16 days · 10 countries
Balkan Explorer
From AED 9,788per person, twin share
Experience the Balkans' unmatched beauty! Explore 10 unique countries, from Greece to Croatia. Visit Slovenia, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, and more.
- Duration
- 16 Days / 15 Nights
- Route
- Starts and ends in Athens
- Countries
- Greece, North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia and Bulgaria
- Activity level
- Moderate (3 of 5)
- A fast multi-country coach tour through ten countries, with guided walking tours each day and a hotel change most nights
- Accommodation
- 15 nights in mostly 3 and 4 star hotels, changing city most nights across Greece and the Balkans
- Meals
- 15 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 8 dinners
- Group
- Group tour, up to 51
- Guide
- English-speaking tour leader throughout, plus local guides in most cities
- Transport
- Air-conditioned coach
- Best time to go
- Runs April to October, skipping August: mild spring and autumn, warm summer across Greece and the Balkans
Tour overview
Visit Slovenia, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Bosnia & Herzegovina on this exciting 16-day Balkan tour! Uncover Greek history in Athens, Delphi and Meteora. Explore Dubrovnik, discover Split and marvel at the Plitvice Lakes in Croatia. Explore Rila Monastery and behold Budapest. Beauty abounds on this Balkan adventure!
Highlights
- Explore Athens; Greece’s ancient capital city
- Enjoy a welcome dinner in Athens
- Explore the ancient ruins of Delphi
- Marvel at the monasteries of Meteora
- Embark on a guided tour of Ohrid
- Discover Tirana on a walking tour
- Spend an evening in Shkodër
- Explore Budva and Kotor in Montenegro
Show all 25 highlightsShow fewer highlights
- Experience a guided walking tour of Dubrovnik
- Visit the medieval town of Mostar
- Take a walking tour of Sarajevo
- Explore Split, an idyllic coastal cit
- Explore Plitvice Lakes National Park
- Discover the magic of Ljubljana with a local guide
- Visit Maribor, a charming city in Slovenia
- Admire Lake Balaton, Central Europe’s largest lake
- See Budapest’s top sights on a driving tour
- Visit Novi Sad in Serbia
- Guided walking tour of Belgrade
- Visit Tinkers Alley and enjoy a lunch stop in Niš
- Enjoy a walking tour of Sofia, Bulgaria
- Explore the majestic Rila Monastery
- Discover Thessaloniki; a Greek port city
- Visit Kamena Vourla; a scenic coastal Greek city
- Farewell dinner in Athens
Route and hotels
Where the tour goes and where you sleep, night by night.
Athens
1 night · Day 1
Dorian Inn
Delphi
Day 2 · on the way
Meteora
Day 2 · on the way
Kalabaka
1 night · Day 2
Hotel Antoniadis
Ohrid
1 night · Day 3
Hotel Belvedere
Tirana
Day 4 · on the way
Shkodër
1 night · Day 4
Hotel Rozafa
Budva
Day 5 · on the way
Show all 26 stopsShow fewer stops
Kotor
Day 5 · on the way
Dubrovnik
2 nights · Days 5–6
Hotel Ivka, Dubrovnik
Mostar
Day 7 · on the way
Sarajevo
1 night · Day 7
Ibis Styles Sarajevo
Split
Day 8 · on the way
Plitvice Lakes
1 night · Day 8
Plitvice Lakes Etno Garden
Ljubljana
1 night · Day 9
B&B Hotel Ljubljana Park
Maribor
Day 10 · on the way
Lake Balaton
Day 10 · on the way
Budapest
2 nights · Days 10–11
ibis Styles Budapest Center
Novi Sad
Day 12 · on the way
Belgrade
1 night · Day 12
Belgrade City Hotel
Niš
Day 13 · on the way
Sofia
1 night · Day 13
Ramada by Wyndham Sofia City Center
Rila Monastery
Day 14 · on the way
Thessaloniki
1 night · Day 14
El Greco Hotel Thessaloniki
Kamena Vourla
Day 15 · on the way
Athens
1 night · Day 15
Dorian Inn
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Start of tour in Athens
Meals included: Dinner
The day begins at the hotel in Athens, where you meet your tour leader and the rest of the group, before an orientation tour introduces you to Greece’s capital. For a taste of authentic Greek cuisine, you can join the optional Athens Food Tour. Later, there is an optional guided tour of the Acropolis, popular enough that it needs to be arranged before the tour starts. In the evening, a welcome dinner awaits at a local restaurant.
