The Balkans Tours & Trip Packages

The Balkans Tours & Trips

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

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Western Balkans Discovery - 7 days
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4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Dubrovnik, Split, Zagreb

Highlights

  • Zagreb - Tour the Croatian capital and see highlights including St Mark's Church and Zagreb Cathedral in the fortified Upper Town
  • Bled - Admire the stunning alpine scenery of Lake Bled in the Julien Alps and stay in the tranquil town of the same name
  • Ljubljana - Uncover some of the main attractions in Slovenia's capital city, from the Three Bridges to Robba's Fountain and the open-air market
  • Plitvice Lakes - Explore the vast underground cave system and admire some of the beautiful lakes and waterfalls within the national park
  • Split - Learn the secrets of UNESCO-listed Diocletian's Palace and enjoy a drink in one of Split's many charming bars and restaurants
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Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"First time we (mom and daughter) have done a tour and first time with on the go tours. What a special trip we had doing the 13 day Casablanca to Essaouira Morocco tour (26 Nov - 6 Dec 2023). We started the first 8 days doing the totally Morocco tour and the last few days at our own pace with down time in Essaouira. Jamal our guide led the tour from start to finish and took us safely on a culture filled journey. His knowledge of the country, it’s history and people was informative and inspiring. Every request was “no problem” and delivered with a smile and happy demeanour. Everything in Morrocco was “no problem” and we felt safe and looked after. We were driven in a comfortable coach with enough stops along the way to not feel long by our competent driver Suleman. The hotels, Riad and Dar were extremely comfortable with exceptional service. We would not have had the same experience travelling on our own, we felt as though we truly experienced Morocco. Everything was a highlight for us and we will definitely book another on the go tour in the future. If you wanting to see true Morocco we would strongly recommend doing this tour."

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Adriatic Explorer from Dubrovnik Premium - 8 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Dubrovnik, Split

Highlights

  • Dubrovnik - Begin your Croatian cruise from the 'Pearl of the Adriatic', the famous walled city which starred in the Game of Thrones
  • Pakleni Islands - Swim in the azure waters and secluded bays of this small group of islands off the coast of Hvar
  • Mljet Island - Stroll around the two salt lakes and through the lush forests of Mljet National Park
  • Korcula - Wander through the quaint old town and enjoy a refreshing pint in one of the many taverns
  • Hvar - Visit the town of Hvar on the island of the same name, which is the sunniest island in the Adriatic
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Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"First time we (mom and daughter) have done a tour and first time with on the go tours. What a special trip we had doing the 13 day Casablanca to Essaouira Morocco tour (26 Nov - 6 Dec 2023). We started the first 8 days doing the totally Morocco tour and the last few days at our own pace with down time in Essaouira. Jamal our guide led the tour from start to finish and took us safely on a culture filled journey. His knowledge of the country, it’s history and people was informative and inspiring. Every request was “no problem” and delivered with a smile and happy demeanour. Everything in Morrocco was “no problem” and we felt safe and looked after. We were driven in a comfortable coach with enough stops along the way to not feel long by our competent driver Suleman. The hotels, Riad and Dar were extremely comfortable with exceptional service. We would not have had the same experience travelling on our own, we felt as though we truly experienced Morocco. Everything was a highlight for us and we will definitely book another on the go tour in the future. If you wanting to see true Morocco we would strongly recommend doing this tour."

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Creme de la Croatia - 8 days
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Split - tour the historic UNESCO-listed city and see the famous 1,700 year old Diocletian's Palace
  • Korcula - take a walking tour of the town, birthplace of Marco Polo, and enjoy a drink in one of the many bars
  • Mljet - wander around the two salt lakes of the national park and soak up the lush green scenery
  • Dubrovnik - cruise along the famous city walls and ride the cable car to Srd Mountain for spectacular views of the fortified city
  • Peljesac Peninsula - swim off the coast of the Elaphiti Islands, visit a local farm and join a Croatian village party
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Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"First time we (mom and daughter) have done a tour and first time with on the go tours. What a special trip we had doing the 13 day Casablanca to Essaouira Morocco tour (26 Nov - 6 Dec 2023). We started the first 8 days doing the totally Morocco tour and the last few days at our own pace with down time in Essaouira. Jamal our guide led the tour from start to finish and took us safely on a culture filled journey. His knowledge of the country, it’s history and people was informative and inspiring. Every request was “no problem” and delivered with a smile and happy demeanour. Everything in Morrocco was “no problem” and we felt safe and looked after. We were driven in a comfortable coach with enough stops along the way to not feel long by our competent driver Suleman. The hotels, Riad and Dar were extremely comfortable with exceptional service. We would not have had the same experience travelling on our own, we felt as though we truly experienced Morocco. Everything was a highlight for us and we will definitely book another on the go tour in the future. If you wanting to see true Morocco we would strongly recommend doing this tour."

