Day Trip to Ohrid Macedonia & Pogradec

Discover the beauty of Ohrid Lake and Pogradec on a guided tour through Albania and Macedonia. Explore the charming town of Ohrid, visit the St Naum Monastery, and experience the picturesque village of Lin. Customize your tour for a truly unique experience!

Duration: 12 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Ohrid - Sublime Ohrid is North Macedonia’s most seductive destination. It sits on the edge of serene Lake Ohrid, with an atmospheric old quarter that cascades down steep streets, dotted with beautiful churches and topped by the bones of a medieval castle. Traditional restaurants and lakeside cafes liven up the cobblestone streets, which in high summer can be very lively indeed.
  • Monastery of Saint Naum - Sveti Naum, 29km south of Ohrid, is an imposing sight on a bluff near the Albanian border and a popular day trip from Ohrid. Naum was a contemporary of St Kliment, and their monastery an educational centre. The iconostasis inside the church dates to 1711 and the frescoes to the 19th century; it’s well worth paying the fee to enter. Sandy beaches hem the monastery in on two sides and are some of the best places to swim around Lake Ohrid.
  • Pogradec - THE CITY OF ARTISTS AND THE ENDLESS LAKE
    Pogradec is a tranquil, historical, and cultural city. It’s the perfect destination for romantic souls, having inspired generations of artists with its surrounding natural beauty.

Some cities are undeniably special. As soon as you take your first steps in them, inhale the first breath of fresh air, the first smell of a nearby body of water, and the first sight of its beauty, you know that these places must have inspired great poetry! Pogradec, the city of artists, resting on the shores of Lake Ohrid, is certainly one of these. It’s an ideal place for the romantic soul, who seeks and relishes nature’s peace and tranquillity.

One of Albania’s most revered national poets, Lasgush Poradeci, sang odes to Lake Ohrid in many of his works: “Upon the road of autumn’s forest, sleeps the endless lake”. Similar to the famous Romantics, Wordsworth, Byron, and Keats, Poradeci’s verse was inspired and sustained by the great natural beauty that surrounded him. He never left Pogradec, and in turn, Pogradec never left him.

The city of Pogradec lies on the western shore of Lake Ohrid, which is the heart and soul of this city. Poradeci was not the only one who recognised the value of this beautiful lake. In 1980, UNESCO proclaimed it a Natural Heritage Site, and from 2019 the Albanian part was inscribed in the list as well. Ohrid is the deepest (285m) lake in the Balkans, and is split between Macedonia (in Ohrid and Struga), and Albania. It took around 4 million years for this lake to form its present shape, from the moment the soil began to shift on the western side of the Dinaric Alps. Now, it is a veritable, picture-perfect swan lake, as well as an ecosystem that includes over 200 species – making it a real national treasure.

With an enviable and quite extraordinary three hundred sunny days per year, and warm climate, Pogradec is a prime destination for thousands of Albanian and foreign tourists. While there’s a multitude of fine gastronomic traditions, the world-famous delicacy in Pogradec is a golden-skinned, salmon-coloured fish called Koran (also known as the Ohrid trout), found only in Lake Ohrid. Any waiter in the area will be proud to tell you the famous story, of how Koran even travelled to Buckingham Palace at the request of Queen Elizabeth II, who became such a fan of this unique fish that she had it imported to her residence!

  • Lake Ohrid - One of the most interesting lakes of the world Lake Ohrid, in its vastness and mystery, is a monumentally seductive attraction. Mirrorlike and dazzling on sunny days, it’s a truly beautiful place – especially in and around the ancient town of Ohrid, with its cobbled streets, distinctive architecture, city beach and lakefront bars.
What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • Border crossing fee
  • All fees and/or taxes
  • Tour Guide
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
  • Everything not mentioned
Additional Information

Embark on a journey to the captivating town of Ohrid, one of the Balkans’ most engaging destinations. Located in North Macedonia, Ohrid charms with its tranquil Lake Ohrid locale, an enchanting old town that spills down steep lanes, sprinkled with magnificent churches, and topped off with the remnants of a medieval fortress. It’s best known for its lake and captivating architecture.

Simultaneously, you will get an opportunity to explore Lin, a petite peninsula gracefully bound to the shores of Lake Ohrid. Often referred to as the “Lake of Light,” it shines year-round under the sun and moon, casting awe-inspiring reflections! It is a home to numerous locals residing in charming homes marked by distinct red rooftops.

