The Wine Route in Macédoine
Among century-old vineyards and ancient sites, explore the secret terroirs of North Macedonia.
Duration
8 days
From
€700/pers.
Ideal seasons
Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Style
Self-drive tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, senior
The spirit of travel
Located between the West and the East, 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.
Along the itinerary, explore the must-see sites of Skopje, Ohrid, Bitola and Mavrovo national park. Lake Ohrid, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the oldest and deepest in Europe. Its monasteries, Byzantine churches and traditional villages testify to the historical and cultural importance of the region.
This journey also allows you to discover gastronomy influenced by Balkan and Ottoman cultures, as well as varied landscapes, between mountains, lakes and valleys.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Skopje Airport - Skopje, North Macedonia
Arrival at Skopje airport.
Pick up your rental car and head to the capital of North Macédoine. 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 Macedonian Albanians and Macedonians.
Skopje - Matka Canyon - Kamnik Vineyard - Skopje, North Macedonia
After breakfast, join the Matka Canyon, an unmissable destination in Macédoine.
Embark on a boat to discover the Vrelo caves, which are considered among the deepest underwater caves in the world.
Visit Kamnik Castle, a vineyard located in the heights of Skopje and offering panoramic views over the Macedonian capital.
Possibility of having lunch in the vineyard and tasting different local wines. Kamnik Castle is the most awarded vineyard in the country. You will discover how local wines are made with its superb bottles created from a beautiful range of grape varieties.
Skopje - Kratovo - Popova Kula, North Macedonia
Skopje → Popova Kula
After breakfast, head to lunch in Kratovo. Known for its Ottoman bridges, medieval towers and 19th century houses, Kratovo is a charming small town perched on the western hills of the Osogovo mountains, on an extinct volcano crater, at an altitude of 600 m.
Visit the vineyard which is the only producer in the world to produce wine from Stanushina, a unique Macedonian grape variety, and discover traditional Macedonian wine production.
Dinner at the vineyard with a tasting of several local wines during the meal.
Overnight at Popova Kula.
Popova Kula - Stobi Winery - Queen Maria Winery - Popova Kula, North Macedonia
Popova Kula → Stobi
After breakfast, head to Stobi, the largest archaeological site in Macédoine. Discover the ruins of an ancient city established in the 4th century BC and learn more about the history of the Romans present on the ancient territory of Macédoine.
Visit the Stobi vineyard to taste its local wine production.
Then head to the Queen Maria vineyard, the oldest vineyard in the country. A vineyard created by King Aleksandar Karadjordjevic and Queen Maria Karadjordjevic of Yugoslavia.
Taste its ancestral wines in an extraordinary setting.
Stobi → Popova Kula
Return to Popova Kula. Many activities are possible there such as dance classes, traditional Macedonian cooking classes, incentive activities dedicated to companies, hiking, a "wine route" day on bikes, etc.
Popova Kula - Tikves Vineyard - Bitola, North Macedonia
Popova Kula → Bitola
After breakfast, head to the Tikves vineyard, one of the oldest in Macédoine created in 1885. You will discover its internationally renowned wine production by tasting several of its specialties.
You head south towards Macédoine to reach Bitola, the second largest city in North Macédoine.
Upon arriving in the city, visit the French Military Cemetery in Bitola where over 13,000 French soldiers who died during the First World War are buried.
Begin your visit of the city of consuls and discover a city with Mediterranean charm featuring its churches, mosques, its old Ottoman bazaar and its beautiful neoclassical houses.
Continue your journey to the city of Ohrid, the cradle of orthodoxy. A city inscribed in UNESCO World Heritage and sublime lakeside town which, for many, represents the culmination of the Macedonian experience, a Kingdom of light and water as well as a reference to the ancient ruins of the traditional kingdom of Macédoine.
Bitola - Ohrid, North Macedonia
After breakfast, visit Saint Naum Monastery. Nestled in lush greenery and built in the 10th century, the monastery is a refuge of tranquility on the border between Albania and Macédoine. Lunch at Saint Naum.
Brief photo stop at "Bay of BonesBay of Bones", an authentic reconstruction of part of a settlement dating from 1200 to 700 BC.
Return to Ohrid and discover its well-preserved historical heritage, such as the Church of St Jovan or the ancient theatre dating back to the Roman empire.
At the end of the day, you will head to a wine cellar in the old town of Ohrid to discover traditional Macedonian wine production. Taste several wines from the Ohrid region accompanied by local cheeses.
Dinner and overnight stay in Ohrid.
Possibility to organize an aperitif on Lake Ohrid.
OPTION: Sailing on Lake Ohrid
Set out for four hours of sailing on a sailboat departing from Ohrid and visit Kaneo, Lagadin, Gorica and Kuba Libre beach. The excursion includes 2 glasses of wine and 1 bottle of water, light snacks, coffee and a sandwich.
100 € / person
Ohrid - Mavroro - Skopje, North Macédoine
After breakfast, head towards the Mavrovo National Park, where you can enjoy stunning landscapes such as the Mavrovo Lake and the Radika Canyon.
You will stop at the Saint Jovan Bigorski Monastery, located on the heights of the canyon, which represents one of the most beautiful monasteries in Macédoine.
On the way, make a stop in the city of Tetovo and visit its Sarena Dzamija Painted Mosque dating from the 15th century. Painted inside and out, it represents one of the most beautiful mosques in Macédoine.
Arrival in Skopje and free time. Stroll through its new city center with its stone bridge « Kameni Most » which divides the city into two parts with the old Ottoman bazaar « Čaršija». You will have the opportunity to climb up to its fortress « Tvrdina Kale» offering panoramic views of the city.
For the last evening, enjoy a folkloric evening with Macedonian dances and music in a traditional restaurant in Skopje (minimum 15 people).
Skopje - Skopje Airport, North Macédoine
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
- Full board (lunches and dinners)
- All additional expenses not mentioned in the program
- Tips
- Insurance
- The round-trip flight
- All activities mentioned in the program & entrance fees to monuments
Included
- Car rental from Skopje airport on day 1 until Skopje airport on day 8
- Nights in 3* and 4* hotels with breakfasts (local standards subject to availability)
- Telephone support throughout the circuit
- The travel notebook with essential travel information (addresses, contact details, restaurants)
- Boat Excursion in Matka Canyon
- Wine Tastings in 5 vineyards (Popova Kula, Tivkes, Queen Maria, Stobi, Château Kamnik) and 1 Macedonian winery (Sveti Klement)
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
