Explore Skopje’s rich history and unwind in Matka Canyon’s natural beauty on a captivating day trip from Sofia.
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Old Bazaar, Skopje - Our day tour to Skopje begins with a hotel/accommodation pick-up in Sofia at 08:00 am. After a guided journey of about 3.5 hours, we will arrive in Skopje. During the drive, you’ll gain insights into the Bulgarian perspective on the region’s history. Once there, a local Macedonian guide will lead a two-hour city tour, sharing stories about Yugoslavia and contemporary life in the country, enriching your experience. You’ll have the opportunity to compare historical narratives and form your own conclusions. Key highlights include the Old Fortress, Sultan Murat Mosque, and the Old Bazaar, where you’ll see Caravanserais (inns) from the Ottoman era when Skopje was a major trade hub in the Balkans.
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Skopje Fortress Kale - This historic fortress, located at Skopje’s highest point, offers breathtaking views of the city.
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Sultan Murad Mosque - An Ottoman-era mosque built in the 15th century, showcasing the architectural brilliance of the early Ottoman Empire.
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The Stone Bridge - We’ll cross the Vardar River via the Stone Bridge, the only surviving bridge from the Middle Ages, and begin exploring the city’s newer parts.
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Macedonia Square - We’ll visit the new neo-classical Macedonia Square, featuring the largest statues of Alexander the Great and his father, Phillip II. Here, you’ll learn about the ancient Macedonians and their rulers’ adventures.
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Memorial House of Mother Teresa - Next, we’ll visit the Memorial House of Mother Teresa, Skopje’s most famous native. Her life’s work and global contributions are deeply respected. The house museum offers a photographic journey through her life. The walking tour concludes at the newly built Gate Macedonia (a triumphal arch).
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Matka Canyon - Unfortunately, the schedule doesn’t allow for a lunch break in Skopje. It’s advisable to grab some fast food during the walking tour or bring sandwiches, which can be purchased at a petrol station before reaching the city.
After the walking tour, your local guide will take you to Matka Canyon, where you’ll have about 1.5 hours to enjoy the natural beauty. A boat trip through the canyon will take you past what is likely the world’s deepest underwater cave. At 16:00, you’ll regroup and head back to Sofia. During the return drive, you’ll have the chance to discuss your impressions and ask questions.
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- All fees and/or taxes
- English-speaking professional Macedonian guide
- English-speaking professional Bulgarian guide/driver
- Lunch
- Gratitude to the guides
On this day excursion, we will explore the two critical landmarks of Northern Macedonia – Skopje, the capital city, and the awe-inspiring natural beauty – Matka Canyon. We journey back in time as we delve into the elderly section of Skopje, absorbing its genuine charm, and uncover the contemporary historical interpretation embraced by the Macedonians as we traverse the city’s newer region renovated during the ‘Skopje 2014’ project. As a finale, we will retreat from the whirlwind of history and fresh information to find solace in the divine natural setting of Matka Canyon.
- We understand your concerns in relation to COVID 19, therefore we’ve taken the needed measures for you to feel safe. All our guides and drivers go through regular medical checks, wear masks during the tours and in each vehicle, we have a disinfectant spray. Furthermore due to the situation nowadays we organize tours only for small groups (up to 7 persons) and we have the option for private tours.
- Please note that due to the current COVID situation you need to have any of the mentioned so that you can cross the border from North Macedonia to Bulgaria: negative PCR test (made up to 72 hours before you cross the border), negative antigen test (made up to 48 hours before you cross the border) or vaccination card (proving that you are fully vacinated).
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
