The Balkans travel guide
This Balkans travel guide focuses not only on the Balkan region but also, for the main part, on vacations that take you to more than one country here. The first question on most people’s lips is: where exactly is the Balkans? Well, it comprises one of Europe’s three main peninsulas (the other two being the Italian and Iberian peninsulas). And the word Balkans comes from the Turkish for ‘mountains’, because although the peninsula is surrounded by four seas, namely the Adriatic, Ionian, Aegean and Black Sea, there is also the most colossal collection of mountain ranges running through it.
The Balkans are not just former Yugoslavia, with faded 50s glamour usurped by a faded dictator. They are all now countries in their own right. Fascinating, fun and the antithesis of faded.
The most prolific are the Dinaric Alps, which stretch down the Adriatic coast like an additional decorative ribbon to the already exquisite package consisting of Slovenia, Croatia and Montenegro. These countries, along with Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Romania and Serbia make up one big load of Balkans.
Our Balkans Vacations
Balkan adventure vacation
Explore Hungary's capital to medieval towns
From
US $1345
10 days
ex flights
Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia vacation
Escape the crowds and explore hidden Europe
From
£1699
16 days
ex flights
Balkan adventure vacation, 15 days
From Hungary through to Croatia
From
US $2120 to US $2550
15 days
ex flights
Balkans vacation, two week explorer
Start and end your Balkan adventure in Dubrovnik
From
US $1869 to US $1939
15 days
ex flights
Dubrovnik to Athens tour
Join us on a whirlwind adventure through the Balkans
From
US $2825 to US $3050
15 days
ex flights
Balkans cultural vacation
Best of Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Montenegro
From
€3200
15 days
ex flights
Balkans tour, Belgrade to Banja Luka
Explore the Balkans: Culture, history & stunning landscapes
From
£2995
15 days
ex flights
Vacation to Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina
A magical mixture of European and Eastern culture
From
US $2095 to US $2165
11 days
ex flights
Balkans vacation, journey through four countries
Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Slovenia
From
€1330 to €1550
11 days
ex flights
Rural Croatia hiking vacation
Walking & sightseeing in Croatia's stunning National Parks
From
£775
8 days
ex flights
Western Balkans small group vacation
Albania, Macedonia, Kosovo, Bosnia, Croatia and Montenegro
From
€1350 to €1450
12 days
ex flights
The Balkans small group vacation, bike, hike and paddle
Bike, hike and paddle in Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro
From
€1205
7 days
ex flights
Balkans biking vacation
Cycling in the Balkans: Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia
From
€950
8 days
ex flights
Bulgaria, Macedonia and Kosovo tour in the Balkans
Macedonia tour, with side trips to Bulgaria and Kosovo
From
US $1855
10 days
ex flights
Highlights of Croatia, Bosnia and Montenegro
Croatia, Bosnia and Montenegro Tailor made vacation package
From
€2400 to €3000
12 days
ex flights
The Balkans adventure vacation, small group
Climb the highest peaks of Bosnia and Montenegro
From
€820
7 days
ex flights
Biking vaction in Bosnia & Montenegro
Largely uncrowded roads allow for glorious views
From
US $1965 to US $2055
9 days
ex flights
Montenegro Kosovo Albania ski touring vacation
Enjoy 10 Days of Adventure in the Western Balkans
From
€1390 to €1590
10 days
ex flights
Budapest to Venice small group tour
Experience the best of Hungary, Italy and the Balkans
From
US $2915
19 days
ex flights
Adriatic tour, Zagreb to Athens
Indulge in sailing, hiking, beach & social life
From
US $2229 to US $2429
15 days
ex flights
Adriatic tour, Dubrovnik to Athens
Discover fabulous beaches, ancient Athens & exclusive clubs
From
US $1299 to US $1449
9 days
ex flights
Balkan rail tour
A 2 week adventure through Eastern Europe's hidden gems!
From
£939 to £1159
15 days
ex flights
Albania to Montenegro cultural vacation, 12 days
Cultural heritage of Balkan higlands
From
€1129
12 days
ex flights
Balkan vacations are...
for the most part, small group tours taking in a combination of countries.
Balkan vacations are not...
for fly and flop travelers. History and culture, adventure and architecture are what make them so very appealing.
Our top Balkans Vacation
Balkan adventure vacation
Explore Hungary's capital to medieval towns
From
US $1345
10 days
ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 7 May, 21 May, 4 Jun, 11 Jun, 9 Jul, 23 Jul, 6 Aug, 27 Aug, 10 Sep, 24 Sep, 1 Oct
2020: 5 May, 19 May, 2 Jun, 9 Jun, 7 Jul, 21 Jul, 4 Aug, 25 Aug, 8 Sep, 22 Sep
2019: 7 May, 21 May, 4 Jun, 11 Jun, 9 Jul, 23 Jul, 6 Aug, 27 Aug, 10 Sep, 24 Sep, 1 Oct
2020: 5 May, 19 May, 2 Jun, 9 Jun, 7 Jul, 21 Jul, 4 Aug, 25 Aug, 8 Sep, 22 Sep
Helpdesk
Hello. If you'd like to chat about Balkans or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help. Rosy & team.
