Main office R. Macedonia 2400 Strumica Dimitar Vlahov 18 tel

Transcription

1 Main office R. Macedonia 2400 Strumica Dimitar Vlahov 18 tel

2 Republic of MACEDONIA Cradle of culture, Land of nature

3 Macedonia Cradle of Culture, Land of Nature Macedonia is a country located in the central Balkan Peninsula in South-eastern Europe. It is one of the successor states of the former Yugoslavia, from which it declared independence in It became a member of the United Nations. A landlocked country, the Republic of Macedonia is bordered by Kosovo to the northwest, Serbia to the north, Bulgaria to the east, Greece to the south and Albania to the west. The country's capital is Skopje, with inhabitants according to a 2002 census. Other cities include Bitola, Kumanovo, Prilep, Tetovo, Ohrid, Veles, Štip, Kočani, Gostivar and Strumica. It has more than 50 lakes and sixteen mountains higher than m (6.562 ft). In the Republic of Macedonia there are larger sources of water. The rivers flow into three different basins: the Aegean, the Adriatic and that Black Sea basin. The terrain is mostly rugged, located between the Šar Mountains and Osogovo, which frame the valley of the Vardar river. Three large lakes Lake Ohrid, Lake Prespa and Dojran Lake lie on the southern borders, bisected by the frontiers with Albania and Greece. Ohrid is considered to be one of the oldest lakes and biotopes in the world. Republic of Macedonia has more number of mountains and mountain peaks than any other ountry in the world. The country has as many as 34 mountain peaks each more than meters above the sea-level. The highest peak among the mountains in the region is Mount Golem Korab, which is about metres above the sea level. Most of the peaks in the country have never been visited by the people and the rare visitors to these mountain peaks have been mostly wolves and eagles. The country is not only the home for many mountains but also for a number of lakes. As many as 53 lakes are there in this mountainous country. The scenic beauty that the country provides to the avid visitors would be breathtaking, to say the least. Macedonia has a transitional climate from Mediterranean to continental. The summers are hot and dry and the winters are moderately cold. Average annual precipitation varies from 1,700 mm (66.9 in) in the western mountainous area to 500 mm (19.7 in) in the eastern area. There are three main climatic zones in the country: temperate Mediterranean, mountainous and mildly Continental. Along the valleys of the Vardar and Strumica rivers, in the regions of Gevgelija, Valandovo, Dojran, Strumica and Radoviš the climate is temperate Mediterranean. The warmest regions are Demir Kapija and Gevgelija, where the temperature in July and August frequently exceeds 40 C (104 F). The mountainous climate is present in the mountainous regions of the country and it is characterised by long and snowy winters and short and cold summers. The spring is colder than the fall. The majority of Macedonia has a moderate continental climate with warm and dry summers and relatively cold and wet winters. Macedonia has a total area of 25,713 km2 (9,928 sq mi). It has some 748 km (465 mi) of boundaries, shared with Serbia (62 km or 39 mi) to the North, Kosovo (159 km or 99 mi) to the northwest, Bulgaria (148 km or 92 mi) to the east, Greece (228 km or 142 mi) to the south, and Albania (151 km or 94 mi) to the west. It is a transit way for shipment of goods from Greece, through the Balkans, towards Eastern, Western and Central Europe and through Bulgaria to the East. Macedonia is a parliamentary democracy with an executive government composed of a coalition of parties from the unicameral legislature and an independent judicial branch with a constitutional court. The Assembly is made up of 120 seats and the members are elected every four years. The role of the President of the Republic is mostly ceremonial, with the real power resting in the hands of the President of the Government. The President is the commander-in-chief of the state armed forces and a president of the state Security Council. The President is elected every five years and he or she can be elected twice at most. Macedonian denar (MKD) is the official currency of the Republic of Macedonia. Money supply and interest rates are dictated by the exchange rate target, which (as of mid-2005) is set at 61 denars to one euro, and has remained more or less constant at that level. With this exchange rate target, the country's central bank (the National Bank of the Republic of Macedonia) has been maintained a stable denar exchange rate against the euro. Macedonian cuisine is a representative of the cuisine of the Balkans reflecting Mediterranean (Greek and Turkish) and Middle Eastern influences, and to a lesser extent Italian, German and Eastern European (especially Hungarian) ones. The relatively warm climate in Macedonia provides excellent growth conditions for a variety of vegetables, herbs and fruits. Thus, Macedonian cuisine is particularly diverse. Famous for its rich Šopska salad, an appetizer and side dish which accompanies almost every meal, Macedonian cuisine is also noted for the diversity and quality of its dairy products, wines, and local alcoholic beverages, such as rakija. Tavče Gravče and mastika are considered the national dish and drink of the Republic of Macedonia, respectively. Macedonia is a member of the UN and the Council of Europe. Since December 2005 it has also been a candidate for joining the European Union and has applied for NATO membership. dm.mk

