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Highlights
Discover the beauty of North Macedonia and Northern Greece on this self-guided ride
Peruse the ancient streets of Macedonia’s Ohrid, known as the ‘Jerusalem of the Balkans’, home to over 365 churches.
Spend your days cycling alongside sparkling lakes and enjoy several lakefront accommodations along the way.
Pedal your way through one of the world’s best wine regions in Agios Panteleimon, brimming with vineyards and cellars.
Stand in awe of the Meteora monasteries, perched on top of soaring granite pinnacles.
This 13-day North Macedonia and Greece Cycling tour leads you through North Macedonia and the region of Macedonia in northern Greece, combining two incredible countries in one trip! The tour is challenging but all the more rewarding as you cycle through undiscovered areas, rich in nature and cultural and historical highlights.
Beginning in the beautiful town of Ohrid, known as the ‘Pearl of the Balkans’ you’ll ride for four days towards the border with Greece. In Macedonia’s Sveti Naum, you’ll stay overnight in an impressive 700 -year-old monastery. Each day, you’ll glide along quality tarmac roads with little traffic along with the crystal clear lakes of Ohrid and Prespa. Just before the border with Greece, you’ll stay in the historic city of Bitola, a prominent trading city during Ottoman rule.
The first stay in Greece is in the town of Florina, situated on the foothills of the Pelister National Park. Peddling through one of the best wine regions of the world, you reach the Lake District of Agios Panteleimon and cycle through an area rich in nature to reach Kastoria, a historic city pleasantly situated on the lake. Cycling through the valley of the Pinios River, you’ll then reach the giant pinnacles of Meteora topped with ancient monasteries that are one of the most extraordinary rock formations in the world!
Treat yourself to this incredible ride that invites you to experience the best natural landscapes, cultural highlights, and food and wine of Northern Macedonia and Northern Greece.
This 13-day North Macedonia and Greece Cycling tour leads you through North Macedonia and the region of Macedonia in northern Greece, combining two incredible countries in one trip! The tour is challenging but all the more rewarding as you cycle through undiscovered areas, rich in nature and cultural and historical highlights.
Beginning in the beautiful town of Ohrid, known as the ‘Pearl of the Balkans’ you’ll ride for four days towards the border with Greece. In Macedonia’s Sveti Naum, you’ll stay overnight in an impressive 700 -year-old monastery. Each day, you’ll glide along quality tarmac roads with little traffic along with the crystal clear lakes of Ohrid and Prespa. Just before the border with Greece, you’ll stay in the historic city of Bitola, a prominent trading city during Ottoman rule.
The first stay in Greece is in the town of Florina, situated on the foothills of the Pelister National Park. Peddling through one of the best wine regions of the world, you reach the Lake District of Agios Panteleimon and cycle through an area rich in nature to reach Kastoria, a historic city pleasantly situated on the lake. Cycling through the valley of the Pinios River, you’ll then reach the giant pinnacles of Meteora topped with ancient monasteries that are one of the most extraordinary rock formations in the world!
Treat yourself to this incredible ride that invites you to experience the best natural landscapes, cultural highlights, and food and wine of Northern Macedonia and Northern Greece.
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North Macedonia and Greece Cycling Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Ohrid
Your trip begins today with your arrival at the first hotel in Ohrid which will be your base for the next 2 adventure-filled days!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Ohrid
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Warm-Up Ride Around Ohrid
An arrival briefing will be held with a representative this morning, however, this brief meeting may also take place in the evening of day 1, depending on your arrival time.
You’ll receive your bicycle and adjust it to your needs before enjoying the remainder of the day at your leisure. Opt to set out on two wheels for a warm-up ride or enjoy the sights and sounds of Ohrid on foot.
You can visit the bazaar in the center which is within walking distance of your hotel or you can take a nice walk along several beautiful monasteries in the Oldtown. You can join a fantastic boat trip on one of the oldest lakes in the world: Lake Ohrid. Since 1980, Lake Ohrid has been listed with UNESCO and is partly located in Albania. This unique lake is at an altitude of approximately 700 meters, wedged between the mountains of Petrino and Galicica.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Ohrid
Distance: 40km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Cycle North to Sveti Naum
Today’s ride begins with cycling north through the valley which is known for its fertile soil and many orchards. Cherries, apricots, grapes, apples and a lot of plums along this stretch make for a fragrant ride! Narrow roads, countryside and sleepy farming villages characterize this beautiful section as you cycle along with an old volcano and continue along the east banks of the Ohrid Lake to the Bay of Bones: a reconstruction of an ancient village on the lake, dating to 6000 years ago.
