Boat Cruise, Unlimited Wine

Overview

One hour on Lake Ohrid, four local wines, and no limit on how much you pour. That is the deal on this tasting cruise from B&F Cruise, which departs from the Kej Makedonija 2 promenade and works its way along the shoreline below the old city. A captain doubles as guide, talking through the wines and the history of the town while the boat passes St. John the Theologian Church and Samuel's Fortress. A platter of local cheeses and bottled water come with the pours.

The route is short and simple. The first stretch is a guided cruise with the first tastings, then a photo stop by the church, then a pass below the fortress.

It works for anyone who wants a short, easy outing rather than a full-day excursion. You board at the promenade and step off in the same place an hour later. English is the tour language, and pickup from hotels is not part of the package, so you make your own way to the meeting point.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Kej Makedonija 2Board at the promenade address in central Ohrid. Make your own way here, as hotel pickup is not included.
2. Guided cruise and tastingThe first 30 minutes combine a guided commentary on Ohrid with the start of the wine tasting and the cheese platter.
3. St. John the Theologian ChurchA 15 minute segment with a photo stop at the church, tasting continuing as the boat passes by.
4. Samuel's Fortress passThe final 15 minutes pass below the fortress, with scenic views and sunset listed as part of this stretch.
5. Return to Kej Makedonija 2The boat docks back at the same promenade meeting point, one hour after departure.

What To Expect From The Tour

This is an hour on the water with wine flowing the whole time, so a few practical points are worth knowing before you book.

• Getting there. There is no hotel pickup. You meet at Kej Makedonija 2 on the Ohrid promenade, so allow time to walk or get a taxi to the lakefront.
• Sunset timing. Several reviewers mention a beautiful sunset during the trip, and one wrote that there is no better way to see the Ohrid sunsets. If that appeals, book a departure timed toward dusk.
• The wine. Four wines are poured, white, rosé and red, from local vineyards, and the quantity is unlimited for the hour. Bottled water is also on board, which helps.
• The cheese. A platter of local cheeses accompanies the tasting. One reviewer noted all of it was sheep's cheese, so anyone avoiding sheep's milk should plan around that.
• Comfort and space. Reviewers describe the boat as an easy, comfortable ride with plenty of space for everyone. No walking or swimming is involved, just boarding and sitting.
• Camera. You pass the church of St. John the Theologian and Samuel's Fortress, both photogenic from the water, and there is a designated photo stop. Bring a camera or a charged phone.

Common issues. The tour runs only in English, so non-English speakers may struggle with the commentary. Hotel pickup is not included, which catches out travellers who expect to be collected. Wine is served without a stated limit for the hour, so anyone not drinking, or booking for children, should consider whether the format fits. One reviewer arranged a birthday cake through a neighbouring restaurant after the cruise, which was a personal favour from the host rather than part of the package.

Common Questions