Skopje Day Tour from Sofia: Explore North Macedonia's Rich History

Discover the rich history of Skopje on a day tour from Sofia. Explore the ancient settlements of the Thracians, Roman and Byzantine empires, and Ottoman rule. Learn about the city’s transformation and resilience after a devastating earthquake in 1963.

Duration: 12 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Old Bazaar, Skopje - Typical street in the Old Bazaar The Old Bazaar is a bazaar located in Skopje, situated on the eastern bank of the Vardar River, stretching from the Stone Bridge to the Bit-Pazar and from the Skopje Fortress to the Serava river. The Old Bazaar falls primarily within the borders of
    air Municipality but a part of it is located in Centar Municipality. As one of the oldest and largest marketplaces in the Balkans, it has been Skopje’s center for trade and commerce since at least the 12th century.
What's Included
  • Local Guide in Skopje
  • English speaking driver
  • All fees and/or taxes
  • Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Additional Information

Skopje’s history began with the Thracian settlements and the formation of the Scupi fortress. The city belonged to the Roman, Byzantine, Bulgarian, and briefly, Serbian nations. In 1392, the Ottomans took over the city, renaming it Uskub, and it became an exceptional town inhabited by many Ottomans, Bulgarians, and Albanians. In 1912, the city was freed from Ottoman rule during the First Balkan war and ultimately joined the Serbian nation. It was temporarily assigned to the Bulgarian nation during the two world wars before finally becoming the capital of the Macedonian Federation in the Yugoslav socialist republic. The city saw rapid economic and industrial growth. Sadly, a major earthquake in 1963 destroyed a large part of the city, leaving over 100,000 people homeless.

Location
Serdika Meeting Point - V Travel Day Tours
bulevard "Knyaginya Maria Luiza"
8:00 Departure from Serdika meeeting point (2, Maria Luiza boulevard across McDonalds on the main street). Please show up at least 5-10 minutes earlier and look for a V Travel branded vehicle (car, minivan, van, minibus).
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.7
(37 Ratings)
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Matthew_h
Aug 1, 2024
Marvellous Michael! - This review is not for Skopje itself, more about the company. I was at the meeting point for the Skopje day trip and after 20-30 mins, no car for my trip came. There was a car for the Nis, Serbia day trip and Michael was the driver/tour guide. I asked him about my trip and after looking, I had booked the wrong month. I was there with my passport, lunch and snack, ready for a day trip, so I asked if I could join the Serbia day trip instead. He called the office and within 2 minutes, it was confirmed and I was going to Serbia with the other tour! It was a fantastic day trip but I want to say a huge 'Thank You' to Michael for being so chill and cool about the situation and helping me change tours. Would definitely recommend this company.
Review provided by Viator
Constance_a
Jun 22, 2024
Definitely go to N. Macedonia - well worth the trip !! - Georgi was the driver for the trip from Sofia to Skopje. His English was excellent !! During the ride he explained a lot of the history of the region, the peoples, the wars etc. He eagerly answered questions during the ride and at the breaks. In summary, our tour began as soon as we were in the car as Georgi put on his “tour guide hat”. Lucky us ! The 5 stars go to Georgi. Once we arrived in Skopje, a local guide met us and gave the tour of the city. Even though we were spoiled by Georgi’s style, language skills and knowledge, 3.5 - 4.0 go to the local guide. Many thanks to both !
Review provided by Viator
Scott_m
Jun 12, 2024
Great way to explore - Great organisation and friendly from Start to finish definitely would do another. Met the tour guide straight off bus which was perfect.
Review provided by Viator
172serenah
May 29, 2024
By far the most well organised trip I have ever done. - I was a little apprehensive to begin with as it was just my daughter and I going on this trip and I was worried about not knowing where we were being picked up from or what to expect when we got to Macedonia. I needn’t have worried at all. This was by far the most well organised trip I have ever done. We was sent a full itinerary and a google maps link to our pick up point. Our driver was exactly where he should be and was expecting us. Our driver was really friendly and helpful. Our minibus was very comfortable and our driver was happy to do as many stops as we wanted. He explained to us fully before we set off what to expect from the day. He took care of dealing with the border crossing and even got our passports stamped for us. He handed us over to another guide when we arrived in Macedonia so we knew exactly what we was doing and who we was going with. Our walking tour of Macedonia took in all the sights you’d want to see and we were told lots of the history. We knew exactly where to meet our driver to return to Bulgaria and again on our return trip our driver was happy to stop whenever we wanted and took care of all of our passports at passport control. Travelling can sometimes be a little daunting especially when it’s just you and your daughter but I have literally never felt in safer hands than I did on this trip. 5*s all around. Bear in mind it is a long day out and it is a long journey. But it is so worth it to get the opportunity to combine two countries on one holiday.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mary_h
May 9, 2024
North Macedonia day trip - Our driver was very well informed about Bulgarian and Macedonian hidtory and culture which made the long drive much nicer. The scenery is gorgeous. Skopje was vibrant and the guide shared interesting stories that brought the history to life.
Review provided by Viator
Kris
Apr 17, 2024
Enjoyable trip - Informative tour guide sharing the history of Skopje. There was only two of us going thus felt like private tour.
Review provided by Viator
Rebeccatl9089cx
Mar 10, 2024
Highly recommend the trip. - It was an excellent trip. Worth the many hours of travel. Highly recommended. The vehicle was a bit small to accomodate all the passengers especially those who sit with man spread style. The guides were kind, attenuative and knowledgeable. Great discussions on issues or questions raised. The landscape is beautiful.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nicola_a
Dec 2, 2023
Excellent Trip - Thank you to Phillip for making the journey so entertaining. We had the best time you were great. Also 👩🏼‍⚖️👩🏼‍⚖️👩🏼‍⚖️ And thank you to Vlad for taking us around Skopje
Review provided by Viator
Tg_s
Nov 22, 2023
Nice Experience in Skopje - Nice small group...only 3 of us ..The driver Mr Philip was so kind to bring us to the mountain side at Macedonia where we can see the nice view of sun set and nice cathedral on top of the mountain.
Review provided by Viator
Alberto_h
May 4, 2024
Long trip for a short stay - Very long trip 4h go 4h return (maybe more depending on border's time) for a short stay another 4h. The driver was nice, the guide at the bus also. We just put 4* because of the guide in Skopje, she was a bit rude with us. The tour was fast and not very interesting and some people left the group to have more time to explore for free. By the way It is an interesting way to know a bit of Macedonia.
Review provided by Viator
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