Macedonia Travel

Overview

A beautiful and challenging cycling route over Mount Galicica, with wonderfull views over the two biggest lakes in North Macedonia. Once you leave Prespa Lake behind, you will enter Galicica national park. Here you start a 14km long uphill on a curvy narrow road leading to Mount Galicica pass. (if you think that this is too challenging for you, please ask our agents to arrange a transfer up to the mountain pass, so you can enjoy riding only the downhill to the lake, and by the lake coast).

Don’t rush to your destination, take some time to stop and visit Trpejca fishing village, with a lovely beach hidden between the rocks by Ohrid Lake. There are also couple of fish restaurants on the shore where you can enjoy fresh trout for lunch. Also, we recommend to make one more stop on your way to visit the archaeological site on water – the Bay of Bones.

We have prepared two destinations for this trip: the first one is after 46 km, in a settlement by the beach. If you prefer to ride all the way to Ohrid, you can continue from here for another 8km to the city.

Highlights

Galicica national park. One of the richest national parks in Europe, with 130different types of trees and shrubs, many of which are relict.
Ohrid Lake. One of the deepest and oldest lakes in Europe, with a unique ecosystem of worldwide importance, with more than 200 endemic species. It is declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The Bay of Bones. An authentic reconstruction of a part of the pile- dwelling settlement dating back to 1200 BC.
Ohrid. The pearl of the Balkans, a UNESCO protected city. It is also known as the Jerusalem of the Balkans, for its amazing historical, religious and cultural heritage. The major attractions of Ohrid are located within a walkable area, among and above the narrow cobblestoned streets of the old town, lined with restaurants, cafés and souvenir shops.

Difficulty Grading

CHALLENGING	up to 100km / 62mi	Mountaineous terrain, long uphills, may be going over mountain passes	Good level of fitness and regular training. Endurance to ride long stretches of uphill
NOTE: Transfer can be arranged to the mountain pass. Please contact our agents for more details.

Map

When To Go

Possible	01 May – 31 May and 15 October to 01 November
Recommended	01 June – 14 October
Not available	All other dates

Price

Available on request

INCLUDED IN PRICE:

Detailed cycling route descriptions and maps
Local safety information and contacts
Stand by support
Organization and logistic by Macedonia Travel

NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE:

Meals
Personal medical and travel insurance (mandatory)
Any extra expenses not mentioned under ‘included in price’

Options & Supplements:

Arrival / departure transfers available upon request
Rent of bike: from 21 € /per day
Luggage transfer
Accommodation in Oteshevo
Family hotel: from 18 € / per person sharing double room;
Single supplement: 8 €
Accommodation in Ohrid
Guesthouse (private room): from 25 € /per person sharing double room;
Single supplement 20 €
4* hotel: from 35 € / per person / sharing double room;
Single supplement: 25 €

Arrival & Departure

By bus:
from Skopje to Oteshevo:
There is no regular bus transport to Oteshevo. Take the bus to Resen, and continue by taxi the rest of 16km to hotel Lake View where you can pick up your bike.
Buses from Skopje to Resen operate daily.
Price of the bus ticket: 9€ (530mkd) / per person / one way
Price for taxi from Resen to Oteshevo: 8€ (450mkd)
From Ohrid to Skopje: Daily
Price: 9€ (530mkd) / per person / one way

Please contact the agency for current bus departure times

Private transfers:
Available on request

Bike Information

Available on request

Why Travel With Us?

LOCAL EXPERTS

Since 2004 we create authentic, high quality tours in the Balkans. North Macedonia is our homeland, we have walked and biked every corner of the country and we make sure that the balance between the activities, the "must see" attractions and the "off-the-beaten-track" experiences gives you the true Balkan - intense, hearth warming and often life changing experience.

SAFETY

* Strict company risk management on each tour that we operate available
* 24/7 for anything from enquiries to emergencies
* Macedonia Travel has liability insurance by Winner - Vienna Group
* "A" licensed by the Ministery of Economy of North Macedonia UP 113-101
* IATA license No. 76-3 2058

FLEXIBLE BOOKINGS

* Change your travel plans up to 30 days before departure, with no fees.
*After you pay the deposit, the rest of the amount can be paid any time until 30 days before departure

Biking Prespa Lake to Ohrid Lake