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11 Days Grand Balkan Tour Starting from Bulgaria
200+ Reviews
|11 Days, 12 Destinations |Starts from Sofia
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No booking fees
Earn €20 in travel credits

Duration
11 days

Max Group Size
30

Tour Code
TST00009

Tour Type
Request as group tour

Departure Type
Request

Age Requirement
0 - 0 Ages

Guiding Method
Fully guided

Operated In
English

Physical level
moderate

Tour route map

Sofia

Pickup Time:

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Skopje

Dropoff Time:

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Activities

Accessible ToursAdventureDailyDiscoveryExplorerFamilyFood & CulinaryHistoricalIn-depth CulturalPhotographyShoppingWalking TourSee Itinerary

Tour Overview

The seldom-opened treasure chest of the Balkans and southeastern Europe is yours for the taking on this 11-day luxury tour from Bulgaria to North Macedonia (max. 20 travellers). Stroll through the vibrant streets of Sofia, explore the medieval architecture and lively nightlife of Belgrade, immerse yourself in the rich history of Sarajevo and snap photos of Montenegro’s Instagram-worthy Bay of Kotor. Guided city tours take you under the surface of the best sights on the Balkan Peninsula, allowing you to peek beneath the once-closed curtains of countries like Albania, North Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is a European tour unlike any other, as you embark on a discovery of cities cloaked by soul-stirring mountains, salt-licked coastline and history captured in stone.

Highlights

  • Grand Balkan Tour Starting from Bulgaria
  • Your journey takes you to: Sofia, Bulgaria — Belgrade, Serbia — Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina — Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina — Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina — Dubrovnik, Croatia — Kotor, Montenegro — Shkoder, Albania — Tirana, Albania — Ohrid, North Macedonia — St. Naum, North Macedonia — Skopje, North Macedonia.

Itinerary

Welcome to Sofia, the laidback capital city of Bulgaria, where your extraordinary 11-day adventure through the ‘powder keg of Europe’, across seven countries, begins. On arrival at Sofia Airport (SOF), you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. In the afternoon, join your fellow travellers and tour director for a meet and greet. Tonight, why not join an optional group dinner and share delicious Balkan cuisine – with a Bulgarian twist – followed by a myriad of tasty desserts? (Surcharges apply).

Accommodation: Hilton Sofia

Optional Activity:

  • Group dinner (from EUR25 per person).

After a filling breakfast, embark on an adventure through the streets of Sofia, visiting impressive landmarks, such as the SS. Cyril and Methodius National Library, Sofia University, and the National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria parliament building. You will also be given the opportunity to see the St. Alexander Nevsky Patriarchal Cathedral, the Ivan Vazov National Theatre and Saint Sofia Church. Hear insightful commentary about the diverse history of Bulgaria and the communist era throughout your tour, before visiting the Council of Ministers building, the presidency, and the former communist party headquarters.

Later, take a scenic drive to the Serbian capital, Belgrade. After check-in at your hotel, enjoy time at leisure, perhaps roaming the vibrant shopping streets before sampling the local cuisine during dinner at the hotel.

Accommodation: Metropol Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Belgrade

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

The day is yours to soak in all the beauty Belgrade offers. Kickstart your sightseeing experience with a guided tour of the city, featuring the bustling shopping street Knez Mihailova. Then, roam the Belgrade Fortress, overlooking the merging of the Danube and Sava rivers, before uncovering a marvelous blend of medieval and modern architecture in the heart of the city.

With time at leisure, you’ll have ample opportunity to shop around, continue your cultural discovery and sip delicious cocktails at one of the many floating river clubs. Tonight, dinner will be enjoyed at the hotel.

Accommodation: Metropol Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Belgrade

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Bid farewell to buzzing Belgrade as you journey through green forests to meet the multi-colored fabric of Bosnia and Herzegovina at Sarajevo. Witnessing the start of World War I, the splitting of the Eastern and Western Roman Empire, and the devastating Yugoslav War, the marks of history are hidden around every corner in this intruiging city. As you are led through the charming old town and the Baščaršija bazaar, prepare to learn all about the rich heritage of the country. Tonight, make sure to try traditional Turkish coffee for the best finish to your dinner.

