North Macedonia

Day 1
We meet at Malta International Airport at 20:50 for flight W6 7766, departing at 22:30, and arrive in Skopje at 00:30. A short journey takes us to the center of Skopje and to the ‘Hotel Next Door Park 4-star’ hotel.

Day 2
Buffet breakfast, followed by a city tour of Skopje with a local English-speaking guide. We will visit the new city as well as the old city. We will see some of the most interesting attractions, such as the Macedonia Gate, Skopje Fortress, Macedonia Square, and the Stone Bridge, as well as the historic streets of the old town. We will also visit the Memorial House of Mother Teresa and the St. Holy Salvation Church. There will be free time for lunch (extra). Afterwards, we continue our excursion to the Millennium Cross, located on Mount Vodno. We return to the hotel for some free time and dinner.

Day 3
After a buffet breakfast, we are ready for one of the most interesting excursions to the ‘Tikvesh’ wine region. Before that, our first stop will be at the archaeological site of Stobi, located at the confluence of the Crna and Vardar rivers. This was the largest city in the northern part of the Roman Empire and the Province of Macedonia. Among other things, we will see large sanctuaries and the famous Theatre. After that, we continue to the Chateau Sopot Winery, where we will have the chance to see the wine-making process and taste different types of wines while relaxing until we are served lunch (paid). We return to Skopje, but before that, we make a stop at the East Gate Shopping Mall. Afterward, we continue to the hotel for free time.

Day 4
Breakfast and departure by coach to Ohrid via Mavrovo, known for its cheese. We will stop at the ‘Korab Trinca’ complex, one of the top cheese producers in the country. After a short free time, we continue traveling along the Radika River, visiting the Rajcica Monastery. We then head towards the center of Struga, where we have free time for lunch. We continue to Ohrid, and upon arrival, we check in at the Hotel Nova Riviera 4-star in the city center. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 5
Buffet breakfast and preparation for a city tour of Ohrid, where we will have the opportunity to see interesting sites. A walk along the lake will allow us to enjoy Ohrid’s picturesque narrow streets and the beauty of its Byzantine churches. We continue our excursion with a cruise on Lake Ohrid, offering a peaceful scenic experience. Afterward, there is free time for lunch. In the evening, we will have a special night, dining in a local venue with traditional food and folk music (included).

Day 6
A full-day excursion to the city of Bitola. Our first visit will be to the Heraclea Lyncestis archaeological site, where we will admire the well-preserved mosaic floor. This significant site was discovered in the 4th century BC. We then continue to Bitola, where we will stroll along the Shirok Sokak Street, enjoying the Neoclassical architecture, houses, cafes, and restaurants. Afterward, we will visit the Old Bazaar, then proceed to the Green Market to see historical sites such as the Clock Tower and Yeni Mosque. There will be free time for lunch (extra) and shopping for souvenirs. We return to Ohrid for dinner at the hotel.

Day 7
Breakfast and free time until noon. At 13:00, we depart for a half-day excursion to the Bay of the Bones, an archaeological complex located at the excavation site of Ploca Micov Kamen, near Gradishte and Pestani along the shores of Lake Ohrid. We continue to the Sveti Naum Monastery. Afterward, we return to the hotel.

Day 8
Transfer by coach to Lake Matka via Kitcevo, where we will have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of this canyon and take a boat trip around the lake, leading to the Vrelo Cave. Afterward, we will have a traditional meal (paid) and then head to Skopje Airport for flight W6 7765, departing at 19:15. We will arrive back in Malta at 23:00.