Balkan Explorer
Travel the Balkans and discover the unmatched beauty of this region through 10 unique countries! Balkan tours are an intoxicating blend of the Mediterranean, Central and Eastern Europe. Discover the Greek history of Athens, Delphi and Meteora. Travel Croatia and explore Dubrovnik, made famous by Game of Thrones, and the coastal city of Split. Marvel at the...
Overview
Highlights
- Explore every country in the Balkan peninsula
- Free days to enjoy Dubrovnik and Budapest
- Explore Delphi, Meteora, Rila Monastery and Plitvice Lakes National Park
- Visit Kotor, Budva, Sarajevo, Split, Tirana, Ljubljana, Belgrade and Thessaloniki
What's this trip about?
Travel the Balkans and discover the unmatched beauty of this region through 10 unique countries! Balkan tours are an intoxicating blend of the Mediterranean, Central and Eastern Europe. Discover the Greek history of Athens, Delphi and Meteora. Travel Croatia and explore Dubrovnik, made famous by Game of Thrones, and the coastal city of Split. Marvel at the waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park, explore Rila Monastery and soak in the thermal baths of Budapest. Visit Slovenia, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina on this exciting Balkan tour!
To add a Greek Island adventure to your Balkan tour, join our Best of the Balkans & Greek Islands tour!
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Activities
Trip includes
- 15 nights hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms. The majority of our accommodations are of a 3- and 4-star standard, offering excellent value, comfort and convenience
- Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)
- 15 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 8 Dinners*Vegetarian options available for all meals on request
- Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
- Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)
- Explore Athens; Greece’s ancient capital city
- Enjoy a welcome dinner in Athens
- Explore the ancient ruins of Delphi
- Visit Meteora; see the formation of Eastern Orthodox monasteries
- Embark on a guided tour of Ohrid
- Discover Tirana on a walking tour
- Explore Budva and Kotor in Montenegro
- Experience Dubrovnik on a walking tour
- Visit Mostar; a medieval Balkan town
- Take a walking tour of Sarajevo
- Explore Split, an idyllic coastal city
- Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park
- Embark on a guided walking tour of Ljubljana
- Visit Maribor, a charming city in Slovenia
- Admire Lake Balaton, Central Europe’s largest lake
- See the best-loved sights in Budapest on a driving tour
- Visit Novi Sad in Serbia
- Guided walking tour of Belgrade
- Visit Tinkers Alley and enjoy a lunch stop in Niš
- Enjoy a walking tour of Sofia, Bulgaria
- Explore the majestic Rila Monastery
- Discover Thessaloniki; a Greek port city
- Visit Kamena Vourla; a scenic coastal Greek city
- Farewell dinner in Athens
- Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
- Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details
Itinerary
Welcome to Athens! Meet up with your tour leader and tour group at the hotel in the morning. An overview of the upcoming itinerary will be given. Then, enjoy an orientation tour of Greece’s capital city and explore some of this ancient city’s top sights. See the Acade...
Travel north through the Greek mainland, stopping off in Delphi along the way. In antiquity, Delphi was considered the “omphalos” (navel) of the earth. Admire the Sanctuary of Apollo, see the Treasury of the Athenians, and visit the museum of Delphi. Arrive in Meteora...
This morning, travel onwards to North Macedonia and the undiscovered jewel of Ohrid. A UNESCO World Heritage Site on the shores of Lake Ohrid, this city is one of the oldest human settlements in Europe and is notable for once having had 365 churches, one for each day ...
This morning, depart North Macedonia and journey to its Balkan neighbour Albania, driving into the capital city, Tirana. In a story typical of many cities in this part of Europe, Tirana has undergone a remarkable transformation, shaking off an oppressive Communist reg...
Heading north, bid farewell to Albania and travel through Montenegro. Today’s first stop is the picturesque coastal town of Budva, known for its well-preserved medieval walled city, with free time to explore. Next, it’s time to make a comfort stop at the UNESCO World ...
This morning, join a local guide for a walking tour of the Old Town to see the Franciscan Monastery, the City Walls and more. Then, embark on a walking tour from the stunning Amerling Fountain. The rest of the day is free to explore Dubrovnik's incredible history! For...
Today, hop aboard the coach and cross the border into Bosnia and Herzegovina - a Balkan country filled with rich history and culture, which is also home to beautiful towns and scenic landscapes! Arrive in Mostar, a historic Balkan town. This enchanting town has been r...
Depart Bosnia and Herzegovina this morning and head back to Croatia. Arrive in the idyllic coastal city of Split and enjoy an orientation tour of the picturesque Old Town. Admire the Baroque architecture of Fruit Square, see the ancient Diocletian's Palace and wander ...
The tour continues today with a mix of sublime scenery and the stunning Slovenian capital! Begin with a visit to one of the most picturesque natural landscapes in the whole of Europe. The Plitvice Lakes National Park is known internationally for its cascading waterfal...
Before crossing the border into Hungary today, stop in Marbor. Enjoy an orientation tour in Slovenia’s second-largest city. Then, visit Lake Balaton in Hungary. This dazzling freshwater lake is the largest in Central Europe and a popular holiday destination. Later thi...
With traces of the past evident in the interesting and unusual details found across the city, today is your chance to get up close and personal with Budapest! For an in-depth journey through Budapest’s top sights, join the Buda vs Pest optional excursion. Visit iconic...
Say goodbye to Budapest as the tour continues onwards to Belgrade in Serbia. Make a comfort stop in Novi Sad before arriving in Serbia’s capital city and embarking on a walking tour with a local guide. Look forward to seeing the city’s highlights including Republic Sq...
See more of Serbia this morning with a visit to Niš. Enjoy a lunch stop in this historic city in south-eastern Serbia that was ruled by the Turks from the 14th to the 19th century. Visit the quaint cobbled streets of Tinkers Alley (Kazandžijsko Sokače). This nostalgic...
After two weeks spent encountering the magic of the Balkans, today the tour heads back to Greece. But first, experience one of Bulgaria’s top cultural sights with a visit to Rila Monastery! This ancient Eastern Orthodox monastery features striking architecture, import...
Buckle up once again and head south through the Greek countryside. Today the tour returns to Athens. Along the way, enjoy a stop in Kamena Vourla which is located on the south coast of the Malian Gulf. Here, find a local spot to grab lunch in this scenic destination. ...
After breakfast, this 16-day journey through the Balkans and beyond concludes. The time has come to say your goodbyes to your fellow travellers but don’t forget to swap contact details to stay in touch. We hope you have enjoyed your tour with Expat Explore!
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Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:
- You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
- Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Expat Explore.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Expat Explore Reviews & Ratings
Other Expat Explore Reviews
Hilariously bad support from outsourced…
Hilariously bad support from outsourced call centers. They flat out bs you making up answers. They did not actually book all the hotels stated in the tour so there ...
Classic Europe 14 days
My daughter and I did this tour over Christmas/New Year for her 21st birthday. It was a great experience for us, from booking online to a very organised tour. Expa...
Great tour
Great tour. We had the best tour leader Alessandro. Every...
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Logistics
What's excluded
- International flightsTravel to the start point and from the endpoint is not included. We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best deals on international flights.
- Travel insuranceFor a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with the peace of mind so that you can enjoy your tour without any worries.
- All passengers travelling on an Expat Explore tour are required to have valid travel insurance cover and you are responsible for arranging your own insurance. Click here for more information.
- 15 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 8 Dinners
*Vegetarian options available for all meals on request
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