Discover 40 tour packages in Balkans by Explore, ranging from 5 to 16 days. These trips are backed by 650 customer reviews and offer savings of up to 20% on select departures.
Duration
5 days16 days
Departures
Countries
Activities
Physical Rating
Accommodations
Simple stays with essential amenities. Typically guesthouses, hostels or hotels rated below 3 stars — clean, no-frills, and great for value-conscious travelers.
Comfortable and reliable 3-star stays. Expect private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and solid amenities — a great balance between comfort and cost.
Upscale 4-5 star hotels and lodges. Enjoy high-end service, refined comfort, and premium locations — ideal for travelers seeking extra indulgence.
This trip was suggested to me by a friend, but as an 83 year-old who ‘peaked’ more than 10 years ago I had some reservations about going on it. However, my fears were put to rest when I saw that the same hotel was used before and after the most challenging stage – the 14-mile final stretch of the northern trail, including the crossing of Mount Pantokrater. But in the event, although the terrain is hilly with some steep climbs I didn’t find any of the walking particularly difficult. It helped that a lot of the journey was on shady woodland tracks. Mt Pantokrator was quite an easy climb, the only challenge being the length of the day and the distance.
Not having visited Corfu before I found it a fascinating place, and have many vivid memories of the trip. We were fortunate to have, in Spiros, a leader who was very knowledgeable about local history, politics and wildlife. He worked very hard to make the holiday enjoyable for us, including leading us on a beautiful coastal walk to Kassiopi on the free day. I only wish I had discovered the island earlier so that I could walk the southern section as well.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Great holiday for an active family. Lopud is an excellent base, no cars mean it's a lovely place to relax after a bust day of activities. Don't miss the cave and the cycle through the valley.
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
We had the best time on the Greek Caique Cruise. The itinerary was fantastic and Thanos knew everything and everyone. We swam off the boat every day and when we docked in various ports Thanos was able to point us to the best places to go, organise taxis for us if necessary and in the evening recommend the best restaurants.
Active and outdoorCruise
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Fabulous week aboard the MS Isidorus. Swimming in crystal clear water and visiting lovely Greek villages. The Explore guide was excellent and conveyed his enthusiasm for Greek history, culture and food. Evia in June was beautiful- the gorge walk was a highlight- not at all crowded and much better value than the more well known islands.
Walking toursFood toursCruise
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This tour was a perfect balance of amazing food, historical sites, and sightseeing, and time to do things on your own. We had such a dynamic and charismatic group leader that made the whole experience that much better. Wide range of activities, which made interesting aspects to the food tour theme… it was a magnificent trip!
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
We could not of asked for a better tour guide than George, he was patient, catered for everyone’s ability. The excursions were really good. Hotels chosen where amazing we could not fault them at all
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
I had done one trip previously – Amalfi coast hiking, fall 2023 – with EXPLORE. I was so impressed I asked my excellent guide, Pete, what else he would recommend knowing my abilities and interests. He immediately recommended the Slovenia trip, and it actually was on my list of places to visit. He had apparently set the trip up about seven years ago and was very familiar with it.
I have been in 50 countries to date - some several times- and Slovenia is now in my top five and I am already planning my return for next May.
We had a lovely small group, being the first of these hikes of the season, hailing from Canada, Spain, Australia, and the UK.
The accommodation, staff, management, and food at Art Hotel Kristal were A+ – and I especially loved and took advantage of the options of the sauna and cold plunge, Ayurvedic massages with the wonderful Bhatri, chocolate tasting with the owner, Alenka, and a fantastic wine tasting with her son, Jan. I went home with a lovely assortment of chocolates and also a wonderful bottle of wine that I will try to hold onto for a few years until it is optimal to drink.
The hikes were not difficult at all, but I found that I did feel like I got a good amount of exercise by the end of the day. I spent my free day doing a mountain bike ride. The whole area around Lake Bohinj is stunning and there are so many activities that one can partake in, as well as really yummy local restaurants close by the hotel. I loved that the hotel offered a pre-fixe three course menu for hotel guests for only €25 on the nights that were not included with the hike. An incredible bargain given the quality of the food, as with almost all of the food we had in Slovenia, it was locally sourced and delicious. I am not typically a meat eater, but I had the venison twice – locally sourced, and wild – and it was by far the best I have ever had.
I would definitely stay at this hotel when I return to the area. I would strongly encourage others to spend some time in Ljubljana – either before or after the trip. A beautiful city a two hour bus ride awaythat is just the right size and full of so much to offer. Next time I am going to see a lot more of this country – it is half the size of Switzerland, but the variety of the terrain and ecosystems is quite impressive. Also, to be noted is that English is widely spoken and children start in grade 3, learning this second language. The Slovenians couldn’t have been nicer and more helpful everywhere I went. What can I say?? Get yourself to Slovenia before it is overrun: safe, clean, and green – a beautiful country of farmers, foragers, wine makers, and beekeepers. Also note that they have some fantastic fly fishing there as well as mountain and road biking – very cycling friendly. After all, it is the country of Pogacar.
Trekking and HikingWaterfalls
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ljubljana, Bled, Lake Bohinj, La
Ljubljana, Bled, Lake Bohinj, Lake Bled, Brod, Julian Alps, Mostnica Gorge
