North Macedonia walking vacation, small group

Planet

In conjunction with our local partners in Republic of North Macedonia, we have helped sponsor reforestation tree-planting projects in the wine region of the country. We also will stay at a winery hotel on Day 7 of the tour, supporting sustainable wine growing further through tourism.
By keeping the group size to a maximum of 12, we can also minimise the human impact on the fragile sites and ecosystems we visit.
We attempt to reduce plastic bottle use wherever possible by promoting use of reusable and filtered water bottles. Our partnership with Water-To-Go provides a discount on filtered water bottles to our clients. We do not provide water from plastic bottles to our clients in country but always ensure there is regular access to drinking water on our tours.
We are promoting the natural beauty and ancient heritage of Republic of North Macedonia through visiting not only the Orthodox monasteries and Natural Parks of Republic of North Macedonia, but also the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lake Ohrid. UNESCO Sites are chosen by the UNESCO committee and must "bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to civilisation", "an important interchange of human values" or be outstanding examples of major stages of Earth's history or ecological and biological processes in evolution. Visiting such sites helps sustain the traditions and natural ecosystems of Republic of North Macedonia.

People

In conjunction with our local partners in Republic of North Macedonia, we have been supporting local families in the winery region by arranging for them to supply our groups with picnic lunches or more substantial meals in their gardens.
The best way to share stories and meet new people is over a plate of great food and a glass of wine in hand. On Day 3 in Mavrovo National Park, we will be meeting with shepherds to hear their stories and share Balkan sheep cheese and local rakiya brandy. On Day 4 of the tour we will be hear the story of the Vevchani Republic while enjoying an authentic village feast of homemade wines paired with home-smoked prosciutto and cheese. Supporting the local food industry in Republic of North Macedonia not only maintains the cultural identity of Republic of North Macedonia but connects cultures through the most ancient of pastimes, eating!
On each Group tour we use local ground handlers. This means that all operational costs go directly into the local economy and help improve employment opportunities in remote regions. Such support can also be seen in our incorporation of homestays, locally owned hotels, family run restaurants and the services of local guides and drivers into our itineraries, which ensures that the money you spend with us goes directly into the local economy and local community.