Cave Churches, Villages, Cuisine

Overview

This five-hour trip from the Port of Ohrid heads north along the lake to two cave monasteries, a fishing village on the Albanian border, and the village of Vevcani on Mount Jablanica, finishing with a traditional lunch. The first stop is the Kalishta monastery complex near Struga, where St. Mary's cave church sits in openings in the rock above the lakeshore and dates from the late 13th and early 14th centuries. From there the route continues to Radozda, a small fishing village, where the 13th-century cave church of St. Archangel Michael is built high in the rocks on the hill above.

A drive of about 20 minutes brings the group to Vevcani, a traditional village where you walk up to the Vevcani springs, which flow from Mount Jablanica. After the walk, lunch is served at an Etno-house restaurant with homemade local food. Entry tickets for St. Mary's cave church and the springs are covered by the tour price, transport is included, and a licensed guide accompanies the group throughout.

The tour suits travellers who want history, scenery and food in a single half-day. Several reviewers praised the knowledgeable guide, who shares the story of the churches and of Macedonia. Comfortable shoes help for the village and springs walk. You make your own way to the meeting point, since pickup is not included.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Port of OhridThe group meets at the Port of Ohrid. Pickup is not included, so travellers arrive on their own.
2. Drive north along the lakeThe vehicle heads toward the northern part of Lake Ohrid and Mount Jablanica.
3. Kalishta monastery complexNear Struga, this complex includes St. Mary's cave monastery, built into cave openings on the lake side and dating from the late 13th and early 14th centuries. Entry is included.
4. Radozda fishing villageClose to the Albanian border, the 13th-century cave church of St. Archangel Michael sits high in the rocks on the hill above the village.
5. Drive to VevcaniA ride of about 20 minutes toward Mount Jablanica brings the group to the traditional village of Vevcani.
6. Vevcani springs walkA short walk up to the mountain springs at the top of the village. Entry is included, and reviewers describe the spot as lush and cool.
7. Traditional lunchA traditional meal of homemade local food is served in an Etno-house restaurant. Drinks are paid separately.
8. End of tourThe program ends after lunch. One reviewer felt the day ended quickly, with nothing further in the program.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of this half-day trip.

• Meeting point. There is no hotel pickup for this tour. The group meets at the Port of Ohrid, so plan your own way there.
• Footwear and walking. The listing asks for comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen and comfortable clothes. Expect a short walk in Vevcani up to the springs rather than a long hike.
• Dress code. Short skirts are not allowed on this tour. Check the rules on the booking page if you are unsure what to wear.
• Food and drink. Lunch with homemade local food is included, and reviewers praised the meals served at the restaurant. Drinks at the restaurant are paid separately.
• Group feel. The licensed guide stays with the group throughout and answers questions about the churches and about Macedonia. Reviewers described the guide as warm, knowledgeable and easy to understand in English.
• Heat and shade. The springs sit in a lush, cool location, and reviewers describe them as a welcome break from the heat. The listing's packing list includes a sun hat and sunscreen, so bring them along.

Common issues. Pickup is not included, so you must reach the Port of Ohrid on your own. Drinks at the Etno-restaurant are extra, and pets are not allowed. One reviewer felt the Vevcani springs walk was short and the program had nothing after lunch, leaving the day feeling brief for the price. Smoking is banned in the vehicle and indoors. The tour involves walking up to the springs and reaching churches built into cliffs, which may not suit everyone; the listing does not state an accessibility policy.

Common Questions