Saint Sophia Church, Ohrid

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.

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.

Welcome to Ohrid, a city rich in history and natural beauty, nestled on the shores of Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia. Today, I’ll be guiding you through some of the most remarkable sites this UNESCO World Heritage city has to offer. Let's begin our journey! Our first stop is the magnificent Lake Ohrid itself. One of Europe's deepest and oldest lakes Our journey continues to the old town of Ohrid Explore Ohrid's Old Town with a city tour that includes: Church of St. John at Kaneo - Iconic cliffside church with breathtaking views. Ancient Theatre of Ohrid - Well-preserved theatre still in use today. Samuil's Fortress - Historic fortress offering panoramic views of the city and lake. Plaošnik - Archaeological site with the Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon. Church of St. Sophia - Byzantine church with stunning frescoes. Robevci House (National Ohrid Museum) - Traditional architecture and cultural exhibits. Saint Panteleimon - An important religious site with beautiful art and history. This tour blends history, culture, and scenic beauty, offering a comprehensive look at Ohrid's rich heritage. On these tour we stop in The Ohrid Pearls Museum is a unique stop on your Ohrid Old Town tour. Here, you’ll discover the fascinating history behind the famous Ohrid pearls, which are crafted using a secret family technique passed down through generations. The museum showcases exquisite pearl jewelry and offers insight into the meticulous process of creating these treasures, which are made from the scales of the endemic fish Plasica found in Lake Ohrid. It's a perfect place to appreciate local craftsmanship and pick up a special souvenir.

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.

Ohrid is fully decorated with historical, cultural and religious gems. Some of these remaining’s dates back from the antiquity. With her specific architecture Ohrid attracts a growing number of tourists each year, but as an alternative destination still remains calm. Since 1979, the old city and the lake of Ohrid are both listed as UNESCO world heritage. During this city tour you will visit various highlights, such as the statue of St. Kliment, the boulevard, the 13th century church of St. Sofija, amphitheater and many more. After a coffee break you will further explore the vibrant old city, until you reach the world-famous church St. John Kaneo. Located on the steep rock above the shiny blue lake, this church is described by the Dutch writer A. den Doolaard, as the place where heaven and earth meet each other. Our guide will enlighten your knowledge with the magnificent stories of the city. Optional: at the end you can choose to go back by boat, walk back with the guide or explore the city further on your own. Interesting fact: Did you know that Ohrid households 365 churches and monasteries dedicated to each day of the year.

Departure from Tirana to explore Ohrid Lake and its two beautiful cities located in North Macedonia. Ohrid is a city that has many cultural and natural attractions to visit. Our journey will start with the Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon(Attributed to Saint Clement of Ohrid, a disciple of Saint Cyril and Saint Methodius) the church dates from Byzantine, the location standing on a hill overlooking Lake Ohrid. The next stop is the Church of Saint Sophia, a very important monument for North Macedonia, housing architecture and art from the Middle Ages. Very close to the Upper Gate of Samuel’s Fortress, you can find the Ancient Theatre of Ohrid. Built-in 200 BC, it served as a venue for performances and gladiator fights. Later, it became the site of Christian executions by the Romans. This caused the locals to despise the theatre, so after the fall of the Roman Empire, they decided to abandon and bury it. We will reach the highest peak at Samuel's Fortress. This fortress was built on the place of an earlier fortification, dated to the 4th century BC, which was probably built by King Philip II of Macedonia, It was the capital of the First Bulgarian Empire during the rule of Tsar Samuel of Bulgaria at the turn of the 11th century. Nowadays the fortress is a major tourist attraction where you can enjoy exceptional panoramic views of Lake Ohrid and the old town. We will return down at our beginning spot through Ohrid Boardwalk which connects the old town with Potpesh beach. As you walk alongside a cliff, surrounded by crystal clear waters, it’s the perfect place to take a moment to appreciate the natural beauty of Ohrid. Free time to have a coffee and enjoy the Old Bazaar full of souvenir shops and good local restaurants. As we return to Albania our last stop will be Struga City lying on the shore of Lake Ohrid. Struga is the place where the river leaves the lake and flows through the town. You can take a walk along one of the river banks full of small cafes and enjoy the picturesque town.

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.

Breakfast Pick-up in the Hotel in Tirana or Durres Departure to the Border with North Macedonia Coffee Stop along the way Border formalities First city to stop is Struga inhabited by macedonians and albanians where also the River Drini is formed. Walk in the beach of Struga Departure to Ohrid(20 min distance) to arrive at Samoil's Fortress which is the imposing Ohrid Castle Visit the Church St.John the Baptist which has a spectacular view of the Ohrid Lake Walk in the walkway that leads to Saint Sophia Church and from there to the side of the Lake Experience the Ohrid beauty of nature and architecture Buy souvenirs or Ohrid Pearls in the Market(Bazaar) Free time for Lunch where the fish(Koran) is a local delicacy Visiting Ali Pasha Mosque in the end of Bazaar After a day full of great adventures we head back to Albania

Welcome to Ohrid, a city rich in history and natural beauty, nestled on the shores of Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia. Today, I’ll be guiding you through some of the most remarkable sites this UNESCO World Heritage city has to offer. Let's begin our journey! Our first stop is the magnificent Lake Ohrid itself. One of Europe's deepest and oldest lakes Our journey continues to the old town of Ohrid Explore Ohrid's Old Town with a city tour that includes: Church of St. John at Kaneo - Iconic cliffside church with breathtaking views. Ancient Theatre of Ohrid - Well-preserved theatre still in use today. Samuil's Fortress - Historic fortress offering panoramic views of the city and lake. Plaošnik - Archaeological site with the Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon. Church of St. Sophia - Byzantine church with stunning frescoes. Robevci House (National Ohrid Museum) - Traditional architecture and cultural exhibits. Saint Panteleimon - An important religious site with beautiful art and history. This tour blends history, culture, and scenic beauty, offering a comprehensive look at Ohrid's rich heritage. On these tour we stop in The Ohrid Pearls Museum is a unique stop on your Ohrid Old Town tour. Here, you’ll discover the fascinating history behind the famous Ohrid pearls, which are crafted using a secret family technique passed down through generations. The museum showcases exquisite pearl jewelry and offers insight into the meticulous process of creating these treasures, which are made from the scales of the endemic fish Plasica found in Lake Ohrid. It's a perfect place to appreciate local craftsmanship and pick up a special souvenir.

In only just about two and a half hours drive from Skopje, grab the chance to visit the town and lake of Ohrid, both preserved by UNESCO as places of environmental, historical and cultural significance. Get to see the many churches and archeological sites, witness some of the most beautiful and well preserved Byzantine frescoes and icons, relax and have some tasty bites in one of the charming local restaurants and cafes by the crystal clear waters of Ohrid lake! Our driver/guide will pick you up in front of the Bristol Hotel, Skopje, with a comfortable A/C car/minivan and take you to the most beautiful town in Macedonia, Ohrid. The two and a half drive to Ohrid is another chance to see the beautiful mountains and nature on the way. Once in Ohrid, you will have a nice walk by the lake, time to have a tasty lunch in a local restaurant, sightseeing tour of the old town of Ohrid, Samoil’s fortress, the “charsija” and you will get a chance to do some traditional Ohrid pearl jewelery shopping.