Skopje Day Tour from Sofia: Discover Macedonian Culture and History
4.7
286 Ratings
Skopje
Immerse yourself in Macedonian culture and history on a day tour from Sofia to Skopje. Explore landmarks, enjoy the company of professional guides, and discover the unique blend of Ottoman and neo-classical architecture in this vibrant Balkan capital.
Duration: 12 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Old Bazaar, Skopje - Our day tour to Skopje will start with pick up from your hotel/accommodation in Sofia at 08:00 am. After approximately 4 hours of drive, we will reach Skopje. During the long drive, you will learn the Bulgarian point of view regarding the history of the region. Then you will have two hours guided tour of the city made by a local Macedonian guide. You will have the chance to hear the stories about Yugoslavia and the modern way of life in the country from a native, which will make your experience much more fulfilled. In addition, you will compare the two historical interpretations and make your own conclusions. The highlights you will visit are the Old fortress, Sultan Murat Mosques, and the Old Bazaar, where we will have the chance to see Caravanserais (inns) from the Ottoman period when Skopje was one of the main trade centers on the Balkans.

  • Skopje Fortress Kale - Historical fortress located at the highest point in Skopje from where you will have the chance to admire the stunning view of the city.

  • Sultan Murad Mosque - A mosque from the Ottoman-era, built during the 15th century. It is a masterpiece of the architectural achievements of the early Ottoman empire.

  • The Stone Bridge - We will cross the Vardar River by the Stone bridge, the only preserved bridge from the Middle ages and start our exploration of the new part of the city.

  • Macedonia Square - We will visit the new neo-classical square Macedonia. There we will admire the biggest statue of Alexander the Great and his father Phillip II. You will stop and learn the history of the ancient Macedonians and the adventures of their rulers.

  • Memorial House of Mother Teresa - We will continue to Mother Teresa memorial house. She is the most famous person born in Skopje. Her work and contribution to the world deserve huge respect. In the house museum, you will learn about her story and will track her life by the big photography collection. The walking part of the tour will finish at the Gate Macedonia (newly built triumphal arch).
    After the walking tour, you will have 2 hours of free time during which you will have the chance to have a lunch and taste the traditional Macedonian cuisine. The tour will end with drop off at your hotel in Sofia

What's Included
  • Pick-up and drop-off service included
  • Air-conditioned transportation
  • Guidance by English-speaking local Macedonian guide
  • Guidance by English-speaking local Bulgarian guide
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Embracing the varied culture of the Balkans can be challenging, particularly when time constraints limit your travels. Delve into the unique culture of Macedonia by joining a day tour departing from Sofia, thereby ticking off another capital of the Balkans in 24 hours. Engage with two expert guides - one from Bulgaria and one native Macedonian - throughout your journey. Ease into the trip in the comfort of a modern vehicle and uncover key sites such as the Skopje Fortress, the Memorial House of Mother Teresa, and the Old Bazaar, with your guides offering fascinating commentary. Venture into one of the Balkan Peninsula’s most eccentric cities on this one-day excursion. Skopje is characterized by its distinctive blend of original Ottoman-era monuments and more recent neo-classical designs adorned with columns and rooftop sculptures of nymphs. Following the city renovation as part of the “Skopje 2014” project, Skopje has been emerged as one of Eastern Europe’s hotspots.

