Skopje Experience: Between Ancient Charms and Modern Life

NOTE: Please be mindful about the length of the excursions should you wish to select more than one option.

Day 1 – Arrival & Skopje City Experience: Old Town and Modern Sights

Upon arrival at Skopje Airport, the transfer to your hotel awaits. In the evening, indulge in a six-course wine and food pairing experience in the heart of Skopje.

Taste six local Macedonian wines, including Zhilavka, Smedervka, Stanushina rose, Prokupec, Vranec Reserva, and aromatic Temjanika, each paired with avant-garde interpretations of traditional dishes. Sample specialties such as filo-pastry with Macedonian cheese and figs, wild mushroom risotto, pork filet with leeks, and finish with a signature apple dessert, all perfectly matched with the region’s finest varietals.

This culinary experience offers a perfect introduction to Macedonia’s flavors and wine culture, setting the tone for your upcoming adventures. Return to your hotel for overnight stay.

Day 2 – Optional Excursion: Kokino Ancient Observatory & Osogovo Monastery (aprox. 6h)

After breakfast, join an optional full-day excursion to explore Macedonia’s ancient history and beautiful countryside.

Travel in a private vehicle from Skopje to Kokino, the ruins of an ancient astronomical observatory, and discover the mysteries of this remarkable Bronze Age site with your guide. Continue to Osogovo Monastery, a historic spiritual center, where your guide will share insights into the monastery’s history and cultural significance.

Pause for a traditional local lunch, then return to Skopje in the afternoon.

Hassle-free pickup and drop-off from your hotel ensure a comfortable and relaxing journey.

Day 2 – Optional Group Excursion: Millennium Cross, Matka Canyon & Etno Village (aprox. 6h)

After breakfast, join an optional half-day group tour to explore some of Skopje’s most iconic natural and cultural landmarks.

Travel from Skopje Fortress to Vodno Mountain with your guide, then take the cable car up to the Millennium Cross, one of the city’s most impressive attractions, offering panoramic views over Skopje. Next, visit the Macedonian Village Complex, where traditional architecture and rural life are beautifully preserved.

Continue to Matka Canyon, home to ancient caves and medieval monasteries, where you can admire the dramatic landscapes and peaceful waters.

This small-group tour ensures more personalized attention from your guide and includes hotel pickup and drop-off.

Meeting Point: Parking Skopje Citadel, Parking lot, Skopje 1000, North Macedonia

Day 2 – Optional Excursion: Macedonian Wine Tour – Stobi, Tikveš & Popov Wineries (aprox. 10h)

After breakfast, join an optional full-day private wine tour to discover the ancient winemaking traditions of Macedonia.

Begin at Popov Winery, savoring local wines amidst scenic landscapes. Continue to Stobi, an ancient town turned Roman capital, for a tasting at Stobi Winery and a glimpse into the area’s rich history. Next, visit Tikveš Winery, the largest in Macedonia, and explore its vineyards and cellars. Conclude the day at Demir Kapija, surrounded by picturesque gardens and nature, for a final wine tasting experience.

Learn about the country’s winemaking heritage from your guide, enjoy a personalized private tour, and optionally purchase tastings to sample a variety of local wines.

Return to Skopje in the evening for overnight stay.

Day 2 – Optional Excursion: Pristina, Kosovo – The Youngest Capital in Europe (approx. 7h) max 4 pax

After breakfast, embark on an unforgettable cross-border adventure to Pristina, the vibrant capital of Kosovo — one of Europe’s youngest countries. This full-day tour offers a unique chance to explore another culture and country in just a few hours from Skopje.

Travel comfortably through scenic Balkan landscapes before arriving in Pristina, where modern life and deep-rooted tradition blend harmoniously. Discover the city’s highlights with your guide, learning about its history, architecture, and warm local spirit.

Tour Highlights:

• Newborn Monument – a symbol of Kosovo’s independence
• Mother Teresa Cathedral – dedicated to the Albanian-born saint
• Ethnographic and National Museums – windows into the region’s culture and heritage
• Mother Teresa Boulevard – the heart of Pristina’s modern life
• Imperial Mosque and Jashar Pasha Mosque – masterpieces of Ottoman architecture
• Clock Tower, Statue of Bill Clinton, and Skanderbeg Statue – symbols of the city’s identity
• National Library – one of the most unique architectural landmarks in the Balkans

Enjoy free time to stroll, sip coffee in cozy cafés, or browse local markets before returning to Skopje in the evening.

Day 3 – Departure Day

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to Skopje Alexander the Great Airport for your return flight.

End of services — taking with you wonderful memories, Macedonian flavors, and unforgettable experiences from Skopje and beyond.