Experience Balkans intimately with over 460 small group tours (max 16 travelers). Enjoy personal attention from guides and deeper cultural connections rated by more than 2,400 small group travelers.
Activities include
Duration
1 day35 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 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
Explore Istanbul; where Asia meets Europe and was capital for 3 different empires. Walk on the ancient street of the historical peninsula and witness monuments bearing the traces of 3 different empires such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, and Hippodrome. Learn history about Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans and Modern Turks from your expert local guide. Take photos from the best photoshoot points, experience shopping with locals in Grand Bazaar. Enjoy cruising on Bosphorus and watch traditional Turkish Dance Shows, taste typical Turkish food and enjoy the panoramic view of Ottoman Mansions, Ortkaoy Mosque, and Bosphorus Bridge
Bus toursCity sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
I loved my time in Cappadocia. The hotel was great, our guide Aykut was brilliant, the walks a little bit but not too challenging and our group lots of fun. We had two lovely drivers who couldn’t do enough for us. Thoroughly enjoyed all the “sightseeing” activities as we got a break from walking but we learnt more about the history of Türkiye and its people.
Being in Cappadocia for a week enabled us to get to know the area so well and see so much more of its wonderful geography and culture.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
If you’re dreaming of a whirlwind introduction to Turkey’s most iconic destinations, the 4 Days Istanbul & Cappadocia w/Cave Hotel + Optional Balloon tour is the perfect trip for you. This small group adventure, starting and ending in Istanbul, combines cosmopolitan city exploration with the enchanting landscapes of Cappadocia.
Your journey begins in Istanbul, where you’ll traverse the city’s rich tapestry of cultures, exploring world-famous sites like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and its legendary bazaars. Then, a short flight whisks you to Cappadocia, renowned for its whimsical fairy chimneys and unique cave dwellings. Stay in an authentic cave hotel, adding a magical touch to your Turkish getaway.
Wander the ancient corridors of rock-cut churches and learn about the early Christians who once sought refuge here. Capture unforgettable photos of Cappadocia’s surreal landscapes from panoramic viewpoints, and try your hand at traditional pottery-making. Savor local Turkish cuisine in charming restaurants, a highlight for food-loving travelers.
With internal flights, airport transfers, guided tours, and selected lunches all included, this tour package ensures a stress-free experience. For those seeking even more adventure, balloon rides are available as an optional extra. The standout feature? The combination of a cave hotel stay with expertly guided cultural immersion—an extraordinary way to discover both Istanbul’s historic grandeur and Cappadocia’s natural wonders.
Bus toursCity sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Set sail on the "Bosphorus Cruise Half Day Morning" tour and witness Istanbul’s skyline unfold from a unique vantage point. The morning begins with a sensory journey through the Spice Bazaar, where fragrant herbs and Turkish delights await. Afterward, embark on a 90-minute public boat cruise along the Bosphorus, gliding past landmarks such as Dolmabahce Palace, the ancient Walls of Constantine, and Topkapi Palace. This sightseeing trip stands out for offering panoramic views of Istanbul’s historic heart and vibrant waterfront in just a few hours, making it ideal for first-time visitors or those with limited time. The combination of culinary discovery and river cruising is a signature highlight of this tour package.
CruiseSightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
A fab tour from Explore. Their tour leaders are always so passionate and enthusiastic and group sizes are not too big.
This trip allows you to experience the beauty and diversity of Albania and understand the ongoing political and economic struggles the country has been through with centuries of occupation by the likes of the Ottoman Empire, the Romans and then at the hands of Communist Communism. Albania is now able to show off its beauty and is increasing it tourism offering. A hidden gem.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Travel from the sun-drenched walls of Dubrovnik to the emerald streets of Ljubljana on this immersive 15-day tour of Croatia and Slovenia. Designed for those who crave a mix of history, nature, and culture, the journey weaves through charming islands like Korcula, Roman ruins in Split, and the picturesque lakeside town of Bled. Savor local wines with welcoming hosts, trek through the Hvar hinterland, and unwind on the Adriatic’s unspoiled beaches.
The easy activity level makes this trip inviting for a wide range of travelers. Whether you’re quaffing wine in a medieval town or losing yourself in Slovenia’s green capital, the blend of breathtaking landscapes and vibrant city life is the unique selling point. This tour package offers an enchanting taste of the best Croatia and Slovenia have to offer.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House, Hostel
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Dubrovnik, Bled, Zadar, Plitvice
Dubrovnik, Bled, Zadar, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Pula, Rovinj, Korcula Island, Hvar, Split, Ljubljana
Unveil the diverse tapestry of the Balkans on the "Premium Dubrovnik to Bucharest" tour, a 19-day sightseeing journey stretching from the sunlit Adriatic of Dubrovnik to the vibrant avenues of Bucharest. Perfect for experienced travelers and those seeking a comfortable pace, this trip explores Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Romania, weaving together iconic landmarks and hidden gems. Wander the cobbled lanes of Sighisoara, marvel at Mostar’s legendary Old Bridge, and soak up the electric nightlife of Belgrade. Discover the awe-inspiring Tara National Park with its dramatic mountain scenery and traverse the romantic heart of Transylvania, replete with medieval fortresses and storybook castles. This guided small group tour ensures comfort and camaraderie, with thoughtfully selected hotel stays, seamless transport, and included meals. What sets this tour apart is its rare blend of historical insight—delving into war years and cultural crossroads—with moments of natural splendor and lively modern energy. Whether sampling regional wines, standing amidst centuries-old architecture, or reflecting on the region’s past and present, this trip offers a rich, immersive experience for those eager to witness the Balkans’ remarkable contrasts firsthand.
Sightseeing ToursWalking tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers