We had a great time on this trip. The itinerary has a lot of variety -- city/cultural tours plus hiking and rafting in beautiful scenery. Our guide, Csilla, was outstanding -- very patient, upbeat, and calm. She also gave us so much information on the history of the three countries. The wine tasting experience was terrific because we got to interact with old-time, traditional wine makers from the countryside. We've experienced posh wine-tastings at art galleries and hotels in the past, and although they weren't horrible experiences, they felt much more pretentious and much less authentic. Having read some of the previous reviews that were less positive, our comments are: 1) if you want luxury travel, don't book this trip -- when you order a glass of house wine, it will be just that, and no more. It's fine to be a wine snob or a coffee snob or a hotel snob, but don't book a relatively low-priced tour and then be disappointed when you aren't given luxury treatment. Some of the hotel rooms are small and won't accommodate a queen size bed, so there will be two twins. If going for a week without a queen bed is the end of the world for you, find a luxury tour company and pay the additional cost to travel that way. Also, with respect to the hike, the description in the itinerary was totally fine and a reasonable assessment of the difficulty. It would be advisable to have appropriate shoes -- we wore hiking boots and were fine. But any time there is a hike on the itinerary, you should plan ahead and have a fitness routine at home (before departure) to prepare adequately. It is unreasonable to book this trip when you cannot even do the city walks.
RaftingActive and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
We enjoyed this self guided cycling trip from Prague to Vienna. Accommodation was fantastic, the bikes great and the terrain a mix of forest, cycle paths and quiet country roads. At the end of each day we had UNESCO listed towns to explore. All the details were taken care of. Thank you!
This trip was amazing! Our tour guide was absolutely incredible in giving us all of the information we needed. The bus drives were planned out well so we were never on them for too long before stopping. I would've liked to have more time in Split, but other than that, everything was the perfect amount of time and I would highly recommend this trip.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Split, Budapest, Ljubljana, Plit
Split, Budapest, Ljubljana, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Dubrovnik
Curious about the hidden gems of the Balkans? The "Balkan Discovery (4 Star Hotels)" tour package is your ticket to a vibrant journey through the heart of Southeastern Europe, starting and ending in Sofia. Over 10 days, young adventurers and families alike are whisked through an exciting lineup: Sarajevo, Skopje, Trebinje, and four other captivating Bulgarian destinations. This easy-paced, guided sightseeing trip delivers a harmonious mix of living history and breathtaking landscapes, all while ensuring comfort with four-star hotel stays, inclusive transport, meals, and expert guidance.
What sets this tour apart is the chance to truly connect with local culture—imagine sharing tea with passionate locals, standing in awe before majestic mountain ranges, and marveling at lakes so clear they mirror the sky. Explore palaces of former Tsars in Sofia, experience the charm of Belgrade, and wander the cobblestone streets of the Adriatic jewel, Dubrovnik. The itinerary also reveals the quieter beauty of Montenegrin villages and the distinctive character of Albanian towns, all woven together through the scenic heart of Macedonia.
Designed for young adults and families seeking both adventure and ease, the tour ensures activities remain accessible—think gentle walks and plenty of downtime for relaxation. Each day offers opportunities to soak up remarkable Balkan heritage, from ancient fortresses to lively urban centers, while scenic drives and local encounters provide the perfect balance of exploration and comfort.
The true USP of this trip lies in its immersive encounters: guests don’t just sightsee, they engage with the region’s dynamic communities and cultural traditions, offering a deeper understanding of the events that shaped Europe. Whether you’re a family eager for educational fun, a group of friends chasing new horizons, or a solo traveler ready to make memories, this Balkan tour package promises a seamless blend of discovery, cultural richness, and scenic wonder—all without the hassle of planning. Prepare to be inspired by the living tapestry of the Balkans, where every day is a new chapter waiting to be written.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-75 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Sofia, Belgrade, Sarajevo, Trebi
Sofia, Belgrade, Sarajevo, Trebinje, Budva, Ohrid, Skopje
14 splendid days of cycling along the Danube, earning our rest and food and beer each day. Riding into capital cities that are built to welcome cyclists. Soaking up the history and modernism as we meandered along.
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Budapest, Passau, Gyor, Komarono
Budapest, Passau, Gyor, Komarono, Esztergom, Schlogen, Linz, Grein, Melk, Krems An Der Donau, Vienna, Bad Deutsch Altenburg, Bratislava
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