Included
- Orientation tour of Athens, taking in Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Olympian Zeus
- Welcome dinner at a local restaurant
Optional extras
- Athens Food Tour · AED 255 per person
- Acropolis Guided Tour · AED 215 per person
- Overnight
- Athens
- Hotel
- Dorian Inn
- Meals
- Dinner
Day 2
Delphi – Meteora – Kalabaka
Meals included: Breakfast
The road across the Greek mainland includes a stop in Delphi, regarded in antiquity as the ‘omphalos’, or navel, of the earth. By afternoon, the route reaches Meteora, where a dramatic series of rock formations holds a sizeable cluster of Eastern Orthodox monasteries, among them St Stephen’s Monastery, which dates back to 1400. An optional Greek evening in the Meteora Foothills is on offer as well.
Included
- Visit to the ruins of Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Visit to the clifftop monasteries of Meteora, including St Stephen’s Monastery
Optional extras
- Greek Evening in the Meteora Foothills · AED 255 per person
- Travel
- Athens → Delphi → Meteora → Kalabaka by coach
- Overnight
- Kalabaka
- Hotel
- Hotel Antoniadis
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 3
Kalabaka – Ohrid
Meals included: BreakfastDinnerThe route crosses into North Macedonia and the relatively undiscovered city of Ohrid. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it ranks among the oldest human settlements in Europe. A guided tour of the Old Town takes in well-known landmarks, among them the Church of St John at Kaneo, perched on a cliff above Lake Ohrid. An included dinner follows in the evening.
Included
- Guided tour of Ohrid’s Old Town, including Tsar Samoil Fortress and the churches of St John and St Sophia
- Travel
- Kalabaka → Ohrid by coach
- Overnight
- Ohrid
- Hotel
- Hotel Belvedere
- Meals
- Breakfast and dinner
Day 4
Ohrid – Tirana – Shkodër
Meals included: BreakfastLunchThe journey leaves North Macedonia for its Balkan neighbour Albania, arriving in the capital, Tirana. An included lunch comes before a walking tour that takes in buildings painted in bright colours and a mix of Ottoman, Italian and Communist architecture along the way. Free time follows before the group reaches Shkodër, a historic city, for a free evening there.
Included
- Included lunch in Tirana
- Walking tour of Tirana, taking in Skanderbeg Square and the Et’hem Beu Mosque
- Travel
- Ohrid → Tirana → Shkodër by coach
- Overnight
- Shkodër
- Hotel
- Hotel Rozafa
- Meals
- Breakfast and lunch
Day 5
Shkodër – Budva – Kotor – Dubrovnik
Meals included: Breakfast
Heading further north, the route crosses Montenegro, with a first stop in Budva, a town recognised for its largely intact medieval walls, where there is free time to look around. From there, a guided tour covers the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Kotor. The road then continues into Croatia, arriving at the entrance gate to Dubrovnik’s Old Town, with a free evening to explore.
Included
- Free time in Budva’s walled old town
- Guided tour of UNESCO-listed Kotor
- Travel
- Shkodër → Budva → Kotor → Dubrovnik by coach
- Overnight
- Dubrovnik
- Hotel
- Hotel Ivka, Dubrovnik
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 6
Dubrovnik: Free Day
Meals included: BreakfastThis morning features a locally guided walk through the Old Town, taking in the Franciscan Monastery and the City Walls. What remains of the day is free to spend as you wish. You can book the optional Blue Cave Boat Tour to see Dubrovnik’s islands and azure caves, cruising through clear water with a drink in hand.
Included
- Guided walking tour of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, including the City Walls and Franciscan Monastery
Optional extras
- Blue Cave Boat Tour · AED 365 per person
- Overnight
- Dubrovnik
- Hotel
- Hotel Ivka, Dubrovnik
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 7
Dubrovnik – Mostar – Sarajevo
Meals included: BreakfastDinner
The border crossing today leads into Bosnia and Herzegovina, a country rich in history, culture and natural scenery. Mostar, well known for its Stari Most Bridge, is the first stop, followed by free time before the afternoon drive to Sarajevo, the Bosnian capital. On arrival, a locally guided tour gets under way, and an included dinner rounds off the evening.
