Are airport transfers included?

No, but we can arrange them for a surcharge from the following airports: Ljubljana Venice Zagreb Belgrade Sofia Dubrovnik Podgorica

Are children allowed?

Yes, but anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Also, keep in mind that some of the activities on our Balkan Adventure tour are not appropriate for children under the age of 12.

What documents do I need to travel?

Depending on your nationality and the countries you are traveling to, you will need a valid passport and an entry visa. Check this well in advance of the departure date of your tour since some visa processing times may take multiple weeks. Be mindful that Slovenia is the only country we visit that is in the Schengen area, so every other country has its entry conditions. Some even require passports to have 3-6 months left until the expiry date, so be sure to double-check before booking your tour. When deciding to book your travels, contact us for assistance, so we can help you to get everything you need for a stress-free tour through the Balkans.

What's not included that I should budget for?

Besides the price of the flight tickets, it depends on how much you anticipate spending on food, drinks, and shopping. On average, the prices in the Balkans are lower than in Western Europe and decrease the further south you go. It is also common practice to tip in restaurants, bars, hotels, and taxis if you feel you have received excellent service.

Will I be able to access WiFi on my trip?

All of the hotels and other accommodations on our tours have WiFi available.

How many people will there be in a group?

Traveling in small groups – 8 or fewer people – is our motto, which makes the tours more flexible and overall more enjoyable.

Anyone in good health can join our trips. Some paths to attraction include ascending steps or small slopes. The Balkan Adventure holidays include more strenuous activities like easy hiking, meaning your fitness level must coincide.

What if I want to make the trip longer?

Each trip can be made shorter or longer. Inform us of your wishes upon or before booking.

How are trips rated? What does “moderate” mean?

Our trips are rated Easy , Moderate , and Challenging . Easy : These are for everyone, also children & elderly, and don’t require any special skills. There are some small slopes and stairs you have to reach during our sightseeing. Moderate : Some of the activities require special equipment (provided by operators unless specified otherwise) and can present a challenge for older people and children (feel free to contact us for more information). It is recommended that you move to some more uneven terrain. Challenging : They include some hiking and other more challenging activities for which you need to have good enough fitness.

When are the departure dates?

Our tours are private and organized per request, which means we don’t have any set departure dates. When the tour begins and ends is entirely up to you

I like one of the tours, but I’d like to make some changes to the itinerary. Is it possible?

Of course. All of our tours are fully customizable. Itineraries can be prolonged, shortened, combined or just tweaked a little, with no extra charge for you.

I would like to choose some of the hotels on the tour. Can I do that?

Sure. Choosing the hotels can always be up to you. If you’re on more of a budget, we can offer you affordable accommodation options, or upgrade to more premium ones for a more luxurious experience.

I see that in most cases, only breakfast is included. Why is that?

We don’t want to take away from one of the main advantages of a private tour – flexibility. Meals are therefore planned as you go, so you can travel at your own pace, do more or less sightseeing that day, etc. Your guide knows the best restaurants in the area you will be exploring and will give you suggestions based on your preferences.

Do your tours include any insurance-related services?

No. We recommend you take medical insurance that would cover any possible health-related costs on this trip.

22-Days Balkan Grand Circle

22 days / 21 nights

1/9

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Experience the ultimate three-week journey through the Balkans, indulging in local flavors, iconic landmarks and cultural traditions across six countries.

Starting point

Belgrade

Finish point

Zagreb

Experience the ultimate three-week journey through the Balkans, indulging in local flavors, iconic landmarks and cultural traditions across six countries.

Choose your style

Join a group from 4.609 €/person

Cancel in the first 48h for free

Reserve your spot with a minimum deposit

UrškaTravel Expert

Book a call

Experience the ultimate three-week journey through the Balkans, indulging in local flavors, iconic landmarks and cultural traditions across six countries.

Starting point

Belgrade

Finish point

Zagreb

Explore Romania’s legendary Dracula castle
Stroll through Bulgaria’s ancient cities
Experience Montenegro’s breathtaking Bay of Kotor
Relish local specialties like ćevapi, baklava, and regional wines
Visit UNESCO sites and historical landmarks steeped in Balkan heritage

Itinerary of the trip

Upon arrival in Belgrade, transfer to your hotel in New Belgrade. After check-in, take some time to rest and prepare for your trip. In the evening, you will meet your guide for an introduction to the journey. Head out to explore the historic quarter of Skadarlija, known for its traditional eateries and charming ambiance and prepare for your night in Belgrade.

