7 NIGHTS IN SKOPJE, OPTIONAL DAILY TOURS!

Arrival in Skopje. Transfer to the hotel and accommodation. Walking tour in Skopje: Macedonia Square with the sculptural compositions from the project "Skopje 2014", among which the monument of Alexander the Great and the Arch of Triumph "Macedonia", Memorial house of Mother Teresa, the old Turkish market, the church of St. Spas with its magnificent iconostasis – masterpiece of the local 19th century woodcarvers. Free time in the city center. Optional dinner. Overnight in Skopje.

Breakfast. Time at leisure in Skopje or optional half-day tour to Vodno mountain (tour duration – approx. 4 hours). Climb with a lift to the top of the mountain where you will see the famous Millennium Cross and enjoy the beautiful panorama of the Macedonian capital. Visit to Saint Panteleimon monastery, located on a panoramic terrace overlooking Skopje. It is famous for its wonderful medieval murals, among them the masterpiece "Lamentation of Christ". Return to the city center and free afternoon for shopping or visiting the local museums. Optional dinner. Overnight in Skopje.

Breakfast. Time at leisure in Skopje, or optional half-day tour to Matka Canyon and Scupi (tour duration – approx. 6 hours). Drive to Lake Matka, which is the most popular summer retreat of most citizens of Skopje. Visit to the Monastery Church of St. Andrew, built in the 14th century. Boat ride along the lake to the beautiful Vrelo cave. On the way back to Skopje - visit to Scupi, an archaeological reserve in the outskirts of Skopje, where one of the large Roman cities of the ancient province of Macedonia has been excavated. Since Arthur Evance first brought the public attention to this area at the end of 19th century, archeologists have opened up whole residential and administrative complexes here. Optional dinner. Overnight in Skopje.

Breakfast. Time at leisure in Skopje or optional full-day to Ohrid (tour duration – approx. 11 hours). Departure from Skopje in the morning towards Ohrid (3,5 hours drive). Located on the shore of Ohrid lake, this town is part of the UNESCO world cultural heritage list. Guided sightseeing tour of Ohrid (minimum 2 hours). The tour starts in front of the statue of St. Cyril and Methodius, and it continues to the Lower gate, the Church of St. Sophia, the Roman Theatre, the Upper gate, St. Clement's Church, the church of St. John Kaneo, Tsar Samuil's Fortress, Ohrid’s marketplace, etc. Drive back to Skopje. Optional dinner. Overnight in Skopje.

Breakfast. Time at leisure in Skopje or optional full-day tour to Mavrovo Area (tour duration – approx. 8 hours). Departure in the morning towards Mavrovo National Park. Visit to the mystical and tranquil Monastery of St. John Bigorski (St. John the Baptist) founded in the beginning of 11th century, it has been an important cultural center throughout its long and turbulent history. Stop at Mavrovo Lake – the biggest artificial lake in North Macedonia, part of the National Park with the same name. Photo break by the flooded church of St. Nicholas, built in the mid-19th century. Drive back to Skopje. In the evening optional dinner at a traditional Macedonian restaurant with live music. Overnight in Skopje.

Breakfast. Time at leisure in Skopje or optional full-day tour to Stobi region (tour duration – approx. 8 hours). Sightseeing tour of the archaeological reserve – one of the most developed ancient cities in the Roman province of Macedonia and an important early Christian center. Wine tasting in the local winery. Drive back to Skopje and free time. Optional dinner. Overnight in Skopje.

Breakfast. Free time in Skopje or optional full-day tour to Kratovo and Lesnovo Monastery (tour duration – approx. 8 hours). Arrival in Kratovo and walking tour in the old part of the city, known for its bridges and its towers. The city has been an important mining center and a home to many tradesmen traveling around the world, offering their various wares. Most of the old houses, the Turkish bridges over the Kratovska river and the picturesque fortress towers, where the rich people kept their treasures, are preserved as monuments of the town’s turbulent history. Departure for Lesnovo Monastery. The complex was founded in the 11th century by St. Gabriel Lesnovski and it was renewed by the magnate John Oliver. One of the hidden treasures of the complex is the delicate-made iconostasis placed in the main church “St. Archangel Michael”, which is carved by masters from Debar. Return to Skopje in the afternoon. Optional dinner. Overnight in Skopje. 

Breakfast. Transfer to Skopje airport. Departure.