Included
- Free time in Mostar, near the Stari Most bridge
- Guided walking tour of Sarajevo
- Included dinner
- Travel
- Dubrovnik → Mostar → Sarajevo by coach
- Overnight
- Sarajevo
- Hotel
- Ibis Styles Sarajevo
- Meals
- Breakfast and dinner
Day 8
Sarajevo – Split – Plitvice Lakes
Meals included: BreakfastDinnerBosnia and Herzegovina gives way to Croatia today. An orientation tour introduces the Old Town of Split, taking in the Baroque architecture of Fruit Square and Diocletian’s Palace, and a walk along the busy Split Riva waterfront, before some free time. Later, the group travels on to the Plitvice Lakes region for the night, with dinner included at the hotel.
Included
- Orientation tour of Split’s Old Town, including Fruit Square and Diocletian’s Palace
- Included dinner at the hotel
- Travel
- Sarajevo → Split → Plitvice Lakes by coach
- Overnight
- Plitvice Lakes
- Hotel
- Plitvice Lakes Etno Garden
- Meals
- Breakfast and dinner
Day 9
Plitvice Lakes – Ljubljana
Meals included: Breakfast
Plitvice Lakes National Park opens the day, among the more picturesque natural landscapes anywhere in Europe and known for its cascading waterfalls and ever-changing scenery. From there, Ljubljana awaits, the capital of Slovenia, for a walking tour with a local guide. Later, you can join the optional Taste of Ljubljana excursion to sample Slovenia’s wine and cuisine.
Included
- Visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park
- Guided walking tour of Ljubljana’s old town
Optional extras
- Taste of Ljubljana · AED 255 per person
- Travel
- Plitvice Lakes → Ljubljana by coach
- Overnight
- Ljubljana
- Hotel
- B&B Hotel Ljubljana Park
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 10
Ljubljana – Maribor – Lake Balaton – Budapest
Meals included: BreakfastDinnerMaribor, Slovenia’s second-largest city, is the stop before the border crossing into Hungary. Next comes Hungary’s Lake Balaton, a popular freshwater holiday destination. Later, on arrival in Budapest, a driving tour covers Hungary’s capital, taking in sights such as the Castle District and the Hungarian Parliament buildings. An included dinner with the group follows.
Included
- Stop in Maribor, Slovenia’s second city
- Visit to Lake Balaton
- Guided driving tour of Budapest
- Included dinner
- Travel
- Ljubljana → Maribor → Lake Balaton → Budapest by coach
- Overnight
- Budapest
- Hotel
- ibis Styles Budapest Center
- Meals
- Breakfast and dinner
Day 11
Budapest: Free Day
Meals included: BreakfastBudapest is yours to see at closer range today. The optional Buda vs Pest excursion covers the city’s top sights: St Stephen’s Basilica and Fisherman’s Bastion among them. Alternatively, the Budapest Baths offer their thermal waters for relaxing. In the evening, an optional Danube dinner cruise takes in views of the city.
Included
- Free time in Budapest
Optional extras
- Buda vs Pest · AED 340 per person
- Budapest Baths · AED 235 per person
- Danube Dinner Cruise · AED 320 per person
- Overnight
- Budapest
- Hotel
- ibis Styles Budapest Center
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 12
Budapest – Novi Sad – Belgrade
Meals included: BreakfastDinnerSerbia and its capital Belgrade are next, with a stop in Novi Sad on the way. A local guide leads a walking tour covering the capital’s highlights, including Republic Square, the Bohemian Quarter, known as Skadarlija, Kalemegdan Park and Belgrade Fortress, a city that mixes history, culture, grit and character. Dinner with the group follows in the evening.
Included
- Stop in Novi Sad
- Guided walking tour of Belgrade, including Kalemegdan Park and Belgrade Fortress
- Included dinner
- Travel
- Budapest → Novi Sad → Belgrade by coach
- Overnight
- Belgrade
- Hotel
- Belgrade City Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast and dinner
Day 13
Belgrade – Niš – Sofia
Meals included: BreakfastDinner
Niš, a historic city in Serbia’s south-east that belonged to the Turks between the 14th and the 19th century, is the stop for lunch, with time to see the cobbled streets of Tinkers Alley. The route then continues to Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital, where a walking tour takes in the main sights, including Sofia Cathedral, a landmark of the city. A group dinner follows this evening.
