Macedonia

Hiking Adventure

5 nights from £ • € • $

Activities

5 days guided adventures

Accommodation

5 nights in hotels

Level

Beginner friendly

Food

Delicious locally sourced and home made food - All meals included

Difficulty

Group Size

Moderate

Transfers

7 new friends

Dates

September

Fly into Tirana

  • Guided Hiking

    Explore the wilds of North Macedonia on foot with four days of epic hikes.

  • National Parks

    Visit two of North Macedonia’s stunning National Parks for unforgettable views and unbeatable hospitality.

  • Cheese tasting

    Sample local flavours with a trip to a sheep farm to try homemade cheese.

  • Shared adventure

    Our small-group adventure means you can really get to know and share your experience with a group of like-minded women.

Join us on this brand new trip for 2025 for a hiking adventure with soul (and scenery!)

Trek through some of the Balkan’s most stunning scenery with our six day guided hiking holiday in North Macedonia. With our experienced local guide, take one of the less travelled paths in Europe and explore national parks and mountain ranges, skirt around country borders and learn more about remote villages.

The trip starts in Mavrovo National Park where we’ll tackle the epic Bistra Mountain range, before moving on to Popova Shapka. Here we’ll make our base for the rest of the trip to really explore the ridges, cave-fed waterfalls and glacial lakes of the parks. In the evenings, relax with a swim or rest tired muscles in the sauna, eat delicious homemade Balkan cuisine and kick back with a local beverage or two.

Location

North Macedonia is finally stepping into the tourism limelight, and for good reason. One of Europe’s greatest secrets, what it lacks in size it makes up for in awe-inspiring scenery, untouched ancient villages, delicious food and crystal clear lakes. 

We’ll be visiting two of North Macedonia’s four national parks: Mavrovo National Park and Shar Mountains National Park, home to over 2500 species of wildlife, plants, rivers and mountains.

Activities

  • Learn to Cross Country Ski

    Over two days, be introduced to the art of cross-country skiing in an environment that’s as welcoming as it is beautiful. Each morning, skilled instructors will walk us through the basics, ensuring comfort and confidence on the snow. After a hearty lunch, the afternoon is for practicing what we learned, with expert support always close by.

    Cross-country skiing is a low-impact, full-body workout that’s easy to learn, energising, and surprisingly fun—even for complete beginners. It’s a perfect mix of movement, adventure, and exploring the great outdoors. With its quick learning curve, go from wobbly first steps to gliding through snowy landscapes in just four days. Cross-country skiing takes us into the quiet beauty of nature, with enough downhill sections to keep things exciting.

    With equipment hire, expert tuition, and a supportive crew, this is a winter escape made for adventure and connection. Ready to give it a go? Let’s hit the ground gliding!

  • Hiking

    Icelandic Horses

    Spend three hours with the iconic Icelandic horses, known for their hardy nature and deep connection with the land. Under the guidance of local farmers, enjoy a riding lesson and explore scenic trails through the countryside. The Icelandic horses’ unique gait and calm temperament make this a fun and fascinating experience

  • Snowshoeing

    Whale Watching

    Immerse in a thrilling three-hour whale-watching tour from Akureyri. Sail through Eyjafjord and have the chance to spot humpback whales, as well as minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and more. An expert marine biologist will share fascinating insights into these majestic creatures as we enjoy the stunning fjord views.

  • Spa

    Unwind with a relaxing visit to the Forest Lagoon Spa. Set in the Vaðlaskógur forest, this tranquil spot offers warm pools, a Finnish dry sauna, and a cold plunge for the ultimate relaxation, all with views over Eyjafjörður.

  • Thermal Pool

    Take a dip in the Barðslaug thermal pool, a peaceful spot just a short distance from the lodge. With a hot tub, sauna, and flotation session, it’s an idyllic way to relax and enjoy the quiet beauty of the Icelandic countryside.

  • Snowshoeing

    Explore the Héðinsfjörður valley on a two-hour snowshoeing trek. Walk in the footsteps of Iceland’s past while hearing stories of the region’s resilient communities and their history. Snowshoeing is a relaxed, low-impact activity that’s perfect for everyone, paired with stunning landscapes leaving us in awe.

  • Northern Lights

    The Northern Lights are nature’s most magical light show, and there’s nothing quite like catching their glow. On this holiday, we’ll be keeping our eyes to the sky each evening, ready to spot those shimmering greens and purples dancing across the Nordic night.

Guided Hiking

*From vast mountain ranges and steep peaks, to winding paths, flowing rivers and flower meadows, North Macedonia is a hiker's dream. This trip is made for active women who are looking for a mountain adventure. The hiking may be tough, but it will be rewarding — from forest trails and steep climbs to high-altitude ridges and winding descents.

Medenica Peak

At 2165m, Medencia Peak is the highest in the Bistra mountains. From the top you’ll be able to take in amazing view of Shar Mountain and Korab, the highest mountain in both North Macedonia and Albania.

