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.

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9-Days Balkan Essentials

9 days / 8 nights

Journey through the Balkans, from Belgrade’s historic charm to Dubrovnik’s coastal beauty, savoring local flavors and timeless landmarks along the way.

Starting point

Belgrade

Finish point

Dubrovnik

Journey through the Balkans, from Belgrade’s historic charm to Dubrovnik’s coastal beauty, savoring local flavors and timeless landmarks along the way.

Starting point

Belgrade

Finish point

Dubrovnik

Highlights

Experience Sarajevo’s rich blend of cultures and famous culinary delights
Marvel at the iconic Stari Most bridge in Mostar
Immerse in the vibrant culture and historic charm of Belgrade
Stroll through cinematic towns like Drvengrad and Andrićgrad
End your journey with breathtaking views in Dubrovnik

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.

Accommodation

Accommodation in Belgrade

Royal Inn Beograd

Mercure Excelsior Beograd

Central Point Hotel 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.

Accommodation

Accommodation in Belgrade

Royal Inn Beograd

Mercure Excelsior Beograd

Central Point Hotel Belgrade

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

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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.

Accommodation

Accommodation in Zlatibor

Hotel Palisad

Mona Plaza Zlatibor

Hotel Buket Zlatibor

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

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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.

Accommodation

Accommodation in Sarajevo

Hotel Old Town Sarajevo

Colors Inn Sarajevo

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

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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.

Accommodation

Accommodation in Sarajevo

Hotel Old Town Sarajevo

Colors Inn Sarajevo

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

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 continue to the hilltop Hercegovačka Gračanica Temple above Trebinje, where you can explore the monastery complex and enjoy panoramic views over the town and the Trebišnjica River, before heading back down to Trebinje to visit the Arslanagića Bridge and Poet’s Square and settling in for the night.

Accommodation

Accommodation in Trebinje

Central Park

Hotel Sesto Senso Trebinje

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

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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.

Accommodation

Accommodation in Dubrovnik

Hotel Lapad

Hotel Lero

Hotel Valamar Tirena Dubrovnik

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

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.

Accommodation

Accommodation in Dubrovnik

Hotel Lapad

Hotel Lero

Hotel Valamar Tirena Dubrovnik

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

Your Balkan adventure has come to its end. Depending on your departure time, you can take one last stroll through Dubrovnik's cobbled streets, indulge in one last coffee, or find a souvenir or two to take home with you and serve as an immortal reminder of your incredible time exploring the Balkans.

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FREE ITINERARY

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What’s included in the price?

Guided

Airport arrival transfer

Confortable transportation as per the itinerary

8 nights 3*/4* accommodation with breakfast

Professional English-speaking tour guidance throughout the tour

Accommodation taxes and city taxes

Entrance Tickets and Experiences as per itinerary

Tour logistics and organization with dedicated service and care

VAT

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

Sunset river cruise

Šumarija Royal Wines Experience

Zlatibor Gourmet Dinner

“Nostalgia” train ride on a heritage railway

Culinary tour of Sarajevo

Visit to Our Lady of the Rocks

Hercegovačka Gračanica Temple Entrance Fee

NOT INCLUDED

Tourist tax

Travel deeper into the soul of the Balkans with moments that linger long after you return home!

This tour invites you to experience a rich mosaic of cultures and landscapes, starting in cities that hum with life and stretching to serene coastal escapes.

In the Balkans, you can witness the seamless blend of influences where churches, mosques, and monuments reflect centuries of coexistence. It’s a place where a taste of local cuisine, from hearty meals in rustic taverns in Baščaršija to sweet delicacies savored in bustling marketplaces brings you one step closer to understanding what makes Balkan people so resilient.

Full of architectural splendor, UNESCO-protected sites like the Bay of Kotor and Mostar’s Old Bridge speak to Balkan ingenuity and preservation of tradition.

With every step you take, you will be taken care of. It is our mission to ensure a seamless experience, from booking accommodations to creating long-lasting memories along the way.

Are you ready to watch the sunset over the Adriatic and uncover the spirit of the Balkans?

Frequently Asked Questions

No, airport transfers are not included. However, we will be happy to arrange them for you, upon request and for an additional fee, from any airport regardless of its location.

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.

On private tours, there are no luggage restrictions, as long as you communicate that in advance and can 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.

Ratings & Reviews

5.0 average rating

+25

Jennifer Moriarty

Verified customer · 4 months ago

Really amazing experience. The 9-Day Essentials Tour took us to beautiful cities and countryside across the Balkans, and our guide Stefan was so kind and deeply knowledgeable about each place we went. The hotel accommodations were perfectly fine and in prime locations in the cities, each with a nice breakfast included. Communication from the company was fast and professional. I highly recommend this company, and we will work with them again when we are able to come back to the Balkans!

CN Kok

Verified customer · 12 days ago

The whole tour was planned and organised excellently. Urska and Yuki were ever ready to attend to our queries and concerns and addressed them. All destinations visited were accompanied by guided tours, done by locals. Hotels and breakfasts were overall good. Our driver, Dube, has been tirelessly taking us to every destinations and whenever time permits, he showed us extra places that were off plan. Shared our experience with family and friends back home. They are interested and we strongly recommended to them. The only 4 stars would be the hotel in Mostar. While still very good, it would be the low of all the hotels in the tour.

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Арина Проценко

Verified customer · 6 months 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 · 7 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

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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Denise May

Verified customer · about 2 months ago

After completing the Grand Balkans Trip I can highly recommend this company for the quick response to communication, efficient detail and documentation. High standard of accommodation, Vân and organization. Our guide/driver Ana was excellent and certainly added a lot of enjoyment to our trip with her professionalism, sense of humor and knowledge.

Jennifer Moriarty

Verified customer · 4 months ago

Арина Проценко

Verified customer · 6 months ago

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Sabrina Cassia

Verified customer

Show all 3 photos

CN Kok

Verified customer · 12 days ago

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walaimas tapasanan

Verified customer · 7 months ago

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Denise May

Verified customer · about 2 months ago

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 1.895 € /person

9-Days Balkan Essentials

Highlights

Itinerary of the trip