Macedonian Stonehenge tour in a day from Skopje
The oldest archaeological finds from the site Kokino date back to the Early Bronze Age. Volcanic activity from the lava at the crater peak created rocks that became major markers for the purpose of following the cycles of the Sun and the Moon and measure time. It is ranked fourth oldest observatories by NASA. About an hour away there is the archeological site called Cocev Kamen (Stone), another spectacular rock formation and prehistoric observatory similar to Kokino and Stonehenge in the UK. This site was used for sacrificial rituals and as a temple. In early times, the entrance to the rock was closed-off by massive wooden gates, you can still see the holes that were cut in the rocks to support gates and piles. And last, but not least is the small medieval town Kratovo, founded in the middle of a once-volcano crater.
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Macedonian Stonehenge tour in a day from Skopje
Pickup included
What's included in Macedonian Stonehenge tour in a day from Skopje
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Kokino
The 4-th oldest observatory according to NASA is right here, in the north-east of Macedonia. In the rocky hill of Tatikev Kamen, there are the remains of this megalithic observatory, estimated to date back from between the 19 and 17 centuries BC.
This hilltop volcanic cave is located not that far from the volcanic small town of Kratovo. The remains showed that this is a sacrificial place for the people that lived here in the Neolithic period.
Kratovo
This small interesting volcanic town even got its name from the volcanic crater (Kratovo). We will have a guided walking tour around town, crossing many medieval bridges and towers. Optionally you will have a chance to taste slow-cooked food by the locals and taste the local homemade wine and rakija (Macedonian brandy). The people of Kratovo are very proud of their homemade crushed salt made of salt, peppers, rosemary, basil, peppermint, wild mint, and thyme and you must taste it. We leave Kratovo and drive back to Skopje.
Inclusions
- Experienced English or Spanish speaking guide for the tour
- All transfers with a comfortable A/C car/minivan
- Pick-up and drop-off from/to your hotel in Skopje
- Entrance fee for Kokino in high season (2 EUR per person)
- Food and drinks, optional and payable on the spot
- Optional donation to the Kratovo museum (5 EUR)
- Personal expenses
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The tour does not operate in bad weather conditions. You will be offered a date change if this happens
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You can choose to be picked up from a list of locations, or alternatively, have the choice to make your own way to the meeting points
Please arrive at the pick up point 5 minutes before departure time.
Additional Information
We will pick you up from your hotel or any other preferred location in Skopje
Meeting / End Points
- We will pick you up from your hotel or any other preferred location in Skopje