Embark on an express journey from Romania to Bulgaria, finishing in Istanbul. Absorb Bucharest’s atmosphere on a guided walking tour, compare age-old places of worship in Sofia and breathe in crisp alpine air on a hike in the Pirin Mountains. Meander back in time in the Old Town of Plovdiv, see Veliko Tarnovo's imposing Tsarevets Fortress and learn about the distillation process and history of rose oil production at a family rose distillery in Sofia. This 10-day trip is a fascinating insight into just how much regions can change as you cross national borders!
I have done a few Exodus holidays in Europe and would actually say that in terms of the scenery and the history of the country it was among the best. Bosnia is not normally thought of as a holiday destination, but has lots to offer! Also not that many tourists either
Get your heart racing on an active trip across four countries, showcasing some of the best of the Western Balkans. Hike through the Dinaric Alps from Italy through Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro and Albania. Watch the sunset on an evening hike in Blidinje Nature Park and spend a day exploring Sarajevo at your own pace. Take a scenic ferry trip to Koman, follow the Valbona-Theth trail and see glacial lakes as you wander through Durmitor National Park in Montenegro. With history, culture, nature and adventure combined, this is a journey you won’t want to miss.
Embark on a spectacular journey from Romania and through Bulgaria to Turkey, discovering the architectural grandeur and quaint cultural enclaves that make this such an intriguing part of the world. Absorb Bucharest’s austere atmosphere on a guided walking tour, compare age-old places of worship in Sofia, breathe in crisp alpine air on a hike in the Pirin Mountains, bask in the glory of transcontinental Istanbul and soak up sun and history with a visit to the ancient city of Ephesus. Catch the overnight train to Central Anatolia and the fairytale landscape of Cappadocia, where hot air balloons dot the skyline and dwellings are cut into the cliffs - this 16-day trip is a fascinating study in just how much regions can change as you cross national borders.
Discover the beauty and history of the Balkans on an eight-day Premium adventure that travels from Croatia through Bosnia and Herzegovina to Belgrade. Walk the medieval Old Town of Dubrovnik, sample excellent Balkans wines, learn about the war years in Sarajevo, stop by the famed Old Bridge of Mostar and discover Tara National Park’s spectacular scenery on foot. Ride the rails on a historic steam train, then if the night is calling, discover the lively nightlife of Belgrade – your knowledgeable local leader is always on hand with the best suggestions. Combine battle zones, beaches, bunkers and bars on a comfortable adventure that melds past with present and travel with a small group of like-minded travellers.
Enjoy strolling alongside rivers of melt water, shimmering a stunning aquamarine blue, or rising valley sides into spectacular mountains of predominately limestone; jagged peaks create stunning vistas wherever you look. Waterfalls cascade down into the valleys, below the mountains you will find rivers winding their way along the valley floors towards the Adriatic Sea. The site of some major battles in World War I, you will walk along parts of the famous 'Walk of Peace' which is dedicated to the memory of the multitude of casualties of World War I.Starting in Bovec you can enjoy the blooming colourful meadows, awakening life in spring and summer, and the softness of winds, calm and peacefulness of nature in autumn. The lowland features forest, blue-green rivers and streams, magnificent waterfalls and gorges enriched with old homesteads and friendly Slovenes.
Our second centre, Ribcev Laz, is on the shores of Lake Bohinj from where you will wander around the lake, through forests and wildflower meadows, past waterfalls and explore charming hamlets adorned with half-timbered houses, stone bridges, and historic churches.
With its crystal-clear emerald lakes, picture-perfect castle and fairytale island at the foothills of the Alps, Bled is the perfect spot to base your eight-day active adventure in Slovenia. Hike lush trails on Mt Vogel in Triglav National Park, go cycling next to the Radovljica River and hold on to your helmets on an exhilarating white water rafting trip on the Soka River with expert guides. Walk the Vintgar Gorge boardwalk, discover the secrets of Ljubljana and see the little village of Ribcev Laz. Along with all this adrenaline, there’s plenty of free time to discover bled at your own pace – kayaking or ziplining, anyone?
Evia is an amazing island, very green and lush and the walking was varied. I was pleased by the amount of history and local knowledge imparted by the guides. The butterflies, flowers, tortoises and slow worms interested me a lot. The hotel provided a very comfortable base with the sea, tavernas and sea front giving evening entertainment. This is a great mix of moderately challenging walking with great food, wonderful history and interesting nature. I would heartily reccommend this holliday
Excellent trip highly recommend. Some walking but not to difficult. Very caring guide who is kind hearted and makes sure the whole group is happy.
Beautiful country side. Some hotels could be better, but there are still scars of the war so some buildings need TLC
Food is excellent although Dubrovnik is quite expensive and very touristic. Highly recommend trip
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.