Included
- Lunch stop in Niš, including Tinkers Alley
- Guided walking tour of Sofia, including St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
- Included dinner
- Travel
- Belgrade → Niš → Sofia by coach
- Overnight
- Sofia
- Hotel
- Ramada by Wyndham Sofia City Center
- Meals
- Breakfast and dinner
Day 14
Sofia – Rila Monastery – Thessaloniki
Meals included: BreakfastThe road back towards Greece starts with a visit to Rila Monastery, one of Bulgaria’s leading cultural sights. This ancient Eastern Orthodox monastery combines striking architecture with mountain scenery all around it. In the afternoon, the group arrives in Thessaloniki, where the historic centre is the focus of an orientation tour, leaving a free evening to enjoy as you wish.
Included
- Visit to Rila Monastery
- Orientation tour of Thessaloniki, including the Arch of Galerius and the White Tower
- Travel
- Sofia → Rila Monastery → Thessaloniki by coach
- Overnight
- Thessaloniki
- Hotel
- El Greco Hotel Thessaloniki
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 15
Thessaloniki – Kamena Vourla – Athens
Meals included: BreakfastDinnerThe route heads south through the Greek countryside, stopping in Kamena Vourla on the south coast of the Malian Gulf, where there is time for lunch. Athens follows later in the day: after checking into the hotel, the group gathers for a farewell dinner, a chance to look back on the time spent travelling through the Balkans.
Included
- Lunch stop in Kamena Vourla
- Farewell dinner in Athens
- Travel
- Thessaloniki → Kamena Vourla → Athens by coach
- Overnight
- Athens
- Hotel
- Dorian Inn
- Meals
- Breakfast and dinner
Day 16
End of tour in Athens
Meals included: BreakfastThis journey of 16 days through the Balkans and beyond reaches its end this morning, after breakfast. It is time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers, so remember to exchange contact information and stay in touch.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Dates & prices
Prices per person, sharing a double or twin room. A single room costs the supplement shown.
16 dates
FromThu 22 Oct 2026ToFri 6 Nov 2026
Sold out
AED 10,743
Single room supplement +AED 4,279 single
Full
FromThu 15 Apr 2027ToFri 30 Apr 2027
Available
AED 11,036
Single room supplement +AED 4,536 single
FromThu 6 May 2027ToFri 21 May 2027
Few seats left
AED 11,734
Single room supplement +AED 4,536 single
FromThu 20 May 2027ToFri 4 Jun 2027
Sold out
AED 9,384
Single room supplement +AED 4,536 single
Full
FromThu 27 May 2027ToFri 11 Jun 2027
Available
AED 11,036
Single room supplement +AED 4,536 single
FromThu 10 Jun 2027ToFri 25 Jun 2027
Sold out
AED 9,384
Single room supplement +AED 4,536 single
Full
FromThu 17 Jun 2027ToFri 2 Jul 2027
Available
AED 10,669
Single room supplement +AED 4,536 single
FromThu 1 Jul 2027ToFri 16 Jul 2027
Available
AED 10,669
Single room supplement +AED 4,536 single
FromThu 8 Jul 2027ToFri 23 Jul 2027
Available
AED 10,669
Single room supplement +AED 4,536 single
FromThu 22 Jul 2027ToFri 6 Aug 2027
Available
AED 11,844
Single room supplement +AED 4,536 single
Show all 16 datesShow fewer dates
FromThu 2 Sept 2027ToFri 17 Sept 2027
Available
AED 11,036
Single room supplement +AED 4,536 single
FromThu 9 Sept 2027ToFri 24 Sept 2027
Available
AED 10,669
Single room supplement +AED 4,536 single
FromThu 23 Sept 2027ToFri 8 Oct 2027
Available
AED 11,551
Single room supplement +AED 4,536 single
FromThu 30 Sept 2027ToFri 15 Oct 2027
Available
AED 10,228
Single room supplement +AED 4,536 single
FromThu 14 Oct 2027ToFri 29 Oct 2027
Available
AED 10,228
Single room supplement +AED 4,536 single
FromThu 21 Oct 2027ToFri 5 Nov 2027
AvailableBest price
AED 9,788
Single room supplement +AED 4,536 single
What’s included
Included
- 15 nights hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms. The majority of our accommodations are of a 3- and 4-star standard, offering excellent value, comfort and convenience
- Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)
- 15 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 8 Dinners
- Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
- Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)
- Fully-guided tour
Not included
- Flights: Arrange your own flights for the start and end of the tour
- Travel insurance: Purchase a suitable policy that meets your needs
Optional extras
Excursions and upgrades you can add to the tour. Prices are per person.
