Western Balkans Uncovered

12 days | venture through the original kingdoms of eastern europe..

western balkans tours

Be the star of your own historical epic as you walk along the city walls of ‘Game of Thrones’ fame in Dubrovnik, explore the World Heritage-listed architecture of Montenegro’s Kotor, and stroll down hidden alleyways that have existed since ancient times. This adventure combines the must-sees of the Balkan region and the lesser-known glories of North Macedonia and Albania to create the perfect blend of old and new. Hang out in some of Europe’s most atmospheric and lesser known Old Towns, cruise around Lake Ohrid, and explore boutiques in Tirana. You’ll check out regional hot spots and experience a hefty dollop of cultural hospitality on this immersive 12-day journey.

Trip overview

  • Sail across the blue waters of Lake Ohrid – one of Europe's oldest lakes. No wonder North Macedonia and Albania share this beautiful attraction, who would want to let it go?
  • Admire the World Heritage-listed architecture of Dubrovnik (of Game of Thrones fame) and Montenegro’s Kotor as you walk along their ancient city walls.
  • Sit down for a fresh farm-to-table lunch experience in Fishte in the midday Albanian sun. Enjoy local produce, wild fish and organic meat, all prepared on-site with the freshest local ingredients.
  • Enjoy walking tours with local guides who have all the insider knowledge in Prizren, Berat and Tirana.
  • Venture out to Matka Canyon, a deep ravine cut into the Suva mountains by the Treska River and explore this beautiful natural area on foot and by boat.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Humana Zagreb. Donations help provide job opportunities and education programs in sustainable fashion and textiles for people with disabilities.
  • We recommend packing light and smart for this trip as you'll be required to carry your own luggage at times, which can include going up and down multiple flights of stairs and across cobblestones.
  • Summer temperatures can be extreme in many of the regions visited (over 40C), which can be uncomfortable. It's important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.
  • This trip includes time spent travelling in a private vehicle with your group. Extra space can be tight, and conditions may feel a little cramped. It's all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers. There are a few long days of travel, as you'll be covering a lot of ground. You will, however, make stops at interesting locations to break up the longer drives. Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates.

Welcome to Skopje. If you arrive early in North Macedonia's capital city, you may like to step back in time with a visit to the Daut Pasha Hamam or explore the 30 mosques, innumerable caravanserais, and hammams that fill the winding streets as a testament to Skopje’s Ottoman past. Discover the statues and grand monuments the city has become famous for, like the massive statue of Alexander the Great on horseback in the centre of Macedonia Square, or stroll past Byzantine domes, Turkish baths, and neo-classical buildings, sampling gozleme and baklava along the way. Meet your leader and fellow travellers at a 6pm welcome meeting and afterwards you may like to head out together to a local bar or restaurant to celebrate the start of your adventure.

  • Hotel (1 night)

There are no meals included on this day.

  • Skopje - Daut Pasha Hammam - MKD60
  • Skopje - Iconic Stone Bridge - Free
  • Skopje - Holocaust Memorial Centre - MKD300
  • Skopje - Kale Fortress - Free
  • Skopje - Mount Vodno Cable Car to Millennium Cross - MKD100
  • Skopje - City Museum - Free

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Venture out to Matka Canyon, a deep ravine cut into the Suva mountains by the Treska River, 15 kilometres southwest of the city. This area is home to several medieval monasteries, caves, and over 70 species of endemic butterflies. Explore the canyon's sights by boat or take one of the many nature walks in the canyon, or up to the tracks that hug the ridge high above the valley. When you arrive back in Skopje, the afternoon and evening are yours to explore the city your way. Get lost in the narrow lanes of Caršija, Skopje's most atmospheric neighbourhood, or take in the stone bridge over the river Vardar. Perhaps visit the Museum of the City of Skopje, which is housed in the old Railway Station, and learn the story behind the building’s clock.

  • Matka Canyon - Boat Ride

Today’s driving time is approximately 1 hour.

After breakfast, head out on a day trip to historic Prizren – Kosovo’s second biggest and arguably most beautiful city. Prizren was spared from destruction in the 1999 conflict and is filled with traditional handicraft shops and Ottoman charm. When you arrive, you’ll meet up with a local guide and take a tour of the city. Starting alongside the Bistrica River, walk the Old Town, taking in the cobbled Shadervan Square and the Old Stone Bridge. See famous mosques and the abandoned Serbian Orthodox churches, which stand as sombre reminders of the ethnic divisions that still simmer under the surface. After, sit down for a group lunch of traditional Kosovan favourites like pies, flija (layered crepes served with sour cream and butter), stuffed peppers, sarma (grape or vine leaves stuffed with grains and minced meat) and kebab. In the late afternoon, return to Skopje.

  • Prizren - Walking tour with a local guide

Today’s driving time is approximately 4 hours. Please have your passport handy for the border crossing.

In the morning, board your private transport to Lake Ohrid and enjoy the scenery during the drive. Europe’s oldest lake, and one of the oldest human settlements in the world, Ohrid has a wealth of historic sites and religious monuments to discover. The town is said to have once been home to 365 churches, one for each day of the year, earning it the nickname “the Macedonian Jerusalem”. Despite being a World Heritage site for over 30 years and having historical excavations dating back to Neolithic times, the town remains under the radar for visitors. Get your bearings on an orientation walk around the old bazaar area and enjoy free time to explore on your own.

  • Ohrid - Leader-led Orientation Walk

Today’s driving time is approximately 3.5 hours.

Embark on a scenic cruise on the turquoise waters of Lake Ohrid, ringed by mountains, attractive villages and beaches, and take in the views of the town and the surrounding scenery. At 34 kilometres long, 14 kilometres wide, and over 300 metres deep, all shared between Albania and North Macedonia, there’s plenty to explore. The afternoon is free for you to discover the area your way. There are many churches and monasteries to visit, but one of the most popular is the Macedonian Orthodox Church of Sveti Jovana Kaneo, situated on a rocky outcrop above the town, overlooking the lake. Past the church you can wander around to the back of town, exploring the old walls and fortress, and admiring the views of the lake. Lying on the shores of the lake, with well-kept grounds that are home to peacocks, the Sveti Naum Monastery is also a great option. Tast Samoil’s Fortress stands on the top of Ohrid Hill and overlooks the town, while a 2,000-year-old Roman theatre was uncovered near the Upper Gate – in summer it’s still used for concerts and performances.

  • Ohrid - Lake Ohrid Boat Cruise
  • Ohrid - St Jovan Church - MKD150
  • Ohrid - Robev Family House National Museum - MKD150

Take it slow as we cross the border into Albania and continue to the remote and rarely visited town of Berat, a gem of a town that was lucky to escape destruction during communist times. Learn about the city on a guided walking tour before climbing up to the still inhabited fortress for fantastic views over town. In the afternoon there is plenty of time to mingle with locals at the park or at the city’s many cafes. The warmth of the Albanian people is infectious and you’re bound to find yourself swapping stories over a glass of raki or three. In the evening enjoy a traditional Balkan dinner with your group, featuring dishes like stuffed peppers, cheese and spinach pies, hearty meat dishes, and plenty of grilled and fresh veggies.

  • Berat - Castle Visit
  • Berat - Walking tour with a local guide

Today’s driving time is approximately 4 hours.

After breakfast, transfer to Tirana. Learn how the Alps in the rugged north are considered so fierce they're called 'accursed', while the south has one of Europe’s least known and most beautiful coastlines. With its unique mixture of cultures and customs, Tirana is filled with mosques, citadels, Ottoman architecture, and the medieval atmosphere of the Balkans. On arrival, embark on a guided tour to get your bearings in Albania’s capital which is compact and ideal to explore on foot. Filled with architectural influences from Italy and Turkey, upgrades have been made all over town, such as new parks and wide pavements, a process that's still on-going. If the weather is good, you may like to take a cable car ride up Dajti Mountain for breath-taking views of the city below.

  • Tirana - Walking tour with a local guide
  • Tirana - National Art Gallery - ALL200
  • Tirana - Sky Tower - ALL400
  • Tirana - Dajti Mountain Cable Car - ALL1000
  • Tirana - Bunk'Art Gallery - ALL500
  • Tirana - National History Museum - ALL700

Today’s driving time is approximately 3 hours, depending on road conditions and the traffic into Tirana.

Today, take a half-day trip to the mountain village and former Albanian capital of Kruja. Kruja was the last stronghold of Skanderbeg's (the national hero of Albania) army until the Ottomans took over the entire country. Pay a visit to the fortress and enjoy some free time to explore the citadel and famous bazaar area. On your return to Tirana, you may like to visit the National History Museum which has a giant mosaic on its facade that represents the development of Albania's history. The main sight in Tirana is the 1821 Et'hem Bey Mosque, right on the city's main square. Closed under communist rule, the mosque resumed as a place of worship in 1991, a reopening that was considered a milestone in the rebirth of religious freedom in Albania. Take a look at the frescoes outside and in the portico that depict trees, waterfalls and bridges – motifs rarely seen in Islamic art.

  • Kruja - Fortress Visit

Today’s driving time is approximately 2 hours.

After breakfasting, you’ll head off for Kotor – a picturesque medieval town located on the fjord of the same name. Along the way, stop at Fishte for an unforgettable lunch at a local Albanian farm. You’ll enjoy organic produce, fresh meat and wild fish that’s prepared on-site, among the gorgeous midday views of the farm surrounding you. After swapping stories with the locals, continue on to Kotor, where you’ll enjoy a free evening to walk the streets lit up at night, find a good bar to sit and people watch or head to a restaurant for dinner – your leader will know all the best spots.

  • Mrizi I Zanave - Farm to table dinner

Today’s driving time is approximately 5 hours, depending on the border crossing into Montenegro.

Enjoy a free day to take in Kotor, Montenegro’s fortified town wedged between soaring mountains and sparkling Adriatic waters. This 5th-century World Heritage-listed city is set on a secluded bay, with towering peaks surrounding a rocky coastline dotted with pretty waterside towns. Its winding alleyways are the ideal spot to mingle with the locals. Check out the 12th-century Cathedral, the South Gates, and the Armoury Square. Later, perhaps take a cruise on the Kotor Fjord – the longest fjord south in Scandinavia – and visit an island with a church that's almost as big as the island itself. In the evening the city walls are lit up and provide a beautiful night-time view.

  • Kotor - Cruise on Kotor Fjord - EUR40
  • Kotor - Maritime Museum - EUR5
  • Kotor - Fortress - EUR3
  • Kotor - St. Tryphon’s Cathedral - EUR4

Today you will be transferred to picture-perfect Dubrovnik. The main pedestrian promenade, once a shallow sea channel, is now paved with glistening white limestone, in stark contrast to the warm red terracotta roofs. It is hard to imagine a more beautiful city. Join your leader for a walk along the city walls of ‘Game of Thrones’ fame and gaze out over monasteries with cloistered gardens, fine baroque churches with copper domes, and the sparkling waters below.

  • Dubrovnik - Dubrovnik Card (1 day local transport and entry to sites)
  • Dubrovnik - City Walls Walk

Today’s driving time is approximately 2.5 hours, depending on the border crossing into Croatia.

Your Western Balkans trip comes to an end this morning. There are no activities planned for today and you're free to depart the accommodation at any time. As there is so much to see in Dubrovnik, we recommend you stay a little longer. We are happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). Please speak to your agent at the time of booking.

  • Dubrovnik - Hike up Mt Srd - Free
  • Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Cable Car - EUR27
  • Dubrovnik - Discover Game of Thrones Filming Locations Urban Adventure - EUR99
  • Dubrovnik - War Photography Museum - EUR10
  • Dubrovnik - Rector's Palace - EUR13
  • Dubrovnik - Lokrum Island Boat Trip - EUR27
  • Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Museum of Croatian War of Independence - EUR4

11 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner

Private vehicle, Taxi

Hotel (11 nights)

Dates and availability

Important notes.

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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Visit Balkans With Funky Tours

Planning to visit naturally beautiful and culturally diverse Balkans? Having desire to see countries of ex Yugoslavia Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo and North Macedonia? Interested to explore our history, culture, stunning scenery and natural beauty?

Funky Tours is the the best answer to all these questions. Our Balkan tours are fully focused on unique traveler experiences, and are always exceeding guest expectations in every possible way.

Balkan Road Trips by Funky Tours

WHAT DO WE OFFER

Balkan Multiday Holidays

Multi-country balkan tour holidays.

western balkans tours

Albania Revealed: 8-Day Tour of Cultural Uprise & Natural Beauty Explorations

Budapest - Hungary

Budapest to Athens (16 Day Balkan Tour from Hungary to Greece via Croatia, Serbia, North Macedonia & Kosovo and Albania)

western balkans tours

Jewels of the Balkans: Bosnia & Herzegovina and Montenegro (8 Days)

western balkans tours

Croatian 10-Day Adriatic Summer Dream: Explore Dubrovnik & Split, and Sail Croatia to Kornati NP, Zlarin, and Šibenik Archipelago in 6+4 Days

Kosovo Trip

Travel to Kosovo (5D4N All-Inclusive Package): Breaking the Prejudices

Motovun, Istria, Croatia

Istrian Peninsula 5 Day Tour – Simply the Best of Croatia

western balkans tours

The Grand Montenegro Tour (7 Days)

western balkans tours

Croatia and Montenegro Adriatic Coastline Journey (8 Days)

Lake Bled in Slovenia

Ljubljana to Tirana (16 Day Best of Balkans Tour from Slovenia to Albania via Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Montenegro)

Albania multiday holidays, bosnia & herzegovina multiday holidays.