Trip dates & details
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Dubrovnik & the Dalmatian Coast - 8 Days
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Dubrovnik, Split

Highlights

  • Dubrovnik - Start and end your sailing adventure in Croatia's most famous city, home to magnificent fortified walls
  • Korcula - Enjoy an optional guided tour to discover the history of Korcula or opt to explore the narrow streets independently
  • Brac - Take in the beautiful town of Pucisca, where the limestone is so white it was used on the Washington White House
  • Split - Discover the impressive retirement palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian and enjoy a drink in one of the town's many bars
  • Hvar - Wander through Hvar town independently, soaking up the warm rays on Croatia's sunniest island
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Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"First time we (mom and daughter) have done a tour and first time with on the go tours. What a special trip we had doing the 13 day Casablanca to Essaouira Morocco tour (26 Nov - 6 Dec 2023). We started the first 8 days doing the totally Morocco tour and the last few days at our own pace with down time in Essaouira. Jamal our guide led the tour from start to finish and took us safely on a culture filled journey. His knowledge of the country, it’s history and people was informative and inspiring. Every request was “no problem” and delivered with a smile and happy demeanour. Everything in Morrocco was “no problem” and we felt safe and looked after. We were driven in a comfortable coach with enough stops along the way to not feel long by our competent driver Suleman. The hotels, Riad and Dar were extremely comfortable with exceptional service. We would not have had the same experience travelling on our own, we felt as though we truly experienced Morocco. Everything was a highlight for us and we will definitely book another on the go tour in the future. If you wanting to see true Morocco we would strongly recommend doing this tour."

Trip dates & details
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Croatia Island Hop & Stop - 8 Days
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Dubrovnik - wander the narrow, winding streets of Croatia's most famous and popular city, and opt to ride the cable car to Srd Mountain for spectacular views
  • Korcula - take in some of the impressive medieval architecture that the town is famous for, including ancient cathedrals and grand palaces
  • Hvar - reach the sunny island by catamaran and enjoy a day to explore the sights of Hvar at leisure
  • Split - join an optional walking tour or explore the city your way, making sure to check out the impressive Diocletian's Palace

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"First time we (mom and daughter) have done a tour and first time with on the go tours. What a special trip we had doing the 13 day Casablanca to Essaouira Morocco tour (26 Nov - 6 Dec 2023). We started the first 8 days doing the totally Morocco tour and the last few days at our own pace with down time in Essaouira. Jamal our guide led the tour from start to finish and took us safely on a culture filled journey. His knowledge of the country, it’s history and people was informative and inspiring. Every request was “no problem” and delivered with a smile and happy demeanour. Everything in Morrocco was “no problem” and we felt safe and looked after. We were driven in a comfortable coach with enough stops along the way to not feel long by our competent driver Suleman. The hotels, Riad and Dar were extremely comfortable with exceptional service. We would not have had the same experience travelling on our own, we felt as though we truly experienced Morocco. Everything was a highlight for us and we will definitely book another on the go tour in the future. If you wanting to see true Morocco we would strongly recommend doing this tour."

Trip dates & details
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Captivating Croatia - 8 Days
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Zagreb - explore the lively Croatian capital on a guided tour, taking in the fortified Upper Town, St Mark's Church and the market square
  • Plitvice Lakes - admire some of the 92 waterfalls of the UNESCO-listed national park and keep your eyes peeled for bears, wolves and deer
  • Hvar - enjoy a short walking town of Hvar town and enjoy plenty of free time to relax with a drink in one of the islands famous bars
  • Korcula - discover the birthplace of the legendary explorer Marco Polo and see some of the islands famous architecture
  • Split - see the 1,700 year old Diocletian's Palace and wander the streets of the UNESCO-listed city
Show more

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"First time we (mom and daughter) have done a tour and first time with on the go tours. What a special trip we had doing the 13 day Casablanca to Essaouira Morocco tour (26 Nov - 6 Dec 2023). We started the first 8 days doing the totally Morocco tour and the last few days at our own pace with down time in Essaouira. Jamal our guide led the tour from start to finish and took us safely on a culture filled journey. His knowledge of the country, it’s history and people was informative and inspiring. Every request was “no problem” and delivered with a smile and happy demeanour. Everything in Morrocco was “no problem” and we felt safe and looked after. We were driven in a comfortable coach with enough stops along the way to not feel long by our competent driver Suleman. The hotels, Riad and Dar were extremely comfortable with exceptional service. We would not have had the same experience travelling on our own, we felt as though we truly experienced Morocco. Everything was a highlight for us and we will definitely book another on the go tour in the future. If you wanting to see true Morocco we would strongly recommend doing this tour."

