- Tour Operator:
- Explore!
- Max group size:
- 18
- Age range:
- 16 to 85
- Operated in:
- English
- Tour id:
- 124374
Highlights
- Experience the natural wonder of Matka Gorge
- Visit the ancient capital of Macedonian Kings at Vergina
- Enjoy a boat ride along the coast to 'the holy mountain'
- Explore the crumbling Roman remains of Thassos Island
- Bask in the historical buildings and beauty of Lake Ohrid
- Admire the coloured frescoes of UNESCO Rila Monastery
Itinerary
- Introduction
- Day 1 Join trip in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria
- Day 2 Sofia city tour, stay overnight in a Macedonian monastery
- Day 3 Explore Kratovo and Skopje including Kale Fortress
- Day 4 Excursion to the dramatic Matka Gorge
- Day 5 Scenic drive to Lake Ohrid via Mavrovo National Park
- Day 6 Guided walking tour of Ohrid, afternoon by the lake
- Day 7 Free day in Ohrid with the chance to visit Albania
- Day 8 Visit to Saint Naum Monastery en route to Pelister National Park
- Day 9 Visit birthplace of Alexander the Great and UNESCO Listed Vergina (Greece)
- Day 10 Explore Thessaloniki on foot with a local guide, free afternoon in the city
- Day 11 Drive to Kavala via Halkidiki Peninsula, boat trip to Mount Athos
- Day 12 Excursion to Thassos Island to explore or relax on the beach
- Day 13 Explore historical Philippi, drive to Bansko (Bulgaria)
- Day 14 Discover the beautiful Rila Monastery, free afternoon in Sofia
- Day 15 Trip ends in Sofia
What's Included
- Accommodation
- Guide
- Meals
- Additional Services
- Transport
What's Not Included
- Additional Services
Where You'll Stay
Budapest Hotel
HotelDays 1, 14Monastery St. Joakim Osogovski
Monasteryday 2Hotel Centar
HotelDays 3, 4Hotel Royal View
HotelDays 5, 6, 7Hotel Sator
Hotelday 8Hotel Luxemburg
HotelDays 9, 10Esperia Hotel
HotelDays 11, 12Hotel Molerite
Hotelday 13
Operated by
Explore!
Number of tours
439
Age Range
16 to 85 years old
Response time
within 1 day
Response rate
92%
Explore is a global adventure travel company with 42 years’ experience in providing exciting and authentic travel experiences. With over 350 trips in around 100 countries, Explore’s expertly crafted itineraries combined with award-winning tour leaders, small group sizes and a commitment to...
Read moreSustainability Initiatives
Reduce Carbon Emissions
Animal Welfare
Supporting Destinations
Sustainability Programs
Customer Reviews
- Overall RatingExcellent
- ItineraryExcellent
- GuideExcellent
- TransportExcellent
- AccommodationGood
- FoodExcellent
- ETElizabeth· June 19th, 2024I had a fantastic experience and was very impressed with the quality of the tour. The itinerary was well-planned and covered all the key historical sites in the region, from Pella and Vergina to Amphipolis and Philippi. The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable about the history and culture of ancient Macedonia, and did a great job bringing the sites to life with detailed explanations and insights. The logistics of the tour were also very well-handled, with comfortable transportation, good accommodation, and an overall smooth flow to the schedule. I never felt rushed or like we were missing out on anything. Overall, this was an exceptional tour that exceeded my expectations. I learned a tremendous amount and left with a much deeper appreciation for the legacy of Alexander the Great and the kingdom of ancient Macedonia. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone with an interest in classical history.Show moreExplore! commented on this reviewHi Elizabeth - Thank you so much for your feedback! It brings immense joy to hear about your experience. We're thrilled that your Explore Leader left such a positive impression. We'll make sure to pass on your kind words. We hope to have the opportunity... Show moreTrip date: June 2024
- AMelanie· May 24th, 2023Lake Ohrid The churches and monasteries - especially Rila. Vergina, Pella and Philippi The boat trip Thassos The foodTrip date: May 2023Review collected by Explore!
- ADavid· June 19th, 2023Skopje, Ohrid, Thassos Island tripTrip date: June 2023Review collected by Explore!
- ASusan· June 23rd, 2023Lake Ohrid, SkopjeTrip date: June 2023Review collected by Explore!
- ARhea· August 6th, 2023My favourites were Aigai, Vergine, and Philippi museums and archaeological sites.Trip date: July 2023Review collected by Explore!
- AAlison· August 6th, 2023Ohrid was a lovely town and I like Skopje. The ancient sites were excellent and the Thessaloniki guide was excellent at all 3 sites.Trip date: July 2023Review collected by Explore!
- AJoanna· August 7th, 2023Ohrid, Pella, beautiful monasteries & churches.Trip date: July 2023Review collected by Explore!
- AWei Lun· August 17th, 2023Enjoyed the guided archaelogical tour of Philippi, and the musuem at Vergina, Greece. Enjoyed the trip and hike at Laker Ohrid.Trip date: July 2023Review collected by Explore!
- AAnette· September 20th, 2023exploring Skopje, the rowing boat trip to the Ohrid springs, the Royal tombs at VerginaTrip date: September 2023Review collected by Explore!
- ANigel· September 25th, 2023For landscape and scenery Matka Gorge and the Vrelo cave which was also a very relaxing time too, but for an unexpected delight the museum of the tomb of Philip II at Vergina and his burial treasure, I had not expected something quite to dazling and so brilliantly well presented.Show moreTrip date: September 2023Review collected by Explore!
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