From Skopje: Private Full-Day Tour to Popova Kula Winery

Thinking of exploring North Macedonia beyond its capital? This private full-day tour to Popova Kula Winery is a solid choice if you’re into history, scenic drives, and good wine. It combines cultural sights with the relaxing pleasure of tasting regional wines in a stunning natural setting.

Two things I really like about this experience: First, it offers a nice balance between archaeological exploration at Stobi and unwinding at a cozy winery with fantastic mountain views. Second, the personalized touch of a private guide makes the day feel relaxed and tailored to your pace.

That said, one factor to consider is that it’s a full day with a fair amount of time on the road, so if long drives aren’t your thing, this might be less appealing. Also, it’s not suitable for people with mobility issues, given the walking involved at the archaeological site and winery.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of history, natural beauty, and wine — especially if you prefer a more intimate, private experience rather than crowded group tours. It’s perfect for those wanting to learn about Macedonian wine, soak in stunning views, and visit a well-preserved archaeological site.

Key Points

• Balanced Itinerary: Combines ancient ruins at Stobi with scenic drives and wine tasting.
• Private Experience: Guides are personable and flexible, making for a relaxed day.
• Cultural & Scenic: You’ll visit a UNESCO-worthy site and enjoy gorgeous mountain vistas.
• Wine & Food: Tasting four local wines paired with traditional bites is a real highlight.
• Comfort & Convenience: Includes hotel pickup and drop-off with air-conditioned transport.
• Limited for Mobility: Not suitable for those with mobility challenges due to walking at sites.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

If you’re eyeing this tour, it’s good to know what you’re in for. The day kicks off with a pick-up from your hotel or any preferred location in Skopje. Your guide, who speaks English, will take care of the driving in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. The group is private, so it’s tailored to your schedule and pace, which makes the whole experience more personal and less rushed.

The Journey to Stobi

After a short drive of about an hour, you’ll arrive at Stobi, one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in North Macedonia. The site is a treasure for lovers of history and mosaics. We loved the way the ancient ruins tell stories of Macedonia’s past, and the mosaics are genuinely beautiful, a testament to the craftsmanship of the time.

According to reviews, the guide’s explanations add a layer of interest, making the visit informative without feeling like an info-dump. As one traveler put it, “The drive through the beautiful countryside to Stobi, our guide’s interesting explanations about the archaeological excavations, and the relaxed atmosphere at the winery” made the day memorable.

While at Stobi, you’ll have the chance to explore the site at your own pace, soaking in the history and snapping photos of the mosaics and ruins. Entry is included, so you won’t have to worry about additional costs here.

Scenic Drive and Lake Mladost

Post-archaeology, the journey continues through the picturesque Macedonian countryside. Passing Lake Mladost, you’ll get a glimpse of the country’s natural beauty. The drive itself is enjoyable—imagine rolling hills, lush vineyards, and mountains in the distance. Travelers mention that this drive is a highlight, with one describing it as “beautiful countryside.”

The Winery Experience at Popova Kula

After roughly half an hour, you arrive at Popova Kula Winery, set in an environment that feels untouched by urban life. The winery’s setting—surrounded by unspoiled nature and mountain views—adds to the sense of escaping into Macedonian rural charm.

Here, an experienced oenologist or wine expert will guide you through the winemaking process, showing you around the cellars and explaining the nuances of local wines. If you happen to visit during grape harvest season, you might even participate in grape picking, which is a fun, hands-on experience.

The wine tasting is a real treat. You’ll sample 4 different types of wines alongside a traditional salad, main dish, cheese platter, and dessert. The tasting is relaxed, with plenty of time to savor the flavors and enjoy the views. Multiple reviews praise the quality of the wines and the delicious regional food, noting it’s a great way to experience Macedonian cuisine.

One traveler remarked, “Highly recommended. Zarko is very professional and one can see how passionate he is about his work,” highlighting the guide’s dedication and the overall personal touch.

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Final Return to Skopje

After a few hours at the winery, your driver will take you back to Skopje, completing the loop of this scenic, culturally rich day. The entire experience lasts about 7 hours, making it manageable even if you’re not keen on long days.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The price covers all major bases: hotel pickup and drop-off, admission to Stobi, and the wine tasting with regional bites. This makes it a good value, given that you’re getting a private guide, transport, and multiple experiences packaged together.

However, meals outside the tasting, extra drinks, or personal expenses aren’t included, so you might want to bring some cash or extra euros. Also, keep in mind that if you’re sensitive to long drives or walking, you may want to consider this before booking.

Why Travelers Love This Tour

The reviews are glowing, with both reviewers giving it a perfect 5-star rating. Common praise points include the stunning countryside views, interesting archaeological site, and delicious local wines. One traveler summed it up nicely: “The drive through the beautiful countryside to Stobi, our guide’s interesting explanations about the archaeological excavations, and the relaxed atmosphere at the winery.”

The personal attention, combined with the chance to taste authentic wines paired with regional food, makes this tour stand out. It’s clear that the tour operators, like Zarko, are passionate and committed to giving a memorable experience.

Who Should Book This?

This tour is best suited for history lovers, wine enthusiasts, and travelers seeking a peaceful escape from city life. It’s ideal for those who value a private, tailored experience and want to learn about Macedonia’s heritage while enjoying scenic views and tasty food.

If you’re traveling alone, as a couple, or with a small group, you’ll find the private nature of this trip particularly appealing. Just note that it’s not designed for those with mobility difficulties, given the walking involved at the archaeological site and winery.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
While the tour involves some walking and site exploration, it’s generally suitable for older children who can appreciate history and wine tasting. Grape harvesting might be interesting for kids during the right season.

What’s the duration of the entire tour?
The full experience lasts about 7 hours, including travel time, visits, and tasting.

Do I need to pay extra for entrance fees?
No, entrance to the archaeological site of Stobi is included in the tour price.

Can I customize the starting time?
Availability depends, so it’s best to check with the provider when booking. Typically, you’ll see the options during the reservation process.

Is this tour private or group?
It’s a private tour, meaning it’s tailored just for your group, which helps create a relaxed and personalized atmosphere.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended since you’ll be walking around archaeological ruins and the winery area. Dress for the weather, especially if visiting during warmer months.

Are meals included?
Only the tastings and regional bites at the winery are included. Any extra meals or drinks outside that are on you.

How far is the drive from Skopje?
Approximately a one-hour drive to Stobi and then around half an hour to the winery.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a well-rounded day that combines history, scenic beauty, and wine, this private tour from Skopje hits the mark. It offers a relaxed, intimate way to experience North Macedonia’s countryside, learn about its ancient past, and taste local wines and food.

It’s especially suited for travelers who prefer private excursions, enjoy cultural insights, and want to avoid crowded group tours. The stunning views, delicious food, and knowledgeable guides make it a worthwhile addition to your North Macedonian adventure.

While it’s a full day, the variety of sights and experiences means you get a lot of value for your time and money. Just remember to dress comfortably, bring your camera, and prepare for a leisurely day in some of North Macedonia’s most beautiful landscapes.

You can check availability for your dates here: