Vardar River

The history of Skopje began with the settlements of the Thracians and establishing the fortress of Scupi. Since then, the town has changed its sovereign numerous times, being part of the Roman, Byzanatine, Bulgarian and the Serbian countries for short time.  The Ottomans conquered the city in 1392 and changed the name to Uskub, which became home for numerous Ottomans, Bulgarians and Albanians.  In 1912, the city was liberated from the Ottomans during the First Balkan war, and eventually became a part of the Serbian country. During the two world wars, it was eventually given to Bulgaria, before becoming capital of the Macedonian Federation in the Yugoslavian socialistic republic. The city then started growing rapidly industrially and economically.  Unfortunately a huge earthquake in 1963 destroyed a huge part of the town, leaving more than 100,000 people without homes. Skopje managed to recover quickly from it, just in time to become a capital of the independent country of Macedonia. Your Day in Skopje (North Macedonia) The departure is early, somewhere around 8.00 AM depending on your hotel pick-up time, because the driving time is 4 hours each way, and the border cross may take a while. On the way to Macedonia, you will use the picturesque road via the Osogovo mountains, one of the most beautiful mountain ranges both in Bulgaria and Macedonia. Somewhere around 11.30 AM (10:30 AM local time), you will arrive in Skopje. The walking tour will start with the Museum of History of Skopje, dedicated to the city, housed in the old railway station. From there, you will continue towards the Memorial House of Mother Teresa and learn about the life of the amazing Macedonian women with Albanian origin.  At this moment, your hunger for knowledge will be replaced with some good food, as youl head towards the main square, to see the huge statue of Alexander the Great and find a lovely restaurant on the south bank of Vardar river.  After lunch, you will continue your walking tour on the other side of Vardar, crossing it via the Stone bridge - the oldest and the most famous bridge in Skopje, today marked as the symbol of the city. You will then head towards the Old Fortress, for some remarkable pictures of the city from the top. Then you will end with a visit to the old quarter and its famous church - St Saviour. After a little free time to buy some souvenirs, you'll head towards the car, without forgetting to pass by the huge buildings of Skopje 2014's project.  Around 3:30- 4:00 PM, you will depart from Skopje and arrive back in Sofia at around 7:30-8:00 PM.

Day 1 - Tirana - Kotor - Budva - Shkoder We will leave Tirana at 07:00 to head toward the North of the country. The North West of Albania is characterized by mainly a flat surface and it is one of the main trading and industrial areas of Albania. Passing through the historical city of Lezha we will be soon by the Buna river. Our tour of Montenegro continues driving further and leaving behind the Scadar Lake. The next stop will be Kotor. Situated in an unusual gulf, named after its name it has been a very important historical, strategic, and trading center. Founded around the 6th century BC, Kotor resembles an Open Book of history where you can spot different tracks and records from different periods of history. In our days most of the influence is from Venetian time, as for a good amount of time it was part of the Venetian Republic. The Old City is very charming. We will walk around the small squares, surrounded by typical quarters, and visit some of the Old City Highlights for their architecture, historical values, and style. Finishing the Tour of Kotor we will continue driving toward the southern part of Montenegro, along some of the picturesque Riviera and tiny rocky beaches. The city of Budva is also one of the most important tourist cities of Montenegro with a fascinating history, dating 2600 years ago. The tour of Budva continues in the Old Part of the city with some quick visits to the Roman Ruins and the Budva Fortress by the coast offering spectacular views. Leaving Montenegro we will return back to Albania, for the final stop of the day, Shkoder. Known as the Capital of the North, Shkodra is the biggest and the most developed center in the North of Albania. Day 2 - Shkoder - Prizren - Prishtina - Skopje Leaving Shkoder we will head toward Prizren. It is also called the Cultural Capital of Kosovo. Lied on both sides of the Bistrica River, under the Prizren’s Castle this city has played a major role in Albanian History and Politics. It is one of the most important buildings and political events of the 19th century in Albanian History. Pristina is the Capital of Kosovo and furthermore, the largest city at the same time. Habited since the Old Stone Age from the Vinča culture. City tour of Pristina to and visit at National Library, Cathedral, and the Old Neighborhoods of the city. Last stop of the Day, Skopje, overnight in Skopje. Day 3 - Tour of Skopje - Ohrid - Tirana According to a UNESCO article, the town of Ohrid is one of the Oldest Human Settlements in Europe. Furthermore, it lies on the shores of Ohrid, one of the oldest lakes in the world as well. In addition, it has been in centuries a crossway of different Cultures, traditions, and different invasions. Called the “Jerusalem of the Balkan”, Ohrid played a huge role in the spread of Slavic Orthodoxy. It has had 365 Churches, one per day of the year dating from the 11th Century. Tour of Ohrid and return to Tirana in latte afternoon.

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.

Explore all the major landmarks of Skopje on this thorough guided tour through the most iconic areas of the city and beyond. Try some delicious local meals and treats as you discover your surroundings with a local expert. Have a lovely start to your day with a coffee at The Dude Specialty and breakfast at a small bakery, where you'll try the famous burek with yogurt. Begin the tour by heading up to Vodno Mountain. Take a thrilling cable car ride to the top to see the Millennium Cross and admire the spectacular views. Continue your drive to Matka Canyon and walk along the bank of the River Treska to reach the Monastery of St. Andrew. Afterward, take a relaxing boat ride to take in the magnificent scenery. Stop by Cave Vrelo, which is full of amazing stalactites and stalagmites and contains two small lakes. Drive back to Skopje and start the walking city tour with a visit to Kale Fortress, then Mustafa Pasha Mosque, and, finally, a stroll through the Old Skopje Bazaar where three caravanserais can still be seen, along with two Turkish baths dating back to the 15th century. Enjoy lunch at Destan, a great traditional kebab restaurant, and try Skopsko, the local beer. After lunch, the tour continues toward the modern part of the city. Cross the Stone Bridge to see numerous statues and monuments, then end your trip with a visit to the Memorial House of Mother Teresa.

Discover the romantic side of the charismatic city of Skopje with a local professional guide. Admire the beauty of the city with your partner on this romantic tour. Witness unique monuments and learn about Macedonian Revolutionary Movement. Stroll the historic central square of Macedonia and gaze upon the beautiful Vardar River. Take memorable photos near the iconic Stone Bridge and explore Skopje’s old bazaar. Learn about Macedonian icon Goce Delcev and end your tour near the peaceful green oasis of a central City Park where amazing views unfold.