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Balkan tours offer an array of diverse experiences, from exploring historic cities and ancient ruins to enjoying breathtaking natural landscapes and vibrant cultural traditions. Whether you are interested in adventure, history, or gastronomy, the Balkans provide a rich tapestry of activities to suit every traveler's interests. Discover the unique charm and hidden gems of this captivating region.
- Touring the wondrous Parthenon atop the Acropolis in Athens
- Exploring Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic, and walking its medieval walls
- Sailing past the dramatic Iron Gates gorge on a Danube River cruise through Romania and Serbia
- Uncovering the mysteries of tiny Albania, cut off from most of the world for decades in the mid-to-late 20th century.
- Docking in the breathtakingly scenic port of Kotor, Montenegro, on a small ship cruise offering unparalleled views of the Adriatic Sea
- Being dazzled by the Ottoman treasures in Istanbul's Topkapi Palace
- Visiting Bran Castle, famous as an inspiration for the Count Dracula legend in Romania's Transylvania.
- Admiring painted monasteries in Bulgaria and Romania and domed Orthodox churches in Greece
- Exploring newly vibrant cities such as Belgrade, Serbia, and Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Hiking the picturesque trails of Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia
- Discovering the Roman ruins in Split, Croatia, including the Diocletian's Palace
- Enjoying the thermal baths in Budapest, Hungary
- Visiting the historic fortress of Kalemegdan in Belgrade, Serbia
- Sampling local wines in the vineyards of Macedonia
- Discovering the underground secrets of Postojna Cave in Slovenia
- Experiencing the lively bazaars and cafes in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Balkans Tours & Travel Guide
The Balkans Attractions & Landmarks Guide
The Balkan Peninsula encompasses most of southeastern Europe. It is made up of a dozen countries — Greece, Albania, Romania, Bulgaria, Kosovo, European Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, most of Serbia, the bulk of Croatia, and Slovenia — that incorporate multiple religions, languages, and cultural traditions.
The Balkans have historically been a tinderbox of ethnic and political tensions, but they are mostly peaceful today and feature some of the most outstanding scenic and cultural sites in Europe. Roman and Ottoman influences can be experienced throughout the Balkans.
While Slavic tongues predominate, the region also features Greek, Turkish, and Romanian. Primary religions include Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, and Islam (both in Turkey and parts of former Yugoslavia).
Ottoman and Italian cultural influences are strong along the Adriatic coast. Many towns retain a medieval European atmosphere, and the glories of ancient Greece and Rome persist in extensive ruins. Shoddy 20th-century Stalinist architecture is a reminder of the sway the former Soviet Union once held over much of the region.
Why Join a Balkans Tour
The Balkans are the perfect place to visit on a tour. Covering over 250,000 square miles, there is so much to see and do. Visiting this region on a tour is the best way to experience the area's highlights with expertly planned itineraries.
The Balkans have an extraordinary history and cultural makeup, which makes visiting on a themed tour ideal. You can plan your trip around hiking the rugged mountains of Montenegro, eating your way through the cities and villages of the region, or learning about the historical influences that make the Balkans unique.
Top Countries in The Balkans
Traditionally, the Balkans consist of eight main countries. The region stretches from Bulgaria in the north to Greece in the south across the Adriatic Sea, Turkey to the east, and Slovenia to the west.
While each of these countries is spectacular in its own right, a few are top destinations included in most Balkan tour itineraries.
Croatia: One of the top travel destinations in the Balkans, Croatia has become a traveler's haven. With romantic old towns, historic coastlines, and a rich food scene, Croatia has everything a traveler could want. A few of the most popular stops in Croatia are Split and Dubrovnik, the main cities on the spectacular Dalmatian Coast.
Bosnia is arguably one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Much of the country is made up of colossal mountains, deep valleys, and teal rivers. Visitors will love the old town of Mostar and its famous bridge, and historians will enjoy the walking tours in Sarajevo, learning about the city's importance in recent conflicts and World War I.
