North Macedonia

Multi-activity Adventure

6 nights from £1600 • €1840 • $2160

Activities

6 days guided adventures

Accommodation

Comfortable lakeside and mountain hotels

Level

Beginner friendly

Food

Delicious locally sourced home made food

Difficulty

Group Size

Moderate

Transfers

7 new friends

Dates

August

Fly into Tirana

  • Lake Ohrid

    Explore one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes

  • Paddleboarding

    SUP to secret coves and along the rugged lake edge

  • Hiking

    Trek through forest paths and rocky routes to reach some of the highest summits in the national park

  • eBiking

    Cycle to uninhabited villages and along steep paths through the Galichica National Park

  • Yoga

    Start the day right with yoga sessions overlooking the lake (if the weather allows)

  • Wine Tasting

    Discover true Balkan hospitality with local, fresh meals cooked with regional and seasonal ingredients

  • Traditional Dishes

    Try incredible wines from local grape varieties that you can’t find on supermarkets at home

Spend a week in North Macedonia, one of Europe's best-kept secrets. eBike through a national park, paddleboard to beaches you can only reach by water, and hike to a summit with two countries stretched out below you. In between, enjoy fresh local dishes served up in villages that barely appear on a map, learn all about Macedonian wine, and meet a small group of women who came here for exactly the same reasons you did.

Although you’ll be by beautiful Lake Ohrid, this isn’t a quiet beach trip. Each day you’ll try a new activity, seeing the area from a fresh perspective every time. Any achy muscles can also be stretched and ironed out with daily yoga, right on the water’s edge. 

Seven days, three activities, one destination made for adventure.

Location

Lake Ohrid has been here for millennia, but somehow, the international crowds haven't caught on yet.

One of Europe's oldest and deepest lakes, Ohrid sits between Macedonia and Albania. The rocky coastline hides dozens of secret beaches you can only reach by water, while small mountain villages cling to the hills above with views that'll make you stop mid-step. We’ll spend the majority of the trip here, exploring the coastline, discovering the old town and learning about the local culture and history.

Lake Ohrid sits on the doorstep of the Galichica National Park. Promoted to National Park status in 1958, Galichica contains the Galichica mountain massif and is home to thousands of species of flora and fauna. It’s also the perfect spot for adventure, with trails made for hiking and cycling.

Activities

  • Hiking

    North Macedonia is gaining renown as a hiker’s paradise, and for good reason. Pull on your boots and spend two days exploring forest paths, alpine meadows and rocky mountain tracks on foot, summiting two peaks and getting the photos to prove it.

    The hike to Magaro Peak starts at 1,600m and climbs to 2,263m. From the summit, both Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa sit below you, as Albania stretches out in the distance. It's the highest point in the park, and the views make every step of the climb worth it. 

    The second hike takes you from one of the highest permanently inhabited settlements to Black Rock Peak, the highest summit in the Jablanica Mountains. This range runs between Albania and North Macedonia and offers incredible views down over both countries. 

  • eBiking

    eBikes mean you get all the thrill of mountain trails without grinding up every climb. We’ll peddle into Galichica National Park and through villages perched high above the lake, some barely inhabited, all stunning. There’s also the chance to stop at an amazing farm-to-table restaurant to refuel over a lunch of fresh home-cooked food.

  • Paddleboarding

    The rocky coastline of Lake Ohrid means countless hidden beaches that are only accessible by paddleboard. Whether you're new to SUP or you've been doing it for years, this is about access and paddling to places most people never see as you explore coves and secluded shores. And if you can’t reach the beach with your paddleboard, a support boat is on hand to get you there.

  • Wine Tasting

    Spend an afternoon learning about the ancient city that grew up around Lake Ohrid. Then head to a lakeside restaurant for dinner and another lesson, this time to discover all about one of the country’s best kept secrets - Macedonian wine. 

  • Yoga

    Stretch out any aches and pains with daily yoga sessions. This yoga practice is aimed at yogis of all levels, so if you’ve never even set foot on a mat, no problem. Our instructor will guide you through the practice, teaching you about breathwork and adapting the postures for your body and level.

