This walk offers a three-hour relaxation, which you will enjoy while learning about herbs and forest fruits in Krushevo.
One of the oldest stories which Kuzman Shapkarev wrote back in 1894 describes the power and knowledge that St. Michael gave to a man, to collect selected herbs, boil them and collect the boiled water in a bottle, then heal the diseases of the people and become very rich. Originally he heard the story from one Vlach in Krushevo. At just a few steps from Krushevo, the botanical walk opens the treasury of medicinal herbs. There is no better medicine than a light walk through the forest shade amid clean air and fascinating scenery.
1. Flowers and herbs
In spring, you will walk beside the yellowish tiny elder flowers (Sambucus nigra). In summer and early autumn, they will be replaced by small, round elder fruits, which are ripe when they become black-bluish in color. The tea is used to relieve cold and flu symptoms. There is also the intoxicating scent of thyme (Thymus serpyllum). Its tiny light-purple flowers prepared as tea have multiple beneficial effects on the body and can also be used as a spice.
2. Forest and shade
The high pine forest down the path will offer pleasant coolness in the shade. But do not indulge in the height of trees that selfishly want to distract your sight. Rather look down, and find the small, red, incredibly delicious wild strawberries (Fragaria vesca), which peek among the green leaves. This is a perfect opportunity to distinguish between wild strawberries and those that are sold in the markets.
3. Medicinal herbs
The kind Krushevo women will selflessly show you the herbs and related old recipes for making cures that help in dealing with the common cold, bronchitis, lungs inflammation, high blood pressure, mental tension, kidney problems, prostate: yarrow (Achillea millefolium), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), juniper (Juniperus), rose hip (Rosa Canina), St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum), fern (Pteridophyta), hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) …
4. Tasting
After collecting the herbs, a short break will be made in the churchyard of St. Paraskeva, which is a halfway point of the walk. There you will taste traditional homemade dishes prepared by the skilled Krushevo women, which will refresh and recuperate you. You’ll be able to taste the unusual rose hip wine, which is a pure rarity, elderberry tea sweetened with honey, mountain tea, homemade Krushevo pie and a specialty dish made of freshly picked mushrooms.
Finally, after you satisfy all your senses and fill your bags with herbs, you may feel a slight but pleasant fatigue. However, you will easily recover, as your walk will end with a breathtaking panoramic view of the town of Krushevo.
Duration: The Botanical Walk is a three-hour tour through the natural pharmacy situated above Krushevo. The trail is 5 km long with a difference in the altitude of a bit more than 100 meters.
Starting point of the tour: Hotel Montana
Requirements
Days on which the tour is offered: Saturday and Sunday
The tour can take place on other days of the week for prearranged groups.
Group: The tour is perfect for people of all ages. The group should have minimum of 5 and maximum of 10 participants. The tour is recommended as an anti-stress therapy for people who are exposed to stress and as a business retreat tour.
Regular price of the tour is 1499 MKD, and for the group of five 3995 MKD.
Great tour in Krusevo surroundings!
