Hidden Balkan with Greece
Walk through UNESCO wonders, from Mostar’s Old Bridge to Meteora’s monasteries
Delight in the scenic beauty of Montenegro’s Kotor Bay and medieval Budva
Savor the authentic flavors of Serbia’s wines and traditional Balkan cuisine
Visit Greece’s majestic sites, including Thessaloniki and the legendary Acropolis
Discover historic Belgrade and explore its vibrant cultural heart
Marvel at Ohrid’s stunning lakes in North Macedonia
Itinerary
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.
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.
Visit to the city’s oldest tavern & traditional breakfast drinks
Sunset river cruise
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.
Šumarija Royal Wines Experience
Zlatibor Gourmet Dinner
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.
“Nostalgia” train ride on a heritage railway
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.
Culinary tour of Sarajevo
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.
Copper modeling workshop
After breakfast, you’ll make your way to Dubrovnik. 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 narrow alleys and head to the City Walls to marvel at Dubrovnik from above. Once you’ve wandered through this picturesque city, you’ll head on to Budva, Montenegro’s tourist hub for the ultimate seafood experience. You’ll visit its iconic churches, savor local wines and recharge your batteries before settling in for the night.
This morning, you’ll head out to the incredible Bay of Kotor. One of Montenegro’s fiest destinations and a hotspot for cruisers, this shimmering bay is a haven for nature lovers. You’ll visit the baroque-style town of Perast before a leisurely boat ride to Our Lady of the Rock Island, hosting a church with local artwork and a famed votive tapestry. In the UNESCO-listed Kotor, you’ll find several incredible churches and have plenty of time to explore at your own pace before returning to Budva for the night.
Visit to Our Lady of the Rocks
Leaving Budva behind, it’s time to head towards Albania. Your first stop on the way will be Old Bar, a historic open-air museum full of panoramic views, cobbled streets, delicious coffee and traditional desserts. After an authentic regional lunch, you will head onwards to Tirana, Albania’s capital, where the architecture of the Mussolini period and vibrant murals will make you understand why Tirana is known as the “city of colorful buildings”.
Albanian agrotourism lunch
Underground museum Bunk’Art 2
Today will be marked with visits to Albania’s biggest charms. From Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage site known as “town of a thousand windows” with its Byzantine Churches and the Red Mosque, you’ll get to dive deeper into the diversity of the civilizations that once thrived here. After a gourmet lunch, you’ll move on to the lively coastal city of Durrës, a testament to the blend of history and modernity that flows through Albania. In the evening, you’ll return to Tirana with plenty of time to scour the Blloku area for a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
It’s time for another border cross! This time, you’ll be heading to North Macedonia, with your first stop being Ohrid, the cradle of Slavic literacy and a UNESCO Cultural and Natural World Heritage Site. With its mesmerizing lake and over 300 Orthodox churches, Ohrid is justifiably labeled the epicenter of culture and incredible natural beauty. As you’ve taken in the atmosphere of this national center of North Macedonia, you’ll make your way to Skopje, a beautiful riverside town on the banks of the Vadar River. After sampling traditional Macedonian cuisine, you’ll settle in for the night.
An exploration of North Macedonia’s capital is on the schedule today, from the 1500-year-old Kale Fortress to the stories of sultans and the Memorial House of Mother Teresa. Behind every corner you can find a monument dedicated to prominent North Macedonian heroes, such as the famed “Warrior on a Horse” statue, preaching to the country’s unrelenting pride. To top it all off, you’ll stop by the Matka Canyon and its shimmering lake, as well as taste the incredible wines from the Vardar River Valley before heading back to Skopje with plenty of time for you to explore the city at your own pace.
Vardar Valley wine tasting
Moving on to Greece after breakfast, your first stop will be the famed Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city. On a city tour, you’ll explore numerous landmarks dating back to the Roman and Byzantine periods, including the Roman Arch of Galerius, the Church of Saint Demetrius, and the medieval castle, Heptapyrgion. If you’re lucky you can see as far as Mount Olympus! But the highlight of the day is undoubtedly the UNESCO-listed Church of Hagia Sophia, based on its world-famous namesake standing in Istanbul. In the evening, find a local restaurant overlooking the Bay of Thessaloniki, and savor Mediterranean specialties and exquisite Greek wine.
Named after the Greek word for levitating stones, Meteora is one of the incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site kept alive thanks to the resilience of monks and locals that dedicate their lives to keeping traditions alive. Perched atop colossal rock spires, this complex of Orthodox monasteries is a true architectural marvel. As you’ve taken in the views, you will continue to your final destination – Athens. Upon arrival, you’ll check in to your hotel and have the rest of the day to explore this legendary capital.
Exploration of Meteora
Home to the Acropolis, the Parthenon and the birthplace of democracy, Athens is the ultimate historic capital. You will have all day to explore its gems – from Erechtheion, to the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the world-famous Odeon of Herodes Atticus, every turn will be a journey through time. The Royal Palace at Syntagma Square and the architectural wonders of Omonoia Square will give you new insight into this beautiful city, and the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first modern Olympic Games were hosted will take your breath away. You’ll stroll through the historic district of Plaka, known as the ‘Neighbourhood of the Gods’ before enjoying the afternoon to yourself to explore more hidden alleys and traditional taverns throughout the city.
It’s time to bid farewell to Athens as your Balkan Adventure has come to an end. Depending on your departure time, you can take one last stroll through the city’s historic streets, re-visit some of your favorite sites or grab a gyros before returning home.
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Pricing
Included in price
English-speaking tour leader*
Comfortable transportation*
15 nights 4* accommodation with breakfast
All entrance fees and activities as specified in the itinerary
Single room supplement
Guided
Included in price
Description
Are you ready for a journey through Balkan’s layered past?
A melting pot of cultural influences accumulated over centuries are what make this region of the Balkans particularly awe-inspiring.
Here, ethno villages, UNESCO sites, and culinary delights weave the cultural fabric of each destination. The journey flows seamlessly into Serbia’s scenic towns, offering tastes of its famed wines and stories of royal legacies. Bosnia follows, where Sarajevo’s soulful mix of cultures and Mostar’s iconic Old Bridge captivate you with their charm.
Visits to Montenegro’s Budva and Kotor reveal spectacular Adriatic vistas paired with medieval wonders, while Albania’s vibrant Tirana and its agrotourism bring unique local experiences.
The journey crescendos in Greece, where Thessaloniki’s ancient arches and Meteora’s surreal monasteries leave lasting impressions before culminating in the grandeur of Athens, the cradle of democracy and timeless history.
This unique blend of countries, each with their own hidden gems rarely explored by crowds of tourists, make for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
To ensure you can make the most of your time in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia and Greece, we take care of everything. From booking accommodations to figuring out the logistics and providing support during your explorations, we pride ourselves on ensuring you have a hassle-free experience.
So pack your bags and witness the unparalleled richness of the Balkans and Greece!
Start planning today!
Things to know
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.
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.
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.
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.
All of the hotels and other accommodations on our tours have WiFi available.
Each trip can be made shorter or longer. Inform us of your wishes upon or before booking.
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.
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.
No. We recommend you take medical insurance that would cover any possible health-related costs on this trip.