Ohrid & Struga Day Trip from Tirana with Lake Views

Summary

Lake Ohrid’s old stones, Struga’s river cafes, and winding alleys

You’ll cross borders from Tirana to North Macedonia with a local guide, sip coffee by Struga’s river source, wander UNESCO-listed Ohrid with its lakeside churches and winding streets, and soak up mountain views over Lake Ohrid before heading home again — it’s a day full of small surprises and quiet beauty.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed: the light was different as soon as we crossed from Albania into North Macedonia. Our guide, Ardit, pointed out the Drini River in Struga — said it’s one of the longest in the Balkans. We stopped for coffee right by its source. There was this faint smell of wet stone and a woman selling cherries nearby, her hands stained dark red. I tried to ask for “kafe” in Macedonian but ended up just smiling; she smiled back anyway.

The drive to Ohrid wasn’t long, maybe another half hour? The lake appeared suddenly — blue-grey and bigger than I’d pictured. Walking through Ohrid’s old quarter felt like stepping into a maze built for quiet afternoons: narrow stone lanes, white houses stacked on hillsides, laundry flapping above our heads. Ardit told us about the city’s 365 churches (one for every day), but honestly I lost count after three or four. The church of St. John sits right on the edge of Lake Ohrid — you can hear water slapping against rocks below if you pause long enough. I did.

We wandered past the mosque Halveti Hayati Tekke and an old amphitheatre where kids were kicking a ball around (one nearly hit me — their dad just shrugged and grinned). There’s something about the way sunlight bounces off those white walls that makes everything feel softer here. Lunch was simple: bread, cheese, tomatoes so ripe they almost burst when you bit them. Someone at our table tried to pronounce “Lyhnidas” (the Roman name for the lake) and we all laughed — pretty sure none of us got it right.

I still think about that view from above St. John’s church — mountains circling the lake like they’re guarding it. On the way back to Tirana I kept replaying little moments: cherry juice on my fingers, echoing footsteps in shaded alleys, that first glimpse of water through tangled branches. Not everything fit neatly together but maybe that’s what made it stick.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tour from Tirana to Ohrid and Struga

• Pick up at hotel in Tirana
• Drive to Struga, North Macedonia
• Drink by Drini River source
• Drive to Ohrid town
• Visit Ohrid Lake and surroundings
• Explore St. John viewpoint and churches
• See mosque Halveti Hayati Tekke
• Drive back to Tirana

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Tirana to Ohrid?

The tour lasts one full day with morning hotel pickup in Tirana and return in the evening.

Is hotel pickup included for this Ohrid & Struga tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Tirana are included.

Do I need a visa to cross from Albania to North Macedonia?

You should check your nationality requirements; most travelers do not need a visa for short visits between these countries.

Are entry tickets included in this day trip?

Yes, entry tickets for all listed sites are included in your booking.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No specific lunch is included; you’ll have time to buy food locally during stops.

How many people join this semi-private tour?

The group size is small but may vary; it is not a private tour but not crowded either.

What sights are visited on this tour?

You’ll visit Struga (Drini River), Lake Ohrid area, churches like St. John & St. Nicolas, Halveti Hayati Tekke mosque, and walk through Ohrid’s historic center.

Is this day trip suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it is suitable for all physical fitness levels with some walking involved.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Tirana, private transportation across borders with international insurance covered, entry fees at all visited sites like Lake Ohrid churches and mosques, road taxes and tourist taxes paid upfront, plus guidance from a professional local tour leader throughout your journey.