Night 1-2
See Tripadvisor ReviewsLebed Hotel in Ohrid
Guests will enjoy stunning views of Lake Ohrid at this laid-back hotel as well as the best of Ohrid’s historic center, which is just a short 5-minute walk away.
Discover the beauty of North Macedonia and Northern Greece on this self-guided ride
This 13-day North Macedonia and Greece Cycling tour leads you through North Macedonia and the region of Macedonia in northern Greece, combining two incredible countries in one trip! The tour is challenging but all the more rewarding as you cycle through undiscovered areas, rich in nature and cultural and historical highlights.
Beginning in the beautiful town of Ohrid, known as the ‘Pearl of the Balkans’ you’ll ride for four days towards the border with Greece. In Macedonia’s Sveti Naum, you’ll stay overnight in an impressive 700 -year-old monastery. Each day, you’ll glide along quality tarmac roads with little traffic along with the crystal clear lakes of Ohrid and Prespa. Just before the border with Greece, you’ll stay in the historic city of Bitola, a prominent trading city during Ottoman rule.
The first stay in Greece is in the town of Florina, situated on the foothills of the Pelister National Park. Peddling through one of the best wine regions of the world, you reach the Lake District of Agios Panteleimon and cycle through an area rich in nature to reach Kastoria, a historic city pleasantly situated on the lake. Cycling through the valley of the Pinios River, you’ll then reach the giant pinnacles of Meteora topped with ancient monasteries that are one of the most extraordinary rock formations in the world!
Treat yourself to this incredible ride that invites you to experience the best natural landscapes, cultural highlights, and food and wine of Northern Macedonia and Northern Greece.
Your trip begins today with your arrival at the first hotel in Ohrid which will be your base for the next 2 adventure-filled days!
An arrival briefing will be held with a representative this morning, however, this brief meeting may also take place in the evening of day 1, depending on your arrival time.
You’ll receive your bicycle and adjust it to your needs before enjoying the remainder of the day at your leisure. Opt to set out on two wheels for a warm-up ride or enjoy the sights and sounds of Ohrid on foot.
You can visit the bazaar in the center which is within walking distance of your hotel or you can take a nice walk along several beautiful monasteries in the Oldtown. You can join a fantastic boat trip on one of the oldest lakes in the world: Lake Ohrid. 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 of Petrino and Galicica.
Today’s ride 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 along this stretch make for a fragrant ride! Narrow roads, countryside and sleepy farming villages characterize this beautiful section as you cycle along with 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, dating to 6000 years ago.
Your accommodation for tonight is in an ancient monastery in Sveti Naum.
Set out on another beautiful route this morning as you pedal from Lake Ohrid to Lake Prespa through the Galicica National Park. Both lakes are separated by the Galicica mountain. Your journey starts with a long (14km) gradual climb to an altitude of 1,550m with lots and lots of stunning views along the way.
After a long descent, you’ll finish at Prespa Lake. Your hotel is located directly on the lake, which is known for its abundant birdlife. You will stay in the historic hotel Lakeview, built in the 1950s by political prisoners of the old socialistic system.
Wake up early in the morning to spot pelicans at the lake before heading off on your bike for today’s ride. You’ll set out along the lakefront and witness the landscape gradually shift into sprawling orchards as you cycle through small villages. Up next, a gradual climb on a partly cobblestone road will lead you to a pass at 1,200m. After the descent, you’ll pedal through the rural landscape scattered with ancient, sleepy villages.
Arrive 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 bazaar of Bitola. Bitola is also situated at the foothills of the Pelister National Park that is characterized by an overwhelming flora and fauna.
Today your ride will have you crossing the border into Greece as you make your way to Florina. 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.
Today you have a choice between two routes. The first 35 kilometres 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 a southern direction and after 8km you’ll reach Florina. The longer route is 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 10km. After a beautiful descent through the valley, you reach Florina.
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 25km are almost flat through a wide valley dotted with farmland and small villages. After that, the road gradually ascends to an altitude of 950 meters. During the final stretch, you’ll cycle along the lake to your final destination Agios Panteleimon. Once here, pay a visit to the winery Alpha Estates, one of the best wineries in all of Greece!
