Balkans Tours & Trips
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Table of contents
- The best Balkans tour packages
- What people love about Balkans Tours
- Travel Balkans your way
- Best tour companies for Balkans tours
- Discover Balkans tours for every budget
- Balkans tours for every type of group
- Top Balkans travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Balkans
- Contact our Balkans travel experts
- What our customers ask about Balkans Tours & Trips
The best Balkans tour packages
Compiled by
NadineBalkans travel expert at TourRadar
Western Balkans Uncovered
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The accommodations were as varied as the places we visited. Her choices of dining establishments were spot on for each different location.”
Angela, traveled in April
The Balkan odyssey spans 9 captivating cities over 12 days, from Skopje's Ottoman bazaars to UNESCO-listed Lake Ohrid. Wander through Matka Canyon's wilderness, visit Kosovo's historic Prizren, and walk Dubrovnik's iconic walls. Comfortable hotels and local specialties like flija and sarma enhance the cultural immersion. For travelers aged 5+.
Duration 12 days Destinations Macedonia, Kosovo, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $5,300
30% Off- NZ$3,710You save $1,590
Dubrovnik to Athens
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I've travelled before with Geckos and Intrepid and I love the format of structure plus independent time.”
Tricia, traveled in April
Pristine trails of Pelister National Park lead to UNESCO-listed Ohrid's 365 churches and turquoise Lake Ohrid's shores. This 15-day route from Dubrovnik to Athens showcases medieval towns like Kotor and Berat with authentic Albanian and North Macedonian encounters. Guided tours include Rozafa Castle, Kruja Fortress, and Mount Olympus hiking.
Duration 15 days Destinations Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Macedonia, Greece Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $5,420
20% Off- NZ$4,336You save $1,084
Journey Through the Balkans
29 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I particularly enjoyed the Sargan 8 rail trip, the optional boat trip on Skadar Lake.”
Sophie, traveled in June
Discover UNESCO treasures like Kotor's medieval walls and Mostar's iconic bridge on this 12-day Balkan journey. Explore Sarajevo's religious diversity, ride the historic Sargan Eight Railway through Serbia's mountains, and stay in unique accommodation at Sirogojno's open-air museum. Visit 15 cities across Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia Herzegovina, and Croatia.
Duration 12 days Destinations Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia, Croatia Age Range 16 to 85 year olds Operator Explore! From $4,620
10% Off- NZ$4,180You save $440
Balkan Essentials in 12 days
23 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“All of the vehicles and accommodations were excellent on the premium package. We would highly recommend this trip and company!”
Shivani, traveled in July
Belgrade's bohemian Skadarlija quarter opens a path through Serbia's 'Tuscany' wine region to UNESCO-listed Mostar Bridge and Sarajevo's Baščaršija bazaar. Montenegro's Bay of Kotor and Croatia's Plitvice Lakes complement stays at boutique hotels like Royal Inn Belgrade and Hotel Lapad Dubrovnik. Šargan Eight vintage railway and traditional copper workshops add unique charm.
Duration 12 days Destinations Serbia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Croatia Age Range 12 to 85 year olds Operator Balkan and more From $5,973
15% Off- NZ$5,077You save $896
Private - Balkan Essentials in 12 days
23 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The hotel accommodations were excellent as well as the breakfast and dinners that were included.”
Daniel, traveled in September
A 12-day adventure through 4 Balkan countries unfolds from Belgrade's Question Mark tavern to Sarajevo's Baščaršija district. The route includes UNESCO sites like Višegrad Bridge and Dubrovnik's Old Town, with stays at Hotel Palisad in Zlatibor and Lapad Hotel in Dubrovnik. Highlights include Šargan Eight Railroad ride and wine tasting in Serbia's 'Tuscany' region.
Duration 12 days Destinations Serbia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Croatia Age Range 12 to 84 year olds Operator Balkan and more From $10,243
15% Off- NZ$8,707You save $1,537
What people love about Balkans Tours
- Dubrovnik to Athens
The tour gave a good overview about the balkan countries!
