Enjoy North Macedonia as a local in 6 days: Visit Skopje and Ohrid, underwater cave, ancient observatory, try traditional food & wine and much more

👋Hi future trip mates! My name is Ivana and I am originally coming from Macedonia. I grew up in Skopje, the capital of Macedonia. Since my early 20's I started my travelling adventures and honestly, I don't think that I'll ever get enough of them 😁. You can always find me in nature (I am a huge nature lover), enjoying the sun, reading a good book or simply having fun with my friends. Travelling as one of my favourite activities along with exploring different cultures and meeting interesting people helped me open my mind and grow as a person. Therefore, I am enthusiastically looking forward for new adventures and creation of worth-remembering memories together with you! 🙄 Wondering if Macedonia is the right travelling choice for you? In this small country you will find vibrant and lively culture, as well as archaeological sites and monuments of a turbulent & rich history, exceptionally good cuisine and some of the very best wine you’ll find in the Balkans (as land and climate are ideal for producing wine - Macedonians have been producing it for more than 4,000 years now!). 👉 Although Macedonia is a relatively young independent country, its roots go back deep into history (archaeological evidence shows that old European civilization flourished in Macedonia between 7000 and 3500 BC.). As such - Macedonia is home to one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes, one of the world’s oldest space observatories, one of the oldest bridges in Europe, as well as to one of the world's deepest underwater caves. And of course - our trip is organised so that we will be able to see all of these attractions! 🌄 85% of Macedonia’s territory is covered in mountains making it the second most mountainous country in the world, so please don't get too surprised of all the incredible nature, stunning sceneries, untouched mountains and lakes that we will undoubtedly come across! Ah, and did you know that Skopje is the birthplace of Mother Teresa? 🤔 ⛳ During our 6 days trip we will visit some of the best touristic attractions in Macedonia: ➡ The Matka Canyon, a wonderful nature sight where we will take a boat trip to the Vrelo cave. Plenty other activities are available on site: kayaking, hiking, visiting old monasteries or simply having a nice drink and enjoying the beauty of this touristic area. ➡ Trip to a Bronze Age archaeological site - the megalithic observatory "Kokino". Personally, one of my favourite places. The plan is to watch a nice sunset there - so if you are a sunset chaser - you shouldn't miss this! ➡ Sightseeing tour in Skopje, visiting the Macedonia square, Memorial House of Mother Teresa, Skopje Fortress Kale, the old Bazaar with its' mid-15th century han buildings: Suli An & Kapan Han and much more. ➡ Our Macedonian trip wouldn't be complete without a visit of one of the most beautiful, picturesque cities in Macedonia, home of the Europe's oldest lake - Ohrid, also referred to as a "Jerusalem of the Balkans". ➡ Visit to one of the most beautiful vineyards with breath-taking scenery where we will also enjoy a premium wine tasting & delicious lunch. ➡ You can't say that you've been to the Balkans without truly immersing yourself in the local culture - which in this case would be visiting a kafana! We will visit a unique social gathering place with a live music performance and traditionally prepared food. ➡ I would like to show you as much as possible in the planned time frame, so please expect that our agenda will be pretty full of interesting activities. However, time for chill-out, proper rest and enjoyment on your own is also planned, especially on the first and last day of our journey. 😉 ➡ We will be suited in an accommodation in the center of Skopje surrounded by many restaurants, shopping stores and other facilities nearby. 💸 Included in the price 👉 Transport from / to airport & during the whole trip. We will travel as a group with a mini-van. 👉 Accommodation - rooms are shared (2 people per room) with single / double beds options available. If you would like to have a private room - I can also gladly arrange that. 👉 2 lunches in traditional style, as well as 1 breakfast included. All other food & drinks during the trip are not included. 👉 Activities included: vineyard visit; visit of other cities: Ohrid, Veles, Kratovo; car cable ride and visit of the Vodno mountain offering an amazing view over the capital; boat ride; visit of ancient observatory; admission tickets to monasteries; trip to Stone Dolls - natural phenomenon of stone pillars more than 10 000 years old, also known as the Macedonian “living museum”. I am looking forward to meet new, amazing, open minded people and spend unforgettable moments together! Cheers to life and travelling! 🥂 ✨For more information, please feel free to contact me.