Private Tours from Ohrid
Comfortable travel The start and the finish hours of the tours are flexible. You will be picked up and dropped off at your hotel. You will not travel in a group of people you do not know. You can follow your route at your own pace. All occupants of the car are insured.
Personalized program The program we adapt to your own wishes and possibilities. Your guide will tell you as much or as little as you want to hear about history and monuments and about all aspects of life and you will learn a lot of new things that are personally important to you. If you are fond of photo or video shooting and want to capture something you liked, you will have as much time to do it as you give yourself.
PRIVATE GUIDED TOURS
SIGHTSEEING IN OHRID Mileage: 5 km (walking tour) Duration: 3-4 hours In this UNESCO listed town brimming with history and culture we will introduce you to some of our great treasures: -
St. Sophia Church built between the 11
th
and 14
th
century, the seat of the Ohrid
Archbishops, converted into a mosque under the Ottoman Empire, then returned to Orthodoxy. -
Virgin Mary Peribleptos Church built in the 13
th
century, a classic Orthodox Byzantine
church, dominating the Old Town demonstrates the link between Byzantine and Italian Renaissance art. -
The Icon Gallery, adjacent to Virgin Mary Peribleptos Church, houses one of the world’s th
th
most prominent collections of icons, 11 – 19 century. -
St. John the Theologian Church at Kaneo stands alone on a small promontory jutting out into the Lake at western end of the Old Town, affording you a spectacular panoramic view of the Lake and its surrounding mountains.
-
Robev Family House, now the Archaeological Museum of Ohrid contains artifacts from the Neolithic period until the 19
th
century. Also displayed is an exceptional example of
the Ohrid tradition of wood carving in the top floor ceiling.
The program may be extended with a visit to some of the other remarkable places: -
20 churches of different historical periods
-
10 mosques from the Ottoman period
-
dozens of houses in Ottoman or Neoclassical style
-
numerous craft workshops and art galleries
CULTURA 365
ul. Car Samoil 34, 6000 Ohrid, Macedonia
Phone: ++389 (0)70 507424
E-mail: itvo@t.mk
PRIVATE GUIDED TOURS
GALICHITSA Mileage: 80 km Duration: 8-9 hours Route: Ohrid-Sveti Naum-Ohrid Konjsko (Upper Konjsko) is now a ghost village, with a few inhabitants and many abandoned family homes built in the traditional style; the views of Lake Ohrid are spectacular. Elshani (500 inhabitants) is set up amongst beautiful natural surroundings, and offers a profound acquaintance with the traditional life of a mountain village, which now transforms into a modern neighborhood. Peshtani (1,300 inhabitants) has completely converted from a village of fishermen and herders into a modern settlement with numerous catering and tourist facilities. Virgin Mary of Peshtani is a tiny cave church, built in the late middle ages under a cliff near the lakeshore (the church can be accessed easily only in the summer period). Bay of Bones is certainly one of the biggest attractions in the Republic of Macedonia; the complex consists of a Roman fortress, a museum, a restored settlement on stilts, and a diving center. Trpejca (300 inhabitants) due to its position between Lake Ohrid and Galichitsa National Park in the recent years has become an attractive summer tourist destination. St. Naum`s Monastery attracts numerous pilgrims, as well as tourists from around the world. The nearby springs with the clear waters and the surrounding mountains add to the beauty of the place.
CULTURA 365
ul. Car Samoil 34, 6000 Ohrid, Macedonia
Phone: ++389 (0)70 507424
E-mail: itvo@t.mk
PRIVATE GUIDED TOURS
WALKING IN GALICHITSA Mileage: 40 km by car/van + 12 km on foot Duration: 8-9 hours
Phase A
Walking distance: 7 km; cca. 3 hours including frequent breaks Walking level: Easy, for most levels of health and walking ability We will be driven by mini bus to the starting point of the tour in the southern part of Mount Galičica (Galichitsa) where we will hike down the western slopes of the mountain going north to the village of Elšani (Elshani) through leafy woodlands. The walk takes 2 ½ hours, and then it is time for a well-earned rest and a relaxing lunch.
