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North Macedonia
KosovoSkopje 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.
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.
What to Expect During The 2-Day Adventure
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.
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.
