• Monastery of St Joakim Osogovski - At 8:30, the guide will pick up guests from their hotel in Skopje. The journey to the first stop, the UNESCO-listed Osogovo Monastery, will take approximately 2 hours. This is one of the most stunning monasteries in North Macedonia, featuring two churches: the larger “Saint Joachim of Osogovo” and the smaller “Holy Mother of God.” Although originally founded in the 12th century, no remnants of the original monastery remain. The smaller church, as seen today, took its current form in the 14th century, while the larger church was constructed in the 19th century.

The larger, three-nave church was built in 1851 by Andrey Damyanov and features 12 cupolas symbolizing the 12 apostles. The interior and cupolas were predominantly painted by Dimitar Andonov Papradiški. The smaller, older church, established in the 12th century and reconstructed in the 14th century, is dedicated to the Holy Mother of God. Osogovo Monastery is located 825 meters (2,707 feet) above sea level.

• Rila Monastery - After an additional hour and a half drive, the tour will reach Rila Mountain. There is an option to stop for lunch at a delightful restaurant by the Rila River. Following the lunch break, the journey continues to Rila Monastery. Nestled in the lush pine forests of Rila Mountain, it is the largest and most significant Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. It is a remarkable example of Bulgarian cultural and historical heritage, where architecture and painting blend seamlessly. The site is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. Rila Monastery was founded in the 10th century by St. Ivan Rilski, a hermit canonized by the Orthodox Church. His ascetic dwelling and tomb became a sacred site, eventually developing into a monastic complex. It played a crucial role in the spiritual and social life of medieval Bulgaria. After exploring this incredible site, guests will be transferred back to Skopje.

• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Professional English speaking guide

• Lunch

This tour offers a fantastic opportunity to effortlessly add Bulgaria to your travel list. Throughout the day, you’ll explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites, showcasing some of the finest examples of Orthodox Christian architecture in both North Macedonia and Bulgaria. These sites are nestled in stunning natural surroundings. The journey itself is picturesque and engaging, ensuring a delightful experience. It’s an excellent way to spend a day in Macedonia!

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.