You’ll make a trip to Bitola, the country’s second biggest city and a place with deep historical roots in the Republic of Macedonia. During the Ottoman era, it earned the nickname ‘the city of the consuls’ because many European nations have consulates located here.
You’ll make a trip to Bitola, the country’s second biggest city and a place with deep historical roots in the Republic of Macedonia. During the Ottoman era, it earned the nickname ‘the city of the consuls’ because many European nations have consulates located here.
Upon arriving in Bitola, to the right, Mount Pelister stands at 2,601 meters, alongside Pelister National Park, Macedonia’s oldest and smallest national park, established in 1948. This park is renowned for its ancient Molika pine trees and diverse flora and fauna, and it preserves rare glacial lakes known as Pelisterski Ochi (the Pelister Eyes). It is a…
Upon arriving in Bitola, to the right, Mount Pelister stands at 2,601 meters, alongside Pelister National Park, Macedonia’s oldest and smallest national park, established in 1948. This park is renowned for its ancient Molika pine trees and diverse flora and fauna, and it preserves rare glacial lakes known as Pelisterski Ochi (the Pelister Eyes). It is a popular winter ski destination, featuring hotels and ski-lifts.
In Bitola, visitors can explore the church of Sveti Dimitrija (St. Dimitri), a 19th-century landmark recognized as one of the largest churches in the Balkans. A brief visit to the Yeni Mosque, built in 1559 and now an art gallery, is followed by stops at the Yahdar-Kadi Mosque (constructed in 1562) and the Isak Mosque (built in 1508-09).
At the town’s center is the Clock Tower, with the River Dragor flowing through the area. Sirok Sokak, a long pedestrian street, is famous for its beautiful 19th-century architecture. Bitola is known for its consulates and is the place where the Manaki brothers, pioneers in photography, opened their Studio of Art Photography in 1905. In recognition of their contributions to photography and cinematography, the world’s first international film camera festival was inaugurated here in 1979 and takes place every September.
Following this, a bus trip will take you to the ancient Macedonian town of Heraclea Lyncestis. This was the first major settlement in the fertile Pelagonia valley, founded in the 4th century BC by Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great. Ongoing archaeological excavations have uncovered a Roman Bath, a Roman amphitheater, a Courtroom, and both small and large Basilicas from the 5th century. These basilicas boast the most exquisite and well-preserved mosaic floors, the largest in the Balkans, and are considered among the most valuable from this era worldwide.
After some free time, the journey concludes with a return to Skopje.
Points of Interest
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National Park Pelister
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Haydar Kadi Mosque
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Church of Saint Demetrius
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Explore Macedonia Daily Tours
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Private tour
- Professional guide
- Transport by private vehicle
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Private tour
- Professional guide
- Transport by private vehicle
- Gratuities
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
- Food and drinks
- dress code is casual
- dress code is casual
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