- Western Balkans Uncovered
I did not know what to expect and was pleased to find it all very interesting and different from our North American standards. The kindness of the people toward tourists was wonderful to experience especially given the difficult history all of the countries visited had gone through. Food and drink were very good.
- Balkan Essentials in 12 days
Our guide was excellent. Itinerary was good but little more time in Duvobnick will make it better.
Travel Balkans your way
Embark on a serene Balkans river cruise, gliding past historic cities, rugged landscapes, and cultural hotspots. Wander the buzzing streets of Belgrade, explore fortresses and castles, and savor traditional cuisine at riverside cafes.
See all River Cruise toursThe Via Dinarica trek takes you right into the heart of the Balkans' wildest spaces, where you'll climb through the Dinaric Alps to spots like Outlaw's Gate before settling in for some amazing stargazing. One real highlight is Lukomir, sitting at 1,500m - it's Bosnia's highest village where people still live in traditional stone houses that have been there for centuries. Our guides know Durmitor National Park inside out, leading you past glacier-carved lakes and through pine forests, always adapting the routes to match how the group's feeling. What our travelers love most is how the serious hiking mixes with local life - you'll share fresh homemade cheese and strong Bosnian coffee with mountain families and might spot wild horses roaming free in Cincar Mountain's high meadows.
See all Hiking & Trekking toursVisit the real Balkans on an adventure holiday. With 154 Balkan adventure tours full of bucket list experiences and outdoor activities from award-winning tour operators such as G Adventures and Busabout, you're sure to find an unforgettable adventure for you!
See all Active toursCycling through the Balkans offers a unique way to experience the region's dramatic landscapes and hidden villages. The most popular route starts in Croatia and winds through Montenegro and Bosnia & Herzegovina, including spectacular sections along the Bay of Kotor and the historic Ciro Trail. Another excellent option takes riders from Slovenia through to Macedonia, with particularly good routes around Lake Ohrid and through Mavrovo National Park's wilderness. What makes these bike tours special is how they combine challenging rides like the climb to Ostrog Monastery with easier days exploring places like Korcula's vineyards and also Dubrovnik's historic harbor.
See all Bicycle tours
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for Balkans tours
Looking at the main Balkan tour operators, Intrepid Travel stands out for their deep local connections - their guides really help travelers get under the skin of each destination. Though it's worth noting some of their "comfort" level trips have gotten mixed feedback about where you stay and what's included in the package.Choose Balkans has built a solid reputation with their quick-to-respond guides who know their stuff, while Tour Mage gets good marks specifically for their drivers who make getting around smooth and hassle-free. If you're after a well-rounded experience, Europamundo delivers reliable tours with nice places to stay and quite good food along the way.What's interesting is how each operator has found their own specialty - Intrepid focuses on those authentic local moments, Choose Balkans excels at personal service, Tour Mage handles the logistics really well and Europamundo keeps things comfortable and organized. Based on what our travelers tell us, these differences matter when you're planning which parts of the Balkans you want to explore and how you prefer to travel.
View Balkans operators
Discover Balkans tours for every budget
Budget-conscious travelers have excellent options for exploring the Balkans without compromising on experiences. Several tours take you through five countries in just 8 days, letting you discover highlights like Mostar's Old Bridge, Sarajevo's Ottoman quarters and also Tirana's colorful architecture. Our travelers particularly enjoy the local guides who share insider knowledge about places like Prizren's diverse heritage and also Lake Ohrid's ancient churches. These routes include cultural experiences like visiting Budva's medieval town, exploring Montenegro's coastal gems and wandering through Skopje's historic bazaar. What makes these budget trips special is how they combine UNESCO sites with authentic moments - you might find yourself tasting traditional burek in Sarajevo or watching sunset over Sveti Stefan.Our luxury Balkan journeys run for 14 days and blend classic destinations with unique local access. You'll explore Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace with private guides, discover Ljubljana's Baroque streets and also get insider tours of Zagreb's historic upper town. The experiences go beyond typical sightseeing - our travelers often tell us how much they loved dining with local families in Sarajevo and visiting small family wineries that have been operating for generations. The guides really make these tours shine, bringing rich stories to places like Split's Diocletian Palace and Dubrovnik's medieval walls. We've picked some really special hotels along the way and there's plenty of flexibility to adjust things to match your interests.
