BULGARIA, NORTH MACEDONIA, ALBANIA

Arrival at Sofia Airport. Guided sightseeing tour of the city center. Visit to Alexander Nevski Cathedral - one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in Europe, as well as one of Sofia’s symbols and a primary tourist attraction; St. Sophia Church, built by the Byzantine emperor Justinian in the 6th century, the Parliament Square, Russian Church, the National Theatre, former Royal Palace, the Presidency, St. George Rotunda, etc. Free time in the city center and main shopping area around Vitosha Boulevard. Optional dinner at traditional Bulgarian restaurant with folklore music and dances. Overnight in Sofia.

Breakfast. Departure for Rila Monastery - the most beautiful monastery complex in Bulgaria. Visit to the monastery church of the Nativity of the Virgin. Among its greatest treasures are the wooden iconostasis, some 14th and 15th century icons, wall paintings, made by the famous artist Zahari Zograph. Walk around the monastery – Hrelyo’s Tower, the history museum. In the afternoon visit to Melnik – the smallest town in Bulgaria. Walking tour including Kordopulova Museum-House, the church and other sights from the period of the National Revival. Wine tasting in Melnik. Departure for North Macedonia. Arrival in Strumitsa in the evening. Accommodation and optional dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Strumitsa.

Breakfast. Visit to Vodoca Monastery of St. Leontius and Veljusa Monastery of the Holy Mother of God Eleusa. Departure for the famous Tikvesh wine region and the town of Kavadartsi. Wine tasting at Tikvesh Winery – largest producer of wine on the Balkan peninsula. Departure for Bitola. Once most important trade center in North Macedonia, for which reason even today there are honorary consular representatives of France, Great Britain and Turkey, Bitola is known as the City of Consuls. Walk along the main pedestrian street – Shirok Sokak. Visit to the archaeological reserve Heraclea Lyncestis, where you can see one of the most important ancient cities on the territory of present-day North Macedonia. Drive to the Ohrid Riviera. Accommodation and optional dinner at the hotel. Overnight at the Ohrid Riviera.

Breakfast. Walking tour in the old town of Ohrid – tourist pearl of North Macedonia, city of 365 churches, part of the list of world cultural heritage of UNESCO. During this tour (approx. 3 hours) you will have the chance to see some of the masterpieces of Byzantine architecture and art on the Balkans: St. Sophia Church, Virgin Mary Peribleptos Church, St. Clement and Panteleimon Church, the Ohrid collection of icons. Old town of Ohrid hides many other treasures too: the Ancient Theatre, Tsar Samuel’s Mediaeval Fortress, Robevi House – local museum, craftsmen workshops for production of paper, Ohrid pearls, wooden sculptures, etc. Free time in the town center. In the afternoon – drive to St. Naum Monastery, located 27 km south of Ohrid, on the lakeshore. Founded in the beginning of 10th century by one of the patrons of this area, St. Naum, this monastery is considered to be sacred place by both local Christians and Muslims. Tour of the complex – Church of the Archangels, St. Petka Chapel. If meteorological conditions are suitable, boat trip to the 14th century church of Virgin Mary – Zaum, accessible only from the lake, where the oldest icon depicting St. Naum has been discovered. Return to the hotel. Optional dinner. Overnight at the Ohrid Riviera.

Breakfast. Departure for Albania. Visit to the port town of Durres – second largest city in Albania and an important summer resort, once it was the first Greek colony on the shores of the Adriatic Sea. Sightseeing tour including visit to the Ancient Theater. Drive to the capital city of Tirana. Panoramic sightseeing tour of Tirana - Scanderbeg Square, named after the Albanian national hero, Ethem Bey Mosque, the Clock Tower, the Palace of Culture, the Pyramid of the Albanian dictator Enver Hoxha. Accommodation. Optional dinner at the hotel, or optional visit to Albanian night show with dinner, live music and folklore program. Overnight in Tirana.

Breakfast. Departure for North Macedonia. Photo break at the shore of Mavrovo Lake, where you can witness magnificent panoramic views of Bistra Mountain. Then we will stop in Tetovo, one of the largest cities in North Macedonia, for a visit to the famous Colored Mosque – one of the emblems of Ottoman architecture in North Macedonia. Arrival in Skopje in the evening. Accommodation, optional dinner at the hotel and overnight in Skopje.

Breakfast. City tour in the center of Skopje: Macedonia Square, Mother Teresa’s Memorial House, Skopje Old Market, Skopje Fortress. Visit to the church of St. Spas – one of the most beautiful examples of Balkan Baroque. In the afternoon – visit to Vodno Mountain and St. Panteleimon Monastery with its wonderful mediaeval frescos. Optional dinner at the hotel, or optional dinner at traditional Macedonian restaurant with live music and folklore program. Overnight in Skopje.

Breakfast. Transfer to Skopje Airport and departure.