Hiking

North Macedonia is gaining renown as a hiker’s paradise, and for good reason. Pull on your boots and spend two days exploring forest paths, alpine meadows and rocky mountain tracks on foot, summiting two peaks and getting the photos to prove it.

The hike to Magaro Peak starts at 1,600m and climbs to 2,263m. From the summit, both Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa sit below you, as Albania stretches out in the distance. It's the highest point in the park, and the views make every step of the climb worth it. 

The second hike takes you from one of the highest permanently inhabited settlements to Black Rock Peak, the highest summit in the Jablanica Mountains. This range runs between Albania and North Macedonia and offers incredible views down over both countries.  

eBiking

eBikes mean you get all the thrill of mountain trails without grinding up every climb. We’ll peddle into Galichica National Park and through villages perched high above the lake, some barely inhabited, all stunning. There’s also the chance to stop at an amazing farm-to-table restaurant to refuel over a lunch of fresh home-cooked food.

Paddleboarding

The rocky coastline of Lake Ohrid means countless hidden beaches that are only accessible by paddleboard. Whether you're new to SUP or you've been doing it for years, this is about access and paddling to places most people never see as you explore coves and secluded shores. And if you can’t reach the beach with your paddleboard, a support boat is on hand to get you there.

Wine Tasting

Spend an afternoon learning about the ancient city that grew up around Lake Ohrid. Then head to a lakeside restaurant for dinner and another lesson, this time to discover all about one of the country’s best kept secrets - Macedonian wine. 

Yoga

Stretch out any aches and pains with daily yoga sessions. This yoga practice is aimed at yogis of all levels, so if you’ve never even set foot on a mat, no problem. Our instructor will guide you through the practice, teaching you about breathwork and adapting the postures for your body and level.

Fitness and Experience Level

  • This trip is rated moderate.

    This multi-activity adventure is designed for all experience levels. It involves six consecutive days of activity - hiking, eBiking and paddleboarding - with two full summit hikes covering distances of up to 16km and 900m of elevation gain. A good level of fitness is essential, as is confidence on rocky, uneven terrain.

  • Distances eBike day covers 24km; the two hikes reach 16km and 900m elevation gain respectively, whilst paddleboarding focuses more on exploration over distance, but will still get the heart rate up.

    Terrain Rocky mountain paths and summit trails on foot, national park tracks on the eBike, and open lake water on the board — no two days feel the same underfoot.

    Consecutive Activity Six back-to-back active days with daily yoga built in to keep your body moving and your muscles from staging a full revolt.

    Weather  It will be warmer lake level (high 20s°C and above in summer), but noticeably cooler at altitude. Pack sun cream, a warm layer, and something waterproof for the possible afternoon showers in the mountains.

  • This trip is suited to those who are comfortable with back-to-back active days across a variety of activities. A good level of fitness is essential, as is a willingness to try new things and push yourself in the outdoors. It's not a relaxing beach holiday, but if you're after a week of real adventure in an unexpected destination, you're in the right place.

  • You'll spend the first five nights at a family-run guesthouse on the edge of Galichica National Park, right on the shores of Lake Ohrid. It's rustic, full of character, and the kind of place where you'll eat homemade Macedonian food and watch the sun go down over the lake from the terrace. On night six, you'll move to a cosy mountain resort tucked into the hillside at 1,420m, at the foot of the Jablanica mountain range.

  • Expect fresh, locally sourced Macedonian cooking throughout the week; home-cooked meals in villages that barely appear on a map, a farm-to-table lunch stop mid-bike ride, and a lakeside dinner paired with a proper introduction to Macedonian wine. On day two, you'll even get hands-on in the kitchen, learning to cook a traditional Macedonian dish yourself. Breakfast and dinner are included every day, with most meals served at your accommodation or out on the trail.

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Afternoon Land at Tirana Airport, jump in the transfer and head to our trip start point at Lake Ohrid. The transfer will take approx. three hours.

    Evening Check in, meet your guides for the week and get to know your group over dinner.

  • Day 2

    Morning Yoga overlooking the lake, breakfast, then time to eBike. Head into Galichica National Park and up to a view point across Ohrid and Lake Prespa.

