Skopje – Boat tour in Matka Valley – City tour of Skopje
After breakfast we depart toward Matka Valley, A gorge in which a rich complex of mediaeval building survives, including churches, monasteries and remnants of a fortress (the mediaeval town of Matka). There are dozens of caves and large number of endemic plants and animals. The Canyon covers an area of around 5.000ha and is located 15km south-west of Skopje. By its morphogenetic characteristic, it is a breakthrough gorge. Here we have the opportunity to enjoy a boat trip in the lake, and further lunch with traditional menu in the local restaurant. In the afternoon return to Skopje, where we start the city tour, inhabited since at least 4000 BC We visit the city center, the old bazaar, Kale Fortress, and the memorial house of Mother Tereza.

Skopje -The painted mosque in Tetovo – National Park of Mavrovo – The Monastery of Saint Jovan Bigorski – Ohrid
This morning we return towards Ohrid *UNESCO. First we stop at the small town of Tetovo for a short sightseeing and entrance to the mosque, called Šarena Džamija- meaning the decorated mosque.
Later we pass through the panoramic mountain road in Mavrovo National Park. While in Mavrovo we visit the Monastery of Saint Jovan Bigorski. Hidden away on the side of a mountain just off the main road between Debar and Gostivar and dedicated to John the Baptist, it’s said that the history of this masterpiece of a monastery dates back 1,000 years. Destroyed by the Ottomans in the 16th century and rebuilt in 1743 with further expansions taking place the following century, the complex was seriously damaged by fire in 2009 and much of what you see today is a modern imitation. Thankfully however most of the important artefacts, including some outstanding gold-encrusted icons, one of which is said to date from the 11th century, and the church’s gorgeous carved wooden iconostasis, survive.
Afternoon in Ohrid, free evening to relax by the shores of Lake Ohrid and overnight.

Ohrid – Boat tour to the Monastery of Sveti Naum – Guided tour of Ohrid old town
Today we take a boat tour from Ohrid old town towards the Monastery of Sveti Naum, After about 75 minutes panoramic boat tour, we reach and visit the Monastery. Set amidst lush verdure where the River Crna Drin tumbles into the lake, the monastery of St. Naum is a refuge of tranquility at the very southwestern corner of the Macedonian Republic. As with most Byzantine churches, St. Naum was chosen primarily for its location – on a high, rocky outcropping over the lake, above deep forests and life-giving springs of the river Crn Drim. The monastic complex and church of St. Naum were built originally at the turn of the tenth century by the monk that beard the same name; Macedonians believe you can still hear the saint’s heartbeat by pressing an ear to his stone coffin inside the church. In the afternoon we turn to Ohrid. Guided tour of the old town. In it’s narrow alleys lies history dating back over 3.000 years. Both the city and the lake are inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage list. We walk through the streets of Ohrid to reach the highest point – Samuil’s Fortress, which offers wonderful landscapes of the city and Lake. We will visit the cathedral Church of St. Sofia, the Ancient theatre, and from the medieval church St. John the Evangelist. Dinner by the lake with fresh trout menu, and overnight.

Ohrid – Bitola – Heraclea Lyncestis – Kalabaka (Greece)
This morning we transfer towards Greece, where we will spend the night in Kalabaka, near the monasteries of Meteora. Along the way visit the archeological site of Heraclea Lyncestis, an ancient Greek city in Macedonia, ruled later by the Romans. It was founded by Philip II of Macedonia in the middle of the 4th century BC and is famous for its dazzling mosaics, ancient theater and Roman baths.
In the afternoon we reach Kalabaka, Greece. Free evening and overnight in Kalambaka.

North Macedonia and Greece.

: Full day in Meteora
Meteora is a rock formation in central Greece hosting one of the largest and most precipitously built complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries, second in importance only to Mount Athos. The six monasteries are built on immense natural pillars and hill-like rounded boulders that dominate the local area. During our guided tour we will visit two of the monasteries, and spend a free afternoon to enjoy the sunset views of Meteora.

Meteora – Thessaloniki UNESCO
Transfer to Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece after Athens. Thessaloniki is attractive not only with its magnificent beaches, but also a rich historical heritage. The history of the city spans over 23 centuries, and each era has left its symbolic and remarkable places.
We start the visit of the city of Thessaloniki passing by the main sites of tourist interest such as the White Tower, the Byzantine church of Agios Dimitrios, the upper town and its ramparts, the Arch of Galerius, the Rotunda and the vibrant city center. Visit of the archaeological museum. We will pass through two open-air markets, where locals buy fresh fruit and vegetables. At the end we stop at the oldest confectionery (over 90 years old) to try the syrupiasta, (a local dessert)
We will stop at Athonos Square, where there are many small authentic Greek taverns. We will have dinner with a menu of traditional dishes, accompanied by a tasting of Ouzo, a local liqueur.

North Macedonia and Greece.

Thessaloniki – Return Flight
Free time, Free lunch and according to flight schedules, transfer to the airport and flight to France.