Ohrid - Jerusalem of the Balkans

Archaeological finds indicate that Ohrid is one of the oldest human settlements in all of Europe. The lake itself is over three million years old. Ohrid town is first mentioned in Greek documents from 353 BCE, when it was known as Lychnidos - or, “the city of light.” Only much later, in 879 CE, was it renamed Ohrid. The name probably derives from the phrase “vo hridi” – meaning roughly, “in the cliff.” It comes from the time when the town was limited in a small area on the lake side of the hill, which in fact is a huge cliff rising above the lakeshore. The town as we know it today was built mostly between the 7th and 19th centuries.

Ohrid once had 365 churches, one for each day of the year, and has been referred to as a "Jerusalem (of the Balkans)". The city is rich in picturesque houses and monuments, and tourism is predominant. In 1979 and in 1980 respectively, Ohrid and Lake Ohrid were accepted as Cultural and Natural World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

We start the Upper Gate on the hill. Then, we go to the church of St. Mother of God Perivleptos, where we visit the Gallery of Icons - famous for its extraordinary examples of Byzantine art in Macedonian icons. After that, we continue to the Ancient Theater dating back to the 1st century B.C. - the era of Philip, father of Alexander the Great. Our next stop in the fortress of Czar Samoil. where we will have a wonderful view of Lake Ohrid and the entire Riviera from the ancient ramparts. We continue our walk through the Plaosnik, to the place where is the church of St. Jovan Kaneo, one of the most impressive churches in Ohrid. After that we will make a pause for lunch at traditional restaurant. Our next stop is St. Sofija - Holy Wisdom. The church is the official seat of the Patriarchs of the Macedonian Orthodox Church. Then we continue to the Museum - the House of Robev Family, which features an exhibition of ancient artefacts, such as the statuette of the Goddess Isis and the well - known gold mask. Next stop is the city center and the port of the Ohrid. We take a look at the monuments depicting St. Kiril and Metodij - the first Slavic Enlighteners, and St. Kliment - Patron Saint of the city Ohrid. Then we take a stroll along the old bazaar street. We finish our excursion besides the Ohrid Cinar, the oldest tree in Balkans.

Duration: 6 - 7 hours

Price: adult 22€, child 10€

Price includes:

• transfer: hotel - Ohrid - hotel
• entry tickets
• lunch
• professional guide