The Macedonias

Mountains, Monasteries and Miracles

From hilltop fortresses and borderlands rich in history to monasteries and boat rides on ancient lakes – this journey follows the story of two Macedonias, each with its own distinct past and present.

A land border between these two countries provides the opportunity to explore two very different regions both called Macedonia but each with its own identity. In North Macedonia, we shall explore the capital, Skopje and its most notable sites, the beautiful Matka Canyon and Lake Ohrid, which straddles the mountainous southern border between North Macedonia and Eastern Albania. Lake Ohrid is one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes with a unique aquatic ecosystem of worldwide importance. North Macedonia’s side of the lake was declared a UNESCO site in 1979, with the site extended in 1980 to include the cultural and historic area of Ohrid. After visiting Heraclea founded by Philip II, we cross into Greece arriving in West Macedonia, staying in the local town of Florina. From here we explore the traditional settlement of Nymfaio, discover a little about Brown Bears and be wowed by the gold from the tomb of Philip II. Our tour finishes dipping our toes into Greece’s 2nd city, Thessaloniki.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Fly from London Luton to Skopje. Transfer to the hotel for a two-night stay.

Day 2: Exploring Skopje
Visits today include Macedonia Square, the capitals impressive central square; the Stone Bridge, a symbol that connects the past with the present. Skopje Fortress (Kale), one of the country's major strategic locations throughout history, from where we can enjoy great views of the city.  Explore the Old Bazaar (Stara Čaršija), where there will be free time for lunch before taking the cable car up Vodno Mountain to the Millennium Cross, one of the biggest Christian crosses in the world, from where we can enjoy panoramic views across. We return by cable car to the mountain village of Gorno Nerezi to visit the 12th-century Byzantine Church of St. Panteleimon with its impressive frescoes. 

Day 3: Skopje to Matka Canyon- Monastery  Bigorski – Ohrid
Depart our hotel and drive to Matka Canyon, a 30-minute drive from Skopje. Lake Matka is the oldest artificial lake in Macedonia, formed in 1938 by the creation of a damn on the River Treska. A beautiful pristine nature, rich in rare animal species and endemic plants situated just 15km from the capital. The mosaic of the various geological, geomorphological, hydrological, floristic and faunistic features contribute to Matka Canyon being one of the most important protected areas of Skopje. The location abounds with several monasteries, which prompts an apt description of ‘a small Mount Athos’. It is a place enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. We will enjoy a short boat trip, visit one monastery and enjoy a little free time before continuing our journey to Ohrid (approx. 2.5-hour drive) with a visit enroute to the Monastery of St. Jovan Bigorski, founded in 1020. Inside the church are unique works such as The Miraculous Icon of St. John the Baptist, more than 12 centuries old, but the main attraction is the priceless awe-inspiring wood-carved iconostasis depicting biblical scenes. The monastery is rich in icons painted from the 16th to 20th centuries and is a blend of Byzantine, Renaissance, and Baroque influences.  

Day 4: Ohrid, the Bay of Bones and St Naum 
Ohrid, a place with ancient roots and stunning beauty,  is known as the city of 365 churches, or ‘The Jerusalem of the Balkans’, and hosts the deepest lake in Europe. Our visits start on the eastern shore of the lake exploring this ‘centre of Christianity for Slavs’, taking in some of the main sights of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of only a handful inscribed both for their culture and natural landscape. Visits include St. Sofia, situated in the heart of Ohrids old town and considered one of the most important monuments of North Macedonia; St. Clement where archaeological evidence suggests that a Christian Basilica stood on this very spot as early as the 5th or 6th century. This early church would have been a testament to the spread of Christianity in the region during the late Roman and early Byzantine periods. In the 9th century, this site took on renewed significance with the arrival of Clement of Ohrid, a key figure in the development of Slavic literacy and culture. We will visit Tsar Samuel’s fortress, one of the largest medieval fortifications in Macedonia. Later we have a very short boat ride to visit the Bay of Bones, a museum on water that is a reconstruction of a prehistoric settlement of pile-dwellings, villages made on platforms, which stood on wooden piles stuck at the bottom of the lake.  This reconstruction stands in the same place as the original find that dates back to 4400BC. Then it’s on to Saint Naum Monastery, a picture-perfect church complex on the shores of Lake Ohrid. The church, which also goes by the Macedonian name of Sveti Naum, was established by Saint Naum himself, who was known for performing miracles, in the early 900’s. 

