Bigorski Monastery, Mavrovo - St. Nicholas & Ohrid St. Naum
Discover the wild west of North Macedonia on a private full-day trip — alpine Mavrovo Lake and its submerged church, the breathtaking Bigorski Monastery, and the serene St. Naum monastery and springs on Lake Ohrid.
This is the big one — a spectacular full-day loop through North Macedonia's mountainous west. Photograph the half-submerged Church of St. Nicholas rising from Mavrovo Lake, wind through the dramatic Radika River canyon, and explore the hillside Bigorski Monastery with its world-famous carved iconostasis.
The afternoon belongs to St. Naum on Lake Ohrid's southern tip: the historic monastery, a lakeside lunch, and an optional rowboat glide over the crystal-clear springs that feed the lake. A long day — and by every account, worth it.
Itinerary
Departure from Skopje
08:00 · Meet your driver and set off west toward Mavrovo via the Skopje–Gostivar highway (~1 h 15).
Mavrovo Lake & Submerged Church
09:15 · ~45 min · Photo & coffee stop; walk down to the submerged Church of St. Nicholas against the backdrop of Bistra Mountain.
Radika River Canyon
10:00 · ~30 min · A breathtaking drive along the winding Radika River gorge.
Bigorski Monastery
10:30 · ~1 h 15 · Explore the hillside monastery of St. John the Baptist — the masterwork wooden iconostasis, quiet courtyards and canyon views.
Drive to Lake Ohrid (St. Naum)
11:45 · ~1.5 h · South along the Black Drin River, past Debar to the southern tip of Lake Ohrid.
St. Naum Monastery, Springs & Lunch
13:15 · ~3 h · Tour the historical church and grounds, enjoy a lakeside lunch, and (optionally) take a rowboat over the crystal springs feeding Lake Ohrid.
Return Drive to Skopje
16:15 · ~2 h 15 · Head back north toward Skopje via Kičevo.
Arrival in Skopje
~20:45 · Hotel drop-off.
What's Included
✓ What's Included
- Round-trip private transport in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
- Central pickup & drop-off in Skopje
- All fuel, road tolls and parking fees
- Flexible, relaxed schedule
✕ Not Included
- Local tour guide
- Lunch & drinks at St. Naum
- Optional rowboat over the springs
- Monastery / site donations
- Personal expenses & gratuities (optional)
Price: Economy car (1–3 passengers) from €240 · Van (4–8 passengers) from €300 — book now.
Bigorski, Mavrovo & St. Naum — FAQ
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Book Your Bigorski, Mavrovo & St. Naum
Private tour from €240 per car · door-to-door · no prepayment. Tell us your date and group size — we confirm within minutes.
Professional private driver and transfer service based in Skopje, North Macedonia. Airport pickups, intercity transfers and private day tours across the Balkans.
✓ Fixed prices · ✓ 24/7 · ✓ Pay in cash or Credit card