From  £1765
per person
Tour Highlights
  • Discover the different sides to Macedonia, from Ohrid to the national parks.
  • Spot some of Europe's last wild populations of bear, lynx wolf and boar.
  • Head off-road in a 4x4 and hike through unspoiled forests.
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Bear Watching in Macedonia

7 Day Tour, from £1765 per person

Roll up your sleeves and get hands-on with conservation projects working to preserve Macedonia’s most spectacular unspoiled wilderness. This tour gives you the opportunity to explore national parks like you’ve never done before, roaming with park rangers to spot, record and preserve some of Europe’s last truly wild populations of bear, lynx, deer, wolf and boar. After, spend a few days exploring the pretty lake-side town of Ohrid.

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1
Fly to Skopje
Fly to Skopje and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a guided walking tour of Skopje and its old town before having dinner at an authentic 15th century oriental han. (D)
DAY 2
Skopje to Mavrovo National Park
Depart for Mavrovo National Park where you will join the park rangers for conservation operations at the deer reproduction centre including maintenance and feeding activities. After a picnic lunch, hop inside a 4x4 jeep for an off-road adventure to the wild goat habitats of the park looking out on the drive for other animals including eagles, falcons, wolves, deer and bears. Hike through dense forest to the feeding stations and learn how to recognise animal tracks, scents and sounds. Continue hiking to one of the peaks where you can watch eagles hunting. Return to the lodge for a traditional dinner. (B,L,D)
DAY 3
Mavrovo National Park to Pelister National Park
Wake up early and enjoy a bear watching hike to densely populated bear areas. Transfer to Pelister National Park and check-in in to your accommodation. Enjoy a traditional Macedonian slow-food lunch. In the evening, embark on a bear watching hike with the opportunity to spend the night in hide. (B,L,D)
DAY 4
Pelister National Park to Bitola
Embark on an early morning observation hike in search of wildlife to reach the eastern slopes of the mountain. Here, help the park rangers to replant some rare and prehistoric pine called Molika. Continue on an easy hike through the Molika forest. In the evening enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Bitola’s old town. (B,L,D)
DAY 5
Bitola to Ohrid
Continue to explore the city of Bitola where a melting pot of cultures and civilisations can be found. Perhaps visit the well-preserved Roman site of Heraclea, famous for its ancient theatre, mosaics and Roman baths dating back to the ancient Macedonian Empire. In the afternoon transfer to the picturesque lakeside town of Ohrid. (B)
DAY 6
Ohrid
Spend two full days exploring the charming town of Ohrid at leisure. Discover incredible ancient churches, many adorned with vibrant frescoes, and look out for the numerous artisan workshops where a wide range of handmade arts and crafts can be found. Consider booking an optional excursion to the village of Kalishta or in the summer months take a boat trip to St Naum Monastery at the other end of the lake near the border with Albania. In the evenings perhaps relax with a glass of delicious Macedonian wine and freshly caught Ohrid trout, watching the sun set over the lake. (B)
DAY 7
Fly to the UK
Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK. (B)

Pricing Information

7 day tour, from £1765 per person
(Single person supplement + £69)

Price Includes

Flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers, sightseeing tour and conservation contribution to the national parks.


Tour Route Map


  1. Macedonia, Ohrid
  2. Macedonia, Skopje
  3. Macedonia, Bitola

Reviews

Overall the holiday was very enjoyable and we saw a lot of Macedonia which I really appreciated. Our guide was brilliant and made the tour so interesting, and he couldn’t have done enough for us. We all had fun and a laugh. I will have fond memories of this holiday for years to come. 

Miss L Meaney
May 20, 2013

If I were to rate our guide in terms of hotel stars I would rate him 5 star. He was always courteous and polite, and very knowledgeable about all the places we visited. His enthusiasm was infectious and he always had a smile. I have never been on a holiday where I have laughed so much which was all down to my travelling companions including our guide. Last but by no means least Ellie Marr’s cheerfulness and help also made this a very enjoyable holiday. 

Ms. S. Craven
May 22, 2013