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 – Stobi Archeological Park – Wine tasting Demir Kapija
After breakfast we visit the archeological park of Stobi; an ancient town of Paeonia. In 168 BC, the Romans defeated Perseus and Macedonia was divided into four nominally independent republics. In 148 BC, the four areas of Macedonia were brought together in a unified Roman province. In the reign of Augustus the city grew in size and population. The city grew further in 69 BC once it became a municipium, at which time it began to produce coins printed with Municipium Stobensium. The citizens of Stobi enjoyed Ius Italicum and were citizens of Rome. Most belonged to the Roman tribes Aemila and Tromentina. During Roman times Stobi was the capital of the Roman province Macedonia Salutaris. Emperor Theodosius I stayed in Stobi in 388. Late in the 5th century the city underwent a terrible turn of events. In 479, it was robbed by Theodoric, an Ostrogothic king. The citizens reconstructed the city, but in 518 it was struck by a powerful earthquake. Avaro-Slavic invasions in the 6th century destroyed the city’s economy and infrastructure. Stobi region is famous also for its vineyards and wineries. Our next stop is Demir Kapija, where various vineries are located. Stop for wine tasting and visit of the vineyards in a local winery. Overnight in Demir Kapija.

Demir Kapija – The ancient Greek city of Heraclea Lyncestis – Bitola – Ohrid
This morning we visit another archeological site; 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 Famous for its dazzling mosaics, ancient theater and Roman baths, Heraclea is the most vividly preserved city from the surviving Ancient Macedonian Empire in the country. Also, the main Roman road in the area, Via Egnatia went through Heraclea, and Heraclea was an important stop. Since cafe culture is king in the Balkans, you can enjoy it in the nearest city, Bitola and if time allows us we can visit the main sightseeing’s. In the evening we arrive in Ohrid, an old town located in the shores of Ohrid Lake –the biggest lake in the region. Overnight in Ohrid.

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 – National Park of Mavrovo – The Monastery of Saint Jovan Bigorski – The painted mosque in Tetovo – Skopje
This morning we return towards Skopje. First 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. Further, we stop at the small town of Tetovo for a short sightseeing and entrance to the mosque, called Šarena Džamija- meaning the decorated mosque. Afternoon arrival in Skopje and overnight.

Return flight
Breakfast at the hotel. Free morning in Skopje. Transfer to the airport for your return flight.