Balkan Discovery Small Group

Balkan Discovery Small Group

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Balkan Discovery Small Group

10 Days Starting and ending in Sofia

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

Tour operator:

Travel Talk Tours

Tour code:

BLDSG

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

6 - 12

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

18 - 59 years

Tour operated in:
English
Activities:

Shopping, Sightseeing, Walking

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Travelling with a group of no more than 12 people, our new Small Group trips provide you with more space for your comfort and pleasure. 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

  • Podgorica, the capital city of Montenegro

  • Mostar known for the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge), a reconstructed medieval arched bridge

  • Swim the Adriatic and walk around the impressive medieval fortresses of Dubrovnik and Kotor, and meet the vibrant nightlife of Budva

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

Places You'll See

Balkan-Discovery

Trebinje

Mostar

Podgorica

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Sofia

Location: Sofia

Accommodation: Hotel, Vega - 4 Star

Meals Included: No Meals

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.


Included Activities
Welcome Meeting
Optional Activities
Group Dinner

Day 2 : Sofia, Belgrade

Location: Sofia, Belgrade

Accommodation: Hotel, Abba - 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.


Included Activities
Belgrade City Tour

Day 3 : Belgrade, Sarajevo

Location: Belgrade, Sarajevo

Accommodation: 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.


Included Activities
Sarajevo City Tour
Entrance Fees
Catholic Church - EUR 1

Day 4 : Sarajevo, Mostar,Trebinje

Location: Sarajevo, Mostar, Trebinje

Accommodation: 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.


Included Activities
Mostar City Tour
Optional Activities
Kravice Waterfalls - EUR 20

Day 5 : Trebinje, Dubrovnik, Trebinje

Location: Trebinje, Dubrovnik, Trebinje

Accommodation: 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.


Included Activities
Dubrovnik City Tour
Optional Activities
Dubrovnik Boat Trip - EUR 35
Entrance Fees
Dubronvnik City Walls - EUR 15

Day 6 : Trebinje, Kotor, Budva

Location: Trebinje, Kotor, Budva

Accommodation: Hotel, Park – 3 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, make your way to the popular touristic hub of the region, Budva. Your guide will take you on a brief walking tour of the vibrant summer town with great food, impressive views and lively nightlife.



Included Activities
Kotor City Tour
Budva Walking Tour

Day 7 : Budva, Tirana, Ohrid

Location: Budva, Tirana, Ohrid

Accommodation: Hotel, Sileks – 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Hit the road after breakfast, next stop Albania! 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.

Included Activities
Panoramic Tour of Tirana

Ohrid Walking Tour
Optional Activities
Balkan Night With Dinner - EUR 25

Day 8 : Ohrid, Skopje

Location: Ohrid, Skopje

Accommodation: 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.


Included Activities
Ohrid City Tour
Optional Activities
St.

Naum Tour - EUR 15

Day 9 : Skopje, Sofia

Location: Skopje, Sofia

Accommodation: Hotel, Panoramika – 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.

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.


Included Activities
Sofia City Tour

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    4 star hotels

  • Meals

    9 breakfasts

  • Transportation

    Air-conditioned non-smoking coach or mini-bus

  • Airport Transfer

    From Sofia Airport (on day 1)

  • Guide

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

What's Not Included

  • Any flights

  • Travel insurance

  • Meals not stated in the itinerary

  • Items of a personal nature

  • Tips & gestures

  • Visa fees

  • 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 flights included in this tour?

    No

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

    No

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    No

  • Is the tour coach air conditioned?

    Yes

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    No passenger under age 18

  • 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 of this Operator

Jessie Mae Sia  

My travel talk experience was great and memorable

24-Feb-2021

My travel talk experience was awesome and fantastic. Me and my husband was on their Morocco and Turkey tours in 2019, they operated their tours in a culturally fun manner and the tour guides were very nice and very approachable. It exceeded our expection, we love to come back with them in our future travel. Thank you travel talk you made our 2019 as one of our memorable year!

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Scarlett Lily  

One of the best holidays I’ve had

25-Feb-2021

We went on a tour of the Balkans and it was above our expectations. Bojan was the best tour leader gave us so much information about the places we were visiting but also a great laugh! The tour ran so smoothly and was the perfect way to see the area in a little amount of time. It was one of the best holidays I have been on, I loved every minute of it and I can’t wait to book another tour with travel talk. They are great value for money!

Trustpilot
James Wilkins (Google Reviewer)  

Just completed the exotic Morocco...

29-Oct-2023

Just completed the exotic Morocco tour with our excellent guide Abdul! He was one of the best tour guides I have met, he brought so much energy and knowledge on the tour and could not imagine doing the tour without him. The tour itself was so diverse, seeing so many different landscapes. It has been one of the best trips I have done. Would highly recommend!

Caroline Barrett (Google Reviewer)  

My partner and I thoroughly...

