DAY 1 (SUNDAY) 

Itinerary 

Skopje Arrival 

• Airport Pickup: 

• We will transport you to the city of Skopje after you arrive at the airport. 

• Lunch at Dukat (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM): 

• Enjoy a delightful lunch at the restaurant Dukat. 

• Sightseeing in Skopje (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM): 

• A brief sightseeing tour of the city follows. 

• Sopot Winery Accommodation (5:00 PM): 

• Transfer to the charming Chateau Sopot Winery. 

• Chateau Sopot Winery Facebook 

• Safety and Operational Briefing (6:00 PM – 7:30 PM): 

• Meet your guides, who will provide a detailed safety and operational briefing. 

• Visit the winery’s cellar and learn about their wine production process. 

• Dinner and Wine Tasting at Sopot Winery (7:30 PM): 

• The winery’s restaurant will serve dinner as evening approaches. 

Welcome to Skopje! After your arrival at the airport, we will transport you to the city of Skopje. Enjoy a delightful lunch at the restaurant Dukat, followed by a brief sightseeing tour of the city. 

Next, we will transfer you to the charming Chateau Sopot Winery. After some relaxation, you’ll meet your friendly guides, who will provide a detailed safety and operational briefing. You’ll also have the chance to visit the winery’s cellar and learn about their wine production process. 

As evening approaches, enjoy a five-course gourmet wine tasting dinner at the winery’s restaurant. Each dish is perfectly paired with the best quality wines from the winery, offering a truly memorable dining experience. 

DAY 2 (MONDAY) 

Sherpa Ranch—Sirkovo (riding)—from 14km (3 hours) to 21 km (4.5 hours) depends on the season and weather conditions.

Itinerary 

• Breakfast at Sopot Winery (7:30 AM):
     – Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Sopot Winery. 

• Packing (8:00 AM – 8:30 AM):
     – Prepare for the day’s adventure. 

• Transport to Sherpa Ranch (8:30 AM – 9:30 AM):
     – A comfortable 45-minute drive to Sherpa Ranch. 

• Safety Procedures and Horse Matching (9:30 AM – 10:30 AM):
     – Meet your horse and receive a detailed safety briefing from your guides. 

• Departure to Sirkovo (11:00 AM):
     – Begin your scenic ride towards Sirkovo. 

• Fruit and Snack Break (12:30 PM):
     – Take a refreshing break with fruits and snacks. 

• Arrival at Selsko Domakjinstvo Atanasovi, Sirkovo (2:00 PM or 3:30 PM): More about Selsko Domakjinstvo Atanasovi 

• Lunch and Workshops (2:00 PM or 3:30 PM):
      – Participate in workshops on kneading Macedonian pie, preparing smoked homemade pork, and learning about local organic agriculture. Enjoy a homemade lunch with dishes prepared by the local host. 

• Shower and Rest Time (4:00 PM or 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM):
      – Relax and freshen up after the ride. 

• Dinner and Wine Tasting by Jadranka (7:00 PM – 9:30 PM):
      – Enjoy a homemade dinner featuring fresh, traditional dishes from the organic garden and small farms in Sirkovo. Jadranka, a professional sommelier, will guide you through a wine tasting, introducing the basics of wine culture and offering samples from various wineries not visited on the trail. 

After breakfast and packing, we will transfer you to Sherpa Winter Ranch, which is a comfortable 45-minute drive away. Here, you’ll meet your horse for the first time. Our guides will ensure a perfect match with your horse and provide a detailed safety briefing. After enjoying some snacks and fruits, you’ll be ready to embark on your ride. 

Today’s journey will take you up to the peak of Klepa at 1150 metres, offering breathtaking views of Southeast Macedonia and the Tikvesh Region. Our logistics team will organise a specially prepared lunch for you as you descend through the traditional village of Sirkovo. 

Upon arrival at the Atanasovi family homestead in Sirkovo, you’ll participate in traditional cooking workshops, including kneading Macedonian pie and preparing smoked homemade pork. 

Dinner will be a delightful experience at the small family restaurant at Atanasovi. You’ll have the opportunity to taste fresh traditional meals, paired with a wine tasting led by Jadranka, a professional sommelier who will introduce you to the wine industry. Tonight, you’ll taste five different varieties of wines that you won’t encounter on the rest of the trip.

Our SHERPA TRUCK will carry your luggage to your lodging destination, ensuring a comfortable and seamless experience.
Join us on a journey through Macedonia that will leave you with unforgettable memories. 

DAY 3 (TUESDAY) 

Sirkovo SELSKO DOMAKINSTVO ATANASOVI— Vila RUMA Dabnishte: 36 km (7 h) of riding 

Itinerary 

• Breakfast (7:30 AM):
    – Start your day with a hearty breakfast. 

• Departure (8:30 AM):
    – Begin your riding adventure for the day. 

