Ancient Macedonia

Our tour of Ancient Macedonia starts in Sofia, Bulgaria's capital. Sofia's long history is evident at every turn, from the onion-domed churches and Ottoman mosques to the Roman ruins and old Soviet monuments. However, it also has a youthful side, with a wealth of museums, art galleries, cafes and restaurants.



For those arriving in time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for a welcome meeting and for those that wish, there'll be the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Sofia at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Sofia Airport (SOF), which is about a 30-minute drive from the city centre. Should you miss the welcome meeting, our tour leader will catch you up ASAP.



If your flight arrives earlier in the day or you're extending your stay by a night, you might like to visit the Archaeological Museum where there are Thracian, Roman and medieval artefacts on display in a former mosque dating from 1496. Or perhaps the Museum of Socialist Art where you'll find many of the items removed from around the country when the Soviet era came to an end such as unwanted statues of Lenin, the red star from Sofia's Party House and footage from old propaganda films. There are also the ancient ruins of Serdica, which were discovered during the building of a new metro station. Now partially excavated you can see a small section of eight streets, an early Christian church, and a bathhouse from this old Roman city. A short distance from Sofia is the beautiful Vitosha Nature Park with a number of hiking routes up Vitosha Mountain and it's also home to the working Dragalevtsi Monastery, which is probably the oldest of its kind in the country. It houses colourful murals and is renowned as being one of the hiding places of the anti-Turkish rebel leader Vasil Levski.



This evening, you'll have your first chance to sample the local cuisine. Food in Bulgaria tends to be hearty and made from fresh, local produce. Dinner usually starts with a salad such as 'shopska salata' consisting of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and white cheese. Other specialities include 'kebapche' small and spicy minced meat rolls and 'surmi' stuffed cabbage or vine leafs. If you fancy a tipple, both red and white wines are popular, as is the local brandy 'rakia' or the aniseed spirit 'mastika'.

This morning, we'll set out at 9am to discover Sofia with a guided walking tour, visiting the neo-Byzantine Alexander Nevski Cathedral, which was built to commemorate the 200,000 Russian soldiers who died fighting for Bulgaria's independence. Along the way, we'll also see the synagogue, Presidential Palace and Saint Sofia's Church.



After our walk, we'll have free time for lunch before we leave the city and drive to the border with North Macedonia and on to the Saint Joakim Osogovski Monastery - a journey of around three hours in total. This well-preserved historic monastery is nestled amongst the picturesque hillside forests, and this is where we'll spend the night. Founded in the 12th century, the monastery became a place of worship for both Christians and Muslims, situated as it was on the main route to Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul). We'll see the brightly coloured 18th-century frescoes before settling into our unique accommodation. Dinner is included tonight at the monastery.

This morning, we'll set off at 8.30am to drive to the charming historical Roman mining town of Kratovo, located in the crater of an extinct volcano. A local guide will take us down the winding cobbled streets and show us the main sights of this small town, known for its Ottoman towers and high stone bridges which cross the deep ravine that divides the town in two. We'll also have the opportunity to sample a traditional lunch, which will often be accompanied by traditional music played on a sheepskin bagpipe before we drive on to Skopje, North Macedonia's capital. Please note, lunch is not included and costs €12-15.



At 1pm, we'll hop back on our bus and head or a guided walking tour of Skopje including Fortress Kale, the Church of Saint Spas, and the old Turkish bazaar, which is the largest and most well-preserved in south-east Europe. In 1963 a huge earthquake rocked the city and destroyed around 75%, but it's still rich in historic culture and Ottoman heritage. Skopje has been used as a pawn in many wars, including World War II and many empires have ruled over the city, all having influenced the architecture, religion, and traditions. Despite the turbulent and sometimes violent history, Skopje is now a peaceful city where residents are free to practice all religions, the main faiths being Macedonian Orthodox and Islam. The city boasts many beautiful churches and mosques, although you'll notice mostly minarets on the skyline due to a historic law that was enforced by the Turks stating Christian buildings could not be taller than mosques.



This evening, you're free to find a local spot for dinner. Popular Macedonian dishes are: 'turlitava' - a meat and vegetable stew baked in a terracotta pot, "tavce gravce" - baked beans in a terracotta pot and "ajvar" - baked and minced red papers and eggplants. 'Ravanija' is a traditional dessert that originates from when the country was under Turkish rule; it's a type of cake with a sherbet top. And if you want to drink like a local? Look out for a Macedonian red wine - these are usually made using the Vranec grape or sometimes Stanusina Crna, which is indigenous to the country.

This morning, we'll have a half-day excursion to Matka Gorge, on the outskirts of the city, where we'll visit the spectacular karst formations and the manmade Matka Lake, created by the damming of the Treska River. Fluctuating temperatures and the impact of the mountain rivers have resulted in a landscape of valleys, crevices and caves that carve their way through the 50 square kilometre canyon. Of the 1000 or so species of plants in the gorge 20% are endemic, including the Kosanini Violet and the dainty lavender-coloured Nataly's Ramonda. There are also 119 varieties of butterflies in the canyon.



