The choice for the point of departure is very practical (because Metropol Lake Resort is the conference venue), yet nevertheless poetical (since the initial impressions will be sensational).

Guests will have rare chance for unique experience of two contrasting sceneries / two opposing atmospheres, from a single stance / within single glance: calmness, simplicity and comfort in the view of the lake from one side, while observing drama of never-ending stretches, ridges and edges of the National Park Galicica, from the other.

The boat trip towards the heart of Ohrid and its central city square will be completed once the passengers take a peek of a wonder nestled in the palm of the town, on a cliff near to the old fisherman's settlement of Kaneo. Thereby, the palm opens to reveal the magnificent church built in the honor of St. John the Theologian. It is a combination of Byzantine and Armenian architectural styles that create sublime atmosphere and inspiring place for spiritual contemplation.

The walking tour will start at the Lower Gate. In medieval times it served as one of the four main entrances and vital traffic vessels of the city. At present, it symbolically represents the entrance into the historical part of the city.

This cultural landmark is the national archeological museum. Guests can be surprised by the numerous artifacts and sculptures inheritaged from various periods: the prehistoric time, ancient period and mediaeval Ohrid. Just next door the museum in a house ,which accommodates a unique hand-made paper workshop, one of three of a kind in Europe.

This cathedral temple of the Ohrid archbishops is the largest and most magnificently preserved monument of church architecture in the area. The exceptionally picturesque frescoes in St. Sophia are among the best achievements in mediaeval painting (from the period of the Macedonian dynasty in Byzantium), while the excellent and brisk acoustics provide stage of Ohrid Summer festival (the most famous festival of classical music and drama of the country).

In ancient times, the Upper Gate used to be connected with the ancient theatre by portico. The port is well preserved due to the reinforcements made in the XVI century. However, many ancient stones used in the original facade are still visible part of the infrastructure. The amphitheatre is the only Hellenistic-type theatre in the country and never fails to fascinate with its sensational monumentality.

It was there, above the shores of the lake, where heavenly icons and mosaics were created, splendid frescoes painted, manuscripts written, and one of the world's first universities founded. The first Pan Slavic university that sprang the Slavic literary and cultural activity.

The pearls within the pearl of Plaosnik are the reconstructed church of St. Clement and St. Panteleimon (containing relics to the patron of Ohrid), as well as the foundations of early Christian basilicas and remains of a bishopical palace with beautifully preserved mosaic floors.

The boat trip toward the monastery of St. Naum will offer beautiful sites of tourist settlements and fisherman villages situated at the eastern coast of Lake Ohrid. Gradishte is the site where remains of a Roman castrum and reconstructed pile dwelling settlement can be seen.

St. Naum of Ohrid, world famous for his miraculous healing powers and a contemporary of St. Clement, built the original church and monastery 29 kilometers away from the city centre, in a splendid setting replenished with water springs, streams and shores, that reinvigorate the mind and rejuvenate the body of the vsitor.

The dinner will be served at the St. Naum’s Restaurant offering three menus with traditional courses, followed by the sounds of a national band.

Additional information: Comprehensive lists with places to visit in individual tours

Ohrid travel guide from Wikivoyage

Routs and trails of Ohrid from the city’s official website