The Balkans Tours & Trip Packages

The Balkans Tours & Trips

164 The Balkans trips. Tours from 91 tour companies. 743 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.

20 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Ljubljana
Balkans Rail Adventure
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5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Bar, Belgrade, Croatia, Dubrovnik, Kos, Kotor, Lake Bled, Ljubljana, Mavrovo, Montenegro, Mosta, Plitvice Lakes National park, Podgorica, Sarajevo, Skopje, Zagreb

Highlights

  • Visit seven countries of Former Yugoslavia in just 16 days
  • Experience a variety of scenic rail journeys
  • Discover contrasting landscapes and cities in this lesser visited region

Themes

Around the World, Cultural, Hiking & Walking, Train & Rail Journeys

Trip dates & details
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Friuli and Slovenia Magnifica Tour
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4.9/5 Excellent
75 reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
They offer a unique way to enjoy a classic destination by combining active travel with authentic cultural experiences.
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Ljubljana

Highlights

  • Smooth easy bike paths
  • Alps as the backdrop for most of the journey
  • Scenic, quiet roads without traffic
  • Outdoor activities: cycling, river rafting, and hiking
  • Premier hotels and historical palaces
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Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Family Friendly, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"Great routes, guides, hotels and bikes!"

Trip dates & details
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Croatia & Slovenia
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Croatia, Lake Bled, Ljubljana, Split, Zagreb

Highlights

  • Explore beautiful Split – a haven of relaxation and culture where tradition, modernity and a variety of European influences come together. Unwind with a walk along the waterfront promenade and explore the impressive ruins of Diocletian's Palace.
  • Feel the rich heritage of the former capital of Dalmatia with each step on the marble streets of Zadar, and visit a local nunnery and learn about their work on the farm.
  • Discover Zagreb and Ljubljana, capitals of Croatia and Slovenia and relax in their extensive green spaces, find hidden spots and experience the lively culture with your free time.
  • Stroll through Plitvice Lakes National Park, marvelling at luminous lakes and waterfalls that seem to have been sketched by an artist. Then, visit a nearby NGO to learn about how they're preserving an important cultural craft.
  • Explore the Slovenian town of Bled – an active paradise, the beautiful town lies on a stunning lake at the edge of the Julian Alps with an island church that appears to have come straight out of a fairytale.
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Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Dubrovnik to Rome
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Cinque Terre, Colosseum, Croatia, Dalmatian Coast, Diocletian's Palace, Dubrovnik, Florence, La Spezia, Ljubljana, Pantheon, Rome, Split, Tuscany, Vatican City, Venice, Zagreb

Highlights

  • Stroll through Plitvice Lakes National Park – a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site – marvelling at luminous lakes and azure waterfalls that look like they’ve been sketched by an artist.   
  • Feast on Mediterranean fresh seafood, Italian-influenced antipasti and the crunchy, doughy dessert of fritule in the culinary capital of Croatia – Zagreb. Then if you like, explore the touching Museum of Broken Relationships. 
  • Journey to romantic Venice – like no other city in the world. Fall in love with its labyrinth of alleyways, canals, lagoon islands, and endless historic attractions and hop on a gondola if you want to explore the city from a different perspective.  
  • Explore Cinque Terre's rocky coastal pathways, calling into the sleepy pastel villages of Manarola, Riomaggiore or Vernazza. Then enjoy a full day to explore this picturesque spot at your own pace. 
  • Walk around Rome’s famous landmarks, including one of the Seven Wonders of the World – the Colosseum – as well as Vatican City, the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
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Dubrovnik to Venice
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Croatia, Dalmatian Coast, Diocletian's Palace, Dubrovnik, Ljubljana, Split, Venice, Zagreb

