Macedonia · Wine & Beer

Tikvesh Wine region with wine tasting

9 Hours Round trip from Skopje Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Visit Vodno Mountain and see the Millennium Cross area
  • 02 Explore the 12th-century Church of St. Panteleimon
  • 03 Discover the ancient archaeological site of Stobi
  • 04 Enjoy wine tasting of 3 kinds of wines at a local winery
  • 05 Taste traditional meals at the winery restaurant
  • 06 Travel through the renowned Tikvesh wine region
  • 07 Includes entrance fees, transport, and local guide

Discover a rewarding day trip from Skopje that combines heritage, archaeology, and wine in one journey. Travel from the forested slopes of Vodno Mountain and the historic Church of St. Panteleimon to the remarkable ancient site of Stobi, before continuing into the heart of the Tikvesh wine region.

Along the way, explore some of North Macedonia’s most significant cultural landmarks and enjoy the changing scenery from city outskirts to vineyard landscapes. The experience ends with a tasting of three wines paired with traditional meals at a local winery restaurant, offering a flavorful introduction to one of the country’s best-known wine regions.

The experience ends with a tasting of three wines paired with traditional meals at a local winery restaurant, offering a flavorful introduction to one of the country’s best-known wine regions.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 9 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
City Skopje
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Vodno mountain

Vodno mountain is located to the southwest of the capital city Skopje. The highest point of the mountain is at Krstovar peak on 1066m where so called Millennium cross was built at year 2000. Vodno is a favorite destination for all Skopje citizens for hiking, trekking or simply walking in the nature.

Church of St Panteleimon on Vodno mountain

Near the village of Gorno Nerezi and only 20 min drive from Skopje city center, high on the forested slopes of Vodno mountain, the 12th century church of St. Panteleimon is founded. It is one of the oldest and most important churches in Macedonia, built and painted in 1164 under the patronage of Byzantine Prince Alexios Komnenos whose name is made immortal by being carved in marble, right above the entrance in the church. It was dedicated to St. Panteleimon, the protector of health.

Stobi archeological site

Stobi or Stoboi was an ancient town of Paeonia, later conquered by Macedon, and finally turned into the capital of the Roman province of Macedonia Salutaris It is located near Gradsko, Macedonia, on the main road that leads from the Danube to the Aegean Sea and is considered by many to be the most famous archaeological site in North Macedonia. Stobi was built where the Erigon (Crna River) joins the Axios (Vardar), making it strategically important as a center for both trade and warfare. Well preserved Roman amphitheater, unique mosaics, the Baptistery and many more makes this site most see. Visit inside, audio guide available.

Tikvesh wine region

Macedonia’s vineyards heartland, Tikves, has produced wine since the 4th century BC. It features rolling vineyards, lakes, caves and mountains, plus archaeological sites and churches. It’s especially beautiful at dusk, when the fading sunlight suffuses soft hills laden with millions of grapes. Tikves’ local grapes generally retain an ideal sugar concentration (17% to 26%). Tikves is the most well-known wine region in Macedonia. It is located in the very heart of the country and stretches along similar latitudes as the Bordeaux region in France, Tuscany region in Italy and the Napa Valley region in California. The wine district is situated on around 2,000 sqm of fertile land, surrounded by mountains on three sides.

Wine tasting at local winery

You will be invited for Wine tasting of 3 kind of wines and lunch at the winery restaurant.

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Pick up/Drop off at any hotel or address within Skopje;
  • Transportation according the itinerary by car, minivan or minibus;
  • Wine tasting package (3 kind of wines paired with 3 traditional meals at the winery restaurant)
  • Experienced English speaking local tour guide (for parties up to 3 persons guide will be a driver as well)
  • Visits inside: St. Panteleimon monastery and Stobi ancient site, including entrance fees
  • 1 bottle of water per person and WiFi on board - complementary

What's Not Included

  • Solo traveler tour supplement - if you are a solo traveler - check our 'Solo traveler option'
  • Gratuities to the driver/guide (not mandatory)
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Personal spends during the tour

Know before you go

Child rate applies only when sharing with two paying adults.

Logistics

Meeting & route

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

Your 9 hours finish where they began, in Skopje.

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