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Balkan Essentials in 12 days

12 days
From Belgrade to Zagreb
4.8
22 traveler reviews
Balkan Essentials in 12 days - Balkan and more
  • In-depth Cultural
  • Family
  • Group
  • Fully Guided
  • Personalized
Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Guided in English
Group Size 4 - 24
Age range 12 to 85
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Highlights

  • Experience the infectious welcoming vibes of Belgrade
  • Walk the bridge over the Drina, described by writer Ivo Andrić
  • Fall in love with the charm of must-see Kotor’s Old Town
  • Listen to the peaceful sounds of the waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes

Itinerary

Expand All
  1. Introduction
  1. Day 1 Welcome to Belgrade
  2. Day 2 Vibrant Capital of Serbia
  3. Day 3 ''Serbian Tuscany'' Delights
  4. Day 4 Vivid Western Serbia
  5. Day 5 Balkan Soul Capital
  6. Day 6 The Beauty of Herzegovina
  7. Day 7 The Mediterranean Essence
  8. Day 8 The Pearl of the Adriatic
  9. Day 9 The Dalmatian Coast
  10. Day 10 Hvar Island Adventure
  11. Day 11 The Devil's Garden
  12. Day 12 Farewell, Zagreb
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What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Additional Services
  • Transport
  • Free eSIM
    TourRadar offers the lead traveler (the person who booked) a free 1GB eSIM for the trip. The eSIM is redeemable only through the TourRadar app 72 hours before departure.

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Optional
  • Additional Services

Customer Photos

Operated by

Balkan and more

Number of tours

44

Age Range

12 to 90 years old

Response time

5 hours

Response rate

100%

Balkan&more is a brand of Tour Operator L.L.C. – one of the region’s leading...

