Add dates

Skopje Bus & minivan tours

Our most recommended Skopje Bus & minivan tours

Skopje: Matka Canyon Sightseeing Tour

1. Skopje: Matka Canyon Sightseeing Tour

Discover the most beautiful landscape in the Skopje region on this scenic sightseeing hike and cruise of the Matka Canyon. Sail between vertical rocks, see ancient temples, medieval churches, and hilltop monasteries. Start at the 14th-century Monastery of Matka, dedicated to the Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God, a religious festival celebrated on August 28 every year. Walk along the banks of the River Treska, famous for its kayak competitions, following the path past the Dam and manmade Lake Matka. Next, climb aboard a small boat to cruise along the 5-mile (8-kilometer) canyon, soaking up the surroundings and scent of flowers. Listen and look out for abundant birdlife, and keep your eyes open for wild boar and hare. On your return, stop opposite the Monastery of St. Andrew and climb up forested hills to the Monastery of St. Nikola. From the plateau, your efforts will be rewarded with breathtaking views. A hospitable church-keeper, who built the surrounding mountain huts, will welcome you inside the monastery for yet another perspective of this magical and mysterious land.

From Skopje: 6-Hour Private Mavrovo Tour

2. From Skopje: 6-Hour Private Mavrovo Tour

Start with a morning departure for Mavrovo. After arriving have a short informational session about Mavrovo and Mavrovo National Park. Visit the Cave Sharko and have a little walk and see ski passes and hotels around the area. After that, visit the village of Galicnik where Galicka Svadba (wedding) takes place. Galichnik is a mountain village in the Republic of Macedonia and along with Lazaropole, it is one of the two largest and oldest Mijak villages in the region. Galichnik has well-preserved traditional architecture, including an amphitheater in the village square, and is famous for its surrounding countryside and nature reserve. People from Galichnik and northwestern Macedonia appreciate the local yellow cheese (Kashkaval) that is produced in the region as well as the local salt brine white cheese "belo sirenje." After visiting Galicnik, drive along Mavrovo Lake and canyon of river Radika to the biggest monastery in Macedonia – Bigorski Monastery with its wood carved iconostasis from 18th century. After that, visit a natural place – Waterfall Duf. This tour then continues to visit the wonderful Monastery Rajcica. After that, have a traditional lunch in Mavrovo and return to Skopje.

Ohrid Half-Day City Tour

3. Ohrid Half-Day City Tour

Tour the city of Ohrid on the eastern shore of Lake Ohrid in the Republic of Macedonia on a half-day sightseeing tour of the center of Christianity for Slavs. The 4-hour guided tour takes in all the main sights of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of only a handful inscribed both for their culture and natural landscape. Walk through the Lower Gate to the Archeological Museum in the Robev Family House, and tour an exhibition of ancient artifacts, including a statue of the Goddess Isis. Continue to the 11th-century cathedral church of St. Sofia, the Ancient Theater from the 2nd century BC, and the beautiful icons at the church of St. Mary Perivleptos. Get fantastic views of Ohrid Lake from the medieval walls of Samuil Fortress. Descend to Plaosnik at the crossroads of civilizations on Ohrid Hill. Visit the burial place of St. Kliment, and the newly reconstructed church of St. Pantelejmon. End at the church of St. Jovan Kaneo, one of Ohrid’s landmarks, before visiting the fisherman’s settlement of Kaneo for a boat trip on the lake.

From Skopje: Full-Day Private Tour of Mavrovo and Ohrid

4. From Skopje: Full-Day Private Tour of Mavrovo and Ohrid

You will be picked up from your hotel and continue to the National Park of Mavrovo, passing the cities Tetovo and Gostivar. After arriving at Mavrovo, you will have a short visit of the place, visiting the center of Mavrovo, looking at the Winter facilities and seeing the new and old Church of St. Nicolas. After that, drive on to River Radika then continue on to one of the most beautiful monasteries in Macedonia – St. Jovan Bigorski and Ohrid. Placed on the Bigor rocks on canyon valley of the River Radika, next to the exuberant forests in the North–West slopes of Bistra Mountain. After that, you continue to Ohrid, where you have a city tour. Your tour starts before the monument of St. Cyril and Methodius, and it then heads to the Lower gate, City museum, Church of St. Sofia, Antic Theater, Upper gate, Church of St. Virgin Mary, Perivleptos, the Gallery of effigies, Samoils fortress, Plaoshnik and finally the tour ends with a walk through Ohrid’s market-place. You will then return to your hotel.