Mostar Old Bridge in the evening hours

Sarajevo to/from Dubrovnik (Split/Kotor) 2-Day Transfer Tour via Mostar and Herzegovina

Bosanska Krajina

Sarajevo to/from Zagreb (Ljubljana) 2-Day Transfer Tour via Central and Northern Bosnia

Sarajevo art academy and bridge Festina Lente

Dubrovnik to/from Split 3-Day Transfer Tour via Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mostar and Sarajevo)

western balkans tours

Sutjeska National Park 2-Day Tour (Trnovačko Lake Hiking + Tara River Rafting)

Sarajevo under snow during the winter time

4-Day Sarajevo City Break: Explore & Stay in Bosnia’s Vibrant Capital

Trnovacko Lake at Sutjeska National Park between Bosnia and Montenegro

Explore Bosnia and Herzegovina: A Journey of Cultural Depths and Outdoor Thrills (8 Days)

Počitelj Town

Visit Bosnia and Herzegovina: Cultural Discovery in Depth (8 Days)

Sarajevo Winter Time

Bosnian Winter Holiday (Snowshoeing + Skiing + Leisure + Culture)

Tjentiste Memorial - Sutjeska National Park - Bosnia and Herzegovina

A Concrete Utopia – Bosnia and Herzegovina Brutalist Architecture Photo Tour (7 days)

Brkic-wine-funky-tours

Herzegovina Wine Tasting – 2Day Connecting Tour Between Sarajevo and Croatia or Montenegro via Mostar

Croatia multiday holidays.

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Sail Croatia Odyssey in Kornati National Park & Šibenik Archipelago (4 Days & 3 Nights at Sea)

western balkans tours

Private 7-Day Croatian Sailing Adventure: Discover Central & North Dalmatia with National Parks and Remote Islands

Montenegro multiday holidays.

Djurdjevica Tara bridge in Montenegro

Durmitor National Park 3 Day Tour from Kotor Bay or Podgorica (Dubrovnik or Sarajevo)

Zekova Glava peak view (left in the distance) from the Pesica lake

Biogradska Gora National Park with Bjelasica Mountain & Mrtvica Canyon 3 Day All Inclusive Tour

Campfire at Skrka Valley - Durmitor National Park

Tent Camping & Stargazing 2 Day Hiking Tour at Durmitor National Park and Škrka Lakes Valley

Kosovo multiday holidays, serbia multiday holidays.

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Sarajevo to/from Belgrade 2-Day Transfer Tour via East Bosnia and West Serbia (1-Night stay at Mokra Gora)

Slovenia multiday holidays.

WHY TRAVEL WITH FUNKY TOURS

10 Reasons to Travel Balkans with Funky Tours

We perfectly know that idea of traveling Balkans triggers tons of questions. What is there to see, is it safe, how to get there and many many more?

In the past 15+ years we have been answering these questions theoretically and practically, and today we perfectly know what travelers exactly need and how to deliver it.

1. Breaking prejudice

Sarajevo Funky Tours Team

Funky Tours simply exists with purpose to break the prejudice about the Sarajevo, Bosnia and rest of Balkans.

Our “1st prejudice breaker via travels” philosophy ensures our guests to get amazing, fair, unbiased and “off the search engine” experiences.

2. Real life experiences

western balkans tours

We know that travel experiences that only focus on places without proper attention at local people’s real life experiences are not complete.

That is why our trips are are perfectly balanced and aside of visiting amazing places, always offer insight into how locals experience life.

3. Responsibility

Kids at the Sarajevo Zoo

We take every guest equally and for every and each one we provide fully customized travel experience. Our top priority business culture is to be responsible – always think in advance and adjust ourselves to our guests needs.

We never take travelers for granted and never look them as “numbers”. If we make unintentional mistakes, we make sure they are responsibly resolved.

It is just that we don’t make mistakes. Yeah.

4. Stunning value for money

Virtual tours of Sarajevo

Most of the Western Balkan countries (except Croatia and Slovenia) compared to rest of Europe are in the mid-low range income.

It simply means when you travel around here, you don’t have to think about “money” too much.

You can simply relax as in most cases value you receive for your money is amazing. Same is for travel companies. Funky Tours experiences are worth every penny invested.

5. Our leaders, tour guides and drivers are "outta" this world

western balkans tours

At Funky Tours we know that local touch is what makes travel experience “bad” or “outta this world”. Our guides are the best on the market, and knowledge they posses is unrivaled.

Either if you have tons of questions, or if you are looking for hidden off the beaten path attractions, galleries, cafes, or else, rest assured, with smile, our guys cover it all.

6. Unbiased stories

Meeting with Hasan Nuhanovic - QA on Srebrenica Genocide

In the Balkans, due to complicated history, everyone have their own understanding of the events from the past.

Being born and raised here, and having survived the 1990ies wars, we can’t allow ourselves to be biased and one sided.

Regardless of who we and you are, our stories are first-hand experiences backed with judicial facts, aiming to help travelers explore Balkans better, and in the same time empower peace and reconciliation.

7. Small group travel

western balkans tours

Ever-since Funky Tours philosophy were small groups, maximized experiences. It continues to be so today.

We believe that small group adventure travels enable travelers to easily engage with locals, hassle-freely reach places off the beaten path and in the same time preserve a feeling of traveling independently.

8. Responsible as a business

western balkans tours

Sustainable tourism is one of the guiding stars at Funky Tours. Our tours are crafted to give back to the local community.

Either if we are supporting local family businesses in remote parts of Bosnia and Balkans, organize youngsters charity excursions , promote shared tours to kill CO2 emissions and empower climate change awareness, promote gender equality by being woman-led organization, we strive to be as much as possible responsible company, and still are able to create stunning travel experiences for our guests. 

9. High safety standard

western balkans tours

We pride ourselves that one of the most important aspects of our business is safety for us, our guests and all stakeholders in travel industry we deal with.

For example: When we organize long day tours or multi-day package tours even for small group size of 2 to 6 travelers, we always arrange driver and a guide. Why do we seriously kill company earnings like that? Simply because there is no compromise in sense of tour quality and safeness.

Balkans are yet to catch up in road development and lower their traffic accidents in compare to rest of the Europe.

That is why Funky Tours makes sure driver watches the road and guide watches our guests, while working as a team.

10. Always exceed expectations

western balkans tours

Being blessed to work in an amazing region of Balkans, and being blessed with amazing natural and cultural diversity, we already have great head start.

Later just by adding special “Funky travel sauce” we are creating experiences that always exceed our guests expectations.

Simply by reading tons of Funky Tours reviews online, travelers satisfaction speaks a lot about us.

Contact Us NOW and organize your Balkan tour

BALKAN COUNTRIES IN OUR ITINERARY

Where Do We Go in the Balkans?

Our Balkans tours generally focus on Western Balkans,  including countries of ex Yugoslavia with special focus Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro and Serbia. Those three countries being so closely connected, but on the other hand so different, work best when combined together.

On the other side if you prefer to go wider, we can pride ourselves as experts of Slovenia, Albania and Kosovo too. Lastly, Northern Italy, Austria and Hungary are always easily added in.

Balkan Tour Itineraries

Balkans road-wise are quite well connected, and most of the important places within properly planned itinerary are usually within 2-3 hours driving away. For example if you are traveling between the ex Yugoslavian capitals you never need to spend hours and hours in a car, when you can optimize road very easily and fill up the day with amazing sightseeing instead of just driving.

Funky Tours is specialist in connecting tour kind of traveling style. Our trips are always perfectly created to maximize your experience and minimize time on the roads.

Balkan Tour Map By Funky Tours covering Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Kosovo.

Best of the Balkan Experiences

Balkans are the unlimited source of amazing places and life-changing experiences.

Old buildings, we have those. Stunning Adriatic sea and great island hopping, no problem. Hedonism at its best, you are welcome. Nature you can’t dream of, all around us.  The following is the list of activities and experiences we suggest you must not miss when traveling to Balkans.

western balkans tours

Balkans peninsula is know for variety of hiking options. Bosnia by far has the greatest range of mountains available for amazing outdoor activities. Visit ancient Lukomir village and learn the nomad life. If you prefer easy or hard, Dinaric Alps we have it all.

Horseback Riding

Horseback Riding in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Either if you prefer wild nature horseback riding or you are beginner, we have it all. Imagine a trip to wild and remote ends of Bosnia and Herzegovina where you practice horseback riding with local family.

western balkans tours

Balkans are full of amazing plains and mountain regions. Either if you are fan of easy city style of biking or maybe prefer the more amazing mountain biking, Balkans will not disappoint you. Have you ever heard of Ćiro biking trail or ever imagined to bike down the Olympic bobsled?

Yoga Retreats in Balkans

For any study tour anyone does anywhere, Yoga class is a must do. Balkans with its nature and cultural potential is amazing opportunity for great yoga experience.

Jahorina Skiing near Sarajevo

Home of the 1984 Olympic Games, mountains around Sarajevo, Jahorina and Bjelasnica offer some of the most amazing ski slopes in whole of South Eastern Europe. Everything at an increment of price of the West European ski resorts.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing in Bosnia at Bjelašnica near Umoljani

Dinaric Alps offer amazing amount of snowfall during every winter. If you are fan of pleasant walking in the snow and soaking up the beauty of the Balkan mountains, snowshoeing style of outdoor adventure is right thing for you.

Tara River Rafting

National Geographic in 2012 listed Bosnia and Herzegovina as the most amazing destination for white water rafting. Having 5 amazing rivers, your rafting options are limitless.

western balkans tours

Most of the Balkans National Parks, Nature Parks or general nature areas have no limit on camping, meaning you get to enjoy the most beautiful nature areas without any jam or hassle at all. Maximum safety and enjoyment at your palm.

Pliva Lake near Jajce

Protected areas, beautiful untouched landscape, freshwater ecosystems and miles of chalk stream limestone rivers make Balkans as one of the European’s greatest fly-fishing destination.

EXPERIENCES OF LIFE

Life under the siege.

Sarajevo War Tunnel was dug in July 1993 and used to be main supply route to Sarajevo during the Siege

Imagine a 4 years of life spent in the basement. Imagine a place where on average daily, more 330 bombs fall down. Imagine a life priced at only 5 liter of drinkable water. Imagine witnessing loss of your closest friends and family members. You can’t imagine life during the siege, but you can hear it from those who have lived it.

Life After Genocide

Srebrenica Study Tour

By understanding the story of Fall of Yugoslavia, visiting Srebrenica town, Srebrenica Memorial Centre and meeting the Srebrenica Genocide survivors, you get to know the full context of Genocide and life after Genocide. Funky Tours goal is to put these terms into understandable context.

Childhood In War

In this photo taken on April 22, 1996 a young boy plays on a tank in the Sarajevo neighbourhood of Grbavica.

What does childhood in war mean to you? Does it mean going to school everyday? Does it mean playing outside whenever you can? Does it mean you visit your friends whenever you can? Does it mean you have sweets and fruits anytime you want? How fast do you you shift from a child to a man? Our guides and guest speakers will respond to these questions.

Teenage Soldier

western balkans tours

Hear the story of the 16 year old boy who participated in resistance during the Siege of Sarajevo, and learn how he deals with life reality today.

Community life

Lukomir Village at Bjelasnica Mountain

Enjoy the benefits of rural tourism and learn about local communities. Experience the cultural and customs diversity by interacting with the local communities who will be happy to welcome you in their homes and daily lives. 

Tradition of winemaking

Fruska Gora Vineyards

Discover the old tradition of winemaking in Balkans. Visit the most charming wine treasuries and taste some of the their finest wines.

Dinner with locals

western balkans tours

Enjoy a pleasant atmosphere of Balkan home, taste some super delicious local food made of fresh organic products and indulge endless chats with friendly local family.

Cruise vacations

western balkans tours

The amazing Adriatic Sea is sheltered between the east coast of Italy, the coast of the former Yugoslavia and Greece and is a true gem for small ship cruises. Enjoy  your perfect summer vacation, amazing coastline and charming ancient gems. 

Spa resorts

western balkans tours

Whether you are into traditional hammams or super modern, fancy spas, Balkan has it all. Spend your vacation absolutely mind free and relax at some of the world’s best spa centres for not even a fraction of the price you would pay in Western Europe.

Bosnian Food Cooking Lessons

If you are fan of Balkans local food, our cooking classes of Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian food will be the highlight of your Balkans journey.

western balkans tours

Culture of Balkan Slav people is heavily defined by the music we play. Attend our amazing Bosnian Sevdah music workshop, understand the origin of the traditional sounds and learn to play few notes.

Woodcarving

western balkans tours

Woodcarving craft is an art deeply rooted in the DNA of the Balkans people. Even though heavily evolved, this art today still finds it’s purpose and survives industrialization till the day. We will teach you how it’s done.

Weaving in Bosnia

Traditional arts and crafts of weaving, embroidery and knitting are still largely represented industries throughout the Balkans. If you are interested to learn or see these centuries old techniques, Balkans are place to be.

Coppersmith

Coppersmith Workshop in Sarajevo

Is there better way to bring a souvenir home, then to make it yourself with local technique, present in Balkans over 500 years already now? No there is not, and our coppersmith workshop will help you enjoy that experience.

Pottery Art in Bosnia and Herzegovina

If you would like to understand how old pottery techniques in the Balkans are still today finding its purpose in the modern world, join us for a pottery workshop, make your own pot and learn about entrepreneurship.

Poetry nights

western balkans tours

Indulge into Sarajevo poetry nights and enjoy a warm, friendly and inclusive atmosphere with local poets and their eclectic mix of voices and verses representing Balkan art and poetry.

18 reasons to travel to balkans

Travel with people who share your rural interests and connect with the farmers and food producers from all around Balkans. Spend a day or few at local farms, learn about the local communities and have a once in a life time experience.

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Amazing adventures in Europe’s wildest corner

We’re the UK’s go-to activity holiday specialists in the Balkans. Our range of small group adventures will take you well and truly off the beaten path to some of Europe’s most beautiful and lesser known places. 

Each trip has been handcrafted with our extensive local knowledge and thoroughly tested for awesomeness. Whether you’re into hiking, biking, yoga or swimming, we guarantee an unforgettable escape that will leave you wanting more.

From family-friendly active holidays to cross-border kayaking expeditions, and foodie tours to  lakeside painting retreats , we’ve got something for every type of traveller. 

