Tour Archaeology Tour Of Macedonia | Visit Macedonia (the former Yugoslav Republic of)

Guide

Experienced local guide for the entire tour

Meals

9 lunches and 6 dinners in restaurants and guesthouses according to the program.

Transport

Private transportation for the entire tour with a comfortable A/C car or minivan.

Accommodation

Accommodation in a double/twin shared room in hotels in Skopje, Ohrid, Demir Kapija, Bitola and Strumica on BB basis for all 11 nights.

Not included:

Flights

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Day 1 Day 1: Skopje City Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Skopje City Tour

We will be welcoming you to Skopje Airport. Transfer to your hotel and, depending on your flight time, have some free time. In the relaxed afternoon, our local guide will give you a brief walk through the tour. After that we will start the Skopje walking tour, starting from the centuries-old Kale – Skopje fortress. We will continue to the Old Turkish Bazaar, mingling with the locals, meeting different cultures and religions, and seeing old forgotten crafts. In the second part of the afternoon, we can visit the museums – the Museum of Macedonian struggle or the Archaeological Museum of Macedonia. We will walk across the Stone Bridge, the landmark of the city, and admire the biggest monument and fountain of Alexander the Great. Our next stop is the memorial house of Mother Teresa, being one of the most famous Skopje borns. She was born in Skopje in 1910. After a good walk, we go to a welcoming dinner in a traditional restaurant.
Day 2 Day 2: Skopje – Skupi – Matka - Skopje (39 Km) (B, L, D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Skopje – Skupi – Matka - Skopje (39 Km) (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we depart to the archeological site of Skupi. Skupi was once a large Roman town dating from the Late Antiquity. The site contains structures that date from the first to the sixth century AD, as well as remains of an early Christian church and tombs around it. It is estimated that the territory of Skopje has been inhabited for at least 4000 years with evidence of Neolithic settlements found in the Kale Fortress in the city center. During the era of Philip II of Macedon and his son Alexander, Skopje became more important during their expansion of ancient Macedonia. In the first century under Roman rule, it became a legionary camp. After the ninth century, Skopje became a significant Byzantine seat for the Orthodox Church in Macedonia. In 1392 it was conquered by the Ottoman Turks and ruled by them the next 5 centuries. Next to the Skupi, we will visit an ancient very well preserved aqueduct. In the afternoon we depart to Matka Canyon, which is a protected nature reserve and home to several medieval monasteries, caves, and rich flora and fauna. We will visit the church St. Andrea built around 1389. The frescoes are very realistic and not typical of other frescoes of the same period. We will take a boat trip to visit the Vrelo Cave. In the late afternoon, we will enjoy the lunch and the picturesque lake from the restaurant terrace. Back to Skopje, free time for your own exploration and dinner in a national restaurant.
Day 3 Day 3: Skopje – Staro Nagorichane – Kokino - Skopje (140 Km) (B, L)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Skopje – Staro Nagorichane – Kokino - Skopje (140 Km) (B, L)

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning we depart to the Kumanovo region, to explore the north-east part of the country. We will visit the cave-dwelling of the ascetic St. Joakim who lived in the 12th century near the village of Staro Nagoricane. Continue to the megalithic observatory of Kokino. The ancient observatory discovered in 2001 was determined to be around 3,800 years old. The oldest archaeological finds from the site date back to the Early Bronze Age. Volcanic activity from the lava at the crater peak created rocks that became major markers to follow the cycles of the Sun and the Moon and measure time. It is believed to be the oldest ancient observatory in Continental Europe. It is ranked fourth on the list of old observatories by NASA. We will have lunch in a traditional village restaurant with local dishes. Transfer back to the hotel in Skopje and free evening.
Day 4 Day 4: Skopje – Tetovo – Mavrovo - Ohrid (204 Km) (B, L)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Skopje – Tetovo – Mavrovo - Ohrid (204 Km) (B, L)

