Custom Trip Plan
Destinations

Trip Ideas
Itineraries
Themes

About Us

1 800 344 5785

Folklore and Tradition in the Balkans

15 Days / 14 Nights

Belgrade, Kotor, Tirana, Gjirokastra, Ohrid, Skopje

from$3,625 per person

Travel and LeisureFodorsUSA TodayNew York TimesNational GeographicWashington PostVogue

Explore and take part in many themed activities throughout the enigmatic Balkan territory. You'll touch down in Belgrade, capital of Serbia, a bustling city rich in traditions, culinary and otherwise. Then we'll take you to the must-visit parts of Montenegro, Albania and Macedonia to show you the hidden beauty of the most sleepy Balkan countries. Gastronomy tours, educational activities, unique and remote sites visit, meeting with local artisans, UNESCO town walking tours, folklore performances and many more will make your trip a memorable one. Day to day time with locals spiced up with their personal stories and care for your needs are our promise to your unique Balkan experience.

The services that we include as a part of our comprehensive travel package include small and boutique accommodation, various themed city and day tours such as gastronomy tours, historical heritage tours, visit of various local artisans, and local folk ensemble visit. The most distanced destinations are connected with domestic flights, while the majority of towns are connected with private car transportation including stops to visit some interesting points on the route.

Along with, or instead of, the tours included we can arrange a number of excursions based on your own interests. All of our tours are custom, and this is just a sample meant to give an idea of what our trips are like, and the opportunities our destinations provide.

One of our team members in the region will be available to you leading up to and during your trip to answer any questions and arrange additional local services. You will receive access to your Guest Page, with its information on the best these destinations have to offer, including things to see and do, and other inside tips from restaurant recommendations to tipping advice. Upon your arrival, we will provide you with a local SIM that you can use to reach your local JayWay contact throughout your trip. In all of our destinations, we offer a variety of memorable 3-5 star accommodation options, including boutique hotels, charming B&Bs, and spacious apartments. With our first-hand experience, we can ensure they are all clean, comfortable, and centrally located, with local ambience.

Route for Belgrade, Kotor, Tirana, Gjirokastra, Ohrid, Skopje tour

3 Nights in Belgrade

3 Nights in Belgrade

4 days in Belgrade
4 days in Belgrade

3 Nights in Belgrade

Belgrade is an eclectic destination with a big-city feel, friendly locals, tasty cuisine and a very unique history. You’ll find all sorts of interesting architecture here, as well as galleries and museums that will really bring the local culture to life. While it might look a little rough around the edges, that just means there’s a real charm here waiting to be discovered. And discover it you will, from the daytime to the nightlife, as you experience the best this vibrant destination has to offer. While you’re exploring Belgrade, including the military ruins in the center, you’ll want to sample some of the local cuisine, including hearty grilled meats, local cheeses and breads, and vegetables cooked with seasonal herbs. Some of the sites you don’t want to miss include Kalmegdan Fortress, Republic Square and St. Sava Temple. Zemun, a bohemian neighborhood, is particularly rich in restaurants and cafes, and you also have the possibility of taking a food tour that will introduce you to some of the tastiest dishes. You’ll have fun in Belgrade, the perfect place to introduce yourself to this inviting region.

Belgrade is an eclectic destination with a big-city feel, friendly locals, tasty cuisine and a very unique history. You’ll find all sorts of interesting architecture here, as well as galleries and museums that will really bring the local culture to life. While it might look a little rough around the edges, that just means there’s a real charm here waiting to be discovered. And discover it you will, from the daytime to the nightlife, as you experience the best this vibrant destination has to offer. While you’re exploring Belgrade, including the military ruins in the center, you’ll want to sample some of the local cuisine, including hearty grilled meats, local cheeses and breads, and vegetables cooked with seasonal herbs. Some of the sites you don’t want to miss include Kalmegdan Fortress, Republic Square and St. Sava Temple. Zemun, a bohemian neighborhood, is particularly rich in restaurants and cafes, and you also have the possibility of taking a food tour that will introduce you to some of the tastiest dishes. You’ll have fun in Belgrade, the perfect place to introduce yourself to this inviting region.

