North Macedonia and Greece Cycling Tour
Expansive views over the old church in North Macedonia

North Macedonia and Greece Cycling Tour

13 days

Church near Ohrid Lake in North MacedoniaBeautiful Greece city below the full moonExpansive views over the old church in North MacedoniaMonastery of the Holy Trinity (part of Meteora) in Kalambaka, Greece.Ohrid oldtown in North MacedoniaNarrow cobblestone streets of the small village in the Northern Greece

Discover the beauty of North Macedonia and Northern Greece on this self-guided ride

This 13-day North Macedonia and Greece Cycling tour leads you through North Macedonia and the region of Macedonia in northern Greece, combining two incredible countries in one trip! The tour is challenging but all the more rewarding as you cycle through undiscovered areas, rich in nature and cultural and historical highlights.

Beginning in the beautiful town of Ohrid, known as the ‘Pearl of the Balkans’ you’ll ride for four days towards the border with Greece. In Macedonia’s Sveti Naum, you’ll stay overnight in an impressive 700 -year-old monastery. Each day, you’ll glide along quality tarmac roads with little traffic along with the crystal clear lakes of Ohrid and Prespa. Just before the border with Greece, you’ll stay in the historic city of Bitola, a prominent trading city during Ottoman rule.

The first stay in Greece is in the town of Florina, situated on the foothills of the Pelister National Park. Peddling through one of the best wine regions of the world, you reach the Lake District of Agios Panteleimon and cycle through an area rich in nature to reach Kastoria, a historic city pleasantly situated on the lake. Cycling through the valley of the Pinios River, you’ll then reach the giant pinnacles of Meteora topped with ancient monasteries that are one of the most extraordinary rock formations in the world!

Treat yourself to this incredible ride that invites you to experience the best natural landscapes, cultural highlights, and food and wine of Northern Macedonia and Northern Greece.

Highlights of the North Macedonia and Greece Cycling Tour

Peruse the ancient streets of Macedonia’s Ohrid, known as the ‘Jerusalem of the Balkans’, home to over 365 churches.
Spend your days cycling alongside sparkling lakes and enjoy several lakefront accommodations along the way.
Pedal your way through one of the world’s best wine regions in Agios Panteleimon, brimming with vineyards and cellars.
Stand in awe of the Meteora monasteries, perched on top of soaring granite pinnacles.

Prices

From $1,050USD
13 days
Difficulty
Self-Guided
Hotels
  • No Booking or Credit Card Fees
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North Macedonia and Greece Cycling Tour

North Macedonia and Greece Cycling Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Ohrid

Your trip begins today with your arrival at the first hotel in Ohrid which will be your base for the next 2 adventure-filled days!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Ohrid
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 2 Warm-Up Ride Around Ohrid

An arrival briefing will be held with a representative this morning, however, this brief meeting may also take place in the evening of day 1, depending on your arrival time.

You’ll receive your bicycle and adjust it to your needs before enjoying the remainder of the day at your leisure. Opt to set out on two wheels for a warm-up ride or enjoy the sights and sounds of Ohrid on foot.

You can visit the bazaar in the center which is within walking distance of your hotel or you can take a nice walk along several beautiful monasteries in the Oldtown. You can join a fantastic boat trip on one of the oldest lakes in the world: Lake Ohrid. Since 1980, Lake Ohrid has been listed with UNESCO and is partly located in Albania. This unique lake is at an altitude of approximately 700 meters, wedged between the mountains of Petrino and Galicica.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Ohrid
Distance: 40km
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 Cycle North to Sveti Naum

Today’s ride begins with cycling north through the valley which is known for its fertile soil and many orchards. Cherries, apricots, grapes, apples and a lot of plums along this stretch make for a fragrant ride! Narrow roads, countryside and sleepy farming villages characterize this beautiful section as you cycle along with an old volcano and continue along the east banks of the Ohrid Lake to the Bay of Bones: a reconstruction of an ancient village on the lake, dating to 6000 years ago.

Your accommodation for tonight is in an ancient monastery in Sveti Naum.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Sveti Naum
Distance: 45km
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 Cycle Through Galicica National Park to Otesevo

Set out on another beautiful route this morning as you pedal from Lake Ohrid to Lake Prespa through the Galicica National Park. Both lakes are separated by the Galicica mountain. Your journey starts with a long (14km) gradual climb to an altitude of 1,550m with lots and lots of stunning views along the way.

After a long descent, you’ll finish at Prespa Lake. Your hotel is located directly on the lake, which is known for its abundant birdlife. You will stay in the historic hotel Lakeview, built in the 1950s by political prisoners of the old socialistic system.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Otesevo
Distance: 38km
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 5 Orchards and Villages on the Ride to Bitola

Wake up early in the morning to spot pelicans at the lake before heading off on your bike for today’s ride. You’ll set out along the lakefront and witness the landscape gradually shift into sprawling orchards as you cycle through small villages. Up next, a gradual climb on a partly cobblestone road will lead you to a pass at 1,200m. After the descent, you’ll pedal through the rural landscape scattered with ancient, sleepy villages.

