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Self-guided bicycle tour from Ohrid to Meteora 2024
Travel code: MKFT314I
Tour type: Biking
Travel type: Self-guided trekking
Area: Macedonia-Meteora
Number of days: 13 (may be extended)
Day 1

Arrival in Ohrid (MKF01)

You’ll be met at Ohrid airport and after a 15 minute transfer you’ll reach your hotel in Ohrid where you’ll stay for 2 nights. In and around Ohrid are lots of places of interest. The bazar in the town centre is within walking distance or you may stroll along the splendid monasteries and through the old town. We also recommend a boat tour on the lake.
The old centre of Ohrid is a must-see! Ohrid is a real open-air museum with lovely age-old churches, like the magnificent Sveti JoFrom Kaneo, built on an overhanging cliff above the lake, and Sveti Clement near Plaosnik with special frescoes and icons. At the hilltop the medieval castle of the Bulgarian tsar Samuil is located, built in 1018, and of which the remnants still are te be admired. The castle offers a marvelous view over Ohrid and the lake.
The lake of Ohrid has been part of the UNESCO inheritance since 1980 and is partly situated in Albania. The altitude of this unique lake is 700 meters, bordered by the Petrino and Galicica mountains.

Day 2

Free day to spend on your own in or around Ohrid (MKF02)

No official program yet on this day. You may explore the environment by bike on your own, we offer a short tour (30 km). Of course you may also further explore Ohrid itself.

distance: 30 km
altitude difference: -
start/finish: Ohrid

Day 3

From Ohrid to Sveti Naum (MKF03)

The first part of this tour leads through the valley north of Ohrid. The wide valley is renowned for her fertile soil and many orchards. Cherries, apricots, grapes, apples and most of all: prunes. These prunes are usually the main ingredient for the national drink Rakia. Narrow roads and sleepy farmer villages characterize the environment.
The second part rounds the east side of Ohrid lake towards the monastery Sveti Naum. This 700 year old monastery is also today’s overnight stay. A splendid setting on the border of the lake.

distance: 55km
altitude difference: 450m
start/finish: Ohrid / Sveti Naum

Day 4

From Sveti Naum to Otesevo (MKF04)

A substantial tour through the hart of the Galicica National Parc. You’ll bike from the Ohrid lake to the Prespa lake. Both lakes are divided by the Galicica mountain and are connected underground. Today’s summit is at 1550 m altitude which you’ll reach after about 25 km.
Descending unfolds a wonderful view over the bigger of the Prespa lakes. This Great Prespa lake belongs partly to Albania, Greece and Macedonia and is a paradise for bird spotters. The hotel is situated directly on the lake.

distance: 38km
altitude difference: 800m
start/finish: Sveti Naum / Otesovo

Day 5

From Otesevo to Bitola (MKF05)

Today’s tour starts with a visit of the old town Resen. Until the beginning of the 20th century this region was very prosperous, which shows in the stately mansions. The valley is characterized by fruit cultivation. The first 20 kilometers are completely flat. Then follows an ascending part by the old connection road to Bitola with scattered almost deserted villages.
The lively historical town was known as the most important trade centre of the Balkan until the beginning of the last century. The Ottoman rule from the past still shows in the streets: Ottoman architecture, cobblestoned shopping streets and the bazar
Those who are interested in the process of independence from the Ottoman rule may enjoy the museum in Bitola. Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish republic, is a prominent feature in this museum. He studied at the military academy and is the most famous student of the town. The hotel is situated right in the town centre.

distance: 54km
altitude difference: 400m
start/finish:
Otesevo / Bitola

Day 6

From Bitola to Florina in Greece (MKF06)

Two alternative routes are possible today. After lunch is decided who is able and willing to bike which tour. Should the group have to split up, the guide will join the hefty long route and the follow-up car will take the standard route.
During the tour you’ll pass the border to Greece. Florina is the capital of the county with the same name and is situated on the river Sakoulevas, at 700 m altitude and amidst forest. The city prospered only after the railway from Thessaloniki was finished in 1893.
The longer tour loops with a sharp ascent through nature scenery. The highest point is at 1,300 m altitude. The altitude difference to overcome is thus 600 m in 10 km. After a lovely descent through the valley you’ll reach Florina.

distance: km 45km or 65km
altitude difference: 300m or 800m
start/finish: Bitola / Florina