Day 1

Day 1 - Arrival in Belgrade

When you arrive at Belgrade airport a driver will be waiting for you and will take you to your accommodation. Duration of the drive is about 30 minutes.

Traipse the Bohemian Quarter

Suggestion to explore on your own

For your first night in Belgrade, we suggest taking an easy walk down Knez Mihajlova street and through the Bohemian quarter of Skadarlija, often compared to Paris' Montmartre. These old areas reflect the local lifestyle and culture at its best. Here you'll experience a blend of classical and modern architecture, together with lively cafeterias, street musicians, outdoor artists, interesting galleries, and shopping. In short, this is a great place to spend a few hours.

Traipse the Bohemian Quarter

Day 2

Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Belgrade

Serbia on Your Plate Small Group Tour

Serbia on Your Plate Small Group Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

This tour is best described as "Serbia on your plate." You'll learn all about Serbian culture while tasting many of the country's traditional dishes. We suggest skipping breakfast because this is one filling food tour, the equivalent of breakfast and lunch! Your enthusiastic young local guide will take you around central Belgrade, to visit 6 authentic venues and a green market, tasting 14 local specialties and 3 drinks along the way. During the tour you will be presented with two souvenirs and a special memory book. It's a tasty day, to say the least!


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 4 hours

Serbia's Traditional Crafts

Suggestion to explore on your own

Throughout Serbian history, zenith to nadir, there has always been a variety of craftsmen, from blacksmiths to potters to cobblers. The Serbian countryside is still home to artisans keeping old traditions intact. If you'd like to explore this heritage, visit the Ethnographic Museum near Belgrade's center. In addition to everyday objects, and folk costume, you can take in Serbia's diverse, rich culture. We also recommend visiting Stari Zananti Srbije, a shop offering a variety of handmade crafts.

Serbia's Traditional Crafts

Day 3

Day 3 - Your Second Full Day in Belgrade

Zica and Studenica Medieval Monasteries Private Tour

Žiča and Studenica Medieval Monasteries Private Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Whether you're a religious person looking to experience the mysticism of Orthodox Christianity, or are fond of medieval frescoes and architecture, you'll find much to enjoy on this tour focused on Serbia's two most iconic monasteries. UNESCO-listed Studenica dates back to the 12th century, and features remarkable frescoes. Žiča, with its bright red exterior, is where Serbian kings were traditionally crowned (starting with the first), and the seat of the Serbian Orthodox Church for much of its history.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 8-9 hours

Day 4

Day 4 - Traveling to Kotor by Airplane

Today, a driver will pick you up at your accommodation and bring you to the Belgrade airport for your departing 50 minutes flight to Kotor (Tivat Airport).


Please note that the flight included in your package is non-refundable. In case you would prefer more flexibility, we can check the flexible fares for you and let you know about the price difference. In addition, the price of the flights is subject to change until we receive your deposit.

Kotor by Air (via Tivat Airport)

2 Nights in Kotor

2 Nights in Kotor

3 days in Kotor
3 days in Kotor

2 Nights in Kotor

The southernmost fjord in all of Europe and the deepest in the Adriatic Sea, Kotor is truly a hidden gem. This is a spectacular, visually stunning destination where steep black mountains edge up against the sea. The city is on the UNESCO World Heritage list, mostly for its perfectly preserved Old Town and its walls, with architecture from the Middle Ages. The combination of picture-perfect natural scenery with incredible ancient architecture is dramatic to say the least, and makes a wonderful setting for a unique holiday. The churches and fortresses are some of the most spectacular structures, but that’s just the beginning of things to do in this city of friendly locals, rich history and delicious cuisine. After touring the city with a local, who will help you make your way through the winding streets to see the most impressive sites, we recommend you take the opportunity to get different points of view on Kotor. For a little exercise, hike up the hills surrounding the city for a breathtaking view over the rooftops to the sea. And speaking of the sea, the seafood here is delicious and incredibly fresh. You can get together with a local mussel farmer on a private pier to learn more about this craft before sitting down to a huge plate of mussels and wine. There are also numerous options for swimming, kayaking and fishing in the beautiful and calms waters of the Bay of Kotor.