Skopje: Private Half-Day Surrounding Beauties Tour

5. Skopje: Private Half-Day Surrounding Beauties Tour

This tour will start from your hotel or any location of your preference in Skopje. Your guide will take you by comfortable air-conditioned car or minivan to the middle of Mount Vodno and then by cable car system to the Millennium Cross and back to middle Vodno. Once back at middle Vodno, the tour will continue by car or minivan to the village of Gorno Nerezi to see the Church St. Pantelejmon. Witness the frescoes that are among the highest achievements of Byzantine art at St. Pantelejmon.  Then, you will continue to the Matka Canyon, one of the most popular outdoors destinations about 17 kilometers from Skopje. After the visit of Matka Canyon, transfer back to Skopje, to your hotel or any location of your preference in Skopje.

From Skopje: Private Full-Day Guided Trip to Ohrid

6. From Skopje: Private Full-Day Guided Trip to Ohrid

Discover what many consider to be the most beautiful town in Macedonia, Ohrid, on a full-day tour from Skopje. After pickup at your hotel in Skopje, enjoy the scenic mountain views as your guide drives you for 2.5 hours to Ohrid. Once in Ohrid, take a walk by the lake and savor lunch in a local restaurant. Then, explore Ohrid Old Town on a sightseeing tour with your expert guide. As you walk, find out about the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Macedonia. During your tour, see local landmarks such as Samoil’s Fortress, St. Sofija Church, the Robevi House Museum, St. Bogorodica Perivleptos Church, the Gallery of Icons, the antique theater, and more. As well as sightseeing, visit the “charsija” bazaar and enjoy the chance to do some traditional pearl jewelry shopping. Get the opportunity to see the 1100 years old “Chinar” tree, too. At the end of your day in Ohrid, your guide will drive you back to your accommodation in Skopje.

Skopje: Transfer to Tirana w/ Half-Day Tour of Ohrid

7. Skopje: Transfer to Tirana w/ Half-Day Tour of Ohrid

Starting from your hotel in Skopje, travel to Ohrid for about 2 hours. Afterwards, break in Ohrid for a half-day tour with a licensed tour guide. The walking tour will start from the town’s harbor. Then, you will head towards the old part of the town and stop at the Lower Gate and the Museum of Robevi (the Robevi family). Have a tour of the Church of St. Sophia which dates from the 11th century and then go up to the Roman amphitheater, dating back to the 3rd century B.C. Afterwards, continue walking to Icon Gallery, which shows a range of some of the most famous and valuable icons in the world right after the ones in Athos and in Russia. In the vicinity of the gallery, you will find the Church of Sveta Bogorodica Perivleptos (St Clement’s Church of the Holy Mother of God Most Glorious) which dates from the 13th century and possesses some of the most beautiful and valuable frescoes from the 13th century, not only in this country but in the Balkans as well. Then, carry on walking to Tsar Samoil’s Fortress which was named after the first tsar of the Macedonian Slavs, who having conquered Byzantium, brought most of Macedonia under his rule. Then, walk to Plaoshnik, the place where you will visit the newly built St. Clement’s Monastery Church which is dedicated to St. Clement (the patron of Ohrid) and St Pantelejmon, which stands beside the original site of St. Clement’s University, the first university of the Macedonian Slavs started in the 9th century A.D. Inside the church, you will also see the tomb with St. Clement’s relics. Besides the church, see the foundations of the 5th century basilica with beautifully preserved mosaic floors and some swastikas also discovered on the floors. From here, head towards the Church of St. Jovan at Kaneo, which was built at the end of the 13th century, and is one of the most frequently visited churches in Ohrid because of its beautiful location on the cliffs directly above the lake. After this, go back to the town on foot. Another option will be to return to the town by boat and at the same time, to make a tour of the lake providing you with a great view of the town. There will also be the possibility for free time or lunch. Continue your trip to Tirana with a drop-off at your address or hotel accommodation.

