of the rock. Return and overnight in Ohrid.

 

Day 4. Ohrid – Stobi – Skopje (260 km, 4 hours drive)

After breakfast we drive to Skopje capital of North Macedonia on the Vardar River. On the way visit Stobi archaeological site, thought to be the most important excavation in North Macedonia. This crossroad of ancient civilizations has left a rich legacy of antique theatres, palace ruins, brightly-coloured mosaics and religious relics for visitors to enjoy today. The city of Stobi is first mentioned in documents from the 2nd century B.C. However, archaeologists believe that the town had been inhabited at least 400 years earlier. Stobi became a rich and prosperous city due to its location on the crossroads of important trade routes. In Skopje we, visit the old Turkish bazaar and Mahmut Pasha Hammam, the Castle of Skopje, the memorial house of Mother Teresa, the Macedonia Plaza and stone bridge. Overnight in Skopje.

Day 5. Skopje – Airport

After breakfast free to explore until time of transfer to the airport.