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Highlights
Spend 11 days hiking exceptional trails and learning about the Balkan's ancient history
Visit one of the deepest caves in North Macedonia that is on its way to becoming recognized as a natural world wonder.
Visit Meteora in Greece, one of the most extraordinary monastery complexes built precariously on high rock formations.
Walk in the footsteps of Zeus and other Greek gods when you hike the top of Mount Olympus.
Admire the jagged peaks, pristine lakes, and wildflowers on beautiful Seven Rila Lakes trail in Bulgaria.
This 11-day hiking tour leads you across the centre of the Balkans through North Macedonia, into northern Greece, and finishes in Bulgaria. This region has an extensive history and has been recorded in mythological and historical books alike. Walk among the gods on this adventure!
Start in North Macedonia, a young country with a rich culture blending many previous rulers from the ancient kingdom of Macedonia, to the Romans, the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Before declaring independence in 1991, it was part of the former Yugoslavia. You’ll note these historical influences in the capital, Skopje, on your first two days, and in the several small villages you visit on the itinerary. Explore from Skopje the nearby Matka Canyon, which houses a few intriguing monasteries, and the biggest underwater cave in Europe. Hike between medieval villages, engage with the locals and taste some potent rakija, a brandy distilled from fermented fruit.
You spend the middle of the tour in Greece in areas steeped in mythological significance. First, have a serene experience among Meteora's glory, a monastery complex perched high on unique rock formations. Then you hike among the home of the Greek gods on Mount Olympus, which reaches 2,918 m / 9,573 ft, the highest point in Greece. Tour the portside town of Thessaloniki as well before transferring to Bulgaria for the end of the tour.
The trails in Bulgaria might surprise you—this country has some towering peaks and routes that will get your heart pumping. Walk among snow-capped mountains to gorgeous lakes surrounded by greenery and in the right season, alpine wildflowers. Finish the tour in Sofia and make sure to check out the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
This tour screams variety—you’ll get astounding hiking trails in all three countries and experience three distinct cultures in a small geographical radius. Treat yourself to this 11-day hiking tour in the Balkans!
This 11-day hiking tour leads you across the centre of the Balkans through North Macedonia, into northern Greece, and finishes in Bulgaria. This region has an extensive history and has been recorded in mythological and historical books alike. Walk among the gods on this adventure!
Start in North Macedonia, a young country with a rich culture blending many previous rulers from the ancient kingdom of Macedonia, to the Romans, the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Before declaring independence in 1991, it was part of the former Yugoslavia. You’ll note these historical influences in the capital, Skopje, on your first two days, and in the several small villages you visit on the itinerary. Explore from Skopje the nearby Matka Canyon, which houses a few intriguing monasteries, and the biggest underwater cave in Europe. Hike between medieval villages, engage with the locals and taste some potent rakija, a brandy distilled from fermented fruit.
You spend the middle of the tour in Greece in areas steeped in mythological significance. First, have a serene experience among Meteora's glory, a monastery complex perched high on unique rock formations. Then you hike among the home of the Greek gods on Mount Olympus, which reaches 2,918 m / 9,573 ft, the highest point in Greece. Tour the portside town of Thessaloniki as well before transferring to Bulgaria for the end of the tour.
The trails in Bulgaria might surprise you—this country has some towering peaks and routes that will get your heart pumping. Walk among snow-capped mountains to gorgeous lakes surrounded by greenery and in the right season, alpine wildflowers. Finish the tour in Sofia and make sure to check out the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
This tour screams variety—you’ll get astounding hiking trails in all three countries and experience three distinct cultures in a small geographical radius. Treat yourself to this 11-day hiking tour in the Balkans!
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North Macedonia, Greece and Bulgaria Hiking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Welcome to North Macedonia
Welcome to Skopje! Once you arrive at the airport, your guide will meet you and bring you to your accommodation in central Skopje for the night. Depending on when you arrive, take some time to stroll the center.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Skopje
Distance: None
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 Climb Mount Vodno and Visit Matka Lake
Enjoy your first morning in Skopje with a hearty breakfast. Afterwards, you’ll be transferred to Mount Vodno for a quick climb to view the iconic Millennium Cross—a structure emulating the Eiffel Tower but in a familiar religious shape. From the cross, the group will start walking to Matka Lake, which sits between high, mossy rocks and gives off a beautiful dark teal hue. On the way, you’ll visit the St. Nikola Monastery built among the rocks. Then once you reach the lake, you’ll hop aboard a boat to visit the Vrelo Cave, one of the biggest caves in the Balkans. Have lunch at a local haunt and get a ride to your overnight destination near Mavrovo Lake.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Mavrovo
Distance: 3–4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 Traverse Mount Bistra to Jance
After breakfast, you’ll start the day’s journey from Carevec. The trail will lead you over Mount Bistra, which offers phenomenal views of the surrounding terrain and Lake Mavrovo. Continuing along the path, you’ll stop at the John the Baptist Monastery for lunch before reaching Jance, a secluded mountain village. Take a breather here then receive transportation to lakeside Ohrid for a comfortable night in a hotel.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Ohrid
Distance: 4–5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 Walk along Lake Ohrid + Transfer to Greece
Departing Ohrid after breakfast, the group goes to Velestovo to start the day’s jaunt. Enjoy the endless stunning views of Lake Ohrid to your right as you walk along old roads and pass by several charming villages, eventually ending in Pestani. Get your last glimpse of North Macedonia after lunch as you cross the border into Greece in your private transportation. After a few hours of watching Greek landscapes pass by from the window, you’ll be in Kalambaka for dinner and a good night’s sleep.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Kalambaka
Distance: 2–3 hours, 12.7km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 Marvel at Meteora