The southernmost fjord in all of Europe and the deepest in the Adriatic Sea, Kotor is truly a hidden gem. This is a spectacular, visually stunning destination where steep black mountains edge up against the sea. The city is on the UNESCO World Heritage list, mostly for its perfectly preserved Old Town and its walls, with architecture from the Middle Ages. The combination of picture-perfect natural scenery with incredible ancient architecture is dramatic to say the least, and makes a wonderful setting for a unique holiday. The churches and fortresses are some of the most spectacular structures, but that’s just the beginning of things to do in this city of friendly locals, rich history and delicious cuisine. After touring the city with a local, who will help you make your way through the winding streets to see the most impressive sites, we recommend you take the opportunity to get different points of view on Kotor. For a little exercise, hike up the hills surrounding the city for a breathtaking view over the rooftops to the sea. And speaking of the sea, the seafood here is delicious and incredibly fresh. You can get together with a local mussel farmer on a private pier to learn more about this craft before sitting down to a huge plate of mussels and wine. There are also numerous options for swimming, kayaking and fishing in the beautiful and calms waters of the Bay of Kotor.

Day 4

Day 4 - Arrival in Kotor

Tivat airport is around 15 minutes away from Kotor, so once you've cleared customs and met your driver in the Arrivals hall, you'll be checking in at your accommodation in no time.

Kotor's Best Gallery

As with other cities on the Montenegrin coast, local art is mostly found in small galleries. While Kotor has more than a few, the one closest to our hearts is Art Gallery Vidra, which cooperates with Montenegro's leading artists. For a fee, the gallery owner can arrange a meeting with the renowned painter Momcilo Macanovic, known for his colorful, somewhat surreal take on coastal life.

Day 5

Day 5 - Your First Full Day in Kotor

Historic Heritage of Kotor Bay Private Tour

Historic Heritage of Kotor Bay Private Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Kotor Bay is the most scenic part of the Montenegrin coastline. As the Mediterranean's only fjord, the calm bay is protected from the open sea. Naturally, local life has revolved around the sea, and local men who didn't try their luck as long-distance sailors generally became fishermen. On this tour, you'll visit the maritime museums at Kotor and Perast, as well as "Our Lady of the Rocks." Originally an islet where an icon of the Virgin Mary was miraculously discovered by fishermen, thankful locals added a stone whenever they safely returned to the bay, creating the modern-day church-bedecked island over time.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 5 hours

All About the Mussels Group Tour

All about the Mussels

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

Since it’s right on the sea, Montenegro is known for its remarkably fresh seafood. Today we recommend getting a taste of this local delicacy, and specifically their incredible mussels. Head to one of the seaside restaurant for the freshest meal, or join a group and learn all about mussels while visiting some of the most important sights around Kotor as well.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 3 hours

Day 6

Day 6 - Traveling to Tirana by Private Transfer

Today you're off to Albania! To make your journey an interesting one, you'll make a few stops on your way. Cetinje, Njegusi, and Lovcen may not get many visits from tourists, but they remain important parts of Montenegrin history, culture, and customs. Cetinje is the former royal capital, and still home to the presidential palace. Well-preserved Njegusi is famous for its folk architecture. Lovcen is the "Black Mountain," ("Monte Negro" in Venetian) that Montenegro is named for. After your visits, you'll continue to Tirana. The total duration of the trip is about 7.5-8 hours.

Tirana by Private Transfer with stops at Lovcenj, Njegusi, and Cetinje

3 Nights in Tirana

3 Nights in Tirana

4 days in Tirana
4 days in Tirana

3 Nights in Tirana

Tirana is a unique destination that combines opposites. It feels both ancient and modern, quaint and cosmopolitan, fast-paced, yet laidback. There are wonderful restaurants here, beautiful nature in the surrounding countryside, and a rich cultural life that will keep you entertained all day and night. The Blloku neighborhood is one of the city’s most vibrant, with excellent bars, restaurants and cafes. The Old Town, meanwhile, has an eclectic mix of historic architecture. This is a lovely destination that still feels untouched, so you’ll really be able to make the city yours. Besides exploring the unique urban atmosphere, there are several fantastic day trips to enjoy. Driving to the city of Berat is always fun, as you can stop at a winery along the way to sample some of the tasty local vintages, then check out an impressive castle. The Albanian Riviera is also relatively close by, and here you can relax along the shore and get in touch with the life of local fishermen. The nearby Dajti Mountain is also an impressive destination, with incredible views over the city and beyond. From outdoor adventures to delectable gastronomy and historic architecture, Tirana really has something for everyone.