Balkans budget tours- Balkans luxury tours
107 tours
Starting from
$80
per day
Balkans tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
2,324 tours in BalkansTop Balkans group tours weave through this captivating region in several ways. A comprehensive 24-day journey takes you from Sofia to Dubrovnik, leading small groups across 5 countries to explore Plovdiv's Roman heritage, Transylvania's medieval character, and Sarajevo's cultural quarters. Our travelers tell us they value how the tour mixes guided explorations with authentic moments - you'll discover Kazanlak's Thracian tombs, dine with families in Sighisoara and also walk along Dubrovnik's centuries-old walls. An 8-day option covering Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo and Montenegro stands out for its expert local guides and thoughtful pacing. You'll wander through Berat's Ottoman lanes, make your way up to Kotor's fortress and explore Ohrid's Byzantine treasures. Past guests often mention how these journeys blend major sites with personal encounters, like sharing coffee in Kosovo's villages, tasting wine in Melnik and also joining local families for meals. Another sought-after route begins in Athens, traveling north through 24 destinations where visits to Meteora's monasteries and Bulgaria's Rose Valley pair naturally with time in communities around Veliko Tarnovo and also Belgrade. The magic of these group experiences comes from balancing guided historical tours with space to explore independently, letting you uncover those hidden corners at your own pace.
Small Group
1,127 tours in BalkansOur most sought-after small-group trips through the Balkans blend guided activities, with plenty of independent time to explore. A popular route winds from Tirana through North Macedonia, Kosovo and also Montenegro, ending in Dubrovnik, where travelers discover ancient Lake Ohrid frescoes and traditional coffee ceremonies in Prizren's Ottoman quarter. Another excellent 14-day journey starts in Vienna and continues to Dubrovnik, combining special access to Schönbrunn Palace, intimate family dinners in Sarajevo and visits to local wine producers. Our guests tell us they particularly value the hands-on elements like hunting truffles in Motovun Forest, learning pasta techniques in Croatian konobas and sharing homemade raki with families in Albania's mountain communities. These small group departures from Tirana, Dubrovnik or also Belgrade tend to fill quickly in peak season, so booking around 80 days ahead makes sense, especially if you'd like a private room with the single supplement.
Private / Personalized
699 tours in BalkansPrivate tours through the Balkans offer the ultimate in flexibility and personalized attention. The most popular routes run 7-10 days, with itineraries that can be tailored to your interests. Our travelers especially appreciate experiences like riding the historic Šargan Eight railway through Serbia's mountains, learning copper crafting in Mostar's old town and also joining local shepherds in Albania's highlands. These tours earn consistent praise for their knowledgeable guides - one recent traveler highlighted how their guide's deep understanding of Balkan history brought each destination to life. What makes these private journeys special is the ability to adjust the pace and focus on your interests, whether that's wine tasting in Šumadija, exploring Ottoman architecture or discovering hidden local restaurants.
Top Balkans travel itineraries to fit your plans
Based on our current data, we have one 3-day option focused on Athens that lets you explore the Greek capital's ancient sites, including guided tours of the Acropolis, visits to the Panathenaic Stadium and also excursions to see the changing of the guard at the former Royal Palace. Our travelers appreciate having private transfers included and the flexibility to extend their stay.
The week-long Balkan journeys offer an excellent introduction to the region. Our most popular route takes you through five countries in seven days, starting in Sarajevo and including visits to Vrelo Bosne nature area, Mostar's historic bridge, Dubrovnik's ancient walls, Tirana's vibrant squares and also Lake Ohrid's crystal waters. Our customers particularly value the blend of city experiences and natural attractions, though they recommend choosing spring or fall travel dates to avoid peak summer crowds.