Accommodation: Swissotel Sarajevo

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

This morning, transfer to the adorable village of Mostar – famously known for the gorgeous Stari Most (Mostar Bridge), a rebuilt 16th-century structure and a prime example of Islamic architecture in the Balkans. Join your guide for a walking tour over the Stari Most and through the old čaršija (market), which still features the authentic style of the 15th century in its splendid architecture. Be sure to sample the delicious cuisine over lunch at one of the many fantastic eateries located in the area (own expense). In the afternoon, depart for Trebinje, where dinner is enjoyed at your hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel Central Park
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Ready your cameras (and sunscreen) as you head out to the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, Dubrovnik. Crossing into Croatia, soak in the unique sight of terra-cotta tiled roofs encircled by might medieval walls, preserved in incredible condition. Stop for an amazing view of the old town from the overlooking hills before meeting your local expert at the gates to begin your guided city tour. Learn about the intriguing history of the once-great city-state, thriving through its maritime connections and protected by its gigantic ramparts. After you cover the must-see highlights, you will have personal leisure time in the afternoon for your preferred activities, whether it be strolling on the walls, taking an optional boat trip, discovering the quaint streets and pedestrian avenues, or taking a refreshing dip in the Adriatic Sea. After, return to Trebinje and enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel Central Park

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Optional Activity:

  • Dubrovnik boat trip (from EUR125 per person. Minimum of 10 passengers required).

Follow the mountains along the coast today enroute to Kotor. Here, join a walking tour of St. John’s Fortress and Old Town, wandering the labyrinthine narrow streets. With an afternoon at leisure, choose to hike to the top of the incredible fortress for spectacular views over the Bay of Kotor or capture the prettiest pictures of the remarkable medieval village. Afterwards, you will travel to one of the oldest cities in the Balkans – Shkoder, Albania – for dinner and a relaxing stay.

Accommodation: Grand Hotel Europa

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Start your journey into Albanian culture as you embark on a walking tour of Shkodër, witnessing the influence of Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans reflected in the town’s fabric. Then, venture towards the centre of culture, religion, arts and entertainment, the charming capital of Tirana. On a panoramic city tour, savour the finest samples of Albanian architecture, portraying the influence of various cultures. Following a sightseeing tour of the popular sights and the bustling Skanderbeg Square, your journey continues into Ohrid, North Macedonia. Enjoy dinner before time at leisure, or join an exciting optional Balkan Night Show dinner to familiarise yourself with the local culture.

Accommodation: Hotel Unique Resort & Spa

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Optional Activity:

  • Balkan Night Show dinner (from EUR40 per person).

Today, head to Ohrid’s old town for a guided tour to discover the hidden chapels and stunning sights scattered along the narrow cobblestone streets. Then, depart for the gorgeous Monastery of St. Naum, a natural wonderland. Perched on the hills with astounding views of the lake, the incredibly well-preserved Eastern Orthodox monastery stood for more than a thousand years. After discovering the charming monastery, enjoy an afternoon of relaxation before returning to Ohrid for dinner.

Accommodation: Hotel Unique Resort & Spa

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Following breakfast, part with the stunning Lake Ohrid and drive to the Macedonian capital, Skopje. Following a scenic ride through lush fields, hills and mountains, arrive in Skopje and check in to your hotel before joining a guided tour of the city, following in the footsteps of Alexander the Great. Discover the immense cultural heritage with countless monuments and samples of fine architecture scattered all around the vibrant town. Enjoy time at leisure to dive deep into history and find every hidden landmark, or stroll down the vibrant main street hosting many local cafés, bars and restaurants.

