The Balkans Train & Rail Journeys Tours & Trip Packages

The Balkans Train & Rail Journeys Tours & Trips

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

4 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected. We are displaying some similar trips.
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Train & Rail Journeys
Balkans Rail Adventure
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5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Bar, Belgrade, Croatia, Dubrovnik, Kos, Kotor, Lake Bled, Ljubljana, Mavrovo, Montenegro, Mosta, Plitvice Lakes National park, Podgorica, Sarajevo, Skopje, Zagreb

Highlights

  • Visit seven countries of Former Yugoslavia in just 16 days
  • Experience a variety of scenic rail journeys
  • Discover contrasting landscapes and cities in this lesser visited region

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking, Train & Rail Journeys

What travelers are saying

"This tour was virtually perfect, due largely to the curating skill, personality, regional knowledge & appreciation, dining choices, guiding & FUN capability of our marvelous guide Rocio! And of course, the eye-popping scenery of the western Algarve, Portugal!"

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The Balkan Trail
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4.9/5 Excellent
9 reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Belgrade, Budapest, Dubrovnik, Sarajevo

Highlights

  • Relax in the 15th Century thermal spas
  • Take panoramic photos from the scenic Buda castle
  • Go to Sziget rock and indie festival in August
  • Visit the beautiful beach by the Danube
  • Admire the ancient architecture and views
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Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Train & Rail Journeys

What travelers are saying

"As first time travellers we were completely put at ease by booking with Euroventure. We chose to do the 3 week 'Whole Hog' where we visited 10 cities, and all of our queries were answered by Euroventure before the trip and during the trip both quickly and efficiently. The fact that a travel pack was sent to us made the trip more enjoyable and less stressful as everything was sorted before we left - we had the most amazing time!! I would highly recommend Interrailing Europe and booking through Euroventure as a stress free way of enjoying an incredible journey!!"

Trip dates & details
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Eastern Trooper
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4.9/5 Excellent
9 reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Berlin, Berlin Wall, Bratislava, Budapest, Diocletian's Palace, Prague, Split, Vienna, Zagreb

Highlights

  • See a section of the old Berlin Wall
  • Climb the dome of the renovated Reichstag
  • Discover the nightlife of Schoneberg and Kreuzberg
  • Cross the enchanting Charles Bridge
  • Marvel at the curvy design of the dancing building
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Themes

Cultural, Train & Rail Journeys

What travelers are saying

"As first time travellers we were completely put at ease by booking with Euroventure. We chose to do the 3 week 'Whole Hog' where we visited 10 cities, and all of our queries were answered by Euroventure before the trip and during the trip both quickly and efficiently. The fact that a travel pack was sent to us made the trip more enjoyable and less stressful as everything was sorted before we left - we had the most amazing time!! I would highly recommend Interrailing Europe and booking through Euroventure as a stress free way of enjoying an incredible journey!!"

Trip dates & details
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Interrail Croatia
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4.9/5 Excellent
9 reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Dalmatian Coast, Dubrovnik, Hvar Island, Split, Zagreb

Highlights

  • Catch a 360 view from the Lotrščak Tower
  • Stroll through the beautiful Mirogoj cemetery
  • Have a coffee in Kino Europa, Zagreb’s oldest cinema
  • See the amazing ruin of Diocletian’s Palace
  • Admire the city as you approach it from the sea
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Themes

Cultural, Train & Rail Journeys

What travelers are saying

"As first time travellers we were completely put at ease by booking with Euroventure. We chose to do the 3 week 'Whole Hog' where we visited 10 cities, and all of our queries were answered by Euroventure before the trip and during the trip both quickly and efficiently. The fact that a travel pack was sent to us made the trip more enjoyable and less stressful as everything was sorted before we left - we had the most amazing time!! I would highly recommend Interrailing Europe and booking through Euroventure as a stress free way of enjoying an incredible journey!!"

