Church of Saint John at Kaneo overlooking Lake Ohrid, in Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia. Photo via Flickr:By Inge

Interior of Saint John the Baptist (Jovan Bigorski) Monastery, near Debar, Macedonia. Photo via Wikimedia Commons:Delfina

Magnificent Macedonia - 8 days Bike Tour

Macedonia Bike Tours

A cycling holiday through the Lake District of Southwestern Macedonia

  • We can personally attest that Macedonia is the perfect place for a bike tour. We have been there and done that. This beautiful country in the Balkans is famous for its stunning nature, rich history, friendly people, and low traffic, well-maintained roads. And to top it off, prices in the Balkans are much lower than in mainstream Europe.

    The routes meander along many little rivers and three lakes. Lake Ohrid is the largest and most beautiful of Macedonia's tectonic lakes. It is 18 miles (30 km) long and 288 meters (945 feet) deep and is one of Europe's deepest and oldest lakes.

    This itinerary is designed to reveal Macedonia in the most comprehensive way, taking you through scenic mountain roads, old towns and ancient ruins preserving all the numerous layers of history that had shaped the complex cultural background of the Balkans – an unforgettable adventure spiced with a delicious local cuisine!

    Highlights:

    • Krushevo - the highest town on the Balkan Peninsula situated at an altitude of 1500 m.a.s.l. It has preserved the traditional local atmosphere and many old houses with interesting architecture.
    • Bitola - a "consular city." The consulates of the Western countries were there at the time when the city was within the Ottoman Empire. Its central pedestrian street combines the European appearance of its buildings with the cozy cafes and restaurants of the Balkans.
    • Ancient Town "Heraclea Lyncestis" - Famous for its dazzling mosaics, ancient theater and Roman baths, "Heraclea" is the most vividly presented city from the surviving Ancient Macedonian Empire in the country.
    • Island "Golem Grad" - is home of several ancient ruins and churches. It is also home to several different communities of animals, especially snakes.
    • Ohrid lake and the town of Ohrid - both listed as UNESCO sites because of their natural and historical significance.

    Want to spice it up? Check out our multi-adventure tour that includes Macedonia. We also offer other tours in the Balkans! Check out Croatia, Albania, Montenegro, and Greece.

  • 8 day supported tour: 
    Twin/double (based on 4 people) per person: £ 744 $ 1,650 € 876 $ 1320 NOK 8249 kr 7614 $ 990 Single supplement: £ 100 $ 222 € 118 $ 178 NOK 1111 kr 1026 $ 133 Supplement per person for groups less than 4: £ 76 $ 170 € 90 $ 136 NOK 848 kr 782 $ 102

    extra options

    Extra nights:
    Skopje: Please ask
    Electric Bike (Longwise, step through frame with 250 W Brushless Fear Motor): £ 59 $ 132 € 70 $ 105 NOK 659 kr 608 $ 79 Helmet: €5
     

    please note

    Rates are per person based on double occupancy.

    Information to read before you book.

    We recommend purchasing bike trip insurance.

    Please see our FAQ.

  • Travel

    For transoceanic flights, most practical airport to fly into is Skopje Alexander the Great International Airport.

    Local Travel

    Arrival transfer is included in your tour price

    Climate

    Please check local conditions before your arrival. A good website to use to research local weather including average high/low temperature, average rainfall, and more is weatherbase.com.

    Remarks

    We strongly recommend that you wear a helmet during your cycling and it is preferred to to bring your own well fitted helmet. There are helmets available for rent. See pricing.

Skill Level

This is a moderate (to difficult) supported bike tour on mainly isolated village roads with little traffic. Because it is supported, it is difficult to rate in that there will be a van transferring luggage and stopping at certain points throughout the route to insure that all is well. If you need a "sag wagon", you can hop on the van at any time, avoiding any significant climbing. Road conditions are relatively good with some exceptions (bumpy sections, potholes, rough asphalt). There is no off road riding. This tour involves climbing, steep at times, and is designed for bikers in good physical condition. Daily elevation graphs are available.

