Skopje to Tetovo, Mavrovo and John Bigorski: Optional Ohrid Day Tour｜North Macedonia

We will pick you up from your hotel/apartment few minutes before 08 00. You will embark on a day trip from Skopje to explore Macedonia's diverse landscapes and rich heritage. Visit the Painted Mosque in Tetovo, the Vrutok springs, and the St. John the Baptist Monastery. Afterwards you will visit attractive Mavrovo National Park, Mavrovo Lake with famous Sinking Church of St. Nikola. Enjoy a traditional lunch in a local restaurant.

Meet your guide in Skopje and begin your journey in Tetovo, a city pulsating with life. Admire the intricate floral and geometric designs of the Painted Mosque, a testament to Ottoman artistry. Wander through the bustling bazaar, inhaling the aromas of freshly baked bread and strong Turkish coffee.

As you ascend into the Shar Mountains, stop at the Vrutok springs, the source of the mighty Vardar River. Witness the crystal-clear water gushing from the earth, a powerful symbol of nature's force. Fill your water bottle with the icy spring water, a refreshing taste of Macedonia's heart.

Continue to Mavrovo National Park, a panorama of rolling hills, dense forests, and the shimmering Mavrovo Lake. Hear stories of the park's wildlife, including elusive bears, wolves, and lynx. Admire the ancient frescoes within the John the Baptist Monastery, perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Reka Region.

Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant, savoring the flavors of local cheeses, grilled meats, and freshly baked bread, accompanied by regional wine. Or, to taste the Trout from the fresh water and delicatecy of the Burimi Restaurant.

As the sun sets, casting long shadows across the mountains, return to Skopje, your mind brimming with memories.

You may opt to visit the city of Ohrid, Jerusalem in the Balkans, with numerous attractions, and to enjoy the boat tour on the oldest Lake in Europe, with the amazing diversity of flora and fauna.

First stop: the iconic Church of St. John at Kaneo. Perched on a cliff above Lake Ohrid, the church offers breathtaking, postcard-perfect views of the sparkling blue water and distant mountains.

Winding through narrow lanes lined with Ottoman-era houses, you will pass by the Ancient Theatre of Ohrid. From here, we climbs up to Samuel’s Fortress, its sturdy walls standing guard over the city. The panoramic view reveals red-tiled roofs cascading down to the shore.

Than we strolls down toward the lakefront promenade, passing by the bustling Old Bazaar, its shops brimming with local crafts and pearls, and grabs a quick bite—a flaky burek and a cup of strong Macedonian coffee.

With sunlight shimmering on the water, the final moments are spent at the lakeside, watching small boats bobbing gently and listening to church bells chiming in the distance.

You will be back to your hotel at appropriate time.