North Macedonia Tours & Holidays
Small Group Tours & Tailor-Made Holidays
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Overview
Landlocked and encircled by its Balkan neighbours, North Macedonia was once part of the former Yugoslavia, from which it declared independence in 1991. Geographically the country is defined by its mountains, rivers and flat river valleys, all of which provide excellent settings for some real off-beat adventure. Home to three national parks, two distinct mountain ranges and one of the deepest and oldest lakes in Europe (Lake Ohrid), North Macedonia is for the most part an undiscovered gem that ...
Landlocked and encircled by its Balkan neighbours, North Macedonia was once part of the former Yugoslavia, from which it declared independence in 1991. Geographically the country is defined by its mountains, rivers and flat river valleys, all of which provide excellent settings for some real off-beat adventure. Home to three national parks, two distinct mountain ranges and one of the deepest and oldest lakes in Europe (Lake Ohrid), North Macedonia is for the most part an undiscovered gem that provides an authentic insight into a rich European culture that has sadly disappeared from many other parts of the region.
With a history that can trace its origins back to antiquity and the Kingdom of Paeonia, North Macedonia has a visible heritage that still recalls the influences of the Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans and Serbs. These rich traditions can still be found in its architecture and its poetry as well as its food and music. North Macedonian cuisine successfully blends a diverse mix of Mediterranean (Greek) and Middle Eastern (Turkish) influences, along with a healthy sprinkling of Italian, German and Hungarian flavours. Meanwhile the country’s forests are abundant with flora and fauna including bears, wild boars, wolves and Eurasian lynx. Little wonder then that its sheep are guarded by the impressive Šarplaninec (Yugoslav Shepherd Dog).
North Macedonia may remain one of Europe’s poorest country’s economically, but in terms of its natural and cultural assets it punches well above its weight and, for getting off the beaten track, there are few destinations on the continent that can match it.
Start your journey
Group tours
Travel to North Macedonia with like-minded people on one of our small group tours (usually max size 12), featuring knowledgeable local guides and an expert tour leader.
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WHEN TO GO
LGBTQIA+ Guidance
When planning to travel as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, there may be additional things you wish to consider doing, such as:
- Speaking to one of our travel experts for information about travelling in your chosen destination and local attitudes towards members of the LGBTQIA+ community
- Checking the Human Dignity Trust map which highlights regions and countries which are potentially dangerous to LGBTQIA+ people, or Equaldex, which tracks the progress of LGBTQIA+ rights around the world.
- Checking the ‘Local laws and customs’ section of your country's official foreign travel advice page
- Looking for any updates for your desired destination on the Human Rights Watch LGBTQIA+ rights page
- Buying a recommended guidebook, as many include an LGBTQIA+ section and advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers
USEFUL INFORMATION
Health and Vaccinations
There are no mandatory immunisations for travellers to Macedonia though you should be up-to-date with Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A. Please note we are not medical professionals and so we highly recommend you seek advice from your local GP or travel centre as to the correct immunisations and preventative treatments.
Currency
In Macedonia the official unit of currency is the Macedonian Denar
To check out the latest exchange rate for the places that you are visiting you can go to www.oanda.com.
Cultural Sensitivity
On our tours we frequently interact with local people, each with their own distinct customs and traditions. We therefore ask you to be considerate and to treat them with respect. Your guides will be able to advise you accordingly.
Language & Religion
Macedonian is the official language of the country but there are a number of Albanian speakers.
Most Macedonians identify with the Macedonian Orthodox Christianity. The second largest and fastest growing religion is Islam. There are some other small groups of Jews, Catholic, Protestant and Baptist Christians and Hindus.
Time
Macedonia is 1 hours ahead of GMT. A useful website to check the time zone differences is www.worldtimezone.com.
Food and drink
Macedonian cuisine falls into the grouping of Balkan cuisine. It reflects Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences and shares characteristics of other Balkan cuisines. The relatively warm climate of the country provides excellent growth conditions for a variety of vegetables, herbs and fruits. Macedonian cuisine is also noted for the diversity and quality of its dairy products, wines, and local alcoholic beverages, such as rakija. Tavce gravce and mastika are considered the national dish and drink of North Macedonia.
Travelling Solo In North Macedonia
All of our small group tours are designed to cater for solo travellers: the number of solo travellers will vary from tour to tour, but usually over half will be travelling alone. Get all of the excitement of discovering new places combined with the security of travelling with an organised group, with like minded people.