Northern Macedonia
North Macedonia Hiking + Walking Tours
A hike in southeast Europe on the Balkan peninsula
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length10 days
- Prices from€1252 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
Offering incredible opportunities for hiking, Macedonia is an intriguing land not on the typical tourist radar.
Your hike will take in some of the best of the mountain scenery in the Shar and Pelister ranges in Macedonia. These ranges are magical landscapes of snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, glacial lakes, medieval villages, and mature forests.
This journey weaves together visits to compelling cultural sites as well as the remote 13th-century Treskavac Monastery and the city Ohrid and Ohrid Lake, one of only thirty-five UNESCO areas in the world protected for both cultural and national heritage.
Highlights
- Skopje and Čaršija (the Ottoman old town)
- Omorani Village, an authentic small town with unique accommodations
- Treskavec Mountain and monastery
- Pelister National Park, rich in wildlife
- Ohrid and Ohrid Lake
- Galichica National Park
- Jablanica Mountain
- Challenging but rewarding hikes
Take a look at our other walking and hiking tours!
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Skopje
Day 2: Hike to the Millennium Cross - transfer to Omorani Village, 6 mi. (8.6 km)
Day 3: Hike to Babuna Springs, 10 mi. (16 km)
Day 4: Prilep - Treskavec Monastery- Bitola, 8 mi. (13.3 km)
Day 5: The "Eye" of Pelister National Park, 4 mi. (6.3 km)
Day 6: Prespa Lake, 8 mi. (13 km)
Day 7: Galichica National Park - Ohrid, 4 mi. (7 km)
Day 8: Ohrid
Day 9: Jablanica Mountain, 5 + 2 mi. (7.5 + 3.8 km)
Day 10: DepartureDay 1: Arrival in Skopje
You will be welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Skopje. Overnight in a centrally located hotel in Skopje.Overnight: Skopje
Accommodation: Hotel Park Nextdoor
Transfer: 23 km / 30 minDay 2: Hike to the Millennium Cross - transfer to Omorani Village, 6 mi. (8.6 km)
Skopje is a microcosmos and a multi-cultural city showcased by the mixture of Socialistic architecture and Old Town Ottoman heritage. Today you will see the "big picture" from above. Your hike to Vodno Mountain starts from the central area of Skopje on a trail through oak and pine forests offering shade all the way to the top. Having reached the 66 m high Millennium Cross, you will have a wonderful view of the city below. The old from the new in terms of urbanization is easily recognizable. An afternoon transfer will take you away from the city rush to a charming house in the country.Take a stroll around the village, meet the locals, immerse in their rural lifestyle, and enjoy a homemade dinner prepared from local organic ingredients.
Overnight: Omorani Village
Accommodation: Guesthouse Rancho & Vancho na Kata
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hike: 3.5 hrs
Elevation: From an elevation of 316 m to 1066 m and descent back to 315 m
Transfer: 83 km / 1h 30 minDay 3: Hike to Babuna Springs, 10 mi. (16 km)
Start early with a transfer to the village of Nezhilovo where your hike starts on a narrow dirt road that winds up into dense beech forest. Once you exit the road on a narrow forest trail you will hear the roaring of Babuna River, with a lovely surprise: there is a small picturesque waterfall a few hundred meters before the spring. Refresh yourself, fill all your bottles with water and get ready for a walk down back to the fishpond at Nezhilovo. Overnight in the same house in Omorani.Overnight: Omorani Village
Accommodation: Guesthouse Rancho & Vancho na Kata
Meals: Breakfast and picnic lunch
Hike: 6 hrs
Elevation: 690 m up to 1.304 m elevation and then descent back to 690 m
Transfer(s): 50 km / 1 h 20 minDay 4: Prilep - Treskavec Monastery - Bitola, 8 mi. (13.3 km)
Transfer to the foothills of Treskavec Mountain. Starting from the city of Prilep, this hike takes on a well–established single track in an otherworldly landscape. It will take you 3 hours to reach the monastery, nestled as an eagle's nest between vertical rocks and granite slabs. From the monastery, you can walk back to Prilep to get on the train to Bitola, the second-largest city in Macedonia set between the mountains of Pelister National Park, 16 km from the border with Greece. Take a stroll in the evening along the lively Shirok Sokak pedestrian street, lined with colorful, romantic, neo-classical buildings and lively cafes.Overnight: Bitola
Accommodation: Hotel Teatar or similar
Meals: Breakfast and picnic lunch
Elevation: From an elevation of 688 m to 1.259 m and then descent back to 688 m
Hike: 5.5 hr
Transfer: 66 km / 1h 30 min
Train: Prilep – Bitola: 45 minDay 5: The "Eye" of Pelister National Park, 4 mi. (6.3 km)
A 15 min transfer takes you to the villages in the park where you will start the hike to the big glacial lake on Mount Baba. This mountain dominates the Pelagonija Valley like a rooftop and it is home to the oldest National park in North Macedonia, Pelister, known for its rich wildlife, particularly mountain swallows, mountain goats, deer, wolves, and brown bears. The trail leads along the ridgeline of the mountain, which a hundred years ago was one of the most important frontlines in WW1. You will overnight in an authentic mountain hut by the lake. It is quite basic, but offers lovely seclusion and a beautiful sunrise.Overnight: Golemo Ezero
Accommodation: Mountain Hut Golemo Ezero (dormitory accommodation)
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner
Hike: 4 hours
Elevation: From an elevation of 1.120 m up to 2.228 m
Transfer: 10 km / 15 minIMPORTANT: No baggage transfer to Golemo Ezero. Please make sure you pack what you will need in your backpack for one evening and the next day's hike.
If you prefer not to overnight in this dormitory-like setting, it is possible to return on the same trail back to the city and continue to Hotel Lakeview on Prespa Lake.
Day 6: Prespa Lake, 8 mi. (13 km)
Descend down to the villages by Lake Prespa on a trail following the WW1 military roads. You will pass by several glacial "stone rivers" or moraines and by the ruins of military objects – silent reminders of the horrors that were in this part of the frontline. Gradually, the path follows Brajcinska Creek serpentines into lush deciduous forests, passing by an old sawmill and a small church St.Nikola. Afternoon transfer to a small hotel by Prespa lake. Overnight in Oteshevo.Overnight: Oteshevo
Accommodation: Hotel Lakeview
Meals: Breakfast and picnic lunch
Hike: 4,5 hours
Elevation: From 1220 m down to 1000 m
Transfer: 40 km / 45 minDay 7: Galichica National Park - Ohrid, 4 mi. (7 km)
Head onwards to the pass of Galicica Mountain, rising like a big whale between Prespa and Ohrid Lakes. From the pass of Galicica hike to the highest peak in the range, Magaro (2.255m), located in the highly protected zone of Galicica National park. The hike goes through a pleasant forest, grassy meadows and limestone ridge in the higher sections. This trail gives some of the greatest views of Ohrid Lake and the surrounding mountains, and at some points of both Ohrid and Prespa Lakes, the two largest lakes in Macedonia. Overnight in Ohrid.Overnight: Ohrid
Accommodation: Villa Mal Sv Kliment or similar
Meals: Breakfast and picnic lunch
Hike: 5 hours
Elevation: From 1.572 m up to 2.255 m
Transfer: 52,5 km / 1h 15 minDay 8: Ohrid
Today is a "layover" day in Ohrid. Ohrid and Ohrid Lake are one of the thirty-five UNESCO areas in the world protected for both cultural and national heritage. As the oldest lake in Europe, Ohrid Lake has the biggest concentration of endemic species living in its waters for over 1.5 million years. The old town of Ohrid is one of the oldest settlements in Europe, (mentioned by the classical historian Livy in the 3rd century BC), with archaeological sites dating back to the Neolithic and Bronze Age, and with 365 churches, most of them from the Byzantine era. (it’s also known as the Jerusalem of the Balkans).Overnight: Ohrid
Accommodation: Villa Mal Sv Kliment or similar
Meals: BreakfastDay 9: Jablanica Mountain, 5 + 2 mi. (7.5 + 3.8 km)
A scenic drive takes you by Ohrid Lake, and on the narrow road to village Gorna Belica, set amidst the woods of Jablanica Mountain. From here start a circle hike to the Holi Trinity church at 2.040m which gives amazing views of Mount Jablanica, Ohrid Lake and the Albanian borderlands. Once back in Gorna Belica, continue on a path connecting this village with village Vevchani on an easy descending trail. Spend the night in a local guesthouse in Vevchani where you will taste some excellent homemade food for dinner. Overnight in Vevchani. (B, D)Overnight: Vevchani
