Macedonia Trails

Duration: 8 Days | 7 Nights
Distance: 227-242 KM
Tour Meets: Skopje- Skopje
Difficulty: Advanced
Group Size: 4-14 riders
No. of Cycling days: 6

This small Balkan gem is brimming with wonders, and exploring its cultural landscapes by bike is both exhilarating and deeply rewarding. Macedonia blends the ancient with the modern—where robed Orthodox monks share the streets with the stylish crowds in Skopje’s lively bars.

The journey offers a genuine mountain biking adventure, with rugged trails and challenging routes perfect for those who thrive on off-road riding.

Each day’s effort is met with unforgettable rewards: sweeping vistas that take your breath away, timeless mountain villages with beautifully preserved architecture, unique flora and fauna found only in these Balkan highlands, and sparkling glacial lakes as pure and dazzling as crystal.

Our path winds through Macedonia’s stunning mountain ranges, climbing and conquering several impressive peaks along the way.

Day 1: Tour of Skopje
Meet your guide at your hotel in Skopje and take a walking tour of the historic city centre, including the Old Bazaar and the Skopje Fortress. Returning to the hotel, we will have time to freshen up before meeting for dinner and a full tour briefing in a local restaurant here in the heart of the city.

Day 2: Mavrovo National Park
We’re ready for our first challenge, as we depart Skopkje by transfer and cycle through the stunning Mavrovo National Park, home to Macedonia's highest peak, Mt. Korab (2,764 m). An ever-changing combination of asphalt, compact gravel, and dirt roads leads us through this fairy tale scenery of grassy meadows, birch and pine forests, snow-capped peaks, and the gorgeous Radika River. After a traditional lunch, we return to our hotel to relax.

Day 3: Bistra Mountains Loop Ride
Biking into the Bistra Mountains takes us alongside the emerald green Mavrovo Lake, with visits to the villages of Nikiforovo and Leunovo. We continue off-road riding through green pastures dotted with ancient sheepfolds. We stop in one of those sheepfolds to try fresh cheese and pavlaka. We take a break at Galicnik to admire the well-preserved traditional architecture, including an amphitheatre. Today’s ride is a loop, and some extra cycling can be added if you like.. After circling back to our hotel, we can enjoy a little relaxation time, or head out on a walking tour of local historic sites before dinner.

Day 4: Carevec - Tresonche - Debar - Ohrid
This morning, we check out of our hotel and take a short transfer to the village of Carevec. Passing across hilltops with great views across the landscape, enjoy a long descent through beech and oak forests to remote villages like Lazaropole and Tresonche, where the way of life has changed remarkably little since the 19th century. We continue along the Tresoncehka River to Debar Lake, where we are picked up and transferred to our hotel in Ohrid.

Day 5: Ohrid Rest Day
We take a well-earned day in the picturesque and relaxing setting of Ohrid. Notable for once having 365 churches, one for each day of the year, Ohrid is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, listed for both its cultural and natural attractions. In the morning, we tour the highlights of St. Sofia Church, Plaoshnik Complex, the Amphitheatre, and Tsar Samuel's Fortress. The afternoon is free to stroll through the alleys, swim in the lake, or just sit in a cafe and soak up the pure, unique delights of this rich, ancient town.

Day 6: Galicica National Park – Skopje
Refreshed from a day’s rest, we return with our bikes to the mountains. Tackling the grand Galicica Mountain, we cycle through beautiful pastures and the bright floral life native to these slopes, as we ride under the shadow of Magaro Peak (2255 m). We stop for photos as we will have stunning views of Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa. Then, as we begin our descent, we will enjoy a mix of off-road and backroad biking with some sweet single tracks. From Peshtani, we drive to the picturesque fishing village of Trpejca for lunch and try the famous Ohrid trout. In the afternoon, transfer back to Skopje.

Day 7: Skopje Loop Ride
A short transfer brings us to a cable car that will whisk us up to the top where we'll be at the base of the Millennium Cross, a 66-m high monument to 2,000 years of Christianity. We then hit single-track trails and a short ride on a quiet road to Matka Canyon, a popular outdoor destination for hikers and kayakers. The canyon is also home to several historic churches and monasteries. We stop for a visit to the 14th century monastery of St Andreja built by the son of the famous medieval King Volkashin. After lunch, we transfer back to Skopje and meet in the evening for a farewell dinner in Debar Maalo- the city's bohemian quarter.

Day 8: Skopje
Our tour ends after breakfast. If time allows, you can explore the centre of Skopje before your onward journey.

Tour Price
• Price shown is for a person based on twin share accommodation.
• All prices displayed are subject to availability and can be withdrawn or varied without notice.
• Prices are guaranteed once booking is confirmed by us and paid in full by the due date.
• Depending on your needs and group size (individual, couple, family, group, etc.) we will provide the final pricing for your tour.

Inclusions:
• Water bottle
• Support vehicle
• Guide(s)
• Meals (as indicated)
• Hotel pick up
• Hotel drop off
• Bike and helmet
• Snacks and drinks

Exclusions:
• International flights
• Visa fees
• Alcohol
• Tips

Please refer to our Standard Booking Conditions for booking terms and conditions.