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Balkan Explorer

16 days
Start and end in Athens
4.2
40 traveler reviews
Balkan Explorer - Expat Explore Travel
From
$3,475
-28%
US $2,485
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Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 19 June 2025

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Plan your adventure:
Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Guided in English
Group Size 20 - 50
Age range 10 to 75
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Highlights

  • Explore every country in the Balkan Peninsula
  • Free days to enjoy Dubrovnik, Budapest and Sofia
  • Explore Delphi, Meteora and Plitvice Lakes National Park
  • Visit Kotor, Budva, Tirana, Ljubljana, Belgrade and Thessaloniki

Itinerary

Expand All
  1. Introduction
  1. Day 1 Start of tour in Athens
  2. Day 2 Delphi - Meteora - Kalabaka
  3. Day 3 Kalabaka - Ohrid
  4. Day 4 Ohrid - Tirana
  5. Day 5 Budva - Kotor - Dubrovnik
  6. Day 6 Dubrovnik: Free Day
  7. Day 7 Dubrovnik - Mostar - Sarajevo
  8. Day 8 Sarajevo - Split - Northern Croatia
  9. Day 9 Northern Croatia - Plitvice Lakes - Ljubljana
  10. Day 10 Ljubljana - Maribor - Lake Balaton - Budapest
  11. Day 11 Budapest: Free Day
  12. Day 12 Budapest - Novi Sad - Belgrade
  13. Day 13 Belgrade - Niš - Sofia
  14. Day 14 Sofia - Rila Monastery - Thessaloniki
  15. Day 15 Thessaloniki - Kamena Vourla - Athens
  16. Day 16 End of tour in Athens
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What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Optional
  • Additional Services

Customer Photos

Number of tours

88

Age Range

10 to 80 years old

Response time

within 1 day

Response rate

84%

Expat Explore is one of the industry’s leading coach tour operators. Their core mission is #TravelMadePossible - to make travel fun, convenient and affordable for travellers from all over the world. They offer a selection of more than 60 itineraries that explore destinations across Europe, North...

