Samoil's Fortress

See the best of Ohrid in an economical way on this shared group day trip from Skopje. Take a walking tour with a local guide and discover Lake Ohrid, the Ancient Macedonian Theater of Ohrid, Samoil’s Fortress, and more. After heading to one of the pickup points in Skopje, board your transportation and let your driver whisk you off to Ohrid. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and explore Ohrid’s highlights on a guided walk. Marvel at the North Macedonian side of Lake Ohrid and the cultural and historic area of Ohrid, which have been UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1979 and 1980, respectively. Visit the Ancient Macedonian Theater of Ohrid and learn about its history from your guide. See the impressive Samoil’s Fortress, a fortification with foundations from the 4th century BC. Head to the Church of St. John at Kaneo and admire the picturesque architecture and spectacular scenic views. For an extra cost on the day, you can opt to take a boat tour of Lake Ohrid. You will also have some time for lunch (at your own expense). After exploring Ohrid, return to Skopje for drop-off at your original pickup point.

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.

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.

Day 1 - Tirana - Kotor - Budva - Shkoder We will leave Tirana at 07:00 to head toward the North of the country. The North West of Albania is characterized by mainly a flat surface and it is one of the main trading and industrial areas of Albania. Passing through the historical city of Lezha we will be soon by the Buna river. Our tour of Montenegro continues driving further and leaving behind the Scadar Lake. The next stop will be Kotor. Situated in an unusual gulf, named after its name it has been a very important historical, strategic, and trading center. Founded around the 6th century BC, Kotor resembles an Open Book of history where you can spot different tracks and records from different periods of history. In our days most of the influence is from Venetian time, as for a good amount of time it was part of the Venetian Republic. The Old City is very charming. We will walk around the small squares, surrounded by typical quarters, and visit some of the Old City Highlights for their architecture, historical values, and style. Finishing the Tour of Kotor we will continue driving toward the southern part of Montenegro, along some of the picturesque Riviera and tiny rocky beaches. The city of Budva is also one of the most important tourist cities of Montenegro with a fascinating history, dating 2600 years ago. The tour of Budva continues in the Old Part of the city with some quick visits to the Roman Ruins and the Budva Fortress by the coast offering spectacular views. Leaving Montenegro we will return back to Albania, for the final stop of the day, Shkoder. Known as the Capital of the North, Shkodra is the biggest and the most developed center in the North of Albania. Day 2 - Shkoder - Prizren - Prishtina - Skopje Leaving Shkoder we will head toward Prizren. It is also called the Cultural Capital of Kosovo. Lied on both sides of the Bistrica River, under the Prizren’s Castle this city has played a major role in Albanian History and Politics. It is one of the most important buildings and political events of the 19th century in Albanian History. Pristina is the Capital of Kosovo and furthermore, the largest city at the same time. Habited since the Old Stone Age from the Vinča culture. City tour of Pristina to and visit at National Library, Cathedral, and the Old Neighborhoods of the city. Last stop of the Day, Skopje, overnight in Skopje. Day 3 - Tour of Skopje - Ohrid - Tirana 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 day of the year dating from the 11th Century. Tour of Ohrid and return to Tirana in latte afternoon.

This tour takes you to the city Ohrid from Skopje. The drive from Skopje to Ohrid takes about 2 hours. Upon arrival in Ohrid you"ll start the tour with a visit to the church of St. Sophia,  which dates back to the 11th century. The you'll go up to the Roman amphitheatre, which dates back to the 3rd century B.C. Afterwards, you will continue walking to the Icon Gallery, home to a range of some of the most famous and valuable icons in the world, right after the ones on Athos and in Russia. In the vicinity of the gallery is the Church of St. Clement’s, or the Church of the Holy Mother of God Most Glorious, which dates back to the 13th century and possesses some of the most beautiful and valuable frescoes from the 13th century not only in this country but in the whole of the Balkans. After that you will carry on walking to Tsar Samoil’s Fortress, named after the first tsar of the Macedonian Slavs, who, having conquered Byzantium, brought most of Macedonia under his rule. Then you will walk to Plaoshnik, where you will visit the newly built St. Clement’s Monastery Church. Dedicated to St. Clement - the patron of Ohrid - and St. Panteleimon, it stands beside the original site of St. Clement’s University, the first university of the Macedonian Slavs, founded in the 9th century A.D. Inside the church you can also see the tomb with St. Clement’s relics. Beside the church you can see the foundations of the 5th-century basilica with beautifully preserved mosaic floors and some swastikas also discovered on the floors. From here you will head towards the Church of St. Jovan at Kaneo, which was built at the end of the 13th century, and is one of the most frequently visited churches in Ohrid because of its beautiful location on the cliffs directly above the lake. After this you will go back to the town on foot. Another option is to return to the town by boat and at the same time make a tour of the lake providing you with a great view of the town. After a short break, you will return to Skopje.

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.

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.

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.