Linger in the magic of North Macedonia on this 12-day guided hiking tour
If you’re looking to go hiking in a new destination that combines history, culture, beauty, friendly locals and great food? Then in North Macedonia deserves your consideration. This 12-day guided hiking tour is a gem. You’ll explore three of the country’s National Parks, and several villages and towns, many of which are recognized by UNESCO. The itinerary is jam-packed with activities—you will never be bored!
Begin the tour in the capital of North Macedonia, Skopje. Take a city tour of the old town and get accustomed to the North Macedonian way of life. You’ll have your guide with you to get you acquainted.
Then hike from Skopje into Matka Canyon, where you will walk among tall rock faces next to a beautiful blue river. There are several hamlets and historic structures along the way, including the Millennium Cross at the top of Mount Vodno.
One of the days includes a boat ride to the deepest underwater cave in Europe. The trails will lead you past views of the Sharr Mountains and several natural lakes among the peaks.
Later in the 12-day itinerary, you’ll explore Mavrovo National Park, which is home to the highest peak in North Macedonia, Mount Korab (2,764 m / 9,068 ft). Get your fill of moss- and rock-covered mountains as you discover Galichica and Pelister National Parks. These areas consist of various terrain—you’ll be impressed at each bend in the trail with the next epic view.
When you return to town or village centres to rest, you’ll enjoy North Macedonian culture. The towns during this 12-day tour you’ll explore have had many civilizations, and you’ll see their influence in the array of religious structures from crosses, to monasteries, to mosques. You’ll visit places that were relevant during the Ottoman Empire, and significant land used in World War I. North Macedonia became an independent country in 1991, but prior to that, the area had been occupied by myriad rulers, which makes the country ever more intriguing.
For adventurers who want to take things a bit more slowly and learn about the deeper side of North Macedonia, culturally and geographically, this 12-day tour hits the bullseye.
Highlights of the North Macedonia Grand Hiking Tour
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North Macedonia Grand Hiking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Skopje
Welcome to Skopje, North Macedonia! Your guide will meet you at the airport and accompany you to the hotel in central Skopje. Once you settle in, meet your group for a short city walk with your local guide, wander the old city centre and learn about the history of North Macedonia’s capital. In the evening, you’ll have an introduction dinner with your group in a traditional restaurant. Get some rest for the days ahead!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Skopje
Distance: None
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 Explore Mount Vodno and Matka Canyon
After filling up on breakfast, you’ll get a transfer to Mount Vodno, one of the hills overlooking Skopje. Take a cable car ride followed by a short hike to reach the top. Marvel at the Millennium Cross when you arrive: a religious structure emulating the Eiffel Tower's construction, but in the shape of a cross. Take some pictures here as you will be in front of an incredible view of Skopje. From here, the group will follow the guide towards Matka Canyon. The route passes by some fascinating wonders: St. Nikola monastery built into the rocks overlooking the canyon and Lake Matka, where you’ll stop for a packed lunch and short stroll. Vrelo Cave is one of the deepest cave lakes in the world, and you'll have the chance to visit it. At the end of the trail, you’ll be transferred to the small ski village of Popova Shapka for dinner and rest.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Popova Shapka
Distance: 4-5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 Hike Popova Sapka and Sightsee in Tetovo
Popova Sapka is a ski resort in the winter with awesome hiking when the snow melts. After breakfast, you’ll get well acquainted with this area. Today’s morning hike will offer incredible views of the Sharr Mountains, and many natural lakes in the area. You’ll pass by agricultural land where sheep farms and local farmers have settled in the mountains. Have lunch back in Popova Sapka and get transferred to the nearby city of Tetovo for some sightseeing; you’ll be especially impressed by the Colorful Mosque. Dinner tonight will be in Mavrovo, and you can settle into your cozy guesthouse for the night.
Overnight Location: Mountain Hut in Mavrovo
Distance: 4-5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 Discover Mavrovo National Park
Get ready for a full day exploring the biggest national park in North Macedonia, Mavrovo National Park. The park comprises several peaks, including Mount Korab, the highest peak in North Macedonia at 2,764 m / 9,068 ft. Receive a short transfer to the starting point at Carevec then get your legs moving as you pass by views of Mavrovo Lake, Medecina Peak, and Mount Korab. You’ll descend after reaching Cavkarnik Peak and return to the hut in Mavrovo for a well-earned dinner.
