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Lake Ohrid

Lake Ohrid: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Tirana: North Macedonia Day Tour

1. From Tirana: North Macedonia Day Tour

Discover Europe's second oldest lake that borders the southwestern part of North Macedonia and eastern Albania. Drive along Lake Ohrid which inspired NASA in 2010 to name Titan's lakes after it, and its unforgettable serenity no matter what season you book your tour! One of Balkan's best kept secrets maintains its picturesque identity thanks to being declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979, with its Albanian side also being designated world heritage status in 2019. We will depart from your Tirana hotel early in the morning with an air-conditioned vehicle, tracing the same itinerary as the Romans did, when they traveled towards the Constandinopole. We will have a quick coffee break by the Shkumbin River (15 minutes), prior to reaching the Albanian-North Macedonia border - two hours after leaving the capital of Tirana. In our full-day tour we will first visit the Ohrid city once known as "Jerusalem of the Balkans" for having 365 churches, one for each day of the year. Tourism is predominant in this pristine old town which is one of only 28 sites worldwide that is part of UNESCO's World Heritage as both a Cultural and Natural site. The first mention of Ohrid was 2,400 years before the new era, when the town was called Lychnidos, probably meaning "city of light" or literally "a precious stone that emits light". We will walk were Via Egnatia road once passed - the most significant Roman traffic route of the Balkans, and visit the Ancient Macedonian Theatre of Ohrid, the Church of Saint John the Theologian, and the Byzantine Church of Holy Mary Perybleptos build in 1295 and renown for its elaborate wall murals. There will also be a chance to find among the well preserved cable stones windy roads, original freshwater pearls jewelry that are locally made - a perfect gift for your loved ones. In those three hours, there will be pleanty of time to explore the Old Town and take in its breathtaking panoramas. You will also have the chance to take fantastic photos and enjoy local food and free time, prior to heading to the quiet and magnificent Saint Naum Monastery. We can stop briefly at the Bay of Bones Museum - a reconstructed village of stilt houses that displays Bronze & Iron Age items recovered from Lake Ohrid. You can take photos, and if you wish to visit it - there will be 30 minutes time, but tickets are not included. Then we will have one hour time to enjoy the unspoiled beauty of The Monastery of Saint Naum, an Eastern Orthodox monastery named after the medieval Bulgarian writer and enlightener Saint Naum, who founded it in 905. St. Naum of Ohrid who is buried in the church was one of the Seven Apostles of the First Bulgarian Empire, and is associated with the creation of the Cyrillic script. Following the visit to this iconic destination that still operates as a school, we will head back to the Albanian border in late afternoon, and then you will be dropped off in the Tirana hotel that you were picked up from.

From Skopje: Private Full-Day Guided Trip to Ohrid

2. From Skopje: Private Full-Day Guided Trip to Ohrid

Discover what many consider to be the most beautiful town in Macedonia, Ohrid, on a full-day tour from Skopje. After pickup at your hotel in Skopje, enjoy the scenic mountain views as your guide drives you for 2.5 hours to Ohrid. Once in Ohrid, take a walk by the lake and savor lunch in a local restaurant. Then, explore Ohrid Old Town on a sightseeing tour with your expert guide. As you walk, find out about the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Macedonia. During your tour, see local landmarks such as Samoil’s Fortress, St. Sofija Church, the Robevi House Museum, St. Bogorodica Perivleptos Church, the Gallery of Icons, the antique theater, and more. As well as sightseeing, visit the “charsija” bazaar and enjoy the chance to do some traditional pearl jewelry shopping. Get the opportunity to see the 1100 years old “Chinar” tree, too. At the end of your day in Ohrid, your guide will drive you back to your accommodation in Skopje.

Tirana: Lake and Town Ohrid Day Trip

3. Tirana: Lake and Town Ohrid Day Trip

Following a pickup from your accommodation in Durrës or Tirana, embark on a guided tour of the charming city of Ohrid. Explore the charming city on a guided tour with a local guide. Pass by the glorious Church of Saint Sophia and the National Workshop for a handmade paper-making demonstration. Enter Samuil’s Fortress and walk along its historic 4th-century walls. Discover the Ancient Theatre of Ohrid, built in the Hellenistic style. Walk up to the cliff-top Church of Saint John at Kaneo for panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Enjoy free time for lunch and explore this pretty lakeside town before returning to Tirana in the late afternoon.

Ohrid: Old Town Panoramic Boat Cruise

4. Ohrid: Old Town Panoramic Boat Cruise

This tour is common for the tourists who have limited time to spend in Ohrid, however they wish to experience Ohrid Lake on a boat. Regular departure point is the Ohrid central port located only 50 meters from the main square. It includes Ohrid Old Town, cruising close to the shore so you can have a detailed view, while on the way back the cruise will take you further from the shore, so you can enjoy a unique panoramic view of the entire Old Town. Most important things you will see are the Church of Saint Sophia dating from the 9th century, the fishermen settlement Kaneo, the Church of Saint John at Kaneo dating from the mid-15th century, it is the most famous and most photographed church in Ohrid because of its amazing location on a cliff overlooking the Ohrid Lake. Furthermore, you get to see the virgin beach Labino and the two so-called Caves of Love which are very popular within locals and getting a huge attention from tourist as well. On the way back you will see the Church of Saint Clement Pantelejmon at Plaoshnik, built on the foundations of an early Christian basilica back in the 9th century. On the top of the Old Town is the Tzar Samuel fortress from the 10th century which overlooks both the lake and the whole Ohrid area. End point of this tour is same as the departure, the Ohrid central port.

