Macedonia brochure

D i s c o v e r

MACEDONIA HISTORY

TRADITION

NATURE

SPORT and LEISURE

WINE

NOTABLE CITIZENS

M

ACEDONIA

Welcome to Macedonia

… an unforgettable name evoking images of ancient, great civilizations and exotic adventure, but also a warm and welcoming modern-day republic in the very heart of south-eastern Europe.

It offers its visitors a unique blend of dramatic natural beauties, patchwork of diverse cultures, as well as a long tradition of unrivalled hospitality. Combined with the delicious cuisine, aromatic wines, rich music and folklore dances, and the general merrymaking atmosphere, Macedonia has something for everyone.

While easily accessible from all points abroad, and boasting all the amenities of the Western world, Macedonia remains one of Europe’s last great undiscovered countries: a natural paradise of mountains, lakes and rivers, where life moves to a different rhythm, amidst the sprawling grandeur of rich historical ruins and idyllic villages that have remained practically unchanged for centuries.

Having its roots from the distant ancient times, Macedonia is firmly embedded in its traditions and nostalgia for the past.

Although a small country, its cultural wealth is witnessed by the abundant archaeological legacy holding many antique theatres, Byzantine churches, Ottoman mosques, as well as relics from the Stone Age and even earlier periods of human civilisations.

Nevertheless, today’s Macedonia is also a forward-looking country that has embraced its diversity and is becoming integrated within European political and economic institutions, continually expanding its links to the greater global community and economy. It thus provides the curious traveller with the best of both worlds: age-old traditions, historical treasures, and a pristine natural environment, as well as all of the modern amenities, services and consumer goods that today’s sophisticated travellers need. Macedonia today is an undiscovered jewel in the heart of Europe, offering something for tourists of all ages, nations, interests and desires.

2

Republic of Macedonia

Facts about Macedonia Territory:

25.713 km2

Population (2004 est):

2.071.210

Monetary Unit

Denar (MKD); 1 € - 61,70 MKD

Telephone code:

++389

Ethnicity (2002)

Macedonian (64.2%), Albanian (25.2%), Turksih (3.8%), Other

Religions

Orthodox Christian 70%, Islam 29%, other 1%

Capital City:

Skopje

Other major cities

Bitola, Kumanovo, Prilep, Ohrid, Tetovo

Lakes

Ohrid, Prespa, Dojran

National Parks

Pelister, Mavrovo, Galicica

Political system:

State with parliamentary democracy

Time zone:

GMT+1

Neighbouring countries:

Serbia, Kosovo, Bulgaria , Albania , Greece

Airports:

Alexander The Great - Skopje; Sv. Apostol Pavle - Ohrid

Climatic zones:

Mediterranean, mildly Continental, Mountainous

Electricity:

220V 50Hz

Credit Cards:

All major credit cards are accepted

Passports:

All visitors require a valid passport

tel/fax ++389 2 2464 440, ++389 2 2400 520 · е-mail: aurora@aurora.com.mk · www.aurora.com.mk

3

A

URORA TOURS

Welcome to Aurora Tours

A World of Great Vacations, Business and Pleasure.

Dear Travellers, Friends and Colleagues!

Thank you for choosing Aurora Tours as your incoming partner in Macedonia. We look forward to welcoming you to the country where the great civilisations meet.

Established in 1991, Aurora Tours has been existing on the Macedonian market for more than 24 years, a period of time during which it has managed to create an impeccable reputation of the largest and one of the most successful and reliable tour operators in the country, particularly known for offering services up to the highest standards. Our professionalism and extensive experience serving both Macedonian and foreign travellers makes Aurora Tours a competent and more so dependable partner agent that will satisfy your potential cooperative or travel needs. We provide complete arrangements world-wide for business or vacation travel, and specialise in package tours – all inclusive and cruise holidays, as well as tailor-made programmes. An integral part of Aurora Tours is the recently formed Student Service sector, which deals with various youth programmes, ISIC cards, Work & Travel, etc.

In the past couple of years Aurora expanded its services to the field of receptive tourism. We organize daily, weekend and longer tours tailored to the needs of people keen to learn more about Macedonian cultural heritage, customs and traditions, or simply explore and enjoy the pristine natural beauties. We offer Biblical religious tours, archaeology tours, cultural and sightseeing tours, adventure travel, as well as regular leisure group tours. In conjunction with our extensive network of business partners, specific program-requests can be prepared to you and your client’s convenience at very competitive rates.

A few suggestion tours are illustrated on the following pages of this catalogue.

Bul. Jane Sandanski DTC 13 Noemvri lok. 4, Skopje, Macedonia tel/fax ++389 2 2464 440, ++389 2 2400 520 е-mail: aurora@aurora.com.mk · www.aurora.com.mk

4

Republic of Macedonia

At Aurora Tours – your satisfaction is our success.

AURORA Tours offers You:

•• Ticketing •• Escorting Transfers •• Quick booking and flawless accommodation in hotels of different categories •• Professional foreign speaking tourist guides •• Guided tours •• City sightseeing •• Tailor-made programmes (cultural tours, pilgrimage, business travel) •• Organization of conferences, seminars, and business meetings •• VIP services •• Full range of services all over Macedonia

AURORA Tours is a member of: International Air Transport Association – IATA International Student Travel Confederation – ISTC Licensed General Sales Agency (GSA) - American Express (AMEX)

The agency is the owner of a luxury 5* Resort & Spa. The resort is located in the mountainous Eastern part of the country overlooking Berovo Lake.

tel/fax ++389 2 2464 440, ++389 2 2400 520 · е-mail: aurora@aurora.com.mk · www.aurora.com.mk

5

D

ISCOVER MACEDONIA

Day 1

Arrival at Skopje airport. Meet and greet by our proffesional guide. Transfer to hotel, accomodation. After a short rest, the group will continue to the Millenium cross at mount Vodno, built as a symbol of 2000 years of Christianity, one of Skopje’s most famous landmarks.

From there the group cointinues to St. Pantelejmon Monastery complex, where we will be able to visit one of the most beautifull representative churches of the Byzantine architecture and fresco art, built in the 12 th century. Lunch in traditional national restaurant.

Transfer to hotel. Dinner. Overnight.

Galicica National Park

with the Old Train Station, destroyed during the fatal earthquake in 1963. From there we continue for lunch in traditional national restaurant, a lovely place with excellent food and rustical ambience. After lunch we visit the Gorge Matka and the Church of St. Andreas. Return to hotel. Dinner. Accomodation.

Gorge Matka

Day 3

St. Pantelejmon

Day 2

Breakfast. After breakfast we depart for a longer city tour in Skopje, visiting all of the attractions in our capital.

The tour starts in the Old Bazaar, where we will visit the church of The Holly Salvation, the resting place of Macedonia’s greatest hero during the Ottoman Empire, Goce Delchev, “The Teacher”. From there we continue the tour towards the largest and most beautifull Mustafa Pasha mosque, built in 1492, and the tour continues towards Kursumli Han, Daut Pasha hamam, Chifte Hamam, after which we make a short break for tasting oriental sweets and delicates in one of the oldest candy stores in the Old Bazaar. After the short break, we visit Kapan Han, and from there we continue to The Museum of Macedonian struggle, The monument of Alexander of Macedon, Mother Theresa Memorial and end the tour 6

Republic of Macedonia

Breakfast. After breakfast we depart to the archaeological site of Stobi, dating from the 3 century B.C. From there we continue our journey to Valandovo region, where we will be able to visit Popova Kula vinery and taste their delicious vines. Lunch in their traditional restaurant. The tour continues to Strumica, one of the most famous and important historical centres of Macedonia throughout the ages, formarly known as Astrion (the city of Stars), today a location that offers one of the most beautifull Byzantine monasteries on the Balkans. We visit the Vodoca monastey complex (named by the thousand of King Samoilo’s soldiers who were blinded by Vasilie 2, the Byzantine Emperor afer the battle of Belasica), then we visit the Veljusa Monastery and we visit one of the most beautifull waterfalls in Macedonia, the Smolari waterfall. From there we continue our jurney to Berovo, the “Macedonian Switzerland” where we will accomodate in Aurora resort & spa 5* Berovo and have wine tasting from the Strumica region along with traditional music, dances and dresses. Dinner. Overnight.

Day 4

Breakfast. After the breakfast we check out from the hotel and continue our tour round Macedonia. We visit the Monastery of St. Archangel Michael, built in 1815 and from there we continue towards Lesnovo Monastery, one of the most beautifull religious complexes in Macedonia, built in 1347 by the ruler Oliver I, dedicated to St. Gavrilo Lesnovski, famus for its wood carving iconostas and the manuscript school. From there we continue our journey towards Prilep, the Hero City, the City of King Marko, the greatest Hero in the Macedonian literature and poetry.

Lunch in traditional national restaurant. Accomodation in Hotel. After short rest, we visit the Old City of Varos, where one of the most beautifull monasteries in this central part of Macedonia exists, the monastery of St. Archange Michael built in the 12 th century. Transfer to hotel. Dinner. Overnight.

Day 6

Breakfast. After breakfast the group departs for a visit Visit of the former palace of Nijazi Bey in Kurbinovo and the lovely Sveti Gjorgji church. From there we visit of one of the most beautiful monastery complexes in Macedonia, the Monastery of St. Naum, located on the shores of Lake Ohrid. (this tour can be realized by boat (optional tour!) or by bus during the trip towards the monastery, depending on the group desire) built in 905 by St. Naum himself, who is also buried in the church. We will have lunch on the beautiful island near the monastery where the springs of the Crn Drim river, the river that flows through the lake, are located. After lunch in the beautiful surrounding, we will visit the churches of St. Zaum built in 1361 AD, by the emperor Grgur and church of St. Bogorodica Peshtanska in the village of Peshtani.

Transfer to hotel. Dinner. Overnight.

Day 7

Breakfast. After check out we continue our trip towards the city of Debar, visiting Sveti Gorgji Pobedonosec and then we arrive at the spectacular St. Jovan Bigorski Monastery, probably the most famous monastery complex in Macedonia, built in 1020 by Ivan I Debranin. From there we continue towards Mavrovo national park where we will have lunch. The trip takes us to Tetovo where we will visit the Sharena Mosque (Colorful Mosque) built in 1438 by the architect Isak Bey. Arrival in Skopje.

Accommodation in hotel. Dinner. Overnight.

