Spend 11 days hiking exceptional trails and learning about the Balkan's ancient history
This 11-day hiking tour leads you across the centre of the Balkans through North Macedonia, into northern Greece, and finishes in Bulgaria. This region has an extensive history and has been recorded in mythological and historical books alike. Walk among the gods on this adventure!
Start in North Macedonia, a young country with a rich culture blending many previous rulers from the ancient kingdom of Macedonia, to the Romans, the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Before declaring independence in 1991, it was part of the former Yugoslavia. You’ll note these historical influences in the capital, Skopje, on your first two days, and in the several small villages you visit on the itinerary. Explore from Skopje the nearby Matka Canyon, which houses a few intriguing monasteries, and the biggest underwater cave in Europe. Hike between medieval villages, engage with the locals and taste some potent rakija, a brandy distilled from fermented fruit.
You spend the middle of the tour in Greece in areas steeped in mythological significance. First, have a serene experience among Meteora's glory, a monastery complex perched high on unique rock formations. Then you hike among the home of the Greek gods on Mount Olympus, which reaches 2,918 m / 9,573 ft, the highest point in Greece. Tour the portside town of Thessaloniki as well before transferring to Bulgaria for the end of the tour.
The trails in Bulgaria might surprise you—this country has some towering peaks and routes that will get your heart pumping. Walk among snow-capped mountains to gorgeous lakes surrounded by greenery and in the right season, alpine wildflowers. Finish the tour in Sofia and make sure to check out the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
This tour screams variety—you’ll get astounding hiking trails in all three countries and experience three distinct cultures in a small geographical radius. Treat yourself to this 11-day hiking tour in the Balkans!
Highlights of the North Macedonia, Greece and Bulgaria Hiking Tour
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North Macedonia, Greece and Bulgaria Hiking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Welcome to North Macedonia
Welcome to Skopje! Once you arrive at the airport, your guide will meet you and bring you to your accommodation in central Skopje for the night. Depending on when you arrive, take some time to stroll the center.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Skopje
Distance: None
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 Climb Mount Vodno and Visit Matka Lake
Enjoy your first morning in Skopje with a hearty breakfast. Afterwards, you’ll be transferred to Mount Vodno for a quick climb to view the iconic Millennium Cross—a structure emulating the Eiffel Tower but in a familiar religious shape. From the cross, the group will start walking to Matka Lake, which sits between high, mossy rocks and gives off a beautiful dark teal hue. On the way, you’ll visit the St. Nikola Monastery built among the rocks. Then once you reach the lake, you’ll hop aboard a boat to visit the Vrelo Cave, one of the biggest caves in the Balkans. Have lunch at a local haunt and get a ride to your overnight destination near Mavrovo Lake.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Mavrovo
Distance: 3–4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 Traverse Mount Bistra to Jance
After breakfast, you’ll start the day’s journey from Carevec. The trail will lead you over Mount Bistra, which offers phenomenal views of the surrounding terrain and Lake Mavrovo. Continuing along the path, you’ll stop at the John the Baptist Monastery for lunch before reaching Jance, a secluded mountain village. Take a breather here then receive transportation to lakeside Ohrid for a comfortable night in a hotel.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Ohrid
Distance: 4–5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 Walk along Lake Ohrid + Transfer to Greece
Departing Ohrid after breakfast, the group goes to Velestovo to start the day’s jaunt. Enjoy the endless stunning views of Lake Ohrid to your right as you walk along old roads and pass by several charming villages, eventually ending in Pestani. Get your last glimpse of North Macedonia after lunch as you cross the border into Greece in your private transportation. After a few hours of watching Greek landscapes pass by from the window, you’ll be in Kalambaka for dinner and a good night’s sleep.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Kalambaka
Distance: 2–3 hours, 12.7km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 Marvel at Meteora
Wake up in Kalambaka and enjoy a fresh Greek breakfast. You have a full day to explore Meteora and Kalambaka, and you’ll be thankful for all this time as there is so much to see! Hike to the tops of phenomenal rock formations to visit monasteries built precariously on top. Get prehistoric, almost surreal views of this holy land and wind down over dinner before heading to bed in Kalambaka again.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Kalambaka
Distance: Day in Meteora
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 Sightseeing Around Thessaloniki
After breakfast, take a quick morning walk around Kalambaka before departing for Thessaloniki, a city next to the Thermaic Gulf on the Aegean Sea. The transfer includes a stop at the archeological site in Vergina, which is home to Alexander the Great’s father’s grave, Phillip II of Macedon. After a quick history lesson, you’ll continue to the coastal city to settle into your hotel. A local guide will give you a sightseeing tour of this pertinent Roman metropolis before dinner.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Thessaloniki
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 Hike Mount Olympus
Have you ever dreamt of stepping foot on Mount Olympus? Well, today is the day! Your guide will take you to the highest peak in Greece, rising to 2,918 m / 9,573 ft, after breakfast. You’ll have the entire morning to explore the majestic Olympus National Park. After you’ve had your taste of hiking with the Gods, you’ll return to Thessaloniki for free time in the afternoon and evening.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Thessaloniki
Distance: 5-7 hours, 17.8 km, 1,800 of ascent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 Transfer to Bansko, Bulgaria
After breakfast, you may still be reeling from your hike among the mythological vibes of yesterday. You’ll leave Greece today, so hang on to those memories! Today you’ll receive transport to Bansko, Bulgaria. Settle into your hotel and then wander the area to get a feel for this resort town among the mountains. If the cable car is open, head up the hill for a jaunt around the top for some epic views. Get a good night’s sleep in your hotel tonight.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Bansko
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 Hike Around Bansko
Wake up, fuel up, and get ready to explore the recreation area around Bansko. Your guide will lead you through the mountains, where you’ll see gorgeous peaks, lakes, and lush greenery on the way. Pause to admire the Rila Monastery, where you’ll have lunch and get a quick cultural lesson. Take your private ride to Panichiste for a nice dinner and rest to prepare for your last full day tomorrow.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Panichiste
Distance: 3–4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 Trek Seven Rila Lakes
Your last full day has arrived. Enjoy a hearty Bulgarian breakfast and head to the nearby cable car at Pionerska Hut to reach the top of the mountain. Seven pristine alpine lakes dot the trail today, and you will get to see all of them this morning. The trail has a mystical atmosphere you’ll notice as you walk up to peaks and look out over vast, grassy rocks until the horizon. Hike back to the cable car, return to the base for lunch, and then pack up and hop in the car for Sofia. Depending on when you arrive, wander the city at your leisure. If you can only see one site here, check out the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral with its turquoise and gold domes. Have a final dinner with your hiking group and hit the hay when you’re ready.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Sofia
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 Farewell
Have one last Bulgarian breakfast with your crew and pack up. You’ll have a transfer ready to take you to Sofia Airport in time to check-in for your flight.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
North Macedonia, Greece and Bulgaria Hiking Tour Price and Dates
This guided tour in North Macedonia, Greece, and Bulgaria is always run as a private tour for your group only and the price always depends on the number of people in your group.