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Other trips you may like [sponsored]
Cycling Croatia's Dalmatian Coast
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Dubrovnik

Highlights

  • Spectacular coastal cycling routes
  • Explore the mainland and islands on two wheels
  • Discover the Unesco city of Dubrovnik

Themes

Cultural, Cycling & Biking

What travelers are saying

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

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Kosovo, Albania & Macedonia Explorer
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5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Skopje, Tirana

Highlights

  • Explore the remote northern reaches of Albania and take one of the world’s best boat trips with a cruise through the mountainous corridors of Lake Koman
  • Experience daily life in the Valbona Valley with a stay at a local guesthouse. Clink glasses with the locals in the village and hike the rugged valley passes.
  • Sail across the blue waters of Lake Ohrid, one of Europe's oldest lakes. No wonder North Macedonia and Albania share this beautiful attraction – nobody would want to let it go.
  • Kososvo is rich in history and contrasts. Step back in time and learn about the infamous Battle of Kosovo on a day trip to the Field of Blackbirds, before embracing the modern culture thriving in Prishtina, Europe’s youngest capital.
  • Lose yourself in Tirana, the Albanian capital full of a revitalised urban energy, and partake in the local's favourite pastime: drinking coffee and people-watching.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
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Balkans Rail Adventure
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Bar, Belgrade, Croatia, Dubrovnik, Kos, Kotor, Lake Bled, Ljubljana, Mavrovo, Montenegro, Mosta, Plitvice Lakes National park, Podgorica, Sarajevo, Skopje, Zagreb

Highlights

  • Visit seven countries of Former Yugoslavia in just 16 days
  • Experience a variety of scenic rail journeys
  • Discover contrasting landscapes and cities in this lesser visited region

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking, Train & Rail Journeys

What travelers are saying

"This tour was virtually perfect, due largely to the curating skill, personality, regional knowledge & appreciation, dining choices, guiding & FUN capability of our marvelous guide Rocio! And of course, the eye-popping scenery of the western Algarve, Portugal!"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

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Lakes & Mountains of Slovenia
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Lake Bled

Highlights

  • Discover Triglav National Park and the Karavanke mountains
  • Embark on varied walks over mountains and through forests
  • Enjoy a free day to explore Lake Bled or historic Ljubljana
  • Stay at a traditional 19th-century Alpine pension

Themes

Hiking & Walking, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

Generous cancellation

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Dubrovnik to Athens
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Athens, Berat, Dubrovnik, Kruja, Skopje, Tirana

Highlights

  • Admire the World Heritage-listed architecture of Dubrovnik and Montenegro’s Kotor, climbing along their ancient city walls.
  • Loose yourself in Tirana, Albania's colourful capital, and partake in the local's favourite pastime: drinking coffee and people-watching.
  • Sail across the blue waters of Lake Ohrid – one of Europe's oldest lakes. No wonder North Macedonia and Albania share this beautiful attraction; nobody would want to let it go!
  • Explore the endemic flora and fauna on an easy hike of Pelister: North Macedonia’s oldest national park.
  • Hike the slopes of Mt Olympus, the ancient seat of the 12 Greek gods. According to mythology Zeus unleashed his thunderbolts from one of Olympus' peaks.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

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Cycling in Albania
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in a previously isolated country
  • Cycle from mountain plateaux to the Albanian Riviera
  • Visit the Unesco World Heritage site of Butrint
  • Fishing villages, national parks and thermal springs

Themes

Cycling & Biking

What travelers are saying

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

Generous cancellation

More
Western Balkans Uncovered
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Dubrovnik, Kotor, Kruja, Skopje, Tirana

Highlights

  • Sail across the blue waters of Lake Ohrid – one of Europe's oldest lakes. No wonder North Macedonia and Albania share this beautiful attraction, who would want to let it go?
  • Admire the World Heritage-listed architecture of Dubrovnik (of Game of Thrones fame) and Montenegro’s Kotor as you walk along their ancient city walls.
  • Sit down for a fresh farm-to-table lunch experience in Fishte in the midday Albanian sun. Enjoy local produce, wild fish and organic meat, all prepared on-site with the freshest local ingredients.
  • Enjoy walking tours with local guides who have all the insider knowledge in Prizren, Berat and Tirana.
  • Venture out to Matka Canyon, a deep ravine cut into the Suva mountains by the Treska River and explore this beautiful natural area on foot and by boat.
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Themes

Cultural, High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

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Friuli and Slovenia Magnifica Tour
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4.9/5 Excellent
75 reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
They offer a unique way to enjoy a classic destination by combining active travel with authentic cultural experiences.
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Ljubljana

Highlights

  • Smooth easy bike paths
  • Alps as the backdrop for most of the journey
  • Scenic, quiet roads without traffic
  • Outdoor activities: cycling, river rafting, and hiking
  • Premier hotels and historical palaces
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Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Family Friendly, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"Great routes, guides, hotels and bikes!"

Trip dates & details
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4 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected. We are displaying some similar trips.
My selections:
Train & Rail Journeys

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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