Vacancies on Splendid Ohrid – Macedonia’s Gem 4 DAYS/ 3 NIGHTS Mail: [email protected] Macedonia - Македонија or Makedonija, is officially the Republic of Macedonia, a country in the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe. One of the seven countries forming ex-Yugoslavia from which it declared Independence on 1991. Macedonia is a landlocked country, has borders with Kosovo, Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece and Albania. Geographically Macedonia is defined by mountains, valleys and rivers. Skopje - The Capital and largest City, is the country’s Political, Cultural, Economic and Academic Center. Ohrid - Macedonia's most seductive destination, with an atmospheric Old Quarter cascading down a graceful hill, crammed full of beautiful churches and topped by the bones of a medieval castle. Its cobblestone streets are flanked by traditional restaurants and lakeside cafes, its beautiful and peaceful Lake Ohrid. Traveling through the Landmark Gems of Macedonia, you will be surprised by the beautiful sceneries along our trip, monasteries, lakes, Balkan music, cuisine, SPA and much, much more…. Ohrid Old Town Fortifications King Samoil’s Fortress The Old Town Gates Plaošnik – the archeological site The Ancient Theatre of Ohrid Church of St. John at Kaneo Mail: [email protected] Church of Saints Clement & Panteleimon St. Naum Monastery The Robevi Family House Ohrid Lake Gala Diner and Music Performance Struga Radožda by boat SPA Center Mail: [email protected] Tel-Aviv – Ohrid We shall meet at BGN Airport for flight over Macedonia. After landing at Ohrid International Airport, St. Paul, we will start our trip. Ohrid, a town of vast history and heritage, was made an UNESCO Heritage Site in 1980. Nestled between high mountains up to 2,100 m and Lake Ohrid, it is not only a place of historic significance but also of outstanding natural beauty. Ohrid is the jewel in Macedonia's crown. Today we will visit some of the Gems of the City starting by the Old Town Fortifications, crowned with King Samoil’s Fortress, the Lower Gate, the Upper Gate, the Front Gate near St. Bogorodica Celnica Church, we will have the opportunity to see the Ohrid Traditional Architecture along “Čar Samoil” and “Ilindenska” streets. Robevci & Uranija houses are good examples. After a break we will proceed to Saint Naum Monastery, one of the most beautiful monasteries in Macedonia and an important pilgrimage place. Breathtaking setting on a plateau over Ohrid Lake and Galičica mountain towering from behind. It was founded in the 910th by St. Naum, but the present-day church was built in the 16th Century. Of the original church only remains the side chapel with the grave of St. Naum that still stands. The frescoes were painted in 1806 (the side chapel frescoes depict the life and miracles of St. Naum); in the first chamber the church look for the fresco of Saint Cyril and Methodius and their students including St. Klement and St. Naum. End of excursion, we will drive to our hotel for dinner and overnight in Ohrid. Mail: [email protected] Ohrid – Struga - Ohrid After breakfast we will drive to Struga, a remarkable city lying on the “Crn Drim” river (black river) that flows into the Adriatic Sea. Struga is representing different cultures, and religions, customs of Christians Orthodox living side by side with the Albanians and the Macedonian Muslims. Every August at the Poetry Bridge are held the Struga Poetry Evenings visited by poets, writers and artists from all around the World. We will stroll the city walking through cobblestone streets of the Old Town from both sides of the river. We will make a short break for coffee and taste the special sweets of Struga then we will reach back our bus to continue to Ohrid. On our arrival we shall explore other zones we didn’t on the first day, such as Plaošnik the Archaeological site with its conserved mosaics, the Icon Museum, Paper Museum and Pearl shop, walk along the waterside promenade enjoying the atmosphere, just like the locals. We will return to our hotel to refresh and change before Gala Diner in one of the most impressive Restaurants, there we will enjoy the Macedonian real atmosphere, with great performance of Musicians. Real Dream... End of the day we shall return back to our hotel for overnight at Ohrid. Mail: [email protected] Ohrid – Radožda & Kališta - Spa Center Today after breakfast we shall walk or drive to the lake bank, there our taxi boats are waiting for us to lead us by the most picturesque way to get over the villages Radožda and Kališta. That is quite impressive to see the cliffs and church of Saint Archangel Michael loom up over the village is situated at 725 m above sea level. Radožda was founded in Tsar Stefan Dušan era, ten centuries ago. The Church was built on the Jablanica Mountain range above Radožda village in the 13th century in a natural cave and was dedicated to the military commander of the Bodiless Army – The Archangel Michael. Most of the frescoes date from the 14th century with one from the 13thC. If it will be possible we shall visit Kališta as well. We will reach back by boat to the second part of our day which will be dedicated to our souls and bodies treatment in one of the most famous SPA Centers in Ohrid, having massage, sauna, and more surprises accompanied by light local dish and beverage. Vigorated by the natural treatments we shall return in late afternoon to our hotel. End of the day, back to hotel for dinner and overnight. Mail: [email protected] Ohrid – Tel Aviv After breakfast we will check-out from hotel. All depending of the flight schedule, we will have free time to complete our shopping souvenirs, before driving to the International Airport of Ohrid to fly safely home. End of the Tour, we were glad to have you here in Macedonia. We wish you goodbye and have safe flight home. Mail: [email protected] .