North Macedonia Fly-Drive Holiday

Fly to Macedonia’s compact capital. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for a two night stay. Admire the iconic Stone Bridge and wander the lively Macedonia Square. 

For dinner, consider dining at any number of traditional taverna serving hearty local fare. Try Destan, famous for its succulent kebapi, or Kaj Serdarot, known for its hearty Macedonian dishes like tavče gravče (baked beans) and ajvar (red pepper relish). Pair your meal with rakija, the local fruit brandy, for an authentic start to your North Macedonia adventure.

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Discover Skopje at your leisure. Visit the Kale Fortress for stunning panoramic views and explore the Old Bazaar, one of the Balkans' largest and most vibrant markets, filled with Ottoman-era architecture and artisanal shops. Highlights include the Church of Holy Salvation, Mustapha Pasha Mosque, and Daut Pasha Baths. Take time to visit the National Museum to delve into Macedonia’s rich history. Stroll along the Vardar River promenade or enjoy a coffee in a modern café. (B)

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Collect your hire car and begin your journey to Matka Canyon. Take a boat trip along the serene waters and visit the intriguing Nad Vrelo Cave, famed for its underwater passages. Continue through the Vardar River Canyon, pausing in Veles, a picturesque town nestled along the riverbanks. Next, explore the ancient city of Stobi, where Roman ruins include an amphitheatre and mosaics. End your day at Popova Kula Winery in Demir Kapija (110km), where you can indulge in wine tastings and enjoy stunning vineyard views. (B)

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Drive on to Prilep and enjoy a short walk through the bazaar before continuing to Bitola, North Macedonia's second largest town. Bitola is an extraordinary mixture of old and new and a meeting point of different cultures and civilisations. In the afternoon, visit the Roman ruins of Heraclea, famous for its mosaics, ancient theatre and Roman baths. Check in to the hotel in Bitola for an overnight stay. (B)

Journey toward Ohrid, a UNESCO-listed gem on Lake Ohrid’s shores (70km). Stop at Kurbinovo to see the 12th-century Church of St. George, famed for its vivid frescoes. Alternatively, explore , home to tranquil trails and glacial lakes known as "Pelister’s Eyes." Arrive in Ohrid, a city steeped in history and natural beauty. Wander its cobblestone streets and admire panoramic lake views.> (B)

Spend the day discovering Ohrid’s treasures. Visit the churches of St. Clement and St. Sophia, masterpieces of Byzantine architecture. Admire the spectacular setting of St. John at Kaneo, perched on a cliff overlooking the lake. Stroll along the waterfront promenade or explore the Old Town’s historic houses and narrow alleys. Take a boat trip to the Bay of Bones, a reconstructed prehistoric settlement on stilts. In the evening, dine by the lakeside. (B)

Enjoy another day to explore Ohrid or relax by the water. Wander the lively markets, shop for handcrafted jewellery made from local pearls, or take a leisurely hike along the lakeshore. Visit the bustling port and watch traditional fishing boats returning with their catch. If you prefer a quieter day, relax at one of the beaches around Lake Ohrid or book a private boat tour. (B)

Embark on a scenic drive through Galicica National Park  (50-60km), a haven for hikers and nature lovers. Enjoy breathtaking views from Magaro Peak and discover rare flora unique to the region. Explore mountain villages where time seems to stand still. At the end of the day visit the monastery of St. Naum, situated close to the springs of the Black Drim River and famous for its miraculous healing powers, before returning to Ohrid. (B)

Begin your journey back to Skopje (256km), stopping in Struga to see the “wall of water,” where the Black Drim River flows out of Lake Ohrid. Drive through the Mavrovo National Park, characterised by alpine meadows and rugged peaks. Visit the Monastery of St. John Bigorski, a spiritual haven in a picturesque canyon. Arrive in Skopje and return your hire car. (B)

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