Heraclea Lynkestis

Day 5

Breakfast. After breakfast the group checks out from the hotel and we continue our journey towards the city of Ohrid, via Bitola. Bitola is the city of consuls, the former capital of Macedonia during the Ottoman Empire and a place very famous for its incredible archaeological site Heraclea Lynkestis, built by the Macedonian King Filip 2 of Macedon in the 4 th century B.C. From there we continue our trip to Ohrid, the Jerusalem on the Balkans where we will have lunch in a traditional restaurant In the Old city from where we will accommodate in hotel. After short rest we start the tour in the Old City, visiting all of the attractions beginning with St. Sofia - large and well preserved cathedral Byzantine church with frescoes from the 11th century; St. Clements’s church in Plaoshnik - the first Slavic University and one of the most exhilarating Byzantine-style churches in Macedonia built over and surrounded by archaeological excavations from an Early Christian sacral building dating back from the 5th century. Visit the Roman Amphitheatre (3rd century B.C.). Visit of St. Bogorodica Perivlepta one of the most beautifully decorated churches with carvings and frescoes in Macedonia. We will then tour the 3 km long Samuel’s Fortress imposingly dominating the old part of Ohrid. It was built by Tsar Samoil in the 10th century. Descend to St. Jovan Kaneo (13th century). The church is amongst the favourite symbols of Ohrid as it proudly stands on a steep lake shore cliff offering magnificent views over the town and lake, whilst its small secluded beach is one of the most famous romantic getaways. Transfer to hotel.

Dinner. Overnight.

Colorful Mosque

Day 8

Breakfast. Visit of Markov Monastery complex in Skopje, built by the King Volkasin Mrnjavcevic, near the Markova River. From there we continue the trip to one of the most attractive Byzantine churches in Macedonia, the church of St. George in Staro Nagoricane built in 1071 and upgraded in 1313. After the visit of the church we will visit the Megalith Observatory Kokino built before the 19 Th century B.C. And mentioned by NASA as one of the World’s 4 oldest astral - observatories. Lunch in traditional national restaurant with vine tasting. Transfer to hotel. Dinner. Overnight.

Day 9

Breakfast. Departure from hotel. Transfer to airport.

End of program.

tel/fax ++389 2 2464 440, ++389 2 2400 520 · е-mail: aurora@aurora.com.mk · www.aurora.com.mk

7

A

ARCHEOLOGICAL TOUR

Day 1 Skopje

Monastery of St. Pantelejmon After arrival, meet and greet by our representative and guide. The group continues directly to the monastery of St. Pantelejmon, Byzantine monastery built in the 12 th century, located on the southern slopes of mount Vodno, offering magnificent view to the capital Skopje. The guide will introduce to you one of the most significant frescoes and icons that are located in the monastery out of which the most important one is the Mourning of Jesus death.

You will also be able to see the Book of copper dating from the 323 B.C. that reveals part of the history and life of Alexander the Great and other noble characters from that period. Transfer to the hotel. Accommodation.

Dinner. Overnight.

Mother Theresa

Day 2 Skopje

Matka canyon - Old Bazaar After breakfast the group starts one unique journey towards the antique location of the old town of Skupi, where a Roman military camp was built in the 2 century A.D. on the location of an older Dardanian settlement.

The town is later named as Colonia Flavia Aelia Skupi and a huge number of roman legionnaire’s veterans inhabited the town. Skupi was abandoned in 518 A.D. as a result to a catastrophic earthquake. The tour continues towards the church of St. Andrea in one of the most beautiful places in Skopje, the Matka canyon. The church is located among the stunning rocks and represents one of the most visited 8

Republic of Macedonia

St. Pantelejmon

tourist attractions. Lunch in a traditional restaurant near the bank of the Matka lake. From there, the tour continues to Skopje Old city, with a panoramic tour starting from the Old Train station, destroyed in the stunning earthquake of 1963, following the cultural path towards the memorial home of Mother Theresa, the main square where you can see the great statue of Alexander the Great.

Over the Stone Bridge we continue our journey towards Daut Pasha hamam, Museum of Macedonia, Mustafa Pasha Mosque built in the 15 th century, the church of The holy salvation where lies the remains of our greatest revolutionary Goce Delcev. Visit to the Skopje Kale from where we will enjoy the lovely night scenery of Skopje.

Transfer to hotel. Dinner. Overnight.

Day 3

Skopje - Kokino Megalith Observatory - Church of St. George After breakfast the group departs for a full day tour starting with the unique Megalith Observatory of Kokino, one of a kind on the Balkans and one of only 4 oldest observatories in the world by NASA. The site is also known as Macedonian Stonehenge, built on volcanic rocks on a 1013 m height. NASA determined that the origin of the observatory dates back at least since 1815 B.C. Local people used the observatory to observe the moon, sun and the stars as well as to observe the changes in the atmosphere.

From there we continue our journey towards one of the most important churches in Macedonia, the church of St. George in Staro Nagoricane, Kumanovo. The church is considered as one of the rarest pearls of Byzantine art in whole Europe. Lunch in a traditional restaurant. Transfer back to the hotel. Dinner. Overnight.

Day 4

Skopje - Stobi - Heraclea - Bitola - Ohrid After breakfast we leave the hotel and continue our journey to Stobi archeological site, dating back since 4 century B.C. In the 3 century B.C. Stobi becomes one of the most significant towns in the region and capital of the Roman Province - Macedonia Solutaris. Visiting the Roman buildings, the early Christian monuments such as the Baptism site, the public Basilica, Episcopal Basilica,

Episcopal residence and visiting the Stobi museum of artifacts. Lunch in Stobi vinery. We continue our journey towards the second most important archeological site Heraclea Lynkestis. Heraclea was built by Filip 2 of Macedonia in the middle of the 4 th century B.C. It represented one of the most important centers the ancient Macedonian Kingdom and its growth continued during the Roman period and the Early Christian period as well as the Byzantine period of rule. The tour continues towards Ohrid, the Jerusalem on the Balkans and the city protected by UNESCO with en route stop in Bitola, the city of Consuls. Accommodation in hotel in Ohrid.

Dinner. Overnight.

truly magical, painted in 1191 A.D. during the Byzantine Empire. A church very small by its size but one of the most important for Christianity in Europe. Transfer back to the hotel. Dinner. Overnight.

St. Kliment Plaoshnik

Day 5

OHRID After breakfast we will begin with the discovery of Ohrid, one of the most romantic, most beautiful and most attractive cities in the region regarding its cultural heritage. Panoramic tour around the old town by visiting St. Sophia Cathedral, with frescoes dating back to the 11 century A.D. St. Kliment Plaoshnik, the First Slavic University in the World and one of the most beautiful Byzantine churches in Macedonia ever built, surrounded by the archeological site of an older church dating back to the 5 century A.D. Visiting the 3 km long King Samoilo’s fortress, the Roman Amphitheatre dating from the 3 century B.C., the church of St. Jovan Kaneo 13 century A.D. and the museum / house of Robevci. Lunch in a traditional restaurant on the lake Ohrid. Free time for individual ctivities. Dinner. Overnight.

St. Jovan Bigorski

Day 7

Ohrid - St. Jovan Bigorski - Mavrovo - Skopje After breakfast we checkout from the hotel and continue our journey towards Skopje. On the way the group visits the Debar Lake and the amazing Monastery of St. Jovan Bigorski, famous for its rich cultural and religious heritage. The view from the monastery is spectacular and the natural surrounding will provide you with peace and calmness like nowhere else in the world. The tour continues towards Mavrovo national park with a walk around Mavrovo lake. Lunch. Arrival in Skopje. Accommodation in the hotel. Dinner. Overnight.

Day 6

Ohrid - St. Naum Monastery - St. George Kurbinovo - Ohrid After breakfast we depart to one of the most interesting tours around Ohrid. We take a boat tour across the lake to the monastery of St. Naum, a unique and magical location surrounded by the springs of river Crn Drim that flows into the lake Ohrid. St. Naum is famous for its miracles which we will discover during our visit of the monastery.

Individual option for lunch on the banks of lake Ohrid in Albania or a lunch in a traditional restaurant in the village Trpejca, where you will have the opportunity of tasting the famous Ohrid trout or the traditional eel. After lunch the group continues its journey to the mount Galichica, one of the most beautiful national parks in Macedonia and we descend to the banks of Prespa lake where we will visit the most significant church in the area, St. George from Kurbinovo. The frescoes in this church are

Mavrovo national park

Day 8

Skopje - Airport Alexander the Great After breakfast, transfer to the Airport Alexander the Great for your flight. End of program

tel/fax ++389 2 2464 440, ++389 2 2400 520 · е-mail: aurora@aurora.com.mk · www.aurora.com.mk

9

M

ACEDONIA WINE TOUR

Day 1

Arrival at Skopje airport. Meet and greet by our proffesional guide. Transfer to hotel. After a short rest, the group will continue to the Millenium cross at mount Vodno, built as a symbol of 2000 years of Christianity, one of Skopje’s most famous landmarks. From there the group cointinues to St. Pantelejmon Monastery complex, where we will be able to visit one of the most beautifull representative churches of the Byzantine architecture and fresco art, built in the 12 th century. Lunch in traditional national restaurant with wine degustation “Introduction of Macedonian wines” by which this lovely wine tour begins. Transfer to hotel. Dinner. Overnight.

Day 3

Breakfast. We continue our wine route towards Strumica, one of the most famous and important historical centres of Macedonia throughout the ages, formarly known as Astrion (the city of Stars), today a location that offers one of the most beautifull Byzantine monasteries on the Balkans. We visit the Vodoca monastey complex (named by the thousand of King Samoilo’s soldiers who were blinded by Vasilie 2, the Byzantine Emperor afer the battle of Belasica), then we visit the Veljusa Monastery and we visit one of the most beautifull waterfalls in Macedonia, the Smolari waterfall. Lunch in a traditional restaurant. From there we visit the Dalvina winery, unique winery that offers great tastes and flavours, where we will taste different wines. We continue our jurney to Berovo, the “Macedonian Switzerland” where we will accomodate in Aurora resort & spa 5* Berovo.

Dinner with wine degustation “The best of Macedonian wines”. Overnight.

Strumica vintage

Day 2

Breakfast. After breakfast we depart to the archaeological site of Stobi, dating from the 3 century B. C, where we will have the pleassure of tasting wines in Stobi winery.From there we continue our journey to Tikves winery, the most famous winery in Macedonia, where we will have lunch and taste wines, have a tour around the vineyards and cellars. After lucnh we will continue our trip to Valandovo region, where we will be able to visit Popova Kula vinery and accomodate in their hotel.

Dinner with wine degustation. Overnight. Lunch in their traditional restaurant.

10

Republic of Macedonia

Traditional Maleshevo breakfast

Day 4

After the traditional Maleshevo breakfast, we departure towards Prilep, the Hero City, the City of King Marko, the greatest Hero in the Macedonian literature and poetry. Lunch in in traditional national restaurant.

Accomodation in hotel. After short rest, we visit the

Old City of Varosh, where one of the most beautifull monasteries in this central part of Macedonia exists, the monastery of St. Archange Michael built in the 12 th century. Transfer to hotel. Dinner. Overnight.