Guided Tour
Albania and Macedonia
Ohrid Lake and Town
St Naum Monastery
Lin Village in Pogradec, Albania
Customized tour (You have the leeway to tailor this tour)

Location
Ohrid
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(13 Ratings)
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1 star
Vivien_b
Jul 4, 2024
Great tour and great guide - Great guide, very friendly and helpful. And Ohrid is absolutely amazing! Great walks, amazing views.
Review provided by Viator
617burim
Mar 11, 2024
A day in the Pearl of the Balkans! - Our day in Ohrid was a highlight of our travels. The town's history is as deep as the lake it site by. Walking through the old town felt like traversing centuries, and the local guides were not just informative but truly passionate about sharing their heritage. The serene beauty of Lake ohrid is something photos can't do justice to. This trip is a must for anyone visiting the area.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wanetal2024
Mar 10, 2024
Nature and History lntertwind! - Ohrid impressed us with it's natural beauty and rich history. From the ancient theater to the iconic St. John at Kaneo, each site tells a story of civilization, religion, and art. The clear waters of Lake Ohrid and the surrounding mountains offer breathtaking views. lt was a well-spent day soaking in the culture and enjoying the peaceful environment.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
H3640lqdebras
Mar 10, 2024
Enchanted by Ohrid! - The charm of Ohrid is undeniable. Our visit to the Saint Sophia Church with its beautiful frescoes and the vibrant Ohrid marketplace was unforgettable. The guide's storytelling made the history come alive, making us feel a part of Ohrid's storied past. Ending the day with a tranquil boat ride on Lake Ohrid was the perfect conclusion to our journey. A truly magical experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jlmp1985
Jan 28, 2024
Great day exploring Lake Ohrid and Pogredec! - I have just returned from a great day trip to Lake Ohrid and Pogredec and would strongly recommend this excursion to other travellers. This was my first trip to Albania and after a day exploring the city, I wanted to venture further afield, having had the destination recommended to me by a friend. I was not disappointed. If you are thinking about it, go, you won't regret it. The agency confirmed all details, including at short notice, and I was met at the hotel by my knowledgeable, friendly, and kind guide Zeni. The pickup was after breakfast and return was in the early evening, so this was a full day adventure. The tour involved some walking and steps, but nothing too strenuous for a person with reasonable physical fitness and ability. The trip to Ohrid passed through the city lights and features of Tirana and in to the mountains. The scenery, topography, and route was stunning. After the crossing the border in to North Macedonia we approached the lake and over the course of the day completed a circumnavigation. When approaching the lake you truly appreciate why the area has protected UNESCO status. Clear waters, a calming aura, peace and tranquility, amidst the well preserved architecture of the city. Highlights of the day included stunning views across the lake and in to the mountains; the imposing castle fortress of Ohrid and its Roman Theatre; seeing paper made via traditional methods and printing press; and visiting the monastery with its beautiful, ornate, orthodox features. The area around Ohrid is well established for tourism, with plenty of bars, cafes, and souvenir opportunities, but was quiet during my visit in the low season. Take a jacket and warmer clothing whilst travelling if going in Winter - the change from Tirana to Ohrid temperature wise is quite something. On the return from Ohrid and after passing back in to Albania we saw a view of the lake from the other angle, the city of Pogradec, stopping here for a warming coffee before returning to Tirana. It was a pleasure getting to know Zeni my guide, who provided valuable insights in to each area we visited, but also gave the freedom to explore independently and informally. I was pleased by my choice and felt that this was certainly the type of excursion where having a guide from the agency (Tirana Day Trips) added value, as it would be difficult to do independently, and you would lose some of the rich experience by doing so. Great insights, happy memories and a highlight of my first trip to Albania! Thank you.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chrisrg9405iz
Jun 25, 2023
A great day out - The whole trip was really good., crossing a border can always be a bit tricky but all went well. Our guide Henri was brilliant! He was full of interesting tips and facts about the places we went through. The trip isn't cheap, but it takes all the hassle out of arranging a day like this.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nuars2022
Sep 2, 2022
Enjoyng Time with Tirana Day Trip - I am a frequent traveler and I usually go on day trips with friends or family. Tirana Day trips is by far the most friendly and accomodating company I have encountred in my traveles. The costumer service is impeccable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Geraldjusufb
Sep 15, 2021
Day trip to Ohrid - Fair prices , friendly sfaff ,beautiful sightseeing Ohrid day trip was very intetesting Visited highlights and the lake
Review provided by Tripadvisor
825fenixg
Jul 29, 2021
Good trip to spend a day - We had a good time with Tirana day trips The tour is informative. Ohrid is a must see in Balkans. We spend couple of hours around Ohrid. Tour guide was very communicative and easy going
Review provided by Tripadvisor
D5693nzgailm
Oct 24, 2020
Ohrid Day Trip - Drove from Tirana to Macedonia for a day. The views along the way were amazing. The town of Ohrid is small but beautiful with historic architecture and rich history. My driver/tour guide, Jetmir, from Tirana Day Trips was a professional, safe driver and knowledgeable guide. He answered every question and shared so much about this beautiful town and some along the way that my trip exceeded expectations
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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September 2024
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