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Amazing adventures in Europe’s wildest corner! We’re the UK’s 1st activity holiday specialist for the Western Balkans; also at @undiscoveredmontenegro

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Western Balkans Uncovered

western balkans tours

western balkans tours

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  • Sail across the blue waters of Lake Ohrid – one of Europe's oldest lakes. No wonder North Macedonia and Albania share this beautiful attraction, who would want to let it go?
  • Admire the World Heritage-listed architecture of Dubrovnik (of Game of Thrones fame) and Montenegro’s Kotor as you walk along their ancient city walls.
  • Sit down for a fresh farm-to-table lunch experience in Fishte in the midday Albanian sun. Enjoy local produce, wild fish and organic meat, all prepared on-site with the freshest local ingredients.
  • Enjoy walking tours with local guides who have all the insider knowledge in Prizren, Berat and Tirana.
  • Venture out to Matka Canyon, a deep ravine cut into the Suva mountains by the Treska River and explore this beautiful natural area on foot and by boat.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Humana Zagreb. Donations help provide job opportunities and education programs in sustainable fashion and textiles for people with disabilities.

What's this trip about?

Travel themes.

  • High Adventure

Destinations

  • North Macedonia

Attractions

  • Historic sightseeing

Trip includes

  • Matka Canyon - Boat Ride
  • Prizren - Walking tour with a local guide
  • Ohrid - Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • Ohrid - Lake Ohrid Boat Cruise
  • Berat - Castle Visit
  • Berat - Walking tour with a local guide
  • Tirana - Walking tour with a local guide
  • Kruja - Fortress Visit
  • Mrizi I Zanave - Farm to table dinner
  • Dubrovnik - Dubrovnik Card (1 day local transport and entry to sites)
  • Dubrovnik - City Walls Walk

Popular Trips

Epic Balkans

Epic Balkans

Cruising the Adriatic Coast: Dubrovnik to Athens

Cruising the Adriatic Coast: Dubrovnik to Athens

Cycle the Balkans

Cycle the Balkans

Montenegro Sailing Adventure from Dubrovnik

Montenegro Sailing Adventure from Dubrovnik

Cycle Croatia & the Balkans

Cycle Croatia & the Balkans

Your Western Balkans trip comes to an end this morning. There are no activities planned for today and you're free to depart the accommodation at any time. As there is so much to see in Dubrovnik, we recommend you stay a little longer. We are happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). Please speak to your agent at the time of booking.

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:.

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics

Dates & Availability

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Intrepid Travel .

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.

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Intrepid Travel Reviews & Ratings

Great cultural experience..

Fantastic trip through a little known region. Safe, incredibl...

If ever gets taught in history classes in the US

The Western Balkans uncovered trip was amazing. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and helped me gain a deeper understanding of the history, culture, and people ...

Western Balkans gave me a wonderful insight

Western Balkans gave me a wonderful insight into the culture of the people ...

Immersive and unforgettable experience

For those who want to explore the lesser known parts of Europe, this tour is going to be for you. My tour guide, Saimir was a wealth of information. He made it an im...

unforgettable experience

Other intrepid travel reviews, we joined the intrepid “real italy food….

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....

Audrey Tavares

Central Asia Explorer

This was my third trip with Intrepid, and I'll continue to plan future trips with them. I choose Intrepid to travel to parts of the world where I don't feel comforta...

Do not book a tour with Intrepid

Do not book a tour with Intrepid. Their “policy” on deposits is unreasonable, inflexible and downright thieving. I booked a tour in India with them over seven month...

See all Other Intrepid Travel reviews

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Tour operator, intrepid travel, the intrepid travel experience.

If you’re looking for adventure, you’ve come to the right place. For the past 25 years, we’ve been taking small groups of travelers on unforgettable trips around the world. What makes them unforgettable? Take a look for yourself and discover the Intrepid experience.

Our travelers have three styles of tour to choose from: Basix, Original and Comfort. Each has a different level of inclusions and accommodation, but all have unforgettable real life experiences as part of the package. Travellers can also choose themed trips, such as Family, Sailing or Food, to suit their interests.

Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.

Why Intrepid?

  •   Small groups - average of 10 people per trip
  •   Sustainability - pioneers for the industry
  •   Local leaders - authentic perspectives
  •   Local transport - get close and personal
  •   Local accommodation - experience real living
  •   Intrepid travelers - like-minded companions 

Intrepid Travel has come a long way since its beginnings in 1989. From two university friends, a typewriter and a kitchen desk, it is now a proud member of The Intrepid Group, taking over 100,000 travelers every year.

Intrepid Travel is part of The Intrepid Group of companies, alongside leading small group adventure companies Peregrine, Urban Adventures and PEAK DMC.

Despite growing into a global business with over 1,000 staff based all over the world and over 800 different trips across every continent, we’ve remained devoted to the same grassroots values and responsible travel philosophies that we had at the very beginning.

On every trip we operate and in every interaction we have with a client, supplier or local, we live our core values everyday:

  • Integrity – Doing the right thing
  • Responsible – Think global, act local
  • Growth – Stakeholders in our own success
  • Innovation – Thriving on new ideas and embracing change
  • Fun – It’s engrained into who we are and what we do
  • Passion – We are inspired by the work we do and the trips we offer

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Victor Tours

Incoming & DMC

North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia & Serbia in 11 days

North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia & Serbia in 11 days

You’ll be surprised by the number of experiences and beautiful sights packed in this relatively short itinerary. From UNESCO World Heritage sites such as The Old Bridge in Mostar, Kotor and Perast area in Montenegro, Gračanica Monastery in Kosovo, Ohrid Lake in North Macedonia, to the Ottoman heritage of Bosnia and bustling streets of Belgrade with its unique mix of Roman, Serbian, Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman influences, this tour is melting pot of different sights, cultures, traditions, and tastes. Pick your dates, and let us create an experience you’ll remember.

ITINERARY  11 days / 10 nights

Arrive at Skopje International Airport.

Our guide will meet you in the arrival hall with your name on the signboard. He will do the following: help you with your money exchange, give you essential information about Skopje, help you with your check-in, explain to you the location of your accommodation and advise you how to reach the main sights, and give you an overview of current happenings in the city.

In case your flight is delayed, there is no reason to worry. We will monitor your flight, and our guide will meet you accordingly. There are no additional charges for flight delays. After a short ride of 20 minutes, you’ll be in the city’s center. Check in at the hotel, and take the rest of the day to get more familiar with Skopje, walk around, or follow your guide’s recommendation for dinner. 

Overnight: Sofia

After breakfast, we’ll head for Kosovo. We’ll spend a full day exploring the natural and cultural beauties of the area.­

Before we reach Pristina, we’ll stop at the marvelous medieval UNESCO-protected Gračanica monastery, completed in 1321 by the Serbian king Milutin. The monastery, which is set on large, grassy grounds, is one of the most attractive in Kosovo. Here, you will hear the story about the history of the monastery and the area, about Orthodox Christianity, and you’ll get a chance to admire the breathtaking interior, with extraordinary frescoes covering the walls up to the top of the highest tower.­

After this serene experience, we will continue to Pristina, only 20 minutes away. We’ll immediately start with the sightseeing. We’ll check the sights such as the National University Library of Kosovo, open-air archeological park, Carshi Mosque, Sultan Mehmet Fatih Mosque, Great Hammam, etc. You’ll have some free time to explore the city on your own or perhaps grab a bite before we proceed to Prizren.­

Set on the slopes of Šar mountain and by the banks of the Bistrica River, Prizren is widely regarded as the most beautiful city in Kosovo. Its rich cultural heritage represents a blend of different cultural influences, including Turkish, Serbian, and Albanian. Here, you will see the Sinan Pasha Mosque, Prizren Fortress, and Prizren Old Town, with various souvenir shops, restaurants, and cafes. ­

After some free time, we’ll head back to Skopje, where we will arrive in the evening.­

Overnight: Skopje

After breakfast, we’ll start with the walking tour. Skopje, a city with 2 thousand years of history, the capital of Northern Macedonia, is the meeting point of many nations and cultures in the heart of the Balkans. It attracts tourists with a fortress, cultural and historical monuments, archaeological sites, and most of all, very warm, hospital, and welcoming citizens. During our tour, we will walk through the narrow Streets of Old Bazaar, the biggest market in the Balkans; we’ll check the 1500 years old fortress Kale, the monastery St. Pantaleon with the fresco” Lamentation of Christ,” the Islamic monuments Sultan Murat’s- Hjunkar Mosque, the Daut Pasha’s bath, and the birthplace of Mother Teresa. After the walking tour, we will continue our trip toward Ohrid Lake.

En route, we will stop at the famous  Matka Canyon  and enjoy a boat ride through the beautiful gorge. After that, you will have some free time for lunch before we proceed to Ohrid.

Arrive at Ohrid in the evening and check in at the hotel. Free time.

Overnight: Ohrid

Nicknamed “The Jerusalem of the Balkans,” Ohrid was once the center of Slavic culture and religion. The natural and cultural heritage of the Ohrid region is on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

We will walk through Ohrid’s cobbled Old Town and up to the hilltop Church of St John at Kaneo to get the most incredible view over the lake, mountains, and Galiĉica National Park. We’ll check sights such as The Church of St. Sophia, the Roman amphitheater, and the Samuel Fortress.

After a short ride of 30 minutes, it’s time to enter one of the perhaps most mysterious and yet-to-be-discovered countries of The Balkans – Albania. The country’s geographical position, political history, and unique language made Albania one of Europe’s least visited countries, which has rapidly changed in the past 10 years.

On our way to Tirana, we’ll make a short stop at Elbasan, the third-largest city in the country, right in the middle of Albania. We’ll check the Castle of Elbasan, the King’s Mosque, St Mary Orthodox Church, and the Clock Tower.

Check-in at the hotel. Enjoy your free afternoon discovering Tirana on your own. Perhaps visit the Bunk’Art 1, a former anti-nuclear bunker now turned into a very interesting historical and art center, or check out the Dajti Cable Car and enjoy the breathtaking city views.

Breakfast and off we go, to explore this vibrant city, famous for its non-stop energy and motion. During our tour, we’ll see the Mosque of Et’hem Bey and the 35 m high Kulla e Sahatit or the Watch Tower.

Moreover, we will visit the famous Mosaic uncovered on the floor of an old Roman lodge. Its center configures the walls of the castle of the Roman emperor Justinian (A.D. 520). The monumental Tomb of Kaplan Pasha and the Ura e Tabakëve (a bridge constructed at the beginning of the 19th century, located on Jeanne d’Arc Boulevard) are a few other interesting places we will visit.

After a short refreshment, it’s time to leave Albania behind us and start revealing another not-so-often-visited Balkan country – Montenegro. On our way, we will drive through the National Park and pass by Southern Europe’s largest lake– Skadar.

Our first stop will be the charming town of Shkoder. Even before we enter the Old Town, we’ll be impressed by the mighty former Venetian fortress – Rozafa, the largest one in Albania. We’ll check Shkoder’s main sights, including Shkodra Cathedral and Ebu Bekr Mosque. After a short refreshment, we’ll hit the road and drive along the beautiful Adriatic coast until we reach Budva – the tourist capital of Montenegro. Check-in at the hotel. Free time. Use this evening to walk by the sea or explore Budva’s Old Town. 

Overnight: Budva

After breakfast, we’ll leave Budva behind us and ride towards the stunning Bay of Kotor, the longest and deepest fjord in Southern Europe. Our first stop will be the charming coastal town of Perast, one of the most beautiful towns on the Adriatic Sea, with only 300 residents. We will walk along the Perast promenade and admire the beautiful baroque palaces of noble families.

Following, we will take a short boat ride to the 15th century “Our Lady of the Rocks” Church perched on an islet in the bay. Once there, we will visit the Roman Catholic Church, which has an interesting interior.

The next stop is Kotor, where we will have a guided walking tour. This old Mediterranean town, surrounded by formidable city walls, was built between the 12th and 14th centuries. Its medieval architecture and other cultural monuments are why UNESCO included the city on the list of “World Natural and Historical Heritage Sites.” We’ll check out the Cathedral of St. Tryphon, Maritime Museum, numerous Palaces, and Old Square and get to feel the atmosphere of this unique medieval town. Here, we will have a lunch break.

Later on, we will proceed to Bosnia and Herzegovina. We’ll end the day in Trebinje, a charming and picturesque little town on the banks of the Trebišnjica River, with a laid-back atmosphere and an interesting mix of Mediterranean, Central European, and Ottoman influences. You can use the evening to stroll around small streets or have a nice dinner.

Overnight: Trebinje

After breakfast, our trip continues to Blagaj (a site on the UNESCO Tentative List), an old town from the first half of the 16th century and a beautiful representation of Ottoman architecture. Blagaj was the crib of Islam of today’s Bosnia and Herzegovina. During the short tour, enjoy the view of the monastery in a fairy-tale environment beneath the cliffs on the shores of the emerald-green river Buna.

Our next stop will be Mostar, a medieval town in northern Herzegovina and one of the Balkan’s top ten sights. With cobblestoned streets, old stone buildings, and its beautiful bridge spanning the picturesque Neretva River, it attracts thousands of visitors.

We will walk through its narrow streets to soak up the atmosphere and learn more about the history of this magnificent place. We will cross the

reconstructed Old Bridge, a staunch symbol of freedom on the Neretva River, and a UNESCO-protected landmark. If we are lucky, we may even witness some brave divers jumping from the bridge, following a tradition that lasts for a couple of centuries in Mostar.

We will proceed to Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, the Crooked Bridge, and the Old Town, or Čaršija as locals call it.

You will have some free time in Mostar for lunch on the banks of the Neretva River, with an amazing bridge view.

We’ll end the day in Sarajevo, a beautiful city with a complicated history.

After check-in, enjoy a free afternoon in Sarajevo and visit some of the most famous restaurants in the city, offering the famous “ćevapčići,” a traditional Bosnian dish, a small rolled patty of ground beef meat.

Overnight: Sarajevo

Breakfast. After breakfast, we’ll start exploring the capital of Bosnia & Herzegovina and one of Europe’s most historically rich cities.