Day 5

After breakfast, we continue our journey towards Ohrid, the city of UNESCO, via Bitola, “The City of consules” where we will visit the incredible archaeological site Heraclea Lynkestis, built by the Macedonian King Filip 2 of Macedon in the 4 th century B.C. From there we continue our trip to Ohrid, the Jerusalem on the Balkans where we will have lunch in a traditional restaurant In the Old city from where we will accommodate in hotel. After short rest we start the tour in the Old City, visiting all of the attractions beginning with St. Sofia large and well preserved cathedral Byzantine church with frescoes from the 11th century; St. Clements’s church in Plaoshnik - the first Slavic University and one of the most exhilarating Byzantine-style churches in Macedonia built over and surrounded by archaeological excavations from an Early Christian sacral building dating back from the 5th century. Visit the Roman Amphitheatre (3rd century B.C.). Visit of St. Bogorodica Perivlepta one of the most beautifully decorated churches with carvings and frescoes in Macedonia. We will then tour the 3 km long Samuel’s Fortress imposingly dominating the old part of Ohrid. It was built by Tsar Samoil in the 10th century. Descend to St. Jovan Kaneo (13th century). The church is amongst the favourite symbols of Ohrid as it proudly stands on a steep lake shore cliff offering magnificent views over the town and lake, whilst its small secluded beach is one of the most famous romantic getaways. Transfer to hotel.

Dinner. Overnight.

lake, are located. After lunch in the beautiful surrounding, we will visit the churches of St. Zaum built in 1361 AD, by the emperor Grgur and church of St. Bogorodica Peshtanska in the village of Peshtani. Transfer to hotel.

Dinner. Overnight.

Samuel’s Fortress

Day 7

Breakfast. After check out we continue our trip towards the city of Debar, visiting Sveti Gorgji Pobedonosec and then we arrive at the spectacular St. Jovan Bigorski Monastery, probably the most famous monastery complex in Macedonia, built in 1020 by Ivan I Debranin. From there we continue towards Mavrovo national park where we will have lunch. The trip takes us to Tetovo where we will visit the Sharena Mosque (Colorful Mosque) built in 1438 by the architect Isak Bey. Arrival in Skopje.

Accommodation in hotel. Dinner. Overnight.

Monastery of St. Naum

Day 6

Breakfast. After breakfast the group departs for a visit Visit of the former palace of Nijazi Bey in Kurbinovo and the lovely Sveti Gjorgji church. From there we visit of one of the most beautiful monastery complexes in Macedonia, the Monastery of St. Naum, located on the shores of Lake Ohrid. (this tour can be realized by boat or by bus during the trip towards the monastery, depending on the group desire) built in 905 by St. Naum himself, who is also buried in the church. We will have lunch on the beautiful island near the monastery where the springs of the Crn Drim river, the river that flows through the

Colorful Mosque

Day 8

Breakfast. One final visit to one of the most interesting wine cellars in Macedonia, Chateau Kamnik, located in Skopje region, close to the airport. We will have the pleasure of wine tasting and deer meat and then continue to the airport. End of program.

tel/fax ++389 2 2464 440, ++389 2 2400 520 · е-mail: aurora@aurora.com.mk · www.aurora.com.mk

11

M

ACEDONIA GRAND TOUR

Day 01 /SKOPJE/

Your host from Aurora Tours will welcome you at the airport and help you accommodate in your hotel. Welcome dinner at a national restaurant. Overnight.

Day 02 /SKOPJE - OHRID/

Mavrovo; St. Jovan Bigorski; Debar Lake; Ohrid The route along Western Macedonia starts with a visit of the the oldest national park and largest Ski Centre in the country – Mavrovo. The magnificent mountainous landscape, lush forests and the Lake located close to the ski centre makes Mavrovo a popular holiday resort all year around. Lunch.

Proceed to Ohrid with guided on route stop at the prominent St. Jovan Bigorski monastery complex, dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. It offers exceptionally rich cultural and religious inheritance including one of the world’s most impressive wooden iconostasis. Its location allows for breathtaking views of the beautiful valley of River Radika surrounded by the wild slopes and alpine summits of Bistra Mountain Massive.

Arrival in Ohrid – the city protected by UNESCO. Situated on the shores of Lake Ohrid, it is the most popular tourist centre in the country, which through the history has many times been the centre of Macedonian cultural and spiritual life. Overnight.

Kaneo, Ohrid

In the early afternoon hours we proceed with a relaxing drive along Ohrid lakeshore to the 9th century Monastery of St. Naum, located on the very border with Albania. It is one of the earliest known Slavonic monuments of the ecclesiastic architecture in the region of Ohrid.

Day 04 /OHRID/

Ohrid at leisure Free day for leisure and individual activities. Optional visit to the fisherman villages of Trpejca and Peshtani where you can taste the delicious local fish specialties.

Overnight.

Day 03 /OHRID/

Sightseeing; St Naum Monastery Transfer to central Ohrid where you will have the chance to discover and explore one of the most beautiful, romantic and historically rich towns on the Balkans.

Some like to call it the “Balkan’s Jerusalem”.

The guided sightseeing tour begins at the old historic part of town, which leads to St. Sofia – large and well preserved cathedral with frescoes from the 11th century; St. Clement’s church in Plaoshnik – the first Slavic University and one of the most exhilarating Byzantine-style churches in Macedonia; the Samuel’s Fortress; Roman Amphitheatre (3rd century B.C.); St. Jovan Kaneo; the Museum / House of Robevci. Attend a workshop for hand-made paper.

Traditional-cuisine lunch will be served at a lakefront restaurant.

12

Republic of Macedonia

Galicica

Day 05 /OHRID – BITOLA/

Mount Galicica; Lake Prspa; Bitola; Heraclea After breakfast and hotel checkout we start a mountain ride over Galicica National Park (1730m above sea level) allowing you to enjoy breathtaking views over both Ohrid and Prespa Lake.

Continue driving to the second largest city in the country – Bitola. At one time during the Ottoman rule, Bitola was a diplomatic center with 12 consulates and therefore it is also known as the city of consuls. At present time Bitola is an important industrial, agricultural, educational and cultural center. After a sightseeing tour around the town’s main sites of interest, lunch will be served at a restaurant in the centre of the city (“Shirok

Sokak”), surrounded by numerous buildings in old traditional architecture recently restored. Visit the near-by ancient archaeological site Heraklea Lyncestis and the Museum of Bitola.

Dinner and overnight at hotel.

country, close to the Greek border. It is the third largest Lake in the country mostly famous for the uniquely traditional fishing methods the locals still use (small wooden huts, cormorant birds etc.). Sightseeing.

Dinner and overnight at hotel in Dojran.

Day 06 /BITOLA – KRUSEVO/

Krusevo Sightseeing After breakfast and hotel checkout we head off to the picturesque and monumental mountain town of Krusevo.

It is the highest town in Macedonia (1250m asl), a living museum, famous for its traditional architecture, and the legacy for being the site of the great 1903 Ilinden Uprising against the Ottoman Empire. Apart for its historical and traditional significance, Krusevo is also one of the prime winter sports destinations, but more so an attractive allseason getaway from the hectic city life.

Sightseeing through the main sites of interest, amongst which is the Monument of the National Liberation War; the most significant and composite memorial complex in the history of Macedonian contemporary art dedicated to the Ilinden Uprise; Meckin Kamen; a few churches; as well as the grave and memorial house of the greatest Macedonian pop icon, also popular all over the Balkan’s and Europe – the legendary Tose Proeski.

Overnight.

Krusevo

Day 07 /KRUSEVO – DOJRAN/

Prilep; Tikves wine region; Stobi; Dojran Breakfast and hotel checkout. Departure.

The first stop of interest is Prilep. It is the third biggest town in Macedonia, mostly known by the legendary warrior Krale Marko and the fortress that still witnesses his miraculous achievements. Sightseeing.

Continue touring towards the most famous wine region in Macedonia, the heart of Macedonian wine production – Tikves wine district, where we shall visit a few renowned wineries, followed by lunch.

After lunch we head towards the ancient settlement Stobi. This ancient city lying on a fertile valley just a few minutes off the central highway was first mentioned and documented in the 4th century B.C. In the mid of the 3-rd century B.C. Stobi was one of the most important ancient towns in the region, thereafter the capital of the Roman Province-Macedonia Solutaris.

Proceed driving to Dojran – a small town nested on the shores of Lake Dojran, in the South-Eastern part of the

Dojran

Day 08 /DOJRAN – STRUMICA/

Parthenius of Zographou’s Monastery (Dojran); Vodoca & Veljusa Monasteries (Strumica); Breakfast and hotel checkout. Visit the old but imposing cathedral dedicated to St. Elijah located in the vicinity of Dojran.

Departure to Strumica, the agricultural green house of Macedonia, the city of carnivals and excitingly vibrant nightlife. Short refreshment break and accommodation at hotel, followed by a sightseeing tour and a visit to the impressive monasteries of St. Leontie in the village of Vodocha and the church dedicated to the Holy Mother of God in the village of Veljusa. You will have the chance to light a candle in the temple, chat with the monks or savour the stunning Garden views. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 09 /STRUMICA – BEROVO/

Smolare waterfalls; Berovo Lake; After breakfast and hotel checkout we head towards Berovo with an on-route stop to the Smolare Waterfalls

tel/fax ++389 2 2464 440, ++389 2 2400 520 · е-mail: aurora@aurora.com.mk · www.aurora.com.mk

13

(40m high) – a natural phenomenon located on the slopes of Mount Belasica, offering views that will leave you speechless.

Proceed touring on the curvy mountainous roads that will take you to the Eastern part of the country and the region known as “Malesevija”, offering entirely different environmental and social background to what you had experienced earlier in the tour. The unspoilt god-given nature and cool continental climate combined with the age-old traditions, historical treasures and rural lifestyle will completely enchant your soul and mind.

Arrival and accommodation at hotel in Berovo. Brief sightseeing tour around Berovo will be followed by dinner served at the Aurora resort & spa, overlooking the picturesque town. Overnight at hotel.

Proceed driving north via Kratovo to St. Joakim Osogovski Monastery. It is located on the north-eastern slopes of mount Osogovo at an altitude of 850m, nested in-between thick and green forest. Having counted many centuries of age, it offers a possibility to witness an inspiring blend of architecture, history, tradition, and the never-ending crave for spirituality. Lunch at the monastery grounds.

St. George

Berovo

Day 10 /BEROVO/

Berovo Lake adventure; villages Morning adventure on the luscious mountain slopes surrounding Berovo Lake, located 6km away from Berovo at an altitude of 1100m above sea level. Take a walk on the traced recreational tracks through the dense pine forests; take pleasure in picking wild flowers, aromatic tea plants, exotic berries and mushrooms; or simply hide away and take a relaxing nap on one of the many sheltered meadows.

After lunch we proceed to the nearby villages where you will be directly acquainted with the locals’ way of life, traditions, hospitality and their remarkable cooking skills. You will have the opportunity to have a word with the locals who will generously offer you to taste some Macedonian home-made cheese and distinctive local plum brandy.

Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 11 /BEROVO – SKOPJE/

Kocani rice fields; Lesnovo Monastery; St. Joakim Osogovski; Kokino Departure from Berovo in the morning hours. After a relaxing drive through Malesevija’s unspoilt natural setting, we head towards the Macedonian centre of rice production – Kocani.

Visit The Monastery of Lesnovo dedicated to St.Archangel Michael and St.Gavril Lesnovski. It was built in the 14th century on the foundations of an older church.

14

Republic of Macedonia

Departure to Skopje with an on-route stop to one of the most significant cultural monuments in Macedonia, located near Kumanovo, in the village of Staro Nagorichane. It is the church dedicated to St. George, which by its architectural and monumental Byzantine artistic uniqueness is considered as one of the pearls of Christian artefacts on this territory.

Arrival in Skopje. Accommodation, dinner, and overnight at hotel.

Day 12 /SKOPJE/

City sightseeing; St. Pantalejmon; Guided sightseeing tour of the capital city – Skopje in the morning hours. Visit the medieval Fortress Kale, the mosque of Mustafa Pasha, the Church of St. Spas and the Historical-Ethnological Museum. The tour will continue with a walk through the Old Bazaar to Daut Pashin Amam and over the Stone Bridge to the modern city square. Visit the House of Mother Teresa and the Old Railway Station, as well as a brief look at other places of interest such as the parliament and government buildings.

Proceed to the 12th century monastery of St. Pantalejmon located on the southern slopes of Vodno Mountain, with panoramic views over the capital city. Apart from viewing the frescoes and iconostasis, the church guide will provide you with the main stories and most important earlyrenaissance paintings, one of which is the “Lamnation of Jesus”. Supplied with water by natural springs, the monastery complex is also valued for the rare natural beauty of its setting as well as the traditional-cuisine restaurant nested in the monastery’s gardens, where lunch will be served.

Free afternoon and evening hours for shopping and individual activities.Overnight.

Day 13 /SKOPJE/

Organised transfer to the airport. Departure.

W

ESTERN MACEDONIA

Day 1 /SKOPJE/

Arrival in Skopje Your host from Aurora Tours will welcome you at the airport and help you get settled in your hotel. Transfer with modern air-conditioned vehicles. Welcome dinner at a national restaurant.

You may enjoy some leisure time or stroll through the vibrant city centre in the afternoon and evening hours.

Overnight at hotel.

Mavrovo National Park

the church of St. Andrea, built in the XIV century. Short tea or coffee break.

Transfer to hotel. Overnight.

Day 3 /SKOPJE – MAVROVO/

Galicnik; Mavrovo Departure from Skopje in the morning hours.

Guided on-route stop to the picturesque village of Galichnik, 10km away from Mavrovo.

Day 2 /SKOPJE/

Skopje – Guided sightseeing; St. Pantalejmon; Matka Guided sightseeing tour of the capital city – Skopje in the morning hours. Visit the medieval Fortress Kale, the mosque of Mustafa Pasha (built in 1492), the Church of St. Spas (sarcophagus of the greatest Macedonian revolutionary Gotze Delchev) and the Historical-Ethnological Museum. The tour will continue with a walk through the Old Bazaar (XV – XX century) to Daut Pashin Amam (a Turkish bath) and over the Stone Bridge to the modern city square. Visit the House of Mother Teresa and the Old Railway Station, as well as a brief look at other places of interest such as the parliament and government buildings.

Proceed to the 12th century (Byzantine period) monastery of St. Pantalejmon located on the southern slopes of Vodno Mountain, with panoramic views over the capital city. Apart from viewing the frescoes and iconostasis, the church guide will provide you with the main stories and most important early-renaissance paintings, one of which is the “Lamnation of Jesus”. Supplied with water by natural springs, the monastery complex is also valued for the rare natural beauty of its setting as well as the traditional-cuisine restaurant nested in the monastery’s gardens, where lunch will be served.

Drive along Treska recreation center and Treska River Canyon to the monastery and church of Virgin Mary.

Short walk through the picturesque narrow stone paths surrounding Lake Matka with impressive views of the dam as well as different geological formations along the canyon (flutes, valleys, cracks, crevices, caves…). Visit

Galicnik

tel/fax ++389 2 2464 440, ++389 2 2400 520 · е-mail: aurora@aurora.com.mk · www.aurora.com.mk

15

At an altitude of approximately 1500m above sea level, the village is mostly famous for “the Galichnik Wedding Festival” – a traditional manifestation held annually; the excellent Galichnik Cheese; the unique architecture and the unforgettable nature. A lot of famous Macedonians were born in Galichnik. Sightseeing and visit of the Museum of Galichnik. Lunch will be served at a local traditional-style restaurant offering a wide selection of delicious specialties and beverages.

Transfer to Mavrovo National Park (1200-1900m of altitude) – the oldest national park and largest Ski Centre in the country. The magnificent mountainous landscape, lush forests and the Lake located close to the ski centre makes Mavrovo a popular holiday resort all year around. Free time for leisure, sightseeing and nature appreciation. The more adventurous may try the nearby traced recreational and mountain-bike tracks. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Sightseing walk through Struga followed by a visit to the nearby, culturally unique village of Vevchani. The village is famous for The Vevcani Carnival, which claims a 14 century long legacy. Dinner will be served at a national restaurant in Vevchani, accompanied with lots of music, dancing and excitement.

Transport back to Struga. Overnight at hotel.

Ohrid

Day 5 /STRUGA – OHRID/

Galičnik Wedding Festival

Day 4 /MAVROVO – STRUGA/

Cave “Sharkova Dupka”; St. Jovan Bigorski, Lazaropole, Vevcani, Struga Breakfast and hotel checkout.

The day starts with a visit of a nearby cave known as “Sharkova Dupka”. The cave is open for public, protected and attractively illuminated.

Departure to Struga – the second most popular tourist city on the shores of Lake Ohrid, with guided on-route stop to the prominent St. Jovan Bigorski monastery complex, dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. It offers exceptionally rich cultural and religious inheritance including one of the world’s most impressive wooden iconostasis hand-carved by the Miach’s masters. Its location allows for breathtaking views of the beautiful valley of River Radika surrounded by the wild slopes and alpine summits of Bistra Mountain Massive – extension of the Dinaric Alps.

Proceed to the village of Lazaropole. Located at 1350m high plateau on Mount Bistra, surrounded by dense beech and oak forest, with views of Krchin, Korab and Stogovo mountain summits, the village will enchant your soul with unusual peace and calmness. There are about 400 houses in the village. The older ones reveal the traces of the Miach highland construction style. The village was the birthplace of numerous Macedonian authors, educators, carvers, teachers, fresco and icon painters.

Lunch at a local national restaurant.

After sightseeing and lunch we proceed to Struga VIA Debar Lake. Arrival and accommodation at hotel in Struga.

Short refreshment break at the hotel.

16

Republic of Macedonia

Sightseing the Old Town; St. Naum.

Transfer to central Ohrid where you will have the chance to discover and explore one of the most beautiful, romantic and historically rich towns on the Balkans.

Some like to call it the “Balkan’s Jerusalem”. It is a city protected by UNESCO, which through the history has many times been the center of Macedonian cultural and spiritual life. At present times it is the most popular tourist centre in the country.

The guided sightseeing tour begins at the old historic part of town, which leads to St. Sofia – fairly large and well preserved cathedral with frescoes from the 11th century; St. Clement’s church in Plaoshnik – the first Slavic University; the 3 km long Samuel’s Fortress; Roman Amphitheatre (3rd century B.C.); St. Jovan Kaneo (13th century)… Workshop for hand-made paper. Museum / House of Robevci.

Traditional-cuisine lunch will be served at a lakefront restaurant.

Ohrid

In the early afternoon hours we proceed with a relaxing drive along Ohrid lakeshore to the 9th century Monastery of St. Naum, located on the very border with Albania. It is one of the earliest known Slavonic monuments of the ecclesiastic architecture in the region of Ohrid, dedicated

to the Holy Archangels. The icons of St. Naum are among the best achievements of religious painting on the Balkans.

They date from the first half of the 18th century.

Take pleasure in exploring the monastery grounds, listen to our guide tell stories and legends while rowing you towards the springs of ‘Crn Drim’ river, and surrender to the extraordinary beauty and tranquillity brought on by this outing.

Transfer back to hotel. Overnight.

Sokak”), surrounded by numerous buildings in old traditional architecture recently restored. We shall also visit the near-by ancient archaeological site Heraklea Lyncestis and the Museum of Bitola.

We continue touring along the largest plateau and one of the most fertile land in the country – Pelagonia and head towards the town of Prilep. It is the third biggest town in Macedonia known by the legendary warrior Krale Marko and his fortress that still witnesses his miraculous

Krusevo

Day 6 /OHRID/

Ohrid at leisure Free day for leisure and individual activities. Optional visit to the fisherman villages of Trpejca and Peshtani where you can taste the delicious local fish specialties.

Overnight.

Day 7 /OHRID – KRUSEVO/

Mount Galicica; Lake Prespa; Bitola; Prilep; Krusevo After breakfast and hotel checkout we start a mountain ride over Galicica National Park (1730m above sea level) allowing you to enjoy the breathtaking views over both Ohrid and Prespa Lakes.

Prespa Lake

Continue driving to the second largest city in the country – Bitola. At one time during the Ottoman rule, Bitola was a diplomatic center with 12 consulates and therefore it is also known as the city of consuls. At present time Bitola is an important industrial, agricultural, educational and cultural center. After a sightseeing tour around the town’s main sites of interest, lunch will be served at a restaurant in the centre of the city (“Shirok

achievements. It is also known for the wit and humour its citizens are characterised by, the delicious food specialties as well as being the centre of the tobacco production in Macedonia. Short sightseeing around main sites of interest in and around Prilep.

Proceed to the picturesque mountain town of Krusevo, accommodation, dinner and overnight in hotel.

Day 8 /KRUSEVO – SKOPJE/

Krusevo – sightseeing; transfer to Skopje Once you wake up you will be stunned by the views of gorgeous Krusevo. It is the highest town in Macedonia (1250m asl), a living museum, famous for its traditional architecture, and the legacy for being the site of the great 1903 Ilinden Uprising against the Ottoman Empire. Apart for its historical and traditional significance, Krusevo is also one of the prime winter sports destinations, but more so an attractive all-season getaway from the hectic city life.