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Skopje

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Your incredible Balkans adventure comes to an end following breakfast. Make sure to bid farewell to your fellow travellers and newfound friends before taking your transfer to Skopje International Airport (SKP) for your return flight home.

Meals: Breakfast

Trip includes

Included

  • 10 nights of luxury accommodation

Hotel

  • Services of a local, English-speaking, expert travel director and guides

Guiding Method
Fully guided

English

  • Daily breakfast and nine dinners

Vegetarian Halal Meat

  • Private roundtrip airport transfers and transportation throughout

Coach / BusMini-coachPrivate Vehicle

You will be allocated a private room with a bathroom throughout your tour
Guided tours of Sofia, Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Tirana and Ohrid
All entrance fees, hotel taxes, general fees, porterage fees, gratuities and service charges

Your tour begins at Sofia Airport (SOF) and ends at Skopje International Airport (SKP) with private roundtrip airport transfers.

Roundtrip flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. If your chosen tour departure date is guaranteed at the time of booking, you may be able to purchase flights immediately. If your tour departure date is not yet guaranteed (still pending minimum numbers), flights should not be booked until you receive an update on the status of your tour.

Please book your flights to arrive at Sofia Airport before 4pm on Day 1 and depart Skopje International Airport any time after 11am on Day 11.

Private roundtrip airport transfers are included in your tour on the first and last day only.

Important: Please allow for travelling time from international countries. International flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive in Sofia, Bulgaria on your chosen tour start date.

Excluded

International or Domestic Flight

Insurance

Tips 
Visa 
Lunch

Availability

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Book the tour by paying only 25% upfront, and settle the remaining amount 30 days before the tour departure.

Request a Private, Customizable Departure

By design, this is a group tour. You can however request a private, customized version of this tour for yourself or your private group of people. Private departures are usually more expensive, but come with these benefits:

Personal

Itinerary can be tweaked and customized.

Protected

Travel withing your own bubble.

Professional

Access our Travel Specialists insider knowledge.

Privacy

Enjoy a tour focused solely on you or your travel group.

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Cancellation Policy

No refunds will be issued for discounted tours offered as part of the "Black Friday" campaign.

On our global marketplace TravelShop Booking Supplier is recognized globally as an online tourism marketplace connecting travelers, suppliers, and tour operators worldwide. All users acknowledge that TravelShop Booking is a platform not liable for canceled tours, poor services, or unforeseen circumstances occurring before, during, or after the tour.

Additionally, all suppliers (worldwide companies providing land services) are responsible for adding their cancellation terms and conditions to their dashboard, which can be viewed in the "Cancellation Policy" section on the front page of the website. However, if a supplier fails to include their cancellation terms and conditions, the following rules apply, and by booking a tour, both the supplier, operators, and travelers agree to abide by them.

All parties must understand that this text will be valid if any Supplier has not added their cancellation policy to the system. By booking any supplier's tour via our website, all parties will be deemed to have accepted these terms and conditions.

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  3. Reservations: Reservations can be made from the Tour Detail page, from the Availability section located below the itinerary. Additionally, right below the Availability section, travelers can select the Private Tour option to contact the tour operator and book the tour privately. Simply fill out your contact details and write your question; one of our experts will promptly respond to assist you. Please note that some tours may not be customized privately; therefore, there is no Private Tour option in the Availability section.

    Once you confirm your booking by clicking the "Book Now" button, you will be directed to the Checkout page. Firstly, enter all your details, and please double-check the names, passport, and flight details. Upon proceeding with the booking, we will charge a 25% booking deposit to your credit card.
  4. Deposit and Payments: Your booking will be confirmed upon receipt of a non-refundable deposit for your online order by credit card. Payment will then be made in stages as indicated below.
    Booking Day4 Weeks Before2 Weeks Before
    Land Tours15%
    Non Refundable
    35%50%
    Tours with domestic flights25%
    Non Refundable
    25%50%
    Yacht Tours25%
    Non Refundable
    25%50%

    The full amount of the tour must be paid 15 days before the departure date. If not, it will be consider as a cancellation, hence cancellation penalties will be charged. However, if you have booked any of our tours, including domestic flight tickets, then cancellation penalties and the full amount of the flights will be charged.

