Bitola – Village Rotino and Rotino Lake – Hotel Molika (Pelister National Park) – Village Malovishte and Holy Friday Church – Galichica National Park – Ohrid Lake View – Bitola

The Pelister Mountain and Galichica National Park Explorer is a full-day tour that blends cultural heritage with two of North Macedonia’s most beautiful national parks.

The day starts in Bitola with a walking and driving tour through the city’s most important sites. From the Ottoman-era Clock Tower and Isak Çelebi Mosque to the lively Old Bazaar and elegant Yeni Mosque, the tour offers a deep look at the city’s diverse past. Along the way, guests visit the richly decorated St. Demetrius Church, the Shirok Sokak promenade, the Catholic Church, and the Heart of Jesus monument. Stops at the House of the Army and the National Museum, including a room honoring Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, highlight Bitola’s modern history. The ancient ruins of Heraclea Lyncestis and a drive past the Jewish, French, and German cemeteries round out the city portion.

Leaving Bitola, the tour heads to the peaceful mountain village of Rotino and its small lake, then continues to Hotel Molika in Pelister National Park. Here, guests enjoy fresh mountain air and take in views from the pine-covered slopes. A traditional lunch may be included before continuing to Malovishte, a quiet stone-roofed village where a short forest walk leads to the 13th-century Holy Friday Church.

In the afternoon, the tour crosses to Galichica National Park, known for its open ridgelines and sweeping views. The scenic drive climbs toward the top of the park, offering panoramic views of Lake Ohrid on one side and Lake Prespa on the other. This area is also home to the rare Balkan lynx, and though sightings are rare, the untouched habitat is impressive in its own right. Ideal for travelers who want to mix history, hiking, and mountain scenery, this tour offers a full day of exploration across two of Macedonia’s most striking landscapes.