After breakfast, we check out from the hotel and depart to Tetovo. The town lies at the intersection of several trade routes. Archaeologists have found evidence of human settlement dating back more than six thousand years ago. We will see the old fortress dating back from 1820 and many beautiful churches and mosques. We will visit the Aladza Painted Mosque with the beautifully-decorated exterior located in the old part of Tetovo. The mosque was built in 1495 and is an example of early Constantinople style, adorned with a unique elaborate painted facade and interior, making it unique in Macedonia and wider. We continue our drive to the National Park of Mavrovo. On the way to Ohrid we will visit the Monastery of St. John the Baptist - Bigorski, founded in 1020. Inside the church, we will see the Miraculous Icon of St. John the Baptist, more than 12 centuries old. The main attraction is the wood-carved iconostasis from the 19th century depicting biblical scenes. The monastery is rich in icons painted from the 16th to 20th centuries and is a synthesis of Byzantine, Renaissance, and Baroque influences. Before we arrive in Ohrid, we make another stop for lunch in a typical Macedonian village of this region - Vevchani. After lunch, we depart to Ohrid. Free evening and overnight.
Day 5 Day 5: Ohrid – Bay Of Bones – St. Naum - Ohrid (60 Km) (B, L, D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Ohrid – Bay Of Bones – St. Naum - Ohrid (60 Km) (B, L, D)

Breakfast at the hotel. Ohrid itself is the jewel of Macedonia, the city of Macedonian Orthodox churches, in their narrow alleys history dating back over 3.000 years ago. Both the city and the lake are inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage. In the morning we walk through the streets of Ohrid to reach the highest point – Samuil’s Fortress, which offers wonderful landscapes of this area. We will visit the Cathedral Church of St. Sofia, the Ancient theatre, and from the medieval church St. John the Evangelist, we get back to the center by small boats. At noon we drive or sail by boat to the reconstruction of a prehistoric settlement from the Bronze age called The Bay of Bones or Museum on water. Then we continue to the St. Naum monastery and the lake springs. In the monastery from the 9th Century, we can see the tomb of St. Naum –a student of Cyril and Methodius. According to the legends, inside the crypt, we can still listen to his heartbeat. We have a chance to sail with small boats through the springs of the lake. On the way back, we stop in the picturesque village of Trpejca located in the heart of the National Park Galichica. Here on the lunch menu, we have the famous grilled Ohrid trout. Nice Back to Ohrid and dinner with a possibility of Macedonian folklore dancing group. Overnight in Ohrid.
Day 6 Day 6: Ohrid – Galichica National Park – Kurbinovo And Brajcino – Bitola (128 Km) (B, L, D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Ohrid – Galichica National Park – Kurbinovo And Brajcino – Bitola (128 Km) (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we depart to the National park Galichica situated on mountain Galichica. The mountain separates the two Lakes of Ohrid and Prespa. We will stop on several viewpoints to relax, enjoy, and admire the beauty of the natural park, with magnificent panoramic views of both lakes. The park has become a protected breeding ground for many species of birds. We continue to Prespa region, well known in Macedonia and wider for its apple fields. In the village of Kurbinovo northeast of Prespa Lake, we will visit the small church of St. George with the frescoes masterpiece of the Annunciation from the Byzantine era, painted in 1191. In the village of Brajchino, an example of typical rural architecture of the region, we will take a walk around the village meeting the locals and enjoy a meal in a village house with real homemade specialties. After lunch, we will take a short nature walk to the Monastery of St. Petka. In the evening we are in Bitola. Dinner in a traditional restaurant in the city center.
Day 7 Day 7: Bitola City Tour (30 Km) (B, L)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Bitola City Tour (30 Km) (B, L)