Skopje: Guided Kratovo and Kuklica Tour

8. Skopje: Guided Kratovo and Kuklica Tour

After pick up from your accommodation in Skopje, you will begin your tour with a drive to Kratovo, where your local guide will be waiting for you. Your guide will begin to show you the city in his own style, which is bound to be very different from others. You will also have the opportunity to taste plenty of local home-style foods, some of which you will even help prepare. Following this, you will begin a city sightseeing tour where you will visit historical sites such as the church of St. Jovan Pretecha (18th century), the church of St. Nikola Chudotvorec (16th-18th century), the Clock Tower (14th century) the Simkjeva Tower (14th century), the Bazaar Bridge and the Argulichki Bridge. After your city tour visit, you will visit Kuklica, also known as the "Valley of Stone Dolls". According to local lore, a man was once struggling to choose between two women. Not able to make up his mind, he figured he would marry both on the same day and not tell the other. Unluckily for him, during his morning wedding, the second wife came to check out the scene and was horrified upon having to watch her husband’s double-crossing nuptials. In a rage, she cursed the whole wedding party and they turned to stone, where they stood forever and created Kuklica. After finishing your tour, you will return to Skopje.

From Skopje: Private Full-Day Trip to Bitola

9. From Skopje: Private Full-Day Trip to Bitola

Your driver/ guide will pick you up from your hotel or any location of your preference in Skopje, and then take you by comfortable air-conditioned car or minivan to Bitola. In about less than 3-hours driving, as a first stop in Bitola and an introduction to the city’s history, you will be able to visit and learn about the ancient settlement Heraclea Lyncestis and the well-preserved floor mosaics, fine examples of early Christian art. After visiting Heraclea, driving by the City Park, your driver/ guide will transfer you to the City Museum from where you will enjoy a walking tour through Shirok Sokak, among the nice colorful romantic and neoclassical buildings, housing cafes and restaurants, with time to taste some local bites or just relax with a coffee and people watching. The tour will further continue through the sites to the Old Bazaar, finishing at the Green Market, where you won’t miss the chance to buy a “pepper necklace” or some of the fresh, organic and seasonal products. Transfer back to your hotel or any location of your preference in Skopje.

Frequently asked questions about Skopje Bus & minivan tours

What are other things to do than Bus & minivan tours that are worth visiting in Skopje?

The other unmissable things to do in Skopje are:

Which Skopje Bus & minivan tours are taking additional COVID-19 precautions?

Other Sightseeing Options in Skopje

Want to discover all there is to do in Skopje? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Skopje

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 169 reviews

My partner and I booked this fascinating private tour, and we were lucky to have Susanne. During the excursion, she explained the country's history so well and in a way that made it easy to follow and would answer any questions I had, adding many personal experiences and anecdotes. We did the (optional) hiking, the tour lasted 1,5h more, and we were never bored. The hike was well worth it, but it's rather steep in a few parts – I'd not recommend it to people with a poor fitness level. Also, Danielle was a great driver. A totally recommended private tour experience overall, a must-do when visiting the Skopje area! Thank you so much, Susanne and Danielle!

We couldn't have gotten a better guide than Pasco. Not only does it deserve 5 stars, it deserves double. I've traveled a lot, but this city tour was by far the best I've ever experienced. Pasco is a tour guide with heart and soul. He has a lot of knowledge and is happy to pass it on. He was able to answer every question and also has a lot of insider tips in stock. Time flew by.

This was such a fun tour! Suzanna was an excellent guide and very informative. Matka Canyon is definitely a must see. You should try to do some hiking/walking along the river trail in addition to the boat ride to the cave. The energy museum is also worth visiting.

The tour was great! The Canyon is just amazing and with a local guide I was able to know a lot of details regarding Skopje and its history. Also, everything was organized very well and I didn't have to worry about anything. Lida my guide was very cool!

Our guide was very knowledgeable and articulated the history of Skopje and North Macedonia so we could understand its importance. The van that took us to the site was clean and comfortable.