Ancient Macedonia

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Description

Summary

Starts
Sofia
Duration
15 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy
Minimum age
18 years

Description

Embark on a captivating 15-day journey through the heart of ancient Macedonia, where history, culture, and natural beauty converge. From the vibrant streets of Sofia to the serene shores of Lake Ohrid, this multi-day tour offers an immersive experience through Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Greece. Discover ancient ruins, majestic monasteries, and charming towns, all while savoring the rich flavors of local cuisine. With guided tours, scenic drives, and optional excursions, each day presents a new adventure, culminating in the vibrant city of Thessaloniki. Join us for an unforgettable exploration of this historic region.

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Included

13 nights standard hotel

1 nights standard monastery

hotel: 13 night(s), monastery: 1 night(s);

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A key facet of our responsible approach to tourism is that we encourage our groups to eat in local restaurants that prepare locally grown food. We give customers choice as to their meals and do not use rather bland and impersonal hotel restaurants or all- inclusive options

14 Breakfasts

1 Lunches

1 Dinners

vegetarian, vegan, halal, meat

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All accommodation, activities and meals that are shown in the itinerary are included in the total cost of your trip You will also receive a complimentary transfer to and from the airport if you arrive on day 1 of the trip and depart on the last day and have provided your international flight information.

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Bus, Boat, Ferry

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Tour Leaders are quite simply the glue that holds our tours together. They are chosen for their travel experience and people skills and are thoroughly trained by Explore, widely acknowledged as some of the best training in the industry. A Tour Leader's ultimate aim is to ensure everyone is well looked after and have a fantastic trip. They are there to ensure that the tour logistics run smoothly, that health and safety is adhered to and provide comprehensive briefings at the beginning and throughout the tour.

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Destinations

Sofia - city in BulgariaSofia
Kavala - region in GreeceKavala
Mavrovo - city in North MacedoniaMavrovo
Банско -  in BulgariaBansko
Aerial view of Samuel's Fortress and Plaosnik at Ohrid in North Macedonia.Ohrid
Panoramic view of Skopje town with Vodno hill in the background.Skopje
Kratovo
Thessaloniki Municipal Unit - city in GreeceThessaloniki

Map

Attractions

Earth and People National Museum
Photo of historical part of unesco listed town ohrid is located next to the ohrid lake and spread all over the hill with fortress of tzar samuel at the top.Ohrid City Park
Vassil Levski Monument
Viewpoint (Vidikovac)
Royal Burial Cluster of Philip II (Cluster A) at Aegae, Veria, Imathia Regional Unit, Central Macedonia, Macedonia and Thrace, GreeceRoyal Burial Cluster of Philip II (Cluster A) at Aegae
photo of view of National Museum of Natural History,Sofia Bulgaria.National Museum of Natural History
Photo of Beautiful view of the Orthodox Rila Monastery, a famous tourist attraction and cultural heritage monument in the Rila Nature Park mountains in Bulgaria.Rila Monastery
photo of Ancient Theatre of Philippi,Krinides Greece.Ancient theatre of Philippi
National Museum of History, Vitosha, Sofia City, Sofia-City, BulgariaNational Museum of History
Roman Forum of Thessaloniki, 1st District of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki Municipal Unit, Municipality of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki Regional Unit, Central Macedonia, Macedonia and Thrace, GreeceRoman Forum of Thessaloniki
National park Mavrovo, Volkovija, Municipality of Mavrovo and Rostusha, Polog Region, North MacedoniaNational park Mavrovo
Square Macedonia, Centar, Skopje, Municipality of Centar, City of Skopje, Skopje Region, North MacedoniaSquare „Macedonia“
Photo of Medieval Lesnovo Monastery of St. Archangel Michael and St. Hermit Gabriel of Lesnovo, Probistip region, Republic of North Macedonia.Lesnovo monastery
Sveti Mina, Кюстендил, Kyustendil, BulgariaSveti Mina
Photo of Vrelo Cave in the Matka Canyon of Macedonia in Summer.Vrelo Cave
Trimi beach
Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon, Ohrid, Municipality of Ohrid, Southwestern Region, North MacedoniaChurch of Saints Clement and Panteleimon

Daily Itinerary

Day1

Day 1
Day 1: Arrival in Sofia

  • Sofia - Arrival day
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  • Earth and People National Museum
  • National Museum of Natural History
  • National Museum of History
  • More

Welcome to the vibrant city of Sofia, where history and modernity blend seamlessly. As you arrive in Bulgaria's capital, take the time to explore its rich heritage. Wander through the Archaeological Museum, marvel at the relics in the Museum of Socialist Art, or uncover the ancient ruins of Serdica. In the evening, indulge in traditional Bulgarian cuisine, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey.

Day2

Day 2
Day 2: Sofia to Saint Joakim Osogovski Monastery

  • Sofia
  • More
  • Vassil Levski Monument
  • Sveti Mina
  • More

Embark on a guided walking tour of Sofia, starting with the majestic Alexander Nevski Cathedral. After lunch, journey to the serene Saint Joakim Osogovski Monastery, nestled in the lush hills of North Macedonia. Experience the tranquility of this historic site, adorned with vibrant frescoes, and enjoy a unique overnight stay within its sacred walls.

