Saint Naum Monastery

Discover the charming old town of Ohrid, a city where time seems to stand still. Ohrid is renowned for its 365 churches, each reflecting the influence of various cultures from the Roman Empire to the Ottoman Empire, and more. After a full walking tour of the old town, our tour leader will guide you to the Ohrid bazaar, where you can enjoy some free time and have lunch at the local taverns. Continue your scenic drive along the lake's perimeter. Short stop by "Bay of Bones" to learn about the history of the site. Following your yourney by the lake, you will soon encounter the Saint Naum Monastery. As you admire the ancient Byzantine architecture that has stood for a thousand years, you'll proceed to explore the monastery's interior. Inside, you 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 make a stop at Drilon Park, a serene spot by the Drilon River. This river, flowing gracefully into Lake Ohrid, has created a unique ecosystem, serving as a habitat for many graceful swans. As you return to Tirana, you'll ascend to the lofty heights of Mount Qafe Thana where you will encounter Lin Village. The breathtaking vista of the village and the adjacent lake makes it an ideal spot for capturing memorable photographs and creating cherished memories.

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.

Day trip to Ohrid N. Macedonia from Tirana! Ohrid is a beautiful city located by the Ohrid Lake in North Macedonia, known for its historic and cultural significance. He is one of the few places in the world that have been declared both Natural and Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. The city is not only famous for the crystal-clear water but also for the number of churches: in the past there were 365 churches, one for every day of the year. Note: Border Crossing: Ensure you have the necessary documents for border crossing as you’ll be entering Kosovo. Check current travel regulations and have your ID or passport ready.

We start with a pick up route thourgh Ohrid and surrounding villages. At 09.00 the tour starts in Pestani where our own small boats are located (11pax per boat, 2 boats max). Explore the beauty of Lake Ohrid on a boat tour from Pestani. Cruise along the shore and see the high cliffs and lush Galičica National Park. Stop at the Bay of Bones for a photo opportunity from the water. Enjoy a relaxing coffee moment by the water in Trpejca, the Saint Tropez of Ohrid. Let the charm of this fishing village embrace you as you soak up the local atmosphere. Delve into spiritual history at the Sveti Naum monastery, where one of the region's highest clerics rests. Discover the meaning behind the ancient tombs and take in the sublime surroundings. Also discover the beautiful springs of the lake, renowned for their natural beauty. Cruise to the hidden gem Sv. Zaum, a seven-hundred-year-old church accessible only by boat. Enjoy a barbecue under high rocks and take a refreshing dip from the jetty. Between 17.00 - 18.00 return to Pestani, where your adventure began.

Meeting point: On this tour we pick up all the traveleres from their hotels in Tirana area. Tour starts at 08:00 AM *(You must be at the meeting point 10 min before departure)* Duration: Daily (8-9 hours, aprox. 358 km round trip) Return Detail: Return to original meeting point. Recognition of Driver/Guide by badge or flag with our company logo. Itinerary -08:00 Departure from Tirana. -Stop for coffee break -Arrival in Drilon -Visit the National Park of Drilon and free time to enjoy the nature -Lunch Break -Arrival in Pogradec City where the visit continues around the Lake -Departure to Lin Village -Free stay with the Guide Instructions -Return to Tirana -End of Service-

The cruise covers total distance of 50 kilometers, it takes 2:30 hours each way. It includes Ohrid Old Town, the Presidential residence of Tito, Peshtani village, Museum on water ‘Bay of bones’ (30minutes stop), Trpejca village (nicknamed the St.Tropez of Ohrid), 14th century Church of Mother Mary at Zaum (only accessible by boat and considered the most beautiful virgin beach on the Ohrid Lake, 30 minutes stop for visiting and swimming). The final stop for 2 hours is at the Monastery of Saint Naum, where you will see the most beautiful and most famous Monastery on the lake, also the crystal clear main freshwater springs feeding the lake as its main source. This part of the shore is the only one with golden-yellow sands beach, same as a seaside.

