If you love nature, history, and authentic local experiences — and want to see more than just Skopje’s center — this half-day tour is the perfect escape into Skopje’s scenic surroundings.
Enjoy spectacular panoramic views from Mount Vodno, visit one of the finest examples of Byzantine art at St. Pantelejmon church, discover the traditional architecture of the Macedonian Village Complex, and explore the breathtaking Matka Canyon — home to endemic plants, butterflies, and stunning caves.
Let our experienced local guide lead you through this unforgettable journey into the nature and culture just minutes outside of Skopje.
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Pick Up: At the Parking Skopje Citadel- Half Day Group Tour from Skopje to Matka Canyon, Millennium Cross and Etno Village<br />
Departure times
Daily at 09:30 am
Daily at 01:00 pm
Drop Off
Gate Macedonia
Things To Bring
Printed or electronic voucher
Camera
Comfortable walking shoes
Packed snacks or light food (especially recommended in high season)
Inclusions
Local English-speaking guide
Ticket for the cable car to Millennium Cross (weather and day dependent – see below)
A/C transportation:
♦ From Skopje Fortress to Vodno
♦ From Vodno to Gorno Nerezi & Macedonian Etno Village
♦ From there to Matka Canyon
♦ Return to central drop-off point
Exclusions
Hotel pick-up/drop-off
Meals and drinks
Entrance tickets
Optional entrance to St. Pantelejmon (€2.5 / 150 MKD) – payable on site
Optional boat ride to Vrelo Cave (€8.5 / 500 MKD) – payable on site
Kayak rentals or other optional activities at Matka Canyon
Personal expenses, tips & gratuities
Additional Info
Duration 6 hours (APPROX.)
Tour length may vary depending on:
• Season: Quicker in winter (fewer crowds); longer in summer due to traffic and busier stops
• Cable car operation: On Mondays and the last Tuesday of every month, the cable car does not operate. The visit to the Millennium Cross is replaced by a panoramic viewpoint stop at Mid-Vodno reached by mini-bus
Important Notes
• Cable Car Operation: The cable car does not run on Mondays or the last Tuesday of the month, and may be suspended in bad weather. On such days, the visit to the Millennium Cross is replaced with a panoramic stop at Mid-Vodno reached by mini-bus. • Itinerary Order: For operational reasons and to improve guest experience, the itinerary may occasionally run in reverse order (Matka Canyon first, then Nerezi and Vodno).
• Matka Canyon Free Time: Once at Matka, guests are free to choose:
♦ A walk around the canyon
♦ A short boat ride or long boat ride to Vrelo Cave
Kayaking
♦ Or lunch at the only restaurant on-site (note: it gets very busy in summer)
If choosing the 1-hour boat tour to Vrelo Cave, there will not be enough time for lunch. We advise bringing snacks or packed food in high season.
• Luggage Policy: Bringing luggage on this tour is not recommended.
– There may not be enough space in the vehicle for bags or suitcases.
– At several stops, the vehicle is left unattended, and we cannot guarantee the safety of your belongings. Leaving valuables in the van increases the risk of theft or damage (e.g., broken windows).
Child & Accessibility Policy Disclaimer
Children are welcome on our tours. Please note that, by law, children under the age of 4 must use a child safety seat. These seats are not available on group tours. If you are traveling with a small child, we recommend booking a private tour, where a seat can be arranged upon request.
Please be aware that the vehicles we use are not equipped for passengers with limited mobility, and some parts of the tour may involve steps, uneven paths, or longer walks. For guests with limited mobility or those using crutches, this tour may not be suitable.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
No show: no restitution
The tour begins at the parking lot of Kale Fortress. From there, our guide will take you by organized transport to the middle of Mount Vodno. You’ll ride the cable car to the Millennium Cross, enjoy the views, and return to middle Vodno by cable car.
Next, the tour continues by transport to the village of Gorno Nerezi, where you’ll visit the Church of St. Pantelejmon and the Macedonian Village Complex.
The journey then proceeds to Canyon Matka, located about 17 km from Skopje. After exploring the canyon, you’ll be transferred back to the city, with drop-off at Gate Macedonia.
Itinerary Overview
– Start: Meet at Parking Skopje Citadel
– Drive to Middle Vodno:
• Take the cable car to Millennium Cross* and back
• OR panoramic viewpoint stop at Mid-Vodno (if cable car is unavailable)
– Drive to Gorno Nerezi:
• Visit St. Pantelejmon Church
• Short stop at the Macedonian Village Complex
– Continue to Matka Canyon:
• Free time for lunch, walks, or optional activities
– Return to Gate Macedonia
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