Balkan Discovery (4 Star Hotels)

Balkan Discovery (4 Star Hotels)

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10 Days From

$2292

$1146

Balkan Discovery (4 Star Hotels)

10 Days Starting and ending in Sofia

Visiting: Sofia, Belgrade, Sarajevo, Trebinje, Mostar, Dubrovnik, Shkodër, Kotor, Tirana, Ohrid, Skopje

Tour operator:

Travel Talk Tours

Tour code:

BLD

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

25 - 30

Age range:

18-70

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural

From: $2292 $1146 Operator discount: -$1146 -50%

NB: Prices correct on 25-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Join us on this fascinating Balkan Discovery to witness the living history as well as unparalleled natural beauty.

Share a cup of tea with the lively and passionate people; fall in awe against the magnificent mountain range and crystal mirror-like lakes; meanwhile soak in the massive history that shaped the future of Europe.

This Balkans tour takes you through all the highlights from palaces of the Tsars in Sofia and charming Belgrade to the pearl of Adriatic, Dubrovnik, to the pretty Montenegrin villages and Albanian towns, via the heart of stunning Macedonia.

Highlights

  • Explore the essential highlights of 7 Balkan countries in 9 days, staying at comfortable 4-star hotels and travelling on a private modern coach.

  • Travel with a local guide throughout your trip to get the best insight and tips, plus enjoy professional guided tours in Belgrade, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Ohrid and Skopje.

  • Delve into history and greet the colourful Balkan cultures riding from one capital to another, while frequenting popular hotspots and gems off the beaten track.

  • Swim the Adriatic and walk around the impressive medieval fortresses of Dubrovnik and Kotor.

  • Uncover the stunning natural beauty of Ohrid Lake with an optional trip to the serene St. Naum Monastery.

  • No night drives, however we need to cross multiple borders and customs process may take some time depending on how busy it is.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Sofia

Location: Sofia

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Novotel Sofia – 4 Star

Welcome to Sofia! At the airport, keep an eye out for the Travel Talk sign for your transfer to the hotel.

At the hotel around 7pm, have an informal welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travellers.

After you get all the critical information about the tour, head out for our optional group dinner around 8:15pm and walk the streets of Sofia.





Accommodation

Novotel Sofia - 4 Star

Included Activities

Welcome Meeting

Optional Activities

Group Dinner

Day 2: Sofia, Belgrade

Сергей Филиппов
dejan sokolovic

Location: Belgrade, Sofia

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Abba Hotel – 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

After a substantial breakfast, hop on the bus and make your way to the Serbian capital, Belgrade.

With stunning views over the Danube and Sava rivers by the mighty medieval Belgrade Fortress, head to the heart of the capitol.

Starting off at the vibrant pretty shopping street, Knez Mihailova, filled with cafes, shops and charming sites, kick off the walking tour to discover the incredible landmarks Belgrade has in store and their marvellous histories.





Accommodation

Abba Hotel - 4 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Belgrade City Tour

Day 3: Belgrade, Sarajevo

Сергей Филиппов
dejan sokolovic

Location: Sarajevo, Belgrade

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Ibis Styles – 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Next stop Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina's capital, the city that has been through it all! It is where the Western and Eastern Roman Empire split and where people of many nations and religions met, lived and warred.

You can still see many reminders of the Yugoslav War in bullet holes and cannon marks all around town.

Though, still an oriental beauty with a unique twist, and a delight to discover on your walking tour in the old town.

The city offers endless delicacies to taste, but the specialty is lamb.





Accommodation

Hotel Ibis Styles – 4 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Sarajevo City Tour

Entrance Fees

Catholic Church - EUR 1

Day 4: Sarajevo, Mostar,Trebinje

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saadiaxoxo
stefan_cavic9

Location: Trebinje, Mostar, Sarajevo

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Central Park – 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, we drive for the amazing Adriatic shore, but first a stop at Mostar! As you arrive in this dreamland, walk through the Old Town of this Herzegovina pearl, see the iconic highlights Old Bridge – Stari Most, and the old čaršija (market).

Enjoy your lunch with an amazing view at one of the local venues, discover the old town and make sure to try the delicious Turkish coffee.

In the afternoon, we ride to Trebinje for our overnight stay.





Accommodation

Hotel Central Park – 4 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Mostar City Tour

Optional Activities

Kravice Waterfalls - EUR 30

Day 5: Trebinje, Dubrovnik, Trebinje

thewingedbone
markusreidus

Location: Dubrovnik, Trebinje, Trebinje

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Central Park – 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Get ready for a long day at Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic"! With its well-preserved majestic walls encircling the whole town and its sea of terra-cotta roof tiles, giving life to the "King's Landing", the whole town is an amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Even the drive down to town from the mountain-side is a breakth-taking highlight in itself! We start off with a guided walking tour of the Old Town and marvel at the millennial history of this fairy-like town.

Walk atop the mighty walls, discover cute narrow streets, taste delicious seafood or jump off into the crystal-blue waters.

In the evening, we return to Trebinje for a good night's rest.





Accommodation

Hotel Central Park – 4 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Dubrovnik City Tour

Optional Activities

Dubrovnik Boat Trip - EUR 40

Entrance Fees

Dubronvnik City Walls - EUR 15

Day 6: Trebinje, Kotor, Shkoder

Location: Shkodër, Trebinje, Kotor

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Europa – 5 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Next stop Montenegro! Arrive in Kotor after a scenic drive an meet its calming natural beauty and characteristic architecture, a less-crowded version of Dubrovnik with its impressive medieval citadel.

Following a walking tour of the old town with your expert local guide and some free time.

Departure to Albania, which is our final destination for the day.

