$1,699*ppfrom

11 day tour departs 08 July 2016

Macedonia A Hidden Treasure

Twin Share

Being of Macedonian heritage I’ve always wanted to learn the history of the birthplace of my ancestors. Join me and my co-host Mary Risteska as we uncover this hidden gem in the centre of the Balkans.

Although small in size and relatively undiscovered, this landlocked country packs a punch! Rich in history, culture, archaeological ruins, natural wonders, beauty and hospitality, this tour allows you to immerse yourself in this unspoiled country without the tourist crowds. With a group size of no more than 17, this specialised tour covers Macedonia like no other!

Meet Kristina Acevski

SKOPJEArrive at Skopje Airport and transfer to your hotel. The afternoon is free to relax, explore the city or join one of our optional activities. Enjoy a welcome dinner tonight to meet your fellow travellers.

Day 1 Day 3

Day 4

SKOPJEThis morning we embark on a sightseeing tour of Skopje. First stop is the Museum of the City of Skopje, located in the former railway station. A short walk to Macedonia Square where the independence of Macedonia was declared. We continue to Macedonia Street, where we visit Mother Theresa Memorial House. Other highlights include Stone Bridge, the symbol of Skopje; Daut Pasha Hammam, an impressive 15th century Turkish bath building and Kapan An, a 15th century caravanserai in the old bazaar. After lunch we visit St. Saviour Church, where the tomb of national hero Goce Delcev is located before continuing to Kale Fortress. Our final stop is Matka Canyon, where we take a boat ride to Vrelo Cave.

SKOPJE – GALICNIK – OHRID After breakfast we depart for Galicnik, where the annual Galicnik Wedding Festival is held. Here we experience an authentic wedding in a traditional village setting. After lunch we depart for Ohrid, known as the ‘Jerusalem of the Balkans’. On the way we stop at St. John the Baptist Monastery, dating back to the 11th century, before continuing to Ohrid.

OHRID – VEVCANI After breakfast we start our tour of Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. First stop is the well-preserved Upper Gate and King Samuil’s Fortress, offering spectacular views of Lake Ohrid. Other highlights include the Ancient Theatre; the rich archaeological site of Plaosnik and St. Clement of Ohrid; and the Church of St. Sophia. Next stop is the National Museum, located in the Robevci family home. We then visit the old bazaar and Zejnel Abedin Mosque, dating back to the 16th century. An optional visit to a local pearl shop. After lunch we depart for Vevcani and visit the famous Vevcani Springs; the ancestral home of Mihajlo Pupin, the famous physicist; and St. Saviour Church.

Although small in size and relatively undiscovered, this landlocked country packs a punch! Rich in history, culture, archaeological ruins, natural wonders, beauty and hospitality, this tour allows you to immerse yourself in this unspoiled country without the tourist crowds.

Day 2

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Day 5

OHRID – BITOLAAfter breakfast we tour St. Naum Monastery, a Byzantine-style church originally built in the 10th century. Next is a boat tour on the crystal clear springs of the river Crn Drim, before continuing to the Bay of Bones, an archaeological open air museum displaying a reconstruction of an ancient settlement. Next stop is Brajcino, known for its rural Macedonian architecture. Here we visit a local restaurant to learn about honey production. After lunch we depart for Bitola. Highlights include Širok Sokak, a long pedestrian street; the Clock Tower, first built in the 17th century; Magaza, originally a stock market of the 19th century; and Bezisten, an impressive covered bazaar from the Ottoman Empire.

• Return airport transfers in Skopje

• 10 nights in 4 star accommodation in a single or twin/double room, including 1 night in a monastery

• 10 breakfasts

• 3 lunches

• 3 dinners

• Touring by private air-conditioned van

• English speaking tour guide

• Personal tour consultant for duration of tour

• All entrance fees

InclusionsDay 6

BITOLA – KRUŠEVO – TIKVEŠ – POPOVA KULA

After breakfast we visit Heraclea Lyncestis, the most preserved ancient city in Macedonia, founded by Philip II of Macedon in the 4th century BC. We then set off for Kruševo. Sightseeing includes the old bazaar; the Makedonium and Meckin Kamen monuments, which are dedicated to the Ilinden uprising; and the Memorial House of Todor ‘Toshe’ Proeski. We then depart for Stobi Winery, located in the famous Tikveš wine region. After lunch we tour the archaeological site of Stobi, before we continue to Popova Kula Winery where we have some time to relax before dinner and wine tasting.

Part of the House of Travel Group ACN: 113 085 626 Member: IATA, AFTA, CLIA

0414 889 496E: Kristina.Acevski@travelmanagers.com.autravelmanagers.com.au/KristinaAcevski

To find out more call: Kristina your personal travel manager

*Terms & Conditions: Prices are per person based on twin share or single room accommodation in 4 star hotels and include all touring, sightseeing and meals as indicated. For single room accommodation there is a single supplement fee of $260. A non-refundable deposit of $350 pp is payable within 7 days of booking and no later than Wednesday, 06 April 2016. Balance payment is due 45 days prior to departure from Australia. Price is correct at the date of going to print and is subject to availability. Price is based on a group rate where a minimum of 10 people is required. If the minimum is not reached the price will be requoted based on the number of people in the travel party. Cancellation and amendment fees may apply. Booking may be subject to compulsory credit card fees and service charges imposed by the agent. Other conditions may apply. Contact Kristina Acevski for complete details.

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9 Day 10 & 11

POPOVA KULA – STRUMICA After breakfast we start with a tour of the winery before we depart for Strumica. First stop is Veljusa Monastery, constructed in the 11th century and set in tranquil surroundings. We continue to Smolare Waterfall, the tallest waterfall in Macedonia surrounded by 100-year-old beech trees. After lunch we check in to our spa and wellness hotel. Here you will have free time to experience the spa facilities.

STRUMICA – ŠTIP – KRATOVOAfter breakfast, a short sightseeing tour of Strumica before we depart for Štip. Tour highlights include the school where Goce Delcev once taught and St. Saviour Church, built in 1369 by Duke Dimitrije. Lunch is included where we sample the local speciality, pastrmajlija pie. After lunch we continue to Kratovo, famous for its bridges and medieval stone towers. We visit Kratovo Museum and the Clock Tower, the most famous of the six remaining stone towers. Some free time before we enjoy a traditional dinner at a local restaurant.

KRATOVO – ST. JOAKIM OSOGOVSKIAfter breakfast we take a walking tour of the old town centre and along the medieval bridges, including the most famous, Radin Bridge. We then depart for the Stone Dolls of Kuklica, consisting of over 120 naturally formed stone pillars dating back millions of years. St. Joakim Osogovski Monastery is our next stop, dating back to the 12th century. Here we have a tour of the monastery and after lunch have free time for optional activities and hiking.

ST. JOAKIM OSOGOVSKI – KOKINO – SKOPJEAfter breakfast we depart for Kokino Megalithic Observatory, ranked as the 4th most significant astronomical heritage site in the world by NASA. We next visit a traditional ethno village complex near Kumanovo. Here we will have lunch and attend a traditional Macedonian food cooking class by a celebrity chef. In the afternoon we return to Skopje where we have free time before tonight’s optional farewell dinner.

DAY 11: SKOPJEYour tour ends with breakfast this morning.