Phase B
Walking distance: 4 km; 1 hour 30 min., including frequent breaks Walking level: Moderate, for reasonably fit and with good health After lunch, we will look around Elshani before setting out for Konjsko along a welltrodden goat path through woodland with lake views. After a relaxing 90-minute walk, we reach Konjsko, a peaceful, semi-deserted village. Following short break here, we make our return to Ohrid.
Notes:
This tour is particularly suitable for those wishing to experience the true Macedonian village life.
Those who cannot / do not wish to carry out “Phase B” of the walking tour can quit in Elshani, allowing to be driven back to Ohrid.
CULTURA 365
ul. Car Samoil 34, 6000 Ohrid, Macedonia
Phone: ++389 (0)70 507424
E-mail: itvo@t.mk
PRIVATE GUIDED TOURS
GALICHITSA & PRESPA Mileage: 120 km Duration: 8-9 hours Route: Ohrid-Resen-Oteshevo-Trpejca-Ohrid Resen (9,000 inhabitants) is the administrative center of the Macedonian part of the Prespa region, which is the country`s major producer of apples. The most attractive building in the town is the Saray (palace), originally built as a family home, nowadays hosting art galleries, a library, and a museum. Prespa Lake is located on the border with Albania and Greece, at an altitude of 853 m. Due to its rare population on the shores, this lake is immune to human activities. Numerous pelicans and other birds live around the lake. Baba Pass (1,600 m.) in the Galichitsa National Park provides spectacular views of Lake Ohrid and the surrounding mountains; after a short walk, one can reach the point from which both lakes, Ohrid and Prespa can be seen at the same time. Trpejca (300 inhabitants) due to its position between Lake Ohrid and Galichitsa National Park in the recent years has become an attractive summer tourist destination. Bay of Bones is certainly one of the biggest attractions in the Republic of Macedonia; the complex consists of a Roman fortress, a museum, a restored settlement on stilts, and a diving center. Peshtani (1,300 inhabitants) has completely converted from a village of fishermen and herders into a modern settlement with numerous catering and tourist facilities. Elshani (500 inhabitants) is set up amongst beautiful natural surroundings, and offers a profound acquaintance with the traditional life of a mountain village, which now transforms into a modern neighborhood. Konjsko (Upper Konjsko) is now a ghost village, with a few inhabitants and many abandoned family homes built in the traditional style; the views of Lake Ohrid are spectacular.
CULTURA 365
ul. Car Samoil 34, 6000 Ohrid, Macedonia
Phone: ++389 (0)70 507424
E-mail: itvo@t.mk
PRIVATE GUIDED TOURS
MAVROVO Mileage: 230 km Duration: 10 hours Route: Ohrid-Struga-Debar-Mavrovo-Kichevo-Ohrid Black Drim River flows out of Lake Ohrid in Struga. After about 56 km, it crosses the border to Albania, west of Debar. The Black Drim river valley is the natural route for the major road, which connects the regions of Debar and Ohrid. 2
Globochitsa Lake is an artificial lake on the Black Drim River, with a surface area of 2. 69 km . The lake is 12 km long, and the maximum width is 350 m. The dam is made of stones, and its maximum height is 90 m. Debar Lake has a surface area of 13.2 km² and is among the largest lakes in Macedonia. It is 92 meters deep and sits at an altitude of 580 meters above the sea level. It was created between 1966 and 1968 after the existing dam was raised to 102 meters. Debar (14,000 inhabitants) is a city in the western part of the Republic of Macedonia, with an ethnic Albanian majority of 75%. The official languages are Albanian and Macedonian. Radika is a river in western Macedonia, a 70 km-long tributary to the Black Drim river. The Radika river valley is the natural route for the major road in the Mavrovo National Park connecting the regions of Debar and Polog (Gostivar and Tetovo). Bigorski Monastery is dedicated to St. John the Baptist. The most valuable treasure is the iconostasis, considered one of the finest examples of wood-carved iconostasis. Mavrovo National Park is the largest national park of the Republic of Macedonia. The park is full of natural beauties (impressive landscapes, diverse flora and fauna) and rich cultural heritage scattered around in the numerous villages and monasteries. Kichevo (27,000 inhabitants) gained special importance only after the construction of the railway line and the highway between Ohrid and Skopje. Kichevo has the oldest preserved train in Macedonia.
