(Belgrade) Niš – Ski Center Voras – Nidže Mountain (Kajmakčalan peak) – Loutraki Spa – Bitola – Saint Naum Monastery – Pogradec – Ohrid – Galičica National Park (Magaro peak) – Vevčani – Zebrnjak – Niš (Belgrade)

North Macedonia is a land where mountain ridges meet vast lake horizons, and where roads often follow the flow of rivers, history, and memory. Nestled between the Šar and Rhodope Mountains, shaped by the valleys of the Black Drim and surrounded by ancient lakes—Prespa, Dojran, and Lake Ohrid—this is a region of strong identity and remarkable natural beauty.

This adventure takes us across borders and elevations: from Mount Nidže and the summit of Kajmakčalan, through the thermal springs of Loutraki, to Bitola, a city of consulates and elegant promenades, then along the shores of Lake Ohrid, to the Monastery of Saint Naum and the ridges of Mount Galičica, where two lakes and two worlds can be seen at once.

Often called the soul of the Balkans, Ohrid is a city where nature and spirituality meet at every step. As the cradle of Slavic literacy and one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe, Ohrid has been listed as a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage site since 1979 – a place not only to be seen, but truly experienced.

Tour plan:

Day 1: (BELGRADE) NIŠ – VORAS SKI CENTER

Departure from Niš at 1:00 p.m. Drive through Serbia, North Macedonia, and Greece, with short stops along the way for border formalities, to the Voras Ski Center. Accommodation in private houses in a village at the foot of the mountain. Dinner. Overnight stay.

Day 2: KAJMAKČALAN (2,521 m) – LOUTRAKI SPA

Breakfast. Transfer to the plateau of the Voras Ski Center at 2,407 m above sea level, where we begin our ascent to the summit of Kajmakčalan (2,521 m). The trail is 8 km long with an elevation gain of 470 meters and is considered an easy hiking route. After the hike, we continue to the Loutraki Spa and its thermal springs. Return to accommodation. Dinner. Overnight stay.

Day 3: BITOLA – SAINT NAUM MONASTERY – POGRADEC – OHRID

Breakfast. Transfer to Bitola, one of the most important cultural, economic and administrative centers of North Macedonia, known for its long diplomatic tradition. City tour with a lunch break. The journey continues toward Ohrid, with a visit to the Saint Naum Monastery and the springs of the Black Drim River. Along the way, we make a short visit to Albania and the town of Pogradec, located on the Albanian side of Lake Ohrid. Arrival in Ohrid. Accommodation. Dinner. Overnight stay.

Day 4: GALIČICA NATIONAL PARK (MAGARO 2,254 m) – OHRID OLD TOWN

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

Day 5: VEVČANI – ZEBRNJAK – NIŠ (BELGRADE)

Breakfast. Travel to Vevčani, an authentic and picturesque village known for its traditional architecture and famous springs, set amid the unspoiled nature of the Jablanica Mountain slopes. Lunch break. Continue to the village of Malo Nagoričane, near the Zebrnjak Memorial Ossuary, a monumental memorial dedicated to the heroes of the Battle of Kumanovo. Guided visit to the memorial complex with a local guide. Departure toward Niš/Belgrade. Arrival in the evening. End of program.

Details:

Price include

  • Transportation by high class tourist van,
  • Two overnight stays in the Voras mountain area, at the foot of Mount Nidže (Greece),
  • Two overnights stays in in the private accommodation on Lake Ohrid,
  • Guided sightseeing tour of Bitola,
  • Visit to the Saint Naum Monastery complex,
  • Panoramic visit to Pogradec (Albania),
  • Visit to Vevčani village,
  • Services of a licensed tour guide,
  • Trip organization and leadership.

Price not include

  • Meals,
  • Ascent to Kajmakčalan,
  • Ascent to Magaro peak and entrance fee to Galičica National Park,
  • Visit to the Zebrnjak Memorial Complex (voluntary donation on site),
  • Entrance fee to Loutraki Spa (thermal baths),
  • Travel and 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, swimwear, and a towel. Optionally, you can bring some sweets, snacks, refreshing drinks, and water. All of this should fit into a small backpack.

Accommodation

Accommodation is provided in private houses, in double, triple, and quadruple rooms. At both accommodation locations, half-board service is available upon prior request.

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. 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.