Christian Heritage of Macedonia

Macedonia is a biblical country. The first Christian in Europe was a Macedonian girl – Lydia, baptized by Apostle Paul. Today in Macedonia exist 992 churches and monasteries, 50 000 m2 fresco painting, 23 000 icons (4-th most valuable collection in the world), 240 iconostasis, baldachins and bishop’s thrones carved in stone of wood. Great value has 20 iconostases in church items carved in wood. Ohrid is known as the “Slavic Jerusalem”, once housed 365 churches within the city limits, now more than 60, and its one of the main reasons why its UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site since 1979. Today around Macedonia one can find ancient monasteries which always provided shelter, food and education for the Macedonian people  who mostly suffered throughout the past millennium. Fragments from the  cross of Jesus are built within the foundation of three Macedonians monasteries. Macedonians are proud with their monasteries and churches. The tour we offer offers glimpse in the hidden world of Macedonia’s most important Christian sanctuaries.

Proposal itinerary:

Day 1 Arrival to Macedonia / Walking sightseeing of Skopje

Day 2 Marko’s Monastery / St. Spas / Mavrovo national park

Day 3 Monasteries of Mavrovo and Debar area / Ohrid

Day 4 Monastery of St. Naum / Villages of Trpejca and Kuratica

Day 5 Ohrid old town / Prespa

Day 6 Exploration of the monasteries of Prespa / Village of Dihovo / Bitola

Day 7 Temples of Pelagonia in the areas of Bitola and Prilep / Tikvesh wine region

Day 8 Tikvesh to Pehcevo via the Strumica Monasteries

Day 9 Berovo to Kriva Palanka via Lesnovo and Kratovo

Day 10 Kriva Palanka to Skopje / Monasteries in the surroundings of Skopje

Day 11 Departure

Included:

– Transportation (car, minivan or minibus with dedicated driver; depending on the group size)

– Guidance in English

– Accommodation in hotels (hotel category and meals can be chosen in accordance with Your request)

– All meals (selection of traditional dishes from locally sourced ingredients, typical for each area; beverages excl.)

– Entrance fees in archaeological sites and national parks

Not included:

– Flights

– Individual airport transfers

– Single supplement

– Optional activities

– Travel insurance

– Individual expenses

Scheduled dates:

* This is non scheduled tour with flexible dates. We recommend spring (April-June) and autumn months (September-October) for this tour.

Number of Participants: 2 – 12

Tour grade: //

Prices: Confidential prices for TOs available upon request. Price depends on the number of participants.