Nature and culture in North Macedonia
In summary
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Sports
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Duration12 days
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LevelAll levels
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DestinationEurope / North Macedonia
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AgeFrom 8 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions360.81 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Embark on a 12-day self-drive tour of North Macedonia , an ideal getaway combining vibrant cities , unspoiled nature , and historical treasures . Your itinerary begins in Skopje , a surprising capital city where monuments , iconic bridges , and lively bazaars blend together, perfect for a first immersion.
Next, explore the wide-open spaces with the spectacular Matka Canyon , followed by Mavrovo National Park , prized for its mountain scenery and wild atmosphere. Head south to Ohrid : its lake , UNESCO World Heritage sites , and peaceful ambiance make it an unmissable stop, offering a perfect blend of culture and relaxation .
The journey continues in Bitola , before tracing history back to the ancient sites of Heraclea and Stobi . Throughout the trip, enjoy an authentic experience blending local activities , gastronomy , free time, and fascinating discoveries, with comfortable accommodations and a detailed travel guide for a worry-free trip.
The highlights
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Off the beaten track travel
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An exclusive destination
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The hospitality of the locals
Photos
Sport
Level
Summer multi-activity
Management
Program
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Skopje Airport > Skopje
- Transportation Car - 01h45 - 120km
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Upon arrival at Skopje airport, pick up your rental car and then depart for Skopje.
Overnight stay in Skopje.
Day 1 -
Skopje
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, begin your tour of the capital, Skopje.
A city ravaged by an earthquake in 1963, it has been completely rebuilt and offers a unique experience. You will appreciate a city divided between two cultures and two different lifestyles: that of Albanians from Macedonia and Macedonians.
Stroll through its new city center to discover its famous fortress "Tvrdina Kale" and its stone bridge "Kameni Most" which separates the city into two parts with the old Ottoman bazaar "Čaršija".
Overnight stay in Skopje.
Day 2 -
Skopje > Matka Canyon > Mavrovo
- Transportation Car - 02h45 - 135km
- Activity Hiking
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Visit Matka Canyon , a must-see in Macedonia. Take a boat trip to explore the Vrelo Caves , considered among the deepest underwater caves in the world.
Then head to Mavrovo National Park .
Make a stop in Tetovo , let yourself be guided by the vibrant colors of the Painted Mosque , a true Ottoman gem, then continue to the tranquility of the Arabati Baba Tekke , where the gardens and ancient stones still whisper of the dervishes' spirituality. A short getaway filled with charm and mysticism.
Arrive in Mavrovo National Park and enjoy sumptuous landscapes through, Lake Mavroro and Radika Canyon .
Head to your accommodation and take a stroll around the area, including a walk to the small Trnica river.
Overnight stay in Mavrovo.
Day 3 -
Mavrovo > Bigorski > Vevcani > Ohrid
- Transportation Car - 01h50 - 95km
- Activity Hiking
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, you will stop at the Monastery of Saint Jovan Bigorski, located on the heights of the canyon, which represents one of the most beautiful monasteries in Macedonia.
It's possible to reach the village of Vevtchani, located at the foot of Jablanica mountain. Explore this small village and walk along a wooden boardwalk to discover the Vevtchani spring.
Next, travel to Ohrid , the cradle of Orthodoxy in North Macedonia.
A city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a sublime city on the shores of the lake which, for many, represents the culmination of the Macedonian experience.
Discover its well-preserved historical heritage such as the Church of St. Sophia, the Ohrid fortress, or the ancient theatre dating back to the Roman Empire.
Overnight stay in Ohrid
Day 4 -
Ohrid
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, discover the wonders of Lake Ohrid.
On the way, a stop at the monastery of St. Naum, in the middle of lush greenery, built in the 10th century, is a haven of tranquility on the border between Albania and Macedonia.
Photo stop “Bay of Bones”, authentic reconstruction of part of a settlement, dating from 1200 to 700 BC. Visit the Saint Naum monastery.
Return and overnight stay in Ohrid.
Day 5 -
Ohrid
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, a free day in Ohrid to fully enjoy the pleasures offered by the pearl of the Balkans: swimming on the lake beaches.
Optional , depending on your preferences :
- Scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Ohrid, one of the oldest lakes in the world.
- Macedonian cooking class at a local's home with tasting of your creations.
- Boat trip or sailing excursion to admire the shore from the lake.
- Kayaking along the cliffs and small, unspoiled coves.
- Quad biking (ATV) adventure in the heart of Galičica National Park, between lake and mountains.
- Paragliding for an unforgettable experience above the lake and the historic city.
Overnight stay in Ohrid.
Day 6 -
Ohrid > Bitola > Omorani
- Transportation Car - 03h45 - 220km
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, take the road to Bitola .
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 the consuls . You will discover a city with a Mediterranean feel, with its churches, mosques, old Ottoman bazaar and beautiful neoclassical houses.
Next, head to the tiny village of Omorani in the Macedonian countryside for a rural experience in an 80-year-old stone house . Enjoy its swimming pool and charming hosts.
Possibility of organizing various activities such as romantic dinner, walk to Babuna waterfall, making natural cosmetics.
Overnight stay in Omorani.
Day 7 -
Omorani
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, enjoy a free day in your superb guest house.
Possibility of organizing various activities such as romantic dinner, walk to Babuna waterfall, making natural cosmetics.
Overnight stay in Omorani.
Day 8 -
Omorani > Stobi > Crvulevo
- Transportation Car - 03h15 - 230km
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, head to 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.
You can visit the Stobi vineyard along your route.
Finally, reach the small village of Crvulevo for an overnight stay in charming accommodation surrounded by nature.
Overnight stay in Crvulevo.
Day 9 -
Crvulevo
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, enjoy a free day in your accommodation to fully relax.
On site, you can relax in the Russian sauna and take a pleasant stroll in the Macedonian countryside.
Overnight stay in Crvulevo.
Day 10 -
Crvulevo > Kozjak
- Transportation Car - 01h45 - 115km
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, head to Grizzly Igloo. This unusual accommodation, nestled in the heart of the North Macedonian mountains, offers a unique experience in an exceptional natural setting . This eco-retreat features comfortable igloo-shaped cabins surrounded by stunning scenery, perfect for those looking to escape the everyday.
Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the surroundings by taking a boat trip on the nearby lake. It's a tranquil way to explore the calm waters and admire the spectacular scenery that surrounds the lake.
For adventure lovers, horseback riding is also offered, allowing you to discover the region through its forests and meadows.
With its unique accommodation, boat trips on the lake and horseback riding, it is the ideal place for nature lovers and adventurers seeking tranquility.
Overnight stay in Skopje.
Day 11 -
Kozjak > Skopje Airport
- Transportation Car - 01h45 - 115km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Free time after breakfast until your transfer to the airport for your return flight.
Day 12
Accommodation
- Single room
- Double room
- Twin room
- Triple room
- Single room
- Double room
- Twin room
- Triple room
- Quadruple room
- Single room
- Double room
- Twin room
- Triple room
- Single room
- Double room
- Twin room
- Triple room
- Quadruple room
- Single room
- Double room
- Twin room
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Car rental from Skopje airport on day 1 to Skopje airport on day 12
- Overnight stays in guesthouses and 4* hotels in double rooms with breakfast (local standards, subject to availability)
- Telephone support throughout the entire tour
- The travel journal with essential travel information (addresses, contacts, restaurants)
The price does not include
- All activities listed in the program & entrance fees to monuments
- Full board (lunches and dinners)
- All additional expenses not mentioned in the program
- Tips
- The round-trip flight
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
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