Landscape of st Paul Church in Macedonia

North Macedonia

Name: Balkan Adventure
Brand: Trafalgar
Price: 2359.0 GBP
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.4 (18 reviews)

Destination guide

As the world leader in travel experiences since 1947, we connect you to the real North Macedonia in a way like no other. Wedged between the Balkans and the Mediterranean, North Macedonia has an intriguing cultural tapestry, with a vibrant blend of Greek, Roman, Ottoman and Byzantine history. Our North Macedonia holidays take you from the colossal faux-neoclassical buildings of Skopje to the alluring markets of the Old Bazaar. You’ll find beautiful mosques dating back centuries to the Ottoman Empire, while the ancient Kale Fortress harks back to the 6th century A.D. Perched on the highest point in the city, you’ll get a spectacular view of the Vardar River from the fortress, or you can cross the river on one of the city’s four famous bridges. Beyond the capital, North Macedonia is filled with natural beauty. See the towering gorges, ancient caves and medieval monasteries of Matka Canyon, or get off grid in the national parks, with glacial lakes, green meadows, snowy mountains and peaceful walking trails. Travel with us and unlock the infinite possibilities thanks to our exclusive Trafalgar Highlights.

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North Macedonia at a glance

North Macedonia has an intriguing cultural tapestry, with beautiful mosques, ancient fortresses and alluring bazaars. Venture beyond the capital of Skopje with your expert Trafalgar Travel Director and discover North Macedonia's natural beauty with towering gorges, glacial lakes and green meadows.

Currency

Macedonian denar

Capital City

Skopje

Winter avg

-1°C

Language

Macedonian

Summer avg

34°C

Good morning

Dobro utro

Time Zone

GMT+2

Good evening

Dobro popladne

"North Macedonia has come into the spotlight in recent years and for good reason. With an intriguing culture, beautiful architecture and beautiful nature, you'll discover one of Europe's true hidden treasures."

Travel Director

See the legacy of the Ottomans in the mosques and bazaars

North Macedonia was part of the Ottoman Empire for over 500 years, and their history lives on in the architecture of Skopje. We’ll take you to the Old Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest markets in the Balkans, where we’ll discover Ottoman mosques, monuments and caravanserais (old roadside inns).
Enjoy some local rakija

A strong fruit brandy made from white or red grapes or plums, rakija is a beloved beverage in North Macedonia. Typically served with salad or white cheese, Macedonians often make rakija at home, adding anise for sweetness. Our Local Specialists will show you where to sample the best rakija and toast to your North Macedonia holiday.
Walk across the bridges of Skopje

Skopje has four bridges spanning the Vardar River, all with a different theme. They feature statues of Macedonian rulers, warriors, artists, musicians and Alexander the Great’s father. They also pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for independence in Macedonia, and we’ll explore all four bridges.
Enjoy nature in Matka Canyon

Located just a few miles outside Skopje, Matka Canyon is an outdoor wonderland spanning 5,000 hectares. We’ll discover medieval monasteries, ancient caves, endemic plants and animals, and emerald lakes weaving through a towering gorge. You can also see Matka Lake, the oldest artificial lake in the country.
Lookout from the Kale Fortress

Set on the highest point in Skopje overlooking the Vardar River, Kale Fortress is a great symbol of the city, depicted on Skopje’s flag and coat of arms. Constructed in the 6th century, it was originally built with yellow limestone and travertine, and you can find remnants of ancient Latin inscriptions.

Our top 5 things to do in North Macedonia

We’ll show you where to go in North Macedonia, from Skopje to Kale Fortress, as well as the best things to do in North Macedonia, from sipping rakija to hiking Matka Canyon.

Skopje
Museum of North Macedonia

Located in the Old Bazaar in Skopje, the Museum of North Macedonia is one of the oldest museums in the country. It houses an extensive collection of historical, archaeological and ethnological artefacts, with items spanning from the Neolithic Age to the Roman, Turkish and Byzantine Periods.
Skopje
Holocaust Memorial Centre for the Jews of North Macedonia

Set in the location of the old Jewish Quarter in Skopje, the Holocaust Memorial Centre pays tribute to the 7,144 North Macedonia Jews who were murdered during the Holocaust of WWII. The exhibits also display the history and culture of Jewish life in the Balkans over several hundred years.
Skopje
Memorial House of Mother Teresa

The Memorial House of Mother Teresa commemorates the Nobel Peace Prize laureate Mother Teresa and can be found in Skopje, where Mother Teresa lived from 1910 to 1928. It’s located on the site of the former church where Mother Teresa was baptised.

Best museums in North Macedonia

Our North Macedonia trips take you to all the top museums in the country, from the Holocaust Memorial Centre for the Jews of Macedonia, to the Memorial House of Mother Teresa.

Musaka

Musaka is a dish made with layers of sliced potatoes, ground meat, eggplant, onion, vegetables, spices. The top layer is glazed with egg-yolk and baked until golden. Our Local Specialists will show you the best traditional restaurants to try this tasty dish.
Ajvar

Macedonians traditionally prepare for winter by making homemade jars of ajvar. It’s a delicious relish made with garlic, paprika, red bell peppers and sunflower oil. The best way to eat ajvar is with feta cheese served on warm bread.
Pastrmajlija

Pastrmajlija is North Macedonia’s tasty answer to pizza. It’s made from dough shaped into an oval, with sliced meat and egg cooked on top. The dish is so well-loved that the city of Štip organizes an annual festival to celebrate it.

Best food in North Macedonia

The cuisine is a highlight of any North Macedonia travel experience, and our Local Specialists will show you all the best places to indulge in Macedonian food.

What to pack for North Macedonia

Macedonian phrasebook

Macedonian is the official language of North Macedonia, and you’ll find it easier to connect with the locals if you learn a few phrases in their language.

Macedonian denar

The official currency of North Macedonia is the Macedonian denar. While there are ATMs available in the cities, you can also come prepared with some local cash.

Comfortable shoes

The best way to explore North Macedonia’s mountains and Skopje’s cobbled lanes, markets and bridges is on foot, so bring a sturdy pair of walking shoes.

Adaptor plug

In North Macedonia, the power plugs and sockets are of type F, with standard European 2-pin plugs. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.

Layered clothing

North Macedonia’s weather can be unpredictable, so it’s best to bring versatile clothing. You’ll also need to dress modestly, with knees and shoulders covered when visiting churches and rural areas.

Other things to know before you go

Depending on your nationality, you'll need a valid passport and may also need visas to enter. Please check this well in advance of your trip departure date here. Some countries also require passports to have 3-6 months left on them before the given expiry date, so be sure to double check this before booking your travels.

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