Day tour from Tirana to Ohrid, the Jerusalem of the Balkans

Lake Ohrid Macedonia: history, art and nature, protected by UNESCO

Join us on this day tour from Tirana to Ohrid Macedonia. You will visit a landscape that is full of life, protected by UNESCO for its history, architecture and the wonderful natural heritage. A territory where there have been many invasions, leaving castles, fortifications, churches and monasteries.

What are you waiting for? Ohrid, the Jerusalem of the Balkans, is waiting for you. Enjoy your guided tour!

Welcome to Lake Ohrid, one of the most popular destinations among those who travel around Albania and Macedonia. This land has ancient origins. Archaeological excavations tell us that one of the first human settlements in Europe developed right on the banks of this lake over 8000 years ago. From the seventh century AD the city of Ohrid has developed and become an important religious and cultural center, that is why it is called the Jerusalem of the Balkans. Byzantines, Bulgarians and Serbs passed through here. In Ohrid you will find the Monastery of Saint Clement and Panteleimon, the oldest Slavic Orthodox church. The city preserves a heritage of over 800 Byzantine icons created between 1000 and 1300. This is why Ohrid has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage, to defend and promote the artistic beauty of the old town and the natural environment of Lake Ohrid Macedonia. A lake over 300 meters deep, dotted with springs, ⅔ of it being in Macedonia and 1/3 in Albania. Finally, you will arrive in the city center to refresh yourselves and reach the old Bazaar, an ancient district full of artisan shops with embroidery and terracotta artifacts. You will find the typical houses of Ohrid here and around the Mezokastro district. As you will notice, most of the city is paved with stone, confirming the nickname it deserves.

Day tour from Tirana to Ohrid Macedonia

Are you wondering what are the best places to visit in Ohrid are? Book this day tour and travel to Ohrid and enjoy all the advantages of a well-organized trip. Get on board with myTour, leave your stress and worries behind - enjoy the scenery!

Ohrid city tour, Lake Ohrid and other inclusions

Leaving Tirana at 9 am you will head towards the southeast of Albania on the way to Ohrid. After crossing the Macedonian border, the first city you come to is Struga, which takes its name from an ancient local legend.

Ohrid is located 15 kilometers from Struga, on the way towards the cliff, we reach the church dedicated to Saint John of Patmos called the Theologian, the one who wrote the last book of the New Testament - Revelation. The small stone church is located in a strategic position and exudes a particular spirituality. You will be above the beach of Kaneo, and from here you can enjoy an excellent view of Lake Ohrid. After the visit to Ohrid you will drive thirty kilometers south of Ohrid, towards the Monastery of Sveti Naum, an enchanting piece of Byzantine architecture on the shores of the lake of the same name. This has been the place where for centuries different cultures met and succeeded. Founded by the ancient Illyrian tribes, predecessors to Albanians nowadays, it was under Roman, Byzantine, Bulgarian, Turkish, Serbian rule, until the independent Republic of northern Macedonia. Surely everyone had a good time here, starting with the Greeks, who had nicknamed it Lychnidos - stone that emits light, from which the nickname derives and is still used today: Ohrid city of lights.

Once in Ohrid, we will immediately go up to the Samuil fortress, located on the hills of the city. Built by the Bulgarian Tsar Samuil in the 10th century AD, the fortress may have incorporated some elements of the old castle of Philip II of Macedonia, dating back to the 4th century BC. Today the external structure can be visited and has been well preserved. Passing through the walkways of the walls, you will enjoy a unique panorama of the city.

After the guided tour of the castle, going down to the lakeshore. Inside Saint Naum is buried, disciple of Saint Cyril and Methodius, writer and founder of the literary school of Pliska. The monastery complex, which was part of the Albanian territory from 1912 to 1925, is a special place from a spiritual point of view. Thousands of people from all over the world converge here to practice their religion.

On the way back from Ohrid to Tirana, leaving the Macedonian border you will head towards Albania and then stop in Tushemisht. Here you will have the opportunity to visit the Albanian side of the lake, which is also called Lake Pogradeci, and the wonderful area of ​​the Drilon Natural Park. Tushemisht is a town different from most Albanian villages, more like Ohrid, with the predominant religion being Orthodox.

During the summer season there may be delays in the return caused by traffic jams.

Customers must be able to go up and down stairs.

This tour is not wheelchair accessible.

A Macedonian border port is required, based on nationality, check if a visa is needed

In case of hot weather we suggest you to bring a cap with you.

Please reach the meeting point 15 minutes before the departure time.