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Croatia Coastal Cruising: Dubrovnik to Split (Peregrine Dalmatia)
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Why we love them
Since their founding in 1977 by trekkers exploring Nepal, they’ve maintained a strong connection to local culture and the “traveler spirit”.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Croatia, Dubrovnik, Split

Highlights

  • Board a traditional vessel and sail up along the spectacular neretva river, inland from opuzen.
  • The trip includes an excursion to krka national park, where you’ll get a chance to swim in secluded pools and beneath waterfalls.
  • If you’re worried about long cruise days, this itinerary is a good choice. there are plenty of excursions, short walks and port stops, and the distance between islands is short.
  • While large cruise liners have to moor out at sea and commute into shore via tender, we drop anchor in the middle of port towns like hvar or korcula. you can hop on or off the boat as you please.
  • There’s nothing like diving into the aquamarine waters of the dalmatian coast. weather permitting, our captain will be stopping the ship for regular swim breaks during the trip.
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Themes

Cultural, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"My first trip with this agency, and I will not hesitate to recommend it to friends and family. The right mix of planned activities and free time. Good central location of all the hotels. The only fly in the ointment was the last hotel where there were vibration and noise in several rooms and the hotel staff was extremely arrogant and rude. They blatantly asserted looking me right in the eye that they cannot hear any noise, even though more than one person from our group was complaining. However. Tucan's guide Cindy was extremely helpful and did her best to resolve the situation, in spite of the hotel staff's behaviour. On the whole, Cindy was great, very helpful and caring."

Trip dates & details
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Croatia Coastal Cruising: Split to Dubrovnik
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Why we love them
Since their founding in 1977 by trekkers exploring Nepal, they’ve maintained a strong connection to local culture and the “traveler spirit”.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Croatia, Dalmatian Coast, Dubrovnik, Split

Highlights

  • Take an excursion to krka national park, where you’ll get a chance to swim in secluded pools and beneath waterfalls.
  • Board a traditional wooden vessel and sail up along the spectacular neretva river to bosnia and herzegovina, allowing you to explore the beautiful town of mostar.
  • With plenty of excursions, short walks and port stops, you’ll spend more time exploring the beautiful croatian coast and less time on the ship.
  • Enjoy the benefits of small-ship cruising by dropping anchor in the middle of port towns like hvar or korcula, allowing you to hop on or off the boat as you please.
  • Dive into the aquamarine waters of the dalmatian coast – your captain will be stopping the ship to allow you to enjoy swim breaks in between port stops.

Themes

Cultural, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"My first trip with this agency, and I will not hesitate to recommend it to friends and family. The right mix of planned activities and free time. Good central location of all the hotels. The only fly in the ointment was the last hotel where there were vibration and noise in several rooms and the hotel staff was extremely arrogant and rude. They blatantly asserted looking me right in the eye that they cannot hear any noise, even though more than one person from our group was complaining. However. Tucan's guide Cindy was extremely helpful and did her best to resolve the situation, in spite of the hotel staff's behaviour. On the whole, Cindy was great, very helpful and caring."

Trip dates & details
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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

Cycling the Dalmation Coast

The Croatia coast line is an excellent place for cycling from the Istria peninsula up north all the way to the southern city of Dubrovnik. While this trip only cov...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Wonderful way to see a beautiful country

This Croatian trip was a wonderful mix of unspoilt countryside, sparkling clear seas and historical walled towns and cities. It was also a good mix of fairly chall...

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...

Write a Review

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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On Travelstride you can find 176 trips to The Balkans and more than 20,000 trips worldwide ranging from budget to luxury and private guided to group tours and everything in between. Only on Stride can you find and compare expert-planned trips from 1,000+ tour operators, cruise lines and local experts. Read traveler and professional reviews so you can confidently find your perfect trip.

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