Read more

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Customer Reviews

  • Overall Rating
    Excellent
    4.8
  • Itinerary
    Excellent
    4.7
  • Guide
    Excellent
    4.9
  • Transport
    Excellent
    4.8
  • Accommodation
    Excellent
    4.4
  • Food
    Excellent
    4.4
  • 4.7
  • Most Recent
  • Most Popular
  • Highest First
  • Lowest First
  • Balkan Essentials in 12 days reviewer 1
    · July 8th, 2024
    This was a great trip through 4 beautiful countries! Our main guide, Milan, was very helpful and knowledgeable throughout the whole tour. I also enjoyed meeting a local guide in most cities who each gave a unique perspective of their own hometown. I learned a lot about the history of the Balkans over many centuries. The locations kept getting more and more beautiful!! Some of my favorite places we visited were Sarajevo, Mostar, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Split... and Plitvice Lakes National Park at the end was an amazing way to end the trip with one of the most beautiful places in the world. Balkan & More had amazing customer service with prompt responses and above & beyond helpfulness with any issues. Overall, this trip is a lot more sightseeing than "activities," and a good mix of scheduled itinerary & guided tours with some free time in each place for exploration and trying local food. If that sounds like the kind of trip you enjoy, then this is a great option to explore this area of the world!
    Show more
    Balkan and more commented on this review
    Dear Braelyn, thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience! We're delighted that you had a fantastic time exploring the Balkan countries and found the tour's balance to your liking. Our guide Milan will be more than happy to hear that his... Show more
    Balkan Essentials in 12 days customer review photo 1Balkan Essentials in 12 days customer review photo 2Balkan Essentials in 12 days customer review photo 3Balkan Essentials in 12 days customer review photo 4Balkan Essentials in 12 days customer review photo 5Balkan Essentials in 12 days customer review photo 6
    Trip date: May 2024
  • A
    · June 12th, 2024
    I thoroughly enjoy my tour of the Balkan Essentials in 10 days. The different countries were absolutely beautiful! The tour guide, Zanko made an indelible points in each country during our tour, I say this because Zanko was very professional, clear in communication, and deeply concerned about sharing the history of the many countries we visited. There is a lot of history and it makes an impact of understanding how the countries have evolved over many, many years from different leaders. The hotel accommodations was nice and food at the hotel was very good. I want to mention for me, the BEST hotel accommodations was at the Plitvice Lakes. The unfavorable hotel took place at the Wood Home Community. My recommendation for this 10-day tour is to try to extend the actual tour time from 1 hour to at least 3 hours at each location to make it more seamless and not get there, 1 hour tour, then night time. I appreciate the company proceeding with me as a single tourist, and having a safe and memorable time in the Balkans. I had a BLAST! Thank you. Stacy Henderson
    Show more
    Balkan and more commented on this review
    Dear Stacy, thank you for your feedback on your recent Balkan Essentials tour. We're delighted that you enjoyed exploring the beautiful countries with Janko as your guide, and we'll make sure to pass on your appreciation to him! It was a pleasure to... Show more
    Trip date: May 2024
    Review collected by Balkan and more
  • A
    · June 6th, 2024
    The amazing countries in the Balkans were so breathtaking. Especially, the area of Montenegro's Black Mountains was striking! From Serbia to Bosnia, traveling down to the Croatian Islands is a very important part of history. My tour guide, Janko talked about the in-depth changes that occurred over the centuries to bring the evolution from communism to the rise of democracy in these international countries to life. I thoroughly enjoyed the people and local cuisine, and the reshaped tourist sites were all interesting and very memorable. I recommend the key time to visit these countries (May or early June) and especially ask for Janko Fikus as your tour guide. He was very enthusiastic and shared a wealth of information which made this 10-day excursion a lot of FUN!
    Show more
    Balkan and more commented on this review
    Dear Traveller, thank you for sharing your incredible experience! It’s truly heartwarming to hear how much you enjoyed your journey through the Balkans! Janko will be thrilled to know that his passion and knowledge made your trip even more meaningful,... Show more
    Trip date: May 2024
  • B
    · April 3rd, 2024
    We have an excellent tour the tour guide gave a very accurate answer to our questions, having brief and very accurate answers. He pointed out the most important and transcendent things about each place we visited. Always paying attention to the group's requirements, solving everything perfectly. We were very satisfied with the attention he gave us. The hotels were on accordance with the contracted category. We had a great variety and good food too. I would take another tour with Theodor the tour guide, who always showed his best disposition with the entire group.
    Show more
    Balkan and more commented on this review
    Dear Basilia, thank you for sharing your wonderful experience with us! We are delighted to hear that you had such an excellent time, and we truly appreciate your kind words about our tour guide, Theodor. We'll be sure to pass on your compliments to him... Show more
    Trip date: March 2024
  • BB
    · March 31st, 2024
    Automatically translated. View in EnglishRate this translation
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    We received a dignified and always attentive treatment from the guide to our questions, having brief and very accurate answers. He pointed out the most important and transcendent of each place we visited. Very attentive to the requirements of the group, solving everything to the measure. We were very satisfied with the attention they gave us. The hotels, congruent with the contracted category. Variety and good food as well. I would do another tour with the guide, who guided us showing his best disposition with the whole group. Teo Madžarević is an excellent tourist guide !!!!
    Show more
    Balkan Essentials in 12 days customer review photo 1
    Trip date: March 2024
  • P
    · March 30th, 2024
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    Automatic translation available in English. View in English
    Much of the success of the trip was due to the guide, Teodor Madžarević. Always punctual, with clear narrations and entertaining anecdotes. Friendly person, with the best disposition to teach what was contracted in the tour. The hotels of good quality, as well as food and service. I highly recommend the agency.
    Show more
    Balkan and more commented on this review
    Dear Pamela, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for this amazing review. We are delighted to hear that you had such a fantastic trip and that our team, especially Teodor, contributed to making your adventure memorable. Your words mean a lot to our... Show more
    Trip date: March 2024
  • LM
    · March 29th, 2024
    Fantastic trip. Excellent organization and planning, a guide whose experience and knowledge of the places is evident, as well as the kindness and flexibility he showed with the group. An excellent experience from a great professional like Teodor Madžarević. When everything is perfectly organized and there is no room for anything other than the pleasure of a trip, everything flows very well. It has been a trip and at the same time an adventure, it is not the typical trip where you are a spectator, here you are also the protagonist, 100% recommended.
    Show more
    Balkan and more commented on this review
    Dear Lorena, Your heartfelt review truly made our day! Thank you for taking the time to share your wonderful experience with us. We couldn't be happier to hear that your recent trip, guided by Teodor, exceeded your expectations. We'll make sure to... Show more
    Trip date: March 2024
  • IC
    · December 26th, 2023
    Fantastic travel agency for the Balkans and they come very highly recommended. Natasia was excellent and she was able to accommodate all of our requests/changes. The trip (Bespoke 20 days Balkan tour covering 8 countries), Natasia helped us to put together an unforgettable trip and the process was seamless from Day 1 to the end. Natasia and her team have been very helpful and have very detailed knowledge of the Balkans. Our Guide/Driver Theo was excellent, friendly, knowledgeable, and accommodating during the entire trip. The memorable trip was made even more enjoyable by them. We will not hesitate to book with them if we are in the region again. Best customer service ever 10/10!
    Show more
    Balkan and more commented on this review
    Dear Ian Chow, Thank you from the entire team for taking the time to share your wonderful experience with us! We're thrilled to hear that your journey exceeded your expectations and left you with unforgettable memories. We'll be sure to pass along your... Show more
    Trip date: November 2023
  • DN
    · September 30th, 2023
    Radenko was extremely knowledgeable and versed in both Balkan and world history. He was a pleasure to be with each day and tried to gear the tour to our taste. The hotel accommodations were excellent as well as the breakfast and dinners that were included. Great tour overall. I think well thought out by the tour company. Thank you.
    Show more
    Balkan and more commented on this review
    Dear Daniel, Thank you from the entire team for sharing this incredible review! We couldn't be happier to hear that you had such a great trip and are hoping that it will be a memory to cherish forever. Best regards from our team!
    Trip date: September 2023
  • Balkan Essentials in 12 days reviewer 10
    · August 30th, 2022
    Communication with the tour company was excellent, they were very engaging and helpful. One issue arose with a hotel and the tour company arranged another hotel within minutes. Quality of the hotels were fantastic. The tour guide was exceptional. I ended up being the only person on the tour but that didn’t matter as the guide was extremely knowledgeable and we ended up going to some pretty amazing places. Best tour I’ve been on!!
    Show more
    Balkan and more commented on this review
    Wow, thanks, Fiona! We are so excited to know you had a great time on our tour! Thank you so much for your great review and recommendation! It means a lot! All the best and hope to meet you again! Serbia Tour Operator DMC Team
    Trip date: August 2022