25-Dec-2023

My partner and I thoroughly enjoyed our 9 Day Essential Turkey tour with Mustafa as our guide. His attentiveness to the group's needs was amazing, going above and beyond to ensure an stress-free experience. Mustafa provided valuable local insights, guiding us on the best areas to visit and helping us find good local deals. Overall, we found the tour to be excellent value for money, and we were particularly impressed with traveltalks accommodation choices—clean, spacious, and offering great meal options. Additionally, the inclusion of two drivers for our safety during long journeys added an extra layer of reassurance to our memorable trip. Thank you to Mustafa!

Tegan Bull (Google Reviewer)  

Unforgettable Turkey Essentials: A Journey...

25-Dec-2023

Unforgettable Turkey Essentials: A Journey with Travel Talk I recently had the pleasure of embarking on the Turkey Essentials tour with Travel Talk, and let me tell you, it was an adventure like no other! From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the ancient wonders of Ephesus, this tour was a perfect blend of culture, history, and pure fun. Travel Talk ensured that every aspect of our trip was well-planned. The accommodations were comfortable, the transportation was smooth, and the itinerary was perfectly curated to showcase the best of Turkey's rich history and vibrant culture. If you're looking for an incredible adventure in Turkey, I wholeheartedly recommend Travel Talk. Their attention to detail, knowledgeable guides (Mustafa), ensure a seamless and unforgettable journey. Whether you're a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply seeking a thrilling travel experience, Travel Talk has got you covered. Thank you, Travel Talk for an extraordinary tour that surpassed all expectations. I'll cherish the memories and stories from this adventure for a lifetime.

Diane Horsman  

Fantastic tour, personable experiences

19-Oct-2021

My first tour with Traveltalk to Jordan was fantastic. Everything was very well planned, the itinerary was timed to perfection and jam packed with amazing experiences. The tour guide Issa went above and beyond to make everyone happy and have the best experience possible, taking us to local restaurants and telling us the best things to eat. Our bus broke down on the way to the Dead Sea and he dealt with it really quickly, and a replacement bus arrived in less than an hour. He treated us all like his friend rather than just a job which make the tour even more special. The hotels were fab and had everything that we needed, all I great locations to local attractions. I booked another tour but had to cancel due to Covid and Traveltalk have placed my deposit aside ready to use on the next trip. I can’t wait to book again with them.

Trustpilot
Eric Gunther (Google Reviewer)  

We did the 12 day...

12-Sep-2023

We did the 12 day Turkey tour with the Gullet option, and loved it! The price was super reasonable, Travel Talk was always extremely responsive whenever I reached out. Most importantly, we visited an amazing array of impressive historical sites, saw the profound and varied natural beauty of Turkey and enjoyed incredible experiences like hot air ballooning and paragliding. Mustafa was the best tour guide we have ever had. His knowledge and organizational skills were top notch, he helped with everything (even with arranging laundry services) and was hilarious as well. The food was tasty, the hotels were good and the boat trip was fun and relaxing with beautiful scenery and a lot of swimming. The cabins on the boat weren’t air conditioned and were pretty hot at night, so some people slept on deck where there were plenty of places with cushions where you could stretch out and get a good nights rest. I highly recommend this tour!!

Hazel Kuzu (Google Reviewer)  

The 9-day Turkey Essentials tour...

03-Dec-2023

The 9-day Turkey Essentials tour with Travel Talk Tours exceeded our expectations! The well-crafted itinerary showcased Turkey's best, complemented by excellent hotel choices. Mustafa, our guide, added depth with his rich knowledge, engaging storytelling and brilliant sense of humour. The seamless experience, from transportation, meals, accommodations, sightseeing and optional activities made this tour unforgettable. Highly recommended for those seeking a perfect blend of culture and comfort in Turkey.

Tronix4eva (Google Reviewer)  

Wow. 9 Day Essential Turkey...

21-Oct-2023

Wow. 9 Day Essential Turkey Tour with Mustafa from Travel Talk Tours. Absolutely exceeded all expectations. I am in love with Turkey! The sights, the places, the hotels, the food, the bus and the antics of our amazing guide was seriously fantastic. This was an unforgettable experience and I am so glad I stumbled across Travel Talk and chose them. Mustafa you made me laugh and made us all feel so safe and welcome.. best guide I've ever had. ❤️

BEN LAWN  

Mustafa is the key to a fantastic Essential Turkey tour

06-Dec-2021

My partner and I did the Essential Turkey tour in November/December 2021. We had a fantastic time, and can both only recommend Travel Talk and this tour. Mustafa Kurt, our incredible guide, is really who sets this tour apart from any competition. He conducts the majority of Travel Talk's Essential Turkey, so you may get lucky if you book. Mustafa is an extremely qualified tour guide, with an extraordinary tourism CV, who wholly commits to ensuring that those on his tour have the very best Turkey experience possible. The man goes well above and beyond, without even thinking twice. He is a natural leader, whilst also being a friend. He was hilarious to have around us, bringing all the laughs and very much aiding in bringing the group together. His knowledge of Turkey is second to none, and he never lets this or his jokes get stale. The minibus that we used was better than expected - modern and comfy. We also had two drivers, adding to safety and ability to cover the long distances required. The hotels on the tour do vary, but are generally good. Travel Talk were responsive during booking, and flexible when it came to us having to delay due to Covid.

Trustpilot

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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