Novo Selo

Day Trips

Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with Novo Selo's hidden gems and unique experiences!

day 1
Arrival and Village Welcome
morning
:

Touchdown in Novo Selo and settle into your guesthouse. Meet your local host family and enjoy a warm welcome with homemade tea. Wander through the peaceful streets to get your first glimpse of village life.

afternoon
:

Take a guided walking tour of the village center and historic church. Stop by the community square to chat with elders and learn about daily routines. Visit a small museum showcasing traditional crafts and agricultural tools.

evening
:

Share a home-cooked dinner featuring Macedonian specialties like tavče gravče. Listen to folk tales and live music performed by local musicians. Stroll under a canopy of stars and breathe in the quiet countryside air.

day 2
Local Artisan Workshops
morning
:

Spend the morning learning pottery techniques from a master craftsman in his workshop. Shape clay on a traditional wheel and paint intricate patterns inspired by local motifs. Discover the stories behind each design as you work your first piece.

afternoon
:

Join a woodcarving session to carve decorative household items under expert guidance. Practice chiseling patterns on oak to create your own keepsake. Learn about the wood types native to the region and their cultural significance.

evening
:

Head to a textile weaving demonstration at a family-run loom house. See how wool and natural dyes are transformed into vibrant rugs and shawls. Finish with an evening chat over herbal infusions and sweet pastries.

day 3
Historic Sites and Monument Trail
morning
:

Set out on a private tour of the medieval fortresses scattered around the region. Explore ancient walls and imagine life in centuries past. Marvel at panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.

afternoon
:

Visit a centuries-old Orthodox church with ornate frescoes. Discover the legends behind its founding and the artisans who painted its walls. Pause for reflection in the serene interior.

evening
:

Return to the village for a performance of traditional dance and music in the community hall. Join in the circle dance and learn the steps from local dancers. Cap off the night with homemade pastries and sweet Macedonian wine.

day 4
Lake Dojran Boat Excursion
morning
:

Travel to nearby Lake Dojran for a scenic boat ride across its tranquil waters. Spot migratory birds along the reed-lined shores. Enjoy light snacks on the deck while soaking in the sun.

afternoon
:

Disembark for a lakeside picnic of fresh fish and seasonal salads. Relax on the shore or swim in the crystal-clear water. Learn about the lake’s ecosystem from a local naturalist.

evening
:

Dine at a waterfront taverna specializing in freshwater fish. Sip local wines as the sun sets over the lake. Listen to the gentle sounds of water lapping against the pier.

day 5
Traditional Cuisine Workshop
morning
:

Join a local cook in her kitchen to learn how to prepare ajvar and other pepper-based condiments. Roast the peppers over an open flame and grind them by hand. Savor samples as you cook.

afternoon
:

Master the art of making flaky burek pastries with savory fillings of meat and cheese. Roll and twist the dough under your instructor’s watchful eye. Enjoy your golden creations fresh from the oven.

evening
:

Gather for a communal feast featuring your homemade dishes alongside other Macedonian classics. Toast with pelinkovac and discuss culinary secrets. Share stories around the rustic wooden table.

day 6
Vineyard and Wine Tasting
morning
:

Drive to a boutique vineyard in the Strumica region to meet the winemaker. Stroll through vine rows and learn about the local grape varieties. Participate in the harvest process if in season.

afternoon
:

Head to the cellar for a guided tasting of crisp white and robust red wines. Compare flavor profiles and detect regional terroir influences. Pair each sample with artisanal cheese and cured meats.

evening
:

Enjoy a sunset dinner among the vines with panoramic views of the valley. Feast on slow-cooked lamb and fresh vegetables from the estate garden. Raise a glass under twinkling fairy lights.

day 7
Cultural Exchange with Village Families
morning
:

Visit a neighboring household to help with traditional bread baking in a stone oven. Knead the dough, shape loaves, and slide them into the blazing wood fire. Sample the warm bread with local honey.

afternoon
:

Spend time with a shepherd family learning about sheep herding and cheese production. Try your hand at milking and curd preparation. Enjoy a simple lunch of homemade cheese and fresh bread.

evening
:

Return to the village center for an open-air folklore concert. Hear haunting polyphonic songs and watch costumed dancers. End the night with a communal dance under the stars.

day 8
Birdwatching and Nature Reserve Trek
morning
:

Head to nearby wetland reserves known for rare bird species. Follow a local guide along wooden boardwalks and spotting hides. Record sightings of herons, pelicans, and migratory ducks.

afternoon
:

Continue your nature walk through fragrant pine forests and wildflower meadows. Learn about medicinal plants and foraging traditions. Pause for a packed lunch beside a bubbling brook.

evening
:

Gather around a campfire at a ranger station for traditional storytelling. Enjoy roasted chestnuts and sip warm herbal teas. Glide into sleep in a cozy cabin surrounded by trees.

day 9
Cycling Through the Countryside
morning
:

Set off on rented bicycles along scenic country roads passing vineyards and orchards. Feel the breeze while pedaling past sunflowers and rolling hills. Stop at a roadside fruit stand for fresh peaches.

afternoon
:

Take a break at a hilltop chapel offering sweeping views of the region. Rest and eat a picnic lunch filled with local delicacies. Chat with farmers who share stories of rural life.

evening
:

Return to the village for a barbecue feast in a rustic barn. Grill locally sourced meats and vegetables over an open flame. Dance to live folk music under lantern light.

day 10
Farewell Market and Reflection
morning
:

Browse the village market for last-minute souvenirs like honey, preserves, and handicrafts. Chat with vendors and learn about their families’ crafts. Take home authentic gifts.

afternoon
:

Reflect on your journey with a gentle guided yoga session in a sunlit courtyard. Breathe deeply and celebrate the experiences you’ve shared. Enjoy herbal tea and light snacks afterward.

evening
:

Attend a farewell dinner party hosted by your village hosts. Relish a multi-course meal showcasing regional flavors one last time. Raise a toast, exchange contact info, and bid heartfelt goodbyes.

Discover Novo Selo

Read more in our Novo Selo 2025 Travel Guide.

Novo Selo Travel Guide