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Our 10-day Balkan trips give you time to really understand what makes this region tick. Starting in Belgrade, one route winds through Serbia's wine regions before heading into Bosnia's historic towns and Croatia's coastal gems. You might find yourself sipping homemade plum brandy at Serbia's oldest tavern or watching copper artisans at work in Mostar's old quarter. Another route starts in Athens and takes you through five countries, from Meteora's monasteries perched on cliffs to Ohrid's traditional markets and also Tirana's buzzing streets. What makes these trips special is the mix of famous sites with local moments - like sharing dinner with families in Sarajevo or meeting shepherds in Albania's mountain villages.
See all toursDemographics
When you travel solo through the Western Balkans, you'll find a really good mix of guided experiences and time to explore on your own. The small group format works well - you'll visit Ottoman mosques in Skopje, take boats across Lake Ohrid and spend time at Kotor's old fortifications. Our guests often tell us how much they enjoy meeting locals, especially in places like Berat where sharing raki with residents becomes a highlight. The typical 8-12 day trips include lots of interesting morning activities with local guides, like learning about Sarajevo's multicultural past, then give you afternoons free to find quiet cafes or join other travelers for dinner in Dubrovnik. While the hotels are basic, they're in great locations - though our solo travelers suggest booking single rooms for extra comfort during the journey.The Balkans offer perfect settings for couples who want both romance and cultural insights. Our travelers love the route from Belgrade into Bosnia's historic towns, where you can explore Sarajevo's charming old quarter and share meals with local families. Another route starts in Sofia and takes you through Bulgaria's mountain monasteries before reaching ancient sites in Greece. Couples particularly enjoy how these trips mix active days - like hiking in Durmitor National Park - with quiet evenings wandering Kotor's medieval lanes. You'll get guided tours but also plenty of time to explore together, whether it's walking Ohrid's peaceful lakeside paths or finding quiet corners in Dubrovnik's early morning streets.Our Balkan cross-border tours draw young travelers looking for cultural discoveries and active exploration, with routes starting in Tirana or Dubrovnik that connect five countries over 8-10 memorable days. Your journey mixes guided experiences with plenty of free time to connect with fellow travelers, as you float through the dramatic Matka Canyon, climb to San Giovanni Fortress for sweeping views, and share traditional Turkish coffee with Kosovo families. The coastal paths weave through Lake Ohrid's pristine waters and Montenegro's hidden beaches, while inland routes take you into workshops where you'll learn copper crafting in Mostar, or out to family farms in Albania's rolling countryside. The pace suits younger travelers perfectly - you might spend mornings wandering Sarajevo's historic Ottoman quarters or discovering Prizren's medieval heritage, then have afternoons free to find local hangouts or join others for dinner in Dubrovnik's winding streets. We've chosen simple but central accommodations, and our travelers especially love staying at family guesthouses where shared meals and wine tastings bring the group together naturally.Older travelers really appreciate how our Balkan tours take time to explore each destination properly. There's a fantastic route from Athens through Macedonia and Bulgaria that gives you proper time at important sites like Meteora's monasteries and also Rila's mountain sanctuary. If you prefer coastal settings, the Croatia-to-Bosnia route combines seaside towns with inland historical sites. These trips work so well because they balance proper sightseeing with relaxed meals and cultural experiences - you might spend your morning at Ohrid's ancient churches, then enjoy a long lunch at local restaurants and take gentle walks through Skopje's old bazaar. The guides make a big difference too; our travelers often mention how much they enjoy learning about places like Thessaloniki's Byzantine churches and Sofia's orthodox cathedrals from experts who really know their history.