Athens Food Tour
A guided walk through the Athens Central Market and a local taverna, tasting spanakopita, fresh produce and traditional sweets, with a full meal to finish. Vegetarian options are available. €60. Book it before the tour: add it to your booking notes.
AED 255 per person
Acropolis Guided Tour
Skip-the-line access to the Acropolis with your tour leader and a local guide, taking in the Propylaea, the Erechtheion, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Parthenon, with free time at the top for photos. Book this at least 20 days before the tour starts, as it is not refundable once confirmed. €50. Book it before the tour: add it to your booking notes.
AED 215 per person
Greek Evening in the Meteora Foothills
An evening walk to the hermit caves and the small monastery of St Nikolas of Badovas, then dinner of traditional Greek dishes at a family-run taverna in the village of Agios Dimitrios, with a traditional dance performance. €60, booked with your tour leader on the day.
AED 255 per person
Blue Cave Boat Tour
A four-hour boat trip from Dubrovnik to Sunj Beach, Kolocep Island and the Blue Cave, with time to swim at each stop and a drink included. Runs from 1 May to 30 September only. €85, booked with your tour leader on the day.
AED 365 per person
Taste of Ljubljana
A sommelier-led tasting of four Slovenian wines in a wine bar in Ljubljana’s Old Town, followed by a three-course dinner of local dishes at a historic restaurant. €60, booked with your tour leader on the day.
AED 255 per person
Buda vs Pest
A locally guided walk through Buda and Pest, taking in the Fisherman’s Bastion and the Shoes on the Danube memorial, with lunch at a local restaurant and a visit to St Stephen’s Basilica, including its terrace. €80, booked with your tour leader on the day.
AED 340 per person
Budapest Baths
An afternoon at the Széchenyi thermal baths in Budapest’s City Park, with return hotel transport and fast-track entry. Bring a swimsuit. €55, booked with your tour leader on the day.
AED 235 per person
Danube Dinner Cruise
An evening cruise on the Danube with a welcome drink and a buffet of traditional Hungarian dishes, taking in the Parliament Building, Buda Castle Hill and the Chain Bridge lit up at night. Vegetarian options are available. €75, booked with your tour leader on the day.
AED 320 per person
To add an extra, mention it in your booking notes, and we confirm it with your seats before you pay. Some are booked with your tour leader on the day instead: their description says so.
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Good to know
Practical details to read before you travel.
Passport & visas
Greece, Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary and Bulgaria are in the Schengen area. North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia are not, and this tour crosses in and out of Schengen several times.
UAE passport holders do not need a visa for Schengen stays of up to 90 days, though you will need the EU’s new ETIAS travel authorisation once it starts: we can tell you where it stands when you book. Most other nationalities living in the UAE need a multiple-entry Schengen visa, since the route leaves and re-enters the Schengen area more than once. Apply up to six months ahead, and start early if you are travelling over summer.
North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia each set their own entry rules. Many visa-required nationalities can enter on a Schengen visa that has already been used, for a limited stay, but the conditions and day limits differ by country and passport. Our visa team checks your passport against each one and handles the Schengen application: ask us when you book.
Flights and timings
Flights to and from Greece aren’t included: arrange your own to Athens for day 1 and home from Athens at the end.
Your tour leader meets the group at the start hotel in Athens at 10:00 on day 1. The tour ends at the same hotel at 10:00 on day 16, after breakfast, so plan a flight home that afternoon or later.
Our team can book your flights from Dubai to match.
Meals and dietary needs
Breakfast is included every day, plus one lunch and eight dinners, mostly on arrival in a new city or on a free day.
Tell us about any dietary needs, halal included, when you book, and we pass them on before the tour.
Money
You will use euros in Greece, Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro and Bulgaria, Macedonian denars in North Macedonia, Albanian lek in Albania, Bosnian convertible marks in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbian dinars in Serbia, and Hungarian forints in Hungary. Cards are widely accepted, but carry some local cash for small purchases in each country.
Optional experiences booked on tour are paid to your tour leader in cash or by card, in the currency shown.
