One-Week North Macedonia Road Trip from Skopje traveling west to Ohrid, and Bitola
Description
Included
Description
Experience the freedom of the open road in North Macedonia as you embark on an unforgettable 8-day road trip! This experience caters to every traveler, featuring destinations like Skopje, Rostushe, Mavrovo, Ohrid, Lubanishta, Bitola, and Nizhepole.
This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in North Macedonia takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 5 nights in Skopje, 1 night in Ohrid, and 1 night in Bitola. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!
With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in North Macedonia. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have got you covered.
Upon arriving in Skopje, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover North Macedonia on your own terms.
An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in North Macedonia. Old Bazaar and Monastery Of Saint Naum are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.
As you hit the open road and drive through Skopje, Rostushe, Mavrovo, Ohrid, Lubanishta, Bitola, and Nizhepole, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of North Macedonia. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in North Macedonia.
Throughout your road trip in North Macedonia, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in North Macedonia.
This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodation, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.
The best services in North Macedonia fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in North Macedonia today!
Itinerary summary
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Day 1
- Skopje - Arrival day
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- Stone Bridge
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Say hello to Skopje! Your exciting road trip through North Macedonia is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the city. You will stay in Skopje for 4 nights before you continue your adventure!
Skopje is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Stone Bridge In Skopje or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Skopje. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Skopje. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Have a fantastic dining experience at Tribeca Restaurant & Bar, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Balilla offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Sidro is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Skopje.
Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Mosh, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Café Capri provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Badu Bar offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.
Raise a toast to the start of your 8-day road trip in North Macedonia!
Day 2
- Skopje
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Drive 4 km, 56 min
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- Skopje Fortress
- Memorial House of Mother Teresa
- Macedonian Archbishop Cathedral „St. Clement of Ohrid”
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Day 2 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Skopje for 3 nights more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.
Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Museum Of Contemporary Art Skopje. This extraordinary museum is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 559 visitors.
Next, make your way to Skopje Fortress. This top attraction is an archaeological site with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 1,894 visitors.
We also recommend a visit to Mother Theresa Memorial House. This museum is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,661 travelers.
If you’re keen to keep exploring, visit Church Of St. Clement Of Ohrid. This highly recommended sightseeing destination has received an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,691 travelers.
Immerse yourself in the local scene through top-rated tours and activities. You can choose from a wide variety of easy to challenging tours and easily add them to your travel package below.
Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Skopje's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Vodenica Mulino, a top-rated dining destination in Skopje. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Gallery 7, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Fast Food 7 - Aerodrom. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Skopje this evening.
After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Heart Bar Skopje, known for its lively atmosphere. Chillin' Bar is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Casa offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.
As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in North Macedonia.
Day 3
- Skopje
- Mavrovo and Rostusha
- Mavrovo
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Drive 253 km, 4 hours 38 min
- Bigorski Monastery St John the Baptist
- Old Mavrovo Church
- National park Mavrovo
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On day 3 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Skopje, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. On today's itinerary, you'll find attractions in Rostushe, and Mavrovo. You still have 2 nights left in Skopje.
Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Skopje and set your GPS to Rostushe. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 1 hour 53 min. Upon reaching Rostushe, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.
Take the opportunity to see Bigorski Monastery St John The Baptist. This attraction has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 3,169 visitors.
Set your GPS to Mavrovo and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 37 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Mavrovo beckons with new experiences!
A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Old Mavrovo Church. Previous visitors have rated this church an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 282 reviews.
Mavrovo National Park is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,895 reviews.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Skopje and your accommodation.
After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Skopje. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.
Dine in style at Balkanika Rustikana, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Pelister boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Restaurant Skopski Merak. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Skopje.
Cap off your dinner by heading to Nano, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Konak is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Piazza Liberta is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.
Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in North Macedonia.
Day 4
- Skopje
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Drive 16 km, 4 hours 17 min
- Old Bazaar
- National Gallery Chifte Amam
- Skopje Zoo
- Millennium Cross
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Day 4 of your road trip across North Macedonia promises a magnificent time exploring Skopje. You have 1 night left in Skopje. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.
Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Old Bazaar. This čaršija is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 20,113 reviews.
Next up, make your way to Čifte Hammam. This hammam has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,881 reviews.
When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Skopje Zoo. This zoo has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 6,982 visitors.
Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Millennium Cross. This cross is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,399 visitors.
