Sofia to Skopje, North Macedonia Day Trip + Bonus Matka Canyon

Skopje is the largest city, the capital, and the most diversely fascinating city in North Macedonia. Through the years, it was occupied by different nations. Byzantine churches, Roman sights, and sights from the Ottoman domination period are still in the city’s territory. The many mosques in Skopje arose during the Ottoman rule.

In 1963, a disastrous earthquake caused a lot of ruins. The restoration plan was devised by a Japanese architect. The plan was not fulfilled to the fullest, but recently other restoration projects have taken place.

The Warrior on a Horse is the main symbol in Skopje’s central square. It commemorates Alexander the Great. The city’s airport also bears his name. The monument is new, built in 2011, in Florence.

On this 2-day tour to North Macedonia, you will become part of the local life in one more Balkan country. If you are looking for more travel ideas around Sofia, we also offer 6 different day trips from Sofia, and a 2-day tour to Nis, Serbia.

Tour Details

Itinerary: Sofia – Rila Monastery – Skopje, North Macedonia – Matka Canyon – Sofia
Duration: 2 days / 1 night
Total distance: 625km (Day 1: 335km, Day 2: 290km)
Start/end point: Sofia, Bulgaria
Best period: January – December
Tour language: English
Price for 1-3 people: 670 EUR in a car
Price for 4-7 people: 850 EUR in a minivan
Transportation: private car or minivan
Tour type: Historical, multicultural, nature
Top attractions: Rila Monastery, Skopje Old Bazaar, Porta Macedonia, the Warrior on a Horse Macedonian Square, Matka Canyon.

Highlights

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rila Monastery in the scenic Rila Mountains. Discover the impressive frescoes, explore the monastery’s museum, and learn about its historical significance as a spiritual and cultural center in Bulgaria.
Cross into North Macedonia and head towards Skopje, the country’s capital. Enjoy the scenic drive through the mountainous terrain as you travel between the two countries
Visit the biggest city in North Macedonia with a local guide who will tell you details about the history and local life in North Macedonia
Visit Matka Canyon, a natural marvel filled with limestone cliffs and blue waters. Choose between a scenic boat ride, hiking, or just relaxing at the nearby restaurant with an amazing view. Enjoy the breathtaking landscapes, a favorite spot for nature lovers and adventurers.

The government building in Skopje, North Macedonia

National archeological museum of North Macedonia

Porta Macedonia a.k.a the Macedonian Gate in Skopje

Neoclassical building and old stone bridge reflected in a river in Skopje, North Macedonia.

Stone Bridge of Civilization and neoclassical buildings in Skopje, North Macedonia.

Sofia to Skopje, North Macedonia Itinerary

Day	Highlights	Overnight
Day 1	Transfer from Sofia to Skopje, North Macedonia with a stop at the Rila Monastery	Skopje
Day 2	Transfer to Matka Canyon, free time to explore

See the full tour program

DAY 1: RILA MONASTERY AND SKOPJE, NORTH MACEDONIA

Depart from Sofia in the morning after breakfast, pick up from your hotel
→ Transfer to Rila Monastery, Bulgaria (2 hours)
→ Discover the impressive Rila Monastery, the largest Orthodox monastery in the Balkans.
→ Optional Lunch at a traditional fish farm.
→ Transfer to Skopje, North Macedonia (3.5 hours + border)
→ Skopje City Tour with a local guide, including the Old Bazaar, Macedonia Square, and the monuments and statues that give the city its unique character.
→ Free time for dinner
Overnight in Skopje

DAY 2: MATKA CANYON

→ Transfer to Matka Canyon (40 min.)
→ Free time at Matka Canyon – choose to take a boat ride on the serene lake, hike one of the scenic trails, or simply stroll around and take in the breathtaking natural landscapes.
→ Transfer back to Sofia, Bulgaria (4-4.5 hours+ border)
→ Drop-off at your hotel or other preferred location in Sofia
END OF THE TOUR

Let’s plan your day trip to Skopje, North Macedonia

Explore the capital of North Macedonia and the breath-taking Matka Canyon.
Send us your details to receive a custom quote.

Contact Us

What to Expect During The 2-Day Adventure

Entirely Private Tour

Enjoy an intimate experience with no other tourists, just you and your friends or family members.

Local Insight & Cultural Immersion

Your guide will share unique stories and historical details, offering a deeper understanding of both Bulgaria and Macedonia.

Flexible Accommodation

You can stay at a hotel of your choice in Skopje, allowing you to be flexible and comfortable during your stay.

Customizable Itinerary

Add or remove landmarks to fit your interests, modify the itinerary to match your needs and interests.

Effortless Transport

Take advantage of the comfort of a private vehicle (car, or a minivan) while your guide and driver handle all the travel details, ensuring a stress-free road trip.

Breaks & Photo Stops

Stop whenever you wish for photos, refreshments, bathroom breaks, or simply enjoying the view.

What’s Included in the Price

Private transfer with a car or a minivan;
All transportation costs along the route, including fuel, VAT and parking fees, border fees;
English-speaking driver;
Licensed local guide in Skopje.

What’s Not Included

Food and Drinks: Meals are not included in the tour price
Tips and Gratuities: Tipping is optional but appreciated. A gratuity is a customary way to thank your guide for their expertise and hospitality.
Accommodation: Hotel stays are not included, allowing you the flexibility to choose your preferred accommodations.
Entrance Fees: Admission fees for Mother Teresa Memorial House, Rila Monastery Museum, and the boat ride at Matka Canyon, are not covered and can be paid directly at each location.
Personal Expenses: Any additional personal expenses are not covered by the tour.

