Bitola and the National Park Galitchica

Bitola is the regional centre for the area of southern Pelagonia. It has a history that dates back to ancient times, witnessed by the ruins of the famous city of Heraclea Lyncestis, once located at the important Roman road Via Egnatia. 

Throughout the centuries, it has always been an important trade centre. During the time of the Ottoman Empire, the city became an important administrative and diplomatic centre with numerous consulates.

Bitola is now an important city of the southern region of Macedonia.

The tour will depart from the hotel at 9:00. The trip to Bitola via Resen will take around one and a half hours. After arriving at Bitola, the participants will first be taken to visit the ancient city of Heraclea Lyncestis. Here they can see one of the most beautiful compositions of mosaics, in this part of the Balkans, the ancient theatre, numerous Roman busts and an early Christian basilica, among other things. This activity will take about an hour.

Returning to the centre of Bitola, it will be a visit back in history, to the times of the Ottoman rule. This part of the tour will cover the old Turkish covered bazaar, the Isak Pasha mosque and the Church of St. Dimitija. This will complete the sightseeing in Bitola.

This will be followed by free time (45 minutes) for exploring the city centre, the street of the consuls and the numerous cafeterias. 

Lunch will be organised at 14:00, at the foothill of the National Park Mt. Pelister, right above the city. After lunch, the tour will continue to Prespa Lake and the National Park of Mt. Galicica, which divides Prespa and Ohrid Lakes.

A photo and refreshment break on the top of Mt. Galicica, which offers a breath-taking view of the Ohrid Lake will follow.
   
Participants will return to the hotel at 18:00.