Dates & Availability

12 days
Balkan Essentials in 12 days
From Belgrade to Zagreb

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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
All questions
  • A

    Arvid

    Asked on March 26th, 2025

    Can I extend my stay after the tour at the same hotel?

    Accommodation
    • Balkan and moreOperatorWritten March 2025

      Yes, you can book additional nights with us, at the same hotel, for a surcharge.

  • D

    Donna

    Asked on March 24th, 2025

    are the sightseeing tours and transfers written in the itinerary including entrance tickets an extra cost to the AU $3623 tour cost

    Price / Availability
    Tour Details
    • Balkan and moreOperatorWritten March 2025

      All sightseeing tours and transfers listed in the itinerary, including entrance tickets are included in the tour price. The only exclusions are the departure transfer and any optional tours. For this Balkan Essentials 12 Days tour, there are no optional tours available. The AU $3,623 price is per person and applies only to departures in April. Prices for other months, including May, are higher.

  • R

    Rita

    Asked on January 7th, 2025

    What happens if I miss my transfer?

    Flights / Transfers
    • Balkan and moreOperatorWritten January 2025

      If you miss your transfer, please contact us as soon as possible to arrange a new one.

  • R

    Rosanne

    Asked on October 29th, 2024

    What if I have a special request for accommodation?

    Accommodation
    • Balkan and moreOperatorWritten October 2024

      You can inform us of any special requests, and we will do our best to accommodate them.

  • J

    Jacqueline

    Asked on October 26th, 2024

    Can I book pre-tour accommodations through you?

    Accommodation
    • Balkan and moreOperatorWritten October 2024

      Yes, you can book pre-tour accommodations through us at the same hotel for an additional charge.

  • J

    Joy

    Asked on September 29th, 2024

    What is the process for payments on the tour?

    Payments
    • Balkan and moreOperatorWritten September 2024

      Payments are typically made through credit card arrangements and should be finalized 30 days before arrival.

  • O

    Olivier

    Asked on August 31st, 2024

    How can I find transfer details for my flight out of Zagreb?

    Flights / Transfers
    • Balkan and moreOperatorWritten September 2024

      Departure transfers are typically not included, but can be arranged for an additional cost.

  • M

    Mel

    Asked on July 22nd, 2024

    Are there meals included during the tour?

    Meals
    • Balkan and moreOperatorWritten July 2024

      Meals are included on certain days as specified in the itinerary, while others may be left free for exploration.

  • M

    Mélanie

    Asked on June 25th, 2024

    Is dinner included on the day of arrival for the tour?

    Meals
    • Balkan and moreOperatorWritten June 2024

      Dinner on the day of arrival is not included in the price of the tour.

  • K

    Katrina

    Asked on June 20th, 2024

    How many travelers are in a typical group for this tour?

    Group size
    • Balkan and moreOperatorWritten June 2024

      Group sizes can vary, but they typically accommodate a range of travelers to ensure a great experience.

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Balkan and more with your enquiry, they usually respond within 5 hours.

Good to Know

Tour ID: 110552

  • Currencies
    KM
    Convertible Mark
    Bosnia
    kn
    Kuna
    Croatia
    Euro
  • Plugs & Adapters

    As a traveler from New Zealand you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F.

    Type C
    Bosnia, Serbia and Montenegro
    Type E
    Bosnia, Serbia and Montenegro
    Type F
    Bosnia, Serbia and Montenegro
  • Vaccines
    • These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
    • Hepatitis A - Recommended for Bosnia, Serbia and Montenegro. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Tuberculosis - Recommended for Bosnia. Ideally 3 months before travel.
    • Hepatitis B - Recommended for Bosnia, Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro. Ideally 2 months before travel.
    • Tick-borne encephalitis - Recommended for Croatia. Ideally 6 months before travel.
  • Visa
    • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
    • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
  • Payment information
    • For any tour departing before August 6th, 2025 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after August 6th, 2025, a minimum payment of 20% is required to confirm your booking with Balkan and more. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 65 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
    • Some departure dates and prices may vary and Balkan and more will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "Balkan and more" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Accessibility
    Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.