North Macedonia Ohrid and Saint Naum Day Tour from Tirana
Description
This tour is unique because it gives traveleres the opportunity to explore another country in 1 day during their travel in Albania. This tour includes a full drive along Ohrid's Lake perimeter, exploring several UNESCO historic and cultural sites that are found by the lake with breathtaking views of Orthodox Byzantine monasteries and churches over the waters of the lake. During the full tour of Ohrid, a city renowned for its 365 churches, you will have the opportunity to visit the city's churches, castle, viewpoints and a very special place where you will learn by demostration where and how experts of the 16th centry used to make paper (PAPyRUS). After Ohrid, this program will take you on a scenic drive along the lake to other sites like Bay of Bones, Monastery of Saint Naum and Lin Town. Enjoy a wonderfull day in North Macedonia and South - East Albania!
Tour Options
Itinerary
Discover the charming old town of Ohrid, a city that seems untouched by time. Ohrid boasts a history that stretches back to ancient Hellenistic times, passing through the eras of the Roman Empire and the Ottoman Empire. With is its remarkable fusion of Orthodox and Islamic architecture and with an astounding number of 365 churches, each symbolizing a day of the year, Ohrid is truly unique. As we stroll through the enchanting streets of the old town, we will explore the main churches, such as Saint Sophia, Saint Jovani, and Saint Clement. We'll also marvel at the medieval Samoil Fortress, visit the National Workshop for handmade paper, and immerse ourselves in the rich culture at the Ohrid Amphitheatre, among other captivating experiences that await us in this remarkable city.
Continue your scenic drive along the lake's perimeter. Short stop by "Bay of Bones" to learn about the history of the site.
Following our yourney by the lake, we will soon encounter the Saint Naum Monastery. As we admire the ancient Byzantine architecture that has stood for a thousand years, we'll proceed to explore the monastery's interior. Inside, we will pay a visit to the central church of the monastery and relish the picturesque view of the lake from this vantage point. For nature enthusiasts, the monastery also houses captivating peacocks, adding to its overall charm and beauty.
Re-enter Albania and enjoy a leisurely drive along Albania’s lake perimeter, taking in the beautiful scenic views along the way. As we ascend to the lofty heights of Mount Qafe Thana, we will encounter and pass by Lin Village. Enjoy the breathtaking vista of the village and the lake while you return back to Tirana
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Kindly note that the tour is scheduled to start at 07:30 AM. This means that pick-ups will take place earlier, between 06:45 and 07:15 at or very near your accommodation. Please ensure you provide a phone number with a working WHATSAPP account for smother communication.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please enusre you have provided a phone number with a working WHATSAPP account.
- You will receive the pick up instructions through WhatsApp ONE DAY PRIOR to travel date.
- Please make sure to bring your passport at all times, without exception.
- BELOW: Visa Requirements for Entering the Republic of North Macedonia
- Nationals of EU Member States and countries in the Schengen Area can enter North Macedonia with a passport or ID card — no visa required.
- Citizens of non-EU countries holding permanent or temporary residence in an EU Member State also do not need a visa, provided they carry a passport with EU residence permit or EU ID card.
- Foreign nationals with a valid multiple-entry visa from the UK, USA, or Canada may enter North Macedonia, as long as the visa is valid for at least 5 more days and ***INSERTED*** in the passport.
- E-Visas (Electronic Visas) are NOT accepted.
- You are responsible for ensuring that you possess the necessary travel documents to cross the border. The agency is not liable if you are denied entry.
- The tour will proceed as scheduled, and you will be responsible for arranging your own transportation back to Tirana.
- This tour is not suitable for people with mobility issues.
- Not suitable for travelers with significant mobility challenges.
Reviews(249)
What a great trip! Beautiful scenic roads in a very well equipped bus, with a few small pitstops. During the travel, the guide Nolan told us about the history of North Macedonia and close relationships to Albania🇦🇱, and other key details, before crossing the border to North Macedonia 🇲🇰 We were then handed over to local tour guide from Ohrid (I think his name was Phil) to tell the group more about the details and history of the town. Beautiful monastery and churches and old town feelings. Then we had some time for ourselves and then headed back to the bus and journey home. Now some practical topics: - slippery cobblestone (especially if rainy) bring good shoes - opt to take boat ride back after tour, for another approx 700 lek. (walk back is approx 15 min, pretty flat terrain compared to the climb at the start) - bring swimming trunks/bathing suit if you want to do a quick dip in the lake (we missed this as there was no mention about it in itinerary) -departures and pitstops are well timed, must be precise otherwise might have to run after the bus - in Ohrid, make sure to exchange to N.M. dinars, or have € prepped. (Especially for smaller purchases as entry fee, souvenirs). But for food at resturant they normally take card.
A very enjoyable day trip and definitely recommended for anyone looking to discover Ohrid from Albania.
The bus ride is long with one rest stop about an hour and a half in. The facilities were not the cleanest so be prepared. Our tour guide Dave was very friendly, funny and informative. He has a difficult job of keeping us on time and did a good job of reminding us of that. When we stopped at Lake Ohr we had time for a tour/lunch and shopping. I recommend getting a quick lunch so you have time to walk around. The drive is beautiful. The monastery is nice but I recommend bringing your swimsuit so you can actually go swimming. It was a good quick taste if Macedonia.
Such a fun day out! Nolan and his team work super hard over the 12 hour day and are absolute pros!
Great day out! Dave was a great guide! Ohrid was beautiful! We were delighted we went! The day went so smoothly! Great communication for pick up and running of the day!
My 13 year old daughter and I had an amazing time. Noli was the GREATEST narrator. Thank you all....
It was really well organised The pick up was easy to find and the driver was on time The guide Nolan was great very informative super friendly and helpful and you could see he enjoyed his job which always makes these tours more enjoyable It was perfect day every site was interesting
They were supposed to pick me up from my hotel but that changed a day before the tour and my pick up location was a 30 minute walk from my hotel. Also, the description said free wifi on board and that didnt exist. False advertising.
Really well planned excursion! Very friendly driver and tour guide. I loved how family friendly the excursion was and plenty of rest breaks throughout the journey. There was alot of walking but very thoughtfully spread out so as not to get too tiring. A 12hour day trip, totally worth it. If travelling with younger kids just bear in mind that Ohrid in N.Macedonia is mostly cobbled pathways, uphill, downhill. So be prepared! Plenty of food places to eat (even halal options!), bring a few snacks to keep you going. Favourite part of the tour was walking around the Old Town area in Ohrid and seeing the lush views of the Lake. Thankyou to our tour guide Nolan, gave so much historical insight and was professional throughout the trip!
Everything went well and efficient. Great driver and awesome guide and local guide also great. Beautiful place, nothing negative, wonderful experienced , highly recommended
