Balkans Rail Adventure

I have travelled a lot, and am now less interested than I was in "the sights" of new countries - architecture, mosques, temples, cathedrals etc - but more interested in the culture, politics, landscape and nature. On this trip we had many local guides in all seven countries and thirteen cities that we visited, and through them learned much of the culture: we also received an unprecedented sample of views from all sides in the warfare of the 1990s, following the disintegration of Yugoslavia. The Balkans are often held up as an example of "impossible to understand politics", but I now feel that I have at least absorbed a firm grounding in the basics of their politics, culture and relationships of the past 100 years.

I had travelled with Explore many times in the past, and was always glad to go on another trip. This was my first one since 2017. The tour leader was really outstanding in every respect, being unfailingly cheerful and friendly, competent and energetic. The mostly fairly mature 15 group members were at least as likable, cheerful and co-operative as on any previous trip. The hectic itinerary packed a lot in. More trains next time!

This is a full on tour which covers a lot of ground, and seven countries, in a packed two weeks. It is a great opportunity to get an overview of the Balkans and cover a lot of ground. Recommended!