Just about any trip to Macedonia begins with a flight into the international airport near Skopje. As a result, most guides will start your itinerary off by meeting you at the airport or in the capital. This presents you with a good opportunity to get out an explore the capital for a few days before or after you trip.

Once you begin on your itinerary, you’ll likely head west into the country’s most mountainous region. Macedonia is shaped somewhat like a bowl with a central valley surrounded by mountains. The country’s southwest border with Albania is flanked by two large lakes. Whether or not they are included in your itinerary, you should take some time to go out and see them.

Depending on whether you are hiking or skiing, you will likely come across some of the country’s mountain towns. Hopefully visiting them will be built into your itinerary, but if not, do your best to experience some of the culture there. It will feel like you are a whole world away from Skopje.