Good introductory tour to the Balkans. Need a bus-seat rotation plan to prevent some passengers from hogging the good seats. Choose buses that provide USB charging ports. Avoid less organised hotels where coffee and food runs out, such as in Hotel Marinela in SOFIA and Hotel Panorama in Veliko Tarnovo. Choose hotels that serve breakfast early, at least at 7:00AM, e.g. Panorama in Veliko Tarnovo serves breakfast only at 7:30AM and tour leaves at 8AM, not enough time. Choose hotels that provide express-laundry services as we do not have time to look for laundromats elsewhere. When arriving too early at a city to check-in at hotel, do not waste time unloading bags first, directly go on city tour then come back at check-in time. Maybe reduce a day from Bulgaria or Croatia and add at least a day more in Serbia, which is rich in history. If possible design a new tour to cover all Balkan states and add Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Albania.
Short on time but eager to explore? The 'Balkan Dreams end Albania' tour is a 6-day city sightseeing journey from Zagreb to Tirana, covering Zagreb, Dubrovnik, and Sarajevo. Seniors will appreciate the thoughtfully organized hotels, transport, and meals, making travel effortless. The highlight: a concise, cross-country itinerary that provides a meaningful taste of the Balkans’ history and culture with maximum comfort.
I absolutely loved the tour! Istanbul was far more mysterious and grand than I ever expected. Our driver, Melih, was incredibly friendly, honest, and always willing to help. His genuine nature added a special touch to our trip. I highly recommend this tour to anyone wanting to discover the true magic of Istanbul and Cappadocia.
Wow to Turkey. So many things to say. Stunning landscapes, amazing cities, beautiful beaches, delicious meals and soooo much incredible history. Everything is also very affordable even with the very low Australian dollar right now. Best of all is the people, they are all full of personality, jokes and kindness. As a solo female traveler, no one hassled me (although I'm in my 50's) and I never felt unsafe at any time.
Bus toursCity sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This was an excellent trip. I felt safe in all the areas where we stayed. The hotels were consistently well located so it was easy to go out and explore on your own. The guide gave us plenty of time at the sites we visited and was flexible and supportive in accommodating people’s needs and preferences. The guide was very knowledgeable and was able to explain Turkish history and culture. The guide was much more than a tour manager. An added bonus was the private bus. There was no time wasted waiting for public transport and it just made travelling long distances so much easier and more comfortable.
City sightseeing
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.
Long bus journey but worth it. Major sights visited in Istanbul city.
Gallipolli and Troy well worth visit,very interesting,hard to imagine human cost of war.Trenches still visable. Lots of archaeology at Troy and replica of wooden horse to go in. Good photo opportunities. Ephesus with ancient streets,roman toilets,columns,mosaics and carving of menorah. Amazing amphitheatre at Parmakeele,The Thermal Springs. Lots of people but lots of space. White rocks fab,water not warm,skin felt refreshed after dip. Hotels used were high quality. Breakfasts delicious. Time to visit museum shops and time for coffee break.
Guide allowed plenty of toilet stops.