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Types of Skiing Explained: Alpine, Nordic, Touring & SkateNorth Macedonia
Aug - Sep
Hike, eBike and SUP around one of Europe’s oldest lakes and discover the incredible landscapes of North Macedonia.
Beginner
Moderate
Home Comforts
From
£1,600
(USD $2,512.00)
Three Activities, One Ancient Lake
Seven days at Lake Ohrid eBiking into a national park, paddleboarding to beaches only reachable by water, and summiting mountain peaks with two countries stretched out below you. Active days, three activities, one destination most people haven’t discovered yet.
Evenings are spent at a rustic family-run guesthouse right on the lake, eating homemade local dishes and, on night five, getting a proper introduction to Macedonian wine. There’s also daily yoga sessions overlooking the lake and the chance to experience true Balkan hospitality.
An active agenda
No Hidden Costs
Hike in the surrounding National Parks
Ride through mountain villages
Explore Lake Ohrid's secret beaches and hidden covers
Lakeside dinner with a proper introduction to Macedonia wine
Daily sessions overlooking the lake - all levels welcome
Five nights in a lakeside guesthouse and one in a mountain resort
Arrival dinner to departure breakfast
Local guides for all activities plus your Gutsy Girls host
Pick up and drop off from Tirana Airport
Activity Overview
Two days and two summits. The first hike climbs to Magaro Peak, the highest point in Galichica National Park at 2,263m. You’ll start at 1,600m and work your way up through alpine meadows and rocky terrain, arriving at a summit with Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa below you and Albania stretching out in the distance.
The second day takes you to Black Rock Peak (2,260m) in the Jablanica Mountains, a range that straddles the border between Albania and North Macedonia. The routes cover up to 16km with 900m of elevation gain, so your legs will know about it.
Activity Overview
eBike along a route that takes you through villages so remote they barely appear on a map. After a climb, finish up at a viewpoint across both Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa before dropping into Gorno Konjsko village. There you’ll stop for a long lunch at a local restaurant and get hands-on in the kitchen learning to cook a traditional Macedonian dish.
No prior mountain cycling experience needed, just confidence on uneven ground.
Activity Overview
Lake Ohrid’s rocky coastline hides dozens of beaches that are perfect for exploring on a paddleboard. Over two sessions you’ll explore the lake’s hidden coves and secluded shores, with a support boat on hand if you want to push further out.
Whether you’ve never stood on a board before or you’re already comfortable on the water, the aim here is access and discovery.
Activity Overview
Macedonia has been making wine for thousands of years and most of it never leaves the country. After a morning back on the paddleboards, you’ll head into Ohrid’s old town for a guided tour of the ancient city, before settling into a lakeside restaurant for dinner, paired with a proper introduction to Macedonian wine.
Activity Overview
Stretch out any aches and pains with daily yoga sessions overlooking the lake. The sessions are aimed at yogis of all levels, so even if you’ve never set foot on a mat, we’ve got you covered.
The Destination
Your Adventure Starts Here
Land at Tirana Airport, jump in the transfer, cross the border and head to our trip start point at Lake Ohrid.
Check in, meet your guides for the week and get to know your group over dinner.
Yoga overlooking the lake, breakfast, then it’s time to eBike. Head into Galichica National Park and up to a view point across Ohrid and Lake Prespa.
24km
700m
1000m
Roll into Gorno Konjsko village and stop for late lunch. Learn about traditional Macedonian cooking and try your hand at making your own meal.
Back to the hotel for dinner and recovery.
Yoga, breakfast, then drive to Ohrid's biggest natural sandy beach and your launchpad for the day. Grab a paddleboard and explore the shoreline.
Lunch on the beach, then explore the waters more. There’s also the option to visit the 9th-century Monastery of St. Naum.
Dinner and downtime.
Breakfast, then head to the Galichica Pass to hike to Magaro Peak (2,263m) - the highest point in the park.
11km
780m
780m
Mid-hike lunch at a mountain hut, then hike back down.
Yoga, dinner and catch up on your incredible day.
Yoga and breakfast, then back on the boards to explore more of Lake Ohrid.
Head into Ohrid for a city tour and to learn more about the history of the town.
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.
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.
12km
900m
900m
Summit Jablanica Mountain’s highest point, Black Rock Peak (standing at 2260m). Follow a circular route towards the glacial Vevčanska Lokva before returning to the village.
Back to the hotel for a celebratory farewell dinner.
Breakfast, take any final photos, then get the transfer back to Tirana airport. See you on the next one!
Rest & Refuel
Five nights in a family-run guesthouse right on the shores of Lake Ohrid. It’s rustic and full of character, with a terrace that faces the water and sunsets that'll stop your conversation mid-sentence. On night six, you move up to a mountain resort at the foot of the Jablanica range.
