Escape from the city into nature on this half-day trip through the woods and pastures of Mount Vodno. Admire the scenic views over the Skopje valley and the nature reserve at Matka Canyon. Start your adventure with pickup at your hotel for the drive up Vodno Mountain. Enjoy a stop at the 576-high summit to take some photographs of the vista. Next, move onto witness the 12th-century Church of Saint Panteleimon. Admire its famous Byzantine-style coloring and dramatic composition. Get ready for nature with your final stop at Matka Canyon. Feel the fresh air and be surrounded by mountains and breathtaking landscapes. While there, complete your experience by taking the opportunity to go an optional boat trip (additional expense).

Starting from Skopje, the tour begins with a 2-hour drive to Ohrid. Visit the church of Saint Sophia and the Roman amphitheater. Explore the Icon Gallery, to discover some of the most famous and valuable icons in the world. Then see the beautiful frescoes at the 13th century Saint Clement’s Church of the Holy Mother of God Most Glorious. After this, continue to Tsar Samuel’s Fortress, named after the first tsar of the Macedonian Slavs. Then head to the Church of Saint Jovan at Kaneo, in a stunning location on the cliffs directly above the lake. From here, return to the town on foot or by boat. After a little break, visit the Bay of Bones Neolithic settlement to see how life was lived in 1,200 B.C. Continue along the picturesque lakeshore to the Monastery of Saint Naum, situated where the river Black Drin flows into Lake Ohrid. The springs at Saint Naum are part of the National Park Galicica. In the chapel of the church is the tomb of Saint Naum, with frescoes of his life and his miracles. Return to Skopje at the end of the tour.

You will be picked up from your hotel and continue to the National Park of Mavrovo, passing the cities Tetovo and Gostivar. After arriving at Mavrovo, you will have a short visit of the place, visiting the center of Mavrovo, looking at the Winter facilities and seeing the new and old Church of St. Nicolas. After that, drive on to River Radika then continue on to one of the most beautiful monasteries in Macedonia – St. Jovan Bigorski and Ohrid. Placed on the Bigor rocks on canyon valley of the River Radika, next to the exuberant forests in the North–West slopes of Bistra Mountain. After that, you continue to Ohrid, where you have a city tour. Your tour starts before the monument of St. Cyril and Methodius, and it then heads to the Lower gate, City museum, Church of St. Sofia, Antic Theater, Upper gate, Church of St. Virgin Mary, Perivleptos, the Gallery of effigies, Samoils fortress, Plaoshnik and finally the tour ends with a walk through Ohrid’s market-place. You will then return to your hotel.

Discover the rich history of Skopje, Macedonia, on this tour through the Balkans. Drive with your guide from Tirana, Albania, to see how towns, cities, and countries were shaped by the communist era. Pass by old industrial complexes, bunkers, and political slogans, and learn about life in each area. Notice the contrast of Yugoslavian and modern structures as you enter the city of Skopje. See the lasting damage of an earthquake in 1963, and the new structures that revitalize the city. Cross the Eye Bridge and Art Bridge on the Vardar River, home to dozens of statues of notable Macedonians. Visit significant sites such as the birthplace of Mother Teresa, St Spas Church, and Mustafa Pasha Mosque, to appreciate the city’s diverse religious history. Feel thrown back in time as you enter the Old Bazaar and Fortress Kale, with stone walls full of centuries old tales. Chat with your guide on the ride back to Tirana about the fascinating past of the region.

Vodno Mountain is located in the northern part of the country. This is a great spot near Skopje and it offers a chance for some great time and adventure. Take the cable car and enjoy breathtaking views of Skopje from the top. Both, the Millennium Cross and Krstovar Mountain Peaks will stay for long in your memory. With a charismatic tour guide, you will visit these amazing places and learn more about them. Bond with nature and discover some of the most significant views and natural sites in and around Skopje. Enjoy as you learn about the wealthy history of the city while having relaxing and rewarding time.