If you have an appetite for more adventure, check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Skopje on this day of your trip. You'll find the most recommended ones below.
As you explore more of Skopje, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.
Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Restaurant „Lyra“, a top-rated dining spot in Skopje. If you're in the mood for something new, try Meze, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Daily Food & Wine. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Skopje.
If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Van Gogh Bar offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Garson is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Rock Bar Old School is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.
As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in North Macedonia.
Day 5
- Ohrid
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Drive 183 km, 3 hours 15 min
- Church of Saint John the Theologian
- Old City Park
- Plaoshnik
- Ancient Macedonian Theatre of Ohrid
- Chinar Tree
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On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in North Macedonia, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Ohrid. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Ohrid, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
When you’ve had your share of Skopje, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Ohrid. Your travel time is around 2 hours 44 min.
Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Church Of Saint John The Theologian. This extraordinary church has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 3,537 visitors.
Next, make your way to Old City Park. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,731 reviews.
While in Ohrid, we also recommend a visit to Plaošnik. This archaeological site has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 734 reviews.
If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Ancient Macedonian Theatre Of Ohrid. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,848 travelers, this sightseeing destination is a highly recommended stop on your sightseeing around Ohrid.
Make your way to Chinar Tree, perhaps the most famous sightseeing destination in Ohrid. This attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,411 reviews.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Ohrid, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.
As you explore more of Ohrid, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.
Dine in style at Sky Corner, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Pizza Nemo boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Restaurant „Aleksandrija“. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Ohrid.
Cap off your dinner by heading to Irish Pub Dublin, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Kafe Bar Coco Ohrid is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Shilla - Coffee & Bar is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.
Say good night to Ohrid and look forward to another great day of your road trip in North Macedonia!
Day 6
- Bitola
- Ohrid
- Lubanishta
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Drive 149 km, 4 hours 13 min
- Ohrid City Park
- Church of St. Sophia
- Monastery of Saint Naum
- The Bay of Bones
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On day 6 of your road trip in North Macedonia, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Ohrid, and Lubanishta. In the evening, you’ll end up in Bitola, where you will stay for 1 night.
Make Ohrid one of your first sightseeing stops in Ohrid. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,086 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.
Church Of St. Sophia is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This eastern orthodox church is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,242 reviews.
Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by Museum „the Bay Of Bones“. This museum has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,636 visitors.
Upon your arrival in Lubanishta, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.
Kick off the day at Monastery Of Saint Naum, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This monastery is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 8,399 reviews.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Bitola, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Bitola. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Epinal Restaurant, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try GT Caffe? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Belvedere as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Bitola.
Continue your lively evening at Bar Carsija, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Porta Jazz is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Cafe Pajton ensures a night out tailored to your taste.
Relax and reminisce about your day in North Macedonia and look forward to more memorable moments to come!
Day 7
- Skopje
- Bitola
- Nizhepole
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Drive 231 km, 5 hours 8 min
- Clock Tower
- House of the Army
- NI Institute and Museum Bitola
- Heraclea Lyncestis
- National Park „Pelister“
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 7 of your road trip in North Macedonia. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Bitola, and Nizhepole. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Skopje, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.
Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Clock Tower. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,302 reviews.
Next up, make your way to House Of The Army. This point of interest has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 286 reviews.
When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Ni Institute And Museum Bitola. This museum has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,411 visitors.
Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Heraclea Lyncestis. This archaeological site is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,204 visitors.
When you’ve had your share of Bitola, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Nizhepole. Your travel time is around 1 hour 22 min.
Start your sightseeing with a visit to National Park „pelister“. This park is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Nizhepole, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,204 visitors.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Skopje. Skopje offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Skopje's best restaurants.
Savor the flavors at Youth Cultural Center (YCC), a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Два елена beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider SushiCo. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Skopje tonight.
Keep the evening going at Pub 18, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Café „nargile“, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Woodstock Craft Beer & Rock, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.
Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in North Macedonia!
Day 8
- Skopje - Departure day
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- Skopje City Park
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Day 8 of your road trip in North Macedonia is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Skopje before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
On your last day in North Macedonia, take time to indulge in shopping at Skopje’s popular marketplace. Look for keepsakes or souvenirs to remind you of your trip.
Take the opportunity to see City park. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,127 visitors.
Before you conclude your road trip in North Macedonia, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Skopje.
If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Matto Napoletano, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.
You’ll then say farewell to Skopje. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in North Macedonia!
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