Tours with “James” from World War II

Slowly but surely, we’re coming to the end of the coldest month of the year. Early spring is on its way — a month full of questions about whether fresh snow will fall or strong sunshine will brighten the days. We’ll still enjoy the snow on the mountains for another month, and then gradually start descending toward the lakes, rivers, dams, and valleys.

Our team is beginning to share tips on how you can make the most of Macedonia’s low mountains and what activities are possible during the month of March.

Meet Ljupcho. A man who loves “old-timers” — not cars this time, but trucks. Ljupcho lives near Leskoec, in the Ohrid region. This village is located in the Ohrid Field, not far from the city of Ohrid, at an altitude of 820 meters. Ljupcho can organize an amazing weekend adventure for you, especially if you’re a fan of stunning panoramic views.

Until the end of World War II, Leskoec was a small village situated on a gentle slope east of today’s settlement. However, after 1955, a significant number of people from the mountain villages of Skrebatno, Zavoj, Openica, and Sirula moved to Leskoec.

This village has a rich history, but our advice is to let Ljupcho tell it to you himself. With his World War II truck, “James,” he organizes tours throughout the region.

It’s a half-day adventure around the Leskoec area. The tour takes place either on rough terrain or paved roads, depending on the group’s preferences. Ljupcho says this truck is unique in our country as the only original version powered by a gasoline engine.

The departure point is Leskoec, a village located 4 kilometers from Ohrid, situated on the main road to Bitola. The tour continues along a side road that leads to “Old Leskoec,” about 2.5 kilometers away.

From the village of “Old Leskoec,” about one kilometer away, is “Ljupcho’s Shack,” and roughly 100 meters below that, Ljupcho has a field where he keeps his Šarplaninac dogs and a few more “James” old-timer trucks.

In agreement with the organizer, you take a break here to explore the old-timers, take photos, and feed the Šarplaninacs. Afterwards, the group heads back to “Ljupcho’s Shack,” where he prepares a barbecue for you.

His shack offers a beautiful view of Ohrid and Lake Ohrid.