Balkans Odyssey Culture, History, and Landscapes
Starting in Belgrade and finishing in Sofia, this 14 day adventure threads through the Balkans with a mix of history, scenery and flavour. You’ll explore Fruska Gora’s monasteries, elegant Novi Sad and the Roman city of Viminacium, then visit medieval Manasija and Studenica and the complex at Oplenac. Expect to see Sarajevo’s old bazaar and Mostar’s iconic bridge, wander Dubrovnik’s walled centre – with a hop to Lokrum – and cross the bay to Kotor and Budva. Continue to Tirana, Lake Ohrid and Bitola, then Greece’s Meteora and Thessaloniki, before tasting Melnik wines and visiting Rila Monastery en route to Sofia.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
14 daysHotel Rating
4-5 star hotelsStarts
BelgradeEnds
SofiaMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Serbia that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Countries
Serbia, Bosnia And Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Greece, BulgariaPassengers
R 67 616,00
R 5 000,00
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65
Trip Type
Large Coach Tours
Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Large Coach ToursPlaces You'll See
Belgrade
Fruska gora
Sremski Karlovci
Novi Sad
Viminacium
Manasija
Nis
Zica
Studenica
Kraljevo
Ravanica
Oplenac
Sremska Mitrovica
Zvornik
Sarajevo
Mostar
Kravica
Dubrovnik
Kotor
Budva
Tirana
Struga
Ohrid
Bitola
Kalambaka
Thessaloniki
Melnik
Sandanski
Rila
Sofia
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Belgrade
Welcