Hiking Macedonia 8 Days Tour

DAY 1: WELCOME TO SKOPJE

Meeting with a Macedonia Travel representative at the airport and transfer to your hotel in Skopje. Afternoon hike on Vodno Mountain rising from the center of Skopje. Dinner will be in the bohemian quarter of Skopje where we'll discuss the tour logistics and local customs while sampling Macedonian grilled cheese, peppers, and courgettes. Overnight in a hotel in Skopje.

Hike: 10km one way; 325m –1060m – 325m (3-4hours)
Tour difficulty: Moderate
Total drive: 25km (30min)
Accommodation: Hotel 3*

DAY 2: CANYON MATKA

Take a hike on the history trail in Matka Canyon. It was once the place where only Orthodox monks lived in the monasteries built on the rocks. Today it is also a nature reserve, home to the Bold Eagle and Egyptian Vulture, as well as over 200 different butterfly species. After lunch, we'll take a boat ride along the canyon to one of the deepest caves in the world – Vrelo cave. Drive to Popova Shapka in the Sharr Mountain Range for dinner and overnight in a mountain hut.

Hike: 350m –780m – 320m (4-5h)
Tour difficulty: Moderately Easy
Total drive: 57km (1h)
Accommodation: mountain hut

DAY 3: TITO’S PEAK

Hike to Titov is - named after Marshall Tito, is an all-day tour full of great panoramic views of Shar Planina and Jakupica range, Pelister, Korab, and even Rila mountains in Bulgaria. Below the peak is probably the most beautiful area in Macedonia – the alpine-style Leshnica area with pine trees, deep river valleys, and impressive overhanging rock faces. Dinner and overnight in a mountain hut.

Hike: 1.730m –2.746m – 1.730m (8-9h)
Tour difficulty: Challenging
Total drive: 0km
Accommodation: mountain hut

DAY 4: JOIN THE SHEPHERDS ON MT BISTRA

After breakfast, a 2-hour scenic drive in the mountains and along the river Radika canyon takes you to the national park Mavrovo. Your hike today will start from Bitushe village to one of the peaks of the mountains bordering Albania: Krchin peak. It is a moderate to demanding 7hours hike to the Krchin Peak with fantastic views over Macedonia and Albania. Drive for another 1h 20 min to a village above lake Ohrid. It is famous for its traditional village hospitality and amazing homemade dishes. Dinner and overnight in a guesthouse in Vevchani.

Hike: 13,5km round trip/ 1.115m – 2.400m – 1.115m (7-8h)
Tour difficulty: Moderate
Total drive: 162 km (3h 10min)
Accommodation: guesthouse

DAY 5: OHRID & GALICICA NATIONAL PARK

After the hearty village breakfast we decide about our hike today:

1. 6-7 hours scenic hike on the same mountain starting from village Gorna Belica to peak Crn Vrv; After the hike drive to Ohrid, explore the town in the afternoon, and have dinner in a restaurant by the lake.

2. drive to Ohrid, and to the guesthouse on Ohrid Riviera where you will be staying tonight. From here take an easy-moderate hike on a forest path to the village of Gorno Konsko. Enjoy the beautiful view of Ohrid Lake and experience the old rural traditions of this almost abandoned village. The afternoon is free to explore Ohrid's old town and have dinner in a restaurant by the lake.

Overnight in village Lagadin (7km from Ohrid)

Hike Nr 1: 12km round trip/ 1.455m – 2.300m – 1.455m (7h)
Tour difficulty: Moderate
Hike Nr 2: CCA 8km / 715m – 1090m – 715m (4h)
Tour difficulty: Moderately Easy
Total drive: 50km (1h 20min)
Accommodation: guesthouse

DAY 6: GALICICA NATIONAL PARK

We drive for around 30min in the morning to the pass of Galicica mountain, rising like a huge whale between Ohrid and Prespa Lakes. From here start a 4-5 hour hike to the peak Magaro, which gives great views over both lakes and the fishing villages by the shore. From Galicica continue driving to Prespa Lake, and to Bitola, the former city of consulates and embassies, today still one of the most beautiful cities in Macedonia. Join the evening promenade on the main cobblestoned street of Bitola and have dinner in one of its traditional restaurants. Overnight in Bitola.

Hike: 13,5km round trip/ 1.575m – 2272m – 1.575m (4-5h)
Tour difficulty: Moderate
Total drive: 93 km (2h 30min)
Accommodation: hotel boutique

DAY 7: TRESKAVEC

After breakfast drive to king Marko’s towers above Prilep, where you start a moderate 5 hours hike to the monastery of Treskavec - a XIV-century church hidden between the boulders of Gold Mountain. It is worth visiting for its great Byzantine treasure, for the remains of the 2nd century Apollo temple, and for the relaxing cup of tea with father Kalist, an Orthodox priest that lives in the monastery. Afternoon drive to Skopje. Stop on your way to visit the ancient city of Stobi, and taste some premium Macedonian wines over dinner in the Stobi Winery. Overnight in Skopje.

Hike: 723m – 1.256m – 723m (4-5h)
Tour difficulty: Moderately Easy
Total drive: 183km (2h30min)
Accommodation: Hotel 3*

DAY 8: LAST DAY

After breakfast transfer to Skopje airport for the flight home.

INCLUDED IN PRICE:

Accommodation: 2 x 3* hotel, 1 x boutique hotel, 2 x guesthouse, 2 x mountain hut

Meals: 7 x breakfast, 7 x dinner

Full escort by a professional hiking guide

Expenses for the guide

Transport with AC economy class car/van

Boat ride in Canyon Matka

Entrance fees for National parks

Winetasting (4 wines) with dinner in Stobi winery

Full organization and logistics by Macedonia Travel

Certificate of Reforestation for one tree planted in your name in Macedonia

NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE:

Drinks during the meals

Supplement for a single accommodation (N/A in a mountain hut on Days 2 and 3)

Personal medical and travel insurance

Any personal expenses not mentioned under “included in the price”