Highlights

  • Unwind in seaside Split – a haven of relaxation and culture – and walk along the waterfront promenade to admire the impressive Diocletian's Palace before feasting on seafood.
  • Stroll through Plitvice Lakes National Park – a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site – marvelling at luminous lakes and azure waterfalls that look like they’ve been sketched by an artist.
  • Feast on Mediterranean fresh seafood, Italian-influenced antipasti and the crunchy, doughy dessert of fritule in the culinary capital of Croatia – Zagreb. Then if you like, explore the touching Museum of Broken Relationships.
  • Explore the streets, medieval buildings and restored castle of Ljubljana’s charming Old Town on foot. Your local leader will know all the hotspots, plus the best cafes for a coffee break.
  • Journey to romantic Venice – like no other city in the world. Fall in love with its labyrinth of alleyways, canals, lagoon islands, and endless historic attractions and hop on a gondola if you want to explore the city from a different perspective.
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Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
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Slovenia: Hike, Bike & Raft
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Alps, Lake Bled, Ljubljana

Highlights

  • Hike along lush trails from the top of Mt Vogel, within Triglav National Park, looking down to the valley where the deep green forest meets the bright blue of the glacial Lake Bohinj.
  • Cycle through mountain pastures beside the Radovljica River to a valley strewn with wildflowers.
  • Trek through Bled to Vintgar Gorge across rapids, waterfalls and pools. Find your reflection in the sparkling water below from the boardwalk on the rock face.
  • Explore picturesque Bled at your own pace – famous for its fairytale-like surroundings, including the lake with a church and medieval castle smack bang in the middle. Maybe go kayaking on the river or indulge in the iconic cream cake.
  • Go whitewater rafting over the rugged rapids, gates and pools of the Soka River, taking in stunning alpine scenery as you follow your expert guides.
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Themes

Cultural, Cycling & Biking, High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Slovenia to Macedonia Real Food Adventure
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Alps, Croatia, Diocletian's Palace, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Ljubljana, Mavrovo, Montenegro, Skopje, Split

Highlights

  • Experience an authentic taste of this region and a look at local life when you dine in family homes in Rakovica, Ohrid, Lake Prespa and Dihovo.
  • See behind the scenes of local produce when you visit local farms, a centuries-old smokehouse, an olive mill, a Benedictine nunnery and meet a local beekeeper for a honey tasting.
  • Take a day trip to the island of Brac and indulge in the finest organic olive oils from the largest olive grove in Croatia, followed by a sugared walnut cake that has become ‘a protected item of intangible heritage’!
  • Try the most iconic foods of Slovenia, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro and Kosovo, including smoked and barbecued meats, cheese, honey, apples and locally produced wine.
  • Learn how to make a hand-formed pasta shape in a Croatian konoba, the greens-filled soparnik with experts in Split, and brightly coloured and flavoured ajvar in Dolno Dupeni.
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Themes

Culinary & Wine

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
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Dubrovnik to Bled
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Croatia, Diocletian's Palace, Dubrovnik, Lake Bled, Ljubljana, Split, Zagreb

Highlights

  • Spend a full day exploring the green island of Mljet – with its small seaside villages, lush national park trails, shimmering waters and largely untouched environment, you’ll never want to leave!
  • Snack on salty cheese made from sheep’s milk during a trip to the karst island of Pag, where a determined group of islanders wring themselves a living from the barren, rocky landscape.
  • A guided tour of the 4th-century Diocletian’s Palace in Split reveals not just Roman-era beauty, but also the local businesses that operate in the alleyways and cellars of this epic structure.
  • Gaze over the beautiful hillside, lavender fields and vineyards of Hvar Island during a leisurely organic dinner at an agriturismo.
  • Stroll through Plitvice Lakes National Park, marvelling at luminous lakes and waterfalls that seem to have been sketched by an artist.
Show more

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

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20 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Ljubljana

The Balkans Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
743  Reviews
See all The Balkans tour reviews
Excellent
566
Great
163
Average
24
Disappointing
2
Terrible
4
A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

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...

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

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

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...

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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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