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.

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Best of the Balkans

16 days / 15 nights

An unforgettable 16-day tour of the not-to-miss Balkan highlights, covering the very best of the Balkans attractions with a comfortable pace.

Starting point

Belgrade

Finish point

Skopje

An unforgettable 16-day tour of the not-to-miss Balkan highlights, covering the very best of the Balkans attractions with a comfortable pace.

Starting point

Belgrade

Finish point

Skopje

Visit the 6 iconic capitals of the Balkans
Explore the rich history and the diverse cultures of the region
Marvel at the jewels of nature in the numerous national parks
Discover the beautiful Adriatic coast
Relax at the banks of majestic lakes surrounded by epic mountains

Itinerary of the trip

You will begin the tour in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. First, you’ll head out on a walking tour, so you get a feel for the city. You will cover all the main attractions like the Serbian Orthodox church, the Temple of Saint Sava, the gorgeous Skadarlija Street - Belgrade’s very own Montmartre, the mighty National Theatre, the fortress Kalemegdan, and much more. After the comprehensive tour, you will have free time to roam the city on your own or visit one of its many great museums.

Accommodation

Overnight in Belgrade

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You will continue your exploration of Serbia on day two. You will take an hour-long drive north of Belgrade to reach Serbia's second-largest city, Novi Sad. You will then embark on a walking tour that will allow you to stretch your legs and see the sights. Novi Sad is famous for its cultural diversity, and this is exemplified in its different places of worship which you will see - the Roman Catholic gothic Church of the Name of Mary, the orthodox Bishop’s Palace, and the Novi Sad Synagogue. After covering the rest of Novi Sad’s main attractions like Freedom Square, and the Petrovaradin Fortress, you will drive to Zagreb where you will spend the night.

Accommodation

Overnight in Zagreb

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The third day packs a tour of not just one, but two capital cities. After breakfast, you will begin touring Zagreb, and see some of its most famous attractions like the centuries-old Ban Jelačić Square which is the center of Zagreb’s downtown pedestrian zone. You will also stroll through Zagreb’s beautiful Old Town and take a look at the monumental gothic Zagreb Cathedral. You will rest your feet during the approximately 2-hour long drive to Ljubljana. Ljubljana is a small city full of character and beautiful architecture. You will be able to compare the architectural and cultural influences of Ljubljana with those of Zagreb, as you walk around town and see some of Ljubljana’s most famous sights like the Prešeren Square and the Triple Bridge.

Accommodation

Overnight in Ljubljana

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After three days of city tours, it’s time to take a break in nature. After waking up in Ljubljana, you will commence on the picturesque drive to Bled, where you will first marvel at the famously romantic Bled Lake with its Bled Castle and Bled Island. Afterward, you will head even deeper into the Julian Alps, first to the breathtakingly beautiful and breathtakingly cold Lake Bohinj in Triglav National Park, the only national park in Slovenia, which is known for its crystal clear waters, bright green pastures, and monumental mountains. After getting a fair share of fresh air, you will return to Ljubljana to get a good night’s rest.

Accommodation

Overnight in Ljubljana

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Our next adventure awaits underground. You will visit one of the most famous caves in the world, the Postojna Cave, and with a bit of luck, you’ll even see the “baby dragons” that rule these underground halls. You will also stop by the Predjama Castle, a medieval castle that was built into the rock face and holds the title of the biggest cave castle in the world. A perfect place to spar up your imagination and revisit your childhood fantasies of knights and princesses. After our fairytale-like adventure, you will head on to Opatija, a seaside resort that was very popular among the 19th-century upper classes who filled the town with pastel bourgeois Habsburg-era villas.

Accommodation

Overnight in Opatija

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The Plitvice Lakes National Park is famous for its stunning terraced lakes and incredible waterfalls that link them. A day in the serenity of this natural wonderland will recharge your batteries, and offer up views you won’t be able to stop thinking about for days to come. After our Plitvice adventure, you will continue your journey and head to Zadar, where you will have a free evening to unwind and explore this beautiful historic coastal city.

Accommodation

Overnight in Zadar

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You will continue your Balkan adventure with another double feature, as you will see not one but two incredible historic harbor cities. You will first head from Zadar to Šibenik, famous for the Cathedral of St. James, a 15th-century stone church decorated with 71 sculptured faces. Trogir’s old city center is known for its Renaissance, baroque and Romanesque architecture. You can also admire parts of the original medieval city wall. Trogir’s historic center is even protected as a UNESCO heritage site, because of its Venetian architecture.

Accommodation

Overnight in Split

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Another day, another unforgettable historic city. On the Split tour, you will walk along the steps of history as you discover the Roman Diocletian’s Palace, the Riva promenade from Napoleon’s time, and Split’s Old Town which tells the story of a city that was under the rule of Ancient Greece, the Roman Empire, the Byzantine, the Kingdom of Croatia, the Republic of Venice, the French Empire, the Austrian Empire, and Yugoslavia before it finally became part of independent Croatia.

Accommodation

Overnight in Split

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After experiencing a whirlwind of different cultures in Split, you will expand your horizons even further with Bosnia’s Turkish influences that are the result of the Ottoman invasions that started in the 14th century. You will start the day by driving through the incredibly scenic Neretva canyon and continue your way to Mostar. You will take a walk through Mostar’s Old Town, which is famous for its unique architecture, as the city is built around (and over) the Neretva River. It is not surprising that the Old Bridge which connects the two river banks is the central part of Mostar. You will end the day by driving to Sarajevo where you will spend the night.

Accommodation

Overnight in Sarajevo

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You will wake up in one of the most fascinating places in the Balkans - the city of Sarajevo. Despite its tragic history, Sarajevo is a place that bustles with life, whether you’re just walking down the street or if you’re on the iconic Baščaršija marketplace. You will embark on a tour through Sarajevo’s history and also visit the war tunnels along the way. You will also visit the Svrzo House and see how a typical Muslim family in Sarajevo lived in the time of the Ottoman Empire. After visiting some more museums, the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, and the Cathedral of Jesus' Heart, you will head back to our hotel to spend another night in Sarajevo.

Accommodation

Overnight in Sarajevo

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The next destination is Dubrovnik. You will reach the city by lunchtime. On the walking tour of Dubrovnik, you will explore the beautiful historic architecture and stone-paved streets of the Old Town, and pay a visit to the famous Dubrovnik City Walls. Dubrovnik is most famous for serving as one of the sets for Game of Thrones, so fans of the show are definitely in for a treat, but we are certain everyone will be enthralled by Dubrovnik, regardless of their TV preferences.

Accommodation

Overnight stay in Dubrovnik

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The twelfth day of our Balkan tour will be dedicated to wondrous Montenegro. You will start the day off by driving around the Bay of Kotor and taking in the views in a sedentary position before continuing your exploration on foot. Kotor is an ancient city, and it’s even included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list as part of the Venetian works of defense. You will be able to trace the steps of the Venetians as you climb the Walls of Kotor, the shell of this fortified city. As this is quite a demanding tour, only those who feel up to it will tackle the walls, while the rest will have some time off. After getting to know Kotor, you will head off to Budva where you will spend the evening either strolling Budva’s beaches and old town for a relaxed night.

Accommodation

Overnight in Budva

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New day, a new country. You will leave Budva in the morning and start your journey to Tirana, the capital of neighboring Albania. On the way, you will stop at Skadar Lake which lies on the border between Montenegro and Albania. Once you reach Tirana, you will head out on a walking tour to explore this fascinating city. Tirana is a true mixture of influences, from classic roman architecture, and opulent mosques to communist architecture that often borders on brutalism. You will walk through the enormous Skanderbeg Square, pass the brutalist Tirana Pyramid, and the Roman Fortress of Justinian. You will also take some time to relax in the Parku i Madh - the Grad Park of Tirana.

Accommodation

Overnight in Tirana

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We all know that feeling of becoming completely drained while traveling. You want to go out to explore, and you’re desperate not to miss anything, but even your curiosity doesn’t quite measure up with your weariness. We will try our best to find the right balance between exploration and relaxation throughout our Balkan tour, but after two weeks you will definitely be in need of a chill day. And where better to chill than on a beach? Durres Beach, to be exact. You will spend the day lounging on the sandy Albanian shore and recharging your batteries for the final two days of travel.

Accommodation

Overnight in Tirana

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After basking in the Albanian sun, you will go to Northern Macedonia to bathe in its lakes. Lake Ohrid, to be exact, an incredibly beautiful lake that has been the destination of holiday-makers for centuries, with a resort town of the same name resting on its shore. Ohrid is a historic little town by the lake, famous for its cobblestone streets, steep staircases, and its preposterous number of churches, like the beautiful Church of Saint John the Theologian, and the ruins of the Church of Saint Sophia. And of course, the Ohrid pearls, known worldwide for their unique production process.

Accommodation

Overnight in Ohrid

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It wouldn’t be a proper “best of” tour if you didn’t finish with a bang. The final day will be spent in Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. Skopje is a mighty capital that can compete with the grandest European cities, which you will be able to see for yourself on our tour. You will marvel at monumental architectural landmarks like the Porta Macedonia, the Macedonia Square, and the Stone Bridge, imposing statues of great leaders like Alexander the Great and Phillip II, and incredible historic monuments, like the Skopje Fortress. After our 16-day exploration of the Balkans and final tour of Skopje, you won’t see the Balkans as the periphery of Europe anymore, but as one of its most vital parts - in the past as well as the present.

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FREE ITINERARY

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What’s included in the price?

