Samuel's Fortress

Embark on an unforgettable 1 hour journey through the world of wine on our exclusive Wine Tasting Cruise on Boat. Glide along picturesque waters, surrounded by stunning landscapes of historic Ohrid, while tasting the finest selection of wines from local vineyards. Let the gentle sway of the boat enhance the flavors and aromas as you savor each sip, guided by our expert captain who will unveil the secrets of each vintage. Enjoy every moment on board as a memorable escape from the ordinary! You will taste 4 different white, rose and red wines paired with a platter of local cheeses. You can drink unlimited quantity of wine in one hour time during the boat ride.

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.

The city of Ohrid, where for centuries the cradle of different cultures converges together. Founded from the presence of Ilirain and Greek tribes, throughout its history it has been subject to the influence of various empires - from the Roman, Byzantine, Bulgarian, Turkish, Serbian, Yugoslavian and finally, as part of the Independent Republic of North Macedonia. Perched atop the hills of the city, Ohrid has been standing since the rule of Bulgarian Tsar Samuil in the 10th Century. Before walking uphill to the fortress we can visit the Ancient Theatre of Ohrid, the only Hellenistic-type theatre in the country built in 200 BC. The open theatre has a perfect location: the two hills that surround it keep it protected from winds that could interfere with acoustics during performances. Perched atop the precipice of Kaneo Beach, facing Lake Ohrid in the ancient city of Ohrid, North Macedonia stands a majestic church devoted to John of Patmos, the author of Revelation, who some believe to be the esteemed John the Apostle. enture to the City center and the venerable Old Bazaar area, where we can observe the traditional dwellings of Ohrid. Much of the city is laid with Stone, explaining why it was initially known as Lyhnidas, derived from Latin (an exquisite gemstone radiating brightness). After our reverent visit to Ohrid, we shall venture to the illustrious Monastery of Sveti Naum. This revered place of worship is where the blessed St. Naum is laid to rest. People from lands far and wide gather here to pay tribute to their faith. Notably, the Monastery Complex was part of the Albanian border from 1912-1925, until it was subsequently returned to Yugoslavia. Continuing our pilgrimage, we shall make our way to the quaint town of Tushemisht, which holds many resemblances to the holy city of Ohrid, given its resounding adherence to the Eastern Orthodox faith We can enjoy a meal by the Ohrid Lake in the Albanian part. You will have the chance to try the local unique fish Koran, a type of fish in the trout family found nowhere else in the world but The Ohrid Lake. 

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. 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.

Embark on a fascinating day trip from Tirana to North Macedonia, exploring the charming towns of Struga and Ohrid. Witness breathtaking lake views, stroll through ancient streets, and dive into rich history and culture. Struga: The City of Poetry Start your journey with a scenic drive towards Struga, a town known for its poetic heritage and serene setting along the Black Drin River. Walk along its picturesque banks, visit the Poetry Bridge, and explore the Struga Bazaar, a lively marketplace filled with local crafts and flavors. Stop by the Halveti Tekke, a historical Dervish monastery, to learn about the region’s spiritual traditions. Ohrid: The UNESCO Jewel Continue to the stunning UNESCO-listed city of Ohrid, often called the "Jerusalem of the Balkans" due to its many ancient churches. Wander through the Old Bazaar, admire the traditional Ottoman-style houses, and visit the impressive Ancient Theatre of Ohrid, dating back to Hellenistic times. Explore the Saint Sophia Church, a masterpiece of medieval Balkan architecture, before heading to the iconic Kaneo Church, perched on a cliff with panoramic views over Lake Ohrid—one of the most photographed spots in Macedonia! Lunch & Optional Boat Ride Enjoy a delicious lunch at a lakefront restaurant, savoring fresh fish and traditional Macedonian dishes. Afterward, take an optional boat ride on Lake Ohrid, soaking in the tranquil beauty of one of Europe’s oldest lakes. End the day with a relaxing return drive to Tirana, arriving in the evening.

Join us on this Day Tour of Ohrid & Ohrid Lake to explore the best of UNESCO Sites, Astonishing Lake Views, local culture, and Food. During this Day Tour from Tirana, we will visit some of the ancients Orthodox Heritage of Ohrid. It is also called the “Balkans Jerusalem”. Explore also at its fullest the Ohrid Lake and its remarkable Natural resources. One of the best tours in North Macedonia. Tour Details According to a UNESCO article, the town of Ohrid is one of the Oldest Human Settlements in Europe. Furthermore, it lies on the shores of Ohrid, one of the oldest lakes in the world as well. In addition, it has been in centuries a crossway of different Cultures, traditions, and different invasions. Called the “Jerusalem of the Balkan”, Ohrid played a huge role in the spread of Slavic Orthodoxy. It has had 365 Churches, one per each day of the year and dating from the 11th Century. To make your day even more special, we’ll also visit a charming traditional mountain village, known for its natural springs, peaceful atmosphere, and authentic local character—adding a unique and memorable touch to your journey.

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.