Macedonia

Arrival in Sofia, the biggest city and the capital of Bulgaria. Transfer from the airport to the hotel. Brief meeting where participants will meet each other and get all necessary information, pack of documents required for the tour and a route map.

Breakfast and check-out. The adventure starts at 08.30. Today, we set off to the southwestern part of the country through the mountains of Vitosha and Rila, cross Gyeshevo border checkpoint and enter North Macedonia. We will ride across the winding roads through the mountains of Osogovo and Ograzhden, then we have a lunch break in the ancient city of Kratovo and head to Skopje - capital of North Macedonia.

Breakfast and checkout. At 08.30, we set off to the fairy Matka canyon situated along the Treska river only 30-minute ride from Skopje. The beautiful canyon is one of the natural phenomena in the Republic of Macedonia and is an attractive place for many tourists, including for all who love rock climbing. It’s a unique enchanting place - a masterpiece of nature surrounded by steep limestone rocks with medieval churches and monasteries hidden amongst them. A boat trip between the vertical rocks with stunning views. Lunch on the territory of Matka complex. After lunch we set off to Bitola. The road passes through the mountain range of Stogovo and the Lake Kozyak. Arriving in Bitola. Accommodation in a boutique hotel with a small winery. Tasting the best wines of the Bitola region. Dinner and sleep.

After breakfast, we set off to national parks of Pelister and Galicica, and lakes of Prespa and Ohrid. After crossing the Horske sedlo pass, we will enjoy the splendid panoramic views of Lake Ohrid, which is the deepest lake on the Balkan Peninsula - 285 meters. Ochrid lake divides North Macedonia and Albania. In 1980 this lake and nearby areas of Ohrid city were declared as UNESCO world cultural and natural heritage. Sloping down a curvy mountain serpentine, which resembles the Transalpine road in miniature, we reach the oldest monastery on the Balkan Peninsula – Saint Naum. The monastery dates back from the end of the 9th century, and its founder saint Naum was a student of St. St. Cyril and Methodius. During the centuries, the monastery was reconstructed more than once, which resulted in its current unique architecture look. This place is one of the most frequently visited pilgrim destinations in North Macedonia. Our route continues along the lakeside to the city of Ohrid. In the evening, we will enjoy a beautiful sunset at the background of the lake.

In the morning, our rout will bring us to Samoil’s Fortress. Samoil’s Fortress (Samuilova tvrdina) is one of the major medieval sites of interest in Ohrid rising high above the city. Samoil’s Fortress is a part of a medieval fortress, which enclosed the capital of the First Bulgarian Kingdom - Ohrid. After walking around the fortress, we will set off to the northern part of the lake to the town of Struga. Our journey continues to the ski resort of Mavrovo through the national park and the lake of Mavrovo.

This is the final riding day of our tour. We are heading back to Sofia. Ride is going to be along the highway, but it won't be boring at all because of magnificent views of the mountains and ridges. Our tour ends in Sofia, where we will stay in a hotel to enjoy our final dinner, and you will be able to share your impressions and pictures of the ride with other participants of the tour!

Breakfast, checkout and transfer to Sofia airport.