From Tirana: Day Trip to Korca, Pogradec and Ohrid Lake

5. From Tirana: Day Trip to Korca, Pogradec and Ohrid Lake

Venture into the heart of southeast Albania on this day trip from Tirana. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Drilon Natural park on Ohrid lake and take in the unique architecture in the cities of Korca and Pogradec, and the charming village of Tushemisht. Have your guide pick you up from your location in Tirana and relax in a comfortable vehicle on the way to Korca, which is close to the border with Greece. Stop at the Old Bazaar which was first established 500 years ago and has Ottoman and Roman-style buildings. Head to the tree-lined Pedestrian Boulevard and pass by shops and cafes. Admire the architecture of the main Orthodox Cathedral which was built just after the communist period. Uncover the history of how the city had the first Albanian school and was once a flourishing trade center. Visit Drilon Natural park to take in the greenery before continuing to Korca. Continue to the hillside city of Pogradec which is by the shores of Ohrid lake. Go to Drilon, a park with willow trees and swamps, which has been the poetic muse of many poets and artists. Travel to the village of Tushemisht which is mainly inhabited by Orthodox Albanians. Experience the unique culture of this village and see how the streams cross through the village. Hear about its part in Albanian cinematography. Make your way to the city of Pogradec to see the old town where some traditional architecture is still preserved. Combine the old with the new as you view the modern part of the city and take some time to take in views of the lake before returning to Tirana.

Tirana: 3-Day Trip to Ohrid and Lake

6. Tirana: 3-Day Trip to Ohrid and Lake

Experience idyllic scenery, enjoy great food and immerse yourself in local culture on this journey through the towns and villages of Albania and North Macedonia. Day 1: Start your trip with convenient hotel pickup in Tirana, and board your luxury coach to start your journey. After a short drive, stretch your legs at your first stop in the city of Elbasan. Admire old Ottoman houses and Turkish baths, and walk the tiny streets in the shadow of its castle. Visit the lakeside city of Struga in your next step, and see its famous Cave Churches and monastery complex. Enjoy lunch on the water before traveling on to your hotel in Ohrid. Enjoy a free evening and explore the city's historic old town at your leisure. Day 2: Start your day in Ohrid with an inclusive breakfast, before joining a walking tour of city, itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Step inside the magnificent Church of Saint Sophia and witness a hand paper-making demonstration at the National Workshop. Continue your tour with a walk along the 4th-century walls of Samuel’s Fortress. Take in the Hellenistic-style Ancient Theater, and admire panoramic views of the lake and mountains from the cliff-top Church of Saint John at Kaneo. Feel free to take advantage of other activities which your dedicated tour director can arrange, including a boat tour or wine tasting. Enjoy some more free time for your final night in Ohrid. Day 3: Say goodbye to the lake with a delicious breakfast and a trip to the Bay of Bones Museum, a prehistoric settlement featuring fascinating bronze and stone age artifacts. Explore the medieval Monastery at Saint Naum, with its intricate frescoes and resident peacocks, before heading to the border at Pogradec. Enjoy a traditional Albanian lunch, before returning to Tirana and the end of your trip.

Skopje: Two-Day Tour to Mavrovo National Park and Lake Ohrid

7. Skopje: Two-Day Tour to Mavrovo National Park and Lake Ohrid

Depart from Skopje and take a walk on the wild side of Macedonia on a two-day, round-trip tour. Follow your guide on a hike through Mavrovo National Park to the city of Ohrid. Visit the Monastery of St. Naum and dine with mountain views.  Day 1:Get picked up from your accommodations and drive west to Mavrovo. Take a guided walking tour of Mavrovo National Park, one of the most attractive areas of Macedonia. Follow your guide to the village of Galicnik, famous for its stunning landscape. Admire the picturesque nature reserve and view Bigorski Monastery St John the Baptist.  Enjoy a traditional snack in Mavrovo, before making your way to Ohrid. Make a stop at the village of Vevchani on your way and experience the breathtaking Vevchani Springs.  Arrive in the city of Ohrid, located on the edge of the beautiful Lake Ohrid. Take in scenic views of the incredible surroundings and get ready for your guided walking tour. Discover some beautiful monuments and areas of the city while listening to the stories of your guide. See the well-preserved Lower and Upper gates, the Church of Saint Sophia, and the Ancient Macedonian Theatre of Ohrid. Day 2:Enjoy a relaxed breakfast, then head to the Monastery of St. Naum. Stop briefly on your journey at the Bay of Bones, a village brought back to life from the ancient Iron Age.  Arrive at the Monastery of St. Naum and see the springs, part of the Galičica National Park. Take in the peaceful natural scenery from the comfort of a boat cruise. Drink coffee in one of the restaurants overlooking the mountains and try a traditional lunch.

Other Sightseeing Options in Lake Ohrid

Want to discover all there is to do in Lake Ohrid? Click here for a full list.