    Afternoon Roll into Gorno Konjsko village and stop for late lunch. Learn about traditional Macedonian cooking and try your hand at making your own meal.

    Evening Back to the hotel for dinner and recovery.

    24 km | Elevation: +700m / –1000m

  • Day 3

    Morning Yoga, breakfast, then drive to Ohrid's biggest natural sandy beach and your launchpad for the day. Grab a paddleboard and explore the shoreline.

    Afternoon Lunch on the beach, then explore the waters more. There’s also the option to visit the 9th-century Monastery of St. Naum.

    Evening Dinner and downtime.

  • Day 4

    Morning Breakfast, then head to the Galichica Pass to hike to Magaro Peak (2,263m) - the highest point in the park. 

    Afternoon Post-hike lunch at a mountain hut, then hike back down.

    Evening Yoga, dinner and catch up on your incredible day.

    11km | +780 meters / - 780 meters elevation

  • Day 5

    Morning Yoga and breakfast, then back on the boards to explore more of Lake Ohrid.

    Afternoon Head into Ohrid for a city tour and to learn more about the history of the town.

    Evening Dinner at a lakeside restaurant followed by wine tasting. Then the evening is yours to explore the town, try more wine or head back for a good night sleep.

  • Day 6

    Morning Breakfast, check out and transfer to your next hotel. From there hike through one of the highest permanently inhabited settlements in North Macedonia, onto forest paths and open alpine terrain.

    Afternoon Summit Yablanica Mountain’s highest point, Black Rock Peak (standing at 2260m). Follow a circular route towards the glacial Vevčanska Lokva before returning to the village.

    Evening Back to the hotel for a celebratory farewell dinner.

    12 km | +900 m elevation

  • Day 7

    Morning Breakfast, take your final photos, then get the transfer back to Tirana airport.

Dates

    • Mon 31 August - Sun 6 September (guaranteed)

Price

Twin Room: £1600 (approx. €1840 / $2160)

Private Room: £1750 (approx. €2010 / $2365)

  • Gutsy Girls is a UK-based adventure company welcoming women worldwide. Prices are in pounds (£) with estimates in euros (€) and US dollars ($). The final amount depends on your card provider’s conversion rate at payment time and may fluctuate.

  • Secure your spot with a 30% deposit; the balance is due 45 days before the trip.

Included

  • 5 days guided activities (eBiking, SUP, hiking)

  • Daily yoga sessions

  • 6 nights accommodation

  • All meals from arrival dinner to departure breakfast

  • Fixed-time group airport transfers

  • Gutsy Girls Host

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    • Flights

    • Personal clothing

    • Drinks with restaurant meals

    • Travel Insurance (Mandatory)

  • The cancellation will only be effective from the date that the cancellation is received in writing by email. Cancellation charges will be payable as follows:

    • Cancellation fee of 100% is charged if cancelled 44 days or less before the trip

    • Cancellation fee of 30% is charged if cancelled 45 days or more before the trip

  • Every date on this adventure is locked in and happening. Book your flights, we're going.

Travel

  • Flights aren’t included, but we’ve listed some options that align with the group transfer times to make planning easier.

    Women join us from all over the world, so this isn’t a complete list — just a helpful starting point. You’re welcome to book any flights that work with the transfer times.

    Transfers run on a fixed schedule and can’t be delayed, even if your flight is listed. You’re responsible for arriving on time.

    We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers delays, cancellations, and missed connections.

    London to Tirana - Ryanair

    • Arrival Day:  STN 07:25 > TIA 11:20 | RK 8101

    • Departure Day: TIA 20:10 > STN 22:15 | RK 8291

  • We offer one group transfer to and from Tirana airport on arrival and departure days. 

    The transfer times are:

    • Pick up at Tirana Airport: 12:20

    • Drop off at Tirana Airport: 17:00

    These times align with our recommended flights. You are welcome to book other flights if they match the transfer schedule.

Full FAQs

Packing List

    • eBikes and helmets

    • SUP equipment and PFD

    • Yoga mat

  • Please see our full packing list here.

Questions?

If you have any questions, check our FAQs or drop us a message below!