The Balkans are a captivating crossroads of diverse ethnicities, cultures, faiths, languages, and stunning landscapes. Their rich and turbulent history has left behind remarkable archaeological sites, majestic fortresses, unique architecture, serene monasteries, and a cuisine blending European and Asian flavours, all against a rugged back drop of mountains, gorges, plains, lakes and forest. Many of the towns, villages and historic city centres seem almost medieval, in contrast with a wave of new development that’s taking place, as a number of Balkan countries seek integration into the EU.
We organise privately guided tours of Kosovo, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Albania and Romania. Whether you wish to visit one country or a combination, your English speaking guides will explain complex histories, and introduce you to the wildlife, scenery, culture and traditions of this absorbing corner of southeastern Europe.
Serbia – Serbian Sojourn
This large, land-locked Balkan nation borders eight countries and has seen an ebb and flow of many civilisations over the centuries, that have contributed to the rich mix of peoples, faiths and traditions that prevail in Serbia today. Byzantine, Roman, Ottoman and Christian cultures have left a legacy of historical sites, cuisines, attractions and traditions that make Serbia one of the most exciting and varied destinations in the region. The Serbian welcome is unfailingly warm and its people are proud of and keen to showcase their country’s highlights of extraordinary scenery, beautiful national parks and an impressive diversity of fauna and flora.
Duration: 11 days, 10 nights
Dates: Year-round
Accommodation: Mid-range hotels and guest houses
Transport: Air-conditioned car or van
Included Activities: Privately guided sight-seeing, museum visits, community engagement, boat ride on the Danube, wine tasting, traditional Balkan meals, cable car ride, train ride, easy walking
Guide Price: From £3,240 per person (excluding international flights)
This 11-day journey through Serbia offers a mix of history, culture, nature, and cuisine. Beginning in Belgrade, you’ll explore iconic landmarks like Belgrade Fortress, the bohemian district of Zemun, and the immense St. Sava Church. From there, the trip winds east to the Iron Gates Gorge and ancient Lepinski Vir, followed by wine tasting at the historic Rajac and Rogljevo cellars. In Nis, visit the haunting Skull Tower and WWII concentration camp before heading to Vrnjacka Banja spa town. Continue through sacred medieval monasteries including UNESCO-listed Studenica, before viewing the Uvac River’s meanders and its griffon vultures. In Zlatibor, ride the Gold Gondola cable car, visit cave complexes and waterfalls, and explore open-air museums. A scenic ride on the historic Sargan Eight train precedes a visit to Bosnia’s Visegrad and a boat ride along the Drina River.
The final days are spent in Tara National Park and Novi Sad, with highlights including the floating Drina River House, Petrovaradin Fortress, and the monasteries of Fruska Gora. A wine and culinary experience in Sremski Karlovci offers a memorable finale before departing from Belgrade.
Bosnia and Herzegovina – Bosnia Unbound
Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a country known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and stunning natural landscapes. Bordered by Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro, it blends Eastern and Western influences shaped by centuries of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian rule. The capital, Sarajevo, is known as the “Jerusalem of Europe” due to its unique mix of religions and cultures. Picturesque mountains, medieval villages and rivers offer rafting and outdoor adventures. Despite its complex past, including the conflict of the 1990s, the country has emerged as a peaceful destination offering warm hospitality, traditional cuisine, and a growing tourism scene that appeals to history buffs, nature lovers, and cultural explorers alike.
Duration: 10 days, 9 nights
Dates: Year-round, although some highland villages can be inaccessible in Winter
Accommodation: Mid-range hotels, guesthouses and one night in a homestay
Transport: Air-conditioned car or van
Included Activities: Privately guided touring, some walking, wine and food tasting, boat trip
Optional Activities: kayaking, hiking, coppersmith class
Guide Price: From £3,179 per person (excluding international flights)
This 10-day Bosnia and Herzegovina itinerary offers a deep dive into the country’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and complex history. Starting in Zagreb, Croatia, explore Una National Park’s waterfalls and traditional villages, then head to Jajce and Travnik for Ottoman-era forts, scenic lakes and pyramids in Visoko. Sarajevo reveals its vibrant street food, diverse architecture and war history through immersive walking tours and visits to Tito’s Bunker and the War Tunnel Museum. Day trips take you to remote villages like Lukomir and Umoljani. Overnight at Srebrenica for a powerful genocide memorial visit take in UNESCO-listed Visegrad. Discover Mostar’s iconic bridge and Blagaj’s Dervish House, before continuing to waterfalls, medieval necropolises and wine tastings in Herzegovina. Finish in the picturesque town of Trebinje, with a final transfer to Dubrovnik.
Kosovo – Kosovo Uncovered
Europe’s youngest (and smallest) Balkan country came into being in 2008, declaring its independence from Serbia, which still refuses to recognize its autonomy. Embracing multi-ethnicity was a key principle in its declaration of independence and the stars on its flag, represent the six main ethnic groups in Kosovo. This fascinating land-locked country is at the heart of the Balkan region, surrounded by forested peaks that provide scenic walking opportunities. Perhaps the most off-the-beaten-track Balkan country, Kosovo offers a very warm welcome, extraordinarily beautiful Serbian monasteries and Ottoman mosques, and even an 11 foot brass statue of Bill Clinton in the capital, Prishtina.
Duration: 9 days, 8 nights
Dates: Year-round, although Rugova Valley may be inaccessible during winter months
Accommodation: Mid-range hotels and historic boutique properties
Transport: Air-conditioned car or van
Included Activities: Privately guided sight-seeing, museum visits, community engagement, cave tour, food and wine tasting, walking tours, hiking
Optional Activities: kayaking, zip line, via ferrata, horse-riding
Guide Price: From £2,290 per person (excluding international flights)
This nine-day journey through Kosovo begins in Pristina, where Ottoman mosques, communist-era architecture, and modern landmarks like the “NEWBORN” monument showcase the country’s layered past. Explore the Bear Rescue Sanctuary and the UNESCO-listed Gracanica Monastery before stepping back in time at the ancient Roman city of Ulpiana. Travel to Mitrovica, a city divided by the Ibar River, then take in the Sharr Mountains, the village of Brod, and Prizren, Kosovo’s cultural heart. Witness cascading waterfalls at Mirusha, taste fine wines in Rahovec, and stroll through the historic streets of Gjakova. Delve into Kosovo’s medieval heritage at the UNESCO-listed Decan Monastery and the Patriarchate of Peja before hiking through the dramatic Rugova Valley. With expertly guided tours, outstanding scenery, and authentic cultural encounters, this journey captures the essence of Kosovo—a land where history and nature intertwine.
Lastly, not forgetting Croatia, where Venetian architecture and island hopping offers a completely different type of holiday to the Balkans.
Speak to our Balkans expert, John to start planning your next adventure.