4 Quick Facts and Figures n n n n Official Name Republic of Macedonian Capital City Skopje (506,926) n Population 2,114,550 n Latitude/Longitude 41 50'N, 22 00'E n Official Language Macedonian Official Currency Macedonian Denar Land Area 25,715 sq km (9,929 sq miles) Religion Macedonian Orthodox 65%, Muslim 33%, other 2%

5 HOW TO GET IN By Land, By Air Macedonia is aesy accessible. Macedonia is close! SWEDEN RUSSIA GREAT BRITAIN KOSOVO TURKEY

6 Why you should know Macedonia! Why you should visit Macedonia! Places to be visited in Macedonia! Alexander the Great (of Macedonia), king of Macedonia 4th century B.C. one of the biggest emperors who created one of the biggest empire in the world Macedonian Empire Born in Pella in 356 BC, Alexander was tutored by the famed philosopher Aristotle. In 336 BC he succeeded his father Philip II of Macedon to the throne after he was assassinated. Philip had brought most of the city-states of mainland Greece under Macedonian hegemony, using both military and diplomatic means. Upon Philip's death, Alexander inherited a strong kingdom and an experienced army. In 334 BC he invaded Persian-ruled Asia Minor and began a series of campaigns lasting ten years. Alexander broke the power of Persia in a series of decisive battles, most notably the battles of Issus and Gaugamela. Subsequently he overthrew the Persian king Darius III and conquered the entirety of the Persian Empire. The Macedonian Empire now stretched from the Adriatic sea to the Indus river. Following his desire to reach the "ends of the world and the Great Outer Sea", he invaded India in 326 BC, but was eventually forced to turn back by the near-mutiny of his troops. Megalithic Observatory Kokino (Macedonian Stonehenge), 20th century B.C. NASA in 2005 officially ranged it fourth place in the world, of its accuracy and importance. PLACE TO VISIT Kokino is an important archaeological site and a megalithic observatory discovered in 2001 in the ortheastern Republic of Macedonia, near the town of Kumanovo. The site is more than 3800 years old. The oldest archaeological finds date from the Early Bronze Age. Kokino consists of two parts. It includes special stone markers used to track the movement of the Sun and Moon on the eastern horizon. The observatory used the method of stationary observation, marking positions of the Sun at the winter and summer solstice, as well as the equinox. Kokino is located approximately 30 km from the town of Kumanovo, near the village of Staro Nagoričane It is situated 1030 m above sea level on the Tatićev Kamen Summit and covers an area of a 100-meter radius.

7 According to the Holly Book (Bible, the New Testament) 1st century A.D. First country on European soil to be Christianized (the chapter The Apostle Paul in Macedonia ); Lydia from Macedonia the first lady to be Christianized on European soil (by the Apostle Paul) During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, Come over to Macedonia and help us. After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. Justinian the First (Justinian Prima) (Flavius Petrus Sabbatius Justinianus), 5th 6th century A.D., a Byzantine Emperor (In the history of law the famous Justinian s Codex is still taught), born in today s Macedonian capital Skopje Justinian s Codex is a collection of laws, which Justinian created and in acted as replacement of the old, most of the time confusing old Roman laws. Homeland of St. Cyril and Methodius brothers and St. Clement of Ohrid St. Clement of Ohrid - University in Ohrid 9th century A.D., it is believed the First University in Europe Macedonia and Macedonians in the New Testament of the Bible are secondly most mentioned after Israel and Jewish people. He hired 10 experts under the guidance of John of Kapadokia, who prepared these laws. The commission ended its work on the 7th of April 529 and the Codex Justinianus was published. After that a number of other laws were enacted concerning taxes and etc. He was founder of the Slavic literacy and culture in Macedonia, also founder of the first Slavic university in Ohrid. St. Clement of Ohrid is the first Slavic writer. In the historic science, this early-middle-age educational and cultural institution was called the First Slavic University, which is the oldest in Europe. It is known that St. Clement and his associates had educated over 3,500 students who, after his death, spread among the Slavic countries and expanded the Christian religion, literacy, and science among the peoples of Slavic origin. The reflections of this University were felt throughout the Middle Age, and they are felt even today in the frameworks of the spiritual traditions that are our cultural and spiritual heritage. Ohrid, the city and the lake of UNESCO, European Jerusalem, a town of 365 churches PLACE Ohrid is a city on the eastern shore of Lake Ohrid in the Republic of Macedonia. Ohrid is notable for having once had 365 churches, one for each day of the year and has been referred to as a "Jerusalem". The city is rich in picturesque houses and monuments, and tourism is predominant. Ohrid the old city of light This is not a story, But a reality, an eternal one, and one which so far no one has managed to retell. Probably no one hasn t even tried. There are several TO VISIT