Day 5: Ohrid to Heraclea and onto Macedonia, Greece
Check out of our hotel and drive to the city of Bitola. The stately old architecture of Bitola goes back more than a century when the town was a Centre for international diplomats of the Ottoman administration. Close to Bitola are the ruins of the ancient city of Heraclea Lyncestis, an ancient Macedonian city founded in the middle of the 4th century B.C. by Philip of Macedon. The city was named Heraclea in honour of the mythological Greek hero Heracles and Lyncestis originates from the name of the ancient kingdom conquered by Philip, where the city was built. Heraclea was a strategically important town during the Hellenistic period. After exploring the site, we continue to the border and into Macedonia, Greece.
Overnight Florina.

Day 6: Traditional Nymfaio, Bears, and the impressive gold of Philip II of Macedon
We spend our morning enjoying our nearby surroundings, starting with a visit to the traditional village of Nymfaio, or Neveska, as it was called in the past, when it was one of the richest and most prosperous Vlach villages in Macedonia.  Having fallen into decline, some patriotic Neveska residents began the effort in the 80’s to revive their village, which had been deserted for many years, and succeeded with unprecedented success. Today, with its restored and impressive mansions, the imposing Nikeio School of 1927, the old churches and its spotless cobblestone streets, Nymfaio welcomes its visitors like a proud aristocrat.
Close to Nymfaio we find the Arcturos Sanctuary, an NGO founded in 1993 to protect and support bears that live wild in this region. Then it’s on to Ancient Aigai, the first capital of the Kingdom of Macedonia, to see the sumptuous gold discovered in the tomb of Philip II, before continuing to our seaside hotel, where we stay for our final two nights.

Day 7: Morning in Thessaloniki. Afternoon at leisure.
Our last morning will be spent in Thessaloniki, a city founded in 315 BC by Cassander of Macedon who named it after his wife, Thessaloniki, daughter of Philip II. It will be a relaxed day with an introduction to the city before free time to enjoy as you wish.  Early afternoon return to the hotel.

Day 8: Transfer to Thessaloniki Airport for return flight to London Gatwick.

NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager’s discretion.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 25 passengers.

INCLUDED

• Return flights from London to Skopje
• Two nights’ accommodation at Doubletree by Hilton, Skopje, two night's at Hotel Tino Sveti Stefan, Ohrid, one night at Emerald Suites, Florina and two nights at Golden Star Hotel, Perea - all four-star hotels, on a bed and breakfast basis, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Four dinners
• Airport transfers and full coach touring itinerary
• All tours and entrance fees as detailed
• UK tour manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Double for sole use supplement - £360
• Meals other than those stated
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
• Porterage and gratuities

HOTELS

Doubletree by Hilton, Skopje - 2 nights
Set beside the River Vardar and close to Skopje’s historic centre, DoubleTree by Hilton Skopje offers contemporary comfort with spacious rooms, a spa, indoor pool, and riverside dining. With excellent transport links and a peaceful setting, it’s an ideal base for exploring the city’s rich heritage at a relaxed pace.

Hotel Website

Hotel Tino Sveti Stefan, Ohrid - 2 nights
Set on the peaceful shores of Lake Ohrid, Hotel & Spa Tino Sveti Stefan offers a tranquil four-star retreat. With elegant rooms, soothing spa facilities, and delightful regional dining, it’s an ideal base for gentle lakeside relaxation and exploring nearby forest trails and historic Ohrid.

Hotel Website

Emerald Suites, Florina - 1 night
In the heart of Florina, Emerald Suites offers a stylish and serene retreat. With 31 light-filled, soundproofed rooms—many with balconies—guests enjoy Egyptian‑cotton bedding, air‑conditioning, and mountain views. Unwind in the spa, savour a generous homemade breakfast, and relax in the café-bar. Superb service, free Wi‑Fi, and a peaceful base for gentle exploration.

Hotel Website

Golden Star Hotel, Perea - 2 nights
Golden Star Hotel offers a relaxing beachfront escape just outside Thessaloniki. Enjoy sea-view dining, a peaceful private beach with loungers, and warm, attentive service. With nearby cultural sites and easy access to the city, it’s an ideal base for a restful break combining comfort, charm and gentle exploration.

Hotel Website