Embark on a private tour from Tirana to Ohrid, the UNESCO oldest human settlement in Europe. Explore the historic town and its 365 churches, known as the ‘Jerusalem of the Balkan’.
- Tirana - Hotel Pick Up
- St. Jovan Kaneo - Perched atop a cliff above Kaneo Beach, this church gazes out upon Lake Ohrid in Ohrid, North Macedonia. It is a shrine to John of Patmos, the author of the Book of Revelation, who is sometimes identified with John the Apostle.
- Ohrid - Explore the heart of the city and the Old Bazaar, where Ohrid’s characteristic dwellings can be seen. The city’s pathways are laid with stone, which is why its original name was Lyhnidas, derived from the Latin term for a luminous precious stone.
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Monastery of Saint Naum - Following our time in Ohrid, we’ll make our way to the Monastery of Sveti Naum. This sacred site is not only a monastery but also the final resting place of Saint Naum. It’s a pilgrimage destination for believers worldwide. The Monastery Complex was once within Albanian territory from 1912 to 1925 before being reassigned to Yugoslavia.
Visit at Tushemisht
Crossing the border from Macedonia into Albania, we’ll visit Tushemisht. Unlike many Albanian villages, it shares similarities with Ohrid, including the predominant Orthodox faith.
Next, we’ll proceed to Tirana, marking the conclusion of our journey. -
Tsar Samuel’s Fortress - Departing from Tirana at 09:00, we’ll travel southeastward into Albania. Upon crossing into Macedonia, we encounter Struga, a town named after a local legend involving a young boy.
Adjacent to Struga is Ohrid, nestled on the lake’s edge, a historical melting pot of various cultures. Inhabited since ancient times by Illyrian and Greek tribes, it has been under the dominion of Romans, Byzantines, Bulgarians, Turks, Serbs, Yugoslavians, and now belongs to the sovereign Republic of North Macedonia.
Perched on the city’s hills, Tsar Samuel’s Fortress was erected during the 10th century under the Bulgarian Tsar Samuil. It is thought to have been constructed on the site of an earlier fortification dating back to the 4th century BCE, attributed to Philip II.
- Road taxes and car insurance included
- Air-conditioned vehicles
- Hotel pickup and drop-off service
- Included tickets to attractions
- Expert tour guide provided
- Lunch
- Any Private Expenses or Tips
An article by UNESCO states that Ohrid is among the most ancient human habitats in Europe. It’s situated on the banks of Lake Ohrid, one of the world’s oldest lakes. Over the centuries, it’s been a meeting point for various cultures, traditions, and invasions.
Often referred to as the “Jerusalem of the Balkans”, Ohrid has significantly contributed to the proliferation of Slavic Orthodoxy. It once housed 365 Churches, each representing a day of the year, with origins tracing back to the 11th Century.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.