Departing Tirana at sunrise, we set sail towards the South-East of Albania. Upon entering into the Macedonian border, the first settlement encountered is Struga, a city often revered for its association with an ancient folktale about a young boy.
Next to Struga lies the city of Ohrid, where for centuries the cradle of different cultures converges together. Founded from the presence of Ilirain and Greek tribes, throughout its history it has been subject to the influence of various empires - from the Roman, Byzantine, Bulgarian, Turkish, Serbian, Yugoslavian and finally, as part of the Independent Republic of North Macedonia.
Perched atop the hills of the city, Ohrid has been standing since the rule of Bulgarian Tsar Samuil in the 10th Century.
Before walking uphill to the fortress we can visit the Ancient Theatre of Ohrid, the only Hellenistic-type theatre in the country built in 200 BC. The open theatre has a perfect location: the two hills that surround it keep it protected from winds that could interfere with acoustics during performances.
Perched atop the precipice of Kaneo Beach, facing Lake Ohrid in the ancient city of Ohrid, North Macedonia stands a majestic church devoted to John of Patmos, the author of Revelation, who some believe to be the esteemed John the Apostle.
enture to the City centre and the venerable Old Bazaar area, where we can observe the traditional dwellings of Ohrid. Much of the city is laid with Stone, explaining why it was initially known as Lyhnidas, derived from Latin (an exquisite gemstone radiating brightness).
After our reverent visit to Ohrid, we shall venture to the illustrious Monastery of Sveti Naum. This revered place of worship is where the blessed St. Naum is laid to rest. People from lands far and wide gather here to pay tribute to their faith. Notably, the Monastery Complex was part of the Albanian border from 1912-1925, until it was subsequently returned to Yugoslavia.
Continuing our pilgrimage, we shall make our way to the quaint town of Tushemisht, which holds many resemblances to the holy city of Ohrid, given its resounding adherence to the Eastern Orthodox faith
We can enjoy a meal by the Ohrid Lake in the Albanian part. You will have the chance to try the local unique fish Koran, a type of fish in the trout family found nowhere else in the world but The Ohrid Lake.