Veles is a fantastic base for exploring North Macedonia’s lesser-known gems. Unlike the more tourist-heavy spots, Veles offers easy access to both superb wine experiences and captivating historical sites. If you’re a lover of good wine and authentic scenery, you’ll especially appreciate the tours that take you into Macedonia’s lush vineyards and picturesque towns. For example, a wine tour visiting Lazar & Chateau Sopot combines guided tastings with scenic vineyard views, making it perfect for those who enjoy both wine and beautiful landscapes. You can learn about local wine-making traditions while savoring five-course wine-paired lunches in two of the country’s most respected wineries.
Another excellent option is a full-day excursion from Skopje that includes stops at the ancient city of Stobi, Prilep, Krusevo, and Bitola, along with a wine tasting. This tour offers a deep dive into Macedonia’s history, culture, and gastronomy—all packed into one immersive day. Both tours provide a well-rounded experience that highlights the region’s unique charm and richness, making Veles a perfect jumping-off point.
Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of the two best tours, helping you decide which one fits your interests and schedule perfectly.
1. From Skopje: Lazar & Chateau Sopot Wineries Visit & Tastings
This tour offers a wonderful blend of wine tasting, culinary experiences, and scenic drives through North Macedonia’s thriving wine country. Starting from Skopje, you’ll visit two top wineries: Lazar and Chateau Sopot, both renowned for their exceptional local wines. The tour includes guided tastings where an expert explains the nuances of Macedonian wine-making, giving you insight into what makes this region’s wines so special.
One of the highlights is a 5-course wine-paired lunch at Lazar, where local ingredients complement the wines, creating a memorable tasting experience. The same level of care continues at Chateau Sopot, with another wine tasting and lunch. The drive itself is as much a part of the charm—rolling through vineyards with views that look like a postcard.
This tour is ideal for wine lovers who want a relaxed, intimate experience focused on quality over quantity. At approximately six hours, it’s a manageable half-day that offers a genuine taste of Macedonia’s vineyard culture. With private visits and expert guidance, you’ll leave with a new appreciation for Macedonian wines—and plenty of photos.
Bottom Line: Perfect for wine enthusiasts seeking a personalized, scenic, and delicious journey. The 5-course lunches add outstanding value, making this a luxurious yet accessible experience.
2. From Skopje: Stobi, Prilep, Krusevo, Bitola, and Wine Tour
This full-day tour is designed for travelers eager to explore Macedonia’s history, culture, and scenery in one epic trip. Starting early from Skopje, the itinerary hits some of the country’s most notable spots, including Stobi, a remarkably well-preserved archaeological site. Here, you can walk among ancient ruins of villas, basilicas, and theaters, gaining a tangible sense of Macedonia’s past.
Next, the journey takes you to Prilep, a city famed for its tobacco production and local crafts. You’ll spend about an hour exploring before heading uphill to Krushevo, a mountain town known for its unique architecture and panoramic views. A traditional Macedonian lunch in Krusevo offers a hearty taste of local cuisine.
The afternoon continues in Bitola, where you can stroll along its lively pedestrian street, lined with cafes and shops, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. The day concludes with a visit to a local winery for wine tasting and dinner, wrapping up with guided insights into Macedonian wines. The tour is highly praised, with a 5/5 review rating, for its balance of historical exploration and culture.
This experience suits history buffs, culture seekers, and those who want a comprehensive taste of Macedonia’s inland highlights. The long day is worth it for its diversity and depth, especially for travelers eager to cover a lot in one trip.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice if you prefer a full, varied day with history, scenery, and wine. It’s well-reviewed and packs many highlights into 12 hours.
How to Choose Your Perfect Tour
When deciding between these options, consider your interests and how much time you want to spend. If wine tasting and scenic vineyard drives are your top priorities, the Lazar & Chateau Sopot tour offers a relaxed, private experience with excellent food and wine. If you’re more interested in history, culture, and local towns, then the full-day Stobi, Prilep, Krusevo, Bitola, and Wine tour provides a comprehensive look at Macedonia’s rich past and vibrant present.
Budget-wise, the wine tour tends to be more exclusive, given its private visits and gourmet lunches, making it ideal for connoisseurs or those seeking a more intimate experience. The full-day tour covers more ground and is suited for travelers who want a full immersion, though it requires a longer time commitment.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak season (spring and fall), when these tours fill up quickly.
To sum it up, whether you prefer the laid-back elegance of wine tastings or the lively exploration of historic towns and archaeological sites, Veles offers top-quality options. The wine tour is perfect for wine lovers craving a personalized experience, while the full-day cultural tour appeals to history and scenery enthusiasts. Both tours promise memorable days filled with flavor, history, and stunning views—so pick what suits your style and start planning your Macedonian adventure now.