Accommodation: Kutmichevica Guesthouse or similar
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hike: 5 + 2 hours
Elevation: From 1.400 m up to 2.040 m and from 1.400 m down to 865 m
Transfer: 34 km / 50 minDay 10: Departure
After breakfast transfer to Skopje airport for your flight home. Total distance 215 km / 3h. Before making any departure flight arrangements, please confirm with us the transfer time.Map
Accommodation
Accommodation during your tour will be in 3 * hotels, small family-run hotels, and guesthouses. The night in Golemo Ezero will be spent in an authentic, simple mountain hut located at 2,500 m elevation. The hut has only dormitory-type rooms but will be a highlight of your tour. Located by a glacial lake with an amazing view, the beauty of your surroundings surpasses the simplicity of your accommodations. If you would rather skip this accommodation, it is possible to return on the same trail back to the city and continue to the hotel by Prespa Lake. Please see each day’s detailed itinerary for the preferred accommodation and take note that the final hotel list will be based on availability.
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation for 9 nights
- 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, & 3 dinners
- Airport transfers & other transfers as indicated in the itinerary
- Luggage transfer as indicated in the itinerary
- Route navigation materials: map & route book (one set for every 1 - 3 participants)
- Mobile app with GPS tracks, locator, & waypoints
- Bradth Travel Guide of Northern Macedonia which includes helpful tips on tourist attractions, restaurants, shops, trails, etc
- Emergency support
What’s Not Included
- Private transfers if arriving apart from the group
- Train ticket from Prilep to Bitola (can be purchased in Prilep only)
- Travel Insurance (mandatory)
Dates & Pricing
Dates
2022
This tour can be started on any day from June 1 to October 15, 2022
Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
2022
Twin/double $ 1968 £ 1135 $ 1,867 € 1252 ₪ 4855 NZ$ 2159 NOK 13906 kr 14503 $ 1,406 Supplement for single room $ 280 £ 161 $ 265 € 178 ₪ 690 NZ$ 307 NOK 1977 kr 2062 $ 200 Extra Options
2022
GPS device: $ 71 £ 41 $ 67 € 45 ₪ 174 NZ$ 78 NOK 500 kr 521 $ 51
Extra nights
Skopje, from: $ 58 £ 34 $ 55 € 37 ₪ 143 NZ$ 64 NOK 411 kr 429 $ 42 Single supplement on request
Ohrid, from: $ 66 £ 38 $ 63 € 42 ₪ 163 NZ$ 72 NOK 466 kr 487 $ 47 Single supplement on requestExtra Info
Skill Level — Moderate
The majority of this trekking adventure is rated moderate. You will traverse a hilly, and at times, rugged terrain, but the daily distances are very manageable. In each day’s details below, you will find specifics regarding elevation gain, distance, and approximate time spent hiking. This tour is best enjoyed by those who hike regularly, are in good shape, and who do not mind the occasional challenge.
Airport Info
Fly to Skopje International Airport (SKP). Skopje Airport is also known as Skopje ‘Alexander the Great’ Airport. Previously known as Petrovec Airport, Skopje Airport is the largest airport in the Republic of Macedonia.
Local Travel
Arrival and departure transfers are included in tour price. Do note that transfers are group transfers. If you are arriving apart from your group, at a different time, a supplement will apply.
Climate
Situated in the heart of the Balkan Peninsula, the major part of Macedonia has a continental climate, though there are regions with a moderate Mediterranean climate as well as mountain climates. This is a country with cold winters and hot summers. Please check local conditions before your arrival and see below for Monthly Weather Averages.
Important to know
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.Covid-19 Info
Country Entry Requirements
Due to the changing requirements for entry, it is imperative that you stay up to date on requirements set by the country/countries that you are visiting. Please visit our Travel Restrictions Tool page and the country/countries government webpage for this information.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Macedonia Travel.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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