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.

176 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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London to Rome by Rail
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4.9/5 Excellent
25 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Alps, Amsterdam, Berlin, Bruges, Budapest, Cinque Terre, Eiffel Tower, Florence, Krakow, La Spezia, London, Paris, Prague, Rome, Tuscany, Vatican City, Venice, Vienna, Zagreb

Highlights

  • The beating heart of modern germany, berlin is packed with history, arts and culture. the city's poignant memorials serve not just to recognise the past, but to educate new generations into the future
  • Amsterdam has been developed with cyclists in mind, so hire a bike and hit the charming streets with the locals (just watch out for those canals)
  • Soak up the royal history of krakow's wawel castle and step back in time with a stroll through its medieval main square
  • Enjoy a scenic walk along the banks of the river danube in budapest. threaded with bridges and hemmed in by castles and historic city buildings, europe's second longest river is also one of its most beautiful
  • Escape to the country and visit lake balaton, where you can sail across emerald waters, try your hand windsurfing, or savour a (very) lazy afternoon wine tasting.
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Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"FANTASTIC. Start to finish it is such a fantastic taste of Central America, all the destinations are interesting and you can do as much or as little as you choose."

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Simply Zagreb
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4.7/5 Excellent
44 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Zagreb

Highlights

  • Enjoy the influence of both the Eastern and Western culture of Zagreb
  • Explore Gornji Grad (Upper Town)
  • Discover the Dolac, the open-air fruit and vegetable market in Old Town
  • Visit the atelier of Croatia’s most famous sculptors – Ivan Mestrovic
  • Visit the Mimara Museum and a tour of Donji Grad (the Lower Town)

Themes

Cultural, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

What travelers are saying

"Our trip was seamless in every sense of the word. Thanks for listening and understanding how we like to travel. It was perfect! Hotel recommendations were wonderful and ideally located; our guides were knowledgeable and fun to spend time with; and suggestions for restaurants, concerts and other activities were spot on! Importantly, not only did we enjoy but we are now curious to spend more time in this part of Europe."

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Simply Dubrovnik
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4.7/5 Excellent
44 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Dubrovnik

Highlights

  • See the wonderful views over the Adriatic
  • Enjoy a guided walking tour of Dubrovnik’s historic district
  • See the old Harbor Front the Loggia Loza, the square that is located in the heart of Dubrovnik
  • Visit the Rector’s Palace and his palace now houses the Museum of Dubrovnik
  • Enjoy this beautiful city, We recommend a day tour to Montenegro

Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"Our trip was seamless in every sense of the word. Thanks for listening and understanding how we like to travel. It was perfect! Hotel recommendations were wonderful and ideally located; our guides were knowledgeable and fun to spend time with; and suggestions for restaurants, concerts and other activities were spot on! Importantly, not only did we enjoy but we are now curious to spend more time in this part of Europe."

Trip dates & details
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St Petersburg to Athens by Rail
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4.9/5 Excellent
25 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Athens, Belgrade, Budapest, Moscow, Skopje, Thessaloniki

Highlights

  • Encounter the legacy of russian tsar peter the great while exploring the enigmatic streets that showcase the many palaces and museums of st petersburg
  • Live it local in the lively gorky park in moscow, check out the awesome architecture in moscow metro stations, or get up close with the russian power center red square and kremlin
  • Enjoy a city escape and chase the romance at the uniquely landscaped tunnel of love – iconic for its awning trees made by nature and passing trains. it's believed that if a couple who are truly in love make a wish here then it will come true
  • Wander through belgrade’s bohemian quarter and grand 19th-century boulevards, before launching yourself into its animated nightlife.
  • Sitting alongside its ottoman past, the macedonian capital of skopje has reinvented its centre with gleaming neo-classical monuments and buildings, adding a new layer to this fascinating city.
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Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"FANTASTIC. Start to finish it is such a fantastic taste of Central America, all the destinations are interesting and you can do as much or as little as you choose."