CULTURA 365
ul. Car Samoil 34, 6000 Ohrid, Macedonia
Phone: ++389 (0)70 507424
E-mail: itvo@t.mk
PRIVATE GUIDED TOURS
KRUSHEVO Mileage: 250 km Duration: 10 hours Route: Ohrid-Resen-Bitola-Demir Hisar-Krushevo-Demir Hisar-Drugovo-Ohrid Resen (9,000 inhabitants) is the administrative center of the Macedonian part of the Prespa region, which is the country`s major producer of apples. The most attractive building in the town is the Saray (palace), originally built as a family home, nowadays hosting art galleries, a library, and a museum. Bitola (75,000) is a significant crossroads and the second largest city in Macedonia, widely renowned for its rich cultural heritage, originating from different periods. Demir Hisar (meaning Iron Fortress) is a town situated between mountains rich in iron ore in the eponymous region renown for the production of tobaccos. Krushevo (5, 000 inhabitants), sometimes called the “Eagle’s Nest�, is the highest town in Macedonia, situated at an altitude of over 1350 m above sea level. Besides the four th
th
Orthodox churches, Krushevo is proud of many houses from the late 19 and early 20
century, built in the traditional style, which is a mixture of different architectural influences. Nikola Martinoski, one of the greatest contemporary painters of Macedonia, was born in Krushevo. However, the late pop singer Toshe Proevski remains the most famous local person of all times. There is a museum dedicated to him, which together with his grave in the recent years have become the major attraction of the town. Zheleznets is one of the most attractive villages in Macedonia. Although largely abandoned, the village boasts outstanding samples of traditional architecture. The village is located in a narrow gorge, around the springs of the Black River (Crna Reka). Crna River (Black River) is the right tributary of the Vardar River. It runs though much of the south and west of the country. The length of the river is 207 km.
CULTURA 365
ul. Car Samoil 34, 6000 Ohrid, Macedonia
Phone: ++389 (0)70 507424
E-mail: itvo@t.mk
PRIVATE GUIDED TOURS
PRESPA Mileage: 140 km Duration: 8-9 hours Route: Ohrid-Resen-Brajchino-Resen-Ohrid Resen (9,000 inhabitants) is the administrative center of the Macedonian part of the Prespa region, which is the country’s main producer of apples. The Saray (palace) is the most attractive building in the town; originally built as a family home, hosting nowadays art galleries, a library, and a museum. Prespa Lake is located on the border with Albania and Greece, at an altitude of 853 m. Due to its rare population on the shores, this lake is naturally protected from human activities. Numerous pelicans and other birds live around the lake. Podmochani (300 inhabitants) is a village of apple producers and the home of an ethnographic museum that boasts a rich collection of traditional folk costumes from all regions of Macedonia. Kurbinovo (140 inhabitants) is located at the foot of the Baba Mountain. The village is world th
famous for its small church with remarkable 12 century frescoes. Slivnica (190 inhabitants) has viewpoints with panoramic views of the entire Lake Prespa region, including the small Prespa lake which is entirely on the territory of Greece; not far from the village, in the thick forest of the Pelister National Park, there is a monastery church th
with 17 -century frescoes. Brajchino (130 inhabitants) is located at the foot of the Baba Mountain, within the Pelister National Park and near the border with Greece. This village`s biggest attractions are its nature and old architecture.