Weather and packing
Departures run from April to October, skipping August, so you could meet mild spring or autumn days or warm summer heat, depending on when you travel.
Pack layers, comfortable walking shoes for cobbled old towns and long walking tours, and a light rain jacket. Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is expected at Rila Monastery and at mosques in Tirana and Sarajevo.
Plan your trip
Our Dubai team arranges what goes around the tour, so it is booked in one place.
Visas
One Schengen visa covers the Schengen countries on this route. Our visa team in Dubai applies for UAE residents once the tour is booked. For North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Serbia, ask them what your passport needs.
Flights
Flights are not included. We can book them with the tour: Dubai to Athens and back. Tick “Flights” when you book and we quote them with your confirmation.
Pay in instalments
Split the cost with Tabby or Tamara, or over 3 to 12 months on a UAE bank credit card for bookings from AED 1,000.
Book this tour
Book online in a few minutes. Your seats are held as soon as you book, and you pay once we have confirmed them.
- Choose your date, travellers and roomsPrices are per person, and the total updates as you choose.
- Name each traveller as in their passportYour seats are held and your booking reference is emailed straight away.
- Pay by secure link once confirmedOur Dubai team confirms the seats with the tour operator, then emails your payment link. Nothing is charged when you book.
Questions before you book? Our support team is on WhatsApp +971 58 582 4488.
Questions about this tour
What will my days actually look like?
Full days, zero filler. Most mornings start with breakfast before heading out to the main sights with your Tour Leader or a local guide. Afternoons often include free time to wander, find a coffee or join an Optional Experience. Expect a good amount of walking too. On some days, you could spend two to three hours on your feet. Comfortable shoes are your best friend.
Who will I be travelling with?
People from all over the world. Different ages, different backgrounds, same instinct to see more. Groups have on average between 35-45 travellers. By day three, you’ll already know everyone's name.
What are the hotels like?
Clean, comfortable and well located. Mostly 3 to 4 star, with private en-suite bathrooms. They're chosen so you can sleep well and feel ready for the next day. They're not the centrepiece. The destinations are. But they're never an afterthought.
How active is this tour?
All travellers carry their own bags, including up hotel stairs where needed. Walking tours can last up to three hours, and some sites involve a fair number of steps. Read through the itinerary to decide if the pace is right for you.
How do Optional Experiences work?
Optional Experiences happen during your tour's free-time slots, and your Tour Leader will tell you about what's on offer during the tour. Most can be booked on the day, but some are pre-sold and must be purchased before your tour begins, so it's worth checking the tour page beforehand to see what's available and get in touch with our team to book anything in advance.
Will I have time to explore on my own?
Yes. Free time is built into the itinerary, giving you space to wander and explore at your own pace. Your Tour Leader can point you towards the places worth your time, so you're never left completely to figure it out yourself.
What support do I have while I'm on tour?
Your Tour Leader is there to look after you during your tour. They know the places most people walk straight past, they'll have a restaurant recommendation ready before you've asked, and they'll sort anything that comes up along the way. All transport and accommodation are arranged for you.
You'll also have a 24-hour emergency contact number and the Holidayys team in Dubai.
How do I book Balkan Explorer?
Press Book now, choose a date and your rooms, and enter each traveller as their passport shows. We hold your seats and email your booking reference straight away. Our Dubai team confirms the seats with the tour operator, then emails you a secure payment link. Nothing is charged when you book.
When do I pay?
Once the tour operator confirms your seats. We email you a secure payment link for the total in AED, and your booking is complete when it is paid. To pay in instalments, say so in your booking notes.
Is the price per person?
Yes. Prices are per person sharing a double or twin room. Travelling alone? A single room costs the supplement shown next to each date.
Are flights included?
Only when the tour lists them under what is included. We can book flights from the UAE to the start city and home from the end city with your tour.
Do I need a visa?
That depends on your passport and the countries on the route. Our visa team arranges Schengen and other visas for UAE residents, and can apply for yours once the tour is booked.
Payment plans
Pay over time, at 0% interest
Every booking qualifies, from holidays and tours to visas. Pay later with a credit card instalment plan or a buy-now-pay-later account; some banks charge a one-time processing fee.
- Credit card plans from AED 1,000
- Tabby and Tamara, no minimum
- Terms from 3 to 12 months
Find your bank’s plan
Credit cards, from AED 1,000
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