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Sustainability Initiatives

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Customer Reviews

  • Most Recent
  • Most Popular
  • Highest First
  • Lowest First
  • A
    · November 11th, 2024
    I was blessed to have met 47 new friends. Expat Explore's Balkan itinerary was well thought of. Their chosen local guides were expectacular! We saw beautiful places, learned a lot, enjoyed local cuisine, and more. I have already reserved 1 tour with Expat and another w/ Tour Radar. Tour Radar is easy to navigate and staff are helpful.
    Show more
    Balkan Explorer customer review photo 1
    Trip date: October 2024
  • Balkan Explorer reviewer 2
    · July 7th, 2024
    Walking tour in Belgrade was far too long, guide was extremely knowledgeable but we needed a short explanation of the history. At the end of day we were too exhausted to listen.
    Expat Explore Travel commented on this review
    Thank you for your feedback on the walking tour. We appreciate your comments about the length of the tour, and we'll take this into consideration to ensure our tours strike the right balance between information and pacing. Your input helps us improve,... Show more
    Trip date: June 2024
  • HC
    · October 9th, 2023
    the tour in general was okay, the tour guide was great but there are some optional trip ( with payment) like danube river dinner cruise which has no service vehicle to take us from the hotel to pier and making us walk to & from the river pier was a letdown.
    Show more
    Expat Explore Travel commented on this review
    Thank you for your feedback regarding the optional Danube River dinner cruise. We're delighted to know you found the tour guide great. Your insights are valuable as we continually strive to improve our services. We look forward to hosting you again on... Show more
    Trip date: September 2023
  • DB
    · September 12th, 2023
    We spent more time in the bus than seeing sights, the lunch breaks were way to short, Bulgaria should be removed and many of the hotels were subpar. Only 4 rooms had safes and only 1 worked. Beds were mostly hard. Our group was too big, 42 travelers and too hard to keep track of. There was an extreme amount of difficult walking. We were constantly dragging luggage around. Never again.
    Show more
    Balkan Explorer customer review photo 1Balkan Explorer customer review photo 2Balkan Explorer customer review photo 3Balkan Explorer customer review photo 4
    Trip date: August 2023
  • Balkan Explorer reviewer 5
    · September 11th, 2023
    For a 16-day tour, you should consider more than one hotel that actually has a fitness center. Those long bus rides take a toll on the body!
    Expat Explore Travel commented on this review
    Thank you for sharing your thoughts on your experience. Your feedback is valuable, and we will be sure to pass this information along to the relevant department for future tours. We hope we can welcome you back in future.
    Trip date: August 2023
  • DP
    · June 4th, 2023
    Fast paced, and enjoyable. Ten countries in sixteen days, organized to the point it was a pleasure to experience. Our guide Rogan kept us informed and gave great background information of things we were about to experience. I will relive this adventure many times in my head.
    Show more
    Balkan Explorer customer review photo 1Balkan Explorer customer review photo 2Balkan Explorer customer review photo 3Balkan Explorer customer review photo 4Balkan Explorer customer review photo 5Balkan Explorer customer review photo 6
    Trip date: May 2023
  • Balkan Explorer reviewer 7
    · October 30th, 2022
    The tour was generally ok but some hotels don't have kettles for us to make hot drinks, they don't even provide one when we ask the housekeeping, That caused some issues as we need to take medicine.
    Trip date: September 2022
  • Balkan Explorer reviewer 8
    · July 25th, 2022
    Will was an excellent guide. He was knowledgeable about each city and its culture/people:etc. plus his sense of humor made the trip so fun.
    Trip date: July 2022
  • VP
    · June 19th, 2022
    Our Balkan explorer 16 day 10 country tour was excellent our Tour guide Will is excellent as will as our Driver They work together to keep us moving 10 countries is not easy they made it easy, fun and funny at times. Will is great at what he does, lots of funny stories and very knowledgeable on all the countries we visited. I will recommend Expat tour to my friends and family Brenda Mills from Vancouver,WA
    Show more
    Balkan Explorer customer review photo 1Balkan Explorer customer review photo 2Balkan Explorer customer review photo 3Balkan Explorer customer review photo 4Balkan Explorer customer review photo 5Balkan Explorer customer review photo 6
    Trip date: May 2022
  • Balkan Explorer reviewer 10
    · April 25th, 2022
    A well-planned, well-executed trip! I very much enjoyed the entire experience. At first, when it was announced to our group of 38 that we would be rotating seats on a daily basis, I was a bit skeptical. However, I soon realized that it was actually a very good idea, as everyone got their turn having the front seat, etc. and nobody could fuss over who sat where. Our guide, Carly, was very experienced with group travel, very knowledgeable, and a pleasure to have as a guide. Our accommodations were great, the meals were very good, and we saw some fabulous sites during the trip. I really liked the 2-night stays in both Dubrovnik and Budapest, with enough free time to go to the beach in Croatia and the baths in Hungary! I would travel with Expat Explorer again in a heartbeat!
    Show more
    Trip date: July 2019

Dates & Availability

16 days
Balkan Explorer
From Athens to Athens

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What our customers ask about this tour

    The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
    • Are international flights included in the tour price?

      Whilst internal flights are covered for certain itineraries, you will have to make your way to the meeting point for the start of your tour. When booking flights be mindful of departure times and possible delays.
      Tip: We suggest that you start comparing prices the moment your deposit is paid to avoid costly flights.

    • Are young children allowed?

      We have a set minimum age of 10 for our tours, but we're happy to consider younger children on a case-by-case basis. Just let us know your request, and we'll do our best to accommodate it. Expat Explore reserves the right to accept or decline the request at our discretion. We want to ensure everyone has a great time exploring with us!

    • Can you cater for my dietary requirements?

      We make every effort to include local cuisine on our tours to ensure an authentic experience for you. You'll receive an email before the tour begins, where we'll ask for your dietary preferences. We always have a vegetarian option, and we'll work hard to accommodate any other dietary needs or preferences you may have.

    • Do I need to exchange cash before I leave?

      Contactless payment is widely accepted across Europe – it’s best to bring a payment card with no overseas withdrawal fees.
      * Keep in mind that certain optionals are payable in cash to your tour leader whilst on tour. We suggest that you talk to your Tour Leader about when & where to draw cash to pay for the optional excursions.

    • If I wish to stay longer in the start or end destination, will Expat Explore assist with pre/post-tour accommodation?

      While Expat Explore cannot assist with booking pre or post-tour accommodation, we recommend Booking.com for affordable accommodation options prior to and after the tour. If hotel information is available, we can provide you with the details in advance so that you can book accommodation at or nearby the start hotel. Please request this by sending a message through on the conversation page.

