Highlights
Explore Lake Ohrid - Discover the monasteries and sites around the lake as you soak up the mountain backdrop. Visit Rila Monastery - Witness the distinctive architecture and brightly coloured frescos of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Uncover Pella - See the birthplace of Alexander the Great, with its mosaics depicting mythological scenes.
Itinerary
Travel back in time on the "Ancient Macedonia" tour, a 15-day journey steeped in the legends and landscapes of Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Greece. Crafted for experienced travelers interested in history and culture, this easy-paced itinerary showcases the lost empire of Alexander the Great alongside vibrant local traditions.
Explore the tranquil shores of Lake Ohrid, discovering ancient monasteries framed by mountain vistas. Marvel at the distinctive frescoes of the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery, and walk the storied streets of Bansko and Kavala. The tour’s highlight? Standing in Pella, the birthplace of Alexander, and admiring intricate mosaics depicting mythological scenes.
Accommodation, transport, meals, and expert guides are included, ensuring a seamless and insightful experience. The unique selling point of this tour package is its rich blend of historical depth and scenic beauty, offering a rare chance to trace the footsteps of ancient kings while enjoying the warmth of modern Balkan hospitality.
day 1Join trip in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria
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 museums, art galleries, cafes and restaurants. Due to the number of evening flights into the international airport, your Leader plans to do the welcome meeting on day two, and will leave a message in reception with details on timings and everything else that you'll need for the day. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to arrive into Sofia at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Sofia Airport (SOF), which is about a 30-minute drive from the city centre. If your flight arrives early or you're staying an extra night, there's plenty to explore in Sofia. The Archaeological Museum, housed in a 15th-century mosque, displays Thracian, Roman and medieval artefacts. The Museum of Socialist Art features relics from the Soviet era, including Lenin statues, the red star from Sofia's Party House, and old propaganda footage. You might also visit the ancient ruins of Serdica- uncovered during metro construction- which include streets, a church and a Roman bathhouse. In the evening, perhaps head out and sample some traditional Bulgarian cuisine. Dishes are hearty and made from fresh local ingredients. Meals often begin with a shopska salad, followed by specialities like spicy 'kebapche' and stuffed vine leaves known as 'surmi'. Popular drinks include local wine, 'rakia' brandy and the aniseed-flavoured 'mastika'.
day 2Sofia city tour, stay overnight near a Macedonian monastery
day 3Explore Kratovo and Skopje including Kale Fortress
day 4Excursion to the dramatic Matka Gorge
day 5Scenic drive to Lake Ohrid via Mavrovo National Park
day 6Guided walking tour of Ohrid, afternoon by the lake
day 7Free day in Ohrid with the chance to visit Albania
day 8Saint Naum Monastery and lunch in an apple orchard. Drive to Pelister National Park
day 9Visit birthplace of Alexander the Great and UNESCO Listed Vergina (Greece)
day 10Explore Thessaloniki on foot with a local guide, free afternoon in the city
day 11Drive to Kavala via Halkidiki Peninsula, boat trip to Mount Athos
day 12Excursion to Thassos Island to explore or relax on the beach
day 13Explore historical Philippi, drive to Bansko (Bulgaria)
day 14Discover the beautiful Rila Monastery, free afternoon in Sofia
day 15Trip ends in Sofia
What's Included
Customer Reviews
A great all round trip Many places visited Just not enough time at some of the places
This was one of the best tours I've been on. I was sorry when it ended. Our tour guide and our driver, Elena and Goran, didn't put a foot wrong. They were upbeat, informative, and utterly reliable throughout the trip. The itinerary was excellent and really well organised and well paced. The hotels were of a higher than usual standard in my experience, and only the bland hotel Esperia in Kavala was a minor let down. I particularly liked the boat trip to and from Mount Athos. Many of our fellow passengers were pilgrims who sprung to life with the arrival by small motorboat of monks who, in some moving exchanges, engaged with the passengers. The trip to the island of Thassos was also particularly memorable.. Bansko was bit of a disappointment - I was in a minority of one on this. It's a pretty place but a bit soulless, given over as it is to tourists and well-heeled, mainly European blow ins. I'm 6'2" and had no problems with the mini bus. Altogether a great trip.
A very varied tour. Our guide Zorica and driver Djogo were both excellent. Both spoke good English, they could not have been more helpful. The local guide in Greece for the trips to the two archaeological museums was very knowledgeable. More time to see Thassos with possibly an overnight stay there would have been good.
This trip was amazing. The itinerary was very well balanced and I came home delighted AND relaxed. Our tour guide, Elena, was amazing. A change of schedule was required and, before we even knew there was a problem, Elena presented us with an excellent solution and new plan so we still got to see everything and had a nice late morning on beautiful Lake Ohrid. Goran was both driver and bonus guide and was a never-ending font of info and stories. I can’t think of a single way this would have been a better trip.
Jahne, Was excellent at his job. Made us feel comfortable and his knowledge was excellent. The guides that were brought we also a fountain of knowledge. Great trip. Some of the accommodation was below par. Tired and shower head leaking and falling of the wall. Think explore need to revisit some of the hotels and their food serving ideas
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