The Balkans Tours & Trip Packages

The Balkans Tours & Trips

175 The Balkans trips. Tours from 91 tour companies. 769 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.

175 Trips match your criteria (81 - 100 shown)

Dalmatian Island Explorer
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4.7/5 Excellent
69 reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Dubrovnik

Highlights

  • Visit to Hvar
  • Walking tour including the St. Stephen's
  • Vis for independent exploration.
  • Visit the cathedral and Maritime Museum.

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"The cruise was cancelled 2 weeks before departure. The replacement was a serious step down and appalling. The Croisi Boat (MV Beethoven) should be avoided at all possible cost. It is a rattling banging creaking heap. VJV just dump people when they arrive (they booked flights and transfers) with no refreshments, no protection from the cold and no information. They are just let to wait for the boat to allow them on, which was around 2 hours. To save money, they all dock alongside each other and this boat is the last. You need to cross two other boats to get ashore and the crossings are precarious and worrying for elderly or disabled passengers. It is impossible to sleep in cabins akin to prison cells with the torture of noise all night long"

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Croatia Island Adventure
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3.5/5 Great
30 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Dubrovnik, Split

Highlights

  • Kayak and explore the wooded islands, white pebble beaches, and lush inlets of Croatia’s stunning coast.
  • Climb Vidova Gora, the highest peak of the Adriatic islands, and take in sweeping views of the spectacular Dalmatian coast.
  • Swim and snorkel in Korčula’s quiet coves, then visit the island’s walled town, a World Heritage site.
  • Walk atop Dubrovnik’s magnificent ramparts and explore Split’s white-stoned Diocletian’s Palace.

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We booked a National Geographic expedition Holland and Belgium by River. The promotional literature promised a 14-day deposit refund window. The “invoice” was marked “non-refundable” deposit. We completed the National Geographic Traveler Information. About 8 days later we received the “Travel Agreement” to be signed. We both approved and signed the National Geographic documents. A Cruise Line Travel agreement was enclosed but had no signature line. This document contained language which was unacceptable. We submitted the signed NatGeo documents. The following day we canceled the trip due to the unacceptable Cruise Line language. Cancellation was made 12 days after booking and no deposit was returned. We were told on the phone that the refund deadline was triggered by the 14 day window OR signatures on the Travel Agreement which ever came first. This was NEW information. To date, we have received NO refund of our $1000. We cancelled our trip within the advertised 14 day window."

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Passage to Eastern Europe
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4.7/5 Excellent
41 reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Belgrade, Bucharest, Budapest, Croatia

Highlights

  • Take guided walk through the grounds of Kalemegdan Fortress
  • Experience two nights in bustling Budapest, cosmopolitan capital of Hungary
  • Sail past dramatic natural wonders like the soaring white cliffs of the Iron Gate region
  • Enjoy Serbian & Hungarian folkloric performances
  • Enjoy the authentic flavors of Eastern Europe, on shore and aboard

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Most of the people on this 17-day river cruise was quite elderly and infirm. Therefore the complimentary excursions were painfully slow walking. Local guides mostly told stories of their own upbringing and the conflicts they lived through. There was not much history on any of the excursions; and none of the buildings we saw gave us an opportunity to go inside, even the paid excursions. The accommodations were excellent, except that we paid for the best veranda but could not sit on our veranda because for the first 5 days our ship was packed tight next to another Viking ship. Food was good, except for dinners which were quite mediocre and never captured the flavor of the local foods."

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Hungary and the Slovenian Alps
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3.5/5 Great
30 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Budapest, Ljubljana

Highlights

  • Stroll vineyard-striped hillsides and taste wines from Hungary’s Lake Balaton to Goriška Brda in Slovenia.
  • Hike Slovenia’s stunning Alpine scenery: from snow-covered peaks and glacially carved valleys to pristine Lake Bohinj.
  • Discover medieval history at a floating grain mill and herders’ cone-roofed huts.
  • Delve into the otherworldly limestone cathedrals of Škocjan Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Themes

Culinary & Wine, High Adventure, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"We booked a National Geographic expedition Holland and Belgium by River. The promotional literature promised a 14-day deposit refund window. The “invoice” was marked “non-refundable” deposit. We completed the National Geographic Traveler Information. About 8 days later we received the “Travel Agreement” to be signed. We both approved and signed the National Geographic documents. A Cruise Line Travel agreement was enclosed but had no signature line. This document contained language which was unacceptable. We submitted the signed NatGeo documents. The following day we canceled the trip due to the unacceptable Cruise Line language. Cancellation was made 12 days after booking and no deposit was returned. We were told on the phone that the refund deadline was triggered by the 14 day window OR signatures on the Travel Agreement which ever came first. This was NEW information. To date, we have received NO refund of our $1000. We cancelled our trip within the advertised 14 day window."