- Solo Travelers2,387 tours All tours for Solo Travelers
- Couples702 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)98 tours All tours for Young Adults
- Seniors (50+)1,011 tours
Best time to visit Balkans
- Summer 2025
Summer brings vibrant energy to our Balkan tours, with longer days perfect for combining historical sites with outdoor activities. Many travelers choose routes that include swimming opportunities, from Lake Ohrid's clear waters to Montenegro's Adriatic coast and also Greece's beaches near Mount Olympus. Our guided walks through places like Dubrovnik become evening explorations, with city walls lit up and outdoor restaurants full of life. What makes these summer journeys special is how they blend active mornings - perhaps exploring Matka Canyon by boat or hiking in Pelister National Park - with cultural experiences in the cooler evenings. Our travelers particularly enjoy summer festivals in places like Prizren, where the whole medieval city transforms into an international film venue.
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- Fall / Autumn 2025
Fall tours through the Balkans offer rich cultural experiences with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. The routes combining North Macedonia's wine regions with Kosovo's historic sites are particularly popular, letting you taste local vintages in Rahovec Valley and explore Ottoman architecture in Prizren. Our travelers often mention how much they enjoy autumn visits to monasteries like Decan, where Orthodox monks still make traditional cheeses and also organic foods. What makes these fall journeys special is the mix of historical exploration with seasonal activities - you might find yourself hiking through Valbona Valley's colorful forests one day and exploring Berat's UNESCO-listed old town the next. Several tours include unique experiences like joining the September wine festival in Rahovec or visiting local farms during harvest time.
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- Winter 2025 / 2026
Our winter tours through the Balkans offer unique opportunities to experience the region's rich culture away from peak crowds. Particularly popular are tours starting in Tirana that take you through five countries in just over a week. Local guides show you hidden spots like the handmade Venetian mask workshops in Shkodra, where there's a special carnival festival in February. Tours combine visits to UNESCO sites like Kotor's old town with authentic experiences - our travelers often tell us how much they enjoyed warming up with traditional dishes like corbast pasulj stew in Montenegro and also homemade raki tastings in local homes. What makes these winter journeys special is the mix of cultural immersion and historical sites, from exploring Sarajevo's Ottoman quarters to wandering through Prizren's medieval streets when they're dusted with snow.
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- Spring 2026
Spring brings perfect conditions for exploring the Balkans, with mild weather ideal for combining coastal walks with mountain adventures. The routes starting in Dubrovnik and heading southeast are particularly good this time of year - you'll find Lake Ohrid's churches less crowded and Tirana's outdoor cafes coming to life. Our travelers consistently praise how these springtime tours mix activity with culture, perhaps hiking in Durmitor National Park one day and exploring Mostar's Ottoman bazaar the next. Several itineraries include special experiences like joining locals for coffee in Kosovo family homes and also visiting organic farms in the Albanian countryside. What makes spring tours stand out is the balance of outdoor exploration with cultural insights - you might find yourself hiking to waterfalls near Mount Olympus or exploring Skopje's old bazaar when spring festivals are in full swing.
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Contact our Balkans travel experts
Anita
Expert in Balkans at TourRadar
Anita is one of our seasoned Balkans Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Balkans tours answered!
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Call us
+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Balkans Tours & Trips
Should you feel safe traveling the Balkans especially if you're going solo?
The Balkans are actually really safe these days crime rates are low and the locals just love meeting travelers. Things have changed so much since the 90s it's now a really secure place to explore. Solo travelers get such a warm welcome though of course you'll want to use common sense like anywhere. One of our travelers Bashkim who joined our Western Balkans Uncovered tour was amazed by how friendly welcoming and curious everyone was.
Where can you experience the Balkans' fascinating mix of religions?
Sarajevo's incredible they call it the Jerusalem of Europe because you've got mosques churches and synagogues all in one place. The Gazi Husrev-beg mosque there is just stunning probably the best Ottoman architecture you'll see. In Mostar the Old Bridge is really special it connects the Muslim and Christian parts of town and tells such an amazing story. Then you've got these beautiful monasteries everywhere like the Mileseva Monastery in Serbia where you can see the famous White Angel fresco it's a fantastic way to understand Orthodox Christian culture.