North Macedonia – a land of mountains and lakes, nestled between the Šar and Rhodope mountain ranges, shaped by the valleys of the Crni Drim River and basins adorned with some of the most beautiful lakes in the Balkans: Prespa, Dojran, and Lake Ohrid, one of the oldest lakes on the planet. Within a small area, nature, history, and culture intertwine in perfect harmony.

On this easier, panoramic tour, we take you through the most beautiful parts of North Macedonia – from the historic Zebrnjak Memorial, through Skopje, to the magical town of Ohrid. A special highlight is our stay in Galičica National Park and a moderate hike to Mount Magaro (2,254 m), offering breathtaking views of both Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa at the same time – a sight that lingers long in memory.

Ohrid, the pearl of the Balkans and the cradle of Slavic literacy, is a town of outstanding natural beauty and rich cultural and historical heritage. With more than 365 churches and monasteries, its old town, lakeside promenade, and UNESCO-listed landmarks, Ohrid offers a perfect balance between active exploration and relaxed discovery. A visit to the Monastery of Saint Naum and the springs of the Crni Drim River completes this travel story in a slower, more leisurely rhythm.

Tour plan:

Day 1: NIŠ – ZEBRNJAK – SKOPJE – OHRID

Departure at 07:30 a.m. in front of the hotel in Niš. Drive through Serbia and North Macedonia with occasional stops for rest and border formalities.

Arrival in Malo Nagoričano, a village located near the Zebrnjak Memorial Ossuary and monumental memorial complex, dedicated to the heroes of the Battle of Kumanovo. Guided tour of the memorial with a local guide.

Continuation of the journey to Skopje. Lunch break at a traditional restaurant. Arrival in Ohrid in the evening. Accommodation in guesthouse-style villas. Dinner. Overnight.

Day 2: GALIČICA NATIONAL PARK – ASCENT TO MAGARO PEAK (2254 m) – OHRID OLD TOWN

Breakfast. Transfer to the Galičica National Park at 1,600 m above sea level. A three-hour hike to Magaro peak (2,254 m), the highest peak of Mount Galičica. Picnic lunch in nature. The view from the summit overlooking both Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa is unforgettable. This circular route, with a total length of 9 km, requires a moderate level of physical fitness.

Return to Ohrid followed by a tour of UNESCO-listed landmarks: the Church of Saint Panteleimon, Saint John at Kaneo, the Church of Saint Sophia, and the Church of the Virgin Perivlepta. Dinner at a traditional restaurant. Overnight.

Day 3: OHRID – SAINT NAUM MONASTERY – NIŠ

Transfer to the Monastery of Saint. Guided visit to the monastery and the springs of the Black Drim River. Lunch break. Drive back to Serbia with stops along the way for rest and border formalities. Arrival in Niš in the evening. End of program.

Details:

Price include

  • Transportation by high class tourist van,
  • Two nights in the accommodation in private guesthouses on Lake Ohrid, on a half-board basis,
  • Entrance fee to Galičica National Park,
  • Visit to the Monastery of Saint Naum complex,
  • Services of a licensed tour guide,
  • Services of a licensed mountain guide,
  • Tourist (resort) tax,
  • Organization costs and tour management.

Price not include

  • Other meals,
  • Boat cruise to the springs of the Black Drim River – _____ euros per person,
  • Visit to the Zebrnjak Memorial Complex – donation left at participants’ discretion,
  • International travel health insurance,
  • Personal expenses.

It is necessary to take

Sturdy hiking shoes or boots, multiple pairs of socks, short-sleeve shirts, a light jacket with a hood (preferably waterproof), a fleece or sweatshirt, spare pants, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen. Optionally, you can bring some sweets, snacks, refreshing drinks, and water. All of this should fit into a small backpack.

Accommodation

Villa & Winery Mal Sv. Kliment – 4* hotel: http://vilamalsvetikliment.com/

Villa Blazeski Ohrid: https://www.facebook.com/villa.blazeski/

Method of payment

A 50% advance payment of the total arrangement price is required at the time of booking. The remaining amount must be paid no later than 20 days before the start of the trip (with the option of installment payments). This program is based on a minimum of 8 registered participants. In case of changes in the monetary market (or the market of goods and services) or an insufficient number of registered participants, the tour organizer reserves the right to adjust prices, modify the program, or cancel the trip no later than 5 days before the scheduled departure.

Note

For departure from Belgrade, an additional payment of 30 EUR per person should be done. Payment is made in RSD equivalent. Transportation from Belgrade is organized for groups of at least 6 passengers.

The organizer reserves the right to modify the itinerary in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Travel organizer

The organizer of the trip is travel agency Nature Travel Office, licence number OTP 38/2025 issued by the Business Register Agency as of May 06, 2025. Nature Travel Office is insured by an insurance policy against responsibility for travel agencies in case of insolvency and liability in case of damage to the traveller, number 30000058078, by the insurer MILENIJUM OSIGURANJE ADO Belgrade. The policy is valid from April 01, 2026 to April 01, 2027. In this program, travel agency Nature Travel Office applies their general terms and conditions of traveling, which are included in signing up for the trip.