Night 1
See Tripadvisor ReviewsArxhena Hotel in Brod
This rather big hotel, surrounded by the beautiful mountains, has comfortable rooms and a good restaurant.
Discover the treasures in Kosovo and North Macedonia on this 9-day hiking tour
If you’re looking for a journey on roads less travelled, a hiking tour through Kosovo and North Macedonia will appeal to you. Situated on the Balkan Peninsula, these two young countries are home to several natural wonders, national parks, and reserves. The wild terrain contains excellent hiking trails leading through canyons and mountains that are popular for skiing in the winter.
You'll discover the hiking highlights of the fascinating countries of Kosovo and North Macedonia on this guided tour. Starting in Kosovo, you’ll be acquainted with your guide and group in the village of Brod in the southern tip of the country. Over the next few days, your group explores the Zlipotok Mountain Range and Peskovi Peak for some incredible hiking routes and views. Get a taste of history with a visit to a medieval fortress sitting atop the town of Prizren. In each town, you’ll have time to explore leisurely and enjoy traditional meals with your group.
The second half of the tour reveals the treasures of North Macedonia. Visit St. Nikola monastery perched at the top of Matka Canyon for gorgeous panoramas of the natural scenery. The panoramas don’t stop there—hike among small villages on peaks and canyons for the remaining days. Local guides will lead many of the hikes, giving you plenty of opportunities to engage and learn about the nuanced history of the area. Your heart, mind, and camera will be filled!
This tour is rich in natural beauty and epic panoramic views. It offers a lesson in recent history that has shaped each country’s culture, and an opportunity to visit some off-the-beaten-track countries. If the above appeals to you, a 9-day hiking tour in Kosovo and North Macedonia should do the trick!
Welcome to Kosovo! Upon arrival at the Pristina Airport, your guide will meet you and bring you to Brod, a small village in southern Kosovo nestled among the Sharr Mountains. Your guide will prepare you for the week ahead with maps, a SIM card, and an overview of the tour. Depending on when you arrive, explore the narrow streets of Brod while admiring the surrounding mountains. Get some rest for an early start tomorrow.
After breakfast, you’ll receive a transfer to the nearby Arxhena Hotel to begin today’s hike. The trail passes by a few water sources and springs and will lead up to a mountain ridge, opening up to panoramic views from Rudoka Peak. The landscape views reveal rocky plateaus and green mountains, with unique Balkan vegetation covering the grounds. It's not a forested area, so no tall trees impede the sights—you'll be able to spot streams and lakes with ease on a clear day. Return to the starting point on the same trail and be transferred to Prizren for the night.
Today, you’ll get to know the heritage hotspot of Prizren very well. On a walking tour of the city, you’ll visit several sights that take you on a journey through time from the Byzantine Ottoman era until present day Prizren. End the walking tour looking over the city from the viewpoint of the Prizren Fortress. After the cultural lesson in Prizren, you’ll be transferred to Prevalla, a small mountain town sitting at 1,800 m / 5,906 ft, for the night to rest and prepare for a big hike tomorrow.
Wake up to the crisp mountain air and enjoy breakfast with the group. Today’s route leads hikers to the summit of Peskovi Peak at 2,651 m / 8,698 ft. The moderate climb will take roughly 2–3 hours, including breaks. Your local guide will explain the history of the area as you enjoy the mountain's astounding views. On a clear day, you can see the neighbouring North Macedonia where you'll spend the second half of this 9-day tour. Take your time walking around the summit before returning to meet your guide for a transfer to Brezovica.
Spend the morning relaxing in the resort area of Brezovica, a prime recreating spot year-round with cat-skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer. You’ll start the ascent towards Piribeg Peak, which is the fourth highest mountain in Kosovo at 2,524 m / 8,281 ft—the views of the surrounding mountains will take your breath away. Traverse over to Ligeni a Malit, the second peak on today’s hike, then hike down to Brezovica for a bite to eat and a short break before being driven across the border into North Macedonia. Settle into your hotel in Skopje, North Macedonia’s capital, and get a good night’s sleep.
