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.
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.
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
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
The experience of cycling in Albania was very interesting as far as seeing different parts of the country, interacting with Albanian people, learning about the culture and history and cycling through forests and fields and down to the beaches.
The cycling itself was quite hard in terms of the hills, but because of the bikes/gears it was very attainable. We were able to stop and rest, as necessary and always had support and encouragement from our guide and the van.
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This is quite a challenging trek and the distances were slightly more than the trip notes. Plenty of steep ups and downs and poles definitely needed. Having said that the scenery is stunning and the trip balanced well. The hut accommodation is pretty comfortable and warm and more of a hostel really with outdoor loos. The huts also provide crocs so no real need to carry spare footwear if you want to save weight and space in your day rucksack.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This long weekend trip packs in a lot without feeling rushed or overwhelming. It's a good combination of town and country, with a touch of good fun tourism included in the trip to Bran Castle. Accommodation was as described and very comfortable. Romania has a fascinating history and the food is great. Our guide was brilliant and we had a terrific time. Highly recommended.
Wildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
We absolutely loved the trip. the Hideaway was a beautiful place to stay right by the Turkish baths and the Amphitheatre. The staff were so helpful, the room clean and setting and food was fabulous.
Each day of the trip brought us a new adventure. The group gelled very well together and out guide Zainab was fun, flexible and helpful and knowledgeable.
Walking toursBeach
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Great tour, very varied itinerary. The tour leaders were keen to ensure we had a good experience and gave us lots of information about Turkey. Bikes need little more attention on day to day basis and service after each tour.
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
A very good tour and the Springtime is the best time of year to do it as warm temperatures (early 20s) and all the flowers are out, so making it look more lovely. Somethings need rearranging as the tomb of Ano Anglianos is closed on a Tuesday, so is impossible to do on the tour even though it is in the trip notes. The only other problem is that due to the Greeks closing everything down for May Bank holiday, was unable to see Temple of Apollo or any of the museums when we got back to Athens. Need to make people aware of this first. The app doesn't put the hotel in the right place and can send you seriously off course. The optional tours were very good.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Captain Thanas was very knowledgeable and made it a wonderful experience.
The boat was small and cozy, probably a bit tricky for large people.
I loved everything about Evia as it is not overly touristy.
Fabulous trip.
Active and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
