Macedonia Experience ~ May 24 - June 3, 2026
When Apostle Paul was in Troas, he dreamt of a tall impressive Macedonian man who stood in front of him and begged him to “come to Macedonia and help them”. Lydia, of Thyatira and seller of purple, was a foreign woman who became the foundation member of the Philippian Church. Macedonia was also home of Alexander III the Great, the King of Macedonia and conqueror of the Persian Empire and considered one of the greatest military geniuses of all times. We will visit the memorial of a woman who will forever be remembered for her life of servitude, Mother Teresa who was born in Skopje.
Now, you as well can leave your footprints in Macedonia and see this beautiful land that has inspired so many mighty men and women throughout the centuries of time. Today Macedonia is a thriving, modern and vibrant country still hidden from the touristy crowds. We can embrace the natural preserved beauty, food and culture of the Republic of Macedonia as it is meant to be.
The guides and tour planners from Macedonia Experience craft their trips carefully, and always combine them with culinary, wine, art and cultural immersions, with the locals themselves promoting the customs and traditions of their areas. It is their hope to not only nourish your soul, but to turn you into the engine that drives their dream of letting the world know about the beauties of Macedonia. “You are our future ambassadors – the link between Macedonia and the rest of the world.”
ITINERARY
Departure date from USA is Saturday May 24, 2026 - ask about group air out of Chicago, O’Hare
Bags are packed and we are off for an adventure of a lifetime.
-“Travel makes one modest, you see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” ~Gustave Flaubert
“Not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves.” ~Henry David Thoreau
Tour Description: Guided cultural, food and wine discovery tour of Macedonia
Driver and guide: Yes
Accommodation: Hotels
Land Dates: May 25 - June 3, 2026
Group size: 10 - 14 people
Alexander the great at Skopje
Matka Canyon
with premium wines from the Skopje wine district. Overnight in Skopje. Tims Hotel: Skopje - /Meals - local restaurant
Ohrid , Macedonia
Accommodation: Dolno Dupeni ( Vila Prespa ) up to 8 pax or combined capacity with venue of similar standard in the vicinity ( 9-14 pax)
Meals: B (green market) L (cooking class), DD (rural setting) Activities: Visit of agriturismo in Prespa, visit of the monastery of Slivnica, cooking class at Villa Prespa
Making Kcana ( crushed salt)
monastery of St. Joakim Osogovski, located in the small town of Kriva Palanka.
Kuklici Rock formations.
- Transportation with comfortable minibus as per program
- Single timed arrival and departure airport transfers from Skopje Airport
- English speaking tour leader
- Accommodation at DBL/TWIN occupancy ( 9 overnights) at nice 3*/4* properties as per program
- All meals as per program (selection of traditional dishes arranged at local restaurants, family homes and outdoor locations; meal tips are included; beverages of choice are NOT included unless stated in itinerary
- All activities (boat trips, wine tasting..)
- Entrance fees at archaeological sites and national parks
- Trip organization and 24/7 support from Macedonia Experience and Martha’s Travel Corner
Not included:
- Flights to Macedonia - Can be arranged through Martha’s Travel Corner
- Individual airport transfers ( 40 Euro per airport transfer for 1-3 pax)
- Travel insurance - available upon request through Martha’s Travel Corner
- Tips to drivers/guides (detailed tipping guide available upon request)
Additional info:
The restaurants, accommodation and activity providers on our trips are small family owned businesses which were carefully selected for their premium quality and service, and their involvement on our trips is crucial for their existence. By working with these suppliers, we make true local impact and enforce responsible travel around Macedonia and the Balkans
Questions and Answers for travel to Macedonia
1. Question: Is the water safe to drink in Macedonia or should we expect to purchase bottled water?
Answer: Yes, tap water is safe to drink everywhere around Macedonia, however, bottled water is also available.
2. Question: Should I advise people to take extra Euro or Denar to pay for comfort stops along the way?
Answer: No, we'd use the toilets at petrol stations, which are free.
3. Question: Can people use Credit cards at local shops for gifts and such, which ones are acceptable, are there places such as shops that prefer they use cash (in Euro or local currency)
Answer: Yes, many malls/shops accept the major cards (Visa, Master, Maestro), so You shouldn't be having any issues with payments. Also, once you land at the airport, there is a bank where You can exchange USD or EUR to Macedonian Denars, but there are plenty of exchange offices around Skopje where you can do it. Also, the exchange offices in Macedonia don't have service charge.
4. Question: How do I advise people who want to come on the tour but have limited walking issues,- or if they cannot walk very far - will they still be ok with something else to do or a place to rest while the rest of us are exploring.
Answer: The tour is very easy and we are able to accommodate people with limited walking issues. Exceptions from this are the walk to the Duf Waterfall on day 3 (it's a 20 minutes climb in one direction) and some parts of the Ohrid old town during the sightseeing on day 4. However, should anybody not feel able to walk on some days, we will find them the perfect spot with a view where they can rest and enjoy coffee:)
5. Question: Also, a big question is always "How is the weather and how should they dress".
Answer: Usually June is very pleasant month to travel with lots of sun. Here's more info on the averages in Macedonia in June: https://www.holiday-weather.com/skopje/averages/june/ Anyway, please advise the people to bring summer jackets in case we get some rain:)
Airlines to Macedonia:
Turkish Air and Austrian Air seem to be the best that I have found.
I like the air schedule with Austrian air, although not confirmed until I request group space.
I can hold group air out of Chicago, or if everyone wants to book their own flights that is fine as well, just let me know. Pricing will depend on when I hold the air.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please fill out the form below. A printer friendly reservation and booking form is available upon request.