Get ready for a day of adventure to explore some religiously significant spots and hiking highlights in North Macedonia. After breakfast, receive transportation to the gondola at the base of Mount Vodno. Hike to the summit and admire the iconic Millennium Cross overlooking Skopje. Continue hiking the path towards Matka Canyon, breaking to have a peek at St. Nikola Monastery and incredible canyon views. The day of adventure continues walking down to Matka Lake for lunch, followed by a boat exploration and visit one of the deepest caves in Europe, Vrelo Cave. You’ll be driven to Mavrovo for dinner and a well-earned sleep.
After a hearty breakfast in Mavrovo, the group will be driven to the trailhead for Carevec, a peak in Mavrovo National Park, sitting at 1,798 m / 5,899 ft. Hiking along trails and enjoying the scenery will eventually lead you to Galicnik village, a village where the residences are interspersed among the trees, clinging to the mountainside—there’s a biblical atmosphere about this place. From the town, hike to the highest point nearby for a stunning view of Radika Canyon, a picturesque gorge of moss-covered cliffs, rivers, and trees. The hike continues through more small villages, and your guide will teach you about how locals use herbs in their traditions. You’ll be transferred to the lakeside town of Ohrid for the night.
Wake up in this stunning lakefront town and take a 2-hour city tour with a local guide. Learn about the rich tapestry of the area culminating from myriad civilizations settling here. Once you’ve completed the tour and asked your local guide all the questions, get a transfer to Velestovo village in Galichica National Park to start today’s journey. Hike towards Elsani village through dry grasslands and Balkan shrubbery, and marvel at sweeping views of Lake Ohrid along the way. Take a quick break in Elsani overlooking the lake, then hop in the car for transfer to Skopje for your last night.
Enjoy breakfast with your group and recount your highlights and favourite memories of the last 9 days. Receive an transfer to Skopje Airport when you’re packed and ready.
This guided tour in Kosovo and North Macedonia is always run as a private tour for your group only and the price always depends on the number of people in your group.
Prices below are per person sharing a double or a triple room:
Please note that the pricing might change depending on your group size.
The hotels on this trip are 3- and 4-star. You will spend one night of the tour in a mountain hut in a National Park. Rooms are double occupancy, and single travelers will pay a supplement.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel while traveling with your group. Contact us and we can try and match single travelers up, where possible.
This rather big hotel, surrounded by the beautiful mountains, has comfortable rooms and a good restaurant.
This small but comfortable hotel is in a very convenient location in Prizren, within a walkable distance to the city’s landmarks, as well as numerous restaurants.
Stylish and comfortable rooms, restaurant that serves local cuisine, friendly hosts and amazing mountains – what more could you ask for!
Lovely hotel tucked in the forest, surrounded by beautiful mountains and the views to Pelister National Park.
Cozy hotel within the walking distance of Skopje City center, with clean and comfortable rooms and many convenient amenities.
Carevec Mountain Hut is a wonderful, authentic family-run establishment with rustic décor and friendly and knowledgeable hosts.
This hotel is located at the heart of Ohrid – just steps away from the town center, facing the beautiful marina.
Cozy hotel within the walking distance of Skopje City center, with clean and comfortable rooms and many convenient amenities.
All 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 8 dinners are included.
Accommodation for all 8 nights is included in the tour.
Transport for you and your luggage is included throughout the tour in a private car or minibus (depending on number of travellers), including the airport transfers.
How hard is the Kosovo and North Macedonia Hiking Tour?
We rate this tour as a 4 / 5. You should be comfortable with hiking up to 5 hours daily with significant ascent and descent. This tour can be customized for those that prefer a less active tour.
Do I need a visa to travel to Kosovo and North Macedonia?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on Kosovo and North Macedonia Hiking Tour?
All 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 8 dinners are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Pristina to start this tour?
You can reach Pristina by plan from most major cities in Europe. You will be picked up from Pristina Airport.
Is the Kosovo and North Macedonia Hiking Tour in English?
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
Where does Kosovo and North Macedonia Hiking Tour end?
The tour ends in Skopje, North Macedonia, with a drop-off at the Skopje Airport.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Kosovo and North Macedonia?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Kosovo and North Macedonia?
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.
When is the best time to travel to Balkans for this tour?
The best time to travel to Kosovo and North Macedonia for hiking is from mid-April to September.
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.
37 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 should be comfortable with hiking up to 5 hours daily with significant ascent and descent. This tour can be customized for those that prefer a less active tour.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
Ohrid, North Macedonia
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