Wild Balkan Beauties

Itinerary

Welcome to Macedonia

Meeting with your driver and tour escort at Skopje airport. Depending on the arrival, Skopje city tour will be arranged in the afternoon. Evening at leisure in Skopje. Overnight in Skopje, Hotel Turist BW 4* or similar.

Skopje and its surroundings

Full day private guided tour - morning visit to Matka valley and Treska lake near Skopje. In the afternoon, guided Skopje walking tour. 

Matka canyon

Covering roughly 5,000 hectares, Matka is one of the most popular outdoor destinations in Macedonia and is home to several medieval monasteries. The Matka Lake within the Matka Canyon is the oldest artificial lake in the country.

A lot of possibilities to escape from city life here - you can take a boat trip to the entrance of cave Vrelo or alternatively, hop aboard a kayak or raft and see river Treska canyon by water. Or simply you can walk along the lake and enjoy the nature.

Memorial house of Mother Teresa

Visit the memorial house with an explanation provided by the local guide.

The Mother Teresa Memorial House, dedicated to the humanitarian and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Mother Teresa, can be found in her hometown Skopje, where she lived from 1910 to 1928. Construction of the house began in May 2008. The project was financed by the Government of Macedonia and carried out by the Ministry of Culture. It is a modern, transformed version of Mother Teresa's birth house with a multifunctional but sacral character. Inside the house, part of her relics are preserved, which were transferred to Skopje with the support of the Roman Catholic Church of Skopje. There is a museum that includes realistic sculptures of Mother Teresa and members of her family. One sculpture shows Mother Teresa as a ten-year-old child, sitting on a stone and holding a pigeon in her hands.

Old bazaar in Skopje

Walking tour with our local guide.

The Old Bazaar is situated on the eastern bank of the Vardar River, stretching from the Stone Bridge to the Bit-Pazar.] As one of the oldest and largest marketplaces in the Balkans, it has been Skopje's center for trade and commerce since at least the 12th century.

Beside its importance as a market place, the Old Bazaar is known for its cultural and historical values. Although Ottoman architecture is predominant, remains of Byzantine architecture are evident as well, while recent reconstructions have led to the application of elements specific to modern architecture. The Old Bazaar is still home to several active mosques, two churches and a clock tower.

Skopje fortress Kale

The Fortress Kale is located on the eponymous hill, in the very center of Skopje, on the left bank of the river Vardar and partly in the western part of the bazaar. According to the information so far, the area on which today's fortress is located was inhabited since the prehistoric times, i.e. sometime around IV to III millennium BC. The fortress was again inhabited sometime around the 7th to 6th century BC. This settlement was protected by walls and existed sometime until the IV or III century BC.

West part of Macedonia

Drive from Skopje to Ohrid through the west part of the country, across Mavrovo National park and Radika river valley.

Mavrovo National park

Drive on the narrow road through Mavrovo national park.

It is located in western Macedonia and occupies an area of 73,088 hectares. And it is the largest among the three national parks in Macedonia, Pelister and Galicica.

Within the limits of the park are the mountains: Korab, Desat, southwestern branches of Shar Mountain, and most of Bistra mountain. The central part of the national park Mavrovo covers the valley and the river basin of Radika. The Mavrovo artificial lake is also within the national park.

Monastery St. John - Bigorski

After picturesque drive along the lakes made by Black Drim diver arrival at Bigorski monastery. It is located in the immediate vicinity are the villages of Rostushe, Bituse, Velebrdo and Trebiste, along the river Radika. According to the Bigorski monument, the monastery was founded by the monk Jovan in 1020.

Struga

Struga's name stems from a pure and distinctive Slavic word. The people of Struga and Ohrid provide two explanations of the origin of this name. According to the first folk interpretation, the name comes from the open geographical position of the city: a place where the wind constantly blows.

The geographical position of Struga, the openness of the Struga valley, the mountains around the city, as well as the proximity of the lake, enable the wind to blow from all sides in Struga. The winds are divided into permanent and local. To the permanent winds, belong the winds from the south and from the north. Winds from the north usually come along the valley of the Crn Drim River and carry freshness throughout the year, but most often in winter. The southern wind blows usually in March and April, and less often in May.

Ohrid

Because of its religious importance Ohrid is also known as "Jerusalem on the Balkans". Its old town and plenty of churches and other sites are just part of the walking tour.

Ohrid is known for once having 365 churches, one for each day of the year. The city is rich in picturesque houses and monuments, and tourism is predominant. In 1979 and in 1980 respectively, Ohrid and Lake Ohrid were accepted as Cultural and Natural World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Ohrid is one of only 28 sites that are part of UNESCO's World Heritage that are Cultural as well as Natural sites.

Overnight at boutique hotel by the lake in Ohrid.

Ohrid and Ohrid lake

Private Ohrid walking tour in a morning with visits to the most important Ohrid sights. So called Old town is spiritual part of Ohrid with exceptional cultural heritage protected by UNESCO. Afternoon at leisure.