In the morning we will visit the ancient archeological site of Heraclea Lyncestis, 2.5 km south of the modern town of Bitola. Heraclea was a strategically important town during the Hellenistic period, and it was founded by King Philip II of Macedon (the father of Alexander the Great) in the middle of the fourth century BC after he had conquered the surrounding region of Lynkestis. In the middle of the second century BC, the Romans conquered the city. Heraclea retained its importance due to its location on the Via Egnatia, the route connecting the two most important centers in the world in that time – Rome and Constantinople. The Roman Emperor Hadrian built the impressive ancient theatre which was both a stage for theater and an arena for performing animals. Later, the city was an important Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman center. Today, Bitola is the second-largest city in Macedonia. We stroll downtown because Bitola is noted for its unique centuries-old preserved architecture with beautiful balconies and the usage of rich ornaments. Until 1912 many European consulates were located in Bitola, so the city is still known today as the City of the Consuls. We will visit the museum in the Old Military Academy with the memorial room dedicated to Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey, who finished military high school in this very building. We will continue by foot in the old town center with the Clock Tower from the 17th century and the Church of St. Dimitri built around 1830 with a lavishly decorated interior. Our lunch will be in a typical restaurant with local specialties. In the afternoon we will drive to the nearby mountain of Baba, for a hike along the History Trail in the National Park Pelister. Back to the city for a free evening and overnight.
Day 8 Day 8: Bitola – Prilep – Styberra – Stobi - Kavadarci – Demir Kapija (134 Km) (B, L)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Bitola – Prilep – Styberra – Stobi - Kavadarci – Demir Kapija (134 Km) (B, L)

After breakfast, we depart to Prilep, the center of the tobacco-growing region. We stop at the old quarter Varosh, and visit the beautifully-frescoed church of St. Nicolas. The town was the capital of the last Christian king in Macedonia in the late 14th century, King Marko. Strolling through the central streets of the town, in a distance, we will be able to see King Marko’s fortress, the monument of Alexander the Great, and the Leaning Tower from the 19th century. Coffee break and we continue to the archaeological site Styberra, an important urban center that existed from the end of the 4th century BC to the 4th century AD. The city has collapsed after the raid of the Goths in 267/8 or 268/9 AD. In the ancient written sources about the Roman–Macedonian wars, it is recorded that during the expedition of the consul Sulpicius against the Macedonian king Philip V (200 BC), the Roman armada arrived in Styberra, where they renewed their supplies with grains. According to the same records, we also learn that the last king of ancient Macedonia, Perseus in the year 169 BC organized his military command post in the city of Styberra, against the Romans. In the afternoon we continue to the wine region Tikvesh, which is the largest wine region in Macedonia. On our way, we will pass through the towns of Negotino and Kavadarci, both known for their vine growing and wine production. Before arrival at Popova Kula winery in the small town of Demir Kapija, we visit the ancient city of Stobi, at the intersection of the Via Militaris and the Via Diagonalis. Located between Veles and Negotino, Stobi is the most important archeological site in Macedonia, once the biggest Roman city on the Balkans. Archaeologists have discovered traces of the Paeonians, an ancient civilization in Macedonian, as well as traces of the Macedonian-Hellenistic, Roman, and Early Christian periods. At the time of Philip II of Macedon, it was already an important strategic military center and also a significant cultural, trade, and communication center. Stobi maintained its status under the Roman Empire and experienced major growth. We will walk through the site and view basilicas, palaces, the Forum, Theatre, ancient synagogue, casino, and the museum. Arrival in the winery, check-in, and a short tour of the winery premises will be organized together with an enologist. After lunch, we will have free time. For those willing, we can organize a bike tour of the surrounding area. Overnight in the winery hotel.
Day 9 Day 9: Demir Kapija - Isar Marvinci - Strumica (136 Km) (B, L, D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Demir Kapija - Isar Marvinci - Strumica (136 Km) (B, L, D)