Montenegro: Montenegro is no longer a secret. This small Adriatic Coast country is drawing in adventure seekers and beachgoers from around the world. Montenegro has some of the best hiking trails in the Balkans. Kotor in Montenegro is a top cruise and tour destination with its mountains and stunning bay. It's often included in Balkans tour packages.
Bulgaria: Once a Communist stronghold, Bulgaria has an exciting feel. The capital of Sofia is laid back with busy city parks, sprawling squares, and a thriving cafe scene. The surrounding countryside has rolling hills and history that any traveler will want to visit.
Off the Beaten Path Balkan Travel Destinations
While much of the Balkans may be considered off the beaten path, there are a few destinations in this region that most travelers may have yet to hear of.
Mostar, Bosnia: A must when visiting Bosnia, Mostar is a hidden valley village. This small town is known for its medieval old Ottoman city and Stari Most (old bridge). Visitors will enjoy eating at the restaurants surrounding the water, shopping through the streets of the old bazaar, and catching a glimpse of one of the world-famous bridge jumpers.
Skopje, Macedonia: The capital of Macedonia is a quirky one. Skopje is famous for its unique architecture and hodgepodge of buildings lining the river that runs through the city; however, if you wish to go where most have not, this fun city has a growing cafe scene and historic shopping area that will definitely satisfy you.
Lake Ohrid, Macedonia: Straddling both Macedonia and Albania, Lake Ohrid is one of the oldest lakes in Europe. This vast lake is ideal for boat tours, relaxing on the beach, or visiting the countless churches surrounding it.
Prizren, Kosovo: Kosovo's second city, Prizren, is nestled below the Shar Mountains and is the country's cultural center. Kosovo's important location in Europe can best be seen in Prizren, where you can see Ottoman architecture, Serbian Orthodox churches, medieval fortresses, and Kosovo's wine region.
Balkan Cuisine
Like its weather, Balkan cuisine depends on which country you are in. However, many of the countries do have some overlap.
Throughout the region, influences from the Mediterranean, Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Russia are evident. Additionally, in Slovenia and parts of Croatia, food is closely related to Austria.
Balkan cuisine is rustic and hearty, with stews and soups as mainstays. Popular dishes include lamb, goulash, and seafood.
One of the most common things you will find is sacs or lids that cover a dish. Hot coals are poured over these lids to cook the meal, a spectacle often included on the best Balkan tours. Traditional stews and lamb dishes are cooked in these dishes.
Additionally, the Balkans are known for stuffing everything. Throughout the area, you will find peppers, pastries, and meat stuffed with vegetables, sauces, and more meat.
For travelers who are vegan or vegetarian, eating in the Balkans can be a bit difficult. Traditional Balkan food is very meat-heavy, but there are vegan and vegetarian restaurants in the major cities.
Remember to tell your tour operator and local guides about your dietary preferences. They will ensure you meet your requirements without sacrificing the experience.
What to Expect from Balkan Tours
One of the best parts about Balkan tours is the combination of scenery and cities. This area of Europe has stunning landscapes and some of the most historic and unique cities. You can expect to be awed by both the natural environment and the man-made wonders of the Balkans.
There will be plenty of opportunities to learn about the storied history of this region and how the combination of cultures has molded these countries. You will also be able to learn more about how the countries are growing and developing after the recent conflicts.
While some Balkan tours require little physical activity, it should be noted that the Balkans are very mountainous. Some of the cities were built next to mountains or on the coast, and you will encounter steep inclines and many stairs. Also, if you're taking a more active tour, you can expect to do some extreme hiking.
Are The Balkans Safe to Visit?
Overall, the Balkans are safe to visit. The people are known for their kind hospitality and generosity. However, like any other country, pickpockets are common in busier areas, so make sure to secure your belongings.
Much of the conflicts that occurred after the dissolution of Yugoslavia and Communism have ended, making the Balkans more accessible for tour packages. However, double-check your country's safety recommendations and talk to tour operators if you have any concerns.
