Adventure in North Macedonia
Between East and West, discover the hidden treasures of the Balkans in the heart of unspoiled landscapes.
Duration
8 days
From
€870/pers.
Ideal seasons
May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
Located between East and West, close to the Mediterranean, on the remains of Ancient times of the first Christian kingdoms and the great Ottoman period, Macédoine represents a country where cultural heritage is incredibly dense and complex. You will discover its ancient history through its well-preserved archaeological sites and its religious monuments of incredible beauty.
Added to this, the incredible hospitality of its inhabitants and its traditions kept intact, you will discover a way of life that has become rare in Europe through an exotic journey.
From the shores of Lake Ohrid to the mountains of Mavrovo National Park, passing through the capital Skopje and the historic city of Bitola, each region reveals its own identity. Monasteries, fortresses, Ottoman bazaars and traditional villages punctuate the itinerary, while local specialties and vineyards allow you to discover another facet of the country. A journey that combines heritage, nature and culture in the heart of the Balkans.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Skopje Airport - Skopje, North Macedonia
Arrival at Skopje airport, meet your English-speaking guide and head towards the capital of North Macédoine.
A city destroyed by an earthquake in 1963 that managed to rebuild completely and offer a unique experience. You will appreciate a city divided between two cultures and two different lifestyles between the Albanians of Macédoine with their old Ottoman bazaar "Čaršija" and the Macedonians with the "new city".
Skopje - Matka Canyon - Janche, North Macedonia
Skopje → Janche
After breakfast, head to Canyon Matka, an unmissable destination in Macédoine.
Board a boat to discover the Vrelo caves, which are considered among the deepest underwater caves in the world.
Along the way, make a stop in the city of Tetovo and visit its painted Sarena Dzamija Mosque dating from the 15th century. Painted inside and out, it represents one of the most beautiful mosques in Macédoine.
Head towards Mavrovo National Park, where you can enjoy magnificent landscapes such as Lake Mavrovo and Radika Canyon.
Continue then to the picturesque village of Janche, in which a village resident has invested in building houses using materials from the past era.
Optional:
Yoga class in the heights of the village with locals. (€10 / person)
Traditional dinner to discover Macedonian gastronomy. Night in a charming traditional hotel in Janche.
Janche - Ohrid, North Macedonia
Janche → Ohrid
After breakfast, start a hike through magnificent mountain landscapes.
Follow a trail of historical significance connecting the village of Janche and the ancient trading route of the Radika river to one of the most famous villages in Macédoine, the village of Galichnik (approximately 500 meters of cumulative elevation gain).
Return to Janche in the afternoon and transfer to Ohrid. A city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and sublime lakeside city, Ohrid represents for many, the culmination of the Macedonian experience, a Kingdom of light and water as well as a reference point in relation to the ancient ruins of the traditional kingdom of Macédoine.
Discover its historical heritage, well-preserved such as the Church of St Jovan or the ancient theatre dating from the Roman empire.
Head to your hotel located in the old town of Ohrid. Dinner and overnight in Ohrid.
For overnight stays, there is the possibility of joining a guesthouse located on the East shore of Lake Ohrid where you will enjoy a natural and peaceful environment.
Ohrid - Kayak Day, North Macédoine
After breakfast, start a half-day kayaking session to discover the unique natural spaces of Lake Ohrid.
Join the small village of Trpejca for lunch and taste the lake carp.
Enjoy a magnificent day on Lake Ohrid. Return to Ohrid in the afternoon with the possibility of doing several sports activities.
Dinner with the possibility of being accompanied by local musicians. Overnight in Ohrid.
Optional:
Paragliding (€70) - Jump from 1400 meters or 1600 meters altitude. Head to the planned jump location where you will be equipped with your instructor for an unforgettable experience.
Diving (€60) - Meet your diving instructor and discover Europe's oldest and deepest lake which contains approximately 200 different species. Discover the underwater fauna and flora of Lake Ohrid, also internationally famous for the discovery of remains dating from the Bronze Age (4 to 6 meters deep).
For certified divers, you will have the possibility to dive up to 40 meters deep.
Ohrid - Hiking in Galitchitsa National Park, North Macédoine
After breakfast, set off for a day of hiking in the splendid Galitchitsa National Park.
Reach the hiking starting point and begin an ascent to Magaro peak, the highest point in Galitchitsa, which rises to 2,255 meters in altitude.
From 2,000 meters altitude you will be able to enjoy a superb view of the two lakes in southern Macédoine, Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa (Grand Lake Prespa), also called the "eyes of Galitchitsa".
After climbing the summit of Galitchitsa, begin a descent towards the sources of the Black Drim river and its crystal-clear water.
You will then reach Saint-Naum Monastery. In the midst of lush greenery and built in the 10th century, the monastery is a refuge of tranquility on the border between Albania and Macédoine.
At the end of the day, head to your hotel's wine cellar for a tasting of local wines. Dinner and overnight in Ohrid.
OPTION:
Half-day quad (4 hours & 40 km: €80 / per) – Buggy (€105 / per)
By 1 or 2 per quad, set off on an excursion to discover the natural landscapes of Lake Ohrid by traveling through Galitchitsa National Park.
The terrain of the track is a mix of asphalt, rocky terrain and red terrain / grass. Packed meal at the Asandjura refuge, then return passing through the villages of Velestovo and Sipokno.
