Things to do in Bitola

One of our most beloved excursions will start in the morning, as your driver picks you up and drives you to Bitola, where the starting point is. After you reach the meeting point, an organized team of mountains experts with terrain vehicles will wait for you to bring you into the mystical mountains of National Park Pelister. From the city of Bitola, it’s a journey of approximately 1 ½ hours before you step out of the vehicles at 2200 meter above sea level. You'll take a beautiful walk around the two little lakes at 2180 and 2200 meters above sea level. Breathe the fresh mountain air while standing in the clouds and enjoy the astonishing views. The beauty of this landscape is shaped by the diverse wildlife: bears, roe deer, wolves, chamois, wild boars, eagles and many more. This bumpy off-road adventure will lead you through various natural gems. But the most special one is definitely the mythical ‘Eyes of Pelister’. If you want to unravel this secret, then visit this excursion. During the ride coffee breaks and photo stops will be made. The panoramic views will be one for in the books. Additional: For 15-euro p.p. you can have homemade local lunch in a mountain hut. This includes homemade stew, feta cheese, salads, bread, rakija, wine and many more. Feel free to eat and drink as much as you like. This is paid on the spot.

Go back to the past and embark on a guided city tour of Bitola, the second biggest North Macedonian city, and explore the significant historical sights. When arriving, the guided tour starts by walking through the city center, which holds a rich historical heritage as a prominent center of politics, culture, and economics. During the era of the Ottoman Empire, from 1870 to 1930, Bitola stood as a hub for consulates and diplomacy, adorned with majestic consulate buildings, opulent merchant houses and Macedonian craft unions. The city's landscape still bears the splendid remnants of its past glory topped with a touch of French architecture. Enter the National Institute (NI) and museum of Bitola and the St. Demetrius Church which is known for its remarkable wood-carved iconostasis. Moreover, Bitola is also the city with the largest First World War cemetery in the country and the old residence of none other than Mustafa Kemal Ata Turk, the most important historical figure for Turkey. Both will be visited.

During the tour you will visit: - Niš, less often spelled in English as Nish, is the third largest city in Serbia. It is the administrative center of the Nišava District. According to the 2011 census, the city proper has a population of 182,797, while its administrative area has a population of 260,237 inhabitants. - Optionally you can choose to visit Pristina, the capital and the largest city of Kosovo. Pristina is the administrative center of the eponymous municipality and district. We provide a walking tour through the city, stopping by (not only) the following remarkable spots: the city Centre, where you will see the state institutions, the main square, the National Theatre, and Mother Theresa Street. - The National Library, Newborn Monument dedicated to the independence of Kosova, Mather Theresa Cathedral, Bill Clinton's Statue. Bear in mind we offer Daily tours from - Skopje to Ohrid, - Skopje to Krusevo, Prilep and Bitola, - Skopje to Kosovo: Pristina & Prizren & Albania: Kukes, - Skopje to Canyon Matka & Millennium Cross. If interested we can expand your tour and you will have substantial discount.

We start the tour with pick up you from your accommodation, continue the trip in way to visit Bitola, where you will have a sightseeing tour of Bitola - visit the church of St. Dimitri. Then we just have a quick glance at Yeni Mosque, built in 1559 which is now an art gallery, then the Yahdar-Kadi Mosque and the Isak Mosque. At the heart of the town is the Clock Tower. The River Dragor runs through the town. Sirok Sokak (a long pedestrian area) is renowned for the beautiful old houses that belong to the 19th-century architecture. Bitola is a town of consulates, also the town where the Manaki brothers, famous for their pioneering work with the camera, opened their Studio of Art Photography in 1905. In honor of their work in photography, and later, cinematography, the first international film camera festival in the world was started here in 1979 and is held every September. After this, we go to the ancient Macedonian town of Heraclea Lyncestis. It was the first major town established in the rich Pelagonia valley in the 4th century BC. Continue the trip to Ohrid - starting a tour with visit of the church of St. Sophia which dates from the 11th century and then we go up to the Roman amphitheater which dates back to the 3rd century BC. Afterwards we continue walking to the Icon Gallery, which shows a range of some of the most famous and valuable icons in the world right after the ones on Athos and in Russia. In the vicinity of the gallery is the church of St. Clement’s Church of the Holy Mother of God Most Glorious which dates from the 13th century and possesses some of the most beautiful and valuable frescoes from the 13th century not only in our country but in the Balkans as well. After that we carry on walking to Tsar Samoil’s Fortress which was named after the first tsar of the Macedonian Slavs, who having conquered Byzantium, brought most of Macedonia under his rule. Then we walk to Plaoshnik, the place where we visit the newly built St. Clement’s Monastery Church which is dedicated to St. Clement, the patron of Ohrid, and St. Panteleimon and which stands beside the original site of St. Clement’s University, the first university of the Macedonian Slavs started in the 9th century AD. Inside the church you can also see the tomb with St. Clement’s relics. Beside the church you can see the foundations of the 5th-century basilica with beautifully preserved mosaic floors and some swastikas also discovered on the floors. From here we head towards the Church of St. Jovan at Kaneo, which was built at the end of the 13th century, and is one of the most frequently visited churches in Ohrid because of its beautiful location on the cliffs directly above the lake. After this we go back to the town on foot. Another option is to return to the town by boat and at the same time to make a tour of the lake providing you with a great view of the town. After a short brake leaving for Skopje.

