Arrival.

After arriving at Ohrid Airport, our driver will already be waiting for you. He will take you to the accommodation for the first 2 days. Transfer time is about 2 hours to Mavrovo. In winter, there is plenty of skiing in the area around Mavrovo. Upon arrival, you can immediately try the rental bikes. The hotel in Mavrovo has all the amenities such as an indoor pool, sauna and jacuzi.

Overnight stay in Mavrvovo

Mavrovo-Vrben-Mavrovo, 65 km (900 hm)

After breakfast it is time for the first bike ride through Mavrovo National park You will cycle the first part along the lake and pass the reservoir on paved roads. Then it continues unpaved through mountain meadows towards the hamlet of Vrben where you can take a break and refill the water bottles for the^2nd part of the ride. You will climb on unpaved mountain roads through the valley. You will follow the river upstream and via the reservoir you will pass several terraces for a well-deserved drink before cycling the last bit back to the hotel in Mavrvovo.

Overnight stay in Mavrovo

Mavrovo-Lazaropole, 55 km (1,200 hm)

Today you will head to the next overnight location in lazarapole. A beautiful trek through the Bistra Mountains on unpaved trails, through forests and vast mountain meadows with a few mountain streams here and there. The only thing you will encounter along the way is a shepherd with his flock of sheep. The route runs in part along an ancient Roman thoroughfare, in the middle of the mountains. After a long descent, you will reach the hotel in lazarapole.

Overnight stay in lazarapole

Lazaropole-Vevchani, 85 km (800 hm)

After breakfast follows a transfer of about 45 minutes to the starting point of today’s route near the town of Lukovo.

You will cycle on unpaved paths through the Jablanica Mountains. This mountain range also vomt a natural border between Albania on the western side of the mountain range and northern Macedonia on the eastern side. Large parts of this immense area are the habitat for several rare animals and plants, and currently the Jablanica Mountains are nominated for protected National Park. This also makes the area so special and all the more so to ride through here by bike. Your lodging is a small guest house and located above a bistro and has a fine terrace for well-deserved refreshment. In Vevcani you can eat delicious food and there is a choice of restaurants.

This village on the foothills of the Jablanica Mountains enjoys great fame in Macedonia. For example, the village is full of the old flags of Macedonia and has its own currency and passport with Carnival. Celebrating Carnival in January is sacred here. Furthermore, in Vevcani you could imagine yourself in southern France or Italy. From the hotel you have a magnificent view of the valley and Lake Ohrid.

Overnight stay in Vevcani

Vevchani-Ohrid, 63 km (1,200 hm)

Today’s ride can safely be called the King’s ride of this cycling vacation. Fromfa the start, the road rises immediately and you cycle on unpaved paths through ancient forests and giant rocks to the village of Gorna Belica. There you can take a breather to get something to eat and drink before the descent to the Trishilka exit. A^2nd steep climb follows and takes you almost literally to the border line with Albania. Ruins of old border posts from days gone by are still visible here in the terrain. After the descent, you will re-enter civilization just before the border crossing and cycle along an ancient Roman road to the rock church of Kalista which is well worth a visit. After touristy Struga, 15 more flat kilometers follow with a short climb to the citadel as dessert. Through the old town and narrow streets you will arrive at the hotel in Ohrid.

Overnight stay in Ohrid

Rest Day

Today there is no cycling program and gives you nice opportunity to explore Ohrid. Ohrid is a lively town and there is plenty to do.

The old town of Ohrid is a must-see. Ohrid is 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 extraordinary frescoes and icons. On top of the hill of the town you will find the medieval castle of Bulgarian Tsar Samuil, which was built around 1018 and whose remains you can admire. From the castle you have a magnificent view of Ohrid and the lake.

Lake Ohrid has been under the protection of UNESCO since 1980 and is partially located in Albania. This unique lake lies at an altitude of about 700 meters, sandwiched between the mountains Petrino and Galicica. A boat trip on one of the oldest lakes in the world is also highly recommended.

Overnight stay in Ohrid

Calicica National park (30km, 65km)

You will have a choice of 2 different cycling adventures in the Calicica National park on this last day of cycling. During the short version, you will cycle along narrow paths and single tracks past mountain villages such as Ramne, Velestovo, Gorno Konsko and Elshani. You will encounter all sorts of things such as goats, sheep, shepherds and water sources. Some single tracks are quite technical and do require some technical baggage from the cyclist. The views along the way are breathtaking. After this short drive, you will have plenty of time to relax at one of the lakeside beach clubs.

During the toughest option of 65km you will cycle to an altitude of 1500 meters over the ridge of Galicica and have a view of the lakes of Ohrid and Lake Prespa which is on the other side of the ridge. The red sand atop the ridge is reminiscent of the planet Mars. You will descend through the valley on a mix of paved roads, single tracks and dirt trails, back to the terminus in Ohrid

Overnight stay in Ohrid