Prices below are per person sharing a double or a triple room:
- Guided Groups of 4: $3,095 USD
Please note that the pricing might change depending on your group size.
Book NowAccommodation on the North Macedonia, Greece and Bulgaria Hiking Tour
The hotels on this trip are 3- and 4-star. You will spend one night in a mountain hut. Rooms are double occupancy, and single travelers will pay a supplement.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel while traveling with your group. Contact us and we can try and match single travelers up, where possible.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Victoria Hotel in Skopje
Cozy hotel within the walking distance of Skopje City center, with clean and comfortable rooms and many convenient amenities.
Carevec Mountain Hut in Mavrovo
Carevec Mountain Hut is a wonderful, authentic family-run establishment with rustic décor and friendly and knowledgeable hosts.
City Palace Hotel in Ohrid
This hotel is located at the heart of Ohrid – just steps away from the town center, facing the beautiful marina.
Theatro Hotel Odysseon in Kalambaka
This lovely hotel has stunning views of the famous Meteora and a great location, that allows you to explore Kalambaka highlights within a short distance.
Blue Bottle Boutique Hotel in Thessaloniki
This comfortable hotel has great amenities and is within a walking distance to numerous historic sites in Thessaloniki.
Olympus Mountain Hut in Mount Olympus
Surround yourself with fellow hikers’ stories and mountain atmosphere in a cozy hut right at the footsteps of the famous Mt Olympus.
Blue Bottle Boutique Hotel in Thessaloniki
This comfortable hotel has great amenities and is within a walking distance to numerous historic sites in Thessaloniki.
Grand Hotel in Bansko
This hotel has stylish and clean rooms, great amenities and a good location to explore Bansko.
Hotel Bendida in Panichishte
Great views, tasty local food, comfortable amenities and friendly staff – this hotel has everything to make your stay in Panichishte enjoyable.
Central Hotel in Sofia
Stay in this stylish classical hotel for the best experience of Sofia – all the landmarks are within the walking distance.
What’s included in the North Macedonia, Greece and Bulgaria Hiking Tour?
Meals
All 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 10 dinners are included.
Accommodations
All 10 nights are included in the tour.
Transportation during the Tour
Transport for you and your luggage is included throughout the tour, including the airport transfers.
Also Included
- English-speaking guide services
- Local guides in Greece and Bulgaria
- Map of North Macedonia, Ohrid, and Skopje
Not included
- Flights
- Insurance
- All entrance fees at sites (average €2 per site)
- Visas and vaccinations
- Optional activities
- Anything not mentioned as “Included”
- Personal expenses
Optional Extras
- Extra night in Skopje, North Macedonia
- Extra night in Sofia, Bulgaria
Frequently Asked Questions about North Macedonia, Greece and Bulgaria Hiking Tour
At Experience Balkan, it’s all about providing exceptional service. Based in Ohrid, Macedonia, Experience Balkan are committed to providing travel services of the highest quality, and have earned the highest possible licensing as a result.
Experience Balkan was established in 2017 and has since fostered impressive diversity both within their team and in their offerings. They aim to narrow the gap between different people and promote harmony and collectivity through travel.
Experience Balkan offers hiking, trekking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and ski touring adventures in the Balkan countries. Their greatest joy is providing new experiences to happy clients.
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Dimitri has been a certified mountain guide since 2010. He started out as a cultural and mountain guide and holds several different certifications. Dimitri loves meeting new people and seeing the look on their faces when they reach mountain peaks. Besides mountaineering, Dimitri loves to be on the water and enjoys sailing and paragliding over the local lakes.
- Q: What is your #1 travel destination?
- A: I love the Dolomites in the Italian Alps. I really want to return!
- Q: What has been the most challenging adventure you’ve done?
- A: My most challenging adventure was climbing Cinque Torri (Five Towers) of Punta Fiames. Climbing the Three Peaks of Lavaredo was also extremely difficult. Both of these were in the Dolomites.
- Q: What do your guests like most about the trips you lead?
- A: Because some of our tours are multi-country, a lot of travellers love that they get to visit more than one country in a tour. Also, since Macedonia is a lesser-explored destination, they are surprised by the beautiful places they get to see.