We’ll start from the picturesque Turkish Bazaar (Bascarsija), an old trading place with artisan workshops. We’ll check many examples of splendid Ottoman architecture around the city center. The city is truly a “living history museum” where mosques built by the Ottomans sit alongside buildings created by the Austro-Hungarians and the Orthodox Churches. We’ll see the Gazi Husrev-bey Mosque, the most prominent Islamic structure in the country, one of the world’s finest examples of Ottoman architecture. We’ll drive past the now-neglected stadium from the 1984 Winter Olympic Games and the Gavrilo Princip Museum. On our walk, look for the poignant Sarajevo Roses, flower-shaped memorials in the pavement filled with red cement, one of the few reminders left of the war. 

After finishing the Sarajevo tour, we will proceed towards a town called Višegrad,  where we will see the famous Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge, a UNESCO site and the most beautiful example of Ottoman architecture in the Balkans. Also, we’ll have a lunch stop in Stone Town, another interesting project made by Emir Kusturica. After a lunch break, we’ll proceed toward Zlatibor.

We will finish our day in Serbia, in the tourist center of Zlatibor mountain. The region of Zlatibor is famous for its healthy air, folk architecture, native culture and traditions, wealthy and diverse ethnic heritage, widely-renowned culinary specialties, healthy food, and balmy climate. After the check-in and dinner, you’ll have free time to enjoy and relax.

Overnight: Zlatibor

After breakfast, it’s time to hit the road toward Western Serbia, known for its wild and untouched nature, tasty cuisine, and friendly and hospitable people. 

Our first stop is the famous Sargan Eight railroad. A unique narrow-gauge railway nowadays serves only for amusement. We will pass and stop at several viewpoints during our ride, from which one can see fabulous views over Mokra Gora. Authentic cars with wooden seats, wood-burning stoves, and characteristic rattling sounds will take us back in time.

The next stop is Wooden City. The famous director Emir Kusturica (two times Palme d’Or in Cannes winner) decided to build it during the shooting of his film “Life is a Miracle.” He chose to convey ruined wooden chalets from the mountain’s slopes, restore them, and form a new settlement. Here, we will have a lunch break.

The next sight on our way is one of the most famous attractions in Serbia, “The House on Drina River”, an isolated house made of logs on a river stone. After a photo stop and refreshments, we will continue our trip to Belgrade.

After check-in, use this afternoon to say farewell to Belgrade, walk around, or go for dinner following your guide’s recommendation.

Overnight: Belgrade

Breakfast. After breakfast, we’ll start with our Belgrade sightseeing tour. Today we will show you almost all the most important sights in the city.

We’ll start at the daunting Belgrade Fortress, dramatically perched above the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. We’ll check the Victor Monument, Monument of Gratitude to France, Zindan Gate, The Chapel of Saint Petka, Clock Gate, and The Clock Tower.

Once we finish with the fortress, we will start our panoramic ride through New Belgrade – Belgrade’s largest municipality, with impressive modern architecture. Here, we will see some remarkable buildings such as the Ex-Central Committee of the Communist Party, Federal Executive Council, also known as the Palace of Federation, Genex Tower or Western Gate of Belgrade, Sava Center, Belgrade Arena, and many more.

After New Belgrade, we’ll reach Zemun, the northern area of Belgrade, which is characteristic of its Central European appearance, charming quarters, cobblestone streets, and fish restaurants on the Danube River banks. Its curvy cobblestone streets and small houses will give you the impression that Zemun is a melting pot of Mediterranean and Middle European cultures.

After Zemun, we’ll drive through Dedinje, Belgrade’s most luxurious residential area, before we reach the imposing Saint Sava Temple, one of the world’s largest Orthodox churches.

After the sightseeing tour, spend this afternoon on your own. Maybe check out Nikola Tesla’s Museum or the National Museum, or wander around the central streets.

In the evening, visit the Old Bohemian Quarter of Skadarlija, frequently compared to Montmartre in Paris, both in appearance and artistic atmosphere. It’s a perfect opportunity to familiarize yourself with traditional Serbian cuisine and the famous Belgrade nightlife. (Optional = 30€ per person)

Breakfast. Free time until your flight. Transfer to the airport. End of services. Have a safe flight!

If you depart from Belgrade a few days after the tour ends, you can book additional nights with us, at the same hotel,

And of course, we’ll gladly assist you if you want to extend your European adventure and continue to Budapest, Zagreb, Sofia or somewhere else.

Available all year long

GETTING A PRICE The price will depend on many factors; time of the year when you intend to travel, number of guests, hotel category, and many other details. Therefore, we advise that you contact us and give us as many details as possible so we can make the perfect offer for you.

  • 10 nights 4* or 5* accommodation
  • 2 nights in chosen hotel category in Skopje
  • 1 night in chosen hotel category in Ohrid
  • 1 night in chosen hotel category in Tirana
  • 1 night in chosen hotel category in Budva
  • 1 night in chosen hotel category in Trebinje
  • 1 night in chosen hotel category in Sarajevo
  • 1 night in chosen hotel category in Zlatibor
  • 2 nights in chosen hotel category in Belgrade
  • 11 meals: 10 breakfasts and one dinner (Zlatibor)
  • Arrival & departure airport transfers
  • Transfers according to the itinerary in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle
  • Sightseeing per itinerary
  • Services of an English-speaking tour manager from day 2 to day 10
  • All fuel costs, parking fees, and road tolls
  • Entrance fees:  Gračanica Monastery, Matka Canyon boat ride, Rozafa Castle, boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks, Blagaj Tekke, the Wood Town, Sargan Eight train ride, Saint Sava Temple in Belgrade
  • Tour organization and 24/7 assistance from a licensed incoming tour operator
  • Arrival and departure flights
  • Food & drinks
  • entrance fees other than mentioned
  • Optional expenses
  • Child from 0 to 2 years old – FREE of charge.
  • Child from 2 to 12 years old, sharing the bed – 50% discount on the price of a twin room
  • Child from 2 to 12 years old, extra bed – 30% discount on the price of a twin room.
  • Up to 60 days before the departure date = 100% refund
  • 59 days to 46 days before the departure date = 90% refund
  • 45 days to 31 days before the departure date = 80% refund
  • 30 days to 16 days before the departure date = 70% refund
  • 15 days to 8 days before the departure date = 50% refund
  • 7 days or less before the departure date = 0% refund
  • You  MUST  confirm and obtain any visa requirements prior to the booking. All visa requirements are the sole responsibility of the traveler. A current valid passport is required on the day of travel.
  • Gratuities are not included in the price (not mandatory, but encouraged)
  • The final choice of hotels will depend on the availability at the moment of your booking. We reserve the right to change the hotel due to availability, but we promise the same category, location, and level of quality
  • Please note that VICTOR TOURS doesn’t guarantee the entrance of the church/cathedral due to sudden closure (mass, wedding, etc)
  • Please note that VICTOR TOURS doesn’t guarantee the timing due to weather and traffic
  • Please note that VICTOR TOURS doesn’t guarantee entrance to any sight due to late arrival
  • The minimum number of guests required is one
  • Tour duration = 11 days

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The Western Balkans - Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina & Montenegro: history past & present

A ground-breaking journey through one of the most politically complex and fissiparous yet fundamentally similar regions of Europe.  

Rural villages, imposing capitals, and magnificent mountainous landscapes.  

Exquisite Byzantine wall paintings in the fortress-like monasteries of Southern Serbia, Ottoman mosques, Art Nouveau architecture .  

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13 - 26 May 2024 Fully booked

western balkans tours

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This journey takes us to borderlands where, for much of their history, the South Slavs have been divided by competing empires and cultures. In Serbia, the Nemanjić dynasty flourished from the 12th until the 14th centuries and built monasteries that combined Byzantine and Romanesque influences. But from the early-15th century (following the defeat of Prince Lazar in 1389) until the mid-19th century, the Ottoman Turks ruled Serbia, Bosnia and much of Slavonia. Meanwhile, the Habsburg Empire reached south into Croatia, and Venice dominated the cities of the Adriatic coast.  

The modern politics and structure of the Western Balkans were defined by the Congress of Berlin in 1878; the Paris Peace Conference in 1919, which created the first Yugoslavia; the Second World War, which ravaged the region and gave birth to Tito’s Yugoslavia; and, most recently, the maelstrom of the 1990s and the emergence of the present seven independent states.

What are the Western Balkans like now? There has been a major change in the past decade. The capitals and main cities that we shall visit are all lively and welcoming, but each retains a distinct character. Croatia is prosperous and joined the EU in the summer of 2013. Its historic links to Vienna and Budapest can be seen clearly in Zagreb and Osijek.  

Our other destinations are more complex and multi-layered. Belgrade is historically the extension of a strategic Ottoman citadel overlooking the Danube and Sava. It has fine and varied architecture (including some from the Art Nouveau period) and a cosmopolitan feel. Sarajevo combines mosques, Orthodox churches, squares and kafanas in a mountainous setting. Its troubled history is not far below the surface.  

The smaller Bosnian towns on our route (Višegrad, Mostar and Trebinje) have great charm. Kotor – in Montenegro – is a small fortified Venetian port city with a Romanesque cathedral on the shore of a fjord. Visits to the old capital, Cetinje, and the coast will offer insights into Montenegro’s history and strongly independent national character.

One particular feature of this journey is that it takes in remote and functioning Serbian Orthodox monasteries that are of exceptional architectural and artistic interest, and include unesco World Heritage sites.  

This tour is emphatically a journey, with some long days and much driving through hilly terrain. The late-spring departure will show the magnificent countryside at its best.

Zagreb. Morning flight (British Airways) from London Heathrow to Zagreb. Upon arrival, set off for an orientation walk, including a visit to the State Archives. First of two nights in Zagreb (Croatia).

Zagreb. The westernmost place on this tour, the capital of Croatia ranks with the loveliest cities of Central Europe. Walk to the upper town, the Kaptol district, via the bustling market and visit the Croatian Museum of Naïve Art, and the Gothic Cathedral of the Assumption. After lunch there is a free afternoon to explore Zagreb independently. Overnight Zagreb.  

Zagreb, Osijek. Drive through Croatia’s rustic north-eastern region of Slavonia, via lunch at a vineyard, to Osijek. Located on the River Drava amid gently undulating countryside, Osijek is the administrative centre of Slavonia. There is a remarkably unspoilt 18th-century quarter built by the Austrians as their military and administrative headquarters when they pushed back the Turks, with cobbled alleys and fortress walls. Overnight Osijek (Croatia).  

Ilok, Novi Sad. Pass through Vukovar, the Croatian town worst damaged by the 1991 war. Stop near Ilok, a picturesque fortified settlement on a bluff high above the Danube. Cross the river into Serbia and spend the afternoon in Novi Sad. This has a picturesque core with buildings from the 18th century. Onwards and, across the Danube, the massive fortress of Petrovaradin which was pivotal in Prince Eugene’s wars with the Turks. First of two nights in Belgrade (Serbia).  

Belgrade. With its broad avenues and imposing public buildings, Belgrade is unmistakably a capital and instantly recognisable as a Balkan one. After Diocletian divided the Roman Empire in the late third century ad, it became the westernmost stronghold of the eastern portion. Its kernel is a citadel on a hill above the meeting of the Danube and Sava rivers, which holds the record for the number of times it has changed hands between hostile powers. Most of the city’s architecture dates from the late 19th century onwards. Liveliness is provided by the café culture typical of the Balkans. Overnight in Belgrade.

Belgrade, Manasija. Free morning in Belgrade. Then begin three days visiting what Serbia does best, medieval Orthodox monasteries. Tucked in a wooded valley, Manasija is ringed by surely the highest and stoutest walls of any monastery anywhere, built in the early 15th century in expectation of the inevitable Turkish assault. Frescoes of the highest quality – a late flowering of Byzantine art – survive well. First of two nights in Kraljevo (Serbia).

Studenica, Sopoćani. This includes a drive through spectacular mountain scenery. We visit two more superb medieval monasteries, Studenica and Sopoćani. Both are located in remote and beautiful valleys; both have amongst the finest 13th- and 14th-century Byzantine frescoes to survive anywhere. We stop briefly near the Bosniak town of Novi Pazar in the Sandžak. Overnight Kraljevo.

Višegrad, Sarajevo. Cross from Serbia to Bosnia-Herzegovina. Stop at the beautiful late-16th-century Višegrad bridge before continuing to the capital, Sarajevo (Bosnia-Herzegovina). First of two nights here.

Sarajevo. Famously squeezed by high tree-clad hills at the head of a river valley, Sarajevo was founded in the 15th century by the Ottoman Turks in the wake of their steady conquest of the Balkan Peninsula. The various assorted mosques, churches and synagogues highlight the pluralist nature of the city. It is possible to stand where Gavrilo Princip assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand; in the adjacent museum it is strangely moving to see the trousers of the man who started the First World War. Overnight in Sarajevo.

Sarajevo, Mostar. Free morning in Sarajevo. Drive over the mountains that encircle the city and following the Neretva river, we arrive in Mostar in the afternoon. A thriving trading town since Herzegovina came under Ottoman rule in 1482, this is Bosnia-Herzegovina’s most picturesque town, an open-air museum with narrow cobbled streets and original Ottoman architecture. At its heart is the Old Bridge, shelled until it collapsed in 1993 and rebuilt in 2004. Overnight Mostar (Bosnia-Herzegovina).

Stolac, Trebinje, Tivat. This is wine country, and after a stop in the quiet Ottoman town of Stolac, lunch is at a winery in Trebinje, the southernmost city of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Walk around the historic walled town and a country market. In the afternoon cross from Bosnia-Herzegovina to Montenegro and descend into the Bay of Kotor. First of three nights in Tivat (Montenegro).

Kotor, Perast. Kotor nestles at the foot of high hills, a harbour on a sheltered fjord off the Adriatic. This diminutive city retains its fearsome ramparts, much unspoilt streetscape and an astonishing Romanesque cathedral incorporating Roman columns. In the later afternoon drive around the fjord to Perast, perched between towering mountains and the water, with large mansions, medieval to Baroque. A short boat ride allows a visit to an island church, Our Lady of the Rock, before lunch on the water’s edge. Overnight Tivat.

