The Highlights of North Macedonia by Bike

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Day 1: Arrival in Skopje and transfer to Krushevo

As you arrive at Skopje airport, you will be welcomed by our local representative and transferred to Krushevo, a picturesque town in the central mountains of North Macedonia. It is the highest town in the Balkans, famous for the first uprising against the Ottomans and its traditional architecture, local art crafts, and delicious cuisine. Enjoy your first Macedonian meal in one of the best places to taste traditional cuisine and Macedonian local beer.

• Accommodation: Sveti Nikola Boutique Hotel or similar

Day 2: Krushevo – Bitola | 62km

Starting from the hotel, ride down Mount Busava to the villages at its foothills. You can stop at the village of Obrshani to climb the bell tower for the best view of the surrounding tobacco fields and continue to the archaeological ruins of one of the biggest ancient cities in the region, still being excavated. On the way, it is possible to stop at the local village stores to buy something for lunch. In the afternoon, you continue riding on the old road to Bitola and Heraclea Lyncestis – an ancient city built by the father of Alexander the Great, Philip II. Arrival in Bitola in the afternoon. Bitola is the former city of consulates and embassies, today still one of the most beautiful cities in Macedonia which managed to maintain its 18th and 19th-century neoclassical architecture and monuments.

• Cycling for the day: 62km, 5h, ↑171m ↓813m
• Overnight: Hotel Teatar or similar 

Day 3: Bitola – Prespa Lake | 50km

Start riding from your hotel in Bitola in the morning on the old road to Prespa Lake, to join for a part the ancient Roman road Via Egnatia, built over old Candavian Road some 2.200 years ago. Next, ride up to Gjavato Pass and then make a descent to Lake Prespa, where you can visit a small village with a lovely ethno museum. From here, ride next to the bird reserve of Ezerani and get to the other side of the lake where you can stop for a swim and for overnight in a lakeside hotel.

• Cycling for the day: 50km, 6h, ↑752m ↓503m
• Overnight: Hotel Lakeview Oteshevo or similar
  

Day 4: Prespa Lake – Ohrid Lake | 45km

Ride up Galicica Mountain in the morning on a local asphalt road through Galicica National Park’s dense forests. The ride starts at 860m, and up over Galicica pass at 1590m, where you can stop to enjoy the amazing view over Ohrid Lake and the surrounding mountains stretching all the way to Albania. You then cycle down on a winding road to Ohrid Lake and following the road by the lake to the town of Ohrid. In case you find the climb up Galicica too demanding, you can book an optional transfer to the highest point on the spot.

• Cycling for the day: 45km, 4-5h, ↑980m ↓1,159m
• Overnight: Hotel Royal View or similar
  

Day 5: Ohrid

A free day to explore Ohrid, the UNESCO world heritage town with its 365 Orthodox churches, old town, an antique theatre and the medieval city walls of Tsar Samuil. Ohrid is one of the oldest human settlements in Europe.

• Overnight: Hotel Royal View or similar

Day 6: Ohrid Lake – Vevchani | 45km

You will be cycling on the scenic local road along the lake shore all the way from Ohrid to the villages before the border with Albania. A nice stop on the route is the colourful open market in Struga, with big choice of fresh fruit and veggies, as well as houseware and souvenirs. Your last stop before the border is Kalishta monastery. Next to the big church, you will find the entrance that leads you up the stairs to an old cave church and to the few monk cells dug into the rocks centuries ago. Here would be also the place for your last swim in Ohrid Lake before you head to Jablanica Mountain, and to Vevchani village at its foothills, which is your destination for the day.

• Cycling for the day: 45km, 4-5h, ↑980m ↓1159m
• Overnight: Kutmmicevica guesthouse or similar

Day 7: Canyon Matka and Skopje | up to 30km

After a tasty village breakfast, transfer to Canyon Matka where a guide will be waiting for you and show you the beauties of the nature reserve. Canyon Matka is a significant landmark with several medieval Byzantine monasteries and natural formations – a must-see when you are in Skopje. After the Matka tour, you continue on the bike to your hotel in Skopje through the streets of Skopje or through the Vodno mountain.

• Cycling for the day: 20km – 30km, distance and elevation depend on the route you choose
• Overnight: Ibis Skopje City Centre Hotel or similar
  

Day 8: Departure

Depending on your flight’s timing, you can further explore Skopje, the birthplace of Mother Teresa. You can stroll through the lovely old town with cobblestoned alleys lined with jewellery, antique and souvenir shops, with cosy restaurants and tea-rooms, as well as Ottoman time mosques and hammams. Departure to the airport on your own (not included in the tour price).

Click to view default hotels

• Sveti Nikola Boutique Hotel
• Hotel Teatar
• Hotel Lakeview Oteshevo
• Kutmicevica Guesthouse
• Hotel Royal View
• Ibis Skopje City Centre Hotel

Hotels are subject to availability. In case a particular hotel is fully booked for your desired dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.