Bitola, North Macedonia
Bitola, North Macedonia is a charming and historic city located in the southwestern part of the country. It is home to numerous cultural and historical sites, such as the ancient Roman city of Heraclea, and offers a great mix of modern amenities and traditional Balkan charm.
Trip to Bitola, North Macedonia
Day 1: Arrival and City Tour
Upon your arrival in Bitola, you can check in to your hotel and have a little rest. In the afternoon, you can take a city tour to explore the town. Bitola is a city that has a lot of history and architecture. One of the most prominent buildings is the Clock Tower located in the center of the city. Built in the Ottoman period, the tower stands at a height of 30 meters and is a major landmark and tourist attraction in the city. Due to its strategic location on the crossroads of several important trade routes, Bitola became an important area for trade. This can be seen from the many caravans, markets and other bazaars in the city. The Church of Saint Demetrius is one of the most important Orthodox Christian buildings in the city. It is over 1,700 years old and its walls are filled with stunning frescoes depicting scenes from the Bible and the life of Christ.
Day 2: Pelister National Park
Today you will take a trip to Pelister National Park, which covers an area of about 17,150 hectares. One of the most visited attractions of the park is the Big Lake, a glacial lake located at an altitude of 2,218 meters. It is surrounded by beautiful pine forests, and it is a perfect spot for relaxation and hiking. Pelister is also home to the highest peak in the Baba Mountain range, which stands at an elevation of 2,601 meters. This is an ideal place to take a picnic and spend a few hours breathing in the fresh mountain air and watching the stunning views that the park has to offer.
Day 3: Bitola Old Town and Heraclea Lyncestis
On the third day of your trip, you can explore the Old Town of Bitola. The old town is home to many historic buildings and landmarks, including the Roman Theatre which was built in the 2nd-century AD and has a capacity of around 4,000 people. Bitola Old Bazaar is an essential stop for shopping and souvenirs. Here you will find traditional Macedonian products, jewelry, and a variety of souvenirs. In the afternoon, you will visit Heraclea Lyncestis. Located a few minutes’ drive from the city, Heraclea Lyncestis is the best-preserved ancient site in the Republic of North Macedonia. It was founded by the Macedonian king Philip II in the 4th century BC and was later a stronghold of the Roman Empire.
Day 4: Pelagonia Valley
Pelagonia Valley is known for its scenic beauty and ripe fruit. Located southwest of Bitola, it provides an impressive view of Mount Baba and the surrounding hills. Enjoy freshly picked fruit straight out of the fields, which includes apples, cherries, strawberries, and many more. The tour of the valley includes vineyards, orchards, and a visit to a wine factory. Here, you will have the opportunity to taste some local wines.
Day 5: Prilep and Marble Cave
On the fifth day of your trip, you will visit Prilep, a city known for its majestic architecture. The city is characterized by its dramatic landscape, including a massive stone mountain that sits on its outskirts, named Marko’s Towers. You will visit the Museum of Tobacco, which is located in an old tobacco warehouse in the center of the city. The museum displays various tobacco products, old machines, and photographs. Later on, we will proceed to Marble Cave, which is the largest cave in North Macedonia. The cave is well illuminated to show the magnificent stalactites, stalagmites, and stone pillars that it contains.
Day 6: Ohrid Lake
Ohrid Lake is the second oldest and the deepest lake in Europe. It is also one of the largest lakes in the Balkans. It offers a variety of activities such as swimming, surfing, and fishing. The surrounding area has a rich historical heritage, including the ancient city of Ohrid, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will have the opportunity to tour the city, including the St. Pantelejmon Church, which has fantastic frescoes covering its walls and domes.
Day 7: Departure
After breakfast, you can relax and enjoy your last moments in Bitola before departing from the city. You can visit any other places of interest that you may have missed during your trip, or do some last minute shopping at the city market. Your driver will take you to the Skopje International Airport for your flight home.