Peak Plat

Also called the "First Rock of Leshnica", the hike to Peak Plat is an epic but rewarding one. The route offers amazing views of other surrounding mountains, as well as a walk down through a breathtaking valley with a river and waterfall.

Leshnica Waterfalls

Fed by the water from the caves, Leshnica Waterfall is hidden amongst a beautiful valley of the same name. Starting in Bozovce, one of the most remote villages in the national park, follow earthy trails and forest paths, taking in the scenery as you search for the waterfall caves.

Karanikola Lake

Karanikola Lake is tucked away on the border between North Macedonia and Kosovo. Made from glacial water, it’s the third largest in the Shar National Park, the jewel in the crown of the dramatic mountains around it.

Fitness and Experience Level

  • This trip is rated moderate.

    This hiking holiday is designed for all experiences. It involves four consecutive days of hiking on varying terrain, covering distances of up to 16km per day with significant ascents and descents. A good level of fitness is compulsory, as is confidence on rocky, uneven paths.

  • You’ll be hiking between 14-16km daily for four consecutive days. There will be plenty of breaks on the hikes and the chance to relax in the evenings with good food and spa facilities at the second location, however to achieve the scenic views, you first have to climb the peaks! 

    A good level of fitness is needed, as well as a love for the mountains and an appetite for both challenge and reward.

    • Medinica Peak Hike: Distance: 14 km, Ascent: 630 meters

    • Peak Plat Hike: Distance: 16 km, Elevation gain: 900 m

    • Leshnica Waterfalls Hike: Distance: 16 km, Elevation gain: 450 m

    • Karanikiola Lake Hike: 16 km. Elevation gain: 1100 m

  • This trip is suited to those who are confident on varied, sometimes exposed terrain, and ready for full days on the move - a good level of fitness and a love of the outdoors are essential!

  • This hiking holiday blends adventure with comfort in comfy, rustic hotels.

    For the first night we’ll stay in a comfortable, basic hotel in Galichnik. For the rest of the trip we’ll move on to Popova Shapka to a great hotel with spa facilities and a swimming pool.

    Room set up

    • Twin room with bathroom - shared with another guest

    • Private rooms with private bathroom.

  • Fill up on the true taste of North Macedonia with delicious breakfasts, farm to table dinners, BBQ nights and organic cheese!

    Breakfast and dinner will be served at the hotels, whilst lunches include a mix of packed meals and chances to dine out.

    Dietary requirements can be accommodated; just let us know in advance.

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Our transfer will pick you up from Tirana Airport to get you to the start of the trip! The journey takes approximately three hours, with a break. Don’t forget to look out of the minibus window to get your first glimpses of North Macedonia’s awe-inspiring scenery. 

  • Day 2

    After a hearty breakfast we’ll get ready for our first hike to Medenica Peak. With the job done it’s then time to wind down with a relaxing lunch at Mavrovo Lake. In the evening we will jump back in the minibus for a drive to our second hotel in Popova Shapka.

  • Day 3

    Today we’ll summit Peak Plat, before learning about (and more importantly, tasting) organic cheese at the local sheep farm. In the evening make the most of the spa facilities and relax any tired muscles.

  • Day 4

    Setting off from the most remote village in the Shara National Park, today we’ll explore the Leshnica Waterfalls in one of the most beautiful valleys North Macedonia has to offer. Lunch is served at a local tavern, before we head back to the hotel for some well-earned rest and relaxation.

  • Day 5

    The final hike of the holiday will take us to the very edge of North Macedonia, as we explore the Karanikola glacial lake. In the evening we’ll then celebrate our last night in this beautiful country.

  • Day 6

    After breakfast it’s time to check-out and say good bye to North Macedonia - until next time! Then it’s back to Tirana airport on our transfer bus.

  • Fri 19 - Wed 24 September 2025

Dates

Price

Twin Room: £1800 (approx. €2145 / $2200)

Private Room: £2100 (approx. €2500 / $2500)

  • 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 of guided hiking in two national parks

  • Cheese farm visit & tasting

  • 5 nights accommodation

  • 3 nights spa access

  • All meals

    • 5 breakfast

    • 5 lunches

    • 5 dinners

  • Fixed-time group airport transfers

  • Experienced mountain guide

  • Gutsy Girls host

    • 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

  • We require a minimum of 6 participants to confirm this adventure.

    If you book and we don’t reach the minimum numbers, you’ll receive a full refund. Please hold off on booking any flights until the trip is confirmed. We have no doubt that the spots will fill up quickly!

Travel

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

    • Arrival day: TBC

    • Departure day: TBC

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

    Please note: If you book non-recommended flights and experience delays, we cannot wait for you. Private transfers are very expensive, so we strongly recommend booking the suggested flights.

  • London Stansted (STN) to Tirana (TIA) | Ryanair

    9:00 STN ✈︎ 12:55 TIA | RK 8288
    17:45 TIA ✈︎ 19:50 STN | RK 8291

Packing List

  • There is the option to borrow hiking poles if needed

  • Please see our full packing list here.

Questions?

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