Northern Macedonia

Northern Macedonia is still relatively unknown territory within Europe and, with a mix of mountains, national parks and high plains, is a true playground for the outdoor adventurer. Sports and active exploration is also immediately what we will do here. Shortly after arrival we leave the capital to get ready for an unforgettable adventure. We start with a two-day hike through beautiful valleys, after which we exchange our hiking boots for electric mountain bikes with which we have used during two days traversing the mountains. We then replace our steel steed with an effective "ros" by which we two days through the mountains gallop. Finally, we conquer another mountain peak and conclude with a day of rock climbing and kayaking in Matka Canyon. Sleep in cozy mountain huts, tents, rustic mountain villages and the 4* Scardus hotel.

None of the activities require experience, in other words, this trip is perfect for anyone who wants a taste of different outdoor sports in Macedonia! Finally, everything is pretty much all connected and transfers by car were kept to a minimum to keep our ecological footprint as low, and the experience as high as possible keep.

CIA

Comfort 70%: You usually sleep in a cabin or chalet that has all the basic amenities.

Intensity 80%: You participate in an active trip that requires a good level of fitness. This means that you will exercise at least 2x a week and generally be active.

Adventure 90%: You trek around in an active outdoor program, but you can fall back on the necessary comfort and certain facilities.

NORTH MACEDONIA

• 6/08/2025 – 16/08/2025
• min. 8 persons - max 10 persons (*)
• 1495 € per persoon

INDIVIDUAL/PRIVATE

• PERIOD on request
• NUMBER on request
• COST PRICE on request

(*) will proceed only when 8 people are registered.

INCLUDING

• 9 nights
• 3 meals/day
• All activities described in the trip summary
• Certified English-speaking local guides
• 1 guide from The Wildlinger
• On-site transportation (including to and from the airport)

EXCLUSIVE

• Flights there and back Skopje Macedonia (though on request)
• Travel Insurance
• Cancellation Insurance
• Beverage
• Personal expenses

NORTH MACEDONIA

Day 1: Popova Sapka

On the first day we will fly to Skopje Alexander the Great Airport in northern Macedonia, where we will be met by our local guide who will then take us to Popova Sapka. Here everyone will have time to settle in and have a quick relax in the bar and spa of the Scardus Hotel before the adventure breaks loose.

Day 2 & 3: Hike Leshnica Valley

Today we launch our two-day hike. We leave at the hotel and hike toward Peak Flat. We then descend into the valley of Upper Leshnica, one of the most beautiful regions in the Shar Mountains. Finally, we set up camp in Lower Leshnica. The next day we break camp and move on to Karanikolica. This fantastic hike takes us to 2 mountain lakes and ends in a very remote authentic Macedonian mountain village from where we are taken back to the Scardus hotel.

Day 4 & 5: E-bike to Mavrovo

High time to trade in our hiking boots for a steel steed. We are leaving on a two-day adventure with E-bikes. From Popova Sapka we ride to Tito's peak. At 2400 meters we leave our mountain bikes behind and continue on foot to the summit. We pick up our E-bikes again and ride up to the secret mountain lodge at 1600m where we enjoy a traditional whim under an open sky. The next morning we continued our E-bike ride along a beautiful lake to finally arrive in Mavrovo National Park. Here we spend the night at the oldest and still only permanent resident couple in the village.

Day 6 & 7: Horseback riding in Mavrovo

We are trading in our steel steed for an effective one these days. For today we start a two-day horseback ride through the breathtaking Mavrovo National Park. Again, we are going to wild camping. A two-day trip creates a unique bond between horse and rider. Moreover, we can adapt the tour à la minute to the level of the riders. After the two-day trip, we spend the night in the eco-hotel Tutto, constructed from ecologically sound and natural materials.

Day 8: Mount Korab

We are once again using our E-bikes To conquer Mount Korab, the highest peak of Albania and Macedonia. This tour takes us past forested areas, mountain streams and vast grasslands. Especially the view of the pointed rock formations is magnificent! Moreover, we enjoy vistas in both Albania and northern Macedonia since we are on the border. Again, we leave our bikes behind and go continue on foot to the top, after which we enjoy a sublime descent. Finally, we are picked up and drive to our final destination, Matka Canyon.

Day 9 & 10: Matka Canyon

Matka Canyon is a protected nature reserve and a veritable playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Hence, we are spending our last 2 nights here. On the schedule is a walk To the St. Nikola Shishevsky monastery, top rope climbing on the extremely suitable rock formations with route options for all levels, and a relaxing kayaking trip on the Treska River to the Vrelo cave. In this cave, of course, we will also take a look. Here is also the entrance to the largest underwater cave in Europe. We conclude the day and the trip festively with a relax dinner in the middle of nature. The next day we were dropped off at the airport and, with a backpack full of memories of Macedonia, we flew back home.

NORTH MACEDONIA

4* Scardus Hotel

We stay 2 nights at the very well-kept 4-star hotel "Scardus," equipped with a bar, restaurant, Wi-Fi, conference hall (acting as a private room for our group, including its own bar) and spa center equipped with swimming pool, sauna and Turkish bath to which you have free access.

The secret mountain hut & tent camps

We spend 1 night in the unique mountain lodge for the ultimate back to basics mountain experience at a secret location in the middle of nowhere. This wooden cabin is equipped with bunk beds, 1 toilet and 1 shower. Adjacent is a hunter's cabin traditionally built of stone. In addition, we stay 4 nights in a tented camp.

Guesthouse & eco-hotel

The other 2 nights we will stay in a traditional guesthouse on the one hand. This is the home of the still only permanent resident and oldest couple in the village. On the other hand, we stay in a eco-hotel constructed of durable materials.

NORTH MACEDONIA

Guides

Safety is our number one priority. The guides we work with live and live in Macedonia and have minimum 6 to 10 years of experience as a mountain guide, have the necessary local and international certifications and participate on a regular basis in safety courses.

Insurance

Finally, we ask each participant to provide a travel insurance to be taken out for the entire period of the trip. An example is short-term travel insurance with Allianz or KBF. Call and email your insurer in advance, explain what you will be doing and make sure you have a good understanding of what all is covered and what the exceptions are! If required, we will advise you on how to properly obtain the necessary insurance.