Discover the amazing diversity of North Macedonia, where each mountain has a different story to tell. You will be walking in the three national parks of Macedonia and in a nature reserve surrounded by high dolomite rock faces, caves and rare plant species. You won’t walk the entire range, but we have selected the best parts and included medieval monasteries, mountain villages and historic towns. The last hike will be to the mystical Treskavec monastery on a trail leading you between granite rocks and boulders in an outer-earthly landscape.
DAY:1-3
You have arrived in Skopje, marveled at the mixture of ordered Socialistic brutal architecture and chaotic Old Town Ottoman heritage, and next you will hike to the big Millennium Cross on the top of Vodno Mountain to see the "Big picture" from above. You will also get on foot to the best viewpoint in Canyon Matka before descending to the boats (or kayaks) to explore further this unique nature reserve.
DAY:4-5
See the hidden gems of Mavrovo national park on foot. Walk through the lush forest to the double-drop Duf waterfall, and visit one of the most important medieval shrines in the country which has the remains of the hand of St. George from the 4th century embedded in gold-plated silver. Spend the night in a village guesthouse where you can dine on locally smoked meat, homegrown vegetables and homemade wine. Next morning hike to the small church of the Holy Trinity, which provides some stunning views of Mount Jablanica, Ohrid Lake, a military road built by the French during World War I and the Albanian borderlands.
DAY:6-7
Explore Ohrid and Ohrid Lake: see the most photographed church of the Balkans and walk around the ancient Theater, built 2200 years ago and still used today for outside performances. Visit the handmade papermaker, shop for world-famous Ohrid pearls or find a hidden restaurant behind a cliff wall and sip a drink staring out at the serene lake. If you prefer to take it active, hike to Peak Magaro on Galichica Mountain, or get on a kayak and visit the Bay of Bones archeological settlement on water, snorkel for lake sponges and swim on a hidden beach accessible only from water.
DAY:8-10
Hike in Pelister, the oldest national park in Macedonia, famous for its ancient Molikapine trees, lynx, and bearded eagle. Later join the evening promenade in the old town of Bitola and see some of its beautiful neoclassical buildings which date from the period when Bitola was the seat of all the major European countries’ consulates and embassies. The last hike on this tour will be to one of the most amazing places of Macedonia - the monastery “Treskavec”, laid as an eagle’s nest among vertical rocks and granite slabs. End your walking holiday with winetasting of some excellent Macedonian wines in the Royal Winery.
From 892 € / per person in double room
INCLUDED IN PRICE:
- Accommodation on bed & breakfast basis in double room
- Private transfer from Skopje International Airport to Skopje
- Rent-a-car
-
Orientation materials for the self-guided hiking: topographic map, detailed route descriptions with photographs of each waypoint and a .gpx track
- Extensive manual with tips and recommendations
- 24/7 support by Macedonia Travel agents
NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE:
OPTIONS & SUPPLEMENTS:
- Extra night in Skopje: from 42 euro/ per person sharing double room
- Extra night in Ohrid: from 38 euro/ per person sharing double room
