Ohrid & Saint Naum: Day tour from Tirana with guide

Summary

A day between North Macedonia & Albania’s lake towns

On this cross-border day trip from Tirana, you’ll walk Ohrid’s old town lanes, visit Saint Naum Monastery by the lake, and relax in Albanian villages with your local guide. Expect moments of quiet beauty—like watching fishermen in Struga or sipping coffee in Drilon Park—that’ll stick with you long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely crossed the border from Albania when our guide, Arben, pulled over in Struga. He said we had to see where the Black Drini River starts — I didn’t expect much, but the water was so clear it almost looked fake. There were a couple of old men fishing nearby, not saying much, just nodding at us as we passed. The air smelled like wet stone and coffee (someone somewhere was brewing a pot). It was only about two and a half hours from Tirana to here, but it felt like we’d landed somewhere totally different.

Ohrid itself is kind of hard to describe — it’s busy but not loud, with these winding streets that keep surprising you. We wandered past houses with wooden balconies and laundry flapping out front. Arben took us into this tiny workshop where they still make paper by hand; I tried turning the press but mostly just got my fingers wet. The Saint Sofia Basilica was cool and echoey inside — I whispered something just to hear it bounce back at me. Later, up at Samuel’s Fortress, you can see the whole lake spread out below (I still think about that view sometimes). And then there’s Kaneo church perched on its cliff — everyone stops for photos there, but honestly it’s worth it.

The drive along Lake Ohrid after that felt slower somehow. Maybe because we’d eaten too much burek or maybe because the light was changing — everything looked softer. At Saint Naum Monastery, peacocks strutted around like they owned the place (one tried to steal my snack). Inside, it was quiet except for someone lighting candles. We took a short boat ride out to see the springs bubbling up under the surface — water so cold my hand went numb when I touched it. Heading back toward Albania, we stopped in Tushemisht village for coffee by Drilon Park; ducks everywhere and people playing cards under trees. It wasn’t fancy or anything, just peaceful.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ohrid and Surroundings

• Stop at Struga to see Black Drini River source
• Walking tour of Ohrid old town: paper workshop, Saint Sofia Basilica, ancient theatre, Samuel Fortress, Saint Clement Basilica, Roman ruins, Kaneo church views
• Visit Saint Naum Monastery and boat trip on lake springs

Top questions

How long does the day trip from Tirana to Ohrid take?

The drive from Tirana to Struga takes about 2.5 hours including border procedures.

Is hotel pickup included for this Ohrid & Saint Naum tour?

Yes, hotel or pier pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

What sites do you visit during the tour?

You visit Struga (Black Drini River), Ohrid old town (including handmade paper workshop, Saint Sofia Basilica, ancient theatre, Samuel Fortress), Kaneo church area, Saint Naum Monastery with a boat ride to the springs, Tushemisht village and Drilon Park before returning.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No lunch is specifically included; there are stops where you can buy food locally.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams/strollers and specialized infant seats are available.

Can service animals join this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes air-conditioned vehicle transport throughout North Macedonia and Albania with a local guide-driver who picks you up at your hotel or pier in Tirana; all main visits such as Ohrid old town walking tour and entry to sites like Saint Sofia Basilica are covered; plus a short boat ride at Saint Naum before returning home in the evening.