After breakfast and hotel check-out we start with the sightseeing tour of monumental Krusevo. We shall visit Nikola Karev’s House, the monument of the National Liberation War; the most significant and composite memorial complex in the history of Macedonian contemporary art dedicated to the Ilinden Uprise, along with the museum; Meckin Kamen; a few galleries amongst which the gallery of Macedonian greatest artist Nikola Martinovski in “Krusevo house”. The churches “St.Nicola” and “St. Jovan”.

We shall also visit the memorial museum and grave of the greatest Macedonian pop icon, also popular all over the Balkans and further – the legendary Tose Proeski.

Lunch at a local traditional restaurant, after which we head back to Skopje.

Accommodation and overnight at a hotel in Skopje.

Day 9

Departure from Skopje Transport to airport upon agreed time. Departure.

tel/fax ++389 2 2464 440, ++389 2 2400 520 · е-mail: aurora@aurora.com.mk · www.aurora.com.mk

17

E

ASTERN MACEDONIA

Day 1 /SKOPJE/

Arrival in Skopje Your host from Aurora Tours will welcome you at the airport and help you get settled in your hotel. Transfer with modern air-conditioned vehicles. Welcome dinner at a national restaurant.

You may enjoy some leisure time or stroll through the vibrant city centre in the afternoon and evening hours.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 2 /SKOPJE – BEROVO/

St George; St. Joakim Osogovski; Kratovo & Valley of Stone Dolls; Lesnovo Monastery; Berovo; Breakfast and hotel checkout. Start the tour with a visit of one of the most significant cultural monuments in Macedonia, located near Kumanovo, in the village of Staro Nagorichane. It is the church dedicated to St. George, which by its architectural and monumental Byzantine uniqueness is considered as one of the pearls of Christian artefacts on this territory.

Valley of Stone Dolls

Proceed with one and a half hour drive the monastery of St.Joakim Osogovski located on the north-eastern slopes of Mount Osogovo at an altitude of 850m, nested in-between thick and green forest. Having counted many centuries of age, it offers a possibility to witness an inspiring blend of architecture, history, tradition, and a never-ending crave for spirituality. Lunch at the monastery grounds.

18

Republic of Macedonia

Berovo

Continue driving to Kratovo – the town of dolls and bridges. This old settlement dating back from the Roman period is located in the crater of an extinct volcano on the western slopes of mount Osogovo. You will visit the nearby Valley of Stone Dolls, a site of rare natural formations approximately 10million years old. There are 120 stone figures, one next to another, up to 10 meters high. The mysticism of these formations has breed abundance of interesting legends glorified by the locals. It is the perfect place for those who have come to understand the timelessness of these objects.

As we are moving south towards Berovo we shall make a short visit to The Monastery of Lesnovo dedicated to St.Archangel Michael and St.Gavril Lesnovski. It was built in the 14th century on the foundations of an older church.

Drive by the town of Kochani – the centre of Macedonian rice production.

Arrival and accommodation at hotel in Berovo. Traditionalcuisine dinner will be served at the Aurora resort & spa, overlooking the picturesque town. Overnight at hotel.

Day 3 /BEROVO/

Sightseeing; Berovo Lake; villages Morning sightseeing of the town with visits to the Holy Archangel Michael Monastery and the Monastery of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos.

Proceed with an adventurous walk on the luscious mountain slopes surrounding Berovo Lake, located 6km away from the town of Berovo at an altitude of 1100m above sea level. Take a walk on the traced recreational tracks surrounded by dense pine forests; take pleasure in picking wild flowers, aromatic tea plants, exotic berries and mushrooms; or simply hide away and take a relaxing nap on one of the many sheltered meadows. Whatever you choose, the unspoilt god-given nature and cool continental climate will completely enchant your soul and mind.

After lunch we proceed to the nearby villages where you will be directly acquainted with the rural lifestyle, age-old traditions, hospitality and remarkable cooking skills. You will have the opportunity to have a word with the locals who will generously offer you to taste some Macedonian home-made cheese and distinctive local plum brandy - Rakija.

Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 4 /BEROVO – STRUMICA/

Smolare waterfalls; Strumica – sightseeing; Vodoca & Veljusa Monasteries; Morning departure from Berovo. We shall first visit the Smolare Waterfalls (40m high) – a natural phenomenon located in the vicinity of Strumica on the densely forested slopes of Mount Belasica, offering views that will leave you speechless.

few renowned wineries, and wine cellars. This will be followed by a visit to the largest and deepest artificial lake in the country – Lake Tikves, where we shall make a stop for sightseeing and nature appreciation. Lunch.

After lunch we head towards the ancient settlement Stobi. This ancient city lying on a fertile valley just a few minutes off the central highway was first mentioned and documented in the 4th century B.C. In the mid of the

Lesnovo Monastery

Arrival in Strumica - the agricultural green house of Macedonia, the city of carnivals and exciting nightlife.

Accomodation at hotel.

Short refreshment break and lunch, followed by a sightseeing tour in and around Strumica. Visit the impressive monasteries of St. Leontie in the village of Vodocha and the church dedicated to the Holy Mother of God in the village of Veljusa. You will have the chance to light a candle in the temple, chat with the monks or savour the stunning Garden views.

Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Dojran

Day 5 /STRUMICA – SKOPJE/

Lake & town of Dojran; Tikves wine region; Lake Tikves; Ancient town – Stobi; Morning departure to Dojran – a small town nested on the shores of Lake Dojran, in the South-Eastern part of the country, close to the Greek border. It is the third largest Lake in the country mostly famous for the uniquely traditional fishing methods the locals still use (small wooden huts, cormorant birds...). Sightseeing and visit to the old but imposing cathedral dedicated to St. Elijah located in the vicinity of Dojran.

Continue touring towards the most famous wine region in Macedonia, the heart of Macedonian wine production – Kavadarci and Negotino, where we shall visit a

3-rd century B.C. Stobi was one of the most important ancient towns in the region, thereafter the capital of the Roman Province-Macedonia Solutaris.

Departure to Skopje. Accommodation, dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 6 /SKOPJE/

Skopje – Guided sightseeing; St. Pantalejmon; Matka Guided sightseeing tour of the capital city – Skopje in the morning hours. Visit the medieval Fortress Kale, the mosque of Mustafa Pasha, the Church of St. Spas and the Historical-Ethnological Museum. The tour will continue with a walk through the Old Bazaar to Daut Pashin Amam and over the Stone Bridge to the modern city square. Visit the House of Mother Teresa and the Old Railway Station, as well as a brief look at other places of interest such as the parliament and government buildings.

Proceed to the 12 th century monastery of St. Pantalejmon located on the southern slopes of Vodno Mountain, with panoramic views over the capital city.

Apart from viewing the frescoes and iconostasis, the church guide will provide you with the main stories and most important early-renaissance paintings, one of which is the “Lamnation of Jesus”. Supplied with water by natural springs, the monastery complex is also valued for the rare natural beauty of its setting as well as the traditional-cuisine restaurant nested in the monastery’s gardens, where lunch will be served.

Drive along Treska recreation center and Treska River Canyon to the monastery and church of Virgin Mary.

Short walk through the picturesque narrow stone paths surrounding Lake Matka with impressive views of the dam as well as different geological formations along the canyon (flutes, valleys, cracks, crevices, caves…). Visit the church of St. Andrea, built in the XIV century. Short tea or coffee break.

Transfer back to hotel. Dinner and Overnight.

Day 7 /SKOPJE/

Organised transfer to the airport. Departure.

tel/fax ++389 2 2464 440, ++389 2 2400 520 · е-mail: aurora@aurora.com.mk · www.aurora.com.mk

19

W

ESTERN BALKAN

Day 1

SKOPJE APT - SKOPJE/ Group arrives to SKOPJE APT After airport procedures meet with Guide & Driver and transfer to the hotel.

Depend of the time of arival, accommodation and overnight in a hotel in Skopje.

Day2

SKOPJE After breakfast in the hotel, meet with the guide and depart for full day tour in Skopje Skopje is the capital and the largest city of the Republic of Macedonia. It lies on the upper course of the Vardar river and is located on a major north - south Balkan route between Belgrade and Athens. The city of Skopje has been for the first time mentioned by Claudius Ptolomeius, under its ancient name of Skupi …

During the sightseeing will be visited the old railway station which is serving as a city museum today, the museum of mother Theresa, square Macedonia, passing the stone bridge we are entering in the old part of the city, the Daut pasha bath, old bazaar, kapan an, church of St. Savior, Mustafa pasha mosque, fortress Kale and museum of Macedonia with the ethnological collection.

Furthermore, in the neighborhood, on the slopes of nearby Mt. Vodno stands the famous church of St. Pantelejmon from 1164, decorated with frescoes of exceptional artistic value. The Lamentation of Christ, also known as Pieta, is the earliest representation of St. Mary with human features. The sorrow she feels for losing her son was for the first time represented on this fresco, thus heralding the Renaissance.

After visiting the monastery we are driving to a beautiful canyon of the river treska, to visit the lake of Matka, where is the cave Vrelo, the deepest underwater cave in Europe, and probable in the world too (exploring in progress).

The Treska canyon is vertically cut into the massive of Suva Mountain. The geological features of the park reflect in the hard carst ground in the area. The different carst formations in the canyon, such as the karrens, flutes, valleys, cracks, crevices and caves, have been formed by 20

Republic of Macedonia

Berat, Albania long term impact of the mountain rivers, as well as great temperature oscillations.

In the surroundings of the Treska Canyon one can find dozens of caves. The most beautiful ones are the caves Vrelo (The Spring On the shore of the lake is also beautiful monastery of St Andry, the brother of last Macedonian king Marko.

This monastery was built 1389 and is filled with frescos of a great artistic importance.

Stobi

Day 3

SKOPJE - STOBI - BITOLA After breakfast we are going to visit the vine region Tikvesh, but just before we discover the truth in wine, we discover antic city of Stobi. Stobi was an ancient town of Paionia, later conquered by Macedon, and later still incorporated into the Roman province of Macedonia Salutaris (now in the Republic of Macedonia). It is located on the main road that leads from the Danube to the Aegean Sea and is considered by many to be the most famous archaeological site in the Republic of Macedonia. Stobi was built where the Erigón river (mod. River Crna) joins the Axiós river (mod. Vardar), making it important strategically as a center for both trade and warfare.

After visiting the archeological site, a vinery will be visited with vine presentation Trip is liding us to the city of Bitola, where we will visit the antic city of Heraclea Lincestis. Heraclea Lyncestis, also spelled Herakleia Lynkestis, was a town founded by Philip II of Macedon in the middle of the 4th century BC in what was once the north-western region of the ancient kingdom of Macedon. The town was named in honor of the mythological hero Heracles. The epithet Lyncestis is meaning “the Land of the Lynx”.

