Heart of the Balkans

Drive from Thessaloniki to Strumica. After a leisurely breakfast, departure from Thessaloniki and drive to Strumica (the extreme southeast of North Macedonia). Strumica is a colorful mixture of different customs and cultures. Visit of the historical sights of the city and its surroundings, including the two famous monasteries Vadioca and Veleusa. In addition to its ecclesiastical significance, the Vadioca Monastery also has a historical value for the country. At this location in the 11th century, 14,000 soldiers were blinded by the Byzantines and sent back to their king. Then drive to the wine region and check in at the wine producer Popova Kula, located in Demir Kapija. Dinner with wine tasting and overnight stay at Popova Kula.

In the morning we drive to Skopje, where we arrive and check in at the Holiday Inn hotel. The rest of the day is reserved for a city tour with a visit to some important cultural and historical sites. Interesting things to do in Skopje include: the old town with the bazaar and many mosques such as the St. Spas church with the special iconostas; the old train station that was hit by the earthquake in 1963 and now serves as a museum; the monument in memory of Mother Theresa (born in Skopje) and much more. Organized dinner at the end of

the day in the Skopski Merak restaurant.

Breakfast and drive to Ohrid. In the northwest of the country, we visit the Orthodox St. Jovan Bigorski Monastery, located in the mountains. Artists come from the villages in the area and have been active throughout the region, especially in the 18th and 19th centuries. Churches and monasteries decorated with icons, frescoes and carved iconostasis. Beautiful examples of this can be seen in the monastery. Arrival in Ohrid late in the day and check-in at hotel Tino, dinner and overnight stay.

In the morning, together with our guide, we will make an organized city tour of the historical sights and natural beauties of Ohrid (the Jerusalem of the Balkans, city of 365 churches and monasteries). Then we drive to the Monastery of St. Naum. The monastery is best known for the activities of St. Naum and St. Kliment. The latter was a leading student of the spreaders of the (Slavic) enlightenment, Cyril and Methodius and creator of the Cyrillic script which is still used by various Orthodox countries, followed by a rowing boat trip along the

sources of the river Black Drim. The springs of Lake Ohrid are one of the rarest places where natural beauty and harmony perfectly intersect with human wishes and dreams. It is therefore one of Macedonia's most popular tourist attractions. Return by boat to Ohrid late in the day. At the end of the day, we have organized closing dinner in restaurant with folklore dance on Lake Ohrid.

Organized visit to the town of Bitola, with a walk along the main historical sites. Bitola is the second largest city in the country and has historically been a political, cultural and economic center. In the Ottoman Empire, Bitola became the city of consulates and diplomacy between 1870 and 1930. The splendor of the consular buildings and the houses of wealthy merchants and the Macedonian guilds still dominate the townscape today. Your journey continues to Greece. Continue to Thessaloniki and check in at the hotel.