Day 7

From Florina to Agios Panteleimon (MKF07I)

Today you bike north towards a cluster of lakes of which the Vegoritida lake is both the larger and the lower. The lakes are interconnected by various channels and tunnels. The Vegoritida lake is a refuge for rare birds and protected nature area.
The first 25km are almost flat before the road gradually ascends to 950 m altitude. From there you descend through Amindeo, one of the world’s 4 finest vineyards.
The last part of the tour is along the lake. The hotel offers a fine view over the Vegoritida lake and also boasts a swimming pool.

distance: 65km
altitude difference: 500m
start/finish: Florina / Agios Panteleimon

Day 8

From Agios Panteleimon to Kastoria (MKF08)

You’ll head off southwest for one of the longer trips of this holiday. The first part is almost flat and takes you through Amindeo village and along the Chimaditida lake, stopping place for pelicans and other rare birds.
After 30 km a not too heavy climb of 500 m altitude in 10 km takes you to the top. From here you’ll have a wonderful view over the valley and the Kastoria lake. After a long descent you’ll reach the historic town Kastoria, overnight stay for the next two days.

distance: 80km
altitude difference: 600m
start/finish: Agios Panteleimon / Kastoria

Day 9

Short tour around Kastoria or rest day (MKF09)

Kastoria is a lovely old town where lots of action takes place. It’s situated partly on a peninsula amidst a large lake surrounded by plane trees. The outline is 30 km and is provided all around with a bicycle road. The splendid route takes you through various villages on the lake.
During this circular tour you’ll pass the ‘Dragon Caves’ (Spileo tou Drakou), a speleologic experience over 300m with several underground lakes. In the caves the remainders were found from bears that lived here 10,000 years ago.
Kastoria is characterized by lots of beautiful mansions and Byzantine monuments. From the 17th until into the 19th century fur trade lead to great economical wealth. Along the waterfront you’ll find lots of tavernas and outdoor cafés.

distance: 35km
altitude difference: -
start/finish:
Kastoria

Day 10

From Kastoria to Grevena (MKF10)

Heading south after 10km you’ll reach the interesting village of Argos Orestiko with narrow streets, little squares and neoclassical buildings. Also this village shows the wealth out of fur and rug trade. The special compound of the earth makes excellent soil for the growing of lavender and legumes like lentils and beans.
After about 25 km the scenery becomes hilly and you’ll continue through one of Greece’s most important nature areas. In the higher regions still live wolves and brown bears. The tour proceeds along streams  and villages in rapid succession of short ascents towards Grevena.
Grevena is situated on the borders of the rivers Doxaniti and Greveniti. The lively town with many tavernas and restaurants played an important strategic role in the Byzantine period and was also the region’s trade centre.

distance: 78km
altitude difference: 1200m
start/finish:
Kastoria / Grevena

Day 11

From Grevena to Kastraki (Meteora) (MKF11)

Leaving Grevena you’ll find yourself immediately in open country. The views are splendid and you’re bound to spot circling birds of prey. The harder part is in the beginning of the trip. After 10 km the road starts ascending and you’ll have to overcome 400 m altitude in 15 km. The highest point is reached after 25 km. You’ll continue downhill towards the valley of the Pinios river.
Gradually descending one of the tour’s hightlights unfold itself: Meteora! This incredible scenery on the borders of the Pinios river is characterized by monasteries built on pillars of rocks. Once this Thessalian plain was an inland sea and by aeons of wind and water erosion the rock formations turned into their specific outlook. The overnight location for the next two days is situated literally next to these formations and awaking with this view is amazing!

distance: 64km
altitude difference: 800m
start/finish: Grevena / Kastraki

Day 12

Circular tour Meteora-Pinios valley or rest day (MKF12)

Those who want to make a last bicycle tour will be provided with a lovely route with views on the limestone formations and the magnificent monasteries on top. Building began in the 11th century. The monks towed up the materials by ladders and ropes, real donkey work! At the moment still 6 inhabited monasteries operate and are to be visited. They are real works of art, also in the light of the building process. The second part of the trip leads along the wide river valley with distant views of Meteora.
The area also lends itself perfectly for hiking.

distance: 58km
altitude difference: 400m
start/finish:
Kastraki

Day 13

Departure from Meteora (MKF13I)

After breakfast your arrangement ends. You travel on your own accord to f.i. the airport of Thessaloniki. We gladly advise you about the logistics.