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Types of Skiing Explained: Alpine, Nordic, Touring & SkateNorth Macedonia
Jul - Sep
eBike through North Macedonia’s wilderness across mountain passes, glacial lakes, and remote villages in two national parks
Beginner
Moderate
Home Comforts
From
£1,249
(USD $1,960.93)
Balkan Wilderness by eBike
Ready to explore mountain terrain that would normally require serious cycling legs? This eBiking adventure through the Balkans puts remote wilderness within reach, letting you tackle challenging trails without being a pro mountain biker.
Explore North Macedonia’s national parks where most people never venture, staying in mountain villages that feel worlds away from tourist trails. Take on three days covering serious ground through terrain that switches from highland meadows to rocky descents and winding gravel paths.
Have a night in North Macedonia’s eclectic capital city Skopje, then head to the mountains to stay in a cosy hotel with hearty local food and spa facilities.
If you love cycling, want to upgrade your usual bike ride and are ready to discover what eBiking can actually do, then grab your spot!
An active agenda
No Hidden Costs
High-spec eMountain bikes included
Relax with a swimming pool and sauna facilities
Comfortable hotels with Balkan charm
Farm-to-table breakfasts and dinners, plus packed or fresh grill lunches in beautiful locations
Experienced mountain guide plus your Gutsy Girls host
Fixed-time airport transfers to and from Skopje Airport, North Macedonia
Activity Overview
This is mountain biking for people who want to actually take in stunning scenery, not just survive the climbs. Cover North Macedonia’s wilderness on high-spec eMountain bikes, navigating mountain passes, cruising past glacial lakes, and powering through pine forests on trails that regular tourists never find.
Get to grips with your eBike on the streets in Skopje, before three consecutive days covering 30-45km on gravel paths and steep descents, from highland meadows to remote villages.
The eBike gives you that extra boost on climbs, but you still work the technical sections, steering through rocky terrain, and earning every view.
Your guide teaches bike handling skills and trail reading as you explore routes that cross between national parks.
The Destination
Your Adventure Starts Here
Land at Skopje Airport and transfer to your city centre hotel. Meet your bike and take a short ride through the capital to shake off the flight.
Cruise through Skopje's Old Bazaar, over the Stone Bridge, and into the city parks. Dinner at a local tavern for rich Balkan flavours and bold wines.
Climb Vodno Mountain past the 12th-century St. Pantelejmon Church, then descend on scenic roads and dirt trails to Matka Canyon.
Cycle through the gorge, refuel with a lakeside lunch, then transfer to the Shar Mountains. Check into your hotel, complete with mountain views, spa, and homemade dishes.
Settle in and fuel up for the next few days.
Climb to 2000m, then drop into single tracks through dense pine forests. Ride deep into Leshnica Valley with an optional hike to Krivoshija Waterfall.
Continue past remote villages and across wild rivers. It's a long day, but it delivers.
Spa time, sunset drinks, and dinner at the hotel.
Ride across high meadows with sweeping views of Macedonia below. Stop at sheep farms and local landmarks.
Enjoy a mountain grill lunch, then it's a short ride back to the hotel.
Your last night so make time for a final spa, then celebrate at your farewell dinner.
Breakfast and transfer to the airport. Head home with tired legs and a phone full of photos.
Rest & Refuel
We’ll be staying in two hotels, both with their own dash of Balkan charm! For the first night we'll stay in the heart of the capital city, Skopje, before moving on to the mountain hotel for the rest of the trip.
For the first night we’ll stay in a boutique hotel in the heart of Skopje. Then we’ll move into the mountains to stay at a great hotel with spa facilities and a swimming pool.
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Fill up on the true taste of North Macedonia with delicious breakfasts, farm to table dinners, BBQ nights and organic cheese! Breakfast will be served at the hotels, whilst lunches include a mix of packed meals and chances to dine out. Dinner in Skopje will be at a local restaurant and in the hotel restaurant for the rest of the trip.
