Bear Watching in North Macedonia

Fly to Skopje and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a guided walking tour of Skopje and its old town before having dinner at an authentic 15th century oriental han. (D)

Depart for Mavrovo National Park where you will join the park rangers for conservation operations at the deer reproduction centre including maintenance and feeding activities. After a picnic lunch, hop inside a 4x4 jeep for an off-road adventure to the wild goat habitats of the park looking out on the drive for other animals including eagles, falcons, wolves, deer and bears. Hike through dense forest to the feeding stations and learn how to recognise animal tracks, scents and sounds. Continue hiking to one of the peaks where you can watch eagles hunting. Return to the lodge for a traditional dinner. (B,L,D)

Wake up early and enjoy a bear watching hike to densely populated bear areas. Transfer to Pelister National Park and check-in in to your accommodation. Enjoy a traditional North Macedonian slow-food lunch. In the evening, embark on a bear watching hike with the opportunity to spend the night in hide. (B,L,D)

Embark on an early morning observation hike in search of wildlife to reach the eastern slopes of the mountain. Here, help the park rangers to replant some rare and prehistoric pine called Molika. Continue on an easy hike through the Molika forest. In the evening enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Bitola’s old town. (B,L,D)

Continue to explore the city of Bitola where a melting pot of cultures and civilisations can be found. Perhaps visit the well-preserved Roman site of Heraclea, famous for its ancient theatre, mosaics and Roman baths dating back to the ancient Macedonian Empire. In the afternoon transfer to the picturesque lakeside town of Ohrid. (B)

Spend two full days exploring the charming town of Ohrid at leisure. Discover incredible ancient churches, many adorned with vibrant frescoes, and look out for the numerous artisan workshops where a wide range of handmade arts and crafts can be found. Consider booking an optional excursion to the village of Kalishta or in the summer months take a boat trip to St Naum Monastery at the other end of the lake near the border with Albania. In the evenings perhaps relax with a glass of delicious North Macedonian wine and freshly caught Ohrid trout, watching the sun set over the lake. (B)

Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK. (B)