Cetinje, Njeguši. A mountain drive to Cetinje, which until the end of the First World War was the capital of Montenegro and still retains the echo of uniforms, a royal court and Balkan diplomacy. Visit the Palace of King Nikola, the Art and History Museum and former embassies. In the afternoon visit the historic village of Njeguši on the slopes of Mount Lovćen. Final night in Tivat.

Tivat. Fly from Dubrovnik, arriving at London Gatwick in the afternoon.

Photo of Cathie Carmichael

Professor Cathie Carmichael

Historian specialising in Eastern Europe, with a focus on the former Yugoslavia. She studied International History at the London School of Economics, Ethnology at the University of Ljubljana, and European Studies at the University of Bradford. She is the editor of the Journal of Genocide Research and the author of Genocide before the Holocaust.

Price, per person

Two sharing:   £5,770 or £5,520 without flights.   Single occupancy:   £6,650 or £6,400 without flights. 

Flights (economy class) with British Airways (aircraft: Airbus 320); travel by private air-conditioned coach; hotel accommodation; breakfasts, 9 lunches and 8 dinners with wine, water and coffee; all admissions; all tips; all taxes; the services of the lecturer, tour manager and local guides.  

Not required for British citizens. Citizens of Australia and the US do not require visas for tourist stays of up to 90 days.

Accommodation

The Esplanade Hotel , Zagreb: grand 5- star hotel within walking distance of the city centre.  Hotel Osijek , Osijek: a modern and comfortable high-rise hotel on the bank of the river Drava.  Hotel Moskva , Belgrade: a well-located and comfortable hotel built in 1926 with a great deal of character.  Hotel Crystal , Kraljevo: simple but adequate and with welcoming service, the only acceptable hotel in a region with little tourism.  Hotel Europe , Sarajevo: a centrally located 5-star hotel, the best in the city, built in the late 19th century but comprehensively renovated.  Hotel Mepas , Mostar: a modern business hotel just a short drive from the historic centre. Regent Porto Montenegro , Tivat: a luxurious 5-star hotel located on the shores of the UNESCO-protected Bay of Kotor. Single rooms are doubles for sole use throughout.

How strenuous?

A good level of fitness is essential. There is a lot of walking in the city centres, some of it on uneven ground and up and down steep flights of steps. Though the average distance by coach per day is 65 miles, many roads are slow and mountainous and some travelling days are long. Border crossings may entail minor delays. There are 6 hotel changes.

Are you fit enough to join the tour?

Between 10 and 22 participants.

Travel advice

Before booking, please refer to the   FCDO website   to ensure you are happy with the travel advice for the destination(s) you are visiting.

Combine with

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Western Balkan explorer tour 2024

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Exploring Western Balkan is a true adventure! Covering four ex-Yugoslavian countries (Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Montenegro) Western Balkan tour offers a true immersion in local life, cuisine, history and traditions. Get on board for this epic journey that blends the cultures, ancient tales, nature and architectural treasures.

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What to Expect

Private tour of Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Montenegro. History, culture, food, nature. Private transfers with a professional licensed driver guide. Licensed local guides.

12 Days – 11 Nights

2 nights in Ljubljana

1 night in Zagreb

2 nights in Split

2 nights in Sarajevo

2 nights in Budva/Kotor

2 nights in Dubrovnik

  • Ljubljana – charming Slovenian capital
  • Bled lake – a true fairy tale gem
  • Split - 1700 years old Roman "emperor's" palace in Split
  • Sarajevo – Bosnian capital where West meets East
  • Kotor – fortified town in scenic Kotor bay
  • Dubrovnik – The Pearl of Adriatic, a true Mediterranean gem

Day by day itinerary

Day 1, ljubljana – arrival.

Welcome to Slovenia and it’s capital, Ljubljana. Your guide will meet you at Ljubljana airport and transfer you to your hotel. After checking in to your hotel, your guide will take you for a relaxing city walking tour of Ljubljana. This charming city which has a town vibe and atmosphere always calls for a short stroll next to Ljubljanica river or for a view from the Old town castle from which you can see the whole Slovenia. We’ll take a walk in the city center and visit Ljubljana’s most popular sites like: Triple bridge, Dragon bridge, Old town (Ljubljana castle), Cobbler’s bridge and more. In the evening, we invite you for a welcome dinner in a typical Slovenian restaurant in the heart of Ljubljana old town. Overnight in Ljubljana – 4-star Hotel.

Day 2, LJUBLJANA - BLED – BOHINJ LAKE – LJUBLJANA

This morning we transfer 40 min north to get to Bled lake, the hidden jewel of Julian Alps. Bled lake with its island and 11th century castle on top of the rock often reminds one of a fairy tale seen in the movies. We take a tour ride around Bled lake and visit Bled castle overlooking the Bled lake and Julian Alps. Afterward we take a scenic drive from Bled through Sava canyon all the way to Bohinj lake in the heart of Julian Alps which attracts many outdoor enthusiasts that are into hiking, canyoning, paragliding, rafting, mount biking, etc. Enjoy the panoramic boat ride with the Alpine views or a cable car which takes you to the peaks of Vogel ski center (if weather permitting) for breathtaking views of Triglav national park and it’s peaks. In the afternoon we come back to Bled area and visit Vintgar gorge, one of the most magical places in Slovenia. For 1.6 km boardwalks crisscross their way along Radovna river creating an enchanting landscape that is photogenic and fun to explore. We return to Ljubljana in late afternoon. Overnight in Ljubljana – 4-star Hotel.

Day 3, LJUBLJANA – POSTOJNA CAVE - ZAGREB

Today, we are leaving Ljubljana and heading south for 45 min to visit Postojna, the biggest cave system in Europe and one of the most visited sites in Slovenia, a real Karst phenomenon and masterpiece of nature. Postojna is the world’s most captivating cave with magnificent cave formations and diverse fauna. We will take an unforgettable ride on Postojna Cave’s underground train and experience a fascinating subterranean paradise shaped by tiny droplets over millions of years. After Postojna we drive for 2 hours to reach Zagreb, the capital of Croatia and one of the oldest central European cities. After you check in, your guide will take you for a relaxing walking tour in Zagreb city center. In the evening, we invite you to relax in one of many outdoor caffes and restaurants in Zagreb center. Overnight in Zagreb – 4-star Hotel.

Day 4, ZAGREB – PLITVICE LAKES - SPLIT

After breakfast, your journey takes you to the most famous natural wonder of Croatia and this part of Europe – Plitvice Lakes national park. On the way we’ll stop in Rastoke miller village, a unique example of traditional 17th century village architecture which once had more than 50 water mills built on breathtaking waterfalls. Just 25 min further south we are entering Plitvice lakes national park (UNESCO site) and we’ll start a comfortable hike along the sixteen beautiful and crystal-clear lakes with numerous cascades and waterfalls. We are ending the day in Split, where you can enjoy a stroll along the heart of the city – the famous Split waterfront or Riva where you will feel the friendly and cozy atmosphere of this vibrant city. Overnight in Split – 4-star Hotel.

Day 5, EXPLORING SPLIT

Today, your guide will take you for a walking tour through the “most beautiful city in the world”, how Split if often called by its citizens. You’ll visit the Diocletian Palace in the heart of Split, built as a residential palace in the 3rd century AD by the Roman Emperor Diocletian and a priceless monument included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Enjoy the heart of Split – the famous Split waterfront or Riva where you will feel the friendly and cozy atmosphere of this vibrant city. Overnight in Split – 4-star Hotel.

Day 6, SPLIT – MOSTAR – SARAJEVO

This morning we are leaving Split, and we are entering neighboring country Bosnia and Herzegovina. Driving through Herzegovina, we make our first stop next to pay a visit to Kravica waterfall, a true natural karst phenomenon. Kravica Waterfall is a large tufa cascade on the Trebižat river, passing through limestone terrains and depositing tufa. According to many visitors, praised as one of the most beautiful natural attractions, the Kravica waterfall is a recognizable symbol of Ljubuski and Herzegovina. Only half an hour drive from Kravica waterfall, we reach Mostar, the 3rd biggest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We pay a visit to the old town center and visit it’s famous Old bridge which connects western (Croatian) and eastern (Muslim) side of Neretva river cutting the city in two. Leaving Mostar we continue our tour north driving through a beautiful scenery of Neretva canyon passing towns Jablanica and Konjic and after two-hour drive we arrive to Sarajevo, often called “little Istanbul” as it was the place where worlds collided for centuries. Upon our arrival and check in we will take a walk in the city center visiting: Baščaršija, Gazi-Husrev Beg Mosque, Latin bridge and many more. In the evening, for dinner, we invite you for a typical Bosnian dish, cevapi. Overnight in Sarajevo – 4-star Hotel.

Day 7, EXPLORING SARAJEVO

This morning is reserved for exploring Sarajevo with your local guide. You will learn about Ottoman days when the city was founded, turbulent period under Habsburgs and difficult days at the end of 20th century. Once upon a time, Winter Olympics host in 1984. Sarajevo still enchants its guests with known out giving atmosphere and true charm. Being known as one of the most “open-minded” cities of former Yugoslavia, Sarajevo suffered a devastating siege in the first part of 1990s during the war in Bosnia. You will visit the war tunnel museum, the abandoned Olympic bobsled track on Trebevic Mountain, a large Jewish cemetery and the Ottoman-era Old Town, and hear stories about Sarajevo during the siege. Overnight in Sarajevo – 4-star Hotel.

Day 8, SARAJEVO – BLAGAJ – KOTOR – BUDVA

Leaving Sarajevo this morning we are heading south, and our first stop is in Blagaj, a small town known after the old Dervish tekke (monastery) originating from 15th century. Located on the source of Buna river, it offers a unique insight to Otoman influence and turbulent history of this country. Leaving Blagaj we continue our tour driving south-east and stopping in Trebinje, eastern Herzegovina for traditional Bosnian snack called “burek and pita”. Soon after leaving Trebinje we enter Montenegro, the 4th country on our tour. Crossing the border, we continue a scenic drive along Boka Kotorska bay. Our first stop is in Perast, a small seaside town known after Lady of the rock islet. We take a short boat ride to visit the islet and learn about its legends. Returning to mainland, we continue 20 more minutes to reach Kotor – an old city of traders and famous sailors. The medieval architecture and numerous monuments

of cultural heritage have made Kotor a UNESCO World Natural and Historical Heritage Site. We reach Budva in late afternoon. After check in, join your guide for a welcome dinner in a typical Montenegrin seafood restaurant. Overnight in Budva – 4-star Hotel.

Day 9, BUDVA – NJEGUSI - CETINJE - BUDVA

After breakfast, we are leaving Budva and driving to Lovcen mountain in order to reach our first stop today, a village called Njeguši, located of the mountain slopes, within the Lovćen national park. The village is best known as the birthplace of the Petrović dynasty, which ruled Montenegro from 1696 to 1918. The village is also significant for its well-preserved traditional folk architecture. Njeguški sir and Njeguški pršut (local forms of cheese and prosciutto respectively), made solely in the area around Njeguši, are genuine contributions to Montenegrin cuisine. After Njeguši, we proceed to Cetinje, an Old Royal Capital of Montenegro. Cetinje is also the historic and the secondary capital of Montenegro, where the official residence of the President of Montenegro is located. We’ll visit the old royal palace (Montenegrin history museum) before making our way down back to the coast. In the afternoon, enjoy the sunny and sandy beaches of Budva. Overnight in Budva – 4-star Hotel.

Day 10, BUDVA – KONAVLE – DUBROVNIK

Today we are leaving Montenegro and getting back to Croatia. Our first stop is in Konavle valley where we pay a visit to one of the best preserved fortresses in Dubrovnik region, Sokolgrad, which meant a great deal for generations of inhabitants during Ottoman times and Dubrovnik republic (medieval). Situated on the cliffs of Konavle valley Sokolgrad fortress is a much more than just a viewing point. It offers a true insight in how life was during turbulent and unpeacefull days when Turks, Venetians and many more presented a permanent danger to residents of world known Dubrovnik republic. After the visit you must be hungry already, and we are taking you to one of the hidden gems of this area, a local tavern run by a family known after cooking some of the best meals this region has to offer.

In the afternoon we reach Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic and one of the most beautiful Mediterranean cities. Overnight in Dubrovnik – 4-star Hotel.

Day 11, EXPLORING DUBROVNIK

This whole day is reserved for exploring and enjoying in our Pearl of Adriatic – the old town, Dubrovnik. The great George Bernard Shaw wrote: “Those who seek paradise on Earth must come to Dubrovnik” and he was as many others overjoyed by the beauty and rich history of this old town under the UNESCO protection. Its glorious walls, with their fortresses and bastions, offer a unique walk with a view of the magical Elafiti islands. From the Onofrio fountain to the City bell tower, along its main street, Stradun and in many other small cobblestone streets, every step in this town will be an experience par excellence. After our walking tour, we are taking you for a lunch in one of Dubrovnik’s taverns. In the afternoon, we invite you to collect more impressions of Dubrovnik. In the afternoon, we invite you to collect more impressions of Dubrovnik and enjoy this beautiful city. Overnight in Dubrovnik – 4-star Hotel.

Day 12, DUBROVNIK – Departure

Today is the last day of our tour. After taking you to mountain Srđ for the most beautiful view on the Mediterranean, we will visit the ancient town of Cavtat, dating from Roman times, known after its pebbly beaches and artsy galleries. In the afternoon, your guide will drive you to Dubrovnik Airport, where you are expecting your flight back home. We wish you a safe journey, and we hope that you will always gladly remember Croatia and have great memories of these days spent with us. Goodbye!

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All prices are expressed in euro and are based per person.

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Kutrubes Travel

Discover the Western Balkans

7 days/6 nights

Discover the Western Balkans

  • More Information
  • Bosnia-Herzegovina

Since the early 1990’s sweeping changes have taken place in the Balkans. The word itself means “to break apart,” and that is exactly what has happened. The six regions of the former Yugoslavia are autonomous countries, each with a culture of their own and quite different from the Southern Balkans. This tour of the Western Balkans combines the fabulous sunshine and warmth of Croatia; the more diverse parts of three cultures coming together in Bosnia and Herzegovina; and absolute charm of Slovenia with its wines and Alps. In a short period of time you will celebrate the vibrant diversity of the Balkan fabric of the west.