• Lunch Break at the Church in Trstenik (12:30 PM):
    – Enjoy a fresh traditional lamb meal from the local organic farm of Trstenik. 

• Arrival at Villa Ruma (5:00 PM):
    -Receive a welcome drink, fruit, and snack upon arrival. Villa Ruma 

• Rest by the Swimming Pool and Shower (5:00 PM):
    – Relax and freshen up after a long ride. 

• Dinner and Wine Tasting by Dane Hermes (6:30 PM – 9:30 PM):
    – Savor a delicious dinner with wine tasting. 

Welcome to day 2 of riding the Dionysus Trail. Today is the longest day in both kilometers and hours. The first part of the trail takes you through the very old village of Mrzen, offering incredible views of the entire Tikvesh Region. You’ll have the opportunity to encounter some fascinating sights and experiences. 

Lunch will be set by the church in Trstenik, featuring a homemade traditional lamb dish directly from a neighboring farmer in Trstenik. After lunch, you’ll ride through vast open spaces of vineyards, providing plenty of opportunities for unique encounters. 

As you continue, enjoy the beautiful scenery while riding next to Tikvesh Lake. You will be welcomed and accommodated at Villa Ruma, located in the authentic fisherman village of Dabnishtе, not far from Tikvesh Lake.
Tonight, you’ll enjoy fresh fish from the lake on the menu, paired with a knowledgeable wine tasting provided by Dane Hermes Winery. 

DAY 4 (WEDNESDAY) – Discovering Tikvesh Lake and Kavadarci 

VILA RIMA DABNISHTE -Kavadarci (wine cellar Popovi): 28 km (6 hours) riding 

Itinerary 

• Breakfast (7:30 AM) 

• Departure (8:30 AM) 

• Coffee and Fruit Break (11:30 AM):
     – Enjoy an outdoor coffee and fruit break provided by the logistics team. 

• Arrival at Kavadarci Wine Museum for Horse Accommodation and Lunch (2:00 PM):
     – Settle the horses and prepare for lunch. 

• Lunch and Museum Presentation (2:30 PM):
      – Savor a delicious lunch followed by a presentation on the history of wine in the region. 

• Short Walk to Accommodation at Popovi (5:00 PM): Popovi Wine Cellar 

• Winery Presentation in the Cellar (7:00 PM):
     – Discover the winemaking process at Popovi Wine Cellar. 

• Dinner of 5-Course Degustation Menu Provided by Popovi (7:30 PM):
     – Enjoy a gourmet dinner featuring the best and most awarded wines of Popovi. 

Today’s ride will highlight the breathtaking scenery around the villages and vineyards surrounding Tikvesh Lake. Experience amazing encounters at the largest plateau of Vitacevo, where you’ll pause for a short fruit and snack break. 

As you ride towards the city of Kavadarci, the heart of the Balkan wine industry, you’ll be surrounded by the region’s beauty. Upon arrival, lunch will be served at the Kavadarci Wine Museum, followed by an informative presentation on the area’s rich wine history. 

Tonight, our horses will rest in the park of Kavadarci while we take a short walk to our accommodation at Popovi Wine Cellar. After visiting the cellar and learning about the winemaking process, dinner will be served in the degustation room. Indulge in a five-course gourmet degustation menu featuring the finest wines from Popovi, each sip telling a story of tradition and excellence.  

DAY 5 (THURSDAY) 

Kavadarci (POPOVI)–Sopot (winery ARABESKA)–28 km (6h) riding 

Itinerary 

• Breakfast (7:30 AM):
     – Start your day with a delicious breakfast. 

• Departure (9:30 AM) 

• Lunch Break at Lepovo Winery with Wine Tasting (1:00 PM):
     – Enjoy lunch and a wine tasting session provided by Lepovo Tikvesh Winery. Lepovo Tikvesh Winery 

• Departure to Sopot Arabeska Winery Accommodation (4:30 PM):
     – Continue your journey to Sopot. Arabeska Family Winery 

• Accommodation Rest and Shower (4:30 PM – 6:30 PM):
     – Relax and freshen up after the ride. 

• Winery Presentation in the Cellar (7:00 PM):
     – Discover the winemaking process at Arabeska Winery. 

• Dinner and Wine Tasting Provided by Arabeska Winery (8:00 PM – 10:00 PM) 

Today’s ride offers something absolutely different from the previous days. You will ride between the vineyards and the beauty of Dolni Disan, a location renowned for its special grape variety, Vranec. Enjoy lunch and a brief wine tasting session at Lepovo Winery, known for its unique microclimate and exceptional grape varieties. 

Experience the vast open spaces and long expanses of vineyards as you continue your journey. Enjoy exhilarating gallops and long canters, making the most of the open terrain. Arrive at Arabeska Winery in the village of Sopot, a traditional small family winery with beautiful accommodations. 

