North Macedonia and Northern Greece cycling

Arrive at the first hotel in Ohrid, your base for the next 2 days. 

An arrival briefing will be held with our representative. This may also take place in the evening of day 1, depending on your arrival time. You will receive your bicycle and adjust to your needs. The remainder of the day is at leisure. You can visit the bazar in the center which is within walking distance or you can take a nice walk along several beautiful monasteries  in the old  Town. You can join a fantastic boat trip on one of the oldest lakes of the world: lake Ohrid. 

A must see is the old town of Ohrid, a true open air museum with beautiful ancient churches, such as the magnificent Sveti Jovan Kaneo, built on an overhanging cliff above the lake, and Sveti Clement at Plaosnik with its frescoes and icons. At the top of the hill above  the town you will find find the remains of the medieval castle of the Bulgarian Tsar Samuil, which was built around 1018. From the castle you have a magnificent view of Ohrid and the lake. 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 Petrino and Galicica.

Challenge:  40 km / 25 mi

Todays trip 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. These plums are mainly used for the production of the national alcoholic drink: 'Rakia'.  Narrow roads, country side and sleepy farming villages characterise this area. We cycle along 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, dated 6000 years ago.

Your accommodation for tonight is in an ancient monastery!

Challenge:  45 km / 28 mi, 360 m ascent, 350 m descent

You cycle from lake Ohrid to lake Prespa through the Galicica National Park. Both lakes are separated by the Galicica mountain. It starts with a long (14km) gradual climb to an altitude of 1550 meter  with lots and lots of stunning views. After a long descent you finish at the Prespa lake.  The hotel is located directly on the Prespa lake which is known for its birdlife. You will stay in the historic hotel Lakeview, built in the 1950’s by political prisoners of the old socialistic system.  

Challenge: 38 km / 23,5 mi, 890 m ascent, 740 m descent

Wake up early in the morning to spot pelicans at the lake before heading of on your bike. You come along the lake and orchards and through small villages, followed by a gradual climb on a partly cobblestone road until the pass at 1200 meter.  After the descent, you peddle through the rural landscape scattered with ancient and forgotten villages. Your trip of today ends 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 bazar of Bitola. Ataturk, founder of the modern republic of Turkey is a prominent figure in the museum in the center of the town. He studied at the military academy and is the most famous student of the city. 

Bitola is also situated at the foothills of the Pelister National Park that is characterized by an overwhelming flora and fauna

Challenge:  50 km / 31 mi, 480 m ascent, 710m descent

Today you cross the border with Greece. 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. This town got a boost after the construction of the railway to Thessaloniki in 1893. Today you have a choice between two routes. The first 35km 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 southern direction and after 8 km you reach Florina. The long route makes 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 10 km / 6 mi. After a beautiful descent through the valley, you reach Florina.

Challenge: 

(Option A ) 45 km / 28 mi, 100 m ascent, 120 m descent 

(Option B) 65 km / 40,5 mi, 760 m ascent, 780 m descent

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 25 km / 15,5 mi are almost flat through a wide valley with farmland and small villages. After that the road gradually ascends to an altitude of 950 meters. The last part of this ride you will cycle along the lake to the final destination Agios Panteleimon. You can make an optional visit to the winery Alpha Estates, one of the  best wineries in Greece. 

Challenge:  65 km / 40,5 mi, 450 m ascent, 565 m descent 

The route to Kastoria is one of the longest rides of this holiday. You 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 many birds species. An elevation gain of 500 meters over 10 km 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. 

Challenge:  80 km / 50 mi, 820 m ascent, 735 m descent

Kastoria is a nice old town with lots of things to see. 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" (tou Spileo Drakou). This  300 meters deep cave with several lakes, is an absolute attraction. Remnants of bears that lived here 10.000 years ago were found in the cave. Kastoria is characterized by many beautiful mansions and Byzantine monuments. You can see clearly the massive wealth this city has been seen in the past. Trade in beaver furs led to a huge economic boom period of the 17th to the 19th century.  On the promenade along the water, you will find terraces and restaurants.

Challenge: 35 km / 21,5 mi

You cycle south today and after about 20 km / 12,5 mi arrive at the ancient town of Argos Orestiko with its narrow streets, squares and neoclassical buildings. This clearly shows thatthis area has experienced great prosperity inthe past centuries by trade in furs and carpets.

The special composition of the soil in this area is ideal for the cultivation of vegatables, such as lentils and beans. 25 km / 15,5 mi 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.

Challenge:  85 km / 53 mi, 750 m ascent, 850 m descent

After leaving Grevena you are immediately riding through a vast natural landscape. The views are stunning with circling birds of prey in the distance. The toughest section of the day is right at the starts of todays ride.

After 10 km / 6 mi the road gradually ascends for the next 15 km / 9,5 mi. You will reach the highest point of today and then enjoy a long descent into the wide valley of the river Pinios. Once this ‘plain of Thessaly’ was an inland sea. Now you 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 and waking up to this view is a feast for the eyes!

Challenge:  64 km / 40 mi, 635 m ascent, 880 m descent

Enjoy your last bike ride with a beautiful tour along these gigantic limestone rock formations with the impressive monasteries built on top. Monks began building these monasteries in the 11th century, usiropes and ladders for lifting up the building materials! Nowadays, there are six monasteries tha 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 foot paths that once were the only way to reach the monasteries. 

Challenge:  58 km / 36 mi, 475 m ascent, 475 m descent