North Macedonia, Greece and Bulgaria Cycling Tour

Welcome to North Macedonia! Your guide will meet you then bring you to Mavrovo National Park—your cycling adventure starts right away! Hop on your bike and cycle to St. John the Baptist Monastery, a short climb from the park’s entrance. You’ll get a quick rest in a transfer to your lunch spot in Debar. After digesting, you’re back on your bike to cycle to Ohrid to spend the night. On the way, enjoy stops at different villages, including the “waterfall” village of Vevcani, built close to pristine natural springs.

After breakfast, your guide will take your group on a sightseeing tour of Ohrid by bike. Be prepared for some ascents and descents as this UNESCO-protected town is a bit hilly. While you ride, keep your eyes open for gorgeous views of Lake Ohrid. You’ll visit some historical and religiously-significant spots like the fortress, the St. Sofia Church, and St. John Kaneo Church. You have free time in the afternoon to wander Ohrid at your leisure. Stroll along the lakeshore and stop for a nice glass of local wine. Get some rest for a big day ahead!

Enjoy a hearty breakfast and fuel up for a big ride today. The first stop on the path is the St. Naum Monastery, an old stone structure with terracotta tiles built on Lake Ohrid's shore. Take a short boat road to get views from the water before hopping back on your bike to climb through Galichica National Park. Once you leave Lake Ohrid behind, you won’t be far from the next beautiful body of water ahead: Lake Prespa. Enjoy a downhill descent towards the lake and take a private transfer to Bitola. You’ll arrive in time for dinner and a stroll of this cute town before getting some sleep.

You’ll head to Greece after breakfast today. First, you’ll explore the ruins of Heraclea and the archeological site around them. Take a private transfer to Edessa, where you’ll admire its famous waterfall and natural beauty. Mount your bikes once more for a relatively flat ride among the Greek countryside with Vergina as the final destination. This town houses the grave of Philip II of Macedon, Alexander the Great’s father. Catch up with your crew over a delicious Greek dinner and spend the night in Vergina.

Today is filled with mythological magic: you’ll cycle around Mount Olympus, famous in Greek mythology for being home of Zeus and other Greek Gods. As you ascend these giant cliffs and rocks, you’ll be rewarded with unparalleled views of the Aegean Sea. Imagine yourself eating with Zeus as you enjoy a picnic on Mount Olympus. Descend to the car and receive a transfer to Thessaloniki in the evening. Enjoy a well-earned dinner and rest in the hotel.

Your legs will have a rest today as you explore the gulf-side city of Thessaloniki on foot. A local guide will show you around and educate you on the history and nuances of this metropolis. Fun fact: Thessaloniki was the second largest and wealthiest city of the Byzantine Empire. Get your fill of Greek and Roman culture by exploring the museums and wandering the streets in the old centre. Get a good night’s sleep, and prepare to be back on your bike tomorrow.

After breakfast, hop in the transfer to drive along part of the Greek coastline towards the Sithonia region. You’ll be happy to get on your bike once you reach the fishing town of Nea Moudania. Cruise along the stunning rocky coastline next to the clear Aegean Sea, feeling the wind in your hair and the sun on your skin. End the cycling route today in Neos Marmaras, where you’ll have free time to enjoy the beach or cycle around the peninsula as you please. Your group will stay in a hotel in Neos Marmaras tonight.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast and head out on your bike for a full-day tour of the Sithonia Peninsula, a smaller peninsula jutting off the larger Chalkidiki Peninsula. Today's cycling route is comprised of off-road and some asphalt over hilly and rocky terrain—you'll be awestruck by the views the entire time. There will be plenty of opportunities to pause for beach breaks, and you may even end up finding a secluded cove for just your group! Ride back to Neos Marmaras for dinner and a well-earned rest.

Fill up on breakfast before you head to Ouranopolis to explore the Athos peninsula by bike. This peninsula is religiously fascinating as it’s a significant centre for Eastern Orthodox monasticism. The route takes you past several monastery complexes, and your guide can inform you about the area’s ancient history—in some cases, women are forbidden to visit. After exploring Athos, you’ll have lunch then receive transportation to the Bulgarian border then cycle to Bansko from there. Arrive in the evening to enjoy your first Bulgarian meal and settle into your hotel to rest.

Wake up in Bulgaria and enjoy a nice breakfast before the day’s adventure. Today you will explore the awesome recreation areas around Bansko, a popular ski resort in the winter with excellent hiking and biking opportunities in the summer. Do some technical riding today on some off-road single-tracks and downhill trails. You’ll catch superb views of Pirin Mountain as you explore the area. Return for a final dinner with your group and take advantage of the hotel’s spa centre and swimming pool for ultimate relaxation on your last night.

Sadly, your tour has come to an end. Have a final breakfast with your new friends, then pack up. You’ll have transport to Sofia Airport according to your flight schedule.