Once we arrive at Bitola, on the right, you can see Mount Pelister and Pelister National Park, which is the smallest but oldest national park in Macedonia . It is famous for its ancient Molika pine trees and many other different types of flora and fauna and it conserves some rare glacial lakes, Pelisterski Ochi (the Pelister Eyes). It is a famous winter ski resort with hotels and ski-lifts. In Bitola we visit the church of St. Dimitri, dating back to the 19th century and renowned for being one of the biggest churches in the Balkans. Then we just have a quick glance at Yeni Mosque, built in 1559 which is now an art gallery, then the Yahdar-Kadi Mosque (built in 1562) and the Isak Mosque . At the heart of the town is the Clock Tower. The River Dragor runs through the town. Sirok Sokak (a long pedestrian area) is renowned for the beautiful old houses that belong to the 19th-century architecture. Bitola is a town of consulates, also the town where the Manaki brothers, famous for their pioneering work with the camera, opened their Studio of Art Photography in 1905. In honor of their work in photography, and later, cinematography, the first international film camera festival in the world was started here in 1979 and is held every September. After this, we go to the ancient Macedonian town of Heraclea Lyncestis by bus. It was the first major town established in the rich Pelagonia valley in the 4th century BC. It was founded by Philip II of Macedon, the father of Aleksandar III of Macedon. Archaeological excavations are still going on at this site and so far a Roman Bath, a Roman amphitheathre, a Courtroom and a small and big Basilicas from the 5th century have been discovered. The basilicas have the most beautiful and well preserved mosaic floors which are also the biggest in the Balkans and considered to be ones of the most valuable in the world from this period. After Bitola, We will continue to Krushevo, the city with the highest altitude in the country. Firstly we will visit monument Meckin Kamen. Continue in city and see Makedonium – The Makedonium almost looks like a heart valve, except it’s white and has around 10 massive stained-glass skylights poking out from its circular base. In North Macedonia, it has become a symbol of statehood. It overlooks the town of Kruševo from over 4,000 feet, which makes it fairly prominent, but that’s where the symbolism ends, visit the tomb of Toshe Proeski, also enjoy the beautiful mountainous terrain. Also visit and St. Preobrazenie monastery and enjoy in wonderful panorama of the region.

Your driver/ guide will pick you up from your hotel or any location of your preference in Skopje, and then take you by comfortable air-conditioned car or minivan to Bitola. In about less than 3-hours driving, as a first stop in Bitola and an introduction to the city’s history, you will be able to visit and learn about the ancient settlement Heraclea Lyncestis and the well-preserved floor mosaics, fine examples of early Christian art. After visiting Heraclea, driving by the City Park, your driver/ guide will transfer you to the City Museum from where you will enjoy a walking tour through Shirok Sokak, among the nice colorful romantic and neoclassical buildings, housing cafes and restaurants, with time to taste some local bites or just relax with a coffee and people watching. The tour will further continue through the sites to the Old Bazaar, finishing at the Green Market, where you won’t miss the chance to buy a “pepper necklace” or some of the fresh, organic and seasonal products. Transfer back to your hotel or any location of your preference in Skopje.

Starting with pickup from your hotel or any location in Skopje, travel towards Ohrid in an airconditioned minivan. Pass through the beautiful mountain valleys, getting excellent views of the Macedonian countryside. Along the way, stop at the charming town of Bitola for a few hours for some exploration. Take the opportunity to visit Heraclea Lyncestis, an important settlement founded by Philip II of Macedon in the 4th century. Discover the beautiful, well-preserved floor mosaics which are fine examples of the early Christian Art period. See also a mixture of Ottoman, neo-classical, and 19th century romantic architecture within the town. Wander the pedestrian street of Shirok Sokak, lined with colorful and neoclassical buildings, almost of all of them housing charming cafés. After some time in Bitola, continue with your transfer to Ohrid.