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Today, you’ll uncover the history of Belgrade at the Museum of Yugoslav History and the magnificent Temple of Saint Sava. You’ll explore Slavija Square, Saint Mark's Church, and the Serbian National Parliament, as well as the famed Knez Mihailo Street, and the awe-inspiring Kalemegdan Park and Belgrade Fortress. The rest of the day is free for you to further explore the city.

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Today, you’ll be exploring Vojvodina, where you’ll visit the well-preserved Krušedol Monastery and have the chance to purchase wine and rakija made by the resident monks. Your journey will take you to Sremski Karlovci, a cultural gem with a Baroque center and renowned wineries for a wine tasting and exploration of the town's rich history. Then, you’ll head to Novi Sad, the 2021 European Capital of Culture, and enjoy a sightseeing tour, including landmarks like the City Hall and Petrovaradin Fortress. In the evening, you’ll return to Belgrade.

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Your day begins with a border crossing to Romania. Your first stop will be Timișoara, known as 'Little Vienna' for its architecture and multicultural influences. Explore Unirii Square, visit the Catholic Cathedral of Saint George, and discover Liberty Square and Victory Square. Afterwards, you’ll head to Sibiu, the European Capital of Culture in 2007. Here, you’ll check into the hotel and end your day exploring Sibiu's rich history, including the Brukenthal National Museum and iconic landmarks such as the Large Square, Council Tower, and Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Trinity inspired by Hagia Sofia.

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After breakfast, your journey takes you to Sighișoara, a charming town in Transylvania with a rich history dating back to the 1100s. Here, you can explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site with its cobbled streets, colorful buildings, and notable landmarks such as the Clock Tower, and Vlad Dracula's birthplace. Afterwards, you’ll move on to Sinaia, the “Pearl of the Carpathians”, where you’ll spend the night.

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Today starts with a visit to the Peleș Castle, the 160-rooms-large royal family's summer residence nestled within the Carpathian Mountains. Afterwards, the tour continues to Brașov, a medieval city founded by the Teutonic Knights, with notable sites like the House of Council and Biserica Neagră (the Black Church). Then it’s time to head to Bran Castle, known as Dracula's Castle and former Romanian royal residence. Built in the 13th century, its gothic fortress evokes Bram Stoker's "Dracula" and the legend of Vlad the Impaler, the castle's presumed prisoner. As the day comes to an end, you’ll return to Sinaia for the night.

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As you’ll make your way towards Bucharest today, you will also be exploring the incredible gifts of the Carpathians. Today’s journey will take you through the expansive wine region of Dealu Mare, where you’ll have the chance to try the most prestigious wines produced in the Romanian Carpathians. After a delicious tasting, your day will conclude in Bucharest, Romania’s iconic capital.

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After breakfast, you’ll head on a sightseeing tour of Bucharest, known as "Little Paris" for its Belle Époque buildings and blend of French, Byzantine, and communist architecture. You will start at Piața Unirii, offering views of the Palace of the Parliament, the world's second-largest building and then venture to the medieval Old Town, exploring the Old Princely Court, Stavropoleos Monastery, Lipscani Street, and the National Museum of Romanian History. In the afternoon, you can explore the city at your own pace, enjoy dinner and Țuică, Romania's national plum drink, and immerse yourself in Bucharest's unique charm and energy.

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In the morning, it’s time to head to Bulgaria. Your exploration will begin in Veliko Tarnovo, the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, known for its winding streets, architectural masterpieces, and craftsmen's guild. Its prime attraction is the Tsarevets Fortress, an awe-inspiring creation of humanity. Afterwards, the day will take you to Arbanasi, an architectural reserve and open-air museum with 80 houses retaining original Ottoman design. You will get the chance to spend the night in a 17th century han, fully immersing yourself in the region’s history.

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Today, you’re moving on to central Bulgaria. The first stop is the Open Air Ethnographic Museum Etar, showcasing 50 objects including houses, water-powered installations, and craftsmen's workshops, reflecting central Bulgaria's life and economy during the Bulgarian National Revival. Continuing south, you’ll witness the incredible Damascena Complex in the Valley of Roses before making your way to Plovdiv, one of Europe's oldest cities and a cultural melting pot. Here, you can find the Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis from the 2nd century! The day will end in Kapana, Plovdiv’s creative hub before you settle in for the night.

