North Macedonia Grand Hiking Tour

Welcome to Skopje, North Macedonia! Your guide will meet you at the airport and accompany you to the hotel in central Skopje. Once you settle in, meet your group for a short city walk with your local guide, wander the old city centre and learn about the history of North Macedonia’s capital. In the evening, you’ll have an introduction dinner with your group in a traditional restaurant. Get some rest for the days ahead!

After filling up on breakfast, you’ll get a transfer to Mount Vodno, one of the hills overlooking Skopje. Take a cable car ride followed by a short hike to reach the top. Marvel at the Millennium Cross when you arrive: a religious structure emulating the Eiffel Tower's construction, but in the shape of a cross. Take some pictures here as you will be in front of an incredible view of Skopje. From here, the group will follow the guide towards Matka Canyon. The route passes by some fascinating wonders: St. Nikola monastery built into the rocks overlooking the canyon and Lake Matka, where you’ll stop for a packed lunch and short stroll. Vrelo Cave is one of the deepest cave lakes in the world, and you'll have the chance to visit it. At the end of the trail, you’ll be transferred to the small ski village of Popova Shapka for dinner and rest.

Popova Sapka is a ski resort in the winter with awesome hiking when the snow melts. After breakfast, you’ll get well acquainted with this area. Today’s morning hike will offer incredible views of the Sharr Mountains, and many natural lakes in the area. You’ll pass by agricultural land where sheep farms and local farmers have settled in the mountains. Have lunch back in Popova Sapka and get transferred to the nearby city of Tetovo for some sightseeing; you’ll be especially impressed by the Colorful Mosque. Dinner tonight will be in Mavrovo, and you can settle into your cozy guesthouse for the night.

Get ready for a full day exploring the biggest national park in North Macedonia, Mavrovo National Park. The park comprises several peaks, including Mount Korab, the highest peak in North Macedonia at 2,764 m / 9,068 ft. Receive a short transfer to the starting point at Carevec then get your legs moving as you pass by views of Mavrovo Lake, Medecina Peak, and Mount Korab. You’ll descend after reaching Cavkarnik Peak and return to the hut in Mavrovo for a well-earned dinner.

Fill up on breakfast in Mavrovo then take a transfer to Carevec, a viewpoint you saw yesterday. Start the hike here through Mavrovo National Park on a trail that will take you through many cute villages. First, you’ll stop in the mountain village Galichnik to explore its beautiful architecture and amphitheatre. Climb to the highest spot in Galichnik for a majestic view of Radika Canyon that surrounds the village. Hike another hour and a half to reach Jance, a village with lots of opportunities to participate in eco-tourism and learn about local traditions. At the end of the day, you’ll get a transfer to Ohrid for a traditional dinner and comfortable sleep in a hotel.

Enjoy breakfast in the beautiful lakeside town of Ohrid, then head to the starting point for the morning hike to Jablanica Mountain. Follow your guide on the trail that nears the Albanian border, passing by the Parumba church, as it’s locally known. Descend through a stunning valley to complete the trail loop. You’ll stop in another village for lunch and spend the afternoon strolling around the Vevcani springs. Admire this natural water feature nestled in the North Macedonian brush, replete with wooden bridges and stone houses. After the day’s adventures, you’ll head back to the hotel in Ohrid for the night.

Check another national park off the list today as you set out to explore Galichica National Park after breakfast. You'll be immersed in fragrant flora and fauna and witness some stunning views of Lake Ohrid and the surrounding terrain. Hike to the village of Pestani where you’ll meet the driver to be taken to Bitola. As you drive through Galichica National Park, you’ll be wowed by the peaks and valleys and catch glimpses of the exceptional natural lakes. Settle into a cute hotel in the neighbouring Pelister National Park.

Fuel up on breakfast for a big climb today—and don’t forget your camera for some terrific panoramas. Starting at Hotel Molika, you’ll follow a trail through dense pine forests until reaching an excellent viewpoint looking over Pelagonija Valley opening over Bitola. Get a quick history lesson from your guide when you see Kajmakcalan Mountain on the Greek border, with its small church perched atop a historically significant peak. The grounds were used as a battlefield in World War I. You’ll descend from here into the adorable Dihovo village for dinner and sleep.

After breakfast, you’ll start the journey into Pelister National Park, which is home to several pristine alpine lakes. Today’s trail will lead you to Pelister’s Eyes, two side-by-side lakes left over from the Ice Age and maintained by snow and rainfall throughout the year. You may think the “eyes” are winking, as one is much smaller than the other. You’ll hit some amazing viewpoints like the Jorgov Stone stop, a popular break spot for mountain bikers and hikers alike. Once you reach Dihovo again, you’ll be transferred to the town with the highest altitude in North Macedonia for the night: Krusevo, sitting at 1,350 m / 4,429 ft.

Take your time enjoying breakfast; today is not as packed as the previous days. You’ll stay locally in Krusevo to explore. First, take a city walk with a local guide and learn why this town is historically significant to the area. This town was the center for the initial uprising against the Ottoman Empire, and the Republic of Krushevo was the first republic of the Balkans. Continue strolling the streets, and taste local flavours in the marketplaces and cafes and have lunch with your group in a local restaurant. You have a free afternoon to continue exploring, do some shopping, or relax. Spend the night in the hotel in Krusevo, and get a good night’s sleep for your last full day tomorrow.

Fuel up for your final full tour day. You’ll start with a visit to Treskavec Monastery, a medieval complex built atop a peak that gives 360-degree views. You’ll be overcome by the serene atmosphere here. Take a moment in a unique spot to admire the views and enjoy the peace. Begin hiking towards another medieval structure, King Marko’s Fortress. You’ll have amazing views from here as well—don’t forget to ask your guide about the history. Visit another religious complex before heading to lunch in the city. Wrap up the tour in one of the best ways—a visit to a local winery! Spend the evening tasting local products and have your final dinner at the winery. Popova Kula Winery has a hotel to accommodate you for the night, so you don’t have to go far to find your bed after all that food and drink.

Sadly, your 12-day grand hiking tour has come to an end! Enjoy a final breakfast with your group and discuss all the memories you made in the past 12 days. Your airport transfer to Skopje International Airport will be ready when you are.