8 Proto Renaissance frescoes in some of the Macedonian churches century A.D., years before official Giotto s Renaissance in Italy The existing church of St.Bogorodica Perivleptos (Mother of God the Most Glorious/Peribleptos), is a completely preserved medieval monument located in Ohrid, famous for its extraordinary architecture and fresco paintings. The church was built in 1295 by the Byzantine military commander, Progon Zgur, a relative of the Emperor Andronicus II Palalogus. After the church of St. Sophia had been converted into mosque, this church became the cathedral church of the Archbishopric of Ohrid. In the old part of the town, near the Upper Gate, in 1295 the church of St. Bogorodica Perivlepta, known as St. Clement, was built. It is one of the oldest churches in Ohrid, and concurrently one of the most beautiful, above all for its frescoes. Ohrid Icon Galery Macedonia, icon collection from 11th till 19th century, among the first four in the world of its importance and value, part of many world wide exhibitions PLACE TO VISIT The Ohrid Icon Gallery is located in the museum complex of the church Holy Mother of God Peribleptos. It's collection of over sixty icons with the greatest artistic qualities places the gallery among the top two of its kind in the world. The large number of churches that began to spread by the medieval period prescribed the need of producing numerous icons. Most icons in this collection were created from the 11th till 19th century by the Ohrid medieval zographs (icon-painters) while some of them were sent in from the workshops of Constantinople (Istanbul) and Salonika (Thessalonica). The unknown painters have achieved a real perfection in the painting of the icons characterized with refine drawing, soft modelling and harmonious colouring. The Ohrid Icons have been exhibited on numerous exhibitions in many countries, and have always caused admiration and respect from the public worldwide. A special place in this collection belongs to the processional icons painted on both sides, which impress with their plastic treatment and the expression of the inner life of the Saints. PRESENTATION OF THE VIRGIN, 14th century PLACE TO VISIT Church "St. Jovan Bigorski" Church with one of the mos iconostasis in Europe. The monastery church is dedicated to St. John the Baptist. According to the monastery's 1833 chronicle, it was built in 1020 by Ivan I Debranin. The Ottomans destroyed the monastery in the 16th century. The monastery was restored in 1743 by the monk Ilarion, who also built several monk cells. Later, in the period from 1812 to 1825 the monastery was expanded by archimandrite Arsenius. One of the most valuable treasures of the monastery is the iconostasis created by Petre Filipovski Garkata from the nearby village of Gari. This iconostasis is considered one of the most beautiful and most valuable wood-carved iconostasis in the Orthodox religion. Another valuable monastery treasure is an icon dating from 1020 with supposedly miraculous healing power. dm.mk

9 PLACE TO VISIT Ohrid was enriched with another cultural and historical landmark as well as with a tourist attraction - Museum on Water an exceptional archaeological complex, which is one of a kind in the region. On the southern coast of Gradiste Peninsula in the Bay of Bones, a pile-dwelling settlement has been erected, which in the past was spreading at a total surface of m2. It is an authentic reconstruction of a part of the pile-dwelling settlement, dating back between 1200 and 700 BC. Mustafa Kemal Attaturk Bitola Museum (Macedonia) PLACE TO VISIT Mother Teresa grew famous for humbly ministering to lepers, the homeless and the poorest of the poor in the slums of Calcutta. In 1928 Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu joined the Sisters of Our Lady of Lareto, a Catholic order that did charity work in India. She took the name Sister Teresa and for 17 years taught school in the country. In 1950 she founded the Missionaries of Charity, a new order devoted to helping the sick and poor; the order grew to include branches in more than 100 cities around the world, and Mother Teresa became a worldwide symbol of charity, meeting with Princess Diana and many other public figures. She was beatified by Pope John Paul II on 19 October 2003, placing her one step from sainthood in the Catholic faith; after beatification she became known as the Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta... Though her parents were ethnic Albanians, Mother Teresa was born in what is now Macedonia and what was then part of the Ottoman Empire. Some sources give her date of birth as August 26th, not August 27th. In 1979 Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace, and in 1985 she was awarded the Medal of Freedom from the United States. PLACE TO VISIT