After settling in and freshening up, you’ll visit the winery cellar for a presentation on their winemaking process. Dinner will be a memorable event with an exquisite meal accompanied by a curated selection of Arabeska’s finest wines. 

DAY 6 (FRIDAY)- Engaging Workshops and Scenic Rides 

Sopot (Winary ARABESKA)–LAZAR Vinary, Palikura–23 km (5 hours) riding
 

Itinerary 

• Breakfast (7:30 AM):  

• Presentation of Honey Production with a Local Honey Producer (8:30 AM):    – Visit Naumov Bee Farm, where you’ll dress in special bee protective costumes and enjoy a 1-hour presentation about the lives of bees and honey production. 

• Departure (10:00 AM): Start your ride towards Palikura.
     -Snack Break Provided by the Guide (12:00 PM): Take a refreshing break with snacks provided by your guide. 

• Arrival at Palikura (2:00 PM):
     – Visit the organic agriculture and ajvar producer Dragan Manev. 

•  Ajvar and Cvarki Presentation Workshop:
      – Participate in a workshop on making ajvar and cvarki, traditional Macedonian dishes. 

•  Organic Agriculture Presentation Workshop:
     – Learn about organic agriculture practices. 

• Lunch at the Garden of Dragan Manev (3:00 PM):
     – Enjoy a lunch featuring fresh-made ajvar and cvarki. 

• Departure to Lazar Winery (4:30 PM):
     – Continue your journey to Lazar Winery. Lazar Winery 

• Accommodation, Rest, and Shower (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM):
      – Relax and freshen up after the ride. 

• Winery Presentation in the Cellar (7:00 PM):
     – Discover the winemaking process at Lazar Winery. 

• Dinner and Wine Tasting Provided by Lazar Winery (8:00 PM – 10:00 PM):    – Enjoy a delightful dinner paired with a selection of Lazar’s finest wines. 

Welcome to the most interesting workshops day! This morning will offer a unique and fascinating experience. After a delightful breakfast served at Arabeska vineyards, you will visit the Naumov Bee Farm. Here, you’ll dress in special bee protective costumes and enjoy an hour-long presentation about the lives of bees and honey production. 

After riding an exhilarating 19 km, you will visit the homeland of Dragan Manev, an organic producer of ajvar and various agricultural products. Participate in workshops on making ajvar, Macedonia’s most traditional dish, and learn how to produce cvarki. These workshops will teach you how to create these dishes at home. 

After a delicious lunch in Dragan Manev’s garden, featuring freshly made ajvar and cvarki, you’ll take a short ride to Lazar Winery. Upon arrival, you’ll have time to relax and freshen up. 

In the evening, enjoy a winery presentation in the cellar followed by a delectable dinner with a 5-course tasting menu, showcasing Lazar’s best wines. 

DAY 7 (SATURDAY) 

LAZAR WINARY, Palikura – SHERPA RANCH – 27 kilometres (5 hours) riding 

Itinerary 

• Arrival at Palikura (2:00 PM):
     – Visit the organic agriculture and ajvar producer, Dragan Manev. 

• Ajvar and Cvarci Presentation Workshop:
     – Participate in a workshop on making ajvar and cvarci,
  traditional Macedonian dishes. 

• Organic Agriculture Presentation Workshop:
     – Learn about organic agriculture practices. 

• Lunch at the Garden of Dragan Manev (3:00 PM):
     – Enjoy a lunch featuring fresh-made ajvar and cvarci. 

• Departure to Lazar Winery (4:30 PM):
     – Continue your journey to Lazar Winery. 

• Accommodation, Rest, and Shower (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM):
     – Relax and freshen up after the ride. 

• Winery Presentation in the Cellar (7:00 PM):
     – Discover the winemaking process at Lazar Winery. 

• Dinner and Wine Tasting Provided by Lazar Winery (8:00 PM – 10:00 PM): 

Welcome to the final day of the Dionysus Trail ride. Today has a wonderful beginning and a terrific finale. After breakfast at Lazar Winery, you will get the opportunity to visit the Stobi Archaeological Site and learn more about our past. Ride across wide expanses, passing by Mount Klepa, and visiting Radka’s homeland in the village of Čičevo. Lady Radka will welcome us with a delicious meal prepared entirely from her organic garden.
After returning to Sherpa Ranch and welcoming the horses, you will be taken to the most magnificent and high-quality winery in Macedonia, Kamnik Winery. You will be able to tour their vineyards, where they play music for the grapes. The most wonderful dinner and wine tasting is on the menu, with a 5-course menu.Overnight at the luxurious hotel of Kamnik Winery. 

DAY 8 (SUNDAY) 

• Departure to the airport according to the client’s flight schedule 

The airport is located a 15-minute drive from Kamnik Winery.