Tirana is a unique destination that combines opposites. It feels both ancient and modern, quaint and cosmopolitan, fast-paced, yet laidback. There are wonderful restaurants here, beautiful nature in the surrounding countryside, and a rich cultural life that will keep you entertained all day and night. The Blloku neighborhood is one of the city’s most vibrant, with excellent bars, restaurants and cafes. The Old Town, meanwhile, has an eclectic mix of historic architecture. This is a lovely destination that still feels untouched, so you’ll really be able to make the city yours. Besides exploring the unique urban atmosphere, there are several fantastic day trips to enjoy. Driving to the city of Berat is always fun, as you can stop at a winery along the way to sample some of the tasty local vintages, then check out an impressive castle. The Albanian Riviera is also relatively close by, and here you can relax along the shore and get in touch with the life of local fishermen. The nearby Dajti Mountain is also an impressive destination, with incredible views over the city and beyond. From outdoor adventures to delectable gastronomy and historic architecture, Tirana really has something for everyone.

Day 6

Day 6 - Arrival in Tirana

Once in Tirana, your private driver will bring you directly to your centrally located accommodation.

Tirana by Night

Suggestion to explore on your own

Tirana is a lovely city, night and day, as it's filled with countless coffee shops, bars, and restaurants. You can spend time in Grand Park, or experience the busy bars and restaurants of the Blloku area, inside Tirana Castle, or behind the Pyramid situated on the main Boulevard. The city's center also offers many smaller local restaurants, offering popular dishes at good rates.

Tirana by Night

Day 7

Day 7 - Your First Full Day in Tirana

Tirana Like a Local with Craftsman Costume Maker Visit

Tirana Like a Local with Craftsman Costume Maker Visit

Included in your vacation package price.

The best way to experience rich Albanian heritage is by spending time with locals. On this tour, we are offering a unique experience of meeting with a local costume designer as well as hands-on experience to do something on loom work. But this is only one aspect of the tour. Your day will be filled with diversity while visiting local neighborhoods and spending time with a local expert guide. Albanian turbulent history will inspire you in many ways, but you will also get to learn that hospitality has a whole new level in this unique country.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 7-8 hours

Day 8

Day 8 - Your Second Full Day in Tirana

Kruja and Durres Private Day Trip

Kruja and Durres Private Day Trip & Meeting with a Local Craftsman

Included in your vacation package price.

An ancient, hilltop town, Krujë is a must-see for those staying in Tirana. The restored old bazaar is packed with authentic handmade goods, including carpets, which you can watch being made on a loom. On this tour, you will also meet with a local lady who still makes rugs and carpets the traditional way. Inside the walls of Kruja Castle, you will visit an ethnographic museum in an Ottoman tower house and the Bektashi Sufi Shrine, where you can learn more about how people have lived here for centuries. After Kruja, you'll visit the city of Durres where you can enjoy lunch with a scenic view of the sea, followed by a visit to one of the largest Roman amphitheaters, which saw gladiatorial combat. For an extra fee, you can meet one of the Sworn Virgins, women who are sworn to celibacy and are treated as men in Albania's traditionally patriarchal villages.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 8-9 hours

Day 9

Day 9 - Traveling to Gjirokastra by Private Transfer

Today you're off to the mountains town of Gjirokastra. Your driver will meet you at the accommodations and take you for a scenic ride. On the way, you'll make a stop in the historic town of Berat, where you'll enjoy a walking tour. Afterwards, you'll enjoy some free time before continuing your journal. The total duration of this drive, with the stop, will be eight hours.

