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Our Skopje day trip will commence with a collection from your Sofia hotel/accommodation at 08:00 am. After a roughly 3.5-hour journey full of guidance, we will arrive in Skopje. Throughout the drive, you will gain insight into the Bulgarian interpretation of the area’s history. Afterward, a 2-hour city tour conducted by a local Macedonian guide will ensue. You’ll get to learn about Yugoslavia and Macedonia’s contemporary lifestyle from a native’s perspective, which will enrich your experience. Moreover, you’ll be able to contrast the historical narratives and form your own understanding. Key sights include the Old fortress, the Sultan Murat Mosques, and the Old Bazaar, which was once a primary Balkan trade hub during the Ottoman era housing Caravanserais (inns).
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We will visit an ancient fortress in Skopje, providing an awe-inspiring city view.
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An Ottoman era Mosque built in the 15th century will be next. This structure is a testament to the early Ottoman empire’s architectural prowess.
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Our next path will lead us across the Vardar River via the Stone bridge, a remnant from the Middle Ages, and into the newer city section.
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Our next stop is Macedonia square, showcasing neoclassical architecture. The spotlights here are the enormous statues of Alexander the Great and his father Phillip II. Here, paused against the backdrop of ancient Macedonians’ history, you’ll learn about their rulers’ escapades.
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Following this, we’ll proceed to the Mother Teresa memorial house. As Skopje’s most famous resident, her global contributions and work warrant immense appreciation. The house museum enlightens people about her life, utilizing an extensive photo gallery. The walking tour will conclude at the newly constructed Gate Macedonia.
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Sadly, scheduling constraints will not provide an opportunity for a lunch break in Skopje. Ideally, grab some quick food during the tour, or bring pre-packed sandwiches. You can even purchase something at a petrol station before entering the city.
In the post-tour phase, the local guide drives you over to Matka Canyon. There, relax for around 90 minutes, take in the rustic beauty, and embark on a boat ride in the canyon, potentially passing the world’s deepest underwater cave. The whole group will rendezvous at 16:00 and head back to Sofia. On the return journey, you’ll have ample opportunity to discuss your experiences and bring up questions.
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- All fees and/or taxes
- English-speaking professional Macedonian guide
- English-speaking professional Bulgarian guide/driver
- Lunch
- Gratitude to the guides
On this day excursion, we will explore the two critical landmarks of Northern Macedonia – Skopje, the capital city, and the awe-inspiring natural beauty – Matka Canyon. We journey back in time as we delve into the elderly section of Skopje, absorbing its genuine charm, and uncover the contemporary historical interpretation embraced by the Macedonians as we traverse the city’s newer region renovated during the ‘Skopje 2014’ project. As a finale, we will retreat from the whirlwind of history and fresh information to find solace in the divine natural setting of Matka Canyon.
- We understand your concerns in relation to COVID 19, therefore we’ve taken the needed measures for you to feel safe. All our guides and drivers go through regular medical checks, wear masks during the tours and in each vehicle, we have a disinfectant spray. Furthermore due to the situation nowadays we organize tours only for small groups (up to 7 persons) and we have the option for private tours.
- Please note that due to the current COVID situation you need to have any of the mentioned so that you can cross the border from North Macedonia to Bulgaria: negative PCR test (made up to 72 hours before you cross the border), negative antigen test (made up to 48 hours before you cross the border) or vaccination card (proving that you are fully vacinated).
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