TOUR DETAILS

2022/2023 pricing, please contact us for an estimate anytime

2020 Price Per Person (double occupancy):

May 16, 23, 30, June 6,13,20,27, September 19: $1436

Single Supplement – $401

July 4, August 29, September 12: $1488

Single Supplement – $453

September 26, October 3: $1360

Single Supplement: $362

October 10 : $1306

Single Supplement: $336

Pre-stay in Zagreb Supplement (BB basis*) – $110

Single Supplement – $69

Price Includes:

• Air-conditioned vehicle at group’s disposal as per itinerary • Experienced English speaking escort throughout the trip as per itinerary • Hotel accommodation on half board basis (breakfast and dinner) as per itinerary • Sightseeing Tours in Zagreb, Zadar, Ljubljana, Plitvice lakes, Split and Dubrovnik • Excursion to Korcula on Monday • Local Taxes • Entrances in Plitvice lakes, Split

Price Does Not Include:

• Airfare (unless otherwise arranged) • Departure and custom fees • Gratuities and individual daily expenses • Additional beverages • Telephone charges and incidentals • Travel insurance • Trip cancellation • Medical and luggage insurance are recommended for coverage against all unforeseen circumstances

Tour Highlights:

Unesco Heritage Sites

• Historic City of Trogir (1997) • Historical Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian (1979) • Old City of Dubrovnik (1979) • Plitvice Lakes National Park (1979)

Capital Cities

• Zagreb (Croatia) • Ljubljana (Slovenia) Natural Sites • Lake Bled

Hotel List: Astoria 4* or similar – Zagreb Kompas 4* or similar – Bled Jezero 3* or similar – Plitvice area Atrium 5* – Split Valamar 4* or similar – Dubrovnik

Important Info: This might be a bilingual tour. Tour is not suitable for persons with restricted mobility.

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Please enjoy a Typical Recipe – Split Region

Getting ready for all delicious meals you will taste during the tour.

Dalmatian Pašticada

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Payment and Refund Policies

If you have any questions or you’d like to book this trip, please contact us.

Custom itineraries available to this or any of the destinations we travel to.

Please check the Resources page for more information on Travel Insurance, Visa Service and other useful links.

SPECIAL AIRFARES: Kutrubes Travel can assist you with your flight reservations to your destination with all major carriers. We offer special rates through our various airline contracts. Please call us or email us with your proposed travel plans and we will be sure to accommodate you and respond quickly.

Kutrubes Travel also offers a variety of other tours throughout this region. Contact us for detailed itineraries and descriptions.

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Serbian Private Tours | Western Balkans Private Tour 2024 | Tour In ex-Yugoslavia And Albania

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western balkans tours

Epic 14-Day Balkan Adventure: Explore 5 Countries, Uncover Rich Culture and Forge Lifelong Memories!

Discover the highlights of the western balkans on a seamless 14-day balkan tour, crafted to provide deep cultural insights and authentic experiences along the way. without the hassle of planning each step, set your own pace and enjoy the flexibility to tailor your trip to your interests and preferences., tour in a glance.

  • Tour guide, or #YourSerbiaHost as we like to call our guides, will wear masks in closed space or all the time if required
  • #YourSerbiaHost is vaccinated against COVID-19
  • #YourSerbiaHost will make sure that social distancing rules are followed
  • Single-use surgical masks will be provided if you don’t have your own
  • Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are available in the vehicles
  • All vehicles are disinfected with alcohol after/before tours (all handles, hard surfaces, seat belts, knobs and buttons, etc.)
  • Vehicles will be ventilated with outside air (fresh air)

We wish you to stay safe and healthy!

What to Expect From the Private Tour in the Balkans in 2024

Experience the amazing Balkans with our private 14-day tour, spanning 5 countries: Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, and North Macedonia. Discover in-depth the vibrant region as you gain insights into history, local life, customs, cultural nuances, and the interconnectedness of the region while interacting with knowledgeable guides and locals. Our carefully crafted Balkan tour itinerary ensures a fulfilling journey without overwhelming schedules, allowing ample free time for relaxation and independent exploration.

Meet a unique blend of diverse cultures as you travel through 5 Balkan countries, gaining a deeper understanding of their interconnected histories and traditions.

Marvel at the stunning natural landscapes on your journey, from rugged mountains and pristine lakes to ancient forests and picturesque coastline., craft the itinerary based on your interests and enjoy leisure time in each destination, striking the perfect balance between exploration and relaxation., interact and connect with local guides and residents along the way, and gain invaluable insights into their way of life, customs, and contemporary issues., 1st day – meeting and free time in belgrade.

You’ll meet #YourSerbiaHost at airport/bus/train station or wherever we agree to meet. After a transfer to your  Hotel City Savoy**** (two nights) and check in you’ll have free time to relax after the trip, or to explore Belgrade on your own.

2nd Day – Belgrade Exploration

We’ll take you first to Belgrade Fortress , the most iconic Belgrade landmark. Then from the fortress we move to another part of the city, posh Dedinje. You’ll visit the House of Flowers , which is the eternal home of former Yugoslavian president Tito. #YourSerbiaHost will explain how Tito’s cult was nurtured during his life, but also long after he was gone. From the controversial Yugoslavian dictator’s tomb we’ll take you to a holy place, to the St. Sava Church . The biggest Orthodox Church in the Balkans is dedicated to a true saint who was born in the XII and who brought autonomy to the Serbian Orthodox Church in the XIII century.

When this part of exploration is finished we’ll take you to a restaurant in the neighborhood, where local food is prepared in a modern manner. After lunch we’ll switch to the other side of the river, to Zemun . This old part of the city was actually a separate town till 1934. Strolling along the Danube promenade or walking to the Gardoš Hill , with a drink in one of the local cafes will make you feel like a local.

Rest of the day you are free to explore Belgrade on your own. Tips and recommendations will be provided.

3rd Day – Sargan Eight Train and Mokra Gora

You’ll leave Belgrade and head to West Serbia and Mokra Gora town. On the way you’ll have a chance to enjoy views over a famous Serbian landmark, the unusual Drina River House . Further, you’ll experience the most attractive narrow track railway in this part of Europe, the famous Sargan Eight Train . Before the ride you’ll have lunch in a local tavern. After a two and a half hour ride, we will continue to the nearby Drvengrad-Mećavnik (Woodentown) ethnic village, which was created by our famous film director Emir Kusturica.

This wooden town complex will accommodate you in Hotel Mećavnik**** .

4th Day – Bridge Over Drina, Višegrad and Sarajevo

On the fourth day of your Balkan tour you’ll leave Serbia and cross to Bosnia . In Bosnian entity Republika Srpska we’ll stop at town Višegra d, famous for its bridge over river Drina dating from the XVI century. You’ll hear a story about Yugoslavian writer Ivo Andrić who wrote the novel with the same name Bridge Over Drina and won the Nobel Prize in 1962. Here you’ll get on a boat and take a ride on Drina River, to see the town and the old bridge from the water. After the ride you’ll try ćevapčići, Bosnia style, for lunch in Andrićgrad . From Višegrad you’ll continue to Sarajevo on scenic roads following Drina and crossing Romanija Mountain .

Upon arrival in Sarajevo and check-in to Hotel Isa Begov Hamam**** (two nights) you’ll have free time to enjoy Sarajevo’s vibrant life . Tips and recommendations will be provided.

5th Day – Sarajevo Tour

On your Sarajevo tour you’ll explore the old town, famous Baščaršija , with a local guide who will give you not just information, he will share his life experience about living in Sarajevo. You won’t stop at Baščaršija, you’ll explore several sights in and around Sarajevo during the tour and at the end you’ll join #YourSerbiaHost for lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch you have the rest of the day for yourself.

6th Day – Mostar to Trebinje

You’ll leave Sarajevo and continue along the Neretva River all the way to Mostar . This iconic Herzegovina town received world fame thanks to its XVI century stone bridge and charming Ottoman looking old center. You’ll spend a few hours in Mostar to get to know its essential points and then continue to the nearby village Blagaj . Here on the source of river Buna, you’ll enjoy cool breeze and fresh water coming from the cave underneath the rock. On top of that you’ll try local food in a small family owned restaurant. From Blagaj we drive further through Herzegovina and in the afternoon we finish the day in Trebinje, an old and charming town with Mediterranean looks.

Your home for the next two days and nights is Hotel Platani**** . Recommendations and tips for restaurants will be provided.

7th Day – Trebinje

On your day in Trebinje you’ll have a walking tour through the old town with a local guide. The guide will introduce you to Trebinje’s most notable old parts: Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian. You will stop at the old Ottoman bridge from the XVI century, where you’ll learn why it didn’t get admitted to UNESCO list, even though it’s beautiful and authentic. Further you’ll be exploring the old Monastery Tvrdoš with authentic wine cellars from the XV century. Today this monastery produces several highly respected wine labels, which you’ll get to try. As the finale of the day, you’ll have lunch in the household in a local village.

After lunch you’ll be taken back to your hotel for some free time. Optionally, in the afternoon/evening we can organize a visit to nearby Dubrovnik in Croatia, which is only half an hour drive from Trebinje (for an extra cost).

8th Day – Trebinje to Kotor

You say goodbye to Trebinje and to Bosnia and Herzegovina. After crossing the border to Montenegro you’ll admire the beauties of another ex Yugoslavia country with a diverse coastal line and breathtaking inland. Our destination in Montenegro this time is the town of Kotor in Boka bay . By far the most interesting destination in this part of the Adriatic coast. After a two hour scenic drive you’ll reach Kotor and your Hotel Monte Cristo**** . After check-in you’ll take a walk through the old town of Kotor to explore its most notable landmarks. We’ll make a summary of the day during lunch in the local tavern.

Rest of the day is free for making plans on your own.

9th Day – Kotor to Tirana Over Kruja and Skadar

The 9th day of the Balkans tour will start with a scenic drive along the Montenegrin coast until we set apart to hills to enter Albania . This country which was for a long period behind the “iron curtain” for plenty of travelers is still considered for a deeply isolated and conservative society, but you’ll be surprised. First stop in Albania, after the border, will be the town Skadar (Shkodra) and its historic citadel. Further we’ll take you to lunch in Albanian outback to a farm  where they produce all the food domestically. Next stop is again historic, the Kruja Castle , which symbolizes resistance of Albanian people with its medieval ruler Skender Bey against Ottomans. Finally the drive goes straight to Tirana .

Your Tirana accommodation is Hotel Brilant Antik**** (two nights) .  Rest of the day you have for yourself to relax or to soak in the vibrant night life of Albania’s capital.

10th Day – Tirana Vibes

In the morning you’ll meet your local guide who will take you on a city tour around Tirana. You’ll learn from the guide about how life was under the regime of Enver Hoxha , how it was during the period of transition and how life is in modern day Albania. After a tour you’ll meet #YourSerbiaHost again and he’ll take you to lunch at a traditional Albanian restaurant to try their cuisine, because what is worth travelling to a country if you don’t eat like a local. Rest of the day after lunch you have free time for your own plans.

11th Day – From Tirana to Ohrid

Day eleven is scheduled for leaving Albania and for meeting another former Yugoslavian republic, North Macedonia . Country with a disputed name, but with great nature, history and on top of it all, great people. A drive through Albanian mountains will give you an idea how this country managed to be isolated for so long. After you cross one of those you’ll enter North Macedonia and reach the beautiful Monastery St. Naum on the shores of the lake Ohrid. 

After monastery and lunch in a nearby restaurant we’ll take you to the other side of the lake, to the town Ohrid. Here you’ll check in to Hotel City Palace**** which will be your accommodation for the next two nights.

12th Day – Ohrid and the Vicinity

This day is reserved for exploration of old town Ohrid and village Vevčani , located half an hour drive from Ohrid. First thing to visit is Samuilo’s Fortress , the main landmark of Ohrid. Further on the itinerary are old sites and churches scattered around the hill above modern Ohrid. When we finish with this part of the day we’ll take you to Vevčani, a village unknown to the majority of tourists. This place has its charms and interesting people, as well as pure water and intact nature. You’ll hear a story about their declaration of independence in the ’90s and establishing local currency. You’ll have lunch here on the springs of pure mountain water. After lunch we’ll get you back to Ohrid.

Tips and recommendations about what to try in Ohrid restaurants will be provided.

13th day – Matka Canyon and Skopje

On the day ahead you’ll visit one very special place on the way to Skopje , the Matka Canyon , a beautiful canyon of river Treska. You’ll take a short boat ride to a cave which holds cave jewelry and a population of bats. After a boat ride you’ll have lunch in a local restaurant right in the canyon, views from its terrace are the right spot to relax and enjoy local dishes. After lunch you’ll continue to Skopje which is only 30 minutes away.

Upon check-in to Hotel Aleksandar Square**** , located on the main city square, we suggest a walk around the city center to explore Skopje’s disputed architecture. Rest of the evening you have free time.

14th day – Departure

This is the day when your private tour in the Balkans ends. Here we’ll say farewell at Skopje airport, Alexander the Great. Depending on your flight arrangement you can spend some time shopping or wandering around Skopje’s vibrant streets.

End of the Balkan tour

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Balkan sightseeing tours inspiration

Mystical landscapes, unique cultures & ancient history

You won’t miss a thing on our Balkan travel experiences, as we take you from the iconic attractions to the unexpected treasures. Go beyond the ancient beauty of Dubrovnik and discover the spectacular islands off Croatia. See the famous capitals like Bucharest and Sofia before roaming further to fairytale towns like medieval Veliko Târnovo.

Church on the island surrounded by forest

All the best Balkan sights

Whether you want to explore the ancient Old Town of Split, sail across the magical lake to Bled Island, marvel at the Plitvice waterfalls, or see Bran Castle, the mythical home of Count Dracula in Transylvania, our Balkan vacations are packed with iconic highlights. And with your expert Balkans travel guide and Local Specialists leading the way, you’ll get the insider’s lowdown on all the top sights and really make the most out of your Balkan adventure.