    • Can Expat Explore issue me with a visa?

      While Expat Explore endeavours to stay current on all major entry requirements, we are not a registered visa agent. We are, however, able to make things a little easier by providing you with the required supporting documents for a visa application once your tour is paid in full. It is a requirement of the embassies that tours are paid for in full before visa support documentation is requested and applications are made. When you have made the final payment for your booking, simply reach out to our Customer Support Team to request your visa support documents and confirm which embassy you will be applying to.

    • How much spending money do I need for my holiday?

      This is up to you and will vary depending on how much you wish to spend on snacks, drinks, souvenirs etc. We do not include entrance fees to attractions and museums. We do, however, provide you with free time to see everything you want, and our tour leaders will have all the information on pricing and locations so you can manage your own budget. Please refer to your tour-specific pre-departure information and optional excursions guide for further details.

    • Is travel insurance compulsory?

      It's your responsibility to arrange sufficient travel insurance for your trip. When you travel with Expat Explore, both you and your personal belongings do so at your own risk. A comprehensive insurance policy should cover medical expenses for illness or accidents before or during the holiday, as well as reimbursement for lost holiday funds due to cancellation, curtailment, or other insurable events. Make sure there are no exclusions that would limit coverage for the activities included in your tour.

      We generally recommend WorldNomads because they cover a wide variety of nationalities, but you are welcome to use any supplier that offers you the most comprehensive plan.

      You are able to obtain travel insurance through one of TourRadars partners, XCover. Please reach out to receive a quote.

    • How fit do I need to be to join and what is the average age range?

      We embrace travelers of all ages and backgrounds, prioritizing attitude and mindset over age restrictions. However, our tours are fast-paced and jam-packed with experiences. Regrettably, individuals with mobility limitations or those using wheelchairs may find this tour challenging. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring quaint towns and navigating cobblestone streets. We want every traveler to fully enjoy their journey, so we encourage reviewing the itinerary carefully before making your booking decision.

    • If I book a tour for two or more people, will we share the same room?

      When you book for more than one person, we will by default group you together in the same room(s), unless you request single supplements or specifically request us not to.

      If there are unequal numbers (3, 5, 7 etc.) then the remaining traveller will be roomed with another passenger of the same gender, unless you opt to add a single supplement (subject to availability) to your booking. Please note that minors under the age of 18 cannot share with another traveller outside of your group's booking.

      If you are making separate bookings and would like to share the same room(s), please send us an email with the booking references for each of the travellers and the details of your preferred rooming allocation.

    Can’t find the answer to your question?
    Reach out to the experts at Expat Explore Travel with your enquiry, they usually respond within 1 day.

    Good to Know

    Tour ID: 91278

    • Currencies
      L
      Lek
      Albania
      KM
      Convertible Mark
      Bosnia
      лв.
      Bulgarian Lev
      Bulgaria
      kn
      Kuna
      Croatia
      Euro
      Greece
      Ft
      Forint
      Hungary
      ден
      Denar
      Macedonia
    • Plugs & Adapters

      As a traveler from USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F, D, M. As a traveler from South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F.

      Type C
      Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Macedonia, Serbia, Slovenia and Montenegro
      Type E
      Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Macedonia, Serbia, Slovenia and Montenegro
      Type F
      Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Macedonia, Serbia, Slovenia and Montenegro
      Type D
      Greece
      Type M
      Greece
    • Vaccines
      • These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
      • Typhoid - Recommended for Albania. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
      • Hepatitis A - Recommended for Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Macedonia, Serbia, Slovenia and Montenegro. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
      • Hepatitis B - Recommended for Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Macedonia, Serbia, Slovenia and Montenegro. Ideally 2 months before travel.
      • Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an infected area for Albania. Ideally 10 days before travel.
      • Tick-borne encephalitis - Recommended for Albania, Croatia, Hungary and Slovenia. Ideally 6 months before travel.
      • Tuberculosis - Recommended for Bosnia and Bulgaria. Ideally 3 months before travel.
    • Visa
      • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
      • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
    • Payment information
      • For any tour departing before February 28th, 2025 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after February 28th, 2025, a minimum payment of 10% is required to confirm your booking with Expat Explore Travel. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
      • Some departure dates and prices may vary and Expat Explore Travel will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
      • The following cards are accepted for "Expat Explore Travel" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
    • Cancellation Policy
    • Accessibility
      Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.

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