Guide

Services of your Expat tour leader, who will be on hand with advice and tips to ensure that you get the most from your trip

Others

Explore Athens; Greece’s ancient capital city Enjoy a welcome dinner in Athens Explore the ancient ruins of Delphi Visit Meteora; see the formation of Eastern Orthodox monasteries Guided tour of Ohrid Walking tour of Tirana Explore Budva and Kotor in Montenegro Guided walking tour of Dubrovnik Visit Mostar; a medieval Balkan town Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park Guided walking tour of Ljubljana See the best-loved sights in Budapest on a driving tour Visit Novi Sad in Serbia Guided walking tour of Belgrade Visit Tinkers Alley and enjoy a lunch stop in Ni&scaron; Enjoy a guided tour of Sofia Discover Thessaloniki; a Greek port city Visit Kamena Vourla; a scenic coastal Greek city Farewell dinner in Athens

Accommodation

15 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)

Meals

15 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 7 Dinners *Vegetarian options available for all meals on request

Transport

Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)

Not included:

Optional

Optional excursions are not included in the tour cost. All optional excursions are booked on tour and paid in cash to your tour leader, unless stated otherwise. Please note, certain optional excursions are subject to availability and could change as a result. Some optional excursions need to be pre-booked, please contact us to find out more

Insurance

When you sign up for an Expat Explore tour, you are required to secure adequate travel insurance cover for the duration of your trip. If you cannot provide Expat Explore with proof of adequate travel insurance prior to the start of your tour, you will not be permitted to embark on day one. The requirements include the following coverage: Trip Interruption Trip Delay Medical Expenses Quarantine Expenses and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation The insurance must also cover medical costs and a medically imposed quarantine if the insured or someone the insured has come into contact with, tests positive for COVID-19. Before you book your tour, you’re welcome to obtain a quote with Tour Radar’s insurance partner, Cover Genius.

Flights

You will be responsible for booking your own international and/or domestic flights. We additionally recommend you do not book your airfare until your place on the tour is confirmed. Please make sure to check the times that your tour will start and end before booking your flights.

Others

Arrival and departure airport transfers are not included in the tour cost. Please contact us for a link to Welcome Pickups Pre and post-tour accommodation is not included in the tour cost. Please contact us for a link to booking.com. Single supplement (Optional). Please contact our Travel Experts for a quote. Tipping.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Start Of Tour In Athens
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Start Of Tour In Athens

Welcome to Athens! Meet up with your tour leader and tour group at the hotel in the morning. An overview of the upcoming itinerary will be given. Then, enjoy an orientation tour of Greece’s capital city and explore some of the incredible sights that this ancient city is known for. See top attractions like the Academy, National Library, Greek parliament, Panathinaikos marble stadium, Hadrian’s Arch, and the temple of Olympian Zeus. Tonight, get your first taste of Greek cuisine with an included welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Orientation tour of Athens: Get to know Greece’s bustling capital city on an orientation tour with your tour leader. See top attractions like the Academy, National Library, Greek parliament, Panathinaikos marble stadium, Hadrian’s Arch, and the temple of Olympian Zeus. Witness the ceremonial changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Welcome dinner in Athens: Greek cuisine is one of the world’s most delicious cuisines, renowned for fresh flavours and ingredients. Get your first taste of Greek food in Athens as you get to know your fellow travellers over a welcome dinner.

Meals: supper
Day 2 Day 2: Delphi - Meteora - Kalambaka
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Delphi - Meteora - Kalambaka

Travel north through the Greek mainland, stopping off in Delphi along the way. In antiquity, Delphi was considered the “omphalos” (navel) of the earth. Admire the Sanctuary of Apollo, see the Treasury of the Athenians, and visit the museum of Delphi. Arrive in Meteora this afternoon. This dramatic series of rock formations is home to a large complex of Eastern Orthodox monasteries. Explore St. Stephen’s Monastery, founded in 1400 by St. Antoninus Cantacuzene, which is now a nunnery. Peruse the 18th-century main cathedral and take in the views of Kalambaka. Catch a glimpse of the Holy Trinity Monastery perched atop a single rock formation before departing. Stay over in the nearby town of Kalambaka this evening.

Explore the ancient ruins of Delphi: Visit the ruins of Delphi and its Archaeological Museum. Delphi is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for having had a major influence in the Ancient world. You get to see why for yourself!

Visit Meteora: See the formation of Eastern Orthodox monasteries. Explore Meteora and its formation of Eastern Orthodox monasteries perched dramatically on massive monolithic pillars. The most notable of which is St Stephen’s Monastery, founded in 1400 by St. Antoninus Cantacuzene and now a nunnery.

Meals: breakfast
Day 3 Day 3: Kalambaka - Ohrid
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Kalambaka - Ohrid

This morning, travel onwards to North Macedonia and the undiscovered jewel of Ohrid. A UNESCO World Heritage Site on the shores of Lake Ohrid, this city is one of the oldest human settlements in Europe and is notable for once having had 365 churches, one for each day of the year. Explore the Old Town on a guided tour and see famous sights, including the Church of St. John at Kaneo, which is situated on a cliff overlooking Lake Ohrid. To finish off the day, enjoy an included dinner this evening.

Guided tour of Ohrid: Enjoy a tour of Ohrid’s Old Town, and see sights including Upper Gate, Holy Mary Perybleptos, Antique theatre, Tsar Samoil Fortress, Plaoshnik, Church of St John at Kaneo and Church of St. Sophia.

Meals: breakfast,supper
Day 4 Day 4: Ohrid - Tirana
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Ohrid - Tirana

This morning, depart North Macedonia and journey to its Balkan neighbour Albania, driving into the capital city, Tirana. In a story typical of many cities in this part of Europe, Tirana has undergone a remarkable transformation, shaking off an oppressive Communist regime to become a vibrant, fun city. Enjoy an included lunch before setting off on an introductory walking tour. Discover buildings painted in bright colours and fascinating Ottoman, Italian and Communist architecture. This evening, choose to join the Evening in Tirana optional excursion for an eye-opening museum visit and delicious dinner at a traditional local restaurant. This is your chance to truly immerse yourself in Albanian history and culture!

Walking tour of Tirana: Embark on a walking tour of Tirana and see sights like Skanderbeg Square, Clock tower, Et’hem Beu Mosque, National Historical Museum, National Gallery of Arts and Tabak Bridge.

Meals: breakfast,lunch
Day 5 Day 5: Budva - Kotor - Dubrovnik
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Budva - Kotor - Dubrovnik

Heading north, bid farewell to Albania and travel through Montenegro. Today’s first stop is the picturesque coastal town of Budva, known for its well-preserved medieval walled city, with free time to explore. Next, it’s time to make a comfort stop at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Kotor. The old port of Kotor is surrounded by fortifications built during the Venetian period as well as magnificent fjord-like cliffs - it is a picturesque Mediterranean landscape! Later, the tour continues onwards to Croatia. On arrival in Dubrovnik, your tour leader will take you to the entrance gate to the Old Town. Enjoy a free evening to explore Dubrovnik.

Explore Budva and Kotor in Montenegro: This small Balkan country is full of beautiful destinations! Travel to the coast where you will have free time to explore the historic towns of Budva and Kotor.

Meals: breakfast
Day 6 Day 6: Dubrovnik
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Dubrovnik

This morning, join a local guide for a walking tour of the Old Town to see the Franciscan Monastery, the City Walls and more. Then, embark on a walking tour from the stunning Amerling Fountain. The rest of the day is free to explore Dubrovnik’s incredible history! For the ultimate experience in Dubrovnik, choose to join today’s optional excursion for a must-see discovery of the city’s rich historic and cultural heritage. Opt for the Dubrovnik+ excursion and marvel at the iconic city walls on a locally guided tour, enjoy a delicious local lunch and choose which of the city’s renowned museums to immerse yourself in!

Guided walking tour of Dubrovnik: This morning a local guide will take you on a walking tour of Dubrovnik, where you will be acquainted with this stunning medieval walled city. The city is a tapestry of spectacular architecture - including churches, monasteries, fountains and museums all of which you can explore further during your free time. See sites including the Franciscan Monastery, Dominican Monastery, Cathedral, Onofrio Fountain, Orlando’s Column, Sponza Palace, Rector’s Palace, Stradun and the City Walls.

Meals: breakfast
Day 7 Day 7: Mostar - Northern Croatia
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Mostar - Northern Croatia

Today, a true Balkan gem is on the itinerary. Hop aboard the coach and cross the border into Bosnia and Herzegovina - a Balkan country filled with rich history and culture, which is also home to beautiful towns and scenic landscapes! Arrive in Mostar, a historic Balkan town. This enchanting town has been rejuvenated following the tumultuous years of the Bosnian War. Its most famous site is Stari Most Bridge which is an icon of the city. Enjoy free time to explore Mostar’s numerous religious buildings and see the Roman and Ottoman influences before travelling back to Northern Croatia this evening.

Visit Mostar: Journey to Bosnia and Herzegovina and visit the beautiful medieval town of Mostar. Arrive and enjoy free time to explore this charming medieval Balkan town. Mostar is famous for the historic Stari Most bridge as well as its rich mix of cultures and beautiful buildings.