Where You’ll Stay

4 star hotels

What’s Included

  • Hotel accommodations for 7 nights
  • Breakfasts and picnic lunches
  • English speaking support vehicle driver
  • Drag Canyon Rental bike with front suspension and one rear pannier
  • Luggage transfers
  • All ground transfers including airport transfer on arrival day

What’s Not Included

  • Meals other than those indicated as included
  • Airport transfer in Skopje on departure day
  • Boat trip - approximately €5 - 10
  • Gratuities
  • Electric bike - Available with supplement. See pricing.
  • Bicycle Protection
  • Travel Insurance

Magnificent Macedonia - 8 days Map

TourBike
TypeSelf Guided
SkillModerate
Length8 days
From€876 Rates
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Tour Dates

Departures every day from April 1 to October 31, 2019

Minimum of 4 to confirm a departure. Tours can be confirmed for 2 - 3 cyclists as well. See pricing.

 

Day-To-Day Itinerary

Magnificent Macedonia - 8 days Map

Day 1: Arrival and transfer to Krushevo
Day 2: Krushevo – Bitola, 41 mi. (65 km), Uphill/downhill, 560 m/1130 m
Day 3: Bitola - Oteshevo, 40 mi. (64 km), Uphill/downhill, 1000 m/750 m 
Day 4: Osteshevo
Day 5: Oteshevo – St. Naum Monastery- Ohrid, 42 mi. (67 km), Uphill/downhill, 1752 m/1915 m
Day 6: Ohrid, 22 mi. (36 km), Uphill/downhill, 100 m/100m
Day 7: Ohrid – Debar – Skopje, 41 mi. (66 km), Uphill/downhill, 380 m/340 m
Day 8: Departure

*All distances are approximate

Day 1: Arrival to Skopje and transfer to Krushevo
Depending on the timing of your flight there is an opportunity for a trip to Matka canyon. If not, the excursion can be made on the day of departure. Transfer to Krushevo for Overnight.  We recommend that you book an extra night in Skopje before your tour start.

Day 2: Krushevo – Bitola, 41 mi. (65 km), Uphill/downhill, 560 m/1130 m
The first cycling day begins with a long descent after which you continue on a flat section where you can detour to Slepche village and the monastery "St. Jovan the Baptist" for lunch and sightseeing break.  You  continue to Bitola and can cycle more  to the nearby ancient town of Heraculaneum.

Day 3: Bitola - Oteshevo, 40 mi. (64 km), Uphill/downhill, 1000 m/750 m 
Today, you will head off to Prespa Lake passing through Pelister Mountain. As you reach the highest point for the day, you can stop for lunch and than descend to the lake. Cycling on the coastal roads, you ascend slightly reaching the Oteshevo village for your overnight stay.

Day 4: Osteshevo
Free day for exploring the region. Options include hiking in the national Park "Pelister", resting on the shores of the lake, cycling to the Greek border or a boat trip to the island "Golem Grad" in the center of Prespa lake, home to various enfemic species. Ovenight at Oteshevo.

Day 5: Oteshevo – St. Naum Monastery- Ohrid, 42 mi. (67 km), Uphill/downhill, 1752 m/1915 m
A long climb takes you through the Galichitsa National Park situated between Prespa and Ohrid lakes, revealing some of the best views to both of them. As you reach the highest point, you descend to the St. Naum Monastery for sightseeng and lunch break. From there you can take a boat ride or cycle for another 30 km to the town of Ohrid located at the opposite side of the lake.

Day 6: Ohrid, 22 mi. (36 km), Uphill/downhill, 100 m/100m
Today you explore the numerous cultural sites of the town of Ohrid. You will walk along its narrow streets, tour the fortress and the numerous churches, and will admire the view to the lake. Those who prefer to ride bikes will have the opportunity to visit the rock churches near the village of Kalishta. Of course, one does not exclude the other - in one day you can view Ohrid and visit the rock churches

Day 7: Ohrid – Debar – Skopje, 41 mi. (66 km), Uphill/downhill, 380 m/340 m
On the last cycling day, you will head off to Debar. The road follows the river curves all the way to Debar lake. From the town of Debar a transfer by minibus to Skopje follows as en route, you can stop at St Jovan Bigorski Monastery. Overnight in Skopje.

Day 8: Departure

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