Constantine
I or Constantine the Great, Roman emperor, born in Niš, Serbia in 280, reigned
from 306 to 337. In 306 he was acclaimed emperor by the British army , but only
after defeating Maxentius in the battle
of the Milvian bridge (312) the title was recognized by the Senate of Rome. In
313, in Milan, he issued the edict of tolerance towards the Christian religion,
playing an influential role for Christianity in the empire. After the victory
over Licinius (324) he decided to transfer the capital of the empire to
Byzantium, refounded in 326 with the name of Constantinople and inaugurated in
330.
1° Day: Skopje
Arrival at
Skopje airport and meeting with the tour leader. City tour of Skopje, the capital
of Macedonia with local guide. Visiting the Old city of Skupi, where were found
the Roman military camps of the 2nd century BC; the fortress of Kale (the
highest point of the city); the Mustapha Pasha mosque dating back to the
Ottoman Empire, one of the most fascinating mosques in Macedonia; the old bazaar,
second in size only after the bazaar of Istanbul in the Balkan territory; the
Stone Bridge which is the symbol of the city and finally ending the visit in
the pedestrian area where is located the Memorial House of Mother Teresa.
Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
2° Day: Justiniana
Prima – Niš (220 km)
Departure
for Serbia after breakfast, arrival in Lebane in Serbia and visit of the
ancient city of Justiniana Prima. The city has existed since the beginning of
the 6th century and was founded by Emperor Justinian I as the seat of the archbishopric
of the Central Balkans. Then continue to Niš, one of the 3 largest Serbian cities
along with Belgrade and Novi Sad, the largest in southern Serbia and the
birthplace of the first Christian emperor, Constantine the Great. We will visit
the Mediana, a Roman imperial villa, now an archaeological site. After that,
the fortress, the most important monument of the city, to continue to the
square of King Milan at Obrenoviceva Street and "Kazandzisko Sokace",
the ancient Turkish streets of the 17th and 18th century. Dinner and overnight
at the hotel.
3° Day: Prohor Pcinski – Staro Negoricane –
Skopje (260 km)
After
breakfast departure to visit the second largest Serbian Orthodox Monastery
“Prohor Pcinski”. After a couple of hours we return to Macedonia to visit the
St. George Church built in the 11th century, interesting for its architecture
and for the beautiful frescoes still preserved. In the late afternoon we return
to Skopje for dinner and overnight.
4° Day: Stobi – Bitola – Ohrid (280 km)
After
breakfast going to Ohrid through Bitola. En route we will stop to visit the ancient city of Stobi, which
is located in the main road that connects the Danube River to the Aegean Sea,
and is considered the most famous archaeological site in Macedonia. The journey
continues in the direction of the second largest city of Macedonia, Bitola,
also known as the "City of the Consuls". We will visit the
archaeological area, the ancient city of Heraclea Lyncestis from the 4th
century BC built by Philip II of Macedonia that was one of the last Roman
governors. We will walk along the longest pedestrian street in the nation,
where overlooks the clock tower, the Bezisten shopping center born in the 15th
century, the Museum of Kemal Ataturk, father of modern Turkey. Proceeding to
Ohrid in the afternoon, dinner and overnight at the hotel.
5° Day: Ohrid – Saint Naum (50 km)
After
breakfast, half day visit to Saint Naum, located in the southern part of Lake
Ohrid, inside the Galichica National Park. In this enchanting place we will
enjoy the natural beauty of the sources of the Black Drim River, the largest
sources of Lake Ohrid which together with the 9th century Monastery make this
tourist area the most visited in Macedonia. Return to Ohrid, in the afternoon
guided walking tour of the city, a World Heritage Site, where we will be able
to admire the Icon Gallery, the Church of the Mother of God, the fortress, the
Ancient Theater, the churches of San Giovanni and San Clemente. In the evening
a typical dinner with a show of local folkloristic music and dances. Overnight
at Hotel.
6° Day: National Park Mavrovo – Skopje
After
breakfast, departure for Skopje airport through the Mavrovo National Park.
Before arriving at the airport we will pay a visit to the Monastery of St. John
Bigorski, built in 1020 and restored in 1743. The church is dedicated to St.
John the Baptist. One of the treasures of the monastery is the iconostasis,
considered as one of the most beautiful and rich in value, in carved wood.
After the visit, transfer to the airport.