After breakfast, check out from the winery and transfer to Strumica. We will make a stop to visit the archaeological site Isar Marvinci. The discovered "stadium" milestone from the 3rd or the beginning of the 2nd century BC leads to the conclusion that the name of the ancient city was Idomene, and belonged to the southern Macedonian area called Amphacsitida. The archeological site contains remnants of a temple, dated from 181 BC and designed according to the Roman concept, dedicated to the Roman emperor Commodus. The archeological findings are dated from the Bronze Age to the Late Antiquity and are especially significant in clarifying the culture of pre-Roman Payonia and Macedonia. We continue to Strumica. First, we check-in, and then we head to the mountain Belasica, to experience the natural beauty of the area. After a short driving, we continue on foot to visit two local waterfalls, Smolare and Koleshino. On the way back, we will have a chance to mingle with the local peasants from the villages around and to take our homemade lunch in a guesthouse in the area. Back in town and organized dinner in a National restaurant.
Day 10 Day 10: Strumica – Medieval Monasteries - Roman Bath – Vinica - Skopje (159 Km) (B, L)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Strumica – Medieval Monasteries - Roman Bath – Vinica - Skopje (159 Km) (B, L)

After check out, in the morning we visit the medieval monasteries St. Leonthius – Vodocha and Holy Mother Merciful – Veljusa, dating back from the 11th century. The next stop will be another ancient attraction, the Roman baths, hot water springs with a temperature of 72 ° C.

The Roman bath was built in the second century AD. This area covers more than 1500 m2 and is one of the largest baths in the Balkans. Most of the 11 rooms have different functions and are mainly built of brick and stone combined with mortar. Heating inside was designed and constructed with a special system in which hot water was used to heat the floors and walls. On the way to Skopje, we will make a stop to the Vinica fortress. Here in 1985 excavations revealed an exceptional discovery from the 4th Century AD: 26 whole, 20 fragmentary, and more than 100 smaller and larger fragments of terra-cotta icons, unique in the Christian world. After many efforts, from the fragments, another 14 whole icons were formed, so the collection now consists of 40 icons. We continue to Skopje. Accommodation in a hotel and free evening.
Day 11 Day 11: Skopje – Millennium Cross – St. Panteleymon – Skopje (20 Km) (B, D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Skopje – Millennium Cross – St. Panteleymon – Skopje (20 Km) (B, D)

After breakfast, we head directly to the cable car in the mountain of Vodno to visit the Millennium Cross, a 66 meter-high cross situated on the top of the mountain. It is one of the biggest crosses in the world, constructed to serve as a memorial of 2,000 years of Christianity in Macedonia and the world. On the way back, we will visit the monastery of St. Panteleimon, which contains remarkable frescoes of a great artistic value of a non-static but more emotional style of Byzantine Art. After we return to Скопје, you will have some free time In the evening before the farewell dinner. Overnight in Skopje.
Day 12 Day 12: Departure To Skopje Airport (26 Km) (B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Departure To Skopje Airport (26 Km) (B)

After breakfast, depending on your flight time, transfer to Skopje Airport.

12 days tour

Archaeology Tour Of Macedonia

This tour includes:

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Itinerary of your trip Archaeology Tour Of Macedonia

Day 1: Skopje City Tour

Day 2: Skopje – Skupi – Matka - Skopje (39 Km) (B, L, D)

Day 3: Skopje – Staro Nagorichane – Kokino - Skopje (140 Km) (B, L)

Day 4: Skopje – Tetovo – Mavrovo - Ohrid (204 Km) (B, L)

Day 5: Ohrid – Bay Of Bones – St. Naum - Ohrid (60 Km) (B, L, D)

Day 6: Ohrid – Galichica National Park – Kurbinovo And Brajcino – Bitola (128 Km) (B, L, D)

Day 7: Bitola City Tour (30 Km) (B, L)

Day 8: Bitola – Prilep – Styberra – Stobi - Kavadarci – Demir Kapija (134 Km) (B, L)

Day 9: Demir Kapija - Isar Marvinci - Strumica (136 Km) (B, L, D)

Day 10: Strumica – Medieval Monasteries - Roman Bath – Vinica - Skopje (159 Km) (B, L)

Day 11: Skopje – Millennium Cross – St. Panteleymon – Skopje (20 Km) (B, D)

Day 12: Departure To Skopje Airport (26 Km) (B)

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