Lake Ohrid

Lake Ohrid is a lake which straddles the mountainous border between the southwestern part of Macedonia and eastern Albania. It is the Europe's deepest and oldest lakes, with a unique aquatic ecosystem of worldwide importance, with more than 200 endemic species

Macedonia's side of Lake Ohrid was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979, with the site being extended to also include the cultural and historic area of Ohrid in 1980. In 2010, NASA named one of Titan's lakes after it. In 2014, the Ohrid-Prespa Transboundary Reserve between Albania and Macedonia was added to UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Albania’s side of Lake Ohrid was also designated UNESCO world heritage status in 2019. North Macedonia's portion was designated as a protected Ramsar site in 2021, passing all nine criteria for proclamation.[12]

In Albania, the coastal portion of the lake holds Managed Nature Reserve status. In Macedonia, a portion of the lakeside is part of the Galičica National Park.

Ancient theatre of Ohrid

Remains of the Ancient theatre could be found in the heart of Ohrid old town. The Ancient theatre of Ohrid was built in 200 BC and is the only Hellenistic-type theatre in the country, as the other three in Scupi, Stobi and Heraklea Lynkestis are from Roman times. It is unclear how many people the original theater used to seat, as only the lower section still exists. The open theater has a perfect location: the two hills that surround it keep it protected from winds that could interfere with acoustics during performances.

Ohrid fortress

The Ohrid fortress is known as "Samuilova tvrdina" or The fortress of Tsar Samuil. it is on the highest part of the hill where Ohrid is situated. According to recent excavations by Macedonian archaeologists, it was contended that this fortress was built on the place of an earlier fortification, dated to the 4th century BC, which was probably built by King Philip II of Macedonia

Plaosnik area

The Holly area of Plaosnik is the place where the first Slavic university was established by St Clement at 9th century. The area is home of the remain of an early Christian basilica and now days the new St. Clement's church is built on remains of the old church from 9th century.

St. John Kaneo

Situated on a small cliff right above the lake, on a natural platform, this unique church is landmark of Ohrid. Saint John the Theologian, Kaneo or simply Saint John at Kaneo is a Macedonian Orthodox church overlooking Lake Ohrid. The church is dedicated to John of Patmos, the writer of Revelation, who has been by some considered to be the same person as John the Apostle. The construction date of the church remains unknown but documents detailing the church property suggest that it was built before the year 1447. Archaeologists believe that the church was constructed some time before the rise of the Ottoman Empire very likely in the 13th century.

Lakes of Macedonia

Full day tour with drives along Ohrid and Prespa lake coast and visit to St. Naum monastery 

St. Naum monastery

The Monastery of St. Naum is a magnificently massive complex, located 29 kilometers south of Ohrid, on a plateau close to the Albanian border. It is, without any doubt, one of the most attractive Macedonian tourist destinations. With a wonderful surrounding area, the St. Naum Monastery is a popular day trip where you can enjoy both nature and religious heritage.

Monastery which is founded by St. Naum at 9th Century is visited by pilgrims and travelers alike, this eastern orthodox monastery is one of the few with locational and architectural splendor. Overlooking Ohrid lake, the walls provide breathtaking panoramic views of the entire bay area.

Near the monastery, you can enjoy a boat ride above the springs of the river Black Drim which flows into Ohrid lake (with supplement, to be paid on the spot)

Galicica National park

Galicica National park is spread between Prespa and Ohrid lakes and It stretches over an area of 227 square kilometers. Spectacular drive on the narrow road gives you panoramic views of both lakes. The floral life in the Galičica National Park represents over 1600 species, of which many relicts and endems have the final frontier of its range exactly on the mountain Galičica. There is characteristically presence of up to now 13 discovered local endems on Macedonian side to be found exclusively on the slopes of Galičica and nowhere else.

Heraclea archeological site

The ancient site of Heraclea is located only few kilometers from the center of Bitola. it was established in 3rd century BC by Philip II, the father of Alexandar the Great.

Heraclea was a strategically important town during the Hellenistic period, as it was at the edge of Macedon's border with Epirus to the west and Paeonia to the north, until the middle of the 2nd century BC, when the Romans conquered Macedon and destroyed its political power. The Romans divided Macedonia into 4 regions and Heraclea was in the province of Macedonia Prima. The main Roman road in the area, Via Egnatia went through Heraclea, and Heraclea was an important stop. The prosperity of the city was maintained mainly due to this road. Objects discovered from the time of Roman rule in Heraclea are votive monuments, a portico, thermal (baths), a theatre and town walls.

Bitola

Bitola is a city in the southwestern part of Macedonia. It is located in the southern part of the Pelagonia valley, surrounded by the Baba, Nidže and Kajmakčalan mountain ranges. The city stands at an important junction connecting the south of the Adriatic Sea region with the Aegean Sea and Central Europe, and is an administrative, cultural, industrial, commercial, and educational center. It has been known since the Ottoman period as "The City of The Consuls", since many European countries had consulates in Bitola. The main pedestrian street called "Shirok sokak" its two squares, the Clock tower and Bitola old bazaar are must see locations.

Overnight at boutique hotel in Bitola.

Undiscovered lakeside

Border crossing to Greece and visit of the small fisherman's village of Psarades. Possibility for boat trip in the lake. 