The overwhelming position of Heraclea in the ancient world results from a fortunate coincidence of history and geography. Situated in the fertile plain, to the north

After accommodation in hotel, we are taking boat trip to St. Naum monastery, where lunch will be served in the former dining room of the monks, present day luxury restaurant in the complex of the monastery.

Afternoon we are visiting the ancient Lihnidos (Ohrid), whose fortress is mentioned for the first time by the historian Livius, way back in the third century B.C. According to explorers, this is where Apostle Paul has resided on his journey dedicated to teaching and spreading the faith in Christ.

Ohrid is the center of Christianity for all Slavs, an archbishopric seat, a seat of schools and universities, the first ones in this region, and even further. Today Ohrid

Heraklea

protected by Baba mountain and from south by the Siva Voda river, it has always been on the road which, during the period of Roman rule, became interchangeable with the famous road of Via Egnatia from the classical epoch, the link between Adriatic and Aegean coasts.

Bitola is a grand old town that still bears the marks of its turn-of-the-century importance as a center for diplomacy - while also exemplifying the country’s time-honored cafe culture. Bitola is nicknamed “city of consuls” and is the second largest city in the Republic of Macedonia, with a population of nearly 100,000. Near the border with Greece, it straddles the Dragor River at the foot of Mount Pelister, in the Baba mountain range.

Bitola is quite nice, and it is favorite city to the Macedonians, since it has most European atmosphere.

It was a seat of consuls in the 19th century and with them they brought the European culture and influenced the local aristocracy, who started living in European fashion and building their houses in mixed neo-classical styles. Bitola is a nice place to visit since Pelister National Park is close, the ancient city of Heraklea is there, it has nice Ottoman architecture and 19th century romantic architecture, so some good examples of everything. Overnight in Bitola

remains a center of archaeological sites and discoveries.

Ohrid is the city of 365 churches. One church for each day of the year.

This fact has been evidenced in the 14 th century by Evliya Çelebi in his travel books, and in the Middle Ages Ohrid has been called the Slavic Jerusalem.

The city of the first cave-churches in this region where one forgets time and space and receives unique answers.

The city where monasticism laid its wisdom and God His divine wisdom.

Ohrid is the prize for Biblical Macedonia - can be said or thought of only by those who have seen and felt it. Feel Ohrid for once in your life and you already know why you will return and why it simply cannot be retold.

Day 4

BITOLA - OHRID - ST. NAUM After breakfast depart for Ohrid.

In Biblical Macedonia, every path leads to Ohrid. The person coming to Ohrid is at first amazed, and afterwards, deep within his soul, bows to its marks, which simply encourage you to understand or maybe to wonder - why certain places have been chosen to be different, praised and unique in the whole world.

Apollonia

tel/fax ++389 2 2464 440, ++389 2 2400 520 · е-mail: aurora@aurora.com.mk · www.aurora.com.mk

21

Day 5

OHRID - BERAT - APOLLONIA - TIRANA After breakfast we depart for city of Berat, Berat is a town located in south-central Albania, The castle, Berat lies on the right bank of the river Osum, a short distance from the point where it is joined by the Molisht river. It is a remarkable Albanian town, with a wealth of beautiful buildings of high architectural and historical interest. The pine forests above the city, on the slopes of the towering Tomorr mountains, provide a backdrop of appropriate grandeur. The Osumi river has cut a 915-metre deep gorge through the limestone rock on the west side of the valley to form a precipitous natural fortress, around which the town was built on several river

typology of their development is real for Tirana’ s area as well.

Modern Tirana was founded as an Ottoman town in 1614 by Sulejman Bargjini, a local ruler from Mullet, although the area has been continuously inhabited since antiquity. Tirana became Albania‘s capital city in 1920 and now it has a population of more than 600,000. The city is home to many universities and is the center of the political, economical, and cultural life of the country.

After breakfast meet the guide at the reception andgo to city tour of Tirana and inside visit of Museum of National History and Ethem bey mosque.

Transfer to Durres, One of Albania‘s oldest cities, the country‘s main sea port, the second largest industrial center

Durres

terraces. During the visit of old city of Berat we will vis the casel with the Onufri museum.

The site of Apollonia lay on the territory of the Taulantii, a cluster of Illyrian tribes that remained closely involved with the settlement for centuries and lived alongside(7) the Greek colonists. The city was said to have originally been named Gylakeia after its founder, Gylax, but the name was later changed to honor the god Apollo.

After visit transfer to Tirana

Kruja

Day 6

TIRANA - DURRES - KRUJA - TIRANA Middle Albania with its mountain, hill and field areas offers a sensible richness in the fields of history, administration, ethnography and cultural inherit. The general 22

Republic of Macedonia

after Tirana. Durr‘s (pronounced: Dooh-ras) lies on a small peninsula on the coast of the Adriatic sea. Its population is around 85,000 (the second largest city in Albania).

Durr‘s was established in the year 627 B.C. by Korintha and Korkyra colonists, on the area of an ancient settlement of the Illyrian tribe Taulant. It went under the names Epidamn, Dyrrah, and Dyrrachium, from which its present name has derived. City tour of Durres including inside visit of amphitheatre.

Bazar Kruja

Continue to Kruje (pronounced: Kru-yah) past age-old olive trees and lime-kilns, with limestone outcrops offering the barest grazing to a few sheep and goats. Then shrubs and oaks replace the olives, and finally the conifers take over. “Kruj” means “Spring” and of course there is

no shortage of fresh water at these cool heights. The air invigorates you after the hot, humid plain of Tirana, and one can easily imagine why the old Ilyrrian settlement of Zg‘rdhesh was abandoned in the forth century, and the refugees from the hotter, more exposed foothills chose to defend a mountain eyrie instead.

After arrival short tour of Kruje inside visit of Castle, Skendenberg and Etnographic museum.

Return to Tirana

Day 8

PRISTINE - GRACANICA - SKOPJE After breakfast meet the guide at the reception and go to city tour of Prishtine Like most Balkan cities, Pristina was a small and dusty market town until fairly recently.

The city suffered bombing in the Second World War and again during the 1999 Kosovo crisis, but unfortunately suffered most damage to its cultural monuments due to socialist planning and modern-day neglect.

Pristina

Day 7

TIRANA - PRIZREN - DECAN - PEJE - PRISTINA After breakfast depart for Prizren, It is a commercial center with industries that produce textiles, wood products, and filigree silver jewelry. Prizren is the seat of a Roman Catholic archbishop and of an Orthodox Eastern bishop. An important medieval trade center, the city reached its height as capital (1376-89) of Serbia under Stephen Dušan, who is buried in a nearby monastery. In Prizren are numerous ancient churches and monasteries, some in ruins. Short city tour of Prizren including visit of turkish bath, the Gazi Mehmet Pasha Mosque and old part of the town Prizren.

On the way to Prishtine visit Decani Monestary and Pec Archibishopri.

Continue to Gracanice monastery for a visit one of King Milutin‘s last monumental endowments. It is situated in the village of Gracanica, 5 km. from Pristina, the administrative centre of Kosovo and Metohija region.

The monastery is in the close vicinity of Lipljan, the ancient Roman town of Ulpiana, and the old residence of bishops. Gracanica was constructed on the ruins of an older 13th-century church of the Theotokos, which was built on the ruins of a 6th-century early Christian three-naved basilica. Continuing the journey to Skopje.

Accommodation in hotel. Overnight.

Gracanica

Day 9 Tirana

SKOPJE - DEPARTURE TO FINAL DESTINATION Breakfast. Transfer to airport. End of program.

tel/fax ++389 2 2464 440, ++389 2 2400 520 · е-mail: aurora@aurora.com.mk · www.aurora.com.mk

23

B

ALKAN MOSAIC

Day 1

Skopje Arrival at Alexander the Great airport in Skopje. Meet and greet by our representative and professional guide.

Transfer to hotel. Accommodation. After a short rest, the tour starts with the panoramic visit of the Skopje Old City. Visiting Mustafa Pasha Mosque, Daut Pasha Hamam, Chifte Hamam, Kurshumli han, the church of the Holly Salvation where lie the remains of the greatest revolutionary of Macedonia, Goce Delchev the Teacher.

Lunch in a national restaurant. Continuing our tour to the Skopje Fortress and across the Old Stone Bridge we visit the monument of Alexandre the Great, the memorial home of Mother Theresa and the Old train Station.

Transfer to hotel. Dinner. Overnight.

Athens Balkans. Continuing our journey to Thessaloniki. Visiting the Aya Sofia, the Rotunda and the Arch of Aurelius, dating back to the 4 th century A.D. as well as the Thessaloniki White Tower the former Byzantine fortification and later Ottoman fortification and prison. Finishing with a visit of the Museum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Accommodation in hotel. Dinner. Overnight.

Day 3

Thessaloniki - Athens After breakfast, the group departs from the hotel and continues towards Athens, the capital of Greece. Arrival in Athens. Visiting the Sintagma square the largest and most famous square in Athens, both historically and socially, built during the 19 th century and during the establishment of Athens as the capital in the new Greek Kingdom

by King Otto. From there we will visit the authentic Plaka area, where we could have lunch and the Parliament of Greece. Check in the hotel. Dinner. Overnight.

Day 4

Athens After breakfast a full day city tour in Athens visiting the Acropolis, Parthenon temple, the Olympic stadium in the birthplace of the Olympic games. From there we continue our visit to the Olympian temple of Zeus, the Lycabettus Hill and the Greek ancient market. Lunch in a traditional restaurant. In the afternoon free time for shoping activities in Syntagma Square or Monastiraki.

Dinner in hotel. Overnight.

Day 5

Thesaloniki

Day 2

Skopje - Stobi archeological site - Thesaloniki After breakfast we continue our Balkan tour towards Thessaloniki in Greece, with en route stop at the Stobi archeological site, one of the most beautiful sites on the 24

Republic of Macedonia

Athens - Kalambaka After breakfast, the tour continues towards Kalambaka in the early morning. Arrival in Kalambaka and lunch in a traditional restaurant. Half day city tour visiting Meteora, one of the most significant, unique and amazing religious sites and monasteries, the Holly Monastery of Rousonau.

Visiting the Theopetra Cave, 23.000 years old, where people used to live, and is one of the most famous attractions in Greece for tourists world vide. Acommodation in hotel.

Dinner. Overnight.

Budva

Day 6

Kalambaka - Ohrid After breakfast the tour continues towards Ohrid, the Jerusalem on The Balkans and the city protected by UNESCO. Arrival in Ohrid. Lunch in national restaurant.