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Dalmatian Coast Family Multisport Adventure Tour
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4.8/5 Excellent
62 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Dalmatian Coast, Diocletian's Palace, Dubrovnik, Hvar Island, Korcula Island, Split

Highlights

  • Experience the reborn Dalmatian Coast by bike, foot and kayak
  • Learn about Croatia's fascinating history and culture
  • Island-hop along the sunny Adriatic and splash in hidden coves
  • Enjoy the freshest seafood and local cuisine
  • The exquisite World Heritage site of Dubrovnik awaits discovery

Themes

Cultural, Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel, Family Friendly, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"Until Covid clears, I would steer clear of Backroads. We were partially through their June 2020 Costa Rica tour when a guest tested Covid positive. She and her husband were isolated. The rest of the group were offered wimpy masks. Nobody was offered Covid testing daily and masks were not required of the guests or staff. The guides kept repeating "not in the CDC guidelines." Our group of six decided that the Backroads response was inadequate so returned home mid-excursion. The hotel and food was excellent, but the provided bikes were inadequate. The front derailleurs were poorly adjusted, and most of the riders had the chains come off during the first ride. Hikes or bike rides were conducted in downpours. Disappointed for charging such a premium price."

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Simply Split
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4.7/5 Excellent
44 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Split

Highlights

  • Enjoy a walking tour of the historic district of Split
  • Explore historic Diocletian Palace
  • Visit the Ivan Mestrovic Art Gallery
  • Experience short drive from Split to Trogir – one of the most romantic places in Croatia

Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"Our trip was seamless in every sense of the word. Thanks for listening and understanding how we like to travel. It was perfect! Hotel recommendations were wonderful and ideally located; our guides were knowledgeable and fun to spend time with; and suggestions for restaurants, concerts and other activities were spot on! Importantly, not only did we enjoy but we are now curious to spend more time in this part of Europe."

Trip dates & details
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Berlin to Rome by Rail
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.9/5 Excellent
25 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Alps, Berlin, Budapest, Cinque Terre, Florence, Krakow, La Spezia, Prague, Rome, Tuscany, Vatican City, Venice, Vienna, Zagreb

Highlights

  • As this is a combination of two trips, your group leader and the composition of your group may change in budapest and/or venice.
  • Now one of the world's most artistic and exciting cities, berlin has a complex history. and beer is cheaper than water here. go figure
  • Gorge on the history, architecture and bohemian vibes of the czech republic. soak up the smooth sounds of jazz at a low-lit bar in prague before stepping right into the fairytale of cesky krumlov
  • So much of what is epic about europe can be found in vienna. revel in the city's rich offerings of art, history and music and stroll along the eclectic ringstrasse
  • Enjoy a jaw-droppingly scenic walk along the banks of the river danube in budapest. threaded with bridges and hemmed in by castles and historic city buildings, europe's second longest river is also one of its most beautiful
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Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"FANTASTIC. Start to finish it is such a fantastic taste of Central America, all the destinations are interesting and you can do as much or as little as you choose."

Trip dates & details
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The Dalmatian Sunshine
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4.8/5 Excellent
25 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Dubrovnik, Split, Zagreb

Highlights

  • See the Dominican Monastery and Franciscan Monastery with its Pharmacy
  • Enjoy the historic inner city, built around the Roman Emperor Diocletian's Palace
  • See the remnants of Split's Roman heritage, its Renaissance and Gothic structures, Jupiter's Temple, the Peristyle and the Cathedral
  • Enjoy the historic Upper Town, St. Mark’s Church, St. Catherine’s Church, the Cathedral, the Parliament and the Government Palace

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Religious

What travelers are saying

"I took the most amazing tour across Portugal and Spain through Bestway Tours last year. It was a 10 day tour visiting historic cities across the countries and was blown away by level of service and convenience the team provided. I've learned so much through the knowledgeable tour guides and enjoyed lots of delicious local food. I cannot wait to take another Bestway Tour in the future!"

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176 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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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

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

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...

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

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...

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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