Full day (6 hours & 70 km: quad €140 / per & buggy €160)
Ohrid → Galicica National Park
Galicica National Park → Ohrid
Ohrid - Stenje - Bitola - Popova Kula, North Macédoine
After breakfast, head towards Stenje and board a boat on Lake Prespa, the second largest lake in the south of Macédoine, which shares borders between Macédoine, Albania and Greece.
You will discover Golem Grad, "the Pelican Island" which has significant wildlife including tortoises, great cormorants, snakes and pelicans. The ruins, the birds and the beauty of another world make it an unmissable place to explore.
You will return to Stenje after the excursion and have lunch with local residents to taste a traditional Macédoine meal including carp from Lake Prespa.
After lunch, head to Bitola, the second largest city in northern Macédoine.
Guided tour of the city of consuls. You discover a city with Mediterranean charm featuring its churches, mosques, its old Ottoman bazaar and its beautiful neoclassical houses.
Bitola → Popova Kula
Continue your journey to reach the Popova Kula vineyard. You will discover the wine culture of a small Macedonian vineyard located on the heights of a hill and offering a magnificent panoramic view of the region.
Enjoy dinner in the vineyard with pairing of several local wines.
Overnight stay at Popova Kula.
Popova Kula - Kratovo - Skopje, North Macédoine
Popova Kula → Skopje
After breakfast, you will have the opportunity to enjoy several sports activities in Demir Kapija, a town located a few kilometers from the popular vineyard known for the incredible beauty of its canyon "Iron Gate" near the Vardar river.
Optional:
Via Ferrata (40 €) - The first and only Via Ferrata in Macédoine allows you to conquer the walls of the "Iron Gate" with extraordinary beauty. Join your instructor and start the ascent to the top of steep cliffs and enjoy an incredible view over the valley!
Rock Climbing (40 €) - The "Demir Kapija" canyon is the best place for climbing in Macédoine. After instructions, experienced athletes and beginners will be able to climb the mountainside and enjoy a true experience.
Cave Exploration (40 €) - The karstic structure of Demir Kapija is full of caves! Long and unusual, discovered and unexplored, discover the secrets of each one. Stalactites and stalagmites, bats and silence - will leave no one indifferent.
Head to lunch in Kratovo. Known for its Ottoman bridges, medieval towers and 19th-century houses, Kratovo is a charming little town perched on the western hills of the Osogovo mountains, on an extinct volcano crater, at an altitude of 600 m. Traditional lunch in an old building in the town.
Continue your journey to the Capital of North Macédoine, Skopje and drop off your luggage at your hotel.
Free time in the Macedonian Capital. Dinner and overnight in Skopje.
Optional: Folk evening with Macedonian dances and music in a traditional restaurant in Skopje (20 € / person).
Skopje - Skopje Airport, North Macedonia
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- All additional expenses not mentioned
- Optional activities
- Tips
- Insurance
- The round trip flight
Included
- Airport - city - airport transfers
- Transport by minibus, adapted to the size of the group
- The English-speaking accompanying guide
- Nights in 3* and 4* hotels and guesthouses
- (local standards subject to availability)
- Full board from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 8
- Entrance fees to monuments and activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Boat Ride in the Matka Canyon
- The day 3 trek from Janche to Galichnik
- Day 4 hike to Pic de Magaro
- Day of Kayaking on Lake Ohrid with Lunch
- Wine Tasting in Ohrid
- Boat excursion on Lake Prespa discovering Golem Grad and
- lunch at a villager's home
- Dinner with Wine Pairing at Popova Kula Vineyard
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to North Macedonia for a tourist stay. Entry rules may change, so we recommend that you verify the information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter North Macedonia, your passport must be valid for a minimum of three months after your planned departure date and must contain at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Nationals of the European Union may also enter North Macedonia with a valid national identity card.
Tourist stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays.
This exemption allows for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period on Macedonian territory.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of the stay,
an accommodation booking or an accommodation address on site.
Registration with local authorities
Any traveler staying in North Macedonia is required to register with the local authorities within 24 hours of arrival. In practice, this formality is generally completed automatically by the hotel or accommodation establishment.
In the case of a stay with a private individual (family, friend), the traveler or their host must complete this registration at the nearest police station. Failure to comply with this obligation may cause difficulties when crossing the border on exit from the territory.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid travel document (passport or identity card for EU nationals) covering the duration of the stay.
In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the embassy or consulate of North Macedonia in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly advised to be covered for emergency assistance and repatriation and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific insurance contract developed with our partners CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed so you can travel with peace of mind!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer'Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to these plans.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and the procedures for filing a claim are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claim notification procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their entire trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
To enter North Macedonia, a passport valid for at least 3 months beyond your entry date is required. An identity card may be accepted in certain cases. Check current conditions with the North Macedonian consular authorities before your departure, as requirements depend on your nationality.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between 100 and 170 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (200-450 euros return) are additional. The country is very affordable, with Lake Ohrid as its cultural jewel.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to match our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, engaging educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST guarantee (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Skopje and Surroundings
Explorer of the Pristine Balkans, based in Pristina, Kosovo
North Macedonia is a discreet destination, but very captivating. It reveals itself in the details: a village, a shared meal, a mountain road, an exchange by the lake.
— Quentin