Exploring Lake Ohrid and Its Enchanting Surroundings An unforgettable journey to one of Europe's hidden gems—Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning beauty and rich history. Join us as we traverse the picturesque landscapes of Albania and North Macedonia, uncovering the secrets of this ancient region. Departure from Tirana/ Durres (surroundings included) Our adventure begins bright and early, where you'll be picked up from your hotel in a comfortable, air-conditioned, new vehicle. As we leave the bustling city behind, we'll trace the historic routes once traveled by the Romans on their way to Constantinople. Coffee Break After a scenic drive, we'll pause for a quick coffee break by the Shkumbin River. This 15-minute stop will be the perfect moment to stretch your legs and savor a warm beverage before continuing our journey. A Stroll in Pogradec Our next stop is the charming town of Pogradec, where we'll take a leisurely 20-30 minute walk. This quaint town offers a delightful taste of local life, with its beautiful lakeside promenade and friendly atmosphere. Boating and Lunch in Drilon From Pogradec, we'll head to the peaceful retreat of Drilon. Here, we'll board a boat and glide across the tranquil waters, surrounded by lush greenery. After our boat ride, we'll enjoy a delicious meal by the lake Ohrid, taking in the serene environment for 1.5 to 2 hours. Visiting Saint Naum Next, we'll cross into North Macedonia to visit the stunning Saint Naum Monastery. With 30-40 minutes to explore, you'll have time to admire the breathtaking views and learn about the rich history of this sacred site, founded in 905 by Saint Naum of Ohrid. Exploring Ohrid Our journey continues to the historic city of Ohrid, often referred to as the "Jerusalem of the Balkans" for its numerous churches. We'll explore the highlights of the city, including a scenic walk along the wooden bridge by the lake, a visit to the magnificent Saint Sophia Church, and other notable landmarks. You'll have plenty of opportunities to take photos and immerse yourself in the local culture. Discovering Struga After exploring Ohrid, we'll head to the nearby town of Struga. Here, we'll enjoy a pleasant walk by the river, capturing beautiful moments with our cameras and soaking in the tranquil ambiance of this lovely town. Return to Tirana As our day comes to an end, we'll make our way back to Tirana, filled with memories of the breathtaking landscapes and historic treasures we've discovered. You'll be dropped off at your hotel, concluding a day of exploration and adventure. Join us on this enchanting journey and experience the magic of Lake Ohrid and its surroundings, where every moment is a story waiting to be told.

Starting from Skopje, the tour begins with a 2-hour drive to Ohrid. Visit the church of Saint Sophia and the Roman amphitheater. Explore the Icon Gallery, to discover some of the most famous and valuable icons in the world. Then see the beautiful frescoes at the 13th century Saint Clement’s Church of the Holy Mother of God Most Glorious. After this, continue to Tsar Samuel’s Fortress, named after the first tsar of the Macedonian Slavs. Then head to the Church of Saint Jovan at Kaneo, in a stunning location on the cliffs directly above the lake. From here, return to the town on foot or by boat. After a little break, visit the Bay of Bones Neolithic settlement to see how life was lived in 1,200 B.C. Continue along the picturesque lakeshore to the Monastery of Saint Naum, situated where the river Black Drin flows into Lake Ohrid. The springs at Saint Naum are part of the National Park Galicica. In the chapel of the church is the tomb of Saint Naum, with frescoes of his life and his miracles. Return to Skopje at the end of the tour.

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.

**Departure from Tirana** Start early in the morning for a full day of exploration. The drive from Tirana to Saint Naum Monastery takes about 3.5 to 4 hours, passing through picturesque countryside. As you approach Lake Ohrid, one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes, you’ll be greeted by stunning views of its crystal-clear waters. After crossing the Albania-North Macedonia border, continue along the lake’s shoreline toward your first stop. **Stop 1: Saint Naum Monastery** The **Saint Naum Monastery**, founded in the 10th century, is one of the region’s most spiritual and historical sites. Situated on the southern shore of Lake Ohrid, the monastery is surrounded by peaceful gardens, with peacocks roaming freely. Inside the main church, beautiful frescoes adorn the walls, and the tomb of Saint Naum is a revered pilgrimage site. Legend says that by placing your ear on the tombstone, you can hear the saint’s heartbeat. Take a short walk to the **springs of the Black Drim River**, where crystal-clear waters flow into Lake Ohrid. For a more serene experience, take a boat ride around the springs, enjoying the peaceful natural beauty before continuing to your next destination. **Drive to the Bay of Bones** After exploring Saint Naum, head toward the **Bay of Bones Museum**, about 30 minutes away. This open-air museum is a reconstruction of a prehistoric settlement, dating back to 1200–700 BC, built on stilts over Lake Ohrid. **Stop 2: Bay of Bones Museum** Explore the reconstructed huts at the Bay of Bones, filled with ancient tools, pottery, and fishing gear, offering insight into how people lived thousands of years ago. The wooden piers provide spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains. After visiting the museum, you can stop for lunch at a nearby restaurant and sample Macedonian dishes like grilled meats and fresh lake fish. **Drive to Ohrid City** From the Bay of Bones, continue north to **Ohrid City**, a 30-minute drive along the scenic lake. **Stop 3: Ohrid City** Ohrid is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich history and charm. Begin by visiting the **Church of St. John at Kaneo**, perched on a cliff with breathtaking views of Lake Ohrid. Then, explore the **Ancient Theatre of Ohrid**, a Hellenistic amphitheater still used for performances today. Continue to **Samoil’s Fortress**, a 10th-century structure offering panoramic views of the city and lake. Wander through Ohrid’s old town, with its cobblestone streets and traditional houses. Be sure to visit the **Church of St. Sophia**, a medieval masterpiece with stunning frescoes. Take some time to relax at a local café, trying traditional sweets like **baklava** or **tulumbe**. **Return to Tirana** After a day of exploration, drive back to Tirana, retracing your scenic lakeside route. The return trip takes about 4 hours, and you’ll arrive in the evening, reflecting on the rich history, culture, and beauty you experienced at Lake Ohrid.