Meals: breakfast,supper
Day 8 Day 8: Plitvice Lakes - Ljubljana
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Plitvice Lakes - Ljubljana

The tour continues today with a mix of sublime scenery and the stunning Slovenian capital! Begin with a visit to one of the most picturesque natural landscapes in the whole of Europe. The Plitvice Lakes National Park is known internationally for its cascading waterfalls and dynamic landscape. Take a tour of the reserve, stroll along the boardwalks and marvel at the incredible natural scenery of Croatia’s largest national park. Next, travel onwards to the pint-sized city of Ljubljana in Slovenia. Join a local guide on a walking tour of this fairytale city. Later, choose to join the Slovenian evening optional excursion for a fun night of live music, singing and dancing with a three-course meal.

Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park: Explore the world-famous Plitvice Lakes National Park. Filled with waterfalls, lush vegetation and countless lakes, this is one of the most beautiful stops on the tour. It’s home to gorgeous scenery and numerous rare animals, so make sure you have plenty of space in your cameras!

Walking tour of Ljubljana: Meet up with an expert local guide who will lead a walking tour of the city. On foot, encounter the inimitable scenery of the medieval old town, Preseren Square, the City Centre, the Riverfront, Dragon Bridge and Cobblers Bridge. When the formal tour is done, there will still be some time to explore on your own. A visit to the 13th-century St. Nicholas Church is highly recommended - the Baroque architecture is truly spectacular.

Meals: breakfast
Day 9 Day 9: Ljubljana - Budapest
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Ljubljana - Budapest

Today it’s time to travel into Hungary and head for the capital. Budapest is cited as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe! Straddling the historic Danube River, Budapest is well-preserved and boasts numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites - its incredible architecture and natural geothermal springs are definite highlights of this famous Eastern European city! Arrive and enjoy a driving tour of the city with a local guide to see top sights such as the Castle District and the Hungarian Parliament buildings. Enjoy an included dinner with the group tonight and toast to the first night in Budapest!

Driving tour of Budapest: Meet up with a local guide who will accompany us on a driving tour of the city and point out all the best-loved sights. Learn more about Hungarian culture and language and the city’s fascinating history. Drink in incredible views from atop Gellert Hill and the Citadel, make a stop at Heroes Square and get an eyeful of other must-see attractions like Budapest Parliament, St Stephen’s Basilica, the State Opera, the castle district, and more.

Meals: breakfast,supper
Day 10 Day 10: Budapest: Free Day
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Budapest: Free Day

With traces of the past evident in the interesting and unusual details found across the city, today is your chance to get up close and personal with Budapest! For an in-depth journey through Budapest’s top sights, join the Budapest+ optional excursion! Visit iconic symbols of this beautiful city including St. Stephen’s Basilica, Central Market Hall and more! Alternatively, choose to soak in the thermal waters of the Budapest Baths. Budapest has been known for its thermal spas since Roman times, with some 123 thermal and 400 mineral springs from 14 different sources located in the city! Tonight, why not enjoy a mesmerising view of Budapest during an optional dinner cruise on the Danube? It’s sure to be an unforgettable night!

Meals: breakfast
Day 11 Day 11: Budapest - Belgrade
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Budapest - Belgrade

Say goodbye to Budapest as the tour continues onwards to Belgrade in Serbia. Make a comfort stop in Novi Sad before arriving in Serbia’s capital city and embarking on a walking tour with a local guide. Look forward to seeing the city’s highlights including Republic Square, the Bohemian Quarter (Skadarlija), Kalemegdan Park and Belgrade Fortress. Serbia is nestled in the heart of the Balkans and Belgrade is the vibrant city at the centre of it all. The city is located where the Sava and Danube rivers meet and it is an exciting mix of history, culture, grit and character! Tonight, enjoy an included dinner with the group.

Visit Novi Sad: Cross the border into Serbia and make a comfort stop in Novi Sad. This Serbian city is the second largest in the country and is well-lived for being a liberal destination full of art, music and culture!

Guided walking tour of Belgrade: A fascinating place, Belgrade radiates gritty exuberance in its many architectural contrasts with socialist blocks set amongst more grandiose buildings. Belgrade is where the Sava River meets the Danube. Knez Mihailova (Prince Mihailo Street) is a pedestrian street with historical buildings on either side, with many grand coffee houses, and is protected by law as one of the oldest and most valuable landmarks of the city.