Balkan vacations map & highlights
Overland small group trips are a fantastic way to discover this region. Transport is typically by private vehicles which can take you to lesser-visited towns, although there are spectacular train journeys such as the sleeper from Budapest to Belgrade, too. These vacations offer myriad Balkan combinations, from undeveloped Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia, to more of a grand tour taking in Croatia, Slovenia and Montenegro, where Dubrovnik, Lake Bled and Lake Skadar are respective highlights. With added gems such as Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Pelister National Park in Macedonia and other great capital cities such as Pristina, Tirana and Skopje. It’s one beautiful Balkan map.
1. Albania
2. Bosnia & Herzegovina
3. Croatia
4. Kosovo
5. Macedonia
6. Montenegro
7. Slovenia
8. Sofia, Bulgaria
2. Bosnia & Herzegovina
3. Croatia
4. Kosovo
5. Macedonia
6. Montenegro
7. Slovenia
8. Sofia, Bulgaria
Albania
1. Albania
Albania is a forgotten part of Europe, It is tantalisingly close to home, yet a whole world away in terms of culture, history and landscapes. Slowly, it is making its return to the tourism scene, and we reckon it won’t remain forgotten for long. Albania offers magnificent mountains, beautiful Ottoman towns, Greek and Roman ruins and gorgeous Mediterranean beaches – all with a fraction of the visitors of its Balkan neighbours.
Bosnia & Herzegovina
2. Bosnia & Herzegovina
BiH for short is one of the Balkans’ hidden wonders. Tragically known for years of civil conflict and huge loss of life, we like to celebrate its relatively new found peace by using the correct name: Princedom of Bosnia. Majestic it is too, with the Dinaric Alps, lakes and waterfalls, Rakitnica Canyon, Ottoman architecture and ancient capital of Sarajevo. The train journey from Sarajevo to Mostar is a treat.
Croatia
3. Croatia
Already celebrated for its array of archipelagos, Croatia also boasts eight national parks. Balkans vacations nearly always include Dubrovnik, its Adriatic ‘pearl’ and walled city, or the less well known ancient marvel of Split. If you are approaching from Slovenia, Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula is all things beautiful and baroque. It’s also popular as part of tri-destination cycling vacations, with Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina part of the pannier.
Kosovo
4. Kosovo
Europe’s newest country, Kosovo is not only open for tourists but also totally open hearted. Its cities are culturally cool, such as capital Pristina, which boasts mosques, churches and other sites dating back to the 15th century. Prizren has Roman, medieval and Ottoman architecture. Don’t miss Decani Monastery at the foot of the Prokletije Mountains, where monks gave refuge to all ethnicities during the war years.
Macedonia
5. Macedonia
Macedonia is often included in an Albania-Kosovo package, or on a tour from Dubrovnik to Athens. You will want to come back for more but, for starters, try Mavrovo National Park, home to the country’s three highest peaks, Lake Ohrid, with its waterside churches, and the magnificent Matka Canyon. This karst limestone valley is just 17km from the capital Skopje, which features just about every ancient influence you can imagine.
Montenegro
6. Montenegro
Montenegro boasts a triumvirate of leading highlights, its mountains, lakes and coast all hiding secrets and surprises. Coming from the north, Durmitor National Park and Tara Canyon are musts. The centre has the historic capital of Cetinje, while Lake Skadar and the Prokletije Mountains, bordering Albania, dominate the south. Cycling vacations combining Montenegro with Croatia are greedy in their gorgeousness.
Slovenia
7. Slovenia
The northern starting point for many Balkan vacations, Slovenia’s lovely capital of Ljubljana is a ‘pretty’ hard act to follow. Lake Bled is another favourite stop, with its romantic fairytale church on an islet, medieval castle clinging to a rocky cliff and Julian Alps backdrop. If you are looking for a dream photography vacation, look no further, especially with Croatia, the next stop south, thrown into the mix.
Sofia, Bulgaria
8. Sofia, Bulgaria
Some Balkan overland trips include Sofia on their itineraries, as the sandwich city visit between Belgrade in Serbia and Skopje in Macedonia. A very cosmopolitan city, with cafés and boutiques along Vitosha Boulevard as well as sacred marvels like Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and other Byzantine churches. Enjoy a mineral bath or the Natural History Museum, both in the shadow of the great Mount Vitosha.
More about Balkans
For hiking, spring and autumn are wonderful. You may want to stay clear of peak season to see some of the cultural greats, from Dubrovnik to Lake Bled...
Why book with Responsible Travel
Photo credits: [Page banner: SarahTz] [Is/isnt: Mario Micklisch]
[Map topbox: Jorge Franganillo]
[Bosnia and Herzegovina: Michal Huniewicz]
[Croatia: Arnie Papp]
[Kosovo: Fatos Katallozi]
[Macedonia: xiquinhosilva]
[Montenegro: David Jones]
[Slovenia: Marika Bortolami]
[Sofia: Silvia Albini]
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