Two countries, one unforgettable summer adventure! Get ready to explore the heart of the Balkans โ a region full of contrasts, colors, and culture. From the lively streets of Sofia and the ancient ruins of Plovdiv, to the turquoise waters of Matka Canyon and the serene beauty of Lake Ohrid, this journey blends history, nature, and local life in a way only My Friend In On Tour can. Weโll travel with a small multicultural group (max 9 people), enjoy guided tours, unique local experiences, and have free time to explore at our own pace. โจ Perfect mix of culture, nature, and fun โ in the true โtravel-with-friendsโ style ๐ฅฐโ ๐ซ Whatโs special about this trip 1๏ธโฃ Two countries in one trip โ Discover the best of Bulgaria and North Macedonia in just one week: Sofia, Plovdiv, Skopje, and the UNESCO-listed Lake Ohrid. 2๏ธโฃ Local vibes & authentic experiences โ Pub crawl in Sofia, bike & beer tour in Skopje, and breathtaking Matka Canyon boat ride. 3๏ธโฃ Small group, big connection โ Travel with like-minded adventurers from around the world โ maximum 9 spots for a friendly, easygoing vibe. ๐ Itinerary Highlights ๐ Day 1 โ Arrival in Sofia Welcome to Bulgaria! Independent arrival in Sofia and hotel check-in. Time to relax and meet our travel mates during our welcome meet & greet, the perfect way to break the ice and start this adventure together. ๐ Day 2 โ Exploring Sofia Weโll start the day with a free walking tour of the city: from the majestic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral to the Central Market, weโll discover how history and modern life blend in Bulgariaโs vibrant capital. In the evening, get ready for some fun with our pub crawl around the best local bars downtown! ๐ป ๐ Day 3 โ Excursion to Plovdiv & Koprivshtitsa A day dedicated to Bulgarian culture with a guided tour to Plovdiv, one of Europeโs oldest cities, and Koprivshtitsa, famous for its colorful houses and fairy-tale atmosphere. Return to Sofia in the evening. ๐ Day 4 โ On the way to North Macedonia: Welcome to Skopje Morning departure by bus to Skopje, capital of North Macedonia. After checking into our hotel, weโll join a free afternoon tour to explore the Old Bazaar, the Stone Bridge, and the lively city center. ๐ Day 5 โ Matka Canyon & Mount Vodno A full day surrounded by nature and spirituality: weโll visit Matka Canyon, enjoy a boat trip, and explore the Monastery of St. Panteleimon on Mount Vodno. Typical breakfast included ๐ Day 6 โ Skopje Your Way + Beer & Bike Experience A free day to explore what we havenโt seen yet โ museums, galleries, cozy cafรฉs, or simply relax. In the afternoon, weโll join a fun cycling experience with local craft beer tasting โ the perfect way to wrap up the day together. ๐ Day 7 โ Guided Tour to Ohrid (UNESCO World Heritage) Morning departure to Ohrid, the jewel of North Macedonia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Weโll explore Byzantine churches, breathtaking lake views, and the serene, laid-back atmosphere of this magical place. Evening return to Skopje. ๐ Day 8 โ Farewell & Departure Breakfast and group goodbyes. Transfer to Skopje Airport andโฆ until the next adventure with My Friend In! ๐ โ
Whatโs included - Trip planning & on-site coordination - Accommodation in shared twin/triple rooms in apartments, with breakfast - Free tours in Sofia and Skopje - Free Pub crawl in Sofia (drinks excluded) - Full-day Plovdiv & Koprivshtitsa tour - Guided Matka Canyon & Vodno Mountain excursion (with brunch) - Bike & Beer Experience in Skopje (4 beers included) - Ohrid day trip with guide and transfer โ Not included International flights (to Sofia / from Skopje) Meals not listed above Personal expenses & optional activities Travel insurance (optional) โน๏ธ Trip Details ๐
Dates: August 17th โ 24th 2026 ๐ซ Group size: 5 to 9 travelers ๐ Trip type: Cultural + Adventure + Local Experiences ๐ฌ Languages: English, Italian, Spanish ๐ฑ Group expenses tracking: via Splitwise app ๐ Ready for a summer escape full of laughs, new friends, and hidden Balkan treasures?
Hello everyone! ๐ I'm Roberta, a passionate traveler with an insatiable love for adventure and discovery. At 35 years old, I have explored various regions of the world (both solo and in groups), experiencing unforgettable moments through my organized trips in Indonesia, Norway, Spain, Turkey, Puerto Rico, Peru, etc... through my program "My Friend In". I speak four languages, but there is one universal language that I hope we will all share: that of travel and openness towards others ๐ฅฐ It will be a pleasure to accompany you at every stage of our trip to Bulgaria and Macedonia, sharing my experience in the group trips, providing useful information about the destination, and creating extraordinary memories together.
Weโll stay in carefully selected accommodations, either an aparthotel or Airbnb in the cemter of Sofia and Skopje, with shared rooms (twin in Sofia and tirple in Skopje). All accommodations are designed to provide comfort and a cozy atmosphere, ensuring we can fully enjoy the local life and the city's beauty. Flexibility for Different Group Sizes: If our group doesnโt reach maximum capacity, Iโll adjust our accommodations accordingly, ensuring that every participant enjoys a comfortable and affordable stay without compromising quality or experience. Any questions about the trip? You can let me know in the Q&A section!