Pogradec, Sveti Naum & Ohrid
A full-day journey through Lake Ohrid's ancient shores — cross borders to experience Albania and North Macedonia's cultural treasures.
POGRADEC, SVETI NAUM MONASTERY AND OHRID (FULL DAY TOUR)
On this full-day excursion, you'll travel along the shores of Lake Ohrid. Visit the two towns of Pogradec and Tushemisht, close to the Macedonian border. The road continues to the Saint Naum monastery complex. Here you have the opportunity to visit one of the most important shrines of the Orthodox churches in Macedonia. Walking tour in the old town of Ohrid (UNESCO), which is considered due to its church collection the "Jerusalem of the Balkans". Discover its popular sights and enjoy your free time with a walk by the lake.
Highlights
- Explore Pogradec, a lovely town with ancient history on the shores of Lake Ohrid
- Visit the natural beauty of Tushemisht village near the Macedonian border
- Experience Sveti Naum Monastery, founded around 895 AD
- Discover UNESCO-listed Ohrid, one of Europe's oldest human settlements
- See Ohrid's famous architecture with 365 Orthodox churches
- Visit landmarks like the 4th-century Samuil Fortress and Church of Saint Sofia
- Photograph the iconic Kaneo Church, one of Macedonia's most popular viewpoints
- Cross the border between Albania and Macedonia for a two-country experience
Detailed Itinerary
Your journey begins at 8:00 a.m. towards Pogradec. The city is located in the southeast of Albania and directly on the coast of Lake Ohrid, the deepest lake in the Balkans. The border crossing with Macedonia is only 5 km from the city center. Pogradec is a lovely town with ancient history. Worth seeing is Tushemisht village, which is known for its natural beauty.
You now cross the border into Macedonia and visit the Sveti Naum monastery, which was founded by Saint Naum around 895. In 1870 a fire almost completely destroyed the monastery, only the monastery church was spared. The current facility was built in the following years. Lunch will be provided in a local restaurant.
Continue to Ohrid. The city is one of the most alluring destinations in Macedonia and is considered one of the oldest human settlements in all of Europe. Ohrid City and Lake Ohrid have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. Ohrid became an important center of Orthodox believers during the Byzantine Empire and is famous for its 365 Orthodox churches, said to have a church for every day of the year. The houses were built with a very specific architecture that created narrow streets, tunnels and tiny courtyards on the hilly terrain so that each house had a good view of the lake.
Today the city is famous for its architecture, the churches, the castle at the top of the city, the amphitheater, the beautiful view of the lake surrounded by mountains and the pearls of the lake. Discover popular landmarks such as the 4th-century Samuil Fortress and the Church of Saint Sofia, and gain insight into several centuries of Macedonian history. Idyllically located on the lake, slightly elevated, is one of the most popular photo spots in the country, the Kaneo Church. After exploring this ancient city, you'll return to your hotel.
Duration: Full day (10-12 hours)
Departure Time: 8:00 AM
Includes: Transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to Sveti Naum Monastery, lunch at local restaurant
Not Included: Personal expenses, hotel transfers, additional drinks