The Hidden Gems of Macedonia & Northern Greece

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Parent Category: Travel Info

Category: Travel Feature

Published on Tuesday, 18 November 2014 00:30

Written by Barney Lehrer & Jesse Nash

Popova Kula

For over 30 years, we have traveled all over the world and experienced many different types of properties. That's why when we visit properties that especially resonate with us we have to write about them!

We just returned from a trip to the “Two Macedonias,” the Republic of Macedonia and the Macedonian region of northern Greece. Two properties we visited stand out as outstanding places for exotic destination weddings.

• Popova Kula Winery & Hotel in the Republic of Macedonia

Popova Kula (meaning Priest's Tower), located in the Povardarie region in Macedonia, is a unique paradise. When you arrive, you won't feel like you're staying at a hotel. You'll feel like you're coming home again! The warmth of this place will hold you in its grasp and you'll hope it will never let you go.

First of all, the landscape is breathtaking. The restaurant, on the second floor attached to a majestic tower, gives visitors a backdrop of lush greenery, with the spectacular mountain ranges of the Demir Kapija Valley. It is the central nervous system of the property, where all guests come to meet, eat, drink the impressive Popova Kula wines and talk about life. There is magic in this place, as you will find yourself losing track of the time and suddenly realize six hours later you've spent your whole afternoon there.   

If you are a couple who has popped the question (or are thinking about it), has imagination, believes in fairy tales, wants a destination wedding in an exotic location and does not have a billionaire’s budget, Popova Kula is the perfect place to hold your wedding. Weddings are frequent here, although many people from outside Macedonia are not aware of it as a wedding destination. They should be!

Popova Kula is nicknamed the “Temple of Wine.” The wines of this place are to be taken seriously! Owner Jordan Trajkov has created an impressive portfolio of more than 23 different wines, including some wines made from the Stanushina grape, which is unique to his property.

And with wine, of course, comes celebration.  Jordan will hand the property over to you and your party and will cater sumptuous wedding feasts, arrange activities and create a unique and unforgettable experience.

The ancient concept of the “unworldly dreamer,” a person who lives contentedly in an ivory tower, can be envisioned for a couple who decides to take their vows at Popova Kula. Wedded bliss is possible right here, tower included.  The Popova Kula staff will work with you to plan a wedding that will leave all who attend breathless and in awe.

To learn more, go to:

Popova Kula Winery and Hotel
“The Temple of Wine”
Address: Bulevar na vinoto br.1 Demir Kapija, Macedonia
http://popovakula.com.mk/

• A Visit to Ohrid Lake

Lake Ohrid is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, rivaling such wonders as Lake Geneva in Switzerland or Lake George in upstate New York. The best time to visit is in September or early October, when the crowds have gone and the weather is still perfect -- you will have the entire lake almost to yourself! There are polite boatmen waiting to ferry you around at very reasonable prices. The cafes aren't crowded, and the entire lake front promenade will be almost yours.

You can take boat trips up and down the lake and have lunch right on the water. Also Ohrid Pearls, manmade from the scales of the Plasica, a fish unique to Lake Ohrid, are some of the most beautiful pearls in the world! They can be found in the jewelry collections of the Queen of England and many other celebrities. And they are not expensive! What better way to add to your romantic honeymoon than with a string of pearl beauties that will keep your newlywed wife in the most romantic of moods. Yes, Ohrid Lake IS paradise. So come and enjoy the crystal clear waters of this stunning, ancient lake. And do not forget to also enjoy the views as you walk up and down the hills to visit some of Europe's most ancient churches.

• St Jovan Kaneo

During your first day visiting the town of Ohrid (a UNESCO heritage site), it is a must that you visit Saint Jovan Kaneo. You will find a lovely lakeside path which takes you to a breathtaking view of this church, with the blue lake beyond it. This has been a holy place for centuries and Orthodox visitors treat it with enormous reverence. The history of the church is very interesting and the changes of use it has seen has fortunately not destroyed its wonderful frescoes. The stunning location is equally impressive when seen from a boat on the lake.

For other Sites near Lake Ohrid, don’t miss St. Sophia Church, an 11th century church that is regarded as the most beautiful and best preserved church in the Republic of Macedonia. The church has fantastic ancient restored frescos that during the Ottoman occupation were painted over. Ohrid also has a beautiful Roman theater (now used for performances during the annual Ohrid Festival) and an ancient fortress on top of the hill overlooking the town.

• Luxury Beach Resort at the Base of Mount Athos

If you are a couple looking for opulence for your destination wedding, then the Eagles Palace in Hakidiki is your place! Located near the gate to Mount Athos (sorry girls, only men are allowed to visit the ancient monasteries, but you can see them from a boat!), the Eagles Palace has been the luxury beach resort of choice for the rich and famous ever since it opened its doors in 1973. It was Maria Callas’ summer resort of choice and to this day is the favorite destination for movie stars, world leaders and other celebrities. And yet it is also very welcoming to the less famous!

Built on a beach on the Aegean Sea, with its rooms cascading up a hill, the Eagles Palace offers luxurious accommodations, a spa and four magnificent restaurants that only serve seafood caught near the property together with locally sourced meats, fruits and vegetables. Most importantly for couples looking for the perfect destination, Eagles Palace specializes in creating the ultimate wedding experience for you and your guests. There is an Orthodox chapel on the property (for non-Orthodox, a ceremony can be held in front of the chapel).

Sommelier Christos Fragotsinos, one of the world’s leading experts on Greek wine, will curate the wines (including some exclusive wines made on Mount Athos) and the chefs can put together magnificent feasts in modern Greek, traditional continental and/or Asian styles. Your guests will be hypnotized by the beautiful beach and enchanted by visits to local historic sites and magnificent scenery. And the boat ride around Mount Athos is really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

When  you go to Eagles Palace you will probably fly into Thessaloniki. This lively, interesting and beautiful seaside city is worth a 2-3 day stay. And you can stay overnight at one of the Eagles Palace’s sister properties, The City Hotel or the Hotel Excelsior. Recently renovated, both hotels have great energy and charming rooms. The staff is very helpful and always smiling and willing to help. And, although the hotels are in the center of the city, the rooms are quiet. City Hotel is the older and simpler of the two properties. The rooms are well-appointed and there is a gym and spa facility in the basement that offers sauna, massages and skin therapies. The five star Excelsior, across the street from the City Hotel, is a new boutique hotel that offers luxury and comfort in uniquely decorated and furnished rooms. Breakfast in the penthouse is a must!

Check out the wedding video at http://www.eaglespalace.gr/weddings-events-ceremonies to see how special a wedding at Eagles Palace can be!

For more info, go to:

Eagles Palace
Ouranoupolis, Halkidiki GR - 630 75, Greece
Telephone: +30 23770 31101-4, 31047-8
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. http://eaglespalace.gr

CITY HOTEL THESSALONIKI
11 Komninon St.
Thessaloniki   Greece
Phone +30 2310 26 94 21
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
http://www.cityhotel.gr

THE EXCELSIOR
10 Komninon St.
Thessaloniki Greece
Phone: +30 2310 021 020
Reservations: +30 2310 021 000
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. http://www.excelsiorhotel.gr

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