Discover 1130+ Balkans trips in September 2026 with 5350+ verified reviews. Crafted by vetted tour operators, these Balkans September 2026 tours showcase the country at its seasonal best.
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, Bohinj Lake, Sa
Ljubljana, Bled, Bohinj Lake, Savica Waterfall, Lake Bled, Brod, Julian Alps
22% OFF TODAY
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Overall a great trip. Our guides were wonderful and very helpful. Not all of the hotels were up to standard. The Marina Hotel In Kusadasi was the worst. Very shabby, dirty, and the water was turned off at night The front desk offered no explanation, just that it would be back on at 5:00. The Pasabey Hotel in Marmaris also not very good, and they turned their wifi off at night, until 8 a.m. This is unacceptable. We had trouble with the wifi in all the hotels except in Istanbul. Very difficult for a traveller with no cell phone data. The food set meal in the Hilton, Safranbolu was terrible. Staff were extremely unhelpful, and would not supply small extras such as butter. Very surprising for a Hilton. The itinerary was great - lots of interesting, beautiful and historic sites. Nice to have the ferry and boat rides included during the tour. Could have done without the carpet and leather shops.
It was wonderful to experience Greece with others without feeling like I should find a friend to travel with. Our CEO’s enthusiasm about the culture was contagious. Thanks for creating an active vacation experience!
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-100 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Athens, Santorini, Tinos, Mykono
Athens, Santorini, Tinos, Mykonos, Naxos
18% OFF TODAY
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Join on a discovery of the iconic cities and impressive highlights of the Balkans. Get to discover Sofia, Skopje, Belgrade, Sarajevo and Tirana. Roam the ever-popular and lively Croatian coast while craving the calming serenity and charm of Albania and Montenegro. Chase Alexander the Great from Macedonia to Greece and uncover the mysteries of floating monasteries of Meteora. Meet the Oracle of Delhi before climbing up to the Acropolis to get a panoramic view of a capital of ancient world, Athens. Above all, touch shoulders with countless Balkan civilizations as you witness their beautiful interaction and create lifelong travel memories.
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
42% OFF TODAY
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Itinerary is good except that it would be good to have one more day at Istanbul.
Tour guide and the driver are helpful , knowledgeable and the tour guide Suat is delightful to deal with.
AdventureWalking tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Istanbul, Cappadocia, Gallipoli
Istanbul, Cappadocia, Gallipoli Peninsula, Selçuk, Ephesus, Fethiye, Kas, Kekova, Antalya