10 PLACE TO VISIT Smolare Waterfall is the tallest waterfall in the Republic of Macedonia, falling from a height of 39.5 metres (129.5 feet). It is located above the village of Smolare in the Municipality of Novo Selo in the southeastern region of the country. The waterfall is part of the Lomnica River and is located deep in the Belasica Mountain at an elevation of 630 metres. Crashing down the smooth, black rock face, and surrounded by 100year-old beech trees. To reach the majestic beauty of the Smolare Waterfall, visitors must wind their way up a nature path which includes 300 stone steps made from natural materials. Once at the site, deep within the forest, tourists can gaze at the waterfall from a wooden bridge constructed in front of the crashing water. The Valley of Stone Dolls (Kuklica), Kratovo PLACE TO VISIT Wineries "Tikves" or "Popova kula" in Demir Kapija (degustation of Macedonian wines) PLACE TO VISIT

11 MACEDONIA ROUND TRIP FROM SKOPJE sight on the river Black Drim. Check in the hotel in Ohrid. In the afternoon, we visit the old part of Ohrid (St. Sophia, Antique Theatre, St. Holly Mother of God Perivleptos, Icon Gallery, St. Clement of Ohrid - Plaoshnik, and at the church St. Jovan Kaneo. Back to the centre by small fishermen boats. Day 5 Ohrid-Bitola Breakfast in hotel in Ohrid. After the breakfast, we visit the monastery St. Naum of ohrid (27 km). We visit the springs of Black Drim by small rowing to Tetovo (45 km) to visit boats. We continue by driving through Day 2 - Skopje Breakfast in the hotel. After the Sarena Mosque. Then we the National Park Galicica, rich with flora breakfast we start the tour with continue the trip to Mavrovo and fauna and with unforgettable visiting the Old Railway station. (50 km), to check in hotel. Than we visit Monument and After the check in, we visit the sightseeing (if the excursions take place Museum of Mother Theresa tea hut, then the village from May till October), to Bitola (70 km). and Central Square of Skopje Galicnik 2000 m above sea Check in the hotel in Bitola, after we visit and born house of Mother level (if there isn't a snow in Heraklea Linkestis (town found by the Theresa. We continue to the the village). On the way back Macedonian king Philipus the Great, Old town (Turkish street and we visit the cave Sharkova Bazaar) and here we visit the Dupka. (optional tour 15 Alexander s Father). In the afternoon we church Holly Savior and euro). The rest may enjoy in visit Bitola City Museum. After the N a t i o n a l M u s e u m o f the spa centre (included in the Museum, there are options to go in to Macedonia. In the afternoon price). town or by bus to Pelister for a walk in the we have an optional tour Lake Day 4 Mavrovo-Ohrid national park (optional tour 10 euro). Matka, cave Vrelo, river Treska Breakfast in the hotel in and monastery St.Andrew Mavrovo. We drive to Ohrid After this, free time (possibility for Spa (15 euro), or free activities in 105 km). On the way we visit centre). the church St. Jovan Bigorski, Day 6 Bitola Prilep Demir Kapija. Skopje. D ay 3 S ko p j e - Tetovo - with the most beautiful Breakfast in the hotel. We leave Bitola and iconostasis in Europe. There is Mavrovo drive to Prilep (42 km). We visit the Breakfast in the hotel. We drive a spectacular monument of Alexander the Great and the city centre including the tower and shopping street. Optional lunch in ethno (national) restaurant Macedonian house (10 euro menu), or free time. We continue to the Winery Popova kula in Demir Kapija (80 km), degustation of Macedonian wines (tourists own expense). We check in the Winery Popova kula hotel. Day 7 Demir Kapija-Strumica We leave Demir Kapija and travel to Strumica (57 km). In Strumiica we visit monasteries St. Leontij Vodoca and Holly Mother Merciful Veljusa. We check in a hotel in the town. In the afternoon we visit the centre in Strumica, there is a free time for lunch, own expense. After the lunch we visit Roman bath in village Bansko and the highest waterfall in Macedonia Smolare (39 metres). Day 8 Strumica-Berovo Breakfast in the hotel. We leave the hotel and drive to Berovo (45 km).