Overnight Location: Mountain Hut in Mavrovo
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 Visit North Macedonian Villages
Fill up on breakfast in Mavrovo then take a transfer to Carevec, a viewpoint you saw yesterday. Start the hike here through Mavrovo National Park on a trail that will take you through many cute villages. First, you’ll stop in the mountain village Galichnik to explore its beautiful architecture and amphitheatre. Climb to the highest spot in Galichnik for a majestic view of Radika Canyon that surrounds the village. Hike another hour and a half to reach Jance, a village with lots of opportunities to participate in eco-tourism and learn about local traditions. At the end of the day, you’ll get a transfer to Ohrid for a traditional dinner and comfortable sleep in a hotel.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Ohrid
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 Hike Jablanica and Visit Vevcani Springs
Enjoy breakfast in the beautiful lakeside town of Ohrid, then head to the starting point for the morning hike to Jablanica Mountain. Follow your guide on the trail that nears the Albanian border, passing by the Parumba church, as it’s locally known. Descend through a stunning valley to complete the trail loop. You’ll stop in another village for lunch and spend the afternoon strolling around the Vevcani springs. Admire this natural water feature nestled in the North Macedonian brush, replete with wooden bridges and stone houses. After the day’s adventures, you’ll head back to the hotel in Ohrid for the night.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Ohrid
Distance: 4-5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 Tour Galichica National Park
Check another national park off the list today as you set out to explore Galichica National Park after breakfast. You'll be immersed in fragrant flora and fauna and witness some stunning views of Lake Ohrid and the surrounding terrain. Hike to the village of Pestani where you’ll meet the driver to be taken to Bitola. As you drive through Galichica National Park, you’ll be wowed by the peaks and valleys and catch glimpses of the exceptional natural lakes. Settle into a cute hotel in the neighbouring Pelister National Park.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Pelister National Park
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 Pelagonija Valley
Fuel up on breakfast for a big climb today—and don’t forget your camera for some terrific panoramas. Starting at Hotel Molika, you’ll follow a trail through dense pine forests until reaching an excellent viewpoint looking over Pelagonija Valley opening over Bitola. Get a quick history lesson from your guide when you see Kajmakcalan Mountain on the Greek border, with its small church perched atop a historically significant peak. The grounds were used as a battlefield in World War I. You’ll descend from here into the adorable Dihovo village for dinner and sleep.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Dihovo
Distance: 3-4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 Hike through Pelister National Park
After breakfast, you’ll start the journey into Pelister National Park, which is home to several pristine alpine lakes. Today’s trail will lead you to Pelister’s Eyes, two side-by-side lakes left over from the Ice Age and maintained by snow and rainfall throughout the year. You may think the “eyes” are winking, as one is much smaller than the other. You’ll hit some amazing viewpoints like the Jorgov Stone stop, a popular break spot for mountain bikers and hikers alike. Once you reach Dihovo again, you’ll be transferred to the town with the highest altitude in North Macedonia for the night: Krusevo, sitting at 1,350 m / 4,429 ft.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Krusevo
Distance: 16 km, 800 m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 Get to Know Krusevo
Take your time enjoying breakfast; today is not as packed as the previous days. You’ll stay locally in Krusevo to explore. First, take a city walk with a local guide and learn why this town is historically significant to the area. This town was the center for the initial uprising against the Ottoman Empire, and the Republic of Krushevo was the first republic of the Balkans. Continue strolling the streets, and taste local flavours in the marketplaces and cafes and have lunch with your group in a local restaurant. You have a free afternoon to continue exploring, do some shopping, or relax. Spend the night in the hotel in Krusevo, and get a good night’s sleep for your last full day tomorrow.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Krusevo
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 From Treskavec Monastery to Popova Kula Winery
Fuel up for your final full tour day. You’ll start with a visit to Treskavec Monastery, a medieval complex built atop a peak that gives 360-degree views. You’ll be overcome by the serene atmosphere here. Take a moment in a unique spot to admire the views and enjoy the peace. Begin hiking towards another medieval structure, King Marko’s Fortress. You’ll have amazing views from here as well—don’t forget to ask your guide about the history. Visit another religious complex before heading to lunch in the city. Wrap up the tour in one of the best ways—a visit to a local winery! Spend the evening tasting local products and have your final dinner at the winery. Popova Kula Winery has a hotel to accommodate you for the night, so you don’t have to go far to find your bed after all that food and drink.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Popova Kula Winery
Distance: 3-4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 Farewell
Sadly, your 12-day grand hiking tour has come to an end! Enjoy a final breakfast with your group and discuss all the memories you made in the past 12 days. Your airport transfer to Skopje International Airport will be ready when you are.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
North Macedonia Grand Hiking Tour Price and Dates
This guided tour in North Macedonia is always run as a custom 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: $2,575 USD
Please note that the pricing might change depending on your group size.
Book NowAccommodation on North Macedonia Grand Hiking Tour
The hotels on this trip are 3- and 4-star. You will stay in some guesthouses and spend two nights 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.
Scardus Hotel in Popova Shapka
This hotel, located in Sharr Mountains, is surrounded by stunning mountain views and has all the amenities needed to make your stay comfortable.
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.
Sumski Feneri Hotel in Bitola
Beautiful hotel with nice and clean rooms, garden, stunning views, and a restaurant that serves local food.
Ilinden Guesthouse in Dihovo Village
This cozy guesthouse, located at the gateway to Pelister Mountain National Park, has rustic interior, friendly hosts and great cuisine.
Casa La Cola Vill in Krusevo
Clean and comfortable family-run hotel. Offers tasty breakfast, free wi-fi and beautiful views.
Popova Kula Hotel in Demir Kapija
This great hotel, located high on the hill, has spacious and clean rooms, big well-kept garden and even the vineyard!
What’s included in the North Macedonia Grand Hiking Tour?
Meals
All 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches (4 packed lunches and 6 restaurant lunches), and 11 dinners are included.
Accommodations
All 11 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
- Map of North Macedonia, Ohrid, and Skopje
- Boat ride in Matka Canyon
Not included
- Flights
- Insurance
- All entrance fees at sites (average €2 per site)
- Visas and vaccinations
- Anything not mentioned as “Included”
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities
Optional Extras
- Extra night in Skopje
- Optional activities
Frequently Asked Questions about North Macedonia Grand 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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Local Guide
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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.