Ancient Macedonia
Overview
Highlights
- Exploring diverse histories and landscapes of Bulgaria, Greece, and North Macedonia.
- Marvel at UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery's unique architecture and vivid frescoes.
- Discover charming Lake Ohrid and its stunning mountainous backdrop
What's this trip about?
Itinerary
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 muse...
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...
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 i...
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 mounta...
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 ...
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...
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. ...
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 lon...
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 redis...
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 l...
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-pro...
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...
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 ...
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 1...
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.
Meals Provided : Breakfast
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Explore! Reviews & Ratings
Andrew
Oct 2024
Ancient Macedonia
This is a fascinating and well balanced itinerary. There is consistency, continuity and variety in the sites and sights, so you are left feeling very satisfied at th...
Trusted Customer
Oct 2024
Ancient Macedonia
This is a varied and well paced trip across 3 countries, including visits to many ancient sites, monasteries, beautiful scenery, boat trips and a day by the sea. The...
Trusted Customer
Oct 2024
Ancient Macedonia
Zorica, our guide, and Pascal, our driver, really were the dream team - lovely, kind, warm and so excited to show us their beautiful country. They couldn’t do enough...
Suzanne
Sep 2024
Ancient Macedonia
I am not a historian or an archaeologist but this trip was brought to life by having such an exceptional tour guide ( & coach driver) plus the local guides were ...
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