Guided

English-speaking tour leader

Comfortable transportation

15 nights 3*/4* accommodation with breakfast

All entrance fees as in the itinerary

Walking tour of Belgrade

Walking tour of Novi Sad

Walking tour of Zagreb

Walking tour of Ljubljana

Bled Castle

Bled Island boat ride

Postojna Cave entrance fee

Predjama Castle entrance fee

Plitvice Lakes National Park entrance fee

Walking tour of Šibenik

Walking tour of Trogir

Walking tour of Split

Walking tour of Mostar

Koski-Mehmet Pasha Mosque entrance fee

Walking tour of Sarajevo

5 museum ticket (Brusa Bezistan

Despića kuća

Svrzina kuća

Jewish museum

Sarajevo museum)

Sarajevo Tunnel entrance fee

Walking tour of Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik city walls entrance fee

Walking tour of Kotor

Walking tour of Tirana

Walking tour of Skopje

NOT INCLUDED

Tourist tax

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Single supplement

Superior hotel package

Self-guided

15 nights 3*/4* accommodation with breakfast

All entrance fees as in the itinerary

Comprehensive itinerary handout

Tour organisation

Walking tour of Belgrade

Walking tour of Novi Sad

Walking tour of Zagreb

Walking tour of Ljubljana

Bled Castle

Bled Island boat ride

Postojna Cave entrance fee

Predjama Castle entrance fee

Plitvice Lakes National Park entrance fee

Walking tour of Šibenik

Walking tour of Trogir

Walking tour of Split

Walking tour of Mostar

Koski-Mehmet Pasha Mosque entrance fee

Walking tour of Sarajevo

5 museum ticket (Brusa Bezistan

Despića kuća

Svrzina kuća

Jewish museum

Sarajevo museum)

Sarajevo Tunnel entrance fee

Walking tour of Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik city walls entrance fee

Walking tour of Kotor

Walking tour of Tirana

Walking tour of Skopje

NOT INCLUDED

Tourist tax

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Single supplement

Superior hotel package

The Balkans have so much to offer it can seem impossible to make a Balkan travel plan that covers all the bases. And in some ways, it is, as it would take a lifetime to truly get to know this region and its ways. But we’re guessing you don’t have a lifetime to spare, so here’s the next best thing!

In this ultimate Balkan trip you’re going to explore the region’s nature, culture, and history, along with six amazing capitals in just sixteen days.

On this tour, you will visit all the former Jugoslav republics as well as beachy Albania. You’ll start our adventure in Serbia, a former monarchy with all the mighty architecture to show for it. After exploring its two largest cities, Belgrade, and Novi Sad, you’ll head to the much smaller but equally impressive Slovenia. On the way, you’ll also stop in Zagreb, for a teaser of Croatia before you really dig into its heavenly seaside later on in the tour.

After getting to know Slovenia’s lovely capital Ljubljana, and its mesmerizing Alpine world full of breathtaking glacial lakes, magical forests, and awe-inspiring mountains, as well as the mysterious underground of the Postojna Cave, you’ll head back to Croatia. After a night in the bourgeois seaside resort of Opatija, you’ll head to the incredible Plitvice National Park for another dose of picture-perfect natural scenery.

Istria and Dalmatia, are a paradise for anyone who loves historic little towns with romantic narrow stone-paved streets, a relaxed, no-fuss atmosphere, and plenty of sunshine with sparkly blue seas offering refreshment just a step away. And since that is pretty much everyone, you’re guaranteed to have the time of your life exploring the Croatian Adriatic coast in towns like Split and Dubrovnik, as well as Kotor and Budva in Montenegro, and the sandy Durres beach in Albania.

And that’s not all! Our Balkan holiday will also include the Turkish influences of Mostar and Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the fascinating mixture of Italian, Greek, Roman, Italian, and Brutalist architecture in Tirana, the capital of Albania, and the central European-like splendor of Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia as well as the country’s proverbial pearl, Lake Ohrid.

So, the only thing left for you to do is to book your tour, and join the trip through the best of the Balkans!

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.

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

+22

Арина Проценко

Verified customer · 3 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 · 4 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 · 11 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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Francisco Zaera

Verified customer · 18 days ago

The tour was very well organized, the agent was very responsive, and the drivers and tour guides were all very professional and friendly. Great tour!

Jennifer Moriarty

Verified customer · about 1 month 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!

paz burgos

Verified customer · 3 months 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!!!!!!!

Арина Проценко

Verified customer · 3 months ago

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Sabrina Cassia

Verified customer · 11 months ago

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Jennifer Moriarty

Verified customer · about 1 month ago

walaimas tapasanan

Verified customer · 4 months ago

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Francisco Zaera

Verified customer · 18 days ago

The tour was very well organized, the agent was very responsive, and the drivers and tour guides were all very professional and friendly. Great tour!

paz burgos

Verified customer · 3 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...

Private Guided Group

Private tour gives you the freedom and flexibility to adjust your days on the tour to your needs and wishes...

Self-guided

For travellers that want flexibility and independence. We organize the tours of your choice, but the adventure of getting around is all yours...

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 3.050 € /person

Best of the Balkans

Itinerary of the trip