Your accommodation for tonight is in an ancient monastery in Sveti Naum.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Sveti Naum
Distance: 45km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Cycle Through Galicica National Park to Otesevo
Set out on another beautiful route this morning as you pedal from Lake Ohrid to Lake Prespa through the Galicica National Park. Both lakes are separated by the Galicica mountain. Your journey starts with a long (14km) gradual climb to an altitude of 1,550m with lots and lots of stunning views along the way.
After a long descent, you’ll finish at Prespa Lake. Your hotel is located directly on the lake, which is known for its abundant birdlife. You will stay in the historic hotel Lakeview, built in the 1950s by political prisoners of the old socialistic system.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Otesevo
Distance: 38km
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 5 Orchards and Villages on the Ride to Bitola
Wake up early in the morning to spot pelicans at the lake before heading off on your bike for today’s ride. You’ll set out along the lakefront and witness the landscape gradually shift into sprawling orchards as you cycle through small villages. Up next, a gradual climb on a partly cobblestone road will lead you to a pass at 1,200m. After the descent, you’ll pedal through the rural landscape scattered with ancient, sleepy villages.
Arrive in Bitola: a vibrant historical city with a long history and previously known as the trading center of the Balkans. The Ottoman domination of the past can still be seen in the streets: Ottoman architecture, the cobblestone streets and the bazaar of Bitola. Bitola is also situated at the foothills of the Pelister National Park that is characterized by an overwhelming flora and fauna.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Bitola
Distance: 50km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Cross Into Greece and Cycle to Florina
Today your ride will have you crossing the border into Greece as you make your way to Florina. Florina is the capital of the Florina prefecture and is situated at an altitude of 700 meters along the river Sakoulevas, surrounded by forests and mountains.
Today you have a choice between two routes. The first 35 kilometres are the same for both routes and you cycle on the lower slopes of the mountains of the Pelister National Park. The easier option continues in a southern direction and after 8km you’ll reach Florina. The longer route is a 30km loop through unspoiled nature with a steep climb. You will reach the summit at an altitude of 1300 meters with a descent of 600 meters over 10km. After a beautiful descent through the valley, you reach Florina.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Florina
Distance: 45km or 65km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Endless Lakes on the Ride to Panteleimon
Today you will cycle north towards a cluster of lakes; the largest one being Vegoritas Lake. The lakes are interconnected with each other through a variety of channels and tunnels. The Vegoritas Lake is a haven for rare birds and is a protected area.
The first 25km are almost flat through a wide valley dotted with farmland and small villages. After that, the road gradually ascends to an altitude of 950 meters. During the final stretch, you’ll cycle along the lake to your final destination Agios Panteleimon. Once here, pay a visit to the winery Alpha Estates, one of the best wineries in all of Greece!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Agios Panteleimon
Distance: 65km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Cycle Vineyards and Villages to Kastoria
The route to Kastoria is one of the longest rides of this holiday, but the views and birdlife make it well worth the effort. Today, you’ll cycle along vineyards to the pretty village of Amindeo where you may have a break for a refreshing ice coffee before continuing along Chimaditida Lake, known to be a haven for an array of birdlife. An elevation gain of 500 meters over 10km is challenging, but once reaching the top you will be rewarded with stunning views over the valley with Lake Kastoria on the horizon. After a long and smooth descent, you will reach the ancient town of Kastoria. The hotel for the next 2 days is situated near the lake in a beautiful setting.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Kastoria
Distance: 80km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 Rest Day or Short Bike Ride Around the Lake
Kastoria is a nice old town with lots of things to see and do. It lies partly on a peninsula surrounded by a large lake which is surrounded by plane trees. During the bike trip across the peninsula, you will pass the caves of the “dragon”. This 300-meter-deep cave with several lakes is an absolute sight to behold! Remnants of bears that lived here 10,000 years ago were found in this cave. Kastoria is characterized by many beautiful mansions and Byzantine monuments.
On the promenade along the water, you’ll find many terraces and restaurants—all you need for a perfect relaxing evening in historic Kastoria.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Kastoria
Distance: 35km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 Cycle to Grevena Via Argos Orestiko
You’ll cycle south today and after about 20km, arrive at the ancient town of Argos Orestiko with its narrow streets, squares and neoclassical buildings. 25km further the landscape becomes hillier and the route continues through one of the most important natural habitats of Greece. In the higher mountains, wolves and brown bears have been observed. The route continues through an undulating landscape along streams and villages and several short climbs emerging rapidly on the horizon, before reaching the provincial town of Grevena.