Wake up in Kalambaka and enjoy a fresh Greek breakfast. You have a full day to explore Meteora and Kalambaka, and you’ll be thankful for all this time as there is so much to see! Hike to the tops of phenomenal rock formations to visit monasteries built precariously on top. Get prehistoric, almost surreal views of this holy land and wind down over dinner before heading to bed in Kalambaka again.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Kalambaka
Distance: Day in Meteora
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 Sightseeing Around Thessaloniki
After breakfast, take a quick morning walk around Kalambaka before departing for Thessaloniki, a city next to the Thermaic Gulf on the Aegean Sea. The transfer includes a stop at the archeological site in Vergina, which is home to Alexander the Great’s father’s grave, Phillip II of Macedon. After a quick history lesson, you’ll continue to the coastal city to settle into your hotel. A local guide will give you a sightseeing tour of this pertinent Roman metropolis before dinner.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Thessaloniki
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 Hike Mount Olympus
Have you ever dreamt of stepping foot on Mount Olympus? Well, today is the day! Your guide will take you to the highest peak in Greece, rising to 2,918 m / 9,573 ft, after breakfast. You’ll have the entire morning to explore the majestic Olympus National Park. After you’ve had your taste of hiking with the Gods, you’ll return to Thessaloniki for free time in the afternoon and evening.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Thessaloniki
Distance: 5-7 hours, 17.8 km, 1,800 of ascent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 Transfer to Bansko, Bulgaria
After breakfast, you may still be reeling from your hike among the mythological vibes of yesterday. You’ll leave Greece today, so hang on to those memories! Today you’ll receive transport to Bansko, Bulgaria. Settle into your hotel and then wander the area to get a feel for this resort town among the mountains. If the cable car is open, head up the hill for a jaunt around the top for some epic views. Get a good night’s sleep in your hotel tonight.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Bansko
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 Hike Around Bansko
Wake up, fuel up, and get ready to explore the recreation area around Bansko. Your guide will lead you through the mountains, where you’ll see gorgeous peaks, lakes, and lush greenery on the way. Pause to admire the Rila Monastery, where you’ll have lunch and get a quick cultural lesson. Take your private ride to Panichiste for a nice dinner and rest to prepare for your last full day tomorrow.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Panichiste
Distance: 3–4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 Trek Seven Rila Lakes
Your last full day has arrived. Enjoy a hearty Bulgarian breakfast and head to the nearby cable car at Pionerska Hut to reach the top of the mountain. Seven pristine alpine lakes dot the trail today, and you will get to see all of them this morning. The trail has a mystical atmosphere you’ll notice as you walk up to peaks and look out over vast, grassy rocks until the horizon. Hike back to the cable car, return to the base for lunch, and then pack up and hop in the car for Sofia. Depending on when you arrive, wander the city at your leisure. If you can only see one site here, check out the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral with its turquoise and gold domes. Have a final dinner with your hiking group and hit the hay when you’re ready.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Sofia
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 Farewell
Have one last Bulgarian breakfast with your crew and pack up. You’ll have a transfer ready to take you to Sofia Airport in time to check-in for your flight.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
North Macedonia, Greece and Bulgaria Hiking Tour Price and Dates
This guided tour in North Macedonia, Greece, and Bulgaria 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:
- Guided Groups of 4: EUR2780
Accommodation on the North Macedonia, Greece and Bulgaria Hiking Tour
The hotels on this trip are 3- and 4-star. You will spend one night in a mountain hut. 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.
What’s included in the North Macedonia, Greece and Bulgaria Hiking Tour?
Meals
All 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 10 dinners are included.
Accommodations
All 10 nights are included in the tour.
Transportation during the Tour
Transport for you and your luggage is included throughout the tour, including the airport transfers.
Also Included
- English-speaking guide services
- Local guides in Greece and Bulgaria
- Map of North Macedonia, Ohrid, and Skopje
Not included
- Flights
- Insurance
- All entrance fees at sites (average €2 per site)
- Visas and vaccinations
- Optional activities
- Anything not mentioned as “Included”
- Personal expenses
Optional Extras
- Extra night in Skopje, North Macedonia
- Extra night in Sofia, Bulgaria
- How hard is the North Macedonia, Greece and Bulgaria Hiking Tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to North Macedonia, Greece, and Bulgaria?
- Are meals included on the North Macedonia, Greece and Bulgaria Hiking Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Skopje to start this tour?
- Is the North Macedonia, Greece and Bulgaria Hiking Tour in English?
- Where does the North Macedonia, Greece and Bulgaria Hiking Tour end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to North Macedonia, Greece, and Bulgaria?
- Are there any travel restrictions for North Macedonia, Greece, and Bulgaria?
- When is the best time to travel to Balkans for this tour?
We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. You should be comfortable with hiking up to 5 hours daily.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
All 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 10 dinners are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
You can reach Skopje by plane from most major cities in Europe. You will be picked up from Skopje Airport.
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
The tour ends in Sofia, Bulgaria, with a drop-off at the Sofia International Airport.
Check with your family doctor.
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.
The best time to travel to North Macedonia, Greece, and Bulgaria for hiking is from mid-April to September.
Customer Ratings
At Experience Balkan, it’s all about providing exceptional service. Based in Ohrid, Macedonia, Experience Balkan are committed to providing travel services of the highest quality, and have earned the highest possible licensing as a result.
Experience Balkan was established in 2017 and has since fostered impressive diversity both within their team and in their offerings. They aim to narrow the gap between different people and promote harmony and collectivity through travel.
Experience Balkan offers hiking, trekking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and ski touring adventures in the Balkan countries. Their greatest joy is providing new experiences to happy clients.
