Saint Naum

Tours

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.

We start our journey from Tirana & Durresi to Lin & Lake Ohrid, one of the most enticing destinations in North Macedonia, considered one of the oldest human settlements in all of Europe. Lin this tiny lakeside village on the eastern border of Albania is one of the best hidden gems of the entire Balkans region. The town of Lin is geographically blessed and located on the shore of one of the most stunning lakes in the entire world.It's a perfect start to our adventure. The city of Ohrid and Lake Ohrid have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 1980. Lake Ohrid and its surroundings are inhabited by the Illyrian tribe of Enkelej. The lake was named by the Romans as "Lyhnidas" (Lake of Light). We will visit the famous view of the church of Saint John, the church of Saint Nicholas and the Halveti Hayati Teqe mosque. Ohrid became an important center for Orthodox believers during the Byzantine Empire and is famous for its 365 Orthodox churches, said to have one for every day of the year. During the Ottoman Empire the city grew in the hills and surrounding lakeside areas. The houses were built with a very specific architecture that created narrow streets, tunnels and small courtyards in the hilly terrain, making it possible for each house to have a good view of the lake. Today the city is famous for its architecture, churches, castle on top of the city, amphitheater, beautiful view of the lake surrounded by mountains and pearls from the lake. After this unique experience, we return to Tirana.

Our most beloved and sold excursion starts from the harbor of Ohrid. The boat on calm lake water will bring you to the Island of Saint Naum. The wonderful view along the road is full of gems, like the ‘Bay of Bones’, idyllic fishing villages and historical buildings. After arrival visit the whopping 9th century monastery of St. Naum, where you will learn the origin of the Cyrillic writings and the legends of St. Naum and predecessors. Before discovering the island by yourself, you will enjoy a rowing boat trip over the springs of the Black Drim, known for her pure and untouched natural beauty. Afterwards you will have the chance to explore the island on your own and at the end you will be brought back to your accommodation or pickup point.

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.

We start with the pick up route through Ohrid and surrounding villages. At 09.00 the tour starts in Pestani where our own small boats are located (11 pax per boat, 2 boats max). Explore the beauty of Lake Ohrid and it's mesmerizing coastline. Cruise along the shore and see the high cliffs and lush Galičica National Park. From the water see Bay of Bones and take the opportunity to make the best picture. 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.

We start our journey from Tirana to Lake Ohrid, one of the most enticing destinations in North Macedonia, considered one of the oldest human settlements in all of Europe. The city of Ohrid and Lake Ohrid have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 1980. Lake Ohrid and its surroundings are inhabited by the Illyrian tribe of Enkelej. The lake was named by the Romans as "Lyhnidas" (Lake of Light). We will visit the famous view of the church of Saint John, the church of Saint Nicholas and the Halveti Hayati Teqe mosque. Ohrid became an important center for Orthodox believers during the Byzantine Empire and is famous for its 365 Orthodox churches, said to have one for every day of the year. During the Ottoman Empire the city grew in the hills and surrounding lakeside areas. The houses were built with a very specific architecture that created narrow streets, tunnels and small courtyards in the hilly terrain, making it possible for each house to have a good view of the lake. Today the city is famous for its architecture, churches, castle on top of the city, amphitheater, beautiful view of the lake surrounded by mountains and pearls from the lake. After this unique experience, we continue to Saint Naum and back to Albania. Finishing our tour in Tirana.

Meeting point: On this tour we pick up all the traveleres from their hotels in Tirana City/Durres City/ Golem & Qerret 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 -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-

️ 1. Ancient Theatre of Ohrid We begin our tour with a visit to the Ancient Theatre of Ohrid, built in 200 BC during the Hellenistic period. It is the only theatre of its kind in North Macedonia. Nestled between two hills, its location provides excellent acoustics and natural shelter from the wind—ideal for performances in ancient times. ⛪ 2. Church of St. John at Kaneo Perched dramatically above Kaneo Beach, the Church of St. John the Theologian is one of the most iconic sites in Ohrid. It is dedicated to John of Patmos, the author of Revelation, and believed by many to be the Apostle John himself. ▶️ Pass by Saint Sofia Church On the way back from Kaneo, we pass by the Church of Saint Sofia, a stunning example of Byzantine architecture, known for its well-preserved frescoes dating back to the 11th century. ️ Optional Boat Ride (€10 per person) From Kaneo, guests have the option to take a short boat ride back to Ohrid City Center, offering a scenic perspective of the lakeshore and historic skyline. ️ 3. Ohrid Old Town & Bazaar We continue exploring the Old Town and the vibrant Bazaar, where cobblestone streets, Ottoman-era houses, and local artisan shops reflect the city's rich multicultural past. Ohrid was once known as Lyhnidas, meaning “shining gemstone” in Latin. ️ 4. Bay of Bones (10-minute photo stop) We make a short stop at the Bay of Bones, an open-air museum built over Lake Ohrid, recreating a prehistoric stilt village from the Bronze and Iron Ages—an excellent place for a photo and a quick walk around the platform. ⛪ 5. Monastery of Sveti Naum We then visit the impressive Monastery of Saint Naum, founded in the 9th century. The monastery holds the tomb of Saint Naum and is considered a sacred site by Orthodox Christians. From 1912 to 1925, this area was part of Albania before returning to Yugoslavia. 6. Drilon National Park (30-minute stop) Back on the Albanian side, we stop at the serene Drilon National Park, famous for its spring-fed ponds, swans, shaded walkways, and natural beauty. A great spot to relax and take photos. ️ 7. Tushemisht Village & Traditional Lunch Our final stop is Tushemisht, a peaceful lakeside village in Albania with a deep connection to the Orthodox tradition. Here, we enjoy a delicious lunch by Lake Ohrid, with the chance to try the rare and delicious Koran fish, a unique trout species found only in this lake.

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.

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.