We'll have the option to take a boat ride out onto the lake above the dam and appreciate the canyon views and visit one of its numerous caves. Or you might prefer to take a walk along the gorge and visit an old church that's tucked in beside the water. Please note, the optional boat trip costs 600MKD/€10.



Returning to Skopje this afternoon, the rest of the day is free for you to explore and perhaps to visit some of the museums, mosques and galleries dotted around the city, or maybe pay another visit to the bustling bazaar. Skopje is an excellent city in which to wander, given that much of the centre is pedestrianised.

Today we'll drive a scenic route, largely through the Black Drim River Valley, to reach the shores of Lake Ohrid. En route we'll make a stop to visit one of North Macedonia's finest monasteries - Saint Jovan Bigorski - dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. It's famous for its remarkable iconostasis, which is among the most beautiful in North Macedonia, constructed by intricate wood carving between 1829 and 1835. We'll have an optional lunch near the monastery St. Jovan Bigorski, at the traditional restaurant Kukja na Miacite (www.kukjanamijacite.mk). It's worth noting that by the time we arrive at our next stop it will be late for lunch, so joining at the restaurant is a good idea. Afterwards, we'll stop at the foot of Mount Jablanica in the typical Macedonian village of Vevchani. Here, we can see the pretty meandering streets and babbling waterfalls.



On arrival in Ohrid town late this afternoon, we'll have time to settle into our hotel before heading into the centre for free time for dinner this evening. Alternatively, you might like to stretch your legs with a walk along the lakeshore.

Our setting for the next few days is simply sublime, with a dramatic mountain backdrop almost encircling the tranquil waters of Lake Ohrid. Founded over 2400 years ago, Ohrid has a wealth of heritage and today is an important cultural and spiritual centre. To help its protection both the town and lake were classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. Lake Ohrid is one of the oldest lakes in the world and there are allegedly 365 churches, monasteries, and other religious sites around the water.



We'll start today with a walking tour of Ohrid, lead by our tour leader, including a visit to Tsar Samuel's Fortress, Saint Sophia's Church and the Roman amphitheatre to take in the panoramic views. When we reach Saint Clement's Church and the Plaosnik archaeological site, we'll walk down the steps to the Church of Saint John at Kaneo with its views out over the lake. From here, we'll board a boat for the short ride back to the centre of Ohrid.



This afternoon is free for you to relax and explore further. You might like to stroll around the cobbled lanes of the Old Town or boats run frequent trips across the lake (price is available on request). The lakeshore also has a choice of beaches if you'd prefer to take it easy. There's plenty of restaurants and old Turkish shops in the lower town area. Also, each year, between mid-July and mid-August, the Ohrid Summer Festival takes place, with concerts and plays held in outdoor venues around town.

Today is free for you to continue discovering Lake Ohrid at your own pace. Alternatively, you might like to join a full-day excursion further afield to neighbouring Albania. Please note, the Albania trip costs €40-60 depending on the number of people taking part.



Lake Ohrid straddles the border line and this morning our drive will take us through Struga at the northern tip of the lake and across the Albanian border. Our first stop is in the small fishing village of Lin, where we'll hopefully have the opportunity to see mosaics dating from the Ottoman period (due to local conditions access to the mosaics might not always be possible). From here, we'll continue to the town of Podgradec where we'll have four hours of free time to relax in the town, enjoy the Ohrid springs or visit the summer villa of the former dictator Enver Hoxha. We'll also have time for lunch and the opportunity to try the local specialty of Ohrid trout. We'll return to Ohrid crossing back over the border at the southern end of the lake near Saint Naum having driven the whole way around the lake.

Located close to Ohrid is Galicica National Park, part of the Sara-Pind Mountain range. With its exceptional natural beauty and wealth of endemic flora and fauna the park was created in 1958, covering an area between the Ohrid and Prespa. Large, deep valleys and a long mountain ridge typify the relief of the massif, with peaks reaching over 2000 metres. With the crest falling between the two lakes, it delivers dramatic views over both on a clear day. Today, we'll set out to explore the region by bus, a short walk and by rowing boat.



Firstly, we'll drive along the lakeshore to the photogenic Saint Naum Monastery, located on a bluff stretching out into the lake and close to the Albanian border. Inside the monastery we can admire the 19th-century frescoes and iconostasis dating from 1711. Next, we'll enjoy a short trip by rowing boat to the bubbling springs that feed Lake Ohrid. Then, we'll continue across Galicica National Park and over the Livada Pass (at 1568 metres), before heading down to Lake Prespa where we'll stop for photos. We'll drive on to Podmochani village to visit the privately owned Ethno Museum. A local farmer has amassed an impressive collection of jewellery, weaponry, coins and over 140 national costumes, some of which date back over 300 years.