Gjirokastra by Private Transfer With a Stop in Berat

2 Nights in Gjirokastra

2 Nights in Gjirokastra

3 days in Gjirokastra
3 days in Gjirokastra

2 Nights in Gjirokastra

Gjirokastra is one of Albania’s most scenic cities, with an authentic atmosphere that has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. Here you can revel amid the area's lovely landscape of mountains and plains while taking in the impressive historic architecture. Strolling through the city feels like entering a distant time, with narrow winding streets that will charm you immediately. But the gastronomy here is anything but old fashioned, as you’ll find classic Albanian recipes jazzed up with a few modern twists in Gjirokastra’s many excellent restaurants and cafes. You’ll definitely want to explore the incredible Old Town with the help of a local guide who can show you all the city’s secrets. The distinctive white buildings here are charming, with their terraces, but feature imposing stone walls due to the city's steep hills. A short drive outside the city will impress you a scenic landscape with rewarding vistas. Two other destinations, Butrint and Ksamil, are perfect for day trips. At these UNESCO World Heritage sites you can explore ancient architecture dating all the way back to the 5th century. Gjirokastra is the perfect place to get away from the faster pace of Albania’s larger cities while exploring the unique past this incredible country has to offer.

Gjirokastra is one of Albania’s most scenic cities, with an authentic atmosphere that has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. Here you can revel amid the area's lovely landscape of mountains and plains while taking in the impressive historic architecture. Strolling through the city feels like entering a distant time, with narrow winding streets that will charm you immediately. But the gastronomy here is anything but old fashioned, as you’ll find classic Albanian recipes jazzed up with a few modern twists in Gjirokastra’s many excellent restaurants and cafes. You’ll definitely want to explore the incredible Old Town with the help of a local guide who can show you all the city’s secrets. The distinctive white buildings here are charming, with their terraces, but feature imposing stone walls due to the city's steep hills. A short drive outside the city will impress you a scenic landscape with rewarding vistas. Two other destinations, Butrint and Ksamil, are perfect for day trips. At these UNESCO World Heritage sites you can explore ancient architecture dating all the way back to the 5th century. Gjirokastra is the perfect place to get away from the faster pace of Albania’s larger cities while exploring the unique past this incredible country has to offer.

Day 9

Day 9 - Arrival in Gjirokastra

After the journey, your driver will bring you directly to your accommodation in the historic heart of Gjirokastra.

Sunset, Views, and Bazaar

Suggestion to explore on your own

If you are looking for a great viewpoint for sunset and one of the best photo spots in the city, Gjirokaster Obelisk is a great place to be. Do not miss an opportunity to pay a visit to the almost centrally located Gjirokaster Obelisk around sunset so you can enjoy amazing panoramic (almost 360 degrees) views of the city. After sunset, walk around the alleys of the Old Bazaar, which gets especially lively at night. Once you are ready for your well-deserved dinner, you'll easily find quite a few great places to dine in that area.

Sunset, Views, and Bazaar

Day 10

Day 10 - Your First Full Day in Gjirokastra

Gjirokastra Private Walking Tour

Gjirokastra Private Walking Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

You'll get to know the best of Gjirokastra, also known as "Museum City," on this informative and fun four-hour tour. From the architecture of Old Town to the amazing views from the castle, you'll get to know the layout of the streets while hearing all about the city's unique history from your expert guide.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 4 hours

Woodcrafting Experience Private Tour

Woodcrafting Experience Private Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

At first glance, Gjirocastra is a small, harmonious town known unique vernacular architecture that helped bring about the place's UNESCO listing. Once you've spent a night there, though, you'll realize there's much more behind the scenes, thanks to the city's turbulent and rich history. With this extended, five hour walking tour, you will enjoy some of the best views of Gjirocastra, learn about local lifestyles, and will visit one of the area's best woodcarvers. We are sure the whole experience will not only be informative, but enjoyable as well!


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 5 hours

Day 11

Day 11 - Traveling to Ohrid by Private Car

Today you’ll spend a few hours on the road with your private driver, with the stops along the way in Permet, Korca, and Pogradec, as well as the relaxed lakeside city of Ohrid in neighboring Macedonia at the end of the journey. Since you’ll be crossing a border on your way, your journey can take a bit longer, depending on border crossing waiting times. 

Please note that this is a non guided transfer with a local English-speaking driver.

