Top Ohrid Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises - page 3

Mountain Jablanica has probably the most picturesque nature in Macedonia. The highest point is peak Crn Kamen with an elevation of 2258m. and the mountain is home to two glacial lakes. After we arrive at the village of Gorna Belica, the hiking starts and the guide will lead the way in the village, through the forest and to the highest peak, all the while enjoying the breathtaking nature. At the peak we make a 15 min break and as a way of celebrating we offer rakija (Macedonian brandy) to all participants. From there we descend to one of the glacial lakes were we'll make 30 min break for lunch and a time to swim for the adventurers (optional). From the lake the hike is downhill in to the forest and back to the village making a complete circle. This is a moderate 16 km hike with plenty of stops for resting and admiring the landscape.

On this tour, you can admire the large differences between Macedonia and Albania, in the landscape, culture, art... Until recently, Albania was a closed country, and now it is a popular travel destination. Today, you will see the capital of Albania, Tirana, and the main tourist city in Albania, Durres, settled on the shores of the Adriatic Sea.

Bitola, or also known as Monastir during the Ottoman Empire, was and still is an important town: It was established by Philip II, father of Alexander The Great; It is on the Ancient Roman Road of Via Egnatia; and it was the town where the international community decided to open consulates to the Ottoman Empire. Today, Bitola is a town with a wealth of cultures intertwined in its streets and residents. Likewise, the remnants of a once thriving Jewish community are scattered throughout the town, and blended in the everyday life as a memory. In this tour we visit the oldest Jewish cemetery in the Balkans, we walk through the old Jewish neighbourhood to see where the Jewish once people lived, visit the Old Bazaar to see where the Jewish people once worked, and we see the many monuments that the local people of Bitola enacted in memory of their fellow citizens. In the process we learn also about the rich history of Bitola and its tasty cuisine.

Ohrid and the shore of Ohrid Lake are protected by UNESCO and are the most famous tourist destinations in Macedonia. We will see the most beautiful churches in Ohrid, . We will climb up on top of the hill, to the “Samoil Fortress”, and take photos and admire the breath-taking lake views. On a half way to Saint Naum monastery, we will visit Bay of Bones, the most visited museums in the country. In Saint Naum monastery complex you will learn more about Slavic alphabets and you will have a chance to visit the most beautiful springs in Macedonia, the springs of river Drim.

In this guided tour you will get a chance to see the oldest part of Ohrid, and to have a cooking experience. The exploration through its magnificent architecture will sure give you an experience you'll never forget! I will share with you many stories while walking. We will start the walking tour from the main squire and go first on the presentation of filigree. Next, we are going on presentation of handmade paper and our next point will be St.Sofia church, one of the biggest and oldest churches in Ohrid. Next point will be presentation of famous Ohrid pearls, and continuing to Ancient Theatre where you will be fascinated of the view of the lake Ohrid . After walking tour the travelers will be picked up by car and transported to the nearby farmhouse (10min.driving) to participate in cooking of traditional meal named "komat" by hands on kneading and then of course tasting the komat while drinking macedonian wine and coffee. Then will be dropped off to the meeting point.

Once we arrive at Bitola, on the right, you can see Mount Pelister and Pelister National Park, which is the smallest but oldest national park in Macedonia. It is famous for its ancient Molika pine trees and many other different types of flora and fauna and it conserves some rare glacial lakes, the Pelister Eyes. It is a famous winter ski resort with hotels and ski-lifts. In Bitola we visit the church of St. Dimitri. Then we just have a quick glance at Yeni Mosque, built in 1559 which is now an art gallery, then the Yahdar-Kadi Mosque (built in 1562) and the Isak Mosque (built in 1508-09). At the heart of the town is the Clock Tower. The River Dragor runs through the town. Sirok Sokak (a long pedestrian area) is renowned for the beautiful old houses that belong to the 19th-century architecture. Bitola is a town of consulates, also the town where the Manaki brothers, famous for their pioneering work with the camera, opened their Studio of Art Photography in 1905.

Matka Canyon is one of the most beautiful places to visit in North Macedonia, it's a nature paradise, quite likely among the most picturesque nature sites on the European continent. This wonderful gem of nature is located only a short ride away from the capital and you can easily go there as a day trip from Skopje. Amazing nature, boat drive and cave Vrelo will offer you a wonderful daily tour. After canyon Matka, visit Skopje and have a city tour of the city.

Somewhere in the western part of the small country of Macedonia, you can see two blue dots, the Ohrid and the Prespa Lakes. One of them is one of the oldest natural lakes in Europe and its surrounding is the most beautiful place in the country. You will explore the Old part of town, the Bay of bones, and the St. Naum settlement, Bitola and Galichica National Park. Enjoy your tour!