Next, we'll visit the ancient site of Heraclea with a local guide. Founded in the 4th century BC by Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great, Heraclea grew to be an important trading town under the Romans, before being raided by the northern tribes and eventually falling into decay after an earthquake in AD518. Leaving here, we'll drive on to the Pelister National Park where we will spend the night. This evening, we'll have dinner in the hotel.

This morning, we'll leave North Macedonia and drive towards Thessaloniki, Greece's second city.



Our first stop will be at Vergina, which in ancient times was known as the city of Aigai and was the capital of the Macedonian kings. The ruins of Aigai were only rediscovered in 1977. With our local guide, we'll visit the spectacular royal tombs of King Phillip II and the young Prince Alexander IV among other sights. After free time for lunch, we'll drive to Pella where we'll take a guided tour of the ancient site and visit the museum. Lying on the Macedonia Plain. Pella is most famous as the birthplace of Alexander the Great, who was born here in 356BC. Nowadays the main draw is the mosaics depicting mythological scenes in coloured stone.



We'll arrive at our hotel in Thessaloniki where this evening is free for you to have dinner and sample your first taste of traditional Greek cuisine, such as scrumptious aubergines, tomatoes and cheese washed down with ouzo or raki or perhaps you'd prefer to sample some of the fresh local seafood. The city tavernas here are known for their delicious grilled meats and the slow-cooked pork shank is especially worth trying.

Filled with the reminders of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman rule, Thessaloniki is a vibrant city situated on the Thermaic Gulf. This morning, we'll take a guided tour to discover the steep narrow streets and walk among the whitewashed houses with overhanging balconies leading to magnificent views down to the gulf and across the city. Along the way, we'll see the Roman Rotunda, the White Tower, Acropolis, and Saint Demetrius Church.



After our explorations on foot, you'll have the rest of the day free to discover more at your own pace. You might like to visit the Archaeological Museum or Byzantine Museum.

Leaving Thessaloniki early this morning, we'll head across the Halkidiki Peninsula to Kavala, set in the foothills of Mount Symvolon on the Gulf of Kavala. Travelling along scenic roads, we'll pass through Arnea to the Athos Peninsula, the easternmost of the three-pronged Halkidiki. We'll continue to Ouranopoli at the northern end, from where we'll take a boat along the coast of Mount Athos. Known as 'The Holy Mountain', it's a semi-autonomous region of monastic orders originally settled in the 4th century, and it's still forbidden for women to step foot on the peninsula. At its peak, there were said to be 40 monasteries, but today the number has declined by half. After viewing the monasteries from our boat, we'll have free time back on the mainland for lunch or to relax on the beach before continuing our journey to Kavala, a very pretty city formed around a harbour with an old quarter dominated by a Byzantine fortress.

This morning, we'll set off at 8am, driving to Keramoti to catch the ferry to Thassos Island (the crossing takes around 30 minutes). We'll have free time to explore the island on foot or by local bus from the capital of Limenas or to relax on one of its superb beaches. Around Limenas there are a number of archaeological sites, including an ancient Roman theatre and a medieval fortress that offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Later in the afternoon, we'll return to the mainland by ferry and travel on to Kavala.

This morning, we'll leave Greece and head back to Bulgaria. We'll drive to Bansko via the ancient site of Philippi for a guided tour. Philippi's claim to fame is twofold: it was the first European city to accept Christianity in the 5th century, but before that it was the scene of a decisive battle between two Roman armies in the 1st century AD. On one side was the army of imperial Rome, led by Mark Anthony and Octavian, and on the other representatives of republican Rome, led by Cassius and Brutus. The outcome of the battle was a victory for the imperialists and the death of the republic (not to mention Cassius and Brutus). We'll also visit the Baptistery of Lydia, a 10-15 minute walk from Philippi, time permitting.



In winter Bansko is a popular ski resort, sitting at 927 metres above sea level in the foothills of the Pirin Mountains. It has a pretty old town centre with its winding cobbled streets and stone-clad buildings with red terracotta tiled roofs. There are a variety of restaurants, bars and shops to explore.

Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Rila Monastery is an important religious and cultural centre for the Bulgarian people. Remaining in wonderful condition, it has stunning brightly coloured frescoes and distinctive striped brickwork. Originally founded in the 10th century, the monastery served to preserve Bulgarian culture during the 400 years of Turkish rule and was a hiding place for the Bulgarian revolutionaries. Today the magnificent church and its museum house a priceless collection of frescoes, gilded iconostasis and religious art and artefacts. This morning, we'll have time to explore the monastery complex.



This afternoon, we'll complete our journey through ancient Macedonia when we return to Sofia for our final evening. On arrival, there should be time to explore a little more of this charming city and maybe do some last-minute shopping.

Our tour ends this morning at our hotel in Sofia.



There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Sofia Airport (SOF), which is around a 30-minute drive from the hotel.