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Exploration of Sofia’s ambiance is on the schedule today. You’ll visit significant landmarks like the grand Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the colorful Church of Saint Nicholas the Miracle-Maker, the cultural cornerstone Ivan Vazov National Theatre, and the 4th-century Church of Saint George. The sight of the iconic Sofia Synagogue will mesmerize you, and the tour of the city’s multicultural history will be complete with a stop by Largo, a Socialist Classicism architectural landmark. The afternoon will be spent at your own leisure.

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After breakfast, you’ll head to Niš in Serbia's eastern region, known as the birthplace of Emperor Constantine the Great, and a cultural crossroad. You’ll take a tour of Niš, visiting globally significant sights, the strange Skull Tower composed of 952 human skulls, and the best-preserved Turkish fortress, Niš Fortress. In the Tinker’s Alley, you will get to sample incredible local cuisine like ćevapi and sarma before making your way back to Belgrade in the evening.

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In the morning, you’ll say goodbye to Belgrade and head south to Oplenac, the final resting place of the Karađorđević royal family. You’ll listen to Serbia's fascinating history with a glass of wine in your hands as this region is often referred to as “Serbia’s Tuscany”. Visiting the mesmerizing wineries, you’ll get an authentic taste of Serbian wine-making heritage. After you’ve soaked up the history (and delicious wine), you’ll make your way on to Zlatibor Mountain for a leisurely stroll through the charming town center. Prepare a delightful dinner featuring Serbian cuisine at a traditional kafana and settle in for the night.

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Today, the journey will take you across the border to Bosnia, to the ethno village Drvengrad (Wooden-Town), a village constructed from natural materials by a film director Emir Kusturica and has hosted celebrities such as Monica Bellucci and Johnny Depp. Moving on, you’ll visit another one of his creations: Andrićgrad (Stone-Town), a town named after a Nobel Prize winner Ivo Andrić. Today’s exploration will conclude in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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After a delicious burek for breakfast, you’ll head on to explore Bosnia’s capital. From the Vječna Vatra (Eternal Flame) memorial commemorating WWII liberation to Catholic, Orthodox and Islamic cultural influences depicted across the city, you will get to the heart of this diverse country. Not to mention the culinary delights you’ll encounter in Baščaršija, home to the world-renowned ćevapi! The day’s adventures will culminate in a delicious baklava for dessert, and after that you'll have the rest of the afternoon to explore the city and its vibrant coffee culture at your own pace.

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It’s time to say goodbye to Sarajevo and head to Mostar. One of the most picturesque destinations in the Balkans, the town’s UNESCO-protected Old Bridge will undoubtedly take your breath away and provide the perfect backdrop to a delicious lunch. You’ll get to test your copper modeling skills before continuing to Blagaj, a fairytale town on the shores of Buna river, before ending the day in Trebinje, where you’ll visit the Arslanagića Bridge and Poet's Square before settling in for the night.

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In the morning, you’ll have one last chance to explore Trebinje’s vibrant market scene. Afterwards, you’ll move on to Montenegro and its famed Bay of Kotor, stopping in Perast and visiting Our Lady of the Rocks island. Here, you’ll head on a walking tour, discover UNESCO-listed sites, and still have plenty of free time to explore the old town. The day will end in Dubrovnik, checking in at the hotel. Enjoy a relaxing evening, take a stroll along Stradun and indulge in a delightful dinner in the romantic atmosphere of the city.

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Best known for being a shooting location for the iconic Game of Thrones series, this “Pearl of the Adriatic” has many hidden streets for you to explore. You’ll get to explore its bustling streets, including Stradun (the main street), and several squares, as well as head up to the City Walls to marvel at Dubrovnik from above. Its picturesque port is another highlight, but nothing beats a sunset cruise on the Karaka, a replica of a traditional wooden galleon.

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Today marks the exploration of the Dalmatian Coast, straight through the vineyards of Pelješac Peninsula and the city of Ston with its delicious oysters and picturesque walls. Your final destination for the day will be Split, the epitome of preserved history. You’ll get to wander the streets of Diocletian’s Palace and stroll along the Riva promenade before settling in for the night.

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Today, you’re in for an adventurous exploration of the stunning Hvar island. It will begin with a high-speed catamaran that will get you to the island’s shore, where you’ll have ample opportunity to marvel at its Venetian architecture. There will be time to walk its cobblestone streets, indulge in Mediterranean cuisine and visit the Church of Our Lady of Mercy, Benedictine Convent and Pakleni Islands before returning to Split in the evening.

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It’s time to venture inland, making your way to the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park and its 15 connected lakes. Aside from the national park being a UNESCO World Heritage, it is a completely unique experience. You will have the opportunity to explore both the upper and lower lakes, enjoy a delicious lunch in the middle of this natural paradise. After you’ve taken in the views, you’ll make your way to Zagreb, Croatia’s capital.