Day 1: Skopje – Matka – Skopje Start your tour with a pick-up from your hotel in Skopje. Head to the Matka Canyon for a boat ride that will take you all the way to Vrelo Cave. Explore caves, medieval castles, and spectacular hiking routes. Enjoy the option to go swimming in the turquoise waters. After this experience, drive back towards Skopje. Overnight in Skopje. Day 2: Skopje – Veles – Winery After breakfast, move on towards Veles. The city of Veles is focused on the production of porcelain and silk. Outside of the center, see the Saint Panteleimon church on the side of a hill in a beautiful white color and stunning painted icons on the inside. The second destination for today is a famous winery, shaped as a castle, and the surrounding vineyards. Enjoy a wine tasting at the winery. Overnight near the winery. Day 3: Winery – Bitola Take a step back in time and visit the ancient city of Bitola, the second largest and oldest city of North Macedonia. Bitola combines the old with the new, Ottoman buildings next to modern office buildings. Continue to the ruins of Heraclea Lyncestis. Overnight in Bitola. Day 4: Bitola – St Naum – Galichitsa National Park – Ohrid Continue your tour to St Naum near the Albanian border and one of the most beautiful locations in North Macedonia. On the way there, pass through the Galichitsa National Park, located between the Albanian border, Ohrid Lake, and Prespa Lake. Enjoy some time on the water. In the afternoon, drive towards Ohrid. Overnight in Ohrid. Day 5: Day tour of Ohrid Explore Ohrid city and Ohrid Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the famous view point of church of St. John, the church of St. Nicolas, and the mosque Halveti Hayati Tekke. Overnight in Ohrid. Day 6: Ohrid – Jance Village – Mavrovo National Park Continue towards Mavrovo National Park. Visit the picturesque village of Janche, located by the winding canyon of Radika in Mavrovo National Park. Explore Mavrovo, a natural and national wonder of green verdant countryside. Overnight near Mavrovo National Park. Day 7: Mavrovo – Tetovo Head to Tetovo. The Pena River flows right through the city with on the sides some interesting landmarks, such as the Hamam of Tetovo, and the beginning of some boulevards. Visit the “painted mosque’’, Sharena Dzamija, in the old part of the city. Overnight in Tetovo. Day 8: Tetovo – Skopje After breakfast in Tetovo, have a city tour of Skopje, the capital. We wander through the Old Bazaar of Skopje, the biggest in the Balkans, that combines the modern way of living with centuries of history. The cross on top of the mountain can be seen kilometers away from Skopje and has become a symbol of the city. The city tour of Skopje marks the end of this amazing experience through history and culture.

Escape the bustle of Skopje and embark on a captivating 12-hour journey through Macedonia's heartland, where ancient history whispers from the ruins and royal legacies echo through charming towns. This isn't just a day trip; it's a time-traveling adventure. Imagine the sun rising over Skopje as you settle into a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Your expert guide, brimming with stories and insights, sets the stage for the day's explorations. First stop: Stobi, a city frozen in time. Wander through the remarkably preserved ruins of this ancient Roman settlement, a once-thriving metropolis. Marvel at the intricate mosaics, imagine gladiators battling in the arena, and feel the weight of history beneath your feet. Our guide will bring the past to life, painting a vivid picture of Stobi's vibrant past. Next, journey to Prilep, a city steeped in history and known for its tobacco production. Explore the city's landmarks, learn about its rich cultural heritage, and perhaps even sample some local delicacies. Lunch awaits in Kruševo, a mountain town with a heroic past. Enjoy a delicious traditional Macedonian meal amidst breathtaking scenery. Kruševo is a symbol of Macedonian resilience, and your guide will share tales of its brave resistance fighters. The afternoon unfolds in Bitola, the "City of Consuls." Stroll along Širok Sokak, Bitola's vibrant pedestrian street, lined with charming cafes and elegant architecture. Enjoy a relaxing coffee break, soaking in the city's cosmopolitan atmosphere. But the journey isn't over yet! Prepare your palate for an exquisite wine tasting experience. Visit a local winery, where you'll discover the unique flavors of Macedonian wines, learning about the region's viticulture and savoring the fruits of its vineyards. As the day winds down, treat yourself to a delightful and easy dinner at the prestigious Chateau Sopot. Indulge in a final taste of Macedonian culinary artistry, accompanied by the stunning ambiance of the Chateau. Finally, as twilight paints the sky, return to Skopje, your heart full of memories and your mind enriched by the day's discoveries.