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Book now
The essentials
| Accommodation |
Home Comforts Stay in a boutique hotel in Skopje (1 night) then move to a hotel in the mountains for the rest of the trip (3 nights).
|
|---|---|
| Food and Drink |
All meals are included, from dinner on arrival day to breakfast before your journey home. If you have a severe food allergy, please get in touch before you book.
|
| Difficulty Level |
2
Moderate The motor helps, but eBiking 30–45km daily across mountain terrain with elevation changes reaching 1,240m is still a genuine workout. You’ll be pedalling a heavier bike than you might be used to on gravel paths and steep descents, across three consecutive days. If you’re doing regular cardio and getting out on your bike before the trip, you’ll handle this well. You'll Need to Be
|
| Skill Level |
1
Beginner No eBike experience is needed, but you do need to be a confident cyclist and comfortable riding on varied, sometimes uneven terrain. You’ll do a warm-up ride on the first evening before the longer routes begin to get used to your eBike. Beginner is the skill level. It’s not an easy trip. Check the Fitness Level above. Not sure what level you are? Our Trip Rating Guide explains how we score fitness and skill. |
| Packing List |
Below is an indication of the specialist items you will need, and might have to invest in before your adventure! For a full list of what you’ll need to bring, check out the Trip Guide. You Provide
You’ll Need
|
| Travel |
The meeting point for this trip is Skopje Airport. Alternative routes and travel information are available in our Trip Guide |
| Not Included |
|
| Trip Code |
MKDSHAEBK |
The Answers
No eBiking experience needed, but you do need to be comfortable cycling. The main difference between an eBike and a standard bike is the motor—you still pedal and change gears, but get extra power when you need it. You’ll do a short warm-up ride on the first evening to get comfortable with the bikes before the longer rides begin.
This trip is rated moderate. You’ll be cycling 30-45km a day for three consecutive days on demanding terrain with significant ascents and descents. You need a good level of fitness and confidence cycling on rocky, uneven paths. If you can handle full active days and love being on a bike, you’ll be fine.
Padded cycling shorts or leggings (moisture-wicking, no cotton), cycling gloves, moisture-wicking tops, and sturdy trainers or cycling shoes. Bring layers for changing weather—mornings and evenings can be cool in the mountains, but midday rides can be hot. Full packing list available on the trip page.
We provide premium eMountain bikes and helmets. You’ll need to bring your own cycling clothing, shoes, daypack (15-25 litres), water bottle, and personal gear. See the full packing list for details.
Fly into Skopje Airport (SKP). On arrival day there’s a mid-afternoon and an evening transfer, and on departure day we’ll drop you back just after lunch. Book any flight that aligns with the transfer times below.
24–28 July
Arrival day pick-up: 17:45 or 20:55
Departure day drop-off: 10:00
18–22 September
Arrival day pick-up: 17:45 or 20:55
Departure day drop-off: 10:30
You’re responsible for making your own way to the accommodation if your flight doesn’t align with our transfer schedule.
On arrival day (Day 1) the hotel is in central Skopje, so it’s easy to reach. Your options:
On departure day, an earlier private transfer costs approx. €80 and must be booked in advance. Contact our Bookings Team to arrange this.
July and September can be hot in the valleys (mid-20s to low-30s°C), but slightly cooler in the mountains, especially at night and in the early mornings. Weather can change quickly in the mountains too, so pack layers and come prepared for sun, rain, and cooler temperatures. Check the forecast before you go.
Skopje is small but fascinating. The old town bazaar sits alongside brutalist buildings and modern squares, with the castle offering views across the city. It’s also your first stop for authentic Macedonian dishes and incredible local wines. It’s definitely worth adding a day or two if you have time.
Itineraries for all our trips are never set in stone. Mountain weather changes quickly, so guides adjust daily plans to keep you safe and ensure the best experience. You’ll still get your full adventure, it just might look slightly different from the original plan if conditions require it.
Most things are included in the trip price and most places accept credit/debit cards, however you may want to carry a small amount of local currency (£10-20 per day) for personal expenses like extra drinks, snacks, or souvenirs. North Macedonia uses the Macedonian Denar (MKD).
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