A street filled with people sitting in cafe gardens

Plus the local hidden gems

We’ll also reveal the incredible secrets on our Balkan tours. Soak up the Belle-Époque atmosphere of Bucharest, and wander the elegant boulevards of Sofia and the colorful streets of Tirana. See the traditional crafts of Skopje’s bazaars and gaze at the mesmerising fjord-like mountains of Kotor. From the Stari Most bridge to the great fortress of Belgrade, there are endless wonders to explore in the Balkans.

A man holding a frying pan full of food

Connect with local cultures

Our Balkan tour packages give you the chance to connect with the locals and gain a deeper understanding of the region’s cultures. Taste the flavors of North Macedonia at a local dinner in Skopje or visit a historic farm in Bled for an exclusive family dinner. Sample indigenous wine from a family-owned vineyard in Skradin, or meet the Muhoberac family for a traditional dinner in Osojnik, where their ancestors have lived for over 500 years.

The best of the Balkans unlocked for you

Enjoy one-of-a-kind experiences and uncover local secrets when our friends across the country open their doors to you. Here’s just a sample of the rich experiences you can expect.

All you need to know about Balkan Sightseeing Tours

What countries make up balkan.

If you’re trying to choose your Balkan travel destinations, you’ve got plenty of options. There are several countries within the Balkan Peninsula including Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Bulgaria and Kosovo. Parts of Croatia, Greece, Italy, Turkey, Slovenia, Romania and Serbia also make up the Balkans.

What is the best time to visit the Balkans?

Spread over half a million square kilometres, the climate varies greatly around the Balkans. In general, the spring and autumn shoulder seasons are perfect for mild temperatures, less crowded cities and blooming national parks, while summer brings hot weather and perfect beach days. If you’re taking on the chilly winter, pack your snow gear!

Why are they called the Balkans?

The meaning behind the name ‘Balkans’ is obscure. The word ‘Balkan’ means ‘mountain’ in Turkish and was aptly used to describe this mountainous region throughout history. While the concept of the “Balkans” was created by a German geographer in 1808, the term became more popular in the 19th and 20th centuries as a geopolitical concept.

What is the best Balkan route?

Dreaming of a Balkans road trip? Our top Balkans itinerary takes you to the best places in the region, starting in Romania’s capital Bucharest. Head to Sofia in Bulgaria, cross to Skopje in North Macedonia, then arrive in Tirana in Albania. Travel up to Montenegro, see the sights of Bosnia and Herzegovina, then finish up in Serbia’s Belgrade for the ultimate Balkan adventure.

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Budget Tours & Trips to Balkans

Discover a varied offer of Balkans budget adventures that will take you through some of the most renowned destinations such as Athens and Santorini. Each affordable tour will provide you with great experiences for some of the lowest prices on the market.

250+ cheap Balkans tour packages with 1,992 reviews

Balkan Discovery (4 Star Hotels) Tour

  • Christmas & New Year

Balkan Discovery (4 Star Hotels)

Amazing tour guide, bus driver and all the guests. Would have loved to see more of Bosnia
  • €150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Balkan Kaleidoscope Tour

  • In-depth Cultural

Balkan Kaleidoscope

Wonderful trip, excellent driver and guide.

Croatia Sailing Adventure Tour

Croatia Sailing Adventure

We had an amazing sailing crew! Each member was very helpful with our trip and contributed to our amazing experience. Our tour guide, Ivan, keep the team organized and out of trouble. He coordinated all of tour times and kept us updated. We had such a large group but he was able to up with us all at all times! I miss this crew. If you are thinking about taking this trip but on the fence I would highly recommend Ivan and this particular sailboat crew with Viktorja!

Zagreb to Athens: Adriatic & Ancient Capitals Tour

  • Active Adventure

Zagreb to Athens: Adriatic & Ancient Capitals

This trip was overall in one word... amazing. The destinations covered were amazing & beautiful. It was handy to have everything sorted out : the accommodation (mix of hostels & hotels), the transportation and many of the activities. Most of the places stayed did not have breakfast, but it was stated clearly that they wouldn't. Some of the places that had breakfast included a selection of breads, cereals and coffee - everything that you need. Croatia blew my mind.. The Croatia part of the tour was very in depth and I have a great idea of what the country is all about now & I also want to go back to see more in the future - The tour goes to cities, lakes, medieval villages, islands, beaches and has stops along the way to each usually. Note that on occasion there are stops along the way & the activity isn't always included in the tour.. I found that out the hard way in Albania. The transportation was a mix of using local transportation, personal buses and ferries. Note that in Albania MOST places do not accept credit card & we had troubles using the bank machines to take out cash.. Albania accepts the Euro as currency so make sure you have lots before you go (I also found out the hard way and didn't have any Euros as i Spent them in Montenegro) The groups for the tour are really what made the trip amazing.. Both groups were super friendly & alot of fun.. being a smaller tour and with the age restrictions it did make for a better trip because we were all around the same age, so had more in common! It was great having a smaller group too because we all became closer & spent even the "free time/Free days" together doing the activities. Our guide Marco was with us for both parts of the tour and overall he did a great job covering the information needed and I felt like we could always go to him if we had questions about anything. That was a part of the tour that I liked: knowing that I had someone to ask questions to who knows the area..Overall, HIGHLY recommend doing BOTH parts of this tour, as Many who didn't do the 2nd leg of the trip were super jealous and wishing they did! You won't regret doing this tour!!

Dubrovnik to Athens: Beachfronts & Fortresses Tour

Dubrovnik to Athens: Beachfronts & Fortresses

We were a small group of 7 people, which was great. Our Tour Guide Alice was amazing, totally amiable, knowledgeable and fun. Everytime we wanted to change the trip activities she accommodated our wishes. I most enjoyed the part of the trip in Montenegro, a beautiful country. The overall trip is a well-balanced combination of experiencing nature, cities, culture and party-opportunities.

East of Europe and Venice Tour

East of Europe and Venice

There was no introduction made, the group participants should have at least been introduced to each other.While Evan was amasing, the local city guides were not particularly good. Walked too fast for the group, yet stopped at various points to share information not waiting for the group to gather felt pretty much " dumped" in cities after a short tour. I realize all the lengthy border crossing did impact the time. Quick stop for snacks / lavatory with4 or more coaches were not pleasant. Seems that there were plenty of other opportunities for stops.

Tour from Belgrade to Tirana; 5 Balkans Countries in 8 days Tour

Tour from Belgrade to Tirana; 5 Balkans Countries in 8 days

Eirvis transformed our journey from Tirana to Belgrade into an extraordinary experience. His deep knowledge of the region's history and culture made every mile informative and engaging. The scenic routes chosen by Eirvis were breathtaking, and his friendly approach made us feel like we were traveling with an old friend. This tour is a must for anyone wanting to explore the beauty and depth of this part of the world."

Vienna to Athens or Corfu; Grand Tour of Central Europe & the Balkans Tour

Vienna to Athens or Corfu; Grand Tour of Central Europe & the Balkans

We have just finished pur 21 days balkans Adventure. Sokol our guide was the best, he did such a good job during our tour, we loved him . Choos Balkans ensured a smooth and enjoyable adventure from start to finish. The accommodations were top-notch. This 5-star experience has left me with cherished memories and a deep appreciation for the Balkans. Kudos to everyone takingcare of this tour. ????????????????

Balkan´s Route Tour

  • Coach / Bus

Balkan´s Route

Giving this tour a Solid A. My English-speaking tour guide, Bilyana, was amazing. More on her in a minute. The tour really allows you to explore the Balkans and learn the individual histories of each country. The hotels were all great. In Croatia we were right on the water in a 5-star stunner. The tour was well balanced between hitting the important sites, getting the local history, exploring the Capitals, and having some free time. Please note, these tours are moving. We're hitting a lot of places each day. I like to say they're geared towards travelers as opposed to tourists. But travelers that want to take it somewhat easy. And let others deal with logistics. And the prices are of great value. Yes, you may be in the minority of English-speaking people in the group, but the Spanish speaking travelers are extremely friendly. Just learn a couple phrases like "Buenas Dias" and "Hola" and you'll be fine. Now, Bilyana Shizokanska, my Bulgarian guide was just amazing. She was always looking out for me like a mother hen, and had the sweetest disposition. All the tour guides are awesome, knowledgeable and speak multiple languages. But Bilyana went out of her way to make me feel welcome and guide me through the Balkans. So, like I said: I'm giving this tour a solid A.

Treasures of the Balkans & Transylvania Tour

Treasures of the Balkans & Transylvania

Excellent everything was by the boom

Greece Classic Tour Tour

Greece Classic Tour

This was an excellent tour. Our guide, Maria, was very knowledgable and really lovely. I would recommend this tour for those who want to see these incredible antiquities and just get a taste of the beauty of the mainland.

Greek Island Explorer (10 Days) Tour

Greek Island Explorer (10 Days)

I loooved this trip! I was worried about traveling alone, but those feelings were quelled as soon as I met our guide Simone. He put me at ease and really took care of our group. And I met some wonderful people in addition! Best time ever!

The Best of Greece Tour

The Best of Greece

Tour is fast-paced. As my first time in Greece and my first tour, it was a good trip. It is fast, though. This could easily be extended into a 2 week vacation. There were places we visited that I would have loved to have spent a few days in rather than just one evening. The tour add-ons are nice, but they can get pricey so I did not do all of them. I do not regret that, though. One evening I ate out at a café overlooking the ocean in Delphi and only paid 6 euros for a huge dish, where paying for a night out add-on would have cost at least 40 euros. The tour guide was friendly. He did make a point of knowing where everyone was and what they were doing at all times. He was also very knowledgeable. It was a information overload between what the tour director was saying and the local guides. That's not a complaint necessarily - I just tuned out after awhile. Accommodations were good. There was some disappointment, though, when comparing the different locations. In general they were fine; clean and in central locations.

Classical Tour of Greece and Nauplion - 5 Days Tour

Classical Tour of Greece and Nauplion - 5 Days

Our guide Thomas (from day 2) was excellent - so knowledgeable about Greek history and he was very good at organising the group. He was exceptional.

Charms of the Cyclades Tour

Charms of the Cyclades

Going in, we give Wingbuddy extra points for customizing their packages to meet the clients wishes. Since this was the first trip booked through Wingbuddy, it was unknown how reliable they are, but coming out of this experience, I would say that we are very pleased. All the transfers were handled seamlessly. The drivers were always prompt, friendly and helpful. The accommodations were just fine. We came to realize that this company oversees your trip in the background to ensure that everything runs smoothly for you. We recommend them to others and would book again with Wingbuddy.

Budget Tours & Trips to Balkans Reviews

Both tour guides were amazing, the tour would not have been the same without them. Bus driver was great, kept us safe. All in all great tour and would recommend.
I’m a see all I can fall I can guy. Not the type to sit at a resort on a beach. I really enjoyed every where we were at and learned so much. Our guide was helpful our driver was excellent and we had a great time.
Dom was amazing, considering that the route had to keep changing due to bad weather he did everything he could to keep everyone happy and make sure we all still did fun activities and have a great time

More Budget Tours in Balkans

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  • Slovenia tours (8)
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Travel Styles

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International Versions

  • Deutsch: Günstige Reisen in Balkan
  • Français: Circuits et voyages économiques en Balkans
  • Español: Circuitos baratos por Balcanes
  • Nederlands: Balkan Budget Reizen in Balkan

Dagens News (US)

Ukraine Seeks $3 Billion Monthly in Aid from West to Meet Social Obligations

U kraine has declared a requirement for monthly financial aid amounting to $3 billion from Western nations to ensure the fulfillment of its social commitments to its citizens, as stated by Sergei Marchenko, the nation's Finance Minister.

During a presentation to the G7 financial group, Marchenko emphasized the critical nature of continuous and reliable fiscal support to uphold social expenditures. He highlighted that, without timely external financing, Ukraine faces significant financial instability.

"The need for external financing in 2024 is estimated to be around $3 billion monthly. The absence of prompt external financing could jeopardize our ability to meet our social obligations," he remarked .

Marchenko also shed light on the financial aid Ukraine has received since February 2022, totaling approximately $63 billion from G7 countries and the European Union. Despite the uncertainties surrounding international assistance, he noted that the Ukrainian Ministry of Finance has undertaken measures early this year to preserve the country's financial stability.

Germany Prepares for Potential NATO Attack Scenario

US Congress Nears Solution to Avoid Shutdown, Ukraine Aid on Hold

Recently, Marchenko acknowledged a growing shortfall in funds within Kyiv, yet assured that efforts are ongoing to secure resources to address the populace's needs. He anticipates the receipt of 4.5 billion euros from the European Union as part of a 50 billion euro agreement made on February 1, spanning from 2024 to 2027, and an additional $1.5 billion from the World Bank in March. "These funds are expected to sustain us through the first half of the year," he stated.

The necessity of Western financial support was underscored earlier in January by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, who cautioned that without such aid, Ukraine would struggle to disburse pensions to its 11 million retirees. Yulia Sviridenko, Ukraine's Minister of Economy, predicted a reversion to a "survival" economic mode without Western backing, foreseeing delays in the payment of wages to half a million government employees, 1.4 million educators, and pensions to 10 million retirees.

The Financial Times reports that Ukraine's 2024 budget, with a $41 billion deficit, relies heavily on Western financial support, with anticipated funds of $18 billion from the EU, $8.5 billion from the US, and $5.4 billion from the IMF, alongside contributions from the UK and development banks to bridge the shortfall.

Former Tour de France winner Bjarne Riis Engages in Media House

Zelensky Secures Artillery Support from Balkans Countries

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Bosnia’s Dysfunction Snarls Efforts to Curb Moscow’s Reach in the Balkans

The United States and Europe have championed a new pipeline to bring gas to Bosnia and cut supplies from Russia. But the project has been stalled by feuding among ethnic groups.

A worker stands between rows of pipes.

