Discover Bitola, city of consuls

The old name of Bitola is Monastir, meaning a place to stay overnight. This is a city of long history, a witness of the remains of Heraclea Lyncestis, found on the ancient Roman road, Via Egnatia. Over the centuries, it has always been an important commercial center. During the Ottoman Empire era this city becomes an important administrative and diplomatic center with quite a few European consuls. Bitola reached its peak of prosperity in the 19th century, and today it is an important city of about 100,000 people. It is located on the southwest of Macedonia. 

Description

Duration
6-8 hours
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Starting location
The place of your accommodation
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Final destination
The place of your accommodation

Our route

Discovering Bitola, the city of conuls, the heart of Macedonia

1st  STOP Ohrid-Bitola

The trip from Ohrid to Bitola will take us through the villages of Leskoec, Kosel to the city of Resen, where we are going to have a small coffee break and refreshments. 

 


2nd  STOP See the imporance of our country

 

After the arrival in Bitola, first we are heading to the ancient city of Heraclea (ticket 2€), which was built by the Macedonian Emperor Philip, father of Alexander the Great. This is a special opportunity to see one of the mosaics in this part of the world, as well as the ancient theater, many Roman statues, Early Christian basilicas etc.


3rd  STOP Find about the history

Visiting the center of Bitola, where we are going to see the archeological history at the National Museum, (ticket 2€), where a separate room is dedicated to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk - 1881-1938, father of modern Turkey. This room was dedicated to him, due to his Macedonian origin.


4th  STOP Tasting the traditional cuisine

Lunch will be served at a traditional Macedonian restaurant and will take about an hour. (drinks not included!)


5th  STOP See the monuments

We then continue through the center of Bitola, along the Shirok Sokak, a street famous during the era of the Ottoman Empire. Many buildings will rightfully capture our attention, such as the old Turkish Shopping Street, the many mosques, the Clock Tower and the churches, which we will be visiting. 


6th STOP
Heading to Prespa


We are starting with the visit of the village Podmochani, where you will be able to visit the Ethnological Museum that has 120 types of folk costumes in its possession. Next is driving to the peak of Mount Galichica, from where you can admire the Lake Prespa and its breathtaking surrounding nature.


7th stop See the amazing natural exquisiteness of the Mountain Galichica

We are going to take a short break, where you can take amazing landscape shots and then we reach the peak, where you will have an amazing view of the Lake Ohrid, which might leave you wanting to come and revisit this place again. Next you can see the view of the amazing wild forest of the National Park Galichica, while we drive through it. (Important- This road is closed during the winter, so we will be heading back through the same road)

Arrival
We return to the hotel once the program is completed

PRICE 

60€    per person (min. 2 person)

NOTE:

  • Drinks NOT included!
  • Entrance tickets are included in the price for guided tour
  • Transport included!
  • Coffee / refreshments break in Resen included!
  • Lunch at Bitola included!

For bigger groups please contact me!