Arrive in Bitola: a vibrant historical city with a long history and previously known as the trading center of the Balkans. The Ottoman domination of the past can still be seen in the streets: Ottoman architecture, the cobblestone streets and the bazaar of Bitola. Bitola is also situated at the foothills of the Pelister National Park that is characterized by an overwhelming flora and fauna.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Bitola
Distance: 50km
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 Cross Into Greece and Cycle to Florina

Today your ride will have you crossing the border into Greece as you make your way to Florina. Florina is the capital of the Florina prefecture and is situated at an altitude of 700 meters along the river Sakoulevas, surrounded by forests and mountains.

Today you have a choice between two routes. The first 35 kilometres are the same for both routes and you cycle on the lower slopes of the mountains of the Pelister National Park. The easier option continues in a southern direction and after 8km you’ll reach Florina. The longer route is a 30km loop through unspoiled nature with a steep climb. You will reach the summit at an altitude of 1300 meters with a descent of 600 meters over 10km. After a beautiful descent through the valley, you reach Florina.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Florina
Distance: 45km or 65km
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 Endless Lakes on the Ride to Panteleimon

Today you will cycle north towards a cluster of lakes; the largest one being Vegoritas Lake. The lakes are interconnected with each other through a variety of channels and tunnels. The Vegoritas Lake is a haven for rare birds and is a protected area.

The first 25km are almost flat through a wide valley dotted with farmland and small villages. After that, the road gradually ascends to an altitude of 950 meters. During the final stretch, you’ll cycle along the lake to your final destination Agios Panteleimon. Once here, pay a visit to the winery Alpha Estates, one of the best wineries in all of Greece!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Agios Panteleimon
Distance: 65km
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 Cycle Vineyards and Villages to Kastoria

The route to Kastoria is one of the longest rides of this holiday, but the views and birdlife make it well worth the effort. Today, you’ll cycle along vineyards to the pretty village of Amindeo where you may have a break for a refreshing ice coffee before continuing along Chimaditida Lake, known to be a haven for an array of birdlife. An elevation gain of 500 meters over 10km is challenging, but once reaching the top you will be rewarded with stunning views over the valley with Lake Kastoria on the horizon. After a long and smooth descent, you will reach the ancient town of Kastoria. The hotel for the next 2 days is situated near the lake in a beautiful setting.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Kastoria
Distance: 80km
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 Rest Day or Short Bike Ride Around the Lake

Kastoria is a nice old town with lots of things to see and do. It lies partly on a peninsula surrounded by a large lake which is surrounded by plane trees. During the bike trip across the peninsula, you will pass the caves of the "dragon". This 300-meter-deep cave with several lakes is an absolute sight to behold! Remnants of bears that lived here 10,000 years ago were found in this cave. Kastoria is characterized by many beautiful mansions and Byzantine monuments.

On the promenade along the water, you’ll find many terraces and restaurants—all you need for a perfect relaxing evening in historic Kastoria.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Kastoria
Distance: 35km
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 Cycle to Grevena Via Argos Orestiko

You’ll cycle south today and after about 20km, arrive at the ancient town of Argos Orestiko with its narrow streets, squares and neoclassical buildings. 25km further the landscape becomes hillier and the route continues through one of the most important natural habitats of Greece. In the higher mountains, wolves and brown bears have been observed. The route continues through an undulating landscape along streams and villages and several short climbs emerging rapidly on the horizon, before reaching the provincial town of Grevena.

Grevena is located on the banks of the river Doxaniti Greveniti. This lively city with numerous bistros and restaurants played an important strategic role during the ancient Byzantine period and was also known as the trade center in the region.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Grevena
Distance: 85km
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 Ride to Kastraki

After leaving Grevena you are immediately riding through a vast natural landscape—a truly delightful ride. The views are stunning with circling birds of prey in the distance. After 10km the road gradually ascends for the next 15km. You will reach the highest point of today and then enjoy a long descent into the wide valley of the river Pinios. This ‘plain of Thessaly’ was once an inland sea, but now, you’ll see huge rock formations shaped by wind and water erosion, millions of years ago. On top of these huge granite pillars, monks built impressive monasteries, Megalo Meteoron being the most famous.

Your overnight location for the next two days is next to the rock formations, meaning each morning, you’ll wake up to a view like no other.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Kastraki
Distance: 64km
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 Rest Day or Cycle Meteora and the Pinios Valley

Enjoy your last bike ride with a beautiful tour along with these gigantic limestone rock formations with the impressive monasteries built on top. Monks began building these monasteries in the 11th-century, using ropes and ladders for lifting up the building materials! Nowadays, there are six monasteries that are all on display and are true works of art. The second part of this ride goes through the wide river valley with beautiful views of Meteora.

