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Ohrid City and Lake Tour: Discover Macedonia's UNESCO Heritage Every Friday
5.0
4 Ratings
Skopje
Embark on a guided full-day tour to Ohrid and Ohrid Lake, a UNESCO protected site in Macedonia. Explore the charming old town, visit historic churches and monuments, and discover the St. Naum monastery complex and Galichica National Park.
Duration:
10 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Ohrid - Due to its religious significance and numerous churches and monasteries, Ohrid is often referred to as the “Macedonian Jerusalem.” Historical records indicate that there were once 365 churches, one for each day of the year! In the 12th century, the city also served as the seat of the Archbishop of Ohrid. Since 1979, both the city and Lake Ohrid have been under UNESCO protection.
- Lake Ohrid - Lake Ohrid straddles the mountainous border between southwestern Macedonia and eastern Albania. It is one of Europe’s deepest and oldest lakes, boasting a unique aquatic ecosystem of global importance with over 200 endemic species. Macedonia’s side of Lake Ohrid was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, with the designation extended to include the cultural and historic area of Ohrid in 1980. In 2010, NASA named one of Titan’s lakes after it. In 2014, the Ohrid-Prespa Transboundary Reserve between Albania and Macedonia was added to UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Albania’s side of Lake Ohrid received UNESCO World Heritage status in 2019. North Macedonia’s portion was designated a protected Ramsar site in 2021, meeting all nine criteria for proclamation. In Albania, the coastal portion of the lake is a Managed Nature Reserve, while in Macedonia, part of the lakeside is included in Galičica National Park.
- Ancient Theatre of Ohrid - The remains of the Ancient Theatre can be found in the heart of Ohrid’s old town. Built in 200 BC, it is the only Hellenistic-type theatre in the country, as the other three in Scupi, Stobi, and Heraklea Lynkestis are from Roman times. The original seating capacity is unknown, as only the lower section remains. The open theatre is perfectly situated, with two surrounding hills protecting it from winds that could disrupt acoustics during performances.
- Tsar Samuel’s Fortress - Known as “Samuilova tvrdina” or the Fortress of Tsar Samuil, this fortress is located on the highest part of the hill where Ohrid is situated. Recent excavations by Macedonian archaeologists suggest that this fortress was built on the site of an earlier fortification dating back to the 4th century BC, likely constructed by King Philip II of Macedonia.
- St. Jovan Kaneo - Perched on a small cliff right above the lake, this unique church is a landmark of Ohrid. Saint John the Theologian, Kaneo, or simply Saint John at Kaneo, is a Macedonian Orthodox church overlooking Lake Ohrid. The church is dedicated to John of Patmos, the author of Revelation, who some believe to be the same person as John the Apostle. The exact construction date of the church is unknown, but documents detailing the church property suggest it was built before 1447. Archaeologists believe it was constructed sometime before the rise of the Ottoman Empire, likely in the 13th century.
- Monastery of Saint Naum - Take an afternoon drive along the lake to the monastery complex of St. Naum, located on the southern part of Lake Ohrid and part of Galichica National Park. Near the monastery, founded by St. Naum in the 9th century, you can enjoy a boat ride above the springs of the Black Drim River, which flows into Lake Ohrid (with an additional fee to be paid on the spot).
What's Included
- Complimentary water bottle and Wi-Fi on board
- Included visits as per program with entrance fees
- Transport by car/minivan from Skopje to Ohrid and St Naum
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Skopje
- English-speaking guide for full day (driver doubles as guide for small groups)
What's Not Included
- Boat ride on St Naum - 5 € (to be paid on the spot)
- Gratuities to the driver/guide (not mandatory)
Additional Information
Each Friday, we conduct a day-long guided tour to the UNESCO secured Ohrid and Ohrid Lake, Macedonia’s most popular tourist attraction.
When you book, you’re assured of departure. The more people that book together, the cheaper the rate.
Discover the charming scenery of Ohrid’s old town and its historical churches and monuments.
Step into the impressive St. Naum monastery complex and visit the origin of the Black Drim river at Galichica National park.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Child rate applies only when sharing with two paying adults
Location
Gate Macedonia
11th October Street
Below the gate
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(4 Ratings)
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1 star
Chathurthidesilva
Oct 8, 2022
Exceeded expectations, fabulous! - Had a great time with this company. Stefan and Sofia were amazing. There were kind, patient, knowledgeable, and great conversationalists. They attended to my every need and made sure I had a great time. Highly recommend this company if you're in N. Macedonia.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marc_b
Sep 10, 2022
Tour to Ohrid from Skopje - Nice and safe trip between Skopje and Ohrid.
The visit of Ohrid was very interesting. This day we learnt a lot about Macedonia, its history, culture, food, craftsmanship and so on.
I truly recommend this tour if you pass by Skopje.
Review provided by Viator
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