Ohrid by Private Transfer with Stops in Permet, Korca and Pogradec

3 Nights in Ohrid

3 Nights in Ohrid

4 days in Ohrid
4 days in Ohrid

3 Nights in Ohrid

A serene city on a beautiful lake, Ohrid combines ample history, scenery, and outdoor activities, which helped it attain UNESCO World Heritage status. The Old Town is set on a hill with a wealth of sites to explore, from monasteries to an ancient Greek amphitheater, and an imposing fortress. Since the city is right on Lake Ohrid, everywhere you go you’ll have breathtaking views of the water and all the surrounding natural beauty. One of the most incredible things to see is the view of the Old Town jutting out into the lake, especially when lit up at night, an image summing up the lake region's unique charm. If you’re visiting in the summer, you’ll find a rich cultural atmosphere, with many concerts and outdoor events. The lake gives the region its unique charm and also offers many excellent outdoor activities. It’s the perfect place to take a dip, kick back, and relax at one of the beachfront bars, or even climb aboard a boat. The water is very clean and is consistently warm, since it’s fed by hot springs spread across the lake. One of the activities our guests love best here is a trip to the St. Naum monastery at the other end of the lake. But that’s just one of the boating options that will give you a chance to enjoy the lake from the center of it, and to get a new point of view on the city. Ohrid is reasonably priced, so you can really live it up while you’re here. The city remains relatively untouched, but it does seem poised at the edge of a tourist boom. See it before the crowds do.

A serene city on a beautiful lake, Ohrid combines ample history, scenery, and outdoor activities, which helped it attain UNESCO World Heritage status. The Old Town is set on a hill with a wealth of sites to explore, from monasteries to an ancient Greek amphitheater, and an imposing fortress. Since the city is right on Lake Ohrid, everywhere you go you’ll have breathtaking views of the water and all the surrounding natural beauty. One of the most incredible things to see is the view of the Old Town jutting out into the lake, especially when lit up at night, an image summing up the lake region's unique charm. If you’re visiting in the summer, you’ll find a rich cultural atmosphere, with many concerts and outdoor events. The lake gives the region its unique charm and also offers many excellent outdoor activities. It’s the perfect place to take a dip, kick back, and relax at one of the beachfront bars, or even climb aboard a boat. The water is very clean and is consistently warm, since it’s fed by hot springs spread across the lake. One of the activities our guests love best here is a trip to the St. Naum monastery at the other end of the lake. But that’s just one of the boating options that will give you a chance to enjoy the lake from the center of it, and to get a new point of view on the city. Ohrid is reasonably priced, so you can really live it up while you’re here. The city remains relatively untouched, but it does seem poised at the edge of a tourist boom. See it before the crowds do.

Day 11

Day 11 - Arrival in Ohrid

Your driver will bring you directly to your accommodation in Ohrid.

Trout and Wine

Suggestion to explore on your own

North Macedonia is a land of warm people, rich cuisine, and red wine. The country's highest quality wines are mainly made from indigenous Vranac grapes, which produce a liquid that is rich, full, and aromatic, yet surprisingly light. Ohrid's most enthusiastic winemaker is the owner of the small boutique Villa and Winery Mal Sveti Kliment, who only produces a few thousand bottles a year. If you wish to enjoy a glass of its wines, we recommend making a reservation in advance. When it comes to local cuisine, Ohrid's specialty is trout, cooked in various ways. The perfect place to try this delicacy, in its various forms, is Kaneo, a lakeside restaurant.

Trout and Wine

Day 12

Day 12 - Your First Full Day in Ohrid

Folklore Traditions in Ohrid Area Private Tour

Folklore Traditions in Ohrid Area Private Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Folk dances have an important place in Macedonian folklore and music, as they let people express their feelings, from joy to sorrow. The dances themselves are diverse, and usually performed on special occasions, in front of churches, schools, and houses, to tunes played on a wide variety of traditional instruments. On this tour, you'll not only enjoy some of the most popular Macedonian dances, but also learn to dance them yourself. A member of the Ohrid Folklore Ensemble will join you throughout the tour and will show you what hospitality means to Macedonians.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 1.5 hours

Monastery of Saint Naum Private Tour

St. Naum Monastery Tour

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

St. Naum Monastery, located in Galicica National Park, is one of the most beautiful monasteries in the country, and is set amidst stunning natural beauty. Originally founded in 910 by St. Naum, the current monastery was built in the 16th century, with frescoes painted in 1806. The private day trip we can arrange includes transport and a local guide to show you around.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 5 hours