By Andrew Higgins

Reporting from Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Already struggling to contain intractable crises in the Middle East and Ukraine, the United States is also grappling with an impasse in the Balkans over a gas pipeline into Bosnia, an issue that is freighted with big geopolitical stakes.

The project, backed by both the United States and the European Union but blocked by the ethnic feuds that have long hobbled Bosnia, aims to break Moscow’s stranglehold on gas supplies to a fragile nation tugged between East and West.

The proposed pipeline, which would bring in natural gas from neighboring Croatia, a member of NATO and of the European Union, would be only 100 miles long and cost roughly $110 million, a pittance next to the $15 billion it took to build the Nord Stream gas connector between Russia and Germany.

But it would severely reduce Moscow’s influence in a highly volatile region. Russia frequently used its control of energy as a weapon against Ukraine in the years leading up to its full-scale invasion in February 2022 and has since used it to undermine European unity by offering sweet energy deals to countries such as Hungary and Serbia.

Russia has no territorial claims on Bosnia or other Balkan nations, and its main goal has been to keep them from integrating with the West.

The stalled pipeline “is much more important than just Bosnia and Herzegovina or future infrastructure in a small Balkan country,” said Vesna Pusic, a former foreign minister of Croatia who helped steer her country into the European Union in 2013.

“This is about closing the avenues for Russia’s destabilizing influence in Europe,” Ms. Pusic said in an interview. “The big avenue is of course Ukraine, and this is a little one. But if it is not closed it will grow” and radiate instability across and beyond the Balkans, she added.

Unlike other European countries that diversified energy supplies after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Bosnia has remained entirely dependent on Moscow for its natural gas.

Without alternative supplies from the West, James C. O’Brien, the assistant U.S. secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs, said in a telephone interview, “Bosnia risks falling behind and becoming uniquely vulnerable” to pressure from Moscow.

Mr. O’Brien visited the Bosnian capital, Sarajevo, this month as part of U.S. efforts to get the pipeline from Croatia moving, jolt politicians out of their domestic feuds and blunt Russian influence. “This is a vulnerability that has to be closed,” Mr. O’Brien said.

Bosnia’s main sources of energy are hydropower and local coal. But while natural gas from Russia makes up less than 5 percent of the country’s total energy mix, it helps power a big aluminum factory and fuels the heating plants that keep Sarajevo warm in winter.

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Existing pipelines

Proposed pipelines

(supported by

Serbia and Russia)

Muslim-Croat

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Adriatic Sea

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by the U.S.)

HERZEGOVINA

A fragile amalgam of territories inhabited by Muslim Bosniaks, Orthodox Christian Serbs and Roman Catholic Croats, few of whom are religiously observant, the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina has stumbled from crisis to crisis since 1995, when the Dayton Peace Accords ended years of bloodletting in the former Yugoslavia.

The peace deal stopped wars that killed some 100,000 people in the early 1990s, but it saddled Bosnia with an elaborate and highly dysfunctional political system. The country is divided into two largely self-governing “entities” — a Muslim-Croat federation and a predominantly Serb area called Republika Srpska.

Presiding over this rickety, disjointed structure is a weak central government with three presidents, one for each ethnic group, which are supposed to share power but whose political leaders thrive on stoking division.

The Republika Srpska, led by a pugnacious Serb nationalist, Milorad Dodik , has repeatedly threatened to secede, a move that would risk setting off a new round of bloodshed. Mr. Dodik, a regular visitor to Russia, most recently on Wednesday , for meetings with President Vladimir V. Putin, is pushing a separate pipeline project that would increase gas supplies from Russia. His fief has its own gas company, Gas-Res, controlled by ethnic Serbs, and a Russian-owned oil refinery dependent on Russian crude.

Bosnia’s ethnic Croat leader, Dragan Covic, says that he supports the proposed Western pipeline but that he wants it placed under the control of a company to be run by ethnic Croats instead of by Bosnia’s existing pipeline operator, BH Gas, which is based in Sarajevo and run by Bosniaks. The company Mr. Covic wants to create would be based in the Bosnian city of Mostar, ethnically mixed but long a bastion of Croat chauvinism .

The squabbling prompted an unusually blunt intervention last month by Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken. In letters to the foreign ministers of Bosnia and Croatia, Mr. Blinken denounced Mr. Covic for obstructing “a critical project.” His demands for a new, ethnically Croat company, he said, “are duplicative, economically unviable and put the entire project at risk.”

“Such obvious corruption and self-dealing could jeopardize” Bosnia’s hopes of one day joining the European Union, Mr. Blinken added.

Mr. O’Brien, the assistant secretary of state, citing diplomatic confidentiality, declined to say whether the Croatian and Bosnian foreign ministers had responded to Mr. Blinken’s broadside. Both ministers declined to be interviewed.

Mr. Covic, who also declined to be interviewed, has said that he only wants to protect legitimate Croat interests, not block Bosnia’s path into the European Union.

Nihada Glamoc, director of BH Gas, acknowledged that most of her company’s executives and employees were Bosniaks but said that there was no need for a new Croat-led pipeline operator.

“It is all just political,” she said, noting that her only interest was to ensure a “diverse and stable supply” of energy.

Muris Cicic, an economist and president of the Bosnian Academy of Sciences and Arts in Sarajevo, described the bickering over the U.S.-backed pipeline and Mr. Dodik’s efforts to build an alternative to bring in more Russian gas as “a model of Bosnia’s dysfunction.”

“Everything in this country is based on ethnic differentiation, even gas,” he said, adding: “Our politicians have divided everything that can possibly be divided and placed each piece under their command. It is beyond all economic logic.”

The feuding has not only obstructed common action in the interests of the whole country, Mr. Cicic said, but also created fertile ground for Russia to push its interests.

“Bosnia is the dividing point between East and West — the point where Russia can easily provoke instability through people like Dodik,” Mr. Cicic said.

Mr. Dodik, he added, might be the most open in expressing a desire to redraw Bosnia’s borders and keep it out of the European Union, but he is not alone in promoting narrow ethnic and often corrupt interests at the risk of stoking tension and even violent conflict.

“We unfortunately have lots of Dodiks here,” he said.

The European Union accepted Bosnia as a “candidate country” in 2022, part of its efforts to blunt Russian influence in the Balkans after the invasion of Ukraine. But formal negotiations have not started and the European bloc’s executive arm in November delivered a bleak assessment of Bosnia’s prospects, saying the country had made “no progress” in fighting corruption and dawdled on “socio-economic reforms” demanded by Brussels.

The idea of building a pipeline to bring in gas from neighboring Croatia has been around for nearly 15 years, ever since Russia cut off gas deliveries through Ukraine to the Balkans in 2009 and left Sarajevo shivering for days in subzero temperatures.

“We were very scared by the 2009 shutdown and realized that we had zero energy security,” recalled Almir Becarevic, who ran BH Gas at the time.

Gazprom, Russia’s energy behemoth, he said, had for years seemed “just a normal company selling gas,” but “it steadily became clear that Gazprom was playing political games.” Gas, he added, “grew into a big geopolitical thing.”

Mr. Becarevic and others began lobbying for a pipeline from Croatia to end Russia’s monopoly but made little headway, even after the opening in 2021 of a facility on an island off the Croatian coast to handle deliveries of liquefied natural gas.

“For years there was nothing but blah, blah, blah,” Mr. Becarevic said. “But the war in Ukraine changed everything. The situation has now changed 100 percent.”

Andrew Higgins is the East and Central Europe bureau chief for The Times based in Warsaw. He covers a region that stretches from the Baltic republics of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to Kosovo, Serbia and other parts of former Yugoslavia. More about Andrew Higgins

Zelensky co-hosts a summit in Albania seeking more war support from southeastern Europe

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky.

TIRANA, Albania (AP) — Ukraine’s president co-hosted a summit with Albania’s government on Wednesday that is meant to encourage further support for Kyiv by southeastern European countries, as signs of fatigue grow two years after Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived before midnight Tuesday on the latest stop in an international tour that saw him in Saudi Arabia earlier Tuesday to push for a peace plan and the return of prisoners of war from Russia.

Zelenskyy on Wednesday called Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama “Ukraine’s unwavering friend” in a message on X, formerly Twitter, adding the two would “discuss defense and political cooperation, support for the Peace Formula, and security agreements.”

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“I will propose supporting Ukraine’s efforts to achieve just and lasting peace, as well as organizing the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland,” he said, referring to the summit.

Zelenskyy and Rama also signed a friendship and cooperation agreement “to strengthen our cooperation with Albania and Ukraine’s position in the Balkans.” Zelenskyy also awarded Rama with the “Yaroslav the Wise” medal for his contribution to Ukraine.

Zelenskyy is accompanied by Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

Rama wrote on Facebook that he was proud to welcome Zelenskyy for “a solidarity meeting and to further the commitment of our democracies against Russian aggression.”

Securing further support is key to Ukraine’s leader while his country faces battlefield challenges. Zelenskyy on Sunday announced that 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed in action since Russia’s invasion — the first time that Kyiv had confirmed the number of its losses.

Ukraine has urged Western leaders to increase the joint production of weapons and ammunition, improve Ukrainian air defenses and put new pressure on Russia via expanded sanctions. The head of NATO has said the U.S.-led military alliance has no plans to send troops to Ukraine, and Germany, Poland and other countries this week have said the same.

Eleven countries from southeastern Europe, including some of Ukraine’s neighbors, attended the Albania summit, three of them with online messages, along with officials from the European Union and other international institutions.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Albania earlier this month.

But not all the countries are in full support for Ukraine in its war against Russia. Kremlin ally Serbia is the only European country that has refused to align with EU sanctions following Russia’s invasion. It continues signing cooperation agreements with Moscow.

Albania, a NATO member since 2009 and a candidate for EU membership, has voiced its full support for Kyiv against Russia’s invasion. It has provided military assistance in the form of ammunition and training of Ukrainian military. It was among the first countries offering shelter to Ukrainian refugees. It has joined international sanctions against Russian officials and institutions.

As a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council in the last two years, Albania joined the U.S. in initiating resolutions against Russia’s invasion.

Ukraine's Zelenskyy pleads for more ammunition at Albania summit of southeastern European nations

TIRANA, Albania — Ukraine’s president pleaded Wednesday for more ammunition to repel Russian advances as he co-hosted a summit with Albania’s government to build further support for Kyiv among southeastern European countries while signs of war fatigue grow.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that increasing the supply of armaments, and especially ammunition, was paramount for Ukraine just over two years since Russia’s full-scale invasion . “I think this is the question of: Will we stand or not,” he said during his speech to the summit.

His impassioned plea comes as Russian troops have seized the initiative on the battlefield in Ukraine amid worsening shortages of weapons and soldiers for Ukraine’s military. Western analysts and observers say the Russians are attacking in strength along four parallel axes in the northeast, aiming to press deeper into the Ukraine-held western part of the Donetsk region and also penetrating into the Kharkiv region north of it.

Russia took the strategic eastern city of Avdiivka earlier this month by overwhelming Ukrainian forces with large numbers of troops and superior air and artillery firepower. Fierce fighting has continued with Russia pushing Kyiv’s forces out of another three villages to the city’s west in the last few days.

Zelenskyy arrived in Albania overnight to join a summit of eleven countries from southeastern Europe, along with officials from the European Union and other international organizations. It was the latest stop in an international tour that saw him in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday to push for a peace plan and the return of prisoners of war from Russia.

Zelenskyy sought to build solidarity among his country and those of the Western Balkans, saying that all of them deserved to be members of the European Union and NATO if they choose.

“The European Union and NATO have provided Europe with the longest and most reliable era of security and economic development, and we are all equally worthy of being a part of the European and Euro-Atlantic communities,” Zelenskyy said.

Securing further support is key to Ukraine’s leader while his country faces battlefield challenges . Zelenskyy on Sunday announced that 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed in action since Russia’s invasion — the first time that Kyiv had confirmed the number of its losses.

He acknowledged, again, in Tirana that “the problems with the supply of ammunition” were impacting the situation on the battlefield.

Russia’s tactics in Avdiivka, including its use of dozens of glide bombs to obliterate Ukrainian positions in the city, has raised concerns it could replicate the same methods elsewhere along the frontline if Western aid to support air-defense systems and supplies of long-range weapons and artillery do not come through soon.

Around Bakhmut, which fell to Russia last May after the longest battle since the full-scale invasion began, Russian troops are trying to push towards Chasiv Yar, according to a spokesman for the operational group overseeing the eastern front line. Illia Yevlash said Tuesday that Russia is reinforcing its troops with assault units, using air attacks, and that heavy fighting was ongoing on the outskirts of the city.

Meanwhile, further north on the frontline, Russian troops are pressing forward around Lyman and Kupiansk, in the Kharkiv region that borders Russia .

Ukraine has urged Western leaders to increase the joint production of weapons and ammunition, improve Ukrainian air defenses and put new pressure on Russia via expanded sanctions.

Not all the countries at the meeting are in full support for Ukraine in its war against Russia. Kremlin ally Serbia is the only European country that has refused to align with EU sanctions following Russia’s invasion. It continues signing cooperation agreements with Moscow.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said he insisted that the summit statement should not include any call for sanctions on Russia and should not include proposed wording about Russia’s negative influence in the Balkan region.

Albania, a NATO member since 2009 and a candidate for EU membership, has voiced its full support for Kyiv against Russia’s invasion. It has provided military assistance in the form of ammunition and training of Ukrainian military. It was among the first countries offering shelter to Ukrainian refugees. It has joined international sanctions against Russian officials and institutions.

As a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council in the last two years, Albania joined the U.S. in initiating resolutions against Russia’s invasion.

Zelenskyy said all of the countries at the summit must remain vigilant over what Russian President Vladimir Putin does next.

“The interaction between us, between neighbors, between neighboring regions, between all partners, has become a factor that along with the resilience of our people in Ukraine, does not allow Putin to prevail,” Zelenskyy said.

Blann reported from Kyiv, Ukraine. Associated Press writer Illia Novikov in Kyiv and Jovana Gec in Belgrade, Serbia, contributed to this report.

Follow Llazar Semini at https://x.com/lsemini

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