Trip dates & details
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Best of the Adriatic in 14 Days Tour
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4.2/5 Great
23 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Diocletian's Palace, Dubrovnik, Hvar Island, Korcula Island, Ljubljana, Plitvice Lakes National park, St. Martin's Cathedral, Zagreb

Highlights

  • Visit the colorful riverside market, the playfully Art Nouveau Dragon Bridge, and the town's lively main square dedicated to Slovenia's greatest poet, France Prešeren.
  • Enjoy the architectural adventures of native born architect Jože Plečnik along the way.
  • The outdoor cafés along the river, and maybe hike up to the castle to enjoy the city view.
  • Visit the Slovenia's Julian Alps brings us to the azure jewel of Lake Bled.
  • Enjoy a local-style lunch together, sampling the tasty prsut (prosciutto), and award-winning wines.
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Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"We purchased two backpacks from Rick Steves Europe. One of them arrived damaged and unusable. Their website says that you must contact them if you receive damaged merchandise. I have attempted to email them through their website and I have left 3 voicemails (nobody answers the phone, ever!) and nobody has contacted me back. At this point, it seems like I've been ripped off. Buyer beware. Extremely disappointed."

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Adriatic Cruise
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3.8/5 Great
18 reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Dalmatian Coast, Dubrovnik, Sarajevo, Sibenik, Split

Highlights

  • Opportunity to see the UNESCO World Heritage Sites Mostar, Trogir and Dubrovnik impressive Cities
  • Experience the cruise to Sibenik
  • Explore Hvar, city which is one of the largest and oldest in Dalmatia
  • Enjoy a panoramic city tour of Sarajevo including the Parliament Buildings
  • Discover Frankfurt

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"I went on a Grand Tour of Italy with my husband and we had the trip of our lives. Senior Discovery Tours took care of everything so we just got to enjoy ourselves. Would highly reccomend!"

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Best of Eastern Europe in 16 Days Tour
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4.2/5 Great
23 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Croatia, Jewish Krakow

Highlights

  • Experience the rich diversity of Eastern Europe
  • Explore the energetic cities of Kraków and Budapest to tradition-rich "back door" towns and villages across the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, and Slovenia

Themes

Hiking & Walking, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"We purchased two backpacks from Rick Steves Europe. One of them arrived damaged and unusable. Their website says that you must contact them if you receive damaged merchandise. I have attempted to email them through their website and I have left 3 voicemails (nobody answers the phone, ever!) and nobody has contacted me back. At this point, it seems like I've been ripped off. Buyer beware. Extremely disappointed."

Trip dates & details
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Slovenia Hiking – The Julian Alps
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Ljubljana

Highlights

  • Hike the beautiful Julian Alps, quieter cousin to their Swiss counterparts
  • Explore Triglav National Park, Lake Bled, the Soca River, and more
  • Overnight in a Slovenian mountain hut in Triglav's breathtaking high country
  • Discover towering peaks, seaside cities, and the flavors of Slovenian cuisine

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"The entire trip was well researched, conceived and executed. The schedule, order of activities, pace, and diversity yielded a quality mix of physical activity, Alaska education and "bucket list" days. The guides are passionate, fun educators with the patience and intuition to pamper anyone. If you want the quintessential Alaska orientation, this is your trip. All 3 REI trips (Peru, Galapagos) have exceeded expectations. One caveat for the avid (strong, fast) hiker, you will be governed by the group pace and safe bear practices - the group is anchored by the slowest hiker. Why did you choose this trip? The itinerary worked for my wife and me. What would your advice be to potential travelers? Be prepared for rain, but it simply adds seasoning to the experience. Go in shape to hike everyday. Invest in quality engagements with your traveling companions. Stretch yourself - that is what quality travel should do. What was the highlight of your trip? Tough to pick one - the Harding Icefield, Talkeetna and the Denali Overlook Inn, the K2 flight around Denali, the Seward boat trip and Aliak Glacier, the Denali bus trip, the laughs with the group. # About Me Avid Adventurer ✔ Yes, I recommend this trip."

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The Balkans Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
769  Reviews
See all The Balkans tour reviews
Excellent
566
Great
163
Average
24
Disappointing
2
Terrible
4
A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

stunning coastline

Excellent leader Alan. Great balance between towns and countryside. Difficult to find anything I would change, perhaps better hotel coffee. not having been before, D...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Wonderful trip

What a fab trip. Great weather, wonderful company, and the gorgeous Dalmatian coast. The ride exceeded our expectations, it was a little tougher than we expected, ...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Amazing scenery & lots of laughs

We have recently returned from our first cycling holiday with Exodus and whilst I don't usually do reviews this time I felt compelled to write to say how impressed...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Breathtaking scenery and super smooth cycling!