Meals: breakfast,supper
Day 12 Day 12: Niš - Sofia
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Niš - Sofia

See more of Serbia this morning. Today’s first destination is Niš. Enjoy a lunch stop in this historic city in south-eastern Serbia that was ruled by the Turks from the 14th to the 19th century. Visit the quaint cobbled streets of Tinkers Alley (Kazandžijsko Sokače). This nostalgic alley in Niš is the last preserved portion of the craftsman quarter from the age of the Ottomans. Afterwards, travel onwards to Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital city. Get to know the main sights on a driving and walking tour of Sofia - this is a perfect introduction to this bustling Bulgarian capital city! Enjoy an included dinner with the group tonight.

Visit Tinkers Alley and enjoy a lunch stop in Niš: Visit Niš, a historic Serbian city with Turkish influence. Enjoy time for lunch and then wander through Tinkers Alley which used to be the craftsmen alley of this Niš Bazaar. Even though the old architecture has been preserved, it’s home to a number of fine restaurants, hotels and taverns that add to its authentic charm. It’s also home to one of the famous selfie spots in Niš: the sculpture of writer Stevan Srema, his fictional Kalca and his dog.

Enjoy a guided tour of Sofia: Embark on a guided tour of Bulgaria’s capital city. Follow in the slipstream of a local guide and tick Sofia’s main sights off your “must-see” list.

Meals: breakfast,supper
Day 13 Day 13: Sofia: Free Day
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Sofia: Free Day

Enjoy a free day to explore Sofia! A young and vibrant city, the capital of Bulgaria offers a mesmerising east-meets-west atmosphere against a backdrop of contrasting communist and contemporary architecture. There’s a partially exposed 1,800-year-old Roman city to discover, plenty of green spaces to relax in and a variety of churches and mosques to explore. Alternatively, the optional excursion to Rila Monastery is highly recommended today. This ancient Eastern Orthodox monastery features striking architecture, important historical relics and beautiful frescoes and is surrounded by the stunning Rila Monastery Nature Park. Don’t miss out on one of Bulgaria’s top cultural sights!

Meals: breakfast
Day 14 Day 14: Sofia - Thessaloniki
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Sofia - Thessaloniki

After two weeks spent encountering the magic of the Balkans, today the tour heads back to Greece! In the afternoon, arrive in the northern port city of Thessaloniki and embark on an orientation tour of the historic centre. Its compact size makes it a delightfully walkable city! The orientation tour wraps up at the Thessaloniki waterfront, close to the famous White Tower. Here, there are plenty of restaurants and bars. Make the most of a free evening tonight - why not choose a spot and enjoy an evening of delicious Greek food and lively nightlife?

Discover Thessaloniki: Enjoy an orientation walking tour of Thessaloniki with your tour leader and see historic sights like the Arch of Galerius, the old Byzantine walls, the Rotunda and the White Tower.

Meals: breakfast
Day 15 Day 15: Thessaloniki - Athens
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Thessaloniki - Athens

Buckle up once again and head south through the Greek countryside. Today the tour returns to Athens. Along the way, enjoy a stop in Kamena Vourla which is located on the south coast of the Malian Gulf. Here, find a local spot to grab lunch in this scenic destination. Next, it’s time to get back on the road. Arrive in Athens later today. Check into the hotel in Athens before enjoying a farewell group dinner. It’s officially the last night of the tour which means it’s the perfect opportunity to reminisce about an incredible time spent exploring the Balkans and make a few more memories before the tour ends tomorrow.

Visit Kamena Vourla: Enjoy a comfort stop in Kamena Vourla with time to grab lunch in this scenic coastal Greek destination.

Farewell dinner in Athens: Enjoy your final night on tour with your tour leader and fellow travellers and take this opportunity to share contact details with your new friends!

Meals: breakfast,supper
Day 16 Day 16: End Of Tour In Athens
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: End Of Tour In Athens

After breakfast, this 16-day Balkan extravaganza concludes. The time has come to say your goodbyes to your fellow travellers. We hope you have enjoyed your tour with Expat Explore!

Meals: breakfast

+13

16 days tour

Balkan Explorer

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Balkan Explorer

Day 1: Start Of Tour In Athens

Day 2: Delphi - Meteora - Kalambaka

Day 3: Kalambaka - Ohrid

Day 4: Ohrid - Tirana

Day 5: Budva - Kotor - Dubrovnik

Day 6: Dubrovnik

Day 7: Mostar - Northern Croatia

Day 8: Plitvice Lakes - Ljubljana

Day 9: Ljubljana - Budapest

Day 10: Budapest: Free Day

Day 11: Budapest - Belgrade

Day 12: Niš - Sofia

Day 13: Sofia: Free Day

Day 14: Sofia - Thessaloniki

Day 15: Thessaloniki - Athens

Day 16: End Of Tour In Athens

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