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After breakfast and check-out, your Balkan adventure will be nearing the end. You’ll still have some time to head on a sightseeing tour and visit the medieval Kaptol and the famed Ban Josip Jelačić’s monument before waving this beautiful country goodbye.

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What’s included in the price?

Guided

Airport arrival transfer

Confortable transportation as per the itinerary

21 nights 3*/4* accommodation with breakfast

Professional English-speaking tour guidance throughout the tour

Entrance Tickets and Experiences as per itinerary

Accommodation taxes and city taxes

Tour logistics and organization

VAT

Visit to the city’s oldest tavern & traditional breakfast drinks

Sunset river cruise

Wine tasting in Fruška Gora

Transfăgărășan Exploration

Dealu Mare wine tasting

Arbanasi open-air museum

Herbal cosmetics workshop

Šumarija Royal Wines Experience

Zlatibor Gourmet Dinner

“Nostalgia” train ride on a heritage railway

Culinary tour of Sarajevo

Copper modeling workshop

Visit to Our Lady of the Rocks

Pelješac wine experience

NOT INCLUDED

Tourist tax

Take on a three-week long odyssey through the Balkans, an unparalleled exploration of Southeast Europe’s vivid landscapes, storied history, and diverse culture!

The Balkans’ unique allure lies in the sheer depth and variety of experiences packed into its borders.

In three weeks, you can wander through centuries-old streets in Romania’s fortified towns, where legends like Dracula’s trace remain vivid, or relish the beauty of 16 interconnected lakes at Croatia’s Plitvice National Park.

Each day promises moments that connect you to a different facet of history – be it the haunting Skull Tower in Niš or the grandeur of Dubrovnik’s city walls. You can discover Romania’s legendary castles, the poetic beauty of Bulgaria’s rose valleys, and the delicious burek and ćevapi, traditional dishes in Bosnia’s Sarajevo.

Spanning three weeks allows for an unhurried, immersive experience. With every aspect thoughtfully planned, from accommodations to seamless cross-border travel, you can fully embrace each moment.

Witness the Balkans’ unique mosaic of culture and heritage, creating lasting memories across this spellbinding corner of Europe!

Frequently Asked Questions

No, but we can arrange them for a surcharge from the following airports:

Ljubljana
Venice
Zagreb
Belgrade
Sofia
Dubrovnik
Podgorica

No, our tours do not include plane tickets, and we also do not advise on them. However, we can help you choose the airport closest to the starting location of your tour or arrange a shuttle from/to the airport for an additional fee

Of course, just let us know upon booking so we can make timely arrangements.

Solo travelers who want to meet and travel with like-minded people often join us on our tours, except the private ones. Our mission is to provide you with a relaxed and sociable tour experience that allows the group to grow closer throughout the journey. Solo travelers will be roomed with another solo traveler of the same gender or can upgrade to a solo room for an additional fee.

If you provide your dietary requirements when booking your tour, we will make the necessary arrangements to the best of our ability. But please understand that vegan & gluten-free options are not as widely available in this area, especially in the more rural Balkans.

All the countries on our Balkan Tours, except Slovenia, use their local currency. We recommend you exchange small amounts of money as you go in the cities since the exchange rates are much more favorable than at the airports. Your tour leader will be happy to assist you.

The currencies in the countries on our way are:

Serbian Dinar,
Bosnia-Herzegovina Convertible Mark,
Macedonian Denar,
Albanian Lek,
Euro in Slovenia and Croatia.

On scheduled tours, you are limited to taking 1 suitcase and 1 smaller bag for personal items per person.

There are no luggage restrictions on private tours, as long as you’re able to carry it for a short distance.

If you inform us before the departure date, you can join our tour later on, but it is your responsibility to catch up with us.

Choose your style

Join a group from 4.609 €/person

Cancel in the first 48h for free

Reserve your spot with a minimum deposit

UrškaTravel Expert

Book a call

Ratings & Reviews

5.0 average rating

+19

Арина Проценко

Verified customer · 1 month ago

Thank you Balkan Tours for organizing the trip! We had a good time and special thanks to our tour guide Theodor who took a good care of us and introduced to Balkan culture. Well done and cheers🥂 Best, Aryna & Sami

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walaimas tapasanan

Verified customer · 2 months ago

We booked a 15-day private Balkan journey with Balkan Tours. Throughout the trip, we had wonderful experience, excellent itinerary planning, very helpful driver, very nice hotels and very professional services beyond our expectation.