CULTURA 365
ul. Car Samoil 34, 6000 Ohrid, Macedonia
Phone: ++389 (0)70 507424
E-mail: itvo@t.mk
PRIVATE GUIDED TOURS
SKOPJE Mileage: 350 km Duration: 10-12 hours Route: Ohrid-Kichevo-Skopje-Kichevo-Ohrid Kichevo (27,000 inhabitants) gained special importance after the construction of the railway line and the highway between Ohrid and Skopje. Kichevo has the oldest preserved train in Macedonia. Matka is a canyon located near Skopje. Matka is one of the most popular outdoor destinations in Macedonia and is home to several medieval monasteries. The Matka Lake is the oldest artificial lake in the country. Skopje (500, 000) is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Macedonia. It is the country's political, cultural, economic, and academic center. The city is abundant with museums, just like with other buildings of different eras and styles: -
The Stone Bridge
-
Daut Pasha Hammam
-
Skopje Fortress
-
St. Savior’s Church
-
Memorial House of Mother Theresa
-
Skopje City Museum
-
Mustafa Pasha Mosque
-
Contemporary Art Museum of Macedonia
-
Holocaust Memorial Center for the Jews of Macedonia
-
Old Bazaar
CULTURA 365
ul. Car Samoil 34, 6000 Ohrid, Macedonia
Phone: ++389 (0)70 507424
E-mail: itvo@t.mk
PRIVATE GUIDED TOURS
STRUGA Mileage: 80 km Duration: 8 hours Route: Ohrid-Struga-Vevchani-Kalishta-Radozhda-Struga-Ohrid Sveti Erazmo is a locality along the Ohrid-Struga freeway. Here you can see remains of an ancient church, as well as a small cave church dedicated to St. Erasmus. Struga (17,000 inhabitants) is located on Lake Ohrid where the Black Drim river (Crn Drim) starts and divides the city. The river flows through Struga in a canal that gives the city a particular appeal. At the exit of the river from the lake, an international festival of poetry is held each year at the end of August. -
The church of St. George was erected in 1835, and has valuable icons from the 13
th
and later centuries. -
The Natural Science Museum, named after the founder Dr. Nikola Nezlobinski, with its excellent display of the many species of animals that inhabit the region.
Vevchani (2,500 inhabitants) is a town and municipality located at the foot of Mount Jablanica. The Vevchani springs are some of the most famous springs in the Republic of Macedonia. They are located on the eastern slope of the Jablanica mountain range and run through the village of Vevchani. Kalishta (1,200 inhabitants) is a village with a predominantly ethnic Albanian population of Muslim faith. The village is known mostly for the two cave churches dating back to the 14
th
century. Radozhda (800 inhabitants) is a village with a purely ethnic Macedonian population of Orthodox Christian faith. The village is located near the Albanian border. The cliffs above the th
village host a small cave church from the 13 century dedicated to St. Archangel Michael. The church is accessible after a steep climb, which simultaneously provides a panoramic view of Lake Ohrid.
CULTURA 365
ul. Car Samoil 34, 6000 Ohrid, Macedonia
Phone: ++389 (0)70 507424
E-mail: itvo@t.mk
PRIVATE GUIDED TOURS
BITOLA Mileage: 150 km Duration: 8 hours Route: Ohrid-Resen-Bitola-Resen-Ohrid Resen (9,000 inhabitants) is the administrative center of the Macedonian part of the Prespa region, which is the country`s major producer of apples. The most attractive building in the town is the Saray (palace), originally built as a family home, nowadays hosting art galleries, a library, and a museum. Malovishta is a traditional, semi-deserted village of Vlach speaking people, situated within the Pelister National Park. Pelister National is located in the Baba Mountain and covers an area of 171.5 square kilometers. The altitude of the park varies between 927 and 2,601 m above sea level. Pelister is one of the most southern mountains in the Balkans that has an alpine character. Bitola (75,000) is a significant crossroads and the second largest city in Macedonia, widely renowned for its rich cultural heritage, originating from different periods. -
The archeological site Heraclea Lynkestis tells the history of one of the most important cities of Roman Macedonia. Special attention is paid to the remains of early Christian churches with colorful mosaics.
-
The oriental face of the city is best experienced in the old commercial district, which consists of a closed market, a green market and a complex of small craft workshops that are turned into shops and offices. To make the image complete, this part of the city is filled with impressive mosques from the Ottoman period.
-
Prior to the Balkan wars, Bitola was an important center of cultural events. Among other things, the first Balkan cinematographers, Brothers Manaki, lived here.
-
Bitola is abundant with buildings in the neoclassical style that give the city a special mark of a wealthy European metropolis.
