-Compare the distinct cultural differences of 3 countries.
- Visit the UNESCO-protected Lake Ohrid - one of the oldest lakes in the world
-See Pella - the birthplace of Alexander the Great

Monastery, Skopje & Matka Gorge
After a guided tour of the main sights of Sofia we enjoy some simply breathtaking scenery as we cross into eastern Macedonia to spend a night at the 12th century Monastery of St Joakim Osogovski. Located on the slopes of the Osogovo mountains, the monastery is locally known as Sarandopor after the site on which it was built. In Skopje, the capital of Macedonia, we'll visit the fortress, Mustafa Pasha Mosque and the Old Bazaar, and have time for an optional excursion to nearby Matka Gorge.

Mountains & Lake Ohrid
Our route to Lake Ohrid takes us through Mavrovo National Park, en route to St Jovan Bigorski Monastery, before twisting through the dramatic Black Drim river valley. Arriving at the ancient centre of Ohrid we settle into our hotel for the next three nights. The setting is simply sublime, with a dramatic mountain backdrop almost encircling the tranquil waters of Lake Ohrid. Ohrid itself has much to offer: we'll visit Tsar Samoil's Fortress and the Roman amphitheatre for sensational panoramic views, take a trip on the lake, then stroll around the Old Town on cobblestone lanes. For those who wish, canoes and bicycles can be rented in town.

Exploring Ancient Sites & Thassos
Leaving Ohrid, we cross the Livada Pass (1,568m) on our route through Galicica National Park and descend to the shores of Lake Prespa. After viewing some impressive mosaics at the site of the ancient Macedonian town of Heraclea (founded by Philip II, father of Alexander), we head to the hills to spend our last night in Macedonia in Pelister National Park. Crossing into Greece, our next stop is at Vergina and Pella, birthplace of Alexander the Great, before reaching the shores of the Aegean and the bustling metropolis of Thessaloniki. A boat trip along the coast of the fabled monastic retreat Mt Athos, a day trip by ferry to Thassos Island, and a visit to ancient Philippi complete our activities in north

Itinerary:

Day 1 Join Sofia. 2 City tour of Sofia; drive to Kriva Palanka and Monastery of St Joakim Osogovski (Macedonia). 3 Drive to Kratovo; sightseeing tour. Drive to Skopje; guided city tour. 4 In Skopje; optional excursion to Matka Gorge. 5 Drive to Lake Ohrid via Mavrovo N. Park and Monastery of St Jovan Bigorski. 6 Guided sightseeing tour of Ohrid, including boat excursion. 7 At Lake Ohrid; free day. 8 Drive to Pelister N. Park via St Naum monastery and ancient site of Heraclea. 9 To Thessaloniki (Greece); via Vergina for guided tour of ancient site and Pella. 10 In Thessaloniki; guided sightseeing tour. 11 Drive across Halkidiki Peninsula to Kavala; boat excursion along coast of Mt Athos en route. 12 Day trip by ferry to Thassos Island. 13 Drive to Bansko (Bulgaria) via ancient site of Philippi. 14 Visit Rila Monastery; short walk in Rila N. Park; drive to Sofia. 15 Tour ends Sofia.

Accommodation: 13nts hotel - staying in standard hotels throughout except 1nt monastery inn, basic but an unusual stay in a 12th Century building; 14 breakfasts & 1 dinner included.
Transport: Bus/On foot/Motor boat/Ferry.
Comment: An easy-paced discovery tour following an original itinerary through three contrasting nations.
Group: Approx. 16 to 20.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s), boat crew and some local guides.
Trip Reference: AM