Day 13

Day 13 - Your Second Full Day in Ohrid

Ohrid Private City Tour with Traditional Crafts

Pearls, Paper, and Woodcarving Traditions in Ohrid Private Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

On this tour with an experienced local guide, you'll learn all you need to know about paper making, woodcarving, and unique "pearls" made from the scales of a fish found only in Lake Ohrid. In the national workshop for handmade paper, you will enjoy an excellent demonstration of paper making and you can naturally buy original handmade paper products afterwards. Everything that is exposed in the small workshop is printed on one of the world's last two remaining replica Gutenberg Presses (the other is in Slovenia). You'll also learn about Macedonia's rich woodcarving traditions, and the local communist's cherished wooden masterpieces.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 3 hours

Day 14

Day 14 - Traveling to Skopje by Private Transfer

Today you'll take the scenic route on your way to Skopje through Mavrovo National Park, a natural paradise of mountains and forests, with a large lake. You can make a stop for lunch in a small town or village to taste local specialties. A must-see along the route is the monastery of St. John Bigorski, an active Macedonian Orthodox monastery dedicated to John the Baptist. It somehow manages to combine a tourist attraction with a place of peace and quiet reflection. The duration of the journey, stops included, is about 6 hours. Please note that this is a non guided transfer with a local English-speaking driver.

Skopje by Private Transfer with Sightseeing Stops

1 Night in Skopje

1 Night in Skopje

2 days in Skopje
2 days in Skopje

1 Night in Skopje

The birthplace of Mother Teresa, Skopje is a city that reveres its past. You’ll find numerous landmarks and tributes to Mother Teresa here. But the statues in Skopje aren’t like those you’ve seen elsewhere. Several years ago, the government built monuments to many local historical figures. As a result, Skopje is like a living museum where the region’s culture and history come alive before your eyes. Skopje's atmosphere is unique, combining a little of the energy of Las Vegas with Eastern European charm. It’s really like nothing you’ve ever experienced before. Some of the decorations are a little over the top, but the city is a must for visitors to the region. As you explore the sites you should try the excellent local wine and food, which combines flavors from Balkan and Greek cuisines. Skopje’s Old Town is reserved for pedestrians, so its traditional atmosphere has been preserved. This is the best place to explore the Muslim influence on the region, as the city center features various bazaars and cozy alleyways. You’ll definitely feel like you’ve stepped back into a more traditional age, in contrast to the modern monuments throughout Skopje. But the city isn’t all there is to explore. The fortress on the hill is impressive and well worth the hike. About 20 minutes away you’ll find Matka Canyon, which offers spectacular outdoor activities including boating, kayaking and hiking. For another point of view on Skopje, take the funicular up to the famous cross that overlooks the city. This is an ever-changing and exciting destination that always offers visitors something new and never disappoints.

The birthplace of Mother Teresa, Skopje is a city that reveres its past. You’ll find numerous landmarks and tributes to Mother Teresa here. But the statues in Skopje aren’t like those you’ve seen elsewhere. Several years ago, the government built monuments to many local historical figures. As a result, Skopje is like a living museum where the region’s culture and history come alive before your eyes. Skopje's atmosphere is unique, combining a little of the energy of Las Vegas with Eastern European charm. It’s really like nothing you’ve ever experienced before. Some of the decorations are a little over the top, but the city is a must for visitors to the region. As you explore the sites you should try the excellent local wine and food, which combines flavors from Balkan and Greek cuisines. Skopje’s Old Town is reserved for pedestrians, so its traditional atmosphere has been preserved. This is the best place to explore the Muslim influence on the region, as the city center features various bazaars and cozy alleyways. You’ll definitely feel like you’ve stepped back into a more traditional age, in contrast to the modern monuments throughout Skopje. But the city isn’t all there is to explore. The fortress on the hill is impressive and well worth the hike. About 20 minutes away you’ll find Matka Canyon, which offers spectacular outdoor activities including boating, kayaking and hiking. For another point of view on Skopje, take the funicular up to the famous cross that overlooks the city. This is an ever-changing and exciting destination that always offers visitors something new and never disappoints.

