Classic road-trip: Discover the Essence of North Macedonia

Classic road-trip: Discover the Essence of North Macedonia

Located in the heart of the Balkan peninsula, these landlocked countries are one of the region's hidden gems. Visitors have much to discover. Indeed, between rolling hills, lush forests, charming old towns with their architecture, and numerous local traditions, the beauty of Kosovo and North Macedonia will not leave you indifferent.

Duration: 8 days - 7 nights

Detailed Program

Day 1

Day 1 : Skopje Airport > Skopje (30 min - 24 km)

Arrival at Skopje airport, pick up your rental car and head to the Capital of North Macedonia.

Start visiting a city devastated by an earthquake in 1963 that managed to completely rebuild itself and offer a unique experience. You will appreciate a city divided between two cultures and two different lifestyles between Albanian Macedonians and Macedonians.

Premium 4* Hotel

Included :

  • Night stay
Day 2

Day 2 : Skopje > Matka Canyon > Skopje (1h - 30 km)

After breakfast, head to Matka Canyon, a must-see place in Macedonia.

Possibility to board a boat to discover the Vrelo caves, which are considered among the deepest underwater caves in the world, or to go kayaking.

Return to Skopje and start visiting the Macedonian Capital. A city devastated by an earthquake in 1963 that managed to completely rebuild itself and offer a unique experience. You will appreciate a city divided between two cultures and two different lifestyles between Albanian Macedonians and Macedonians.

Stroll through its new city center to discover its famous 'Tvrdina Kale' fortress and its stone bridge 'Kameni Most' which divides the city into two parts with the old Ottoman bazaar 'Čarőija'.

Night stay in Skopje.

Premium 4* Hotel

Included :

  • Night stay
  • Breakfast
Day 3

Day 3 : Skopje > Tetovo > Mavrovo > Bigorski > Jance > Ohrid (3h - 170 km)

After breakfast, depart for Mavrovo National Park.

On the way, you will stop in Tetovo to discover the 15th-century painted mosque Sarena Dzamija. Painted both inside and outside, it is one of the most beautiful mosques in Macedonia.

Arrival at Mavrovo National Park and enjoy magnificent landscapes, including Lake Mavrovo and Radika Canyon. Take a walk in the surroundings.

You will then reach the Saint Jovan Bigorski Monastery, located on the heights of the canyon, which is one of the most beautiful monasteries in Macedonia.

Night stay in Bigorski

Vila bisera 4*

Included :

  • Night stay
  • Breakfast
Day 4

Day 4 : Ohrid

After breakfast, start a visit of Ohrid. Discover its well-preserved historical heritage such as St Jovan Church or the ancient theater dating from the Roman Empire. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Ohrid Fortress overlooking the city and offering a magnificent view of the city and the lake.

Enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere of the city.

Night stay in Ohrid.

OPTION: Diving OPTION: Kayak on the lake OPTION: Walk to Vevchani OPTION: ATV in Galicica OPTION: Paragliding

Vila bisera 4*

Included :

  • Night stay
  • Breakfast
Day 5

Day 5 : Ohrid > Bitola (1h30 - 70 km)

After breakfast, take the road to Bitola through Galicica National Park to have a magnificent view of Lake Prespa, continue your journey to the second largest city in North Macedonia.

Stop in this magnificent park and possibility to hike in the park.

Before reaching Bitola, visit the archaeological site of 'Heraclea Lyncestis' and discover the remains of this ancient city of the Kingdom of Macedonia whose foundations date back to the 4th century BC.

Visit the city of consuls. You will discover a city with Mediterranean flair with its churches, mosques, old Ottoman bazaar, and beautiful neoclassical houses.

Night stay in Bitola.

Hotel Teatar

Included :

  • Breakfast
  • Night stay
Day 6

Day 6 : Bitola > Prilep > Omorani (2h30 - 95 km)

After breakfast, head to Prilep to see Marko's Towers ('Markovi Kuli'), which are actually the remains of a vast 14th-century fortress.

Then reach the tiny village of Omorani in the Macedonian countryside for a rural experience in an 80-year-old stone house. Enjoy its pool and charming hosts.

Night stay in Omorani.

OPTION: Wine tasting

Rancho i Vancho na Kata

Included :

  • Breakfast
  • Night stay
Day 7

Day 7 : Omorani > Stobi > Crvulevo (3h15 - 230 km)

After breakfast, reach Stobi, the largest archaeological site in Macedonia. Discover the ruins of an ancient city established in the 4th century BC and learn more about the history of the Romans present in the ancient territory of Macedonia.

Possibility to visit the Stobi vineyard on your way.

Finally, reach the small village of Crvulevo for a night in a charming accommodation in the middle of nature.

Night stay in Crvulevo.

OPTION: Russian baths + massage

Kompleks Etno Luks

Included :

  • Night stay
  • Breakfast
Day 8

Day 8 : Crvulevo > Skopje Airport (50 min - 70 km)

After breakfast, departure for Skopje airport and return flight.

Included :

  • Breakfast

What's included

Included

  • βœ“Car rental from Skopje airport on day 1 until Skopje airport on day 8
  • βœ“Overnight stays in 3*, 4* hotels and guesthouses with breakfasts on single room basis (local standards subject to availability)
  • βœ“Phone assistance throughout the circuit
  • βœ“Digital travel guide with essential travel information (addresses, contacts, restaurants)

Not included

  • βœ•Full board (lunches and dinners)
  • βœ•All additional expenses not mentioned in the program
  • βœ•Tips
  • βœ•Insurance
  • βœ•Round-trip flight
  • βœ•All activities mentioned in the program & monument entries