Day 1: We arrive in Skopje at midday and immediately go for lunch, followed by a guided stroll around central Skopje and the old Bazaar. Afterwards we go to Matka, a canyon with a rafting trail and five caves, of which two are open to the public. The network includes one of the deepest underwater caves in the world – Vrelo.

Later on we will head west to the mountain ridge visible from Skopje city centre, arriving at Old village, at the base of Ljuboten peak. From there we will be transferred by 4×4 to a guesthouse located at 1,650 m (5,413 ft) above sea level. We will spend the night there and gain first-hand experience of the local Macedonian cuisine.

Day 2: We have an early start to conquer Ljuboten peak (2,499 m / 8,199 ft). We start from the guesthouse and hike up some steep terrain, where  there are multiple springs. We will quickly gain altitude and come out onto the long and scenic ridge towards the peak. In the olden days, Ljuboten was considered the highest peak in the Shar Mountains, because of its appearance. After measurements were taken, however, Ljuboten turned out to be 2,499 m (8,199 ft) high (the highest peak in the country is Korab, at 2,764 m (9,068 ft) and the highest summit of the Shar Mountains  is in fact Titov Vrv, at 2,747 m (9,012 ft), but Ljuboten still remains as one of the most interesting hikes. It has the shape of a pyramid, and is visible from great distances. After the hike we will go to Tetovo, a town at the foot of the mountain which has a distinct Ottoman feel and a famous mosque dating from the 16th century.

Day 3: We start from Popova Shapka, where we will stay overnight in a hotel with an indoor swimming pool and a spa centre at an altitude of 1,700 m (5,577 ft), before climbing up to 2,100 m (6,890 ft) and proceeding along a dirt road. On our way we will enjoy spectacular views of Kobilica peak, Piribeg and even Ljuboten, which we will have climbed the day before. We hike up to the saddle leading to the Upper Leshnica valley at 2,200 m (7,218 ft), taking in views to the middle Leshnica rocks and Tito’s peak, the highest peak of the Shar Mountains and the second highest in the country. We will descend from Upper to Lower Leshnica, at 1,300 m (4,265 ft), a place where two mountain rivers join, and take a short hike through a deep forest to a waterfall. We’ll have a barbecue picnic in this natural setting and will return to Popova Shapka using all-terrain vehicles. On return to Popova Shapka we can have a dip in the swimming pool as well as some relaxing time in the sauna at our hotel.

Day 4: We’ll have an early start for a long day of hiking. We follow the Vakafska trail across scenic high pasture and moorland, traverse around the peak of Bakardan, then ascend a moderate ridge to the tower at the summit of Titov Vrv – the highest peak in the Shar Mountains at 2,747 m (9,012 ft). Today’s walking time is estimated at approximately 8 hours, covering 22 km (13.7 miles), with 1,137 m (3,730 ft) of ascent. In the evening, after having a shower and dinner in our hotel, we will head towards the mountain village of Galichnik, at 1,550 m (5,085 ft) of altitude.

Day 5: We start our hike from the villa and take the trail above the historical village of Galichnik, up a serpentine rocky path. We ascend slowly to flowery grasslands to reach our objective for the day, Medenica Peak, which, at 2,166 m (7,106 ft), is the the highest point of the Bistra Massif.

The trail eventually reaches more open terrain, with glorious views opening up of Mt Korab (2,764 m / 9,068 ft), the highest peak in both Macedonia and Albania. From the summit you can see Lake Mavrovo on a clear day. We descend through meadows of flowers and livestock and then onto a rocky road as we make our way down to our pick-up point, which is called Frchec (the drafty place), because of the constant breeze. Our vehicles will take us back to the village of Galicnik (short transfer). We will enjoy a traditional lunch in a family-owned restaurant, with a view of Debar Lake in the distance. Ascent: 690 m (2,263 ft); Distance: 11 km (7 miles); Duration: 5 hours

Day 6: After breakfast on the last day, we will head towards the UNESCO town of Ohrid. There will be no more hiking, just a stroll along the cobbled streets among Byzantine churches. If you manage to take a short walk up to the top of the hill you will be rewarded with a stunning view of the lake. Or you can just have a dip in the warm lake, which is at its best for swimming at the end of the warm Macedonian summer.

We strongly recommend that you extend your holiday in Ohrid if you have a few more days available, and we are happy to recommend further activities and accommodation!