Your Balkans Holiday begins in Bar, a laid-back coastal town in Montenegro known for its historic charm and Mediterranean vibe. After arriving, take a relaxed stroll through the Old Town, where ancient stone walls and narrow streets hint at the town’s long history.
Head to the port area to soak up the seaside atmosphere, where local cafés and restaurants serve fresh seafood with a view of the Adriatic. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a walk to Stari Bar, the atmospheric ruins of the original settlement, where you’ll find Ottoman-style architecture and sweeping views of the surrounding hills.
Bar’s laid-back charm and coastal beauty make it the perfect place to ease into your Balkans adventure.
Suggested:
Explore the atmospheric ruins of Stari Bar
Stroll along the waterfront and enjoy fresh seafood
Discover Ottoman-style architecture and ancient city walls
Relax at a local café overlooking the Adriatic Sea
Budva, one of Montenegro’s oldest and most picturesque coastal towns. You’ll have two nights to explore the town’s historic Old Town (Stari Grad), a maze of stone alleyways and Venetian-style buildings.
Included Activities:
Walking tour of Budva and Kotor.
Day trip to Ostrog Monastery with a stop in Podgorica
Suggested
Explore Budva’s Old Town (Stari Grad) and its medieval walls
Relax on Budva’s sandy beaches and enjoy the coastal vibe
Experience Budva’s lively nightlife at a beachside club
Climb Kotor’s fortress walls for breathtaking views of the bay
Prizren, Kosovo’s cultural gem, is a city of Ottoman architecture, lively markets, and a laid-back atmosphere. After arriving, you’ll have two nights to explore this charming riverside city.
Walk through the historic centre, where mosques, stone bridges, and old Turkish baths create a timeless atmosphere. Enjoy a day trip to Decan Monastery, a UNESCO-listed site known for its 13th-century frescoes and religious significance.
In the evening, grab a seat at a local café along the river and enjoy the view of the city’s illuminated skyline. Prizren’s mix of history and relaxed charm makes it one of the highlights of the trip.
Included Activities
Day trip to Decan Monastery on the way to Prizren
Day trip to Pristina
Suggested:
Explore Prizren’s Ottoman-era stone bridges and mosques
Visit the historic Turkish baths and old bazaar
Relax by the river with a local coffee or glass of rakija
Enjoy Prizren’s relaxed vibe and friendly atmosphere
Skopje, the quirky capital of North Macedonia, is unlike any other city in the Balkans. With two nights here, you’ll have time to take in its bold architecture, bustling squares, and layered mix of history and reinvention.
Your stay includes a city walking tour to uncover the blend of Ottoman, Byzantine, and neoclassical influences. Marvel at the enormous statues and grand facades in Macedonia Square, then stroll across the Stone Bridge into the Old Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest marketplaces in the Balkans.
A half-day trip to Matka Canyon offers a peaceful escape from the city. Explore limestone cliffs, hidden monasteries, and turquoise waters—you can even take a boat ride to the mysterious Vrelo Cave, one of the deepest underwater caves in Europe.
Skopje surprises at every turn, from its rich past to its bold attempts to redefine itself, making it a stand-out stop on your Balkans Holiday.
Included Activities:
Join a city tour to learn Skopje’s fascinating history and transformation
Visit to Matka Canyon
Suggested:
Cross the Stone Bridge and explore the historic Old Bazaar
See the towering statues and architecture in Macedonia Square
Enjoy Balkan cuisine in a traditional tavern or riverside café
Tirana, the lively and colourful capital of Albania, is a city full of surprises. With two nights to explore, you’ll discover a place where communist history blends with creativity, colour, and quirky charm.
Explore Skanderbeg Square, the city’s central plaza, surrounded by museums, mosques, and grand government buildings. Wander the Blloku district, once off-limits to the public, now filled with trendy bars, art galleries, and cafés.
Tirana’s energetic vibe, delicious food, and evolving identity make it a truly unique part of your Balkans Holiday.
Included Activities:
Cooking class
Take a day trip to UNESCO-listed Berat, Albania’s “City of a Thousand Windows”
Suggested:
Discover Skanderbeg Square and Tirana’s historic centre
Explore the vibrant Blloku district’s cafés and nightlife
Try local dishes like byrek, qofte, and fërgesë
Gjirokastra, known as the “Stone City,” is one of Albania’s most atmospheric and picturesque towns. With two nights here, you’ll find yourself surrounded by historic Ottoman architecture, cobbled alleys, and sweeping views over the Drino Valley.
The old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, feels like a step back in time, with its slate-roofed houses cascading down the hillside and narrow streets lined with local shops. Wander through the vibrant Old Bazaar, where handmade crafts and traditional goods fill the colourful stalls.
Gjirokastra’s dramatic setting, combined with its rich heritage, makes it a truly unique destination—whether you’re exploring hilltop castles, discovering hidden cafés, or simply taking in the views from a quiet terrace, you’ll fall in love with this historic gem.
Included Activities:
Soak in the thermal hot springs of Përmet on a scenic half-day trip
Visit to a local farm with the chance to try your hand at goat milking.
Suggested:
Stroll through the UNESCO-listed old town and admire Ottoman architecture
Explore the Old Bazaar filled with local crafts and handmade goods
Visit Gjirokastra Castle and enjoy panoramic valley views
Taste traditional Albanian dishes at a local taverna
Nestled on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, Delphi is one of Greece’s most legendary and awe-inspiring destinations. With two nights in this historic town, you’ll be surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes, ancient ruins, and breathtaking views across the valley to the sea.
Once considered the centre of the world by the ancient Greeks, Delphi today retains a magical atmosphere. Stroll through the charming modern village, where stone houses and cosy tavernas sit alongside sweeping vistas of olive groves and rugged mountains.
Whether you’re admiring ancient ruins, relaxing in a traditional café, or simply enjoying the crisp mountain air, Delphi will be an unforgettable part of your Balkans Holiday.
Included Activities:
On the way to Delphi, stop at Meteora and hike to the impressive monasteries.
Suggested:
Wander the ancient streets and enjoy panoramic mountain views
Visit the Temple of Apollo, one of the most importat oracles of ancient Greece
Take in spectacular sunsets over the valley and mountains
Visit the nearby ancient archaeological sites at your leisure
Athens, the lively capital of Greece, is the perfect finale to your Balkans Holiday. With two nights in the city, you’ll have time to soak up the incredible mix of historic ruins, buzzing neighbourhoods, and Mediterranean atmosphere.
Explore the winding streets of Plaka, the old town nestled beneath the Acropolis, where colourful houses, cafés, and shops create a welcoming, lively scene. Enjoy a leisurely stroll to Syntagma Square, watch the famous changing of the guard, or unwind with a coffee in one of the city’s many bustling squares.
Of course, no visit to Athens is complete without admiring the Acropolis, with the iconic Parthenon rising high above the city. Whether you’re fascinated by history, love exploring local markets, or simply enjoy sitting at a rooftop bar with a view, Athens is the perfect place to celebrate the end of your journey through the Balkans.
Suggested:
Wander the charming streets of Plaka beneath the Acropolis
Visit Syntagma Square and see the changing of the guard
Admire the Parthenon and panoramic views from the Acropolis
Shop for souvenirs in Monastiraki’s bustling markets
End of Tour
The quickest way to get to and from the UK will be to book a flight. Alternatively, you can get in touch to customise this route into a loop from London or anywhere else in mainland Europe!