Day3

Day 3
Day 3: Kratovo to Skopje

  • Kratovo
  • Skopje
  • More
  • Lesnovo monastery
  • Vrelo Cave
  • More

Discover the charming town of Kratovo, renowned for its Ottoman towers and stone bridges. Enjoy a traditional lunch accompanied by local music before heading to Skopje, North Macedonia's capital. Explore the city's rich history with a guided tour, visiting Fortress Kale and the vibrant Turkish bazaar. The evening is yours to savor Macedonian delicacies in a local eatery.

Day4

Day 4
Day 4: Matka Gorge Excursion

  • Square „Macedonia“
  • More

Venture to the breathtaking Matka Gorge, where nature's artistry is on full display. Opt for a boat ride on Matka Lake or explore the scenic trails along the gorge. Return to Skopje for an afternoon of leisure, with opportunities to delve into the city's cultural treasures or revisit the bustling bazaar.

Day5

Day 5
Day 5: Journey to Lake Ohrid

  • Mavrovo
  • Ohrid
  • More
  • National park Mavrovo
  • More

Travel through the picturesque Black Drim River Valley to the shores of Lake Ohrid. En route, visit the exquisite Saint Jovan Bigorski Monastery, renowned for its intricate iconostasis. Arrive in Ohrid, where you'll have the evening to explore the lakeside town or enjoy a leisurely dinner by the water.

Day6

Day 6
Day 6: Exploring Ohrid's Heritage

  • Ohrid
  • More
  • Old Swimming Court
  • Robev Family House
  • National park „Galičica“
  • Church of Saint John the Theologian
  • Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon
  • More

Immerse yourself in Ohrid's rich history with a guided walking tour, visiting Tsar Samuel's Fortress and Saint Sophia's Church. Enjoy panoramic views from the Roman amphitheatre before a boat ride back to town. The afternoon is yours to explore further or relax by the lake.

Day7

Day 7
Day 7: Optional Excursion to Albania

  • Ohrid City Park
  • More

Consider a full-day excursion to Albania, exploring the quaint fishing village of Lin and the town of Podgradec. Discover Ottoman mosaics and enjoy the local specialty of Ohrid trout. Return to Ohrid, having circled the entire lake, for a relaxing evening.

Day8

Day 8
Day 8: Galicica National Park Adventure

  • Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon
  • More

Explore the natural beauty of Galicica National Park, with its stunning views over Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa. Visit the Saint Naum Monastery and enjoy a rowing boat trip to the lake's bubbling springs. Continue to the ancient site of Heraclea before arriving at Pelister National Park for an overnight stay.

Day9

Day 9
Day 9: From Macedonia to Greece

  • Royal Burial Cluster of Philip II (Cluster A) at Aegae
  • More

Cross into Greece, visiting the ancient city of Aigai and the royal tombs of Vergina. Discover the birthplace of Alexander the Great in Pella before arriving in Thessaloniki. Enjoy a free evening to savor Greek cuisine in this vibrant city.

Day10

Day 10
Day 10: Discover Thessaloniki

  • Thessaloniki
  • More
  • Roman Forum of Thessaloniki
  • More

Uncover Thessaloniki's rich tapestry of history with a guided tour, visiting the Roman Rotunda, White Tower, and Saint Demetrius Church. Spend the afternoon exploring at your leisure, perhaps visiting the Archaeological Museum or enjoying the city's vibrant atmosphere.

Day11

Day 11
Day 11: Scenic Journey to Kavala

  • Kavala
  • More
  • Trimi beach
  • More

Travel across the Halkidiki Peninsula to Kavala, with a boat tour along the coast of Mount Athos. Admire the monastic architecture from the sea before enjoying free time in Kavala, a charming city with a rich maritime history.

Day12

Day 12
Day 12: Explore Thassos Island

  • Kavala
  • More
  • Viewpoint (Vidikovac)
  • More

Ferry to Thassos Island for a day of exploration. Discover archaeological sites, including an ancient Roman theatre, or relax on the island's pristine beaches. Return to the mainland in the afternoon, with an evening in Kavala.

Day13

Day 13
Day 13: Return to Bulgaria

  • Bansko
  • More
  • Ancient theatre of Philippi
  • More

Journey back to Bulgaria, stopping at the ancient site of Philippi for a guided tour. Explore the historic town of Bansko, nestled in the Pirin Mountains, with its charming old town and vibrant atmosphere.

Day14

Day 14
Day 14: Rila Monastery and Return to Sofia

  • Sofia
  • More
  • Rila Monastery
  • More

Visit the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery, a beacon of Bulgarian culture and history. Explore its stunning frescoes and rich heritage before returning to Sofia for a final evening in this captivating city.

Day15

Day 15
Day 15: Departure from Sofia

  • Sofia - Departure day
  • More

Conclude your journey through ancient Macedonia with a farewell to Sofia. Depart at your leisure, taking with you memories of a captivating adventure through history and culture.

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From ancient cities to alpine peaks, we’re here for you 24/7 with local expertise and support, wherever your travels take you.
Secure your spot
Book instantly and lock in your place on one of Europe’s top-rated tours. Enjoy the best price and secure checkout so you can focus on the fun.
Get instant confirmation
Receive your e-ticket and booking summary immediately after checkout, with all meeting points and schedules included.
Easily make changes
Plans changed? No problem. Our team is just seconds away—ready to help with any adjustments quickly and smoothly.
Explore with confidence
From ancient cities to alpine peaks, we’re here for you 24/7 with local expertise and support, wherever your travels take you.

We guarantee

Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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