Kalambaka

Afternoon arrival in Kalambaka, situated right below Meteora monasteries. Possibility to have nice dinner at some of local restaurants with night view to Meteora monasteries.

Accommodation and overnight at 4* hotel. 

Meteora monasteries

The Meteora is a rock formation in central Greece hosting one of the largest and most precipitously built complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries, second in importance only to Mount Athos. The six monasteries are built on immense natural pillars and hill-like rounded boulders that dominate the local area.

The Great Meteora monastery

The Great Meteoron Holy also know as Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour, is the biggest and oldest one of all. It was called the monastery which remains “suspended in the air” (meteoro), because of the cliff formation of a gigantic rock on top of which it was built. The Great Meteoro Monastery or “Megalo Meteoron” was founded in the 14th century by Saint Athanasios the Meteorite. If you prefer a little hiking, you will have a chance to visit this monastery, reachable only by uphill/downhill stairs.

Metsovo

Metsovo is a small town in Epirus, in the mountains of Pindus in northern Greece, between Ioannina to the west and Meteora to the east.

As the lhe largest centre of Aromanian (Vlach) life in Greece, Metsovo is a large regional hub for several small villages and settlements in the Pindus region, and it features many shops, schools, offices, services, museums, and galleries. The economy of Metsovo is dominated by agriculture and tourism, the latter of which flourishes in winter.

Ioannina

Ioannina, often called Yannena within Greece, is the capital and largest city of the Ioannina regional unit and of Epirus, an administrative region in north-western Greece.

Ioannina castle is located at the south-eastern edge of the town, on a rocky peninsula of Lake Pamvotis, the castle was the administrative heart of the Despotate of Epirus, and the Ottoman vilayet. The castle was in constant use until the late Ottoman period and the fortifications underwent several modifications throughout the centuries.

Ioannina lake is another attraction at this city. We recommend a boat trip to the island at your free afternoon in this city.

Overnight at boutique hotel in the city center.

Archeology and Culture

Drive towards Albanian border and Saranda, with visit to Butrinti archeological site

Butrinti archeological site

Butrint was an ancient Greek and later Roman city and bishopric in Epirus. Perhaps inhabited since prehistoric times, Buthrotum was a city of the Epirote tribe of the Chaonians, later a Roman colony and a bishopric. Today the remains of this city are one of several UNESCO sites in Albania.

Guide tour with private guide will be provided.

Saranda

Sarandë is a resort on the Albanian Riviera, in southern Albania. Sandwiched between the Ionian Sea and hills of olive groves, the town is on a horseshoe-shaped bay, edged by beaches and a promenade. In the center are the archaeological remains of a 5th-century synagogue, later an early Christian basilica. Intricate floor mosaics are still evident. The 16th-century Lëkurësi Castle is on a hilltop above the town.

Evening at leisure in Saranda and overnight at 4* hotel.

The Albanian coastline

Drive along the Albanian coastline to Berat, passing Llogara national park. 

Llogara national park

The Llogara National Park is centered on the Ceraunian Mountains along the Albanian Riviera in Southwestern Albania, spanning an surface area of 1,010 ha. The park's terrain includes large alpine meadows, vertical rock faces, precipices and dense forests.

Drive on the narrow coastal road with several photo stops and coffee break.

Berat

Berat is a city on the Osum River, in central Albania. It's known for its white Ottoman houses. On a hilltop, Berat Castle is a huge compound now inhabited by townspeople. Within its walls are Byzantine churches, the Red Mosque and the Onufri National Museum, with Christian icons. East is the Ethnographic Museum, in an 18th-century house, displaying traditional crafts and part of a reconstructed medieval bazaar.

Durres and Tirana

Departure to the coastal town of Durres and arrival in Tirana

Durres

Durrës is a port city on the Adriatic Sea in western Albania, west of the capital, Tirana. It’s known for its huge Roman amphitheater. Nearby is a 9th-century church with mosaic-covered walls.

Coffee break near the port and city center

Tirana

Tirana is the capital of Albania and the biggest city in the country. 

Tirana is located in the center of Albania enclosed by mountains and hills with Mount Dajt elevating on the east and a slight valley on the northwest overlooking the Adriatic Sea in the distance. Due to its location at the Plain of Tirana and the close proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, the city is particularly influenced by a Mediterranean seasonal climate. It is among the wettest and sunniest cities in Europe, with 2,544 hours of sun per year.

This afternoon you will have a walking tour with our local guide in the city center with visit to the National museum.

National Archaeological Museum

The National Museum of History was opened on 28 October 1981 and is 27,000 square meters in size, while 18,000 square meters are available for expositions. Above the entrance of the museum is a large mural mosaic titled The Albanians that depicts purported ancient to modern figures from Albania's history. The museum includes the following pavilions: the Pavilion of Antiquity, Middle Ages, Renaissance, Independence, Iconography, National Liberation Antifascist War, Communist Terror, and Mother Teresa.

Departure

Depending on the flight schedule, transfer to Tirana airport.

End of the tour.

Possibility to have additional transfer to any other point in the area.