Good to Know

Travel Time: The drive from Sofia to Skopje takes approximately 3 hours, excluding the border crossing. Border wait times can vary, and occasional delays are possible, so patience may be required.
Respectful Clothing: Please note that shorts and skirts above the knee are not permitted inside the monastery. Since Rila Monastery is a holy place, it is important to dress respectfully.
Comfortable Attire: We recommend wearing comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes, as there will be some walking and exploration at each site.
Sun Protection: A hat and sunglasses are advisable, especially for outdoor areas like Matka Canyon.
Currency Exchange: It’s best to exchange for Macedonian Denar (MKD) before the tour, as most shops and smaller vendors in Macedonia do not accept Bulgarian currency, USD or EUR.
- 1 USD is approximately 59 MKD
- 1 EUR is about 62 MKD
  These rates are subject to slight fluctuations and may vary by provider, so it’s good to check before making any transactions or currency exchanges.
Lunch Options: We can stop at a local restaurant for an authentic meal, or you’re welcome to bring snacks, fruit, or sandwiches for convenience.

A Testimonial from Our Travellers

We did a “two-day tour” from Sofia to Skopje, Macedonia. Our tour guide on the way was Diana, she was great and professional. She told us lots of stories about Macedonia and Bulgaria. The tour was well organized and all our demands were met. On the way back, Diana also stayed with us for a dinner in a beautiful and typical restaurant she suggested. We strongly recommend this tour company.

Raffaele, Italy

tours@privateguidebulgaria.com
+359887070037

More About Skopje, Macedonia

Skopje, the Macedonian capital, is a city with a millennial succession of events. Years ago, a massive earthquake almost destroyed the city. Then with the restoration followed somewhat loose planning of the city. Skopje is divided into two municipalities. The Vardar, the river passing through it, is the border. The airport of Skopje is called Alexander the Great. If you want we can organize drop off at this airport after the day tour from Sofia to Macedonia

Macedonia’s capital Skopje features millennia of history and different periods under different rulers. After the Roman Empire’s division, it started to be ruled by Constantinople. After the Turks captured the city in 1392, they controlled it for over 500 years. The period was auspicious for oriental architecture which made Skopje famous. In 1912 the Kingdom of Serbia annexed it. After the First World War, Skopje joined the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. It became Macedonia’s capital in 1944. In 1963 Skopje was befallen by a disastrous earthquake which caused massive damage.

Skopje is on the river Vardar, which flows through it and lies on a busy route. From it, both Belgrade and Athens can be reached. The Vardar valley is picturesque, with mountainous slopes. When the Vardar leaves Skopje, it flows south and reaches the Aegean Sea. Skopje is in the center of the Balkans. It is located 225 m above the sea level.

The landmarks in Skopje that everyone should visit during day tours from Sofia to Macedonia comprise the Fortress, which was constructed in the sixth century. The Stone Bridge, built during the reign of Sultan Mehmed II is an element in the city’s coat of arms. Ristik Palace is another sight not to miss. Inside the old part, a large oriental bazaar used to take place. Now churches, mosques, inns, and a bezisten, which means covered market, are many unmissable places. There are two former hammams, Turkish baths, now functioning as galleries. The Millennium Cross was built to mark the 2,000 years of Christianity. Skopje is amazing and you will fall in love with it. Book our private tour from Sofia to Macedonia, now.

More About Matka Canyon

Located just a short drive from Skopje, the Matka Canyon is a beautiful creation of nature with stunning views that one may not tire of especially when looking over the picturesque landscape of Macedonia. This beautiful canyon is renowned for its gorgeous view and was cut out by the Treska River. It was also a favorite place to go for nature and adventure activities. When visiting Matka, high cliffs, green trees, and clear water will be among the sights that will make this place both serene and breathtaking at the same time.

Exploring Matka Canyon will let one enjoy a boat trip across the narrow gorges filled with the sound of ancient stone bridges and a river dotted with sites of rich beauty. The canyon also consists of several caves, including Vrelo Cave, among the world’s deepest underwater caves. Hiking enthusiasts would make the best use of various paths in the area as they traverse the barbaric hills for great views and chances of sighting animals common in those areas.

Besides the picturesque scenery, history is also in abundance in Matka Canyon. For centuries this area has been an area of great spiritual importance with many hills bearing beautiful churches and cloisters such as the 14th century Monastery of Saint Nikola.

More About Rila Monastery

The Rila Monastery complex lies in the heart of the green mountain nature park bearing the same name. Its founder, Saint Ivan from the Skrino village, went to live there to prove his spiritual qualities. That happened in the 10th century. In 1983 the monastery was declared by UNESCO as part of its list of heritage sites.

The Rila Monastery park abounds in 28 mountain lakes. From the lakes, a multitude of rivulets start their way downwards. They merge into the Rilska river by which the monastery complex is spread. The park’s area is 25,253 hectares, and its highest point is Rilets peak. The altitude in the park area ranges from 750 meters to 2,700 meters.

A lot of well-marked tourist trails pass through the park and start from the monastery. There are also themed educational trails for enthusiasts and the Old Railway ecopath.