12 OHRID CITY TOUR * The Church of St. Sophia - one of the largest medieval churches on this territory. For a long time it was the cathedral church ("Great Church") of the Ohrid Archiepiscopate whose ecclesiastical authority covered the territories up to the river Danube to the north, the Albanian coast to the west, and the Bay of Thessalonica to the east * The Ohrid Icon Galery. The Collection comprises numerous icons; however only about 30 of them have been *Macedonian-Roman Anthique theatre *St. Mother of God Perivleptos. The existing church of St. Clement, built in 1295 and named St. Bogorodica Perivleptos (Mother of God the Most Glorious), is a completely preserved medieval monument located in Ohrid, famous for its extraordinary architecture and fresco paintings. estimated as masterworks created in a longer period that lasted from 11th to 19th century. The collection is among the first four icon collection in the world of its importance and vallue Samuel's Fortress. The castle of Macedonian ruler Samuel whose family rebeled against Bulgarian and Byzantine rule, forging lliances with Rome and Hungary. At its height, this medieaval empire extended from the Adriatic to the Black Sea, which existed between 969 and Ohrid was one of the capitals, and the impressive fortress was built on top of ancient citadel where archeologists recently discovered tombs of generals from Ancient Macedon (5th - 4th century B.C.). The fortress presents restored walls on a hill overlooking the whole Ohrid valley, enabling excellent photo opportunities *St. Clement's monastery "St. Pantheleimon". Located at Plaosnik (known as Imaret during the Ottoman times), southwards from the Samuel Fortress. This monastery is the oldest Slavic monument of culture. It had an extremely important role in the education of the Macedonians during the period of strong influence of the Byzantine Empire. St. Clement of Ohrid is paton and protector of the town and the Macedonian Orthodox Church * Coffee break at the St. Pantheleimon cafe * The church of St John the Theologian Kaneo (the entrance is optional, 2 Eur p. p.) Located on the southwestern side of the hill surmounting Lake Ohrid is the church dedicated to St. John the Theologian Kaneo. It is not certain when it was built and fresco painted. However, a document about the church property suggests that it was built before 1447.

13 COMPANY PROFILE - AtlantiS

14 COMPANY POLICY 1. Inspirational Leadership. We continuously give them all the necessary trainings and tools in order to become more professional in their fields and helpful to our clients. 2. Proactive with people. Professional attitude, communicational skills and manners in order to present the agency on top level. 3. Internal Support. For the working environment we set an extra attention by providing the team with the all up to day tools and software's in order to be on top of their work and making it much easier for them. 4. Research. By analyzing the travel industry, the travel markets, the travel needs, with choosing the right product we are monitoring our success and we are recognized as one solid organized company from many institutions on the highest level. 5. Business Communication Along with the big inspiration that we posses, our other main key of success are our truly faithful clientele and partners. Their satisfactory also is very important to us and gives us motivation to grown even more. GOAL OF THE COMPANY In keeping with our full service philosophy, AtlantiS is a one-stop-shop which offers an extensive range of services to maintain satisfied customers and partners. Our customers can book everything they may need at the same time which is possible thanks to our experienced team of tourism professionals. OBJECTIVES *to conduct our business according to the highest level of ethics *to ensure that our clients get the best value, quality and satisfaction from using our services *to maintain a management culture that is action oriented, always flexible and never bureaucratic *to expect from the service we render satisfaction that we provided unbiased and truthful information on Macedonia and its tourism product *to continue to train ourselves and our so that the service we give will be more and more intellectually performed *to be the most efficient in everything that we do. SERVICES destination management OUTGOING TOURISM

15 ADD-ON SERVICES Besides the main services the other services which complete AtlantiS are: Sales of airline tickets, bus tickets, cruise tickets, travel insurance, FedEx Western Union Money Transfer Individual and group excursions, educational excursion for kids and students Work & Travel Work & Study Au Pair Internship programs TRANSPORTATION AtlantiS is a specialist in organization and handling transportation. Tourism is all about travel; and the role of transportation in its operation is vital. AtlantiS continuously invests in its own transportation in order to satisfy the high demands of the industry. AtlantiS posses own technical service and parking lot for its own high quality travel vehicles: 4 tourist buses NEOPLAN with commercial number of seats 49; 53; 59 and 61. Mini bus VOLKSWAGEN CRAFTER with commercial number of seats 19 Mini bus IVECO with commercial number of seats 20 Mini bus HYUNDAI with commercial number of seats 8 Mini bus FIAT Doblo with commercial number of seats 4. They are all equipped according to the highest standards. AtlantiS also gives you the opportunity to provide transfer services with your own brand and image RENT-A-CAR

16 destination management AtlantiS ORGANISATION NETWORK General manager Represent for management of quality Manager for sector tourism IT manager WEB manager Manager of booking Manager of sales Manager of ticketing Manager of incoming Manager of Rent a car Manager of Western Union Manager of accounting Manager of transportation Booking agents Sales agents Ticketing agents Incoming agents Rent a car agents Operator of western Union Accounting agents Transportation departmen agents dm.mk