    Payments with Visa and Mastercard can be made in pounds, euros, or dollars. However, if you choose to pay with American Express, a 4% bank fee will apply.

    A reservation made through the website on a regular basis cannot be changed. However, travelers can discuss the services and other details if they book the tour privately. Tours booked privately can only be changed if seats are available. Any changes to an entire private reservation will be considered a cancellation and will be subject to cancellation fees, resulting in a 100% loss of deposit.

  5. Booking Changes: Once your private booking is confirmed, any changes will incur a €50.00 fee.
  6. Cancellations and Refunds: Cancellation quieries must be made in wirten and signed by the traveler or tour operators.
  7. Due to limited seats and the organizations being planned days in advance, any Anzac Day Gallipoli Tours will not be refunded, including the 25% deposits.
  8. If you have booked a tour that includes domestic flight tickets, the tickets will be charged at the full amount. Cancellations must be made at least 8 weeks before the tour departure; otherwise, late penalties will apply.

    The rest of the cancellation terms are listed below:
    4 Weeks Before3 Weeks Before2 Weeks Before1 Weeks Before
    Land Tours85%50%30%No refund
    Domestic Flight Tours & Yacht Tous75%50%30%No refund
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Future Tour Credits: This system is designed for travelers who wish or need to cancel their booking due to certain reasons. In such cases, travelers and operators can retain the full balance amount in the system and utilize it for a future tour. Additionally, travelers can book new tours from the deals pages and, by doing so, not only avoid reduced refund amounts but also avail of discounted tours.

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What Is Future Tour Credit?: Future Tour Credits is a feature that allows travelers to re-book their travel at a later date instead of canceling for some reason. Sometimes travelers may have to or want to cancel their paid travels due to reasons beyond their control. With this feature, you can specify the amount as credit and allow them to use it for their re-bookings with your brand for a new date. Suppliers and travelers can notify us through [email protected] for details.

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Children Discounts: children between 0 to 11 have discounts listed below. Older than 11 years old children are charged full amount and children younger than 18 must travel with ab adult. There will be no exception about it. Also 25% of the tour coast will be charges for baby seats for buses.

Under 2 Years Old2-6 Years Old7-11 Years OldAbove 11 Years Old
Land ToursFreeFree25%Full amount
Tours with Domestic FlightsEuro 20 for flight tickets50%25%Full amount
Baby seat for bus+25%+25%N/AN/A

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Insurance: Having travel insurance will protect travelers against unexpected situations such as health problems, flight delays, burglaries, etc., during your tour. Therefore, we highly advise all travelers to obtain insurance before departure.

a. The following insurance policies, which are not included in any tour packages, can be helpful against unforeseen circumstances.

b. Travel cancellation insurance: This helps minimize financial risk in case the traveler needs to cancel before departure.

c. Travel interruption insurance: This helps minimize financial risk in case the traveler experiences an interruption during the trip after departure.

Adequate health insurance.

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Entrance Fees: All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary are included in the tour price and will be paid before or during the tour. Additionally, travelers have the option to visit museums and other places with entrance fees at their own expense if they wish.

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Travel Prohibitions: Passengers who are 27 weeks pregnant or more may be prohibited from traveling, prioritizing their safety and health. However, travel may be permitted with sufficient medical documentation up to 24-26 weeks of pregnancy. Please consult your doctor before planning your tour.

Dietary Requirements: If you need or require special dietary requirements, including vegetarian, diabetic, children's menus, and dairy-free options please notify your Supplier before the tour departure. If you have any dietary sensitivities, please notify them at least 2 weeks before your tour start date.

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Tipping: Tipping, like in the rest of the world, is a cultural practice that fosters goodwill and encourages helpfulness. Please check your itinerary for tipping details or ask your Supplier.

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