Macedonia, North Macedonia and Bulgaria Tour in 8 Days from Sofia

Culture

5%

Relax

70%

Food

25%

Arrival in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, and check-in at the hotel. At 7:30 PM, meet the tour guide and the other participants, an opportunity to get acquainted with the group before beginning the journey through the Balkans.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Culture

40%

Nature

5%

History

35%

Relax

10%

Adventure

5%

Food

5%

Breakfast at the hotel and departure for North Macedonia, crossing the border to reach Skopje, the country's capital.

In the afternoon, enjoy a guided visit of the city, characterised by the coexistence of its long Ottoman heritage and the urban transformations of the 20th century. The itinerary includes the Old Bazaar, where narrow streets, traditional shops and historic architecture preserve the atmosphere of the centuries spent under Ottoman rule.

The visit continues through the modern part of Skopje, extensively transformed following the earthquake of 1963. Among spacious squares and monuments dedicated to historical figures, discover a place associated with the memory of Mother Teresa, who was born in the city.

Dinner and overnight stay.

Culture

35%

Nature

25%

History

30%

Relax

5%

Adventure

5%

Breakfast and departure for Tetovo, where a visit is planned to the famous Painted Mosque, one of North Macedonia's most distinctive examples of religious architecture. Its elaborate decorations, featuring geometric and floral patterns, cover both the interior and exterior surfaces of the building.

The journey continues south towards Ohrid, overlooking the lake of the same name and renowned for its remarkable historical and religious heritage.

In the afternoon, explore the town along its ancient cobbled streets, passing traditional buildings and Orthodox churches. The visit includes the ancient theatre and the Church of Saint Sophia, a testament to the region's long cultural and religious history.

One of the most memorable moments of the day is the visit to the Church of Saint John at Kaneo, perched on a promontory overlooking Lake Ohrid. From here, enjoy sweeping views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

Dinner and overnight stay.

Culture

25%

Nature

5%

History

60%

Relax

5%

Adventure

5%

Breakfast and early departure for Heraclea Lyncestis, an ancient settlement founded during the Macedonian period and later developed under Roman rule.

The archaeological visit offers an opportunity to admire the ancient theatre and the floor mosaics of the early Christian basilica, among the most significant remains of this historic city.

Continue to Bitola, a town that preserves important traces of its Ottoman past. Enjoy a short period of free time to walk along the main pedestrian street, lined with historic buildings, shops and former Ottoman residences.

The journey then continues across the Greek border towards Pella, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Macedon and birthplace of Alexander the Great.

Visit the Archaeological Museum, which houses archaeological finds and outstanding examples of mosaic art, reflecting the cultural wealth of the ancient city.

After the visit, continue to Thessaloniki. Dinner and overnight stay.

Culture

35%

History

55%

Relax

5%

Food

5%

Breakfast and a morning dedicated to exploring Thessaloniki, an important city in northern Greece overlooking the Aegean Sea.

The sightseeing tour introduces some of the city's most remarkable Roman monuments, including the Rotunda of Galerius, a 4th-century building later converted into a church and a mosque, and the nearby Arch of Galerius, decorated with reliefs commemorating the emperor's victories.

The visit continues to two of the city's most recognisable landmarks: the White Tower, overlooking the waterfront, and the impressive equestrian statue of Alexander the Great, recalling the region's connection with the history of ancient Macedonia.

In the afternoon, travel to Vergina, home to the royal tombs of ancient Aigai. The museum complex contains precious archaeological discoveries, including gold artefacts, jewellery, weapons and funerary decorations. Particular attention is given to the tomb attributed to Philip II, father of Alexander the Great.

Return to Thessaloniki. Dinner and overnight stay.

Culture

10%

Nature

35%

History

5%

Relax

40%

Adventure

5%

Food

5%

Free time in Thessaloniki during the morning, with an opportunity to explore the city centre, its shops, cafés and lively streets, or enjoy a walk along the attractive waterfront, lined with gardens and seaside establishments.

Later, departure northwards and crossing of the border into Bulgaria. The route passes through a mountainous region, offering a change of scenery after the cities and archaeological sites visited in the previous days.

Arrival in Bansko, a Bulgarian town surrounded by mountains.

Dinner and overnight stay.

Culture

40%

Nature

15%

History

35%

Relax

5%

Food

5%

Breakfast and departure for Rila Monastery, one of the most important Orthodox monastic complexes in the Balkans, set among mountains and forests.

The visit offers an opportunity to discover a site of outstanding religious and artistic significance, renowned for its architecture and the brightly coloured frescoes decorating the monastery buildings. The complex is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Afterwards, continue to Sofia.

In the afternoon, explore the Bulgarian capital, beginning with the monumental Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of the city's most recognisable landmarks.

The visit continues through the historic centre, among palaces and buildings reflecting the Bulgarian National Revival and the transformations associated with the country's liberation from Ottoman rule in the 19th century.

Dinner at leisure. Numerous restaurants and cafés can be found near the hotel and along the pedestrian area of Vitosha Boulevard.

Overnight stay in Sofia.

Relax

80%

Food

20%

Breakfast at the hotel.

End of the services included in the itinerary.