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Sabrina Cassia

Verified customer · 9 months ago

Our experience with Balkan Tours was fantastic! We were 12 people, and with our driver Platin, we did a tour through Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia, and Croatia! Everything went well, excellent hotels, and a fascinating itinerary! Thank you, Sabrina.

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Daniyal A

Verified customer · 26 days ago

paz burgos

Verified customer · 1 month ago

EXCELLENT TRAVEL FORMAT. OUR GUIDE-DRIVER EXCELLENT!!! NOTABLE GUIDE IN SARAJEVO WITH HIS EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE.. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. IN SUMMARY, IT WAS A REWARDING TRIP TO A LESS KNOWN PART OF EUROPE, OTHERWORLDLY LANDSCAPES, STORIES OF RESILIENCE, DIFFERENT LANGUAGES, CULTURES, AND RELIGIONS LIVING TOGETHER IN RESPECT. GRAND!!!!!!!

Joan Tay

Verified customer · 1 month ago

It has a well co-ordinated vacation! Our driver Thomson for Slovenia and Dario for Croatia were superb.

All available guidance options

Join a Group

When we say small, we mean small. Our groups consist of 4-8 people, so you are able to get a true in-depth experience of the destination without the hassle of travelling with a busload of people. This is ideal for solo travellers, couples, small groups of friends and family who are happy to share their journey with other like minded people. We need a minimum of 4 people to run this boutique tour with your own tour leader, accommodation and activities arrangements and comfortable transportation. If your group is bigger, please contact us for a different arrangement.

Exceeding Your Expectations

Our local team with an in-depth knowledge of the region cherry-picked only the best things to do in the Balkans, aimed at all sorts of travellers.

Expert Local Guides

Experienced and passionate local guides will make your trip run smoothly, going that extra mile for you.

100% Balkan

We are an international team from the Balkans and our tours have been carefully designed to ensure memorable travel.

Book with Confidence

We are a financially protected company, fully bonded and insured, keeping your money safe and allowing you to travel with confidence.

Small Groups

Offering travel in private or small groups, so you can explore without rushing and have more time to immerse yourself in the local culture.

from 4.609 € /person

22-Days Balkan Grand Circle

Choose your style

Itinerary of the trip

Day 1: Arrival in Belgrade, Serbia

Day 2: Belgrade's Architectural Marvels and Historic Landmarks

Day 3: Vojvodina Region and the Cultural Delights of Novi Sad

Day 4: Road to Transylvania

Day 5: Secrets of Transylvania

Day 6: The Legend of Dracula

Day 7: Gifts of the Carpathians

Day 8: Exploring the Vibrant Streets of Bucharest

Day 9: Bulgaria's Cultural Treasures

Day 10: Etar Ethnographic Museum and the Ancient City of Plovdiv

Day 11: Cultural Charms of Sofia

Day 12: Niš and Return to Belgrade

Day 13: Serbian Royalty Heritage

Day 14: Wooden-Town and Stone-Town

Day 15: The Soul of Sarajevo

Day 16: Beauty of Bosnia, Mostar and Trebinje

Day 17: Montenegro's Bay of Kotor and Arrival in Dubrovnik

Day 18: Dubrovnik From Every Angle

Day 19: The Dalmatian Coast

Day 20: Hvar Island Adventure

Day 21: Plitvice Lakes

Day 22: Departure from Zagreb

What’s included in the price?

Guided

Frequently Asked Questions

Are airport transfers included?

Do you arrange flights?

Can I book pre or post-tour accommodation?

Do you have solo travelers on your tours?

Will my dietary requirements be catered for?

What currency should I bring?

Is there any luggage restriction?

What if I join the tour late?

Choose your style

Ratings & Reviews

Арина Проценко

walaimas tapasanan

Sabrina Cassia

Daniyal A

paz burgos

Joan Tay

Jean-Luc LE BRASIDEC

James Watson

Nika Gaberšek

Kaja Govc

Jaka Peršon

Tijana V.

Mirnes Jusufović

Aljaž Košir

Tarik Ćenanović

sapp parking

Royal Apartments

Ofelia Mazatan

Gay Gasser

John Liu

Mark Barmann

Brian Larson

Conna Read

Ausma Cīrulniece

Similar Products

All available guidance options

Join a Group

Exceeding Your Expectations

Expert Local Guides

100% Balkan

Book with Confidence

Small Groups

Have qustions? Talk to us.