  • Please bring your passport with you and check if you need a visa due to border crossing
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
Location
Old Bazaar, Skopje
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.7
(286 Ratings)
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Antoninosilvano
May 14, 2024
Super en leerrijk - The driver ( a young girl i forgot her name) thanks alott! You’re an excellent history teller & driver! Glad to meet you! Ur a wonderful person. To the guide woman in Skopje, thanks alott to teach and tell us about the history about skopje! U did an excellent work!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nolan_a
May 13, 2024
Excellent trip - A picked up promptly by Demo in a Vito van for 8 people. I was the first pick up at 0745 then promptly picked other 7 up and were on our way by 0810. 45 mins on the motorway to single road and then 90 mins to border. All smooth as it was a Sunday. Demo gave us a brief note of places in Sofia and some general history of Bulgaria and also when we were over the border of Macedonia. 10mins at the border to go thought Bulgarian then Macedonian crossing with a toilet stop prior to the border and and then another hour and 45 to Skopje with another 10’mins stop for coffee and toilet 15 mins to our drop off at the holiday inn. He called the Skopje guide in advance and we met her at 1040 Macedonian time or 1140 Bulgarian time. We then walk around the riverside, the mother Theresa house where we had a brief intro by the staff there. Then to the arch de tromp followed by the main square and then old bridge followed by the old bazaar. We then walked upwards to the pasha Mustafa mosque where we could have a short visit inside . Women were scarfs for their hair. We then walked up to the fortress and walked on the walls and then back down to the bazaar where our tour ended at 1240. We had two hours self exploration time. The journey back was smooth , border took a bit longer than the morning. In total it’s 4 hours travel there, 4 hours in Skopje which is adequate, two of which is on a guided tour, and two own time and 4 hours back. The two hours might just let you fit in one or two museums if you had lunch in the go.
Review provided by Viator
Nolanar
May 13, 2024
Excellent trip - A picked up promptly by Demo in a Vito van for 8 people. I was the first pick up at 0745 then promptly picked other 7 up and were on our way by 0810. 45 mins on the motorway to single road and then 90 mins to border. All smooth as it was a Sunday. Demo gave us a brief note of places in Sofia and some general history of Bulgaria and also when we were over the border of Macedonia. 10mins at the border to go thought Bulgarian then Macedonian crossing with a toilet stop prior to the border and and then another hour and 45 to Skopje with another 10’mins stop for coffee and toilet 15 mins to our drop off at the holiday inn. He called the Skopje guide in advance and we met her at 1040 Macedonian time or 1140 Bulgarian time. We then walk around the riverside, the mother Theresa house where we had a brief intro by the staff there. Then to the arch de tromp followed by the main square and then old bridge followed by the old bazaar. We then walked upwards to the pasha Mustafa mosque where we could have a short visit inside . Women were scarfs for their hair. We then walked up to the fortress and walked on the walls and then back down to the bazaar where our tour ended at 1240. We had two hours self exploration time. The journey back was smooth , border took a bit longer than the morning. In total it’s 4 hours travel there, 4 hours in Skopje which is adequate, two of which is on a guided tour, and two own time and 4 hours back. The two hours might just let you fit in one or two museums if you had lunch in the go.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Roberto_c
May 9, 2024
Nice trip to Skopje and Matka Canyon - This is a long trip of about four hours in each direction, but it worth to visit. We arrive in Skopje about midday and went to Matka Canyon. Absolutely beautiful! Unique experience. Then the tour guide bring us to the center of Skopje, reach in history, where we took nice pictures of multiple statues and monuments including the one of Philip and the huge statue of Alexander the Great. If you come to Sofia choose this trip and you won't regret!
Review provided by Viator
Stefan_b
Apr 30, 2024
Skopje is a city with a lot of history - After around 3 hours drive you have around 4 hours in the city. It starts with a 2hour guided tour through the centre where you see around 60% of the sights you'll get another two hours to explore yourself. There's a lot of history to learn about the country of macedonia or now North Macedonia and you get to see it in Skopje - a Turkish bazar, a hammam and a medina with a dew small and narrow streets. On the ither hand there's the modern part with the shopping malls and new constructed buildings in the old style. It's a nice trip though a lot of driving is involved.
Review provided by Viator
Nat_t
Apr 29, 2024
Everything was perfect!... - Everything was perfect! Skopje is an interesting city. Especially Lora was very kind and professional. Totally recommended!
Review provided by Viator
Helen_a
Apr 25, 2024
Very Nice Day in Skopje - This is a great trip if you’re interested in going to Macedonia. Our driver was awesome and our tour guide in Skopje was very knowledge and taught us a lot about the city. Keep in mind, it’s a lot of hours in a van but worth it.
Review provided by Viator
Zuzana_s
Apr 24, 2024
Recommended - This is a very nice trip from Sofia. It might be a long drive, but it is worth it - Skopje is nice and even the ride itself is very scenic. Our guide/driver Dimitro was great, driving us safely in a comfy vehicle. Guide in Skopje Lena was excellent as well. I can only recommend this trip.
Review provided by Viator
Tracey_t
Apr 23, 2024
Fabulous trip - The tour guide was excellent and very knowledgeable and she brought the city to life. A very interesting tour to this small and diverse city
Review provided by Viator
Grecale1507
Apr 13, 2024
Superb trip - With them I took a day trip to Skopjie in North Macedonia. In the morning Mikhail came to pick me up on time at my hotel in an absolutely clean and new van. There were 6 of us and even though all the seats were taken, we were spaced out. Of course the journey is long, it takes about 4 hours to go and 4 hours to return but on the way there it passes quickly observing the various landscapes that you encounter. Mikhail was a truly excellent driver, cautious and at the document control at the border he does everything and it is he who interacts with the border police. There is a stop on each route if you want to stretch your legs, go to the toilet or smoke a cigarette. There in Skopjie you are welcomed by a local guide, for us Lena who in a passionate and exhaustive way will take you to the new and old parts of the center. He also recommends places to shop or eat which I took advantage of in the next two hours which were free before meeting up to return to Sofia. Skopjie is a city recovering from the earthquake that hit it but this visit offers an exhaustive overview
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
July 2024
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