Macedonia · Rural Experiences

Half Day Rural experience near Skopje

5 Hours Round trip from Skopje Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Visit Marko’s Monastery in the rural surroundings of Skopje
  • 02 Enjoy panoramic views of Lake Kozjak from Mount Jasen
  • 03 Discover the village of Nova Breznica
  • 04 Share a home-hosted meal with a local family
  • 05 Taste authentic local dishes, traditional coffee, jam, and sweets
  • 06 Travel with private transport and an English-speaking driver/local guide

Escape the city for a private half-day journey into the rural surroundings of Skopje, where spiritual heritage, scenic landscapes, and local hospitality come together in one relaxed experience. Visit Marko’s Monastery, enjoy views over Lake Kozjak from Mount Jasen, and discover the village atmosphere of Nova Breznica.

The tour is rounded off with a home-hosted meal at a local family’s rural house, featuring authentic local dishes, traditional coffee, and homemade jam and sweets. With private transport and an English-speaking driver/local guide included, this is a comfortable and rewarding way to experience a different side of Macedonia.

Escape the city for a private half-day journey into the rural surroundings of Skopje, where spiritual heritage, scenic landscapes, and local hospitality come together in one relaxed experience.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Hours
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
City Skopje
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Spend a day visiting the rural surroundings of Skopje!

Combine the beauty of a half day rural experience with a delightful home hosted meal at a local family's rural house.

Marko's monastery

Marko's Monastery is a monastery located in the village of Markova Sušica, 18 kilometers from central Skopje. The monastery bears the name of King Marko who reigned at the time of its completion. Marko's Monastery has been active since its establishment. Its timeless frescoes, its wonderful courtyard with a traditional konak, its calm and spiritual nuns, the taste of their home-made products, and the shadows of the surrounding trees make this site an ultimate place for both intellectual and spiritual refreshment.

Lake Kozjak Viewpoint on Mount Jasen

Kozjak is an artificial lake in Western Macedonia. It is the largest artificial lake in Macedonia, located between the mountain Suva Gora in the west and the Jasen reserve in the east. Towards the lake there are two ways: the southern approach to the lake leads from Makedonski Brod and stretches along the river Treska. The other approach is from Skopje, where the road extends along the southern slopes of Vodno. Kozjak is a 32 km long lake, at some points even 130 meters deep, and the maximum distance from one to the other coast is 400 meters. It is situated at an ideal altitude of less than 300 meters.

Village of Nova Breznitsa

Nova Breznica is a populated area situated in Sopište, Macedonia, with a population of 276 residents. The village is located at an estimated elevation of 714 meters above sea level. Nova Breznica features a distinctive blend of traditional rural homes and newly constructed modern holiday residences. The local community primarily consists of farmers who continue to produce high-quality organic dairy products and vegetables.

Experience genuine hospitality with a warm welcome from a local family and savor a delightful home-hosted meal in their rural house. Enjoy simple authentic local dishes prepared by the host. Traditional coffee accompanied by a selection of authentic home made jam and sweets are part of this unique experience.

Late afternoon drive back to Skopje. 

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Pick up/Drop off at any hotel or address
  • Private transportation with air conditioned car or van according the itinerary
  • Experienced English speaking driver/local tour guide
  • Visit inside Marko’s monastery and the Viewpoint to Kozjak lake
  • 1 x Home hosted meal at local family
  • 1 bottle of water per person and WiFi on board - complementary

What's Not Included

  • Gratuities for the driver/guide (not obligatory)
  • Gratuities for the host family (recommendable)
  • Personal travel insurance

Know before you go

  • This private tour is available every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
  • Online bookings are accepted for groups of up to 6 participants.
  • For groups of 7 or more, a special group rate is available on request.
  • As a COMBO TOUR, booking this experience along with any other COMBO tour entitles you to an additional 10% discount. Please contact us prior to booking to receive your promo code and take advantage of this offer.
  • Child rate applies only when sharing with two paying adults.
  • Additional early booking discount of 10% applies to all bookings made and paid in total 3 or more months in advance (can be combined with other discounts).
  • If you would like to ask or tell us something before you proceed, or you need some additional information, please fill out our Contact form with your message and we will respond within 24 hours.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Skopje
Tour start
Skopje
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 5 hours finish where they began, in Skopje.

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