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The food is fresh, local and genuinely good. Expect home-cooked Macedonian meals, fresh lunches, and a lakeside dinner paired with wines made from grape varieties you've possibly never heard of. Portions are often big and made for sharing across the table.
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Book now
The Essentials
| Accommodation |
Home Comforts Five nights at a rustic, family-run guesthouse right on the shores of Lake Ohrid. It’s full of character with a terrace that faces the sunset. On night six, you’ll move to a cosy mountain resort tucked into the hillside at 1,420m at the foot of the Jablanica range. Lake Ohrid guesthouse
Mountain resort
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|---|---|
| Food and Drink |
All meals included. Let us know your dietary requirements when you book. Ingredients are sourced locally and menus are set, so the earlier you tell us, the better. We cannot guarantee zero cross-contamination. If your allergy is severe, get in touch before you book.
|
| Fitness Level |
2
Moderate Five consecutive active days across three completely different activities, two of which are full summit hikes covering up to 16km and over 900m elevation or rocky terrain. The eBike day is 24km with 700m of climbing, and even the paddleboarding will get your heart rate up. You'll Need to Be:
|
| Skill Level |
1
Beginner No prior experience is needed for any activity. Your guides will cover paddleboard technique, eBike handling and hiking skills on the day. 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. We Provide
You'll Need To Be
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| Travel |
The meeting point for this trip is Tirana Airport, Albania. The transfer to Lake Ohrid takes approximately 2.5 hours. Alternative routes and travel information are in our trip guide. |
| Not Included |
|
| Trip Code |
MKDSHAMLT |
The answers
The eBiking, SUP, hiking and yoga are all suitable for complete beginners and you’ll be guided and briefed throughout. You do need to be able to ride a regular bike to be able to eBike, and you must be able to swim 100m for the SUP sessions. What you need most though is a good fitness level and a willingness to give everything a go.
This trip is rated moderate, but a solid base fitness is essential. You’ll be active every day across five consecutive days, including two full day hikes covering up to 16km with 900m of elevation gain. If you can handle back-to-back active days without falling apart, you’ll manage well.
Both hikes involve rocky, uneven terrain with significant elevation gain in places. The Magaro Peak hike starts at 1,600m and climbs to 2,263m to the highest point in Galichica National Park, with both Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa visible from the summit. The second hike takes you to Black Rock Peak via forest paths and open alpine terrain. You do need to be comfortable on rough ground and fit enough to deal with the elevation.
No previous SUP experience is needed. Whether you’re new to it or have done it before, the focus is on exploring the rocky coastline and reaching beaches that are only accessible by water. A support boat is on hand if you need it.
No, you just need to be able to ride a bike. The motor assists your pedalling, so you get all the fun of mountain trails without grinding up every climb. Our eBikes can carry up to 120kg.
We provide eBikes and helmets, all SUP equipment, a personal flotation device (PFD), and yoga mats. Everything else is on the packing list.
For this trip you need to fly into Tirana Airport in Albania. There are several direct flights from the UK to Albania’s capital and it’s a great spot to overnight if you have the time. Our transfer will collect you from Tirana airport on the first day of the trip and drive you to Ohrid. You will cross the border and the trip will take approx 2.5 hours.
Yes. One transfer each way is included, running at fixed times from Tirana Airport. Your travel must match these timings, but if it doesn’t, you’ll need to arrange your own transport. A private transfer can be arranged each way, please get in touch with our Bookings Team to find out more.
A group transfer is included on both the arrival and departure days. This is a shared transfer, running at fixed times to and from Tirana Airport, Albania.
There is one transfer each way, and your flight must match the timings. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to make your own arrangements.
Transfer times:
Pick up at Tirana Airport: 12:20
Drop off at Tirana Airport: 17:00
There is no discount if you choose not to use the transfer.
Warm and generally sunny at lake level, with cooler temperatures in the mountains, especially in the evenings. Mountain weather can shift quickly so pack a light layering system and waterproof jacket regardless of how good the forecast looks. Sun protection is essential at altitude even on cooler days too.
Yes. The broad structure is planned, but guides monitor conditions daily and adjust where needed, particularly for outdoor and mountain activities. Safety comes first and there are alternative plans in place for every day. You’ll still get a full week of activity.
Yes. Cards are generally accepted at shops and restaurants, but the hotel where you’ll be based for most of the week only takes cash. Euros are accepted there, although change will be given in Macedonian denar (MKD) so it’s better to bring small notes. A daily budget of around €10–20 will cover any personal extras comfortably.
The first five nights are at a rustic, family-run guesthouse right on the shores of Lake Ohrid, on the edge of Galichica National Park with homemade food, a terrace with lake views, and a lot of character. On night six, you move to a mountain resort at 1,420m at the foot of the Jablanica range for the final hike day.
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