Explore Balkans through expert eyes with over 900 professionally guided tours. Local insights, historical context, and hassle-free exploration rated by more than 5,000 guided tour enthusiasts.
Age
Discounts
Duration
1 day180 days
Departures
Tour Types
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 is the 10th Explore holiday, we have covered places like Peru, Chile, Bolivia, Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Vietnam, Cambodia, Cuba, India and this just covers 5 holidays.
These are not for everyone, as some are very full on, but the two Balkan trips were easy, although some of this group had not read the itinerary properly and this was a bit too much for them!
The Cuba and South America were what I call, sanitised back packing, as sleeping out in the open and you can have very early starts, around 4 am and late finishes.
However, you really see the place and interact with the local people. This is why we love Explore tours.
If you want total comfort and not really interact, then Saga or like is for you, as you do have to rough it on some trips.
One trip in particular was India, two days going up the Ganges on a wooded raft, inches from the water and sleeping on the bank at night with the snakes and wild dogs, just an amazing experience, and you know you are alive!
Another was in the jungle of Cuba, no tent, just under the stars, but I did get attacked by the smallest ants in the night, but still a fantastic experience, one I won’t forget!
Our tour guides have all been very good, but on this trip, Constantin went beyond the norm.
The only criticism on this trip was no local experts and Constantin had to do it all, which makes it very difficult for him to become an expert in every area, town etc.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Guest House, Hotel, Villa
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Bucharest, Sofia, Black Sea Regi
Bucharest, Sofia, Black Sea Region, Kaliakra, Transylvania, Sibiu, Belgrade
Seeking a taste of Turkey’s legendary west coast with a splash of adventure? The Amazing Turkey by Gulet (5 Star Hotels) tour offers young adults and families an easy-going 10-day journey that seamlessly weaves history, culture, and leisure. Start your trip in Istanbul before exploring the ruins of Troy and Pergamum. Midway, unwind on a three-day gulet cruise, basking in the Mediterranean sun and swimming in turquoise waters. Marvel at the ethereal Pamukkale hot springs, stroll through ancient Ephesus, and finish your adventure amid the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. With upscale accommodations and a thoughtful mix of land and sea activities, this tour package uniquely combines historical exploration with the rejuvenating pace of a coastal cruise.
Ready to unravel the Balkans’ rich tapestry? The "All About Balkans (4 Star Hotels)" tour invites families and young adults to a 12-day odyssey through Bulgaria, Macedonia, Serbia, Croatia, Albania, Montenegro, and Greece. From Sofia’s vibrant streets to the timeless wonders of Athens, you’ll explore Skopje, Belgrade, Sarajevo, and the serene Adriatic coast. Highlights include the floating monasteries of Meteora and the legendary Acropolis. Enjoy comfortable 4-star accommodations and expertly guided sightseeing, all at an easy pace suited for families. The USP? This tour brings the region’s intertwined histories and diverse civilizations to life, creating travel memories for all ages.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-75 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Athens, Sofia, Delphi, Belgrade
Athens, Sofia, Delphi, Belgrade, Sarajevo, Trebinje, Budva, Ohrid, Skopje, Thessaloniki
Discover Turkey’s most extraordinary destinations on the Best of Turkey Tour, an 8-day city sightseeing trip beginning and ending in Istanbul. Experience the architectural marvels of Istanbul, the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia and Goreme, the ancient wonders of Ephesus, and the natural beauty of Pamukkale—all seamlessly woven together for a truly immersive journey. With expert guides leading the way, travelers will enjoy comfortable hotel stays, included meals, and hassle-free transportation. This tour is perfectly suited for those seeking to maximize their time while savoring Turkey’s rich history and breathtaking scenery. The distinct highlight of this trip is its expertly curated itinerary, designed to capture Turkey’s essence in just over a week for an efficient yet unforgettable adventure.
Discover the charm and history of Eastern Europe on the Serbia, Romania & Bulgaria Discovered - 12 days tour. This easy-paced journey, perfect for experienced travelers and seniors, takes you from the vibrant streets of Belgrade to the cultural richness of Sofia. Along the way, explore the capitals of Bucharest and Sofia, stand in awe at Dracula’s Castle in Transylvania, and stroll the medieval lanes of Brasov.
Venture beyond the cities to uncover Bulgaria’s rural heart in Arbanasi and Veliko Tarnovo, and immerse yourself in the ancient atmosphere of Plovdiv. This tour package’s standout feature is its comprehensive blend of iconic sites and lesser-known gems, offering a true insider’s look at the region’s culture and history—all with comfortable accommodations and seamless group logistics.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Travel through the stunning landscape of mainland Greece on this 7-day tour of ancient sites and scenic beauty. Explore Athens and its iconic Acropolis before heading to the Peloponnese to see Epidaurus and the ruins of Mycenae. Discover Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games, and the sacred sanctuary of Delphi. The journey continues to Meteora, where centuries-old monasteries sit atop towering rock pillars, with a brief stop at historic Thermopylae on the return to Athens. A captivating blend of history, legend, and dramatic landscapes.
Unearth the wonders of Turkey’s ancient past on the 'Taste of Turkey'—an 8-day guided group tour that’s perfect for those wanting a concise yet thorough exploration of the country’s legendary sites. Starting and ending in Istanbul, this trip takes you from the city’s vibrant bazaars to the storied battlefields and ruins of the Aegean coast.
Your journey begins with a full day discovering Istanbul’s highlights before continuing to the poignant battlefields of Gallipoli and the ancient cities of Troy and Pergamum (replaced by Assos for 2025 departures). Marvel at the grandeur of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities, and soak in the otherworldly terraces of Pamukkale.
The unique selling point of this tour package is its efficient itinerary—carefully curated to showcase Turkey’s must-see destinations in just over a week. With accommodation, transport, and meals included, this is an ideal introduction for history buffs and cultural explorers alike.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
8-95 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Istanbul, Gallipoli Peninsula, E
Istanbul, Gallipoli Peninsula, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Cape Town
Step into Turkey’s rich tapestry of history on the Aegean Trooper Tour, a five-day journey that begins in Gallipoli and ends in Istanbul. Delve into the moving stories of the Gallipoli Battlefields, then trace the footsteps of ancient civilizations through Troy, Pergamum, and the world-renowned ruins of Ephesus. Marvel at the natural wonder of Pamukkale’s travertine pools before returning to Istanbul’s vibrant embrace. This city sightseeing tour package is perfect for travelers who crave both historical depth and striking landscapes, with the unique advantage of exploring multiple UNESCO sites in a single, expertly guided itinerary.
I loved this sail. The swim stops each day were a highlight. I think maybe Methana could have been skipped for an extra day in Hydra. Hydra was definitely my favourite, but it was a good choice of islands overall. Niko and the crew were all fabulous. Breakfast and lunch were delicious and I really appreciated getting a vego option when the meal had meat.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers