Start Point
Athens
End Point
Athens
Ages
10 - 75+
Transport
Private coach
Accommodation
2, 3 & 4* hotels

Reasons to Book

Summary

Travel the Balkans and discover the unmatched beauty of this region. See ten unique countries. Go Greek and discover the history of Athens, Delphi and Meteora. Travel Croatia and explore Dubrovnik - made famous by Game of Thrones! Marvel at the waterfalls in the Plitvice Lakes National Park and soak in the thermal baths of Budapest on this exciting Balkan tour. Visit Slovenia, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina! Balkan tours are an intoxicating blend of the Mediterranean, central Europe and Eastern Europe. Adventure definitely awaits in this spectacular corner of Europe!

Select departure dates on this tour line up with the Athens, Mykonos & Santorini tour, which you can join from Athens on the last day of this tour if you wish to continue your travels on the Greek Islands.

Balkan Explorer
Accommodation
  • 15 nights' accommodation in twin rooms with private en-suite facilities
  • Single travelers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room
Meals
  • 15 Breakfasts, 8 Dinners
    *Vegetarian options available for all meals on request
Transport
  • Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
  • Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)
Modern air conditioned coach transport
Extras
  • Services of your Expat Explore tour leader, who will be on hand with advice and tips to ensure that you get the most from your trip
  • All taxes and fees included
  • Free Expat Explore tour souvenir – a memorable gift of your once in a lifetime trip
19 Experiences!

Accommodation

If you are looking to spend extra time at your tour start and/or tour end points, you are now able to book affordable and convenient pre and post-tour accommodation via booking.com

We use a variety of hotels in each of the destinations on this tour, so you may stay in a hotel different to that listed here. Hotels are selected closer to departure. A confirmed list of hotels will be sent to you along with your Tour Leader announcement, 7 days prior to departure.

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Hotel Candia Hotel Candia
Hotel Candia Hotel Candia
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Hotel Kosta Famissi Hotel Kosta Famissi
Hotel Kosta Famissi Hotel Kosta Famissi
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Hotel Belvedere Hotel Belvedere
Hotel Belvedere Hotel Belvedere
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Hotel Sky2 Tirana Hotel Sky2 Tirana
Hotel Sky2 Tirana Hotel Sky2 Tirana
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Hotel Ivka Hotel Ivka
Hotel Ivka Hotel Ivka
Hotel Vis Hotel Vis
Hotel Vis Hotel Vis
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Hotel Porto Hotel Porto
Hotel Porto Hotel Porto
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Hotel Lev Hotel Lev
Hotel Lev Hotel Lev
B&B Hotel Ljubljana Park B&B Hotel Ljubljana Park
B&B Hotel Ljubljana Park B&B Hotel Ljubljana Park
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Star Inn Hotel Budapest Centrum Star Inn Hotel Budapest Centrum
Star Inn Hotel Budapest Centrum Star Inn Hotel Budapest Centrum
Impulso Fashion Hotel Impulso Fashion Hotel
Impulso Fashion Hotel Impulso Fashion Hotel
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Hotel Queens Astoria Hotel Queens Astoria
Hotel Queens Astoria Hotel Queens Astoria
Hotel Mr President Hotel Mr President
Hotel Mr President Hotel Mr President
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Ramada Sofia City Centre Ramada Sofia City Centre
Ramada Sofia City Centre Ramada Sofia City Centre
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Hotel El Greco Hotel El Greco
Hotel El Greco Hotel El Greco
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Start Point
Hotel in AthensPlease contact us for more details
10:00 hrs
End Point
Hotel in AthensPlease contact us for more information
10:00 hrs
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Optionals

On Tour Excursions
All optional excursions are booked on tour and paid in cash to your tour leader, unless stated otherwise. Please note, certain optional excursions are subject to availability and could change as a result.

You've found your ideal tour, now you just need to find the ideal date. Take a look at your options below:

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Why this tour

A Balkan travel experience is noticeably different from travelling to anywhere else in Western Europe. The Balkans are home to fascinating history, a mix of distinct cultures (with Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and Yugoslavian influences) and impressive natural scenery. On this best of the Balkans tour over 16 days, you’ll be able to discover the beauty of this region while experiencing the best of its most popular destinations along with true hidden-gems. 

The Balkans tour begins and ends in Athens, Greece. During the tour, you’ll travel through the greater Balkans area, seeing top travel destinations including Dubrovnik and Plitvice Lakes in Croatia and Budapest in Hungary. You’ll also get the chance to visit destinations off the regular tourist track on this 10 country Balkan tour such as North Macedonia, Albania and Bulgaria on this Balkans tour itinerary - it’s a real well-rounded travel experience!  

Highlights of this tour of the Balkans include:

  • Prepare to have your breath taken away by the natural beauty of the Balkan landscape - see Plitvice Lakes, explore the beach towns of Croatia plus visit the beautiful seaside spots of Kotor and Budva in Montenegro.
  • Enjoy free days in the incredibly popular Dubrovnik and Budapest as well as the intriguing Sofia in Bulgaria. 
  • Embark on locally guided tours of Ljubljana in Slovenia, Lake Ohrid Old Town in North Macedonia and Belgrade in Serbia. Your guide will be able to introduce you to these destinations and share tales about the history, traditions and everyday life.   
  • Spend time in the historic towns of Mostar, Ljubljana, Tirana, Sofia and experience the mix of influences seen in the unique architecture, culture and cuisine!
  • Discover ancient history in Greece with visits to Delphi and almost gravity-defying monasteries in Meteora. 
  • Love Game of Thrones? Grab your chance to head off on a Game of Thrones walking tour optional in Dubrovnik and see the streets of King’s Landing and the Red Keep! 

Is this the right tour for me?

Will there be enough time to spend on my own?

If you are thinking of booking a Balkan private tour, this tour will definitely work for you. With free days in Budapest, Dubrovnik and Sofia plus free time to explore most of the destinations you visit, there is enough time to spend on your own while enjoying the benefits of group travel and escorted tours of the Balkans. 

What is the best time to visit the Balkans?

The great thing about the Balkans is that you can visit throughout the year! Spring and Autumn are the best time to visit for outdoor adventures like hikes. It is also slightly quieter on the tourist front with pleasant weather and chances of rain. Summer can become incredibly hot across many Balkan countries - it is beautiful beach weather but keep note that popular cities like Dubrovnik can get crowded. Winter is a wonderful time to visit as festivities take place as the temperature drops. Keep in mind that it will get cold, especially in countries like Serbia, Hungary and Slovenia. 

Is it safe to visit the Balkans?

While there were conflicts in the Balkans many years ago, today it is a safe destination to visit. You’ll find all different kinds of travellers here; groups, solo travellers, families, backpackers and more.

Which is the most beautiful Balkan country?

It’s impossible to choose! Croatia, Montenegro and Albania have beautiful coastal regions. Serbia, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina boast beautiful scenery and tangible history. Slovenia and Hungary are home to captivating atmospheres and incredible sites! 

See all these wonderful countries with Expat Explore for a fun, affordable and convenient way to travel. Balkans vacation packages showcase a spectacular corner of Europe - adventure definitely awaits on the Balkan Explorer! 

 

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