Half day city tour visiting the Hadzi Turgut Mosque, the Old Bazaar, Zeynel Abidin Pasha Tekke and the Krst Dzamija Mosque. Dinner in hotel. Overnight.

Day 7

Ohrid After breakfast we depart for a full day city tour in Ohrid starting Old City, visiting all of the attractions beginning with St. Sofia - large and well preserved cathedral Byzantine church with frescoes from the 11th century; St. Clements’s church in Plaoshnik - the first Slavic University and one of the most exhilarating Byzantinestyle churches in Macedonia built over and surrounded by archaeological excavations from an Early Christian sacral building dating back from the 5th century. Visit the Roman Amphitheatre (3rd century B.C.). Visit of St. Bogorodica Perivlepta one of the most beautifully decorated churches with carvings and frescoes in Macedonia.

We will then tour the 3 km long Samuel’s Fortress imposingly dominating the old part of Ohrid. It was built

by Tsar Samoil in the 10th century. Descend to St. Jovan Kaneo (13th century). The church is amongst the favourite symbols of Ohrid as it proudly stands on a steep lake shore cliff offering magnificent views over the town and lake, whilst its small secluded beach is one of the most

famous romantic getaways. Lunch in national restaurant on the lake. Transfer to St. Naum Monastery, one of the most significant monastery complex in Macedonia on the spring of the river Crn Drim. Dinner in hotel. Overnight.

Day 8

Ohrid - Tirana - Budva After breakfast check out from the hotel and continuing the tour towards Budva via Tirana. Arrival in Tirana, the capital of Albania and a half day tour visiting the Mosque of Ethem Bay, the Clock tower, the national museum and Tirana city centre. Lunch in a traditional restaurant.

Continuing the journey towards Budva, city built in the 4 th century B.C. by the Greeks as Emporium and a city that continued its growth during the Roman and the Byzantine period. Accommodation in hotel. Dinner. Overnight.

Day 9

Budva - Dubrovnik After breakfast, we start with a half day city tour in Budva, visiting Budva Old city, one of the most remarkable cities on the Balkans and the Adriatic region. Lunch in a traditional restaurant. Continuing the tour towards Dubrovnik, the most significant trade centre and one of the 10 best preserved medieval walled cities in the world.

Accommodation in hotel. Dinner. Overnight.

Day 10

Dubrovnik After breakfast, full day city tour of Dubrovnik old town visiting the most prominent tourists attractions such as

Dubrovnik

tel/fax ++389 2 2464 440, ++389 2 2400 520 · е-mail: aurora@aurora.com.mk · www.aurora.com.mk

25

the Onuphrius Fountain, the Minceta Tower, the Rector’s house, the Old Harbour and the Old Houses which are protected by UNESCO and Stradun the most famous street in Dubrovnik. Lunch in a traditional restaurant. Free time for individual activities. Dinner in hotel. Overnight.

and the Orthodox Cathedral. Accommodation in hotel.

Dinner. Overnight.

Day 11

Dubrovnik - Mostar - Sarajevo After breakfast the tour takes us to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the lovely scenery that this country can offer for its visitors. Towards Sarajevo, the capital of B&H we visit Pocitelj and its famous Old Building.

From there the tour continues towards Blagaj where we will visit the spring of River Buna. Lunch in a traditional restaurant in Blagaj. Continuing the trip to Mostar, one of the most picturesque and beautiful cities on the Balkans.

Vesting the Karadjoz bey Mosque, Muslibegovic House, the famous Mostar bridge. The tour continues to Sarajevo.

Accommodation in hotel. Dinner. Overnight.

Belgrade

Day 14

Sarajevo

Day 12

Sarajevo After breakfast a full day tour in this lovely town where the past and the future, the east and the west live alongside. We shall visit Vrelo Bosne, Tunnel museum, Old Bazaar Bascarsija, the actual heart of Sarajevo, the Latin Bridge, Brusa bezisten, Morica Han, Veijecnica, Gazi Husref bey mosque. Lunch in a traditional restaurant. Free time for individual activities. Dinner in hotel. Overnight.

Day 13

Sarajevo - Belgrade After breakfast the group checks out from the hotel and the journey continues towards Belgrade, the capital of former Yugoslavia and the current capital of Serbia.

Lunch in a traditional restaurant. Half day tour visiting Republic Square, where we will make a close inspection of its architectonic monuments such as the National Theatre and the National Museum. We will stroll along unavoidable Knez Mihajlova Street - the main shopping and meeting place, in order to see a few other masterpieces of Belgrade‘s architecture, such as the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts. We will then visit the oldest quarters of the 19th century, including the ‘Question mark sign’ Inn, Princess Ljubica‘s Residence (now housing a permanent exhibition of original furniture), as well as the Patriarchy 26

Republic of Macedonia

Belgrade After breakfast a full day city tour is ahead of us. We will visit the residential area of Dedinje. We will stop to pay a visit to the Memorial Complex of Josip Broz Tito, the legendary president of Former Yugoslavia. On our way to the center of the city we will see the new St. Sava Church. This is the third largest Orthodox Church in Europe, built at the place where in 1594 Sinnan Pasha had the holy relics of St. Sava burned at the stake. We will see the Federal Assembly Building of Former Yugoslavia, the Church of St. Marko, Royal Palaces of the Serbian dynasties until WWII, and the main square named Terazije. We finish the tour by visiting the Kalemegdan fortress in Belgrade visiting all of its attractions. Dinner. Overnight.

Day 15

Belgrade - Pristina - Skopje After breakfast the tour continues across Serbia towards Kosovo and its capital Pristina. Visiting the clock Tower, the Fatih Mosque, the Newborn monument and the Charsia mosque. Lunch in a traditional restaurant. Continuing the tour towards Skopje. Arrival in Skopje. Free time for individual activities. Dinner in hotel. Overnight.

Day 16

Skopje After breakfast we depart for a full day tour of the city visiting mount Vodno and the Millennium cross built in order to celebrate the 2000 years of Christianity. Visiting one of the most beautiful monastery complexes on the Balkans, the St. Pantelejmon monastery where we will be able to visit one of the most beautifull representative churches of the Byzantine architecture and fresco art, built in the 12 th century. Continuing the tour towards Matka canyon and visiting the picturesque church of St. Andrea, built in the astonishing rocks. Lunch on the lake of Matka in a traditional restaurant. Transfer to hotel.

Dinner. Overnight.

Day 17

After breakfast transfer to airport for your flight. End of the Balkan Mosaic tour.

O

HRID WEEKEND TOUR

Day 1 /SKOPJE – OHRID/

Mavrovo; St. Jovan Bigorski; Ohrid Organised departure from Skopje in the early morning hours. Traveling through Tetovo and Gostivar.

Panoramic sightseeing of the mountainous region with basic historical/cultural/geographical/political information about Macedonia provided by a professional guide during transportation.

Arrival in Mavrovo National Park – the oldest national park and largest Ski Centre in the country. The magnificent mountainous landscape, lush forests and the Lake located close to the ski centre makes Mavrovo a popular holiday resort all year around. During the round-trip around Mavrovo Lake we will make a few stops for sightseeing and nature appreciation. Lunch will be served at a luxury hotel in the very centre of the ski resort.

Proceed to the prominent St. Jovan Bigorski monastery complex, dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. It offers exceptionally rich cultural and religious inheritance including one of the world’s most impressive wooden iconostasis hand-carved by the Miac’s masters. Its location allows for breathtaking views of the beautiful valley of River Radika surrounded by the wild slopes of Bistra Mountain massive.

Arrival in Ohrid. Accommodation and overnight at hotel of choice.

Day 2 /OHRID/

Sightseeing; St. Naum Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to central Ohrid where you will have the chance to discover and explore one of the most beautiful, romantic and historically rich towns on the Balkans. Some like to call it the “Balkan’s Jerusalem”.

The guided sightseeing tour begins at the old historic part of town, which leads to St. Sofia – large and well preserved cathedral temple with frescoes from the 11th century; St. Clement’s church in Plaoshnik – the first Slavic University and one of the most exhilarating Byzantinestyle churches in Macedonia built over and surrounded by archeological excavations from an Early Christian sacral building dating back from the 5th century. Visit the Roman Amphitheatre (3rd century B.C.). Visit the Museum / House of Robevci and the gallery of icons.

Trpeica

We will then tour the 3 km long Samuel’s Fortress imposingly dominating the old part of Ohrid. It was built

by Tzar Samoil in the 10th century. ; Descend to St. Jovan Kaneo (13th century). The church is amongst the favorite symbols of Ohrid as it proudly stands on a steep lakeshore cliff offering magnificent views over the town and lake, whilst its small secluded beach is one of the most famous romantic getaways.

Attend a workshop for hand-made paper.

Traditional-cuisine lunch will be served in a lakefront restaurant at the centre of Ohrid.

St. Pantheleimon, Plaosnik

In the early afternoon hours you will have the chance to either enjoy Ohrid beauties and attractions at your leisure or take an organised guided tour to the 9th century Monastery of St. Naum, 25km of relaxing drive along the lakeshore, next to the Albanian border. It is one of the earliest known Slavonic monuments of the ecclesiastic architecture in the region of Ohrid. The icons of St. Naum are among the best achievements of religious painting in the Balkans. They date from the first half of the 18th century. Take pleasure in exploring the monastery grounds, listen to our guide tell stories and legends while rowing you towards the springs of ‘Crn Drim’ river, and surrender to the extraordinary beauty and tranquillity brought on by this outing.

Departure to Skopje in the evening hours.

tel/fax ++389 2 2464 440, ++389 2 2400 520 · е-mail: aurora@aurora.com.mk · www.aurora.com.mk

27

O

NE-DAY EXCURSIONS

ONE-DAY EXCURSION THROUGH SKOPJE Gathering at and leaving from hotel upon time agreed, transport with a modern air-conditioned bus / van and a professional tourist guide.

Visit the medieval Fortress Kale, the mosque of Mustafa Pasha (built in 1492), the Church Of St. Spas (sarcophagus of the greatest Macedonian revolutionary Gotze Delchev) and the Historical-Ethnological Museum. The tour will continue with a walk through the Old Bazaar (XV – XX century) to Daut Pashin Amam (a Turkish bath) and over the Stone Bridge to the modern city square. Visit the house of Mother Teresa and the Old Railway Station.

Drive to picturesque Matka canyon with a visit to the church of St. Andrea, built in the XIV century. Short tea or coffee break.

Lunch break at the restaurant located in St. Pantelejmon’s Monastery gardens, Vodno mountain.

Guided sightseeing of St. Pantalejmon Church (built in 1164 - Byzantine period).

Return to hotel 28

Republic of Macedonia

SKOPJE – MAVROVO Organised departure from Skopje in the morning hours.