It really was as described on the label - fabulously clear seas teeming with fish, gorgeous vistas of islands, vines and historic villages, with hidden gems of fre...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Just brilliant!

We had a wonderful time cycling the Dalmation Coast. The scenery was amazing, the group were all lovely, our tour leader Marijo was fantastic and the food was grea...

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The Balkans Tour Selection Trips

  • There are several ways to tour the Balkans – overland, river cruises, and small-ship coastal cruises
  • The Balkans is a large and varied region that warrants multiple tours to see in depth
  • Greece and Croatia have the most highly developed tourist facilities in the region
  • Albania, Montenegro, Kosovo, Macedonia, and Bosnia-Hercegovina are among the lesser traveled Balkan states
  • English is not as commonly spoken in much of the Balkans as in other parts of Europe, arguing for taking guided tours with interpreters
  • Keep close watch on conditions in Istanbul, Turkey, an extraordinary destination recently beset by violence

Additional details

What Countries are Included in the Balkans

There is some disagreement over the exact countries that are included in the Balkans, but traditionally this region of Europe includes Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Bulgaria, Serbia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Slovenia. Additionally, parts of northern Greece and southern Turkey are also typically included as part of the Balkans.

What is Balkan Weather Like?

It honestly depends on the country. The Balkans cover over 250,000 square miles of Southeastern Europe with each of the countries having their own distinct landscape that dictates the weather.

However, the countries on the Adriatic Sea coast (Croatia, Montenegro, and Albania) have a typical Mediterranean climate on the coast and a cooler climate in the mountains. These countries are warmer throughout the year than Slovenia or Bulgaria which are landlocked and have more temperate climates.

An important thing to remember is that the Balkans have some of the roughest terrain in all of Europe. The Dinaric Alps, Carpathian Mountains, Balkan Mountains and other ridges stretch across this region causing the central Balkan countries to have a four-season climate. These mountains are also why the Balkans are a perfect time to visit during winter since many of the mountains receive heavy snowfall.

Who Will Enjoy the Balkans

Those wishing to get off the beaten path in Europe will enjoy visiting the Balkans. Since much of this region was under Communist rule and going through rebuilding, most of these countries are new to travelers. However, lesser known cities such as Skopje and Mostar are growing in popularity because of their uniqueness and smaller tourist scene than Western Europe.

History lovers will enjoy visiting the Balkans because of the unique cultural makeup of this region. The Venetian, Roman, Ottoman, and Hungarian Empires have all left their distinct influences on this region’s food, architecture, and cultural makeup. There are plenty of castles and old towns for any history enthusiast to get lost in.

Professional and amateur photographers will not be able to get enough of the Balkans. With towering mountains, aquamarine waters, and stunning cliff sides, the Balkans have some of the best untouched landscapes just waiting to be photographed.

The Balkans are also the ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts. There are many Balkan tour itineraries specializing in hiking and biking through the mountains of the Balkans. Also, there are tours that combine both the landscape of the Balkans with the metropolitan areas, allowing you to see all sides of the Balkans.

Do I Need Different Currencies when Traveling the Balkans?

Yes, you will need different currencies for the Balkans. Each of the Balkan countries have their own national currency, except Montenegro and Slovenia who both use the Euro.

You can exchange money before you leave for each of the countries. However, all of the countries have ATMs that you can use, but be forewarned, your bank may charge an international fee. There are also offices in the major cities, train stations, and airports where you can exchange your money.

If you are looking to exchange money from countries that are not near each other, like Bulgaria and Croatia, you will not be able to change the currencies. Also there are a few currencies, like Albanian Lek, you won’t be able to exchange outside of the country.

What Languages are Spoken in the Balkans?

The people of the Balkans speak a few different languages. You will hear Greek, a version of the Romance languages, a combination of Russian and Polish, and Albanian. But, some of the countries do have a similar language.

If you are traveling through Serbia, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Macedonia, and Croatia you will find a common language. While some of the words may be different, the general language is very similar.

Balkan Tour Lengths

Most Balkan tours last between 8-18 days. The length of the tour depends on the theme and region of the Balkans you are visiting.

If you are focusing on just the food of the Balkans or the Western Balkans, than the tour will be around 10 days. If you wish to see all of the Balkans, you will need at least 15 days because the area is so large.

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