Pay attention to trip itineraries to understand the locations you will be visiting. Tour itineraries only include safe places to visit, and your tour guides and local hosts will ensure your safety.
Which Balkan Tour is Right for Me?
Choosing a Balkan tour helps to break down the region into three main parts: Greece, Albania, and European Turkey; the former Yugoslav republics; and Romania and Bulgaria.
Alternatively, if you want to see them via a small-ship sea cruise, you could separate them by the significant seas that frame their coastlines: the Adriatic, Ionian, Aegean, and Black Sea.
Traveling Through Greece, Albania, and European Turkey
Greece is the best-known and most popular tourist destination in the Balkans and easily warrants a trip, mainly if you include the Greek Islands.
Athens, Olympia, Mt. Olympus, and Delphi are among the mainland highlights, while the Cycladic islands — such as Mykonos and Santorini — are among the most popular in the Aegean. Greece also borders the Ionian Sea to its west.
Albania, just a short ferry hop from the Greek island of Corfu, is sandwiched between Greece to the south and Montenegro to the north, with a coastline along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. Albania has castles, monasteries, mountains, beaches, and parks.
European Turkey features Istanbul, one of the world's great cities. Its sights include the Topkapi Palace museum, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, the Grand Bazaar, and ferry trips across the Bosphorus between European and Asian Turkey.
Traveling Through the Former Yugoslav Republics
Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Kosovo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Macedonia comprise this grouping (the country of Macedonia is separate from the Greek region of the same name).
Held together for decades by the dictator Tito, Yugoslavia disbanded following the collapse of Communism. Initially, it set off a series of post-civil wars among Serbia, Croatia, Kosovo, and Bosnia, ignited by long-simmering ethnic, religious, and national rivalries.
The region is now peaceful, and Croatia has become one of the stars of European tourism. It has outstanding attractions such as medieval Dubrovnik, classical Split (the city walls are built right into the remains of Roman Emperor Diocletian's palace), a series of jewel-like islands along the Adriatic coast, and inland natural wonders such as Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Slovenia, heavily influenced by nearby Italy, is a land of mountains, lakes, and castles, while Montenegro is almost entirely mountainous — except for a slender strip along its lovely Adriatic coast. That strip harbors Kotor, one of Europe's most pristine medieval walled towns, framed by a steep mountain backdrop and reached via southern Europe's only fjord.
Serbia is anchored by the region's largest city, Belgrade, which is gaining fans for its newly-minted nightlife. However, the country is also known for its mountains, monasteries, and medieval fortresses, which form an essential part of any private tour across the Balkans. One way to see parts of Serbia is via Danube river cruises. Its small offshoot country, Kosovo, is mainly undiscovered, as is Macedonia to the south.
Bosnia-Herzegovina played a huge role in world history — its capital, Sarajevo, was the site of Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand's assassination in 1914, which ignited World War I.
Today, Bosnia is a center of Islamic culture in the Balkans, a remnant of the days when the Ottomans ruled much of this region. But most of Bosnia's Muslims are native Slavs, not Turks, which adds a unique layer to the Bosnian cultural tapestry. Mosques, mountains, and medieval villages are among the highlights.
Romania and Bulgaria
These two major Balkan countries have outlets to both the Black Sea and the Danube River, so they may be partially toured via small ship and river cruises.
Romania, the land of the notorious Vlad the Impaler and Transylvania's fictional Count Dracula — whose Bran castle and Vlad-inspired Drac — is known for its painted churches, monasteries, medieval villages, and the Carpathian Mountains.
Bulgaria is an ancient land of mountains, monasteries, castles, and a vibrant traditional culture.
The Balkans Reviews & Ratings
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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...
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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...
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Highly recommended!
My husband and I have just returned from this cycle trip and we can highly recommend it to anyone thinking of doing the same. Alan, the tour leader, was outstandin...
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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...
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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, ...
Traveling to The Balkans, an FAQ
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