Day 14

Day 14 - Arrival in Skopje

Your driver will bring you directly to your accommodation in the center of Skopje.

Bizzare, Bazaar, Skopje

Suggestion to explore on your own

For a capital city, Skopje is fairly small and walkable. For your first evening, we suggest walking along the Vardar River, passing the charming bridges and impressive buildings lining both banks. The many monuments in the city center may create a bizarre atmosphere, but they're undeniably interesting. Enjoy evening drinks on one of the fake ships built atop the shallow river. The boat offers a charming atmosphere, and the river's fresh breezes are helpful if you're visiting in summer. Finish your day with a dinner in one of the many restaurants offering live music.

Bizzare, Bazaar, Skopje

Day 15

Day 15 - Departure Day

Today, a driver will pick you up at your accommodation and bring you to the Skopje airport for your departing flight.

What's Included

Here are all the services provided as part of your complete vacation package. See what every JayWay trip includes.
Please let us know if you'd like to upgrade any transfers or add any additional tours or excursions to your itinerary.

Belgrade

3 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Belgrade Airport Transfer
Serbia on Your Plate Small Group Tour
Žiča and Studenica Medieval Monasteries Private Tour
Belgrade Airport Transfer
Belgrade - Tivat Flight (Non-Refundable)

Kotor

2 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Kotor - Tivat Airport Private Transfer
Historic Heritage of Kotor Bay Private Tour
Kotor - Tirana Private Transfer with a stop at Lovcenj, Njegusi and Cetinje

Tirana

3 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Tirana Like a Local with Craftsman Costume Maker Visit
Kruja and Durres Private Day Trip & Meeting with a Local Craftsman
Tirana - Gjirokastra Private Transfer with Walking Tour in Berat

Gjirokastra

2 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Gjirokastra Private Walking Tour
Woodcrafting Experience Private Tour
Gjirokastra - Ohrid Private Transfer with Stops in Permet, Korca and Pogradec

Ohrid

3 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Folklore Traditions in Ohrid Area Private Tour
Pearls, Paper, and Woodcarving Traditions in Ohrid Private Tour
Ohrid - Skopje Private Transfer with Sightseeing Stops of National Park Mavrovo

Skopje

1 Night Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Skopje Airport Transfer

package excludes:


  • Flights to and from Europe.
  • Tips for Tour Guides, Drivers and Local Reps.
  • Meals (other than breakfast if included in room rate and meals listed as included in food tours and excursions, unless explicitly stated otherwise).
  • Parking fees for your Rental Car (if you are booking one with us) unless otherwise indicated. Some hotels provide free parking facilities.
  • Travel Insurance. See the insurance link on our website
Benefits of Traveling with JayWay

A JayWay vacation is more than the sum of its parts. Our team work tirelessly to ensure your experience is memorable for all the right reasons. Your trip is personalized to maximize your enjoyment. You're taken care of every step of the way.

A Travel Advisor who speaks your language

We will make sure that all your requirements and interests are taken into account in preparing your itinerary.

A totally tailored itinerary for your vacation

Your trip is customized for you by  an experienced trip planner and an expert on the region.

A choice of hand-picked hotels and excursions

We've personally inspected and tested all the hotels and local tour providers we work with to ensure quality.

Detailed pre-trip preparation to make the most of every day

Your Europe-based Tour Manager will be in touch by email and phone a month before you arrive to finalize timings.

On-trip Concierge Service to smooth out any bumps in the road

Your tour manager is at your service throughout your journey. We'll provide a local SIM so you can stay connected.

Personalized Guest Page to make sure you're not missing out

Packed with detailed information and recommendations curated by locals on the best things to do, see and eat.
Get an Instant Price Estimate

Choose the month of travel, how many travelers and what star level accommodation you'd like to stay in, then get an instant price estimate.

Once you’ve done that you can request a tailor-made itinerary based on this by entering just a few more details.






Per Person Package Price from*
Get your personalized itinerary based on this trip.


Sending ...
Thank you!

Thank you for your interest in taking a trip based on this itinerary. One of our expert travel advisors will be in touch soon to start tailoring it precisely to your preferences.

Ooops!?

Something went wrong at our end, please try again in a moment.

Go To Top