Hiking the Via Dinarica in North Macedonia
Hiking the Via Dinarica in North Macedonia
Hiking the Via Dinarica in North Macedonia
6 Days Starting in Skopje and ending in Skopje, North Macedonia
Visiting: Skopje, Popova Šapka, Titov Vrv, Ljuboten, Šar Mountains, Millennium Cross, Matka Canyon Trail
Tour operator:
Tour code:
321
Group Type:
Independent
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Age range:
18-80
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
The Via Dinarica is a long-distance network of trails, covering over 2,000km of the Dinaric Alps. Hiking the Via Dinarica in North Macedonia takes six days, starting and ending in the ancient capital of Skopje. Walking through Šar Mountains, one of the Dinaric Alps’ many massifs, highlights along the way include a hike up to the range’s highest summit Titov Vruh (2,747m). Another high is on Mount Ljuboten (2,498m), an impressive pyramidal summit with views back as far as Skopje Valley. Matka Canyon makes for a fitting finale on this holiday, cut to depths of 1,000m by the River Treska
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Skopje - Popova Šapka
Location: Skopje, Popova Šapka
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Konak Mountain Lodge in Popova Šapka
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrive at Skopje International Airport, where you are met by our local representative. You are transferred to your accommodation in Popova Šapka (1h 35mins), a mountain resort located at 1,800m in the Šar Mountains.
Day 2 : Titov Vrv (2,748M) | 21Km
Location: Titov Vrv
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Konak Mountain Lodge in Popova Šapka
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today’s route explores the central part of the Šar Mountains, with an ascent up Titov Vrv (2,748m), the highest peak in the mountain range. The ridgeline route is demanding, and includes the smaller summits of Sin Vrv (2,550m), Karabunar (2,600m) and Bakardan (2,702m). However, there is also the option of a less demanding route.
Walking for the day: 21km, 8h, ↑1,811m ↓1,811m
Day 3 : Mount Ljuboten (2,498M) | 14Km
Location: Ljuboten
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: ila Ljuboten Mountain Resort in Vratnica (private room with shared facilities)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The day begins with a transfer to the starting point of the walk. Begin your ascent up Mount Ljuboten (2,498m), a summit with a pyramidal shape which dominates the mountainscape and can be seen from Skopje Valley. Take in the panoramic views from the summit, which extend east over the Skopska Crna Gora Mountains and Mount Vodno (1,066m), and west, all the way to mountain ranges in both Kosovo and Albania.
Walking for the day: 14km, 7h, ↑1,870m ↓888m
Day 4 : Šar Mountains Ridgeline | 16Km
Location: Šar Mountains
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ibis Skopje City Centre Hotel or similar in Skopje
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Follow the route along the eastern side of Mount Ljuboten, heading past the landmark of Kozja Stena, which translates to goat’s wall after the wild goats in this area. Kozja Stena is a limestone rock that juts out from the southern side of Ljuboten. Continue on, via a rocky section with small boulders. After heading past Shija Ljubotenska saddle, you will see Livadicko Lake, located 200m below in a rocky cirque at 2,137m. The lake’s waves have caused a rare natural phenomenon, having carved an overhanging rock on its western shore. On your approach to the village of Belovishte, listen out for the sound of water flowing, from the surrounding creeks and rivers. Stop in the village for lunch, where there is the opportunity to go for a dip in the swimming pool at one of the local restaurants, before a transfer takes you back to Skopje in the afternoon.
Walking for the day: 16km, 6h, ↑945m ↓1,708m
Day 5 : Skopje - Millennium Cross - Matka Canyon | 15Km
Location: Millennium Cross, Matka Canyon Trail, Skopje
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ibis Skopje City Centre Hotel or similar in Skopje
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a transfer to the foothills of Mount Vodno (1,066m), today’s route first leads to Millennium Cross, a 66m cross located on Mount Vodno, which was built in commemoration of 2,000 years of Christianity in Macedonia. From Millennium Cross, the views extend over Skopje and its enveloping mountains. From there, begin your descent towards Matka Canyon, home to wildlife such as bald eagles, over 130 different types of butterflies and endemic plant species. There are also several 13th-century monasteries hidden in between the rocks. A transfer takes you back to Skopje at the end of your walk.
Walking for the day: 15km, 6-7h, ↑977m ↓994m
Day 6 : Departure
Location: Skopje
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, you are transferred to Skopje International Airport. Alternatively, we can extend your stay with an extra night.
What's Included
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Accommodation
5 nights accommodation
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Meals
5 breakfasts
Meals as listed in the itinerary, three picnic lunches and three dinners -
Arrival and departure airport transfers to/from Skopje International Airport (one per group)
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Transfers on days three, four and five to the starting/ending point of the walk
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Luggage transfers between accommodations
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Detailed tour materials, including maps, route book (one set per booking) and GPS tracks
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24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
What's Not Included
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Airfare
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Drinks, snacks and any meals not listed as included in the itinerary
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Travel insurance
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Personal expenses
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Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable locally)
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Any items not explicitly listed as included
Check out our Q&As
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When to go
This trip is available from the beginning of June until the end of October. The flexibility of self-guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates, meaning you can start your trip on any date during the season.
During these months, the weather is normally pleasant and sunny. More rainfall is to be expected at the beginning and the end of the season. During the summer months, particularly in July and August, the weather is warmer. Even in the mountains, temperatures can reach up to 30C. -
Are flights included in this tour?
No, international flights are not included
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes, Arrival and departure airport transfers to/from Skopje International Airport (one per group)
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Difficulty and terrain
This tour is rated moderate to strenuous and is suitable for experienced walkers, who are in good physical shape. Daily walking distances range between 14-21km, with a maximum elevation gain of 1,870m. The routes mainly follow mountain paths, which can be rocky and uneven.
We strongly advise you to only follow marked trails and never try to shorten the path through unknown and unmarked terrain. We will provide you with detailed route notes and maps and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed information on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack. -
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
All guides are English Speaking
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
This will be provided on all documentation
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes we can, please contact us for details
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own
This holiday is available for solo travellers; a supplement will be charged as accommodation and luggage transfer costs are not shared (we never mix and match – solo travellers will be accommodated in single rooms) -
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t
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Low Deposit
The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.
Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.