CULTURA 365
ul. Car Samoil 34, 6000 Ohrid, Macedonia
Phone: ++389 (0)70 507424
E-mail: itvo@t.mk
PRIVATE GUIDED TOURS
BITOLA & GALICHITSA Mileage: 180 km Duration: 8 hours Route: Ohrid-Resen-Bitola-Trpejca-Ohrid Resen (9,000 inhabitants) is the administrative center of the Macedonian part of the Prespa region, which is the country`s major producer of apples. The most attractive building in the town is the Saray (palace), originally built as a family home, nowadays hosting art galleries, a library, and a museum. Bitola (75,000) is a significant crossroads and the second largest city in Macedonia, widely renowned for its rich cultural heritage, originating from different periods. -
The archeological site Heraclea Lynkestis tells the history of one of the most important cities of Roman Macedonia. Special attention is paid to the remains of early Christian churches with colorful mosaics.
-
The oriental face of the city is best experienced in the old commercial district, which consists of a closed market, a green market and a complex of small craft workshops that are turned into shops and offices. To make the image complete, this part of the city is filled with impressive mosques from the Ottoman period.
-
Prior to the Balkan wars, Bitola was an important center of cultural events. Among other things, the first Balkan cinematographers, Brothers Manaki, lived here.
-
Bitola is abundant with buildings in the neoclassical style that give the city a special mark of a wealthy European metropolis.
Prespa Lake is located on the border with Albania and Greece, at an altitude of 853 m. Due to its rare population on the shores, this lake is naturally protected from human activities. Numerous pelicans and other birds live around the lake. Baba Pass (1,600 m.) in the Galichitsa National Park provides spectacular views of Lake Ohrid and the surrounding mountains; after a short walk, one can reach the point from which both lakes, Ohrid and Prespa can be seen at the same time.
CULTURA 365
ul. Car Samoil 34, 6000 Ohrid, Macedonia
Phone: ++389 (0)70 507424
E-mail: itvo@t.mk
PRIVATE GUIDED TOURS
ALBANIA Mileage: 200 km (option 1) or 180 km (option 2) Duration: 9-10 hours Route: Ohrid-Baba Pass-Stenje-Pustec-Korcha-Pogradec-Lin-Struga-Ohrid Baba Pass (1,600 m.) provides spectacular views of Lake Ohrid and the surrounding mountains; after a short walk, one can reach the point from which both lakes, Ohrid and Prespa can be seen at the same time. Stenje (450 inhabitants) is located on the western shore of Lake Prespa, near the Albanian border. The village has a few catering facilities and a sandy beach. Pustec is a municipality in the Korcha County of Albania. The municipality consists of nine villages, comprising the areas along the southwestern shore of Lake Prespa. It is home to a part of the local ethnic Macedonian minority of Albania. Albanian and Macedonian are official languages of the municipality. Korcha (50,000 inhabitants) is a city in southeastern Albania and the seat of Korcha County. It stands on a plateau some 850 m above sea level, at the foot of the Morava Mountains. The city has a mixture of architectural styles. Pogradec (20,000 inhabitants) is the biggest tourist resort on the Albanian side of Lake Ohrid.
In Pogradec one of the two possible roads to Ohrid can be chosen:
OPTION 1
OPTION 2
Lin (1,680 inhabitants) is a traditional village
St. Naum`s Monastery attracts
situated on a small peninsula on Lake
numerous pilgrims, as well as tourists
Ohrid, near the QafĂŤ ThanĂŤ mountain pass,
from around the world.
which is a border-crossing point between
The nearby springs with the clear
Albania and Macedonia. Lin is a mixed
waters and the surrounding
village of Orthodox Christians and Muslims.
mountains add to the beauty of the place.
CULTURA 365
ul. Car Samoil 34, 6000 Ohrid, Macedonia
Phone: ++389 (0)70 507424
E-mail: itvo@t.mk
For more information and bookings, please contact
CULTURA 365 ul. Car Samoil 34 6000 Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia Phone: ++389 (0)70 507424 E-mail: itvo@t.mk