From Sofia: Skopje and Matka Canyon Day Trip – How to Plan Your Tour

Are you planning a trip to Bulgaria or already exploring the country and looking for an interesting addition to your itinerary? Consider taking a day trip to Skopje and Matka Canyon in North Macedonia, which will take you across the border and introduce you to the beauty of a neighboring country. In this post, we will guide you through the process of planning this tour, so that you can make the most of your time in the Balkans.

Experience

This Skopje and Matka Canyon Day Trip is a full-day experience that will introduce you to the history, culture, and nature of North Macedonia. Here are some of the highlights that you can expect:

– Discover the vibrant city of Skopje both old and new
– Learn more about the history and culture of Skopje from your professional guide
– Visit one of the breathtaking natural wonders in North Macedonia Matka Canyon
– Enjoy a comfortable transfer with a modern vehicle

Itinerary

The day trip starts with a pickup from your hotel in Sofia, Bulgaria, by an English-speaking Bulgarian guide/driver who will take you to Skopje, the capital city of North Macedonia. The journey takes about 3 hours, during which you can enjoy the scenery of the Bulgarian countryside and ask questions to your guide.

Upon arrival in Skopje, you will meet your English-speaking Macedonian guide who will take you on a walking tour of the city. You will see the main sights of Skopje, including:

– Stone Bridge, a landmark Ottoman bridge over the Vardar River
– Mother Teresa Memorial House, a museum dedicated to the famous humanitarian who was born in Skopje
– Macedonia Square, the central square of the city with a giant statue of Alexander the Great
– Old Bazaar, a historic marketplace with traditional architecture and local products
– Skopje Fortress, a medieval castle on a hill overlooking the city

During the tour, your guide will tell you about the history and culture of Skopje, which has been inhabited by different civilizations throughout the centuries, from the ancient Macedonians to the Ottoman Turks and the Yugoslav Communists. You will also learn about the recent Skopje 2013 project, which aimed to reconstruct some of the city’s landmarks in a neo-classical style and sparked controversy among the locals and experts.

After the tour of Skopje, you will continue to Matka Canyon, which is located about 15 km southwest of the city. Matka Canyon is a natural gorge formed by the Treska River, surrounded by high cliffs and caves. You can walk along the canyon, admire the scenery, and visit the Vrelo Cave, which is said to be one of the deepest underwater caves in the world. There are also restaurants and cafes where you can have lunch or refreshments.

Finally, you will return to Sofia to your hotel in the late afternoon, feeling enriched and relaxed after a day full of impressions.

Inclusions

The Skopje and Matka Canyon Day Trip includes the following services:

– Hotel pickup and drop-off
– Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
– English-speaking Bulgarian guide/driver
– English-speaking Macedonian guide
– All taxes and fees

Please note that food and drinks are not included in the price, so you should bring some money in the local currency (Macedonian denar) or euros, which are widely accepted.

Requirements

The Skopje and Matka Canyon Day Trip is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, as there is walking involved and some uneven terrain in Matka Canyon. It is also recommended that you wear comfortable shoes and clothing, a hat, and sunscreen if you are traveling in the summer months, as it can get hot.

Booking

To book the Skopje and Matka Canyon Day Trip, you can use the following GetYourGuide link: book the tour here. GetYourGuide is a trusted online platform for booking tours and activities around the world, and this link will direct you to the specific tour page, where you can see the availability, prices, and customer reviews. You can also choose to book the tour with a private guide or in a group, depending on your preferences.

Conclusion

We hope that this guide has been helpful in planning your Skopje and Matka Canyon Day Trip from Sofia. This tour will take you on a journey of discovery and adventure, and introduce you to some of the best of North Macedonia’s history and nature. Remember to bring your camera and an open mind, as you never know what you might learn or see on this tour.