If you don’t fancy cycling today, you may prefer to choose one of the great walks in this area and walk on old, cobbled footpaths that once were the only way to reach the monasteries.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Kastraki
Distance: 58km
Meals: Breakfast

Day 13 Depart

After breakfast this morning your trip concludes. Check out and depart for your onwards travels.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast

Book Now

The departure is available on any day of the week. Prices below are per person:

Departure on May 1st – June 5th, 2024:

  • Single room (group of 2+): $1,625 USD
  • Sharing a double/twin/triple room: $1,050 USD

Departure on June 6th – August 26th, 2024:

  • Single room (group of 2+): $1,675 USD
  • Sharing a double/twin/triple room: $1,095 USD

Departure on August 27th – October 18th, 2024:

  • Single room (group of 2+): $1,625 USD
  • Sharing a double/twin/triple room: $1,050 USD
Book Now

Accommodation on North Macedonia and Greece Cycling Tour

This tour is based in hotels. Hotels on this trip are 2 and 4-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant.

In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.

Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Standard rooms are of double occupancy. Solo travellers might be required to pay an additional supplement.

Hotels on Standard Tour

Lebed Hotel in Ohrid ★★★

Guests will enjoy stunning views of Lake Ohrid at this laid-back hotel as well as the best of Ohrid’s historic center, which is just a short 5-minute walk away.

Saint Naum Hotel in Sveti Naum

Mountain and lake views characterize this unique stay, situated in a converted 9th-century monastery and set on the south-eastern shoreline of Lake Ohrid.

Lakeview Hotel and Resort Hotel in Otesevo

The Lakeview Hotel and Resort is situated on the grounds of Galicica National Park on the scenic shores of Lake Prespa. Guests can enjoy a wide range of superb amenities such as beach access and a delicious breakfast.

Teatar Hotel in Bitola ★★

This charming hotel in Bitola is set in a historic stone building and is just a short walk from Shirok Sokak, Bitola’s lively pedestrianized street.

Lingos Hotel in Florina ★★★

Located in downtown Florina, this relaxed hotel features a great restaurant and bar and modern amenities.

Limni Hotel in Agios Panteleimon

Guests can enjoy views of beautiful Lake Vegoritida from this comfortable hotel in Agios Panteleimon.

Kastoria Hotel in Kastoria ★★★

The lovely Kastoria hotel grants guests endless views of Lake Orestiada and is within walking distance of a range of top sites in Kastoria.

Metropolis Hotel in Grevena

This modern hotel is centrally located in Grevena and brings the best of Grevena’s restaurants and shops right to guests doorstep.

Kastraki Hotel in Kastraki ★★★

Enjoy a comfortable stay in the village of Kastraki at this cozy hotel featuring a superb restaurant.

What’s Included in the North Macedonia and Greece Cycling Tour?

Meals

12 breakfasts and 1 dinner are included.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 12 nights are included throughout the tour.

Transportation during the Tour

You’ll be biking from one overnight location to another by bike. Additional transfers, such as airport transfers can be booked as an optional extra. Luggage transfers are not included but can be added as an optional charge.

Also Included

  • Digital route notes and maps
  • GPS App
  • Transfer of bicycles from end point in Kastraki to Ohrid

Not included

  • Any personal transfers
  • Bike
  • Lunches and dinners
  • Travel insurance
  • Entrance fees and visits to monasteries and monuments
  • Guide services
  • Tourist tax (paid locally, between 0.5 and 4 EUR per night)

Optional Extras

  • Additional nights before or after the tour
  • Single occupancy upgrades
  • Printed tour materials (in addition to digital)
  • Optional activities or excursions
  • Bike rental:
    • Hybrid bike
    • E-bike
    • Helmet
  • Luggage transfers

Frequently Asked Questions about North Macedonia and Greece Cycling Tour

S-Cape Travel Greece is a Greek outdoor company, established in 1994 and member of the S-Cape Group of companies since 2010.

At S-Cape Greece you find a varied portfolio of active and adventure trips that offer you a hands-on experience of Greece, having time to slowing down and appreciate the details: view the sites and landscapes, savor the specialties, meet and mingle with the locals and learn about the culture.

All our trips and itineraries are developed by our team of professional walkers and cyclists who have a keen eye for great trails, exciting itineraries, breath-taking scenery and good quality accommodation that share our vision on sustainable travel.

If you travel on one of our self-guided trips, you receive a Destination Manual with information on the country and a state-of-the-art Road Book with detailed route description, turn by turn diagrams of each crossing and explanatory text. On top, you can navigate the route in your own smartphone via our excellent S-Cape Travel App.

Welcome to Greece!

Learn More

Map of North Macedonia and Greece Cycling Tour

Click map for a larger version

Is this tour for me?

We rate this tour as a 4 / 5. You’ll be biking up to 85 km daily on good quality roads.

Local Guide

Maria
Maria
Athens, Greece

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