HIKING MACEDONIA 8 DAYS

WELCOME TO SKOPJE
Meeting with 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 hotel in Skopje.

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

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 bult in the rocks. Today it is also a nature reserve, home to the Bold Eagle and Egyptian Vulture, as well to over 200 diferent butterfly species. After the 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:
Total drive: 57km (1h)

TITO’S PEAK
Hike to Titov vrv - 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:
Total drive: 0km

JOIN THE SHEPHERDS ON MT BISTRA
After breakfast, a 2 hour scenic drive in the mountains and along the river Radika canyon takes you in the national park Mavrovo. Your hike today will start from Bitushe village to one of the peaks of the mountains bordering with Albania: Krchin peak. It is a moderate to demanding 7hours hike to the Krchin Peak with fantasticviews over Macedonia and Albania. Drive for another 1h 20min to a village above lake Ohrid. It is famous for their 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:
Total drive: 162 km (3h 10min)

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 a easy-moderate hike on a forest path to village Gorno Konsko. Enjoy the beautiful view of Ohrid Lake and experience the old rural traditions of this almost abandoned village. Afternoon is free to explore Ohrid 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:
Hike Nr 2: cca 8km / 715m – 1090m – 715m (4h)
Tour difficulty:
Total drive: 50km (1h 20min)

GALICICA NATIONAL PARK
We drive 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 4-5hours hile to the peak Magaro, which gives great views over both lakes and the fishing villages by the shore. From Galicica conitinue 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:
Total drive: 93 km (2h 30min)

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 Stobi, and to taste some premium Macedonian wines over dinner in the Stobi Winery. Overnight in Skopje.

Hike: 723m – 1.256m – 723m (4-5h)
Tour difficulty:
Total drive: 183km (2h30min)

LAST DAY
After breakfast transfer to Skopje airport for flight home.