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This itinerary allows walkers to immerse themselves in a magnificent part of southern Europe that few people get to see, whilst also visiting North Macedonia's unique historical sites and societies that are relatively unknown.

  • Visit an emerging Balkan walking destination
  • Enjoy North Macedonian culture & hospitality
  • Walk in magnificent, isolated national parks
  • Explore historic monasteries & archaeological sites
  • Tour Skopje & visit the Church of Sveti Spas
  • Visit Ohrid's famed churches & lakes

Our journey begins in the capital of Skopje, where time permitting, we enjoy a guided city tour. After this, the trails begin, and we work our way through Mavrovo and Galičica National Parks, enjoying the unspoilt scenery and hopefully encountering a wide variety of wildlife on the way.

Spend some time in Ohrid and cruise the pristine lakes in the south-west corner of the country before taking the trails back through Galičica and Kruševo. We also enjoy a guided tour of the historic Heraclea Lyncestis – one of the most impressive archaeological features of North Macedonia - before being treated to wine tasting and then a transfer back to Skopje for a final night.

Across this itinerary, we encounter a mixture of moderate walks offered across two national parks. These natural parks are rich in flora and fauna, as well as providing some of the most stunning scenery in North Macedonia. Throughout the trip, we get to discover traditional villages which are rich with local culture and highlight the individuality of North Macedonia.

The trip also incorporates the chance to discover a variety of historical sites such as Byzantine churches, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ancient town squares and monasteries, as we make our way through the mountains, lakes, ancient pine forests and sleepy villages of North Macedonia.

Typical Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Fly to Skopje; city tour & drive to Mavrovo

    Fly from the UK to Skopje. Depending on our arrival time, we may have time for a city tour (if not, we’ll do it on Day 9).

    The distinctive architecture and narrow lanes of the old bazaar echo with the past: we visit the Church of Sveti Spas, built in the 16th century, and cross the 15th-century stone bridge to Kale Fortress overlooking the Vardar River. After taking in Mother Teresa’s house and other iconic landmarks such as the Macedonia Gate and main square, we drive west to Mavrovo for dinner and an overnight stay.

  2. Day 2: Mavrovo National Park

    Mavrovo National Park is one of the most picturesque regions of North Macedonia, and is the largest park in the country, whose 780 square kilometres hold deep canyons, lakes and dense forests filled with wildlife.

    We set off for a half-day hike and ascend Bistra (2,611m), the country’s third-highest peak, for a panoramic view, then descend to Galicnik for a traditional lunch. The afternoon is free for to explore the local area or simply relax.

    Walking distance: 12 km

  3. Day 3: Hike near Mavrovo; drive to Ohrid

    This morning we hike and visit a farm to taste its sheep's milk cheese, then descend through lush forest to a ski resort, where we enjoy a typical Macedonian lunch.

    In the afternoon, we visit the Orthodox Monastery of Sveti Jovan Bigorski, founded in 1020. Although largely destroyed by the Ottomans in the 16th century, the monastery was restored in the 17th century and is famed for its altar screen. Finally, we head south to Ohrid, at the northern end of the lake of the same name.

    Walking distance: 13 km

  4. Day 4: Ohrid city tour & boat trip on Lake Ohrid

    We take a leisurely walking tour through old Ohrid, known as the "Jerusalem of Macedonia” because of its many churches and monasteries. En route to the much revered churches of Sveti Sophia and Sveti Perivlepta we visit its famed bazaar and Sveti Jovan Kaneo, which stands on top of a precipitous cliff.

    In the afternoon, we take a boat trip on Lake Ohrid - a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979 - before heading back to our hotel.

  5. Day 5: Hike from Vlestovo to Elshani in Galičica National Park

    After a short drive to Vlestovo, we hike between Lakes Ohrid and Prespa, below the limestone mountain of Galičica on the border with Albania, to Elshani village. This takes us through Galičica National Park, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, whose highest peak, Magaro, rises to 2,254 metres.

    In the afternoon, there’s time to relax before we return to our comfortable hotel.

    Walking distance: 10 km

  6. Day 6: Hike in Galicica National Park, drive to Sveti Naum for boat trip & monastery visit

    Today we make our way back to Galičica National Park for another exhilarating hike that showcases the area’s natural variety. At the high point (around 1,400m) we enjoy wide vistas of the surrounding wilderness.

    After a lunch of local trout, we head to Sveti Naum at the southern end of the lake close to the border with Albania, for a boat trip to Lake Ohrid’s subterranean springs.

    Finally, we visit the Monastery of Sveti Naum, to see its mesmerising medieval frescoes. 

    Walking distance: 12 km

  7. Day 7: Drive via Heraclea Lyncestis to Kruševo; hike to Kruševo Heights

    Today we continue to Kruševo, stopping to explore the fascinating excavations of Heraclea Lyncestis, an ancient Greek city founded by Alexander the Great’s father that later fell under Roman rule. We walk up to Kruševo (1,350m) surrounded by verdant forest.

    In the afternoon, we hike to the Makedonium Monument and the 14th-century Monastery of the Holy Transfiguration at Zrze. Despite being regularly abandoned, rebuilt and plundered during Ottoman times, Zrze remained an important spiritual centre, and the Church of Sveti Peter and Sveti Paul holds important frescoes and icons. 

  8. Day 8: Kruševo's Heights - Winetasting - Skopje

    This morning we head into the famed wine-producing region for an opportunity to taste local wines – particularly the local reds made from native Vranac and Kratosija grapes. Life moves to a slower beat amidst the vineyards, lakes and rivers set against a mountain backdrop and surrounded by ancient villages that have remained unchanged for centuries.

    In the afternoon, we return to Skopje for the last night of the trip.

  9. Day 9: Transfer to Skopje airport & fly back to the UK

    Today we either have a city tour of Skopje (if there wasn’t time on Day 1) or depart directly for the airport and our homeward flight.

Price and Other Information

  • Duration and price excluding international flights: 9 days from £2,499 per person
  • Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 9 days from £2,689 per person
  • Single room supplement: From £150
  • Walking grade: Moderate
  • Guiding: Guided Group Private-Guided
  • Max alt: 2,163m
  • Group size: 4-14
  • When to go: View Dates & Prices
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  • What’s included
    • Hotel x 8 nights
    • 8 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 8 dinners
    • Experienced English-speaking guide
    • Airport transfers

Next Steps

Guided Group Dates and Prices
Year Starts Ends Price From (Exc. Flights) Holiday Status Options
All prices are per person. All our guided group trips have the option to be taken as a private guided itinerary. * Available: this holiday is available to book. ** Guaranteed: this holiday is available to book and is guaranteed to run. *** Fully Booked: if your preferred holiday is full we may be able to offer you a private departure or tailor a holiday to suit your requirements, please contact us for more details.
2024 25 May 2 Jun £2,499 Available* Book or Enquire
2024 7 Sep 15 Sep £2,449 Available* Book or Enquire

If you can’t see the holiday or departure date that you are looking for please contact us. We may be in the process of finalising further departures and are often able to arrange a holiday for you according to your own requirements.