Grevena is located on the banks of the river Doxaniti Greveniti. This lively city with numerous bistros and restaurants played an important strategic role during the ancient Byzantine period and was also known as the trade center in the region.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Grevena
Distance: 85km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 Ride to Kastraki
After leaving Grevena you are immediately riding through a vast natural landscape—a truly delightful ride. The views are stunning with circling birds of prey in the distance. After 10km the road gradually ascends for the next 15km. You will reach the highest point of today and then enjoy a long descent into the wide valley of the river Pinios. This ‘plain of Thessaly’ was once an inland sea, but now, you’ll see huge rock formations shaped by wind and water erosion, millions of years ago. On top of these huge granite pillars, monks built impressive monasteries, Megalo Meteoron being the most famous.
Your overnight location for the next two days is next to the rock formations, meaning each morning, you’ll wake up to a view like no other.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Kastraki
Distance: 64km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12 Rest Day or Cycle Meteora and the Pinios Valley
Enjoy your last bike ride with a beautiful tour along with these gigantic limestone rock formations with the impressive monasteries built on top. Monks began building these monasteries in the 11th-century, using ropes and ladders for lifting up the building materials! Nowadays, there are six monasteries that are all on display and are true works of art. The second part of this ride goes through the wide river valley with beautiful views of Meteora.
If you don’t fancy cycling today, you may prefer to choose one of the great walks in this area and walk on old, cobbled footpaths that once were the only way to reach the monasteries.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Kastraki
Distance: 58km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13 Depart
After breakfast this morning your trip concludes. Check out and depart for your onwards travels.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Departure on May 1st – June 5th, 2024:
- Single room (group of 2+): EUR1480
- Sharing a double/twin/triple room: EUR970
Departure on June 6th – August 26th, 2024:
- Single room (group of 2+): EUR1535
- Sharing a double/twin/triple room: EUR1010
Departure on August 27th – October 18th, 2024:
- Single room (group of 2+): EUR1480
- Sharing a double/twin/triple room: EUR970
Accommodation on North Macedonia and Greece Cycling Tour
This tour is based in hotels. Hotels on this trip are 2 and 4-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Standard rooms are of double occupancy. Solo travellers might be required to pay an additional supplement.
What’s Included in the North Macedonia and Greece Cycling Tour?
Meals
12 breakfasts and 1 dinner are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 12 nights are included throughout the tour.
Transportation during the Tour
You’ll be biking from one overnight location to another by bike. Additional transfers, such as airport transfers can be booked as an optional extra. Luggage transfers are not included but can be added as an optional charge.
Also Included
- Digital route notes and maps
- GPS App
- Transfer of bicycles from end point in Kastraki to Ohrid
Not included
- Any personal transfers
- Bike
- Lunches and dinners
- Travel insurance
- Entrance fees and visits to monasteries and monuments
- Guide services
- Tourist tax (paid locally, between 0.5 and 4 EUR per night)
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Printed tour materials (in addition to digital)
- Optional activities or excursions
- Bike rental:
- Hybrid bike
- E-bike
- Helmet
- Luggage transfers
- How hard is the North Macedonia and Greece Cycling Tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Greece or North Macedonia?
- I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
- Are meals included on the North Macedonia and Greece Cycling Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Ohrid to start this tour?
- Is the North Macedonia and Greece Cycling Tour in English?
- Where does the North Macedonia and Greece Cycling Tour end?
- Can I rent a bike?
- Can I bring my own bike?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to North Macedonia or Greece?
- Are there any travel restrictions for North Macedonia or Greece?
We rate this tour as a 4 / 5. You’ll be biking up to 85 km daily on good quality roads.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel, since you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided with all the information you’ll need to follow the route each day and often have access to phone support or other kinds of assistance. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
12 breakfasts and 1 dinner are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover biking. Get your Travel Insurance.
The easiest way to get to Ohrid is from Skopje, where buses run every few hours. Skopje International Airport (SKP) can be reached from some European Airports.
This tour is not guided; however, all the route information will be provided in English.
This tour ends in Kastraki (Greece). You can book a transfer to Athens.
Yes, you can rent a bike during the booking process. You can choose between hybrid and e-bike.
Yes. If you bring your own bike, it should be a road bike suitable for the demands of the tour
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Customer Ratings
S-Cape Travel Greece is a Greek outdoor company, established in 1994 and member of the S-Cape Group of companies since 2010.
At S-Cape Greece you find a varied portfolio of active and adventure trips that offer you a hands-on experience of Greece, having time to slowing down and appreciate the details: view the sites and landscapes, savor the specialties, meet and mingle with the locals and learn about the culture.
All our trips and itineraries are developed by our team of professional walkers and cyclists who have a keen eye for great trails, exciting itineraries, breath-taking scenery and good quality accommodation that share our vision on sustainable travel.
If you travel on one of our self-guided trips, you receive a Destination Manual with information on the country and a state-of-the-art Road Book with detailed route description, turn by turn diagrams of each crossing and explanatory text. On top, you can navigate the route in your own smartphone via our excellent S-Cape Travel App.
Welcome to Greece!