Traveling through Tetovo and Gostivar. Panoramic sightseeing of the mountainous region with basic historical/cultural/ geographical/political information about Macedonia provided by a professional guide during transportation.

Guided visit of the prominent St. Jovan Bigorski monastery complex, dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. It offers exceptionally rich cultural and religious inheritance including one of the world’s most impressive wooden iconostasis hand-carved by the Miac’s masters. Its location allows for breathtaking views of the beautiful valley of River Radika surrounded by the wild slopes and alpine summits of Bistra Mountain massive.

Proceed to Mavrovo National Park – the oldest national park and largest Ski Centre in the country. The magnificent mountainous landscape, lush forests and the Lake located close to the ski centre makes Mavrovo a popular holiday resort all year around. After panoramic sightseeing and stops for nature appreciation/photography, lunch will be served in a luxury hotel at the centre of the resort.

Return to Skopje

SKOPJE – OHRID

St. Pantalejmon

SKOPJE MONASTERY TOUR

St. Andrea & church of Virgin Marry – St. Pantalejmon – Markov Monastery – St. Spas Gathering at and leaving from hotel upon time agreed, transport with modern air-conditioned vehicles, accompanied by a professional tourist guide.

Drive along Treska recreation center and Treska River Canyon to the monastery and church of Virgin Mary. Short walk through the picturesque narrow stone paths surrounding Lake Matka with impressive views of the dam as well as different geological formations along the canyon (flutes, valleys, cracks, crevices, caves…). Visit the church of St. Andrea, built in the XIV century. Short tea or coffee break.

Proceed to the 12th century (Byzantine period) monastery of St. Pantalejmon located on the southern slopes of Vodno Mountain, with panoramic views over the capital city. Apart from viewing the frescoes and iconostasis, the church guide will provide you with the main stories and most important early-renaissance paintings, one of which is the “Lamnation of Jesus”. Supplied with water by natural springs, the monastery complex is also valued for the rare natural beauty of its setting as well as the traditional-cuisine restaurant nested in the monastery’s gardens, where lunch will be served.

Visit the Markov Monastery, located at only 20 km away from the city amidst flowering woods in the ambience of the village Markova Sushica. The construction of the church, dedicated to the martyr St Demetrius, began during the reign of King Volkashin (1346/47) but was painted and completed some 30 years later.

Unlike many monasteries affected by the Ottoman rule, Markov has retained its original structure and form. The complex comprises dormitories, richly decorated dining rooms, a bell tower, an old mill, a “wish well” full of cold spring water, and storerooms.

Head off to Skopje and visit the church of St. Spas, located next to the old part of the city – the Old Bazaar. The church is characterized by an unusual design as half of it was constructed underground, which resembles the 17 th century edict of the Turkish Sultan prohibition of Christian structures from being higher than (or levelled with) the mosques. The church contains impressive wooden iconostases hand-carved in the 19th century. The sarcophagus of Gotze Delchev – the greatest Macedonian revolutionary and founder of the Macedonian liberation movement (1903) is located in the courtyard of the church.

Transfer back to hotel

Organised departure from Skopje in the early morning hours. Traveling through Tetovo, Gostivar and Kicevo.

Panoramic sightseeing of the mountainous region with basic historical/cultural/geographical/political information about Macedonia provided by a professional guide during transportation.

Arrival in Ohrid (the city protected by UNESCO) before noon.

Transfer to central Ohrid where you will have the chance to discover and explore one of the most beautiful, romantic and historically rich towns on the Balkans. Some like to call it the “Balkan’s Jerusalem”. It is a city protected by UNESCO, which through the history has many times been the center of Macedonian cultural and spiritual life. At present times it is the most popular tourist centre in the country.

The guided sightseeing tour begins at the old historic part of town, which leads to St. Sofia – large and well preserved cathedral temple with frescoes from the 11th century; St. Clement’s church in Plaoshnik – the first Slavic University and one of the most exhilarating Byzantine-style churches in Macedonia built over and surrounded by archeological excavations from an Early Christian sacral building from the 5th century. Visit the Roman Amphitheatre (3rd century B.C.). Visit the Museum / House of Robevci and the gallery of icons.

We will then tour the 3 km long Samuel’s Fortress imposingly dominating the old part of Ohrid. It was built by Tzar Samoil in the 10th century.; Descend to St. Jovan Kaneo (13th century). The church is amongst the favorite symbols of Ohrid as it proudly stands on a steep lakeshore cliff offering magnificent views over the town and lake, whilst its small secluded beach is one of the most famous romantic getaways. Attend a workshop for hand-made paper.

Traditional-cuisine lunch will be served in a lakefront restaurant at the centre of Ohrid, which will be followed by some free time at your leisure.

Departure back to Skopje in the late afternoon hours Samuel’s Fortress

tel/fax ++389 2 2464 440, ++389 2 2400 520 · е-mail: aurora@aurora.com.mk · www.aurora.com.mk

29

Stobi, Heraklea

ANCIENT SETTLEMENTS: STOBI - HERAKLEA Organized departure from Skopje (or Ohrid) in the early morning hours. Transport with a modern air-conditioned bus or van. Panoramic sightseeing of the hilly-mountainous region alongside highway E-75 with basic historical/cultural/ geographical/political information about Macedonia provided by a professional tourist guide during transportation.

Arrival to Stobi - archaeological remnants of an ancient city lying on a fertile valley just a few minutes off the central highway. Its name was first mentioned and documented in the 4th century B.C. In the mid of the 3-rd century B.C. Stobi was one of the most important ancient towns in the region and thereafter the capital of the Roman ProvinceMacedonia Solutaris.

Sightseeing – the archeological site Stobi, the roman building structures, early-Christian buildings (Baptistery, Civil Basilica, Episcopal Basilica, Episcopal Residence),the Casino, Stobi Museum.

Lunch-break at a national restaurant.

Proceed to Heraklea Lyncestis. Sightseeing walk around Heraclea – the most beautiful and well preserved roman and early-Christian center in Macedonia. Although the exact age and its founder are still argued, most of the historians agree that it was founded by the ancient ruler Philip II of Macedon in the middle of the 4th century B.C. It was an important strategic centre of the ancient Kingdom of Macedon, and continued developing during the Roman and Byzantine period. You will have the opportunity to witness the abundant archaeological heritage of the site, collected through earlier investigation and presented at the archaeology exhibition in the museum as well as the archaeology exhibition on the very site of Heraclea.

Departure back to Skopje (or Ohrid) in the late afternoon hours

“KOKINO” MEGALITHIC OBSERVATORY – CHURCH OF ST. GEORGE Organized departure from Skopje in the early morning hours.

The tour starts with a visit of the only megalithic observatory on the Balkans, and one of the few in the world.

The locality is often called the Macedonian Stonehenge – KOKINO. It was built on volcanic rock structures, on a hill 1.013 meters above sea level. Although currently subjected to intensive research, its origin was estimated to date back from 1.815 B.C. People used it for tracking movements of the Sun and the Moon, as well as for observing other atmospheric phenomena.

On the way to Kokino we first arrive in the village of Mlado Nagoricane, where we shall visit the basalt slabs that witness the once-active volcanic activity in the area. Visit to the Kostoperska rock at the bottom of which remains of a Neolithic settlement have been found. Continue to Tatichev rock, where the ancient observatory is located, at an altitude of 1013 m. Ten minutes climb to the interior of the observatory – KOKINO. You will then descend to one of the most significant cultural monuments in Macedonia, located near Kumanovo, in the village of Staro Nagorichane. It is the church dedicated to St. George, which by its architectural and monumental Byzantine artistic uniqueness is considered as one of the pearls of Christian artifacts on this territory. There is a legend related to the construction of this church about the hermit Prohor Pchinski and the Byzantine army leader Roman Diogen, which you will hear on-site.

Lunch will be served in traditional national restaurant.

Transfer back to Skopje in the late afternoon hours

Macedonian Stonehenge - KOKINO

30

Republic of Macedonia

PRESPA LAKE TOUR OHRID – OTESEVO Departure from Ohrid in the morning hours. Mountain ride over Galicica National Park (1730m above sea level) – the mountain that separates the two lakes, allowing you to enjoy the breathtaking views over both Ohrid and Prespa Lakes.

Descend to the shores of Lake Prespa and arrival in Oteshevo. The trip begins with a raft / boat trip on the lake, during which we shall make stops in a few coastal villages such as the village of Stenje. At these traditionally fishing villages you will have the opportunity to be introduced with the local way of fishing as well as cooking it traditional way and of course, tasting the fish.

Prespa Lake, island Golem Grad

Valley of Stone Dolls

KRATOVO – VALLEY OF STONE DOLLS – ST JOAKIM OSOGOVSKI Organized departure from Skopje in the early morning hours.

After approx. two hours drive we will make the first stop in Kratovo – the town of dolls and bridges. This old settlement dating back from the Roman period is located in the crater of an extinct volcano on the western slopes of mount Osogovo. It is amongst the first cities on the Balkans where a metal smith was started for coined money. You will visit the nearby Valley of Stone Dolls, a site of rare natural formations, which according to some sources are approximately 10million years old. There are 120 stone figures, one next to another, up to 10 meters high. The mysticism of these formations has breed abundance of interesting legends glorified by the locals. It is the perfect place for those who have come to understand the timelessness of these objects.

Lunch will be served at an autrhentic Kratovo restaurant with traditional food. The place resembles a small museum that will show you the art of the Macedonian skilful artistic hand through various costumes, embroideries, paintings, household items and other antiquities.

One hour drive to the monastery of St.Joakim Osogovski located in the proximity of the town of Kriva Palanka, on the north-eastern slopes of mount Osogovo at an altitude of 850m, nested in-between thick and green forest. Having counted many centuries of age, it offers a possibility to witness an inspiring blend of architecture, history, tradition, and the never-ending crave for spirituality.

Transfer back to Skopje in the late afternoon hours

After visiting the rustic Neolithic village of Konjsko we shall raft to the largest island in the country - Golem Grad. The island has been unpopulated for a long period of time; hence it is often referred to as the “Snake Island”. Archeological research, however, proves that the island has been actively populated by people through various periods in the history, with traces dating back from ancient times.

Prespa Lake

Visit of the church St. George located just across from the northeastern coast of Prespa Lake, in the foothills of Mount Pelister. The year of its construction remains unknown, but the frescoes inside were painted in the 1191.

The last village to be visited is Brajcino near the Greek border from where we head back to Ohrid

tel/fax ++389 2 2464 440, ++389 2 2400 520 · е-mail: aurora@aurora.com.mk · www.aurora.com.mk

31

AURORA resort & spa

read more ‌

www.auroraresort.mk

reservation

tel. 00 389 33 550 965 booking@auroraresort.mk