Appreciating the diversity of Balkan culture can be difficult, especially with limited time in the region. Explore Macedonian culture on a day tour to Skopje from Sofia, and tick off another Balkan capital in just 1 day. Enjoy the company of 2 professional guides - one from Bulgaria and one local from Macedonian. Travel the distance with ease via modern vehicle, and discover landmarks including the Skopje Fortress, Memorial House of Mother Teresa, and Old Bazaar, with insights provided by your guides. During this day tour you will have the chance to visit one of the most bizarre cities on the Balkan Peninsula. Skopje is a mixture of authentic monuments from the Ottoman period, and new neo-classical buildings, complete with ornate columns and rooftop figures of nymphs. After the reconstruction of the new center has been done, as per the “Skopje 2014” project, the city became one of the popular destinations in Eastern Europe.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Pick-up and drop off
✔ In-vehicle air conditioning
✔ English-speaking local Macedonian guide
✔ English-speaking Bulgarian guide
✖ Food and drinks
✖ Gratuities
Pickup Locations
1. Hotel Latinka
2. Hotel Royal Victoria
3. Gloria Palace Hotel
4. Hilton Sofia
5. Hotel Zdravets
6. Hotel Europe Sofia
7. Best Western Premier Sofia Airport Hotel
8. Hotel Teheran
9. Central Perk Apartments
10. Astoria Grand Hotel
11. TemGer M
12. Hotel Gloria Palace - Holiday Village Diplomat
13. Central Hotel Sofia
14. Akord Hotel
15. Hotel ATM Centre
16. Dunav Apartment House
17. Tsarsko Selo Spa-Hotel
18. Rila Hotel Sofia
19. Les Fleurs Boutique Hotel
20. Tzar Asen
Additional Info: We will pick you up from any point in Sofia
Itinerary
1
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.
Duration: 45 minutes
2
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.
Duration: 15 minutes
3
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.
4
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
5
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.
Duration: 30 minutes
6
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
Duration: 20 minutes
Additional info
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Please bring your passport with you and check if you need a visa due to border crossing
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