Shkoder is one of the most authentic cities in Albania.

Walking tour through the centre.

Overnight in Shkoder.





Accommodation

Grand Hotel Europa – 5 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Kotor City Tour

Shkoder Walking Tour

Day 7: Shkoder, Tirana, Ohrid

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chriscenaikotravels
amer demishi
zlatko zlatko
Ivica Jandriček

Location: Tirana, Ohrid, Shkodër

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Aqualina – 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Hit the road after breakfast! A panoramic city tour of Tirana will introduce the best preserved and most beautiful samples of Albanian architecture, and drop us off at the town centre for some free time to discover the bustling Skenderbeg square.

In the afternoon, continue towards Ohrid, Macedonia and check-in to your comfy hotel.

You can rest up after a long day, or join the optional Balkan night with dinner.





Accommodation

Hotel Nova Riviera or Hotel Aqualina – 4 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Panoramic Tour of Tirana

Ohrid Walking Tour

Optional Activities

Balkan Night With Dinner - EUR 35

Day 8: Ohrid, Skopje

amer demishi
zlatko zlatko
Ivica Jandriček

Location: Skopje, Ohrid

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Panoramika – 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Start off the day with a guided city tour of Old Ohrid hosting hundreds of chapels and churches scattered all around.

In the afternoon travel to Skopje, the capital of Macedonia, for the night.





Accommodation

Hotel Panoramika – 4 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Ohrid City Tour

Optional Activities

St.

Naum Tour - EUR 20

Day 9: Skopje, Sofia

Location: Skopje, Sofia

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Novotel Sofia – 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Prepare to discover the beautiful Skopje with a guided sightseeing tour filled with stunning architecture, grand monuments and unique history.

Pose with the famous statue of Alexander the Great or walk through the Macedonian Arc de Triumph.

The city has countless landmarks and a vibrant street life with many cafes and bars around.

In the afternoon, leave for Sofia, where you can explore the shopping streets and the nightlife as you wish.





Accommodation

Novotel Sofia – 4 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Skopje City Tour

Day 10: Sofia

Location: Sofia

Meals Included: Breakfast

Early in the morning, join a walking tour of the Sofia town centre and visit all the famous landmarks including the National Library, Sofia University, The Parliament, and continue on to The St.

Alexander Nevsky Patriarchal Cathedral, the National Theatre and St.

Sofia Church.

While your guide fills you in about the diverse history of Bulgaria and the communist era, you'll get to see the houses of the Council of Ministers, presidency and the former communist party headquarters.

As you stroll towards the vibrant shopping streets, feel free to get lost and discover the shops and cafes around.

After the city tour, start bidding farewells to your new mates and end the tour.





Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Sofia City Tour

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    4 star hotels

  • Meals

    9 breakfasts

  • Transportation

    Air-conditioned coach or mini-bus

  • Airport Transfer(s)

    Arrival airport transfer from Sofia Airport to the hotel on day 1

  • Tour Guiding

    Services of experienced Travel Talk local guides licenced by the Ministry of Tourism

  • Free Wi-Fi

    Complimentary hotel Wi-Fi access ( where available )

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Meals not stated in the itinerary

  • Items of a personal nature

  • Tips & gestures

  • Entrance fees to the sights and museums

  • Optional activities

  • Other services not stated in the itinerary

Add Ons

Local Payment: £0

Check out our Q&As

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Arrival airport transfer from Sofia Airport to the hotel on day 1



  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    No passenger under the age of 18

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    No

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • What is the maximum group size?

    Average group size is around 12-42 people

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    No

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    Yes

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    There are always single travellers on our tours. If you don't mind being roomed with another single traveller of the same gender, then you do not need to pay a single supplement, however, this excludes all of our North American tours where the sharing option for a solo traveller is not available, and the single supplement must be applied if you are travelling alone. The single supplement is for travellers who would like to stay in a private room for the duration of the tour. PLEASE NOTE: The single private option is not always available, especially for sailing tours and camping.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Our tours are suitable for any traveller above 18 years old. The majority of Travel Talkers are from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada or Europe, however we always have travellers from all over the world. What brings them together is a passion for travel, discovering authentic cultures and experiencing unique adventures with like-minded travellers.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    At Travel Talk, we believe that travel is a force for good and show our support through various initiatives and charity organizations, as well as keeping the principals of responsible and sustainable travel at the core of our ethos. These values are engrained in our business culture and the design of our trips just the same. Together with our guests, we strive to make a positive impact on local p

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Over 20 years

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Katy Milena Ihrig  

Balkan Discovery

Though the group was big , l had a great time . Th

Though the group was big , l had a great time . The tour guide , Simon Simonovic , what a guide, funny , caring , kind , etc so many great y things to say about him . And., the driver ,Chris , outstanding! Two of the best guides l’ve known . I travel often ! Well designed tour , in spite that hotels weren’t so good ,like the one in Trebinje, Central Park , rooms with awful cigarette and sewer smell. The other one supposedly 5⭐️, no way , so dated and hard as a rock beds , though great breakfast ,Europe hotel The best hotel , Novohotel in Sofia ! The local guides , like in Dubrovnik, Croatia , seemed like she was killing time with irrelevant information, instead of showing us around . None of the guides could beat , Simon , so knowledgeable in every area , we asked him about ! Still with all the things l mentioned above , lm booking my next tour with this same company . Great price for what l got . Hopefully, the things l mentioned are fixed , bc this got to be the purpose of leaving a review, doesn’t it ??

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Operator discount: -$1271

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Operator discount: -$1271

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Operator discount: -$1271

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Travel Talk Tours allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 61 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    Travel Talk Tours requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travel talk tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 85% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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