Macedonia: Tour offers hands-on culinary experiences

Little-known Macedonia, just north of Greece, is the focus of a 10-night tour highlighting its cuisine, a blend of Balkan, Mediterranean and Turkish influences.

The Macedonia Experience excursion begins in the capital city of Skopje, where participants will visit a market and roll up their sleeves for the first of several hands-on cooking demonstrations.

Days three, four and five are spent sampling wild game in Mavrovo National Park; exploring Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and experiencing more Macedonian cuisine. Additional highlights include tours and tastings in Bitola and Krusevo, the town with the highest elevation in the Balkans, and the Tikvesh wine region.

Participants also will have a chance to prepare a dinner, using local ingredients, on the terrace of their hotel in Berovo.

Dates: Offered year-round, with a two-person minimum.
Price: From about $2,500, double occupancy, based on four participants. Includes accommodations; all transfers; tour guide, tours and activities; and instruction and ingredients for cooking demonstrations. International airfare is not included.

Info: Macedonia Experience, (866) 748-8867

Follow us on Twitter @latimestravel, like us on Facebook @Los Angeles Times Travel.