Balkan Explorer

10 days
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Small Group Tour
Unlock the central Balkans, where influences from the East and West collide. This trip showcases the cultural highlights of Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Kosovo, home to an invigorating mix of ancient civilisations, Unesco World Heritage landmarks and laidback cities such as Sofia and Skopje. Additionally, a visit to this region of the Balkan Peninsula would ...
26%
$3,746
From$2,775
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Discover Skopje and Sofia, two of the most vibrant capitals in the Balkans
    • Visit the Unesco-listed Rila Monastery in Bulgaria
    • Discover the Tikvesh wine region and alluring Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia
    • Explore Prizren, the culture capital of Kosovo
    • Enjoy natural beauty, ancient sites and traditional Balkan cuisine

What's this trip about?

    Unlock the central Balkans, where influences from the East and West collide. This trip showcases the cultural highlights of Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Kosovo, home to an invigorating mix of ancient civilisations, Unesco World Heritage landmarks and laidback cities such as Sofia and Skopje. Additionally, a visit to this region of the Balkan Peninsula would not be complete without experiencing the contrasting natural beauty on offer: national parks, high mountains, fertile valleys, wine regions and the peaceful lakes Ohrid and Prespa – all part of this comprehensive itinerary.Discover the cultural highlights of Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Kosovo

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 14 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CitySofia
End CitySofia

Travel Themes

  • Culinary & Wine
  • Cultural

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Bulgaria
  • North Macedonia

Attractions

  • Skopje
  • Sofia

Activities

  • Culture
  • History

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts, three lunches and two dinners
    • All accommodation
    • Free group arrival and departure transfers available

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Start in Sofia, Bulgaria

The trip begins in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. We recommend arriving at the hotel before 3pm as the group welcome meeting usually takes place at 3.30pm. Don't worry if your flight arrives later, the tour leader can update you on the key information. After the welc...

Day 2 Transfer to Melnik, stopping at the Unesco-listed sites of Boyana Church and Rila Monastery. Free afternoon in Melnik

After breakfast, we begin our transfer towards the picturesque city of Melnik. En route we visit the Unesco-badged Boyana Church, a small medieval orthodox church in a suburb of Sofia. Despite the small size of the church, its frescoes are historically significant and...

Day 3 Transfer to North Macedonia. Visit the ancient city of Stobi; enjoy wine tasting over dinner in a winery of the Tikvesh wine region

This morning, before we depart for North Macedonia, we visit Kordopulova house, the largest house from the Bulgarian Revival Period, built in 1754 by the Kordopulos family. Here we will become familiar with old Melnik traditions and architecture. We then head to the ...

Day 4 Drive to Bitola to visit the archaeological site of Heraclea and enjoy a walking tour of the city with free time in the evening

After a relaxed breakfast, we head towards Bitola city (two hours’ drive). Our first stop is to tour the archaeological site of Heraclea Lyncestis on the outskirts of Bitola. The ancient city was founded by Philip II of Macedon in the fourth century BCE after he had ...

Day 5 Pelister National Park walk, beekeepers farm and lunch in Dihovo, transfer to Lake Ohrid via Lake Prespa and Galičica National Park

This is a day to enjoy nature. In the morning, we go to nearby Pelister National Park to walk The Path of the First World War through pine forests and to learn about the history of the area. Bitola was on the frontline of the Macedonian front during the Great War and ...

Day 6 Full day in Ohrid, a Unesco World Heritage city. Dinner in a family home in Kuratica village

After breakfast, we have a walking tour of Ohrid, the pearl of the Balkan Peninsula. Built on a large hill above the lake, the old town is one of the oldest human settlements in Europe. The sightseeing takes us through winding, cobblestone streets with traditional hou...

Day 7 Transfer to Kosovo via Tetovo and Šar Planina National Park. Lunch in Varvara and a walking tour in Prizren

After breakfast, we check out and travel from Ohrid to Prizren in Kosovo. We stop in Tetovo (approximately two hours’ drive) to see the Colourful Mosque, one of the most notable Islamic monuments in Europe due to its unique decorative style. From here, we head to the ...

Day 8 Visit the Unesco-listed Gračanica Monastery before Skopje, followed by a city tour

We leave Prizren in the morning. Our first stop is King Milutin’s final endowment, Gračanica Monastery, a Unesco World Heritage site in the heart of Kosovo close to Priština, the capital of this disputed territory. The masterfully built monastic church was finished in...

Day 9 Osogovo Monastery visit while transferring back to Sofia for a farewell dinner

Today’s drive is dedicated to completing the circle back to Sofia. We break this drive (approximately four hours) with a stop before the border at Osogovo Monastery to visit this historic venue and to have a lunch. In the late afternoon, we return to Sofia. In the evening, we can have a farewell dinner of traditional local dishes. Accommodation: Sofia Place Hotel (or similar)

Day 10 End Sofia

After breakfast, we say goodbye to each other and start our journey home. If you’d like to spend a bit more time in this illustrious city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,775
Price per day$278
Last Updated: 5/22/2024

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

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.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

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Other Exodus Travels Reviews

R

Ruth Long

Aug 2024

Written on

great activities perfectly planned

great activities perfectly planned, good support and guiding.

C

Catherine Newbold

Aug 2024

Written on

Very easy process.

Very easy process.

A

Annabel Church Smith

Aug 2024

Written on

Helpful alternative choice

We had to cancel our trip to Jordon due to the troubles in the Middle East. The person at Exodus was very helpful in suggesting an alternative holiday for us. Howeve...

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Visas and vaccinations
    • Single supplement

Accommodation

9 nights hotels, all rooms en suite Travel by air-conditioned minibus Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader All breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners included,Accommodation listed under each day in each location are the standard hotels used. However, there may be some departures where groups stay at similar hotels of the same standard and quality. Single supplements are available on request.
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
All breakfasts, three lunches and two dinners are included. Food in the Balkans is quite varied thanks to the many regional influences – many popular dishes with the same name but often with big taste differences. Dairy products, especially milk and yoghurt, are present in many dishes. Grilled meats are popular with pork and lamb prevalent in Macedonia and Bulgaria. Pastries, pies, salads and fresh vegetable dishes are a staple of the Balkan diet. Macedonian wine is incredibly good value, especially wines from the Tikvesh region. Rakija, similar to brandy, is very popular and local people often make their own. Mastika, a liquor, is considered the national drink of Macedonia and is usually poured over ice and enjoyed with a selection of small dishes. Vegetarian and some special dietary requirements can be catered for but options are limited in the Balkans. Please inform us of any specific requirements upon booking.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
  • Nine nights in comfortable hotels
  • Group normally 4 to 14, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
  • Travel by private air-conditioned minibus
  • Option to travel by train to your adventure
Trip ID
exodus-ATO

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