The route to Kastoria is one of the longest rides of this holiday, but the views and birdlife make it well worth the effort. Today, you’ll 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 an array of birdlife. An elevation gain of 500 meters over 10km 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. The hotel for the next 2 days is situated near the lake in a beautiful setting.
Kastoria is a nice old town with lots of things to see and do. 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". This 300-meter-deep cave with several lakes is an absolute sight to behold! Remnants of bears that lived here 10,000 years ago were found in this cave. Kastoria is characterized by many beautiful mansions and Byzantine monuments.
On the promenade along the water, you’ll find many terraces and restaurants—all you need for a perfect relaxing evening in historic Kastoria.
You’ll cycle south today and after about 20km, arrive at the ancient town of Argos Orestiko with its narrow streets, squares and neoclassical buildings. 25km 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.
After leaving Grevena you are immediately riding through a vast natural landscape—a truly delightful ride. The views are stunning with circling birds of prey in the distance. After 10km the road gradually ascends for the next 15km. You will reach the highest point of today and then enjoy a long descent into the wide valley of the river Pinios. This ‘plain of Thessaly’ was once an inland sea, but now, you’ll 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, meaning each morning, you’ll wake up to a view like no other.
Enjoy your last bike ride with a beautiful tour along with these gigantic limestone rock formations with the impressive monasteries built on top. Monks began building these monasteries in the 11th-century, using ropes and ladders for lifting up the building materials! Nowadays, there are six monasteries that 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 footpaths that once were the only way to reach the monasteries.
After breakfast this morning your trip concludes. Check out and depart for your onwards travels.
This self-guided biking tour in North Macedonia and Greece is always run as a self-guided tour for your group only and the price depends on your travelling dates and the type of room you choose.
The prices below are per person.
Important: solo travellers will have to pay a supplement (please enquire for more information).
This tour is based in hotels. Hotels on this trip are 2 and 4-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Standard rooms are of double occupancy. Solo travellers might be required to pay an additional supplement.
Guests will enjoy stunning views of Lake Ohrid at this laid-back hotel as well as the best of Ohrid’s historic center, which is just a short 5-minute walk away.
Mountain and lake views characterize this unique stay, situated in a converted 9th-century monastery and set on the south-eastern shoreline of Lake Ohrid.
The Lakeview Hotel and Resort is situated on the grounds of Galicica National Park on the scenic shores of Lake Prespa. Guests can enjoy a wide range of superb amenities such as beach access and a delicious breakfast.
This charming hotel in Bitola is set in a historic stone building and is just a short walk from Shirok Sokak, Bitola’s lively pedestrianized street.
Located in downtown Florina, this relaxed hotel features a great restaurant and bar and modern amenities.
Guests can enjoy views of beautiful Lake Vegoritida from this comfortable hotel in Agios Panteleimon.
The lovely Kastoria hotel grants guests endless views of Lake Orestiada and is within walking distance of a range of top sites in Kastoria.
This modern hotel is centrally located in Grevena and brings the best of Grevena’s restaurants and shops right to guests doorstep.
Enjoy a comfortable stay in the village of Kastraki at this cozy hotel featuring a superb restaurant.
12 breakfasts and 1 dinner are included.
Accommodations for 12 nights are included throughout the tour.
This tour includes luggage transfers and you’ll be biking from one overnight location to another by bike. Additional transfers, such as airport transfers can be booked as an optional extra.
How hard is the North Macedonia and Greece Cycling Tour?
We rate this tour as a 4 / 5. You’ll be biking up to 85 km daily on good quality roads.
Do I need a visa to travel to Greece or North Macedonia?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel, since you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided with all the information you’ll need to follow the route each day and often have access to phone support or other kinds of assistance. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
Are meals included on the North Macedonia and Greece Cycling Tour?
12 breakfasts and 1 dinner are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover biking. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Ohrid to start this tour?
The easiest way to get to Ohrid is from Skopje, where buses run every few hours. Skopje International Airport (SKP) can be reached from some European Airports.
Is the North Macedonia and Greece Cycling Tour in English?
This tour is not guided; however, all the route information will be provided in English.
Where does the North Macedonia and Greece Cycling Tour end?
This tour ends in Kastraki (Greece). You can book a transfer to Athens.
Can I rent a bike?
Yes, you can rent a bike during the booking process. You can choose between hybrid and e-bike.
Can I bring my own bike?
Yes. If you bring your own bike, it should be a road bike suitable for the demands of the tour
Do I need special vaccines to travel to North Macedonia or Greece?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for North Macedonia or Greece?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
All tours on 10Adventures are operated by highly vetted local tour operators and guides.
Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.
Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.
There are no written reviews yet.
15 total ratings, 0 with reviewsStephen L.
I’ve been using 10A route guides for a while, but had never booked a tour. My wife and I booked a self-guided hike in Greece and were so impressed with how we were able navigate the route without a guide with the detailed and easy to follow itinerary. We enjoy travelling independently, and 10A made that happen.
Melinda S.
I was going through a tough time and really needed a getaway so I decided to book a tour through 10Adventures. My trip to Peru changed my life in so many positive and eye-opening ways. I am so thankful for the kind, empathetic team at 10Adventures.
Lina K.
I’ve adventured around a lot of Canada and the US, but I’ve always wanted to explore other parts of the world. I felt a bit scared before booking my trip to Israel, but my conversations with the team at 10Adventures helped ease any worry. I can’t wait to explore more of the world!
Gabriela H.
Travel companies have had to go through a lot during the pandemic but 10Adventures were super flexible and accommodating nonetheless. I had to cancel my tour in France due to the pandemic. 10Adventures was great and let me reschedule for a later date!
Mikael V.
My wife Sarah and I had a great experience booking our 7-day cycling trip through Portugal via 10Adventures. The communication between us and Nadine leading up the trip was top-notch!
Alexandra D.
Communicating with 10Adventures feels like talking with a family-run business. I love to explore and travel, and exploring with the comfort of knowing I can talk to the team at 10Adventures with almost immediate feedback helps to ease any stress that comes with adventuring!
Eric S.
Whenever I’m looking for my next adventure 10Adventures never fails. Their routes all over England are my main go to for exploring and I have only had great experiences booking both guided and self-guided trips in Europe and South America with them. I am looking into Africa next.
Valeria R.
I tend to have a lot of questions before travelling and was so happy to find that the team at 10Adventures responded to every single one of my inquiries in a timely fashion. I was never left waiting and waiting for a response. This was much appreciated!
Isabella N.
I have horrible dietary issues making it super hard to book a pre-planned trip sometimes, but the communication through 10Adventures helped me navigate this situation! I am so grateful for all of their help. I cant wait to book with them again!
Erika S.
I just got back from backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, and WOW. What an unreal journey! The alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the lakeside camping spot were memorable highlights! I wonder what other tours 10Adventures has to offer. That one went so well that I am now convinced I need to book another!
Robert D.
I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
Monica L.
Wow! I am so happy with the experience I had with booking through 10Adventures for my tour in Italy! I worked with Nadine and she was super easy-going and helpful when it came to tweaking the itinerary provided on the website. 10/10 would book through 10Adventures again.
We rate this tour as a 4 / 5. You’ll be biking up to 85 km daily on good quality roads.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
Athens, Greece
Sit back, relax, and enjoy! Let us take care of all the travel planning details, so you don’t have to.
Let us help you get exactly what YOU want with a customizable adventure tour centred around your active interests and passions.
We don’t believe in hidden fees like credit card fees, booking fees or more. Even better, most people can pay in their local currency!
We want your journey to meet your expectations, and we will work with you to solve any issues you’ve encountered.
Our dedicated adventure travel concierge will curate the perfect itinerary to make your travel dreams a reality.
Book with confidence, knowing that our team has carefully hand-picked each tour operator and they use local, experienced guides.
Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers