Skopje Travel Forum

Hello VT Members,

We have a group of 5 students enrolling for their Masters Degree in Tourism from the University in Cameroon. They are hoping to write a project linking Africa and Europe, but taking keen interest in the Ancient places of that has made history for the centuries. Therefore based on this reason we have carefully selected Macedonia to be the first point of visit, to learn and discover the rich history that has made this country a special one over the centuries.

We therefore need assistance in arranging this visit which is due for later January 2009.

Please VT Members, I count on your immense support and assistance to make this historic visit a memorable one in the lives of the students; and as well be able to realize their project.

Kind Regards,

Mrs. Tabi

Hello,

What kind of assistance are you looking for?

Ancient sites in Macedonia that are really worth visiting are Stobi , Heraclea near Bitola, and the Towers of Marko near Prilep. Plaosnik in Ohrid and Skupi in Skopje are other options, but less interesting to see than the first mentioned sites.

Especially Stobi (http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/6117e/6e545/) was very nice when I visited in the spring.

Keep in mind that many of the mosaics on the sites will be covered with sand in the winter to protect them.

Cheers
Dennis

Hi Samuel,
I already send you long VT mail with requirements and links to Macedonia.
If you need more info just contact me.
Dennis and me are more than happy to help. He has extensive knowledge of hiking trails.
Valentina

Did you already see this new website, sponsored by the Macedonian government?

http://www.macedonia-timeless.com/

Cheers
Dennis

Hello D,

I have emailed Valentina with all the necessary information about my request. Kindly see to how you guys could be of help to me!

One love and regards...Samuel

Hi Samuel,
Firstly, Sponsorship.
As a citisen of Macedonia, I can write invitation letter for an family friends or relatives but have to prove to the visa offitials that you have strong ties to me. So for a group of students that is unlikly.
Another possibility is that you show them that you have reservation at particulat hotel, in Macedonia, and that you are staying thre. They can send you Letter of confirmation, wich can be used as proof that you are going for tourist puropses. I sugest The Faculty of Turism and lasure managmant in Ohrid, as your hosts, as that it will be easyer for them to write yoiu invitation letter, and you can visit them for a day, but they can provide you with free tourist gude in Ohrid. Wich is no bad and you will have connections of colegues for the future, when you are ready to establish more contacts. Just a tought.
I sugesst you call Danail at "Tokin House Hotel" in Bitola on 0038947232309 and book your stay via their hotel, they can send you invitation letter. I think you will have to pay deposit for the rooms to be keept for you,as it is skiing season, and Bitola is full of skiers, wich go to Pelister NP.
Also they can arange for a guide, and transportation if nessesary.
I send you tomorrow detailed internary, for your trip. Mind at the moment in Macedonia is -20c and is about 30cm of snow!!
For the visit, why dont you come in March if you can, weather will be better, and you can see more of Macedonian natural beauty.
I am more than happy to call you but I dont know what time is suitable for you, we are +1 hour GMT. So advise on that.
Talk to you tomorrow.
Valentina

I think you'll be in good hands with Valentina!

Makes me wonder what country you are from...I already knew that it is hard for Macedonians to get a visa to visit other countries, but it surprises me that it apparently also is hard for some people to enter Macedonia...

Make sure you haver proof of health insurance when you enter Macedonia...

Cheers
Dennis

This thread about visa requirements may be of use to you (although it's a bit messy thread!):

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?threadID=1717861&tstart=0

Dennis

Hello Tabi,

Some infos about ancient macedonia and its history that you should consider;
Vergina (capital of the ancient macedonia during the kingdom of Phillipe the 2nd - father of Great Alexander). His tumb is also there. Then Pella another gre

Hello Tabi,

Some infos about ancient macedonia and its history that you should consider;
Vergina (capital of the ancient macedonia during the kingdom of Phillipe the 2nd - father of Great Alexander). His tumb is also there. Then Pella another city, with ancient market ruins from ancient macedonia. Both are near to Thessaloniki, Greece, where also in the archeological museum there is the 16-star of vergina, coat of arms of Macedonia, and many other major findings. You can stay at Thessaloniki and make day tours to these sites, you can see also Great Alexander statue in Thessaloniki, and another village called Stagira, where Aristotle (Great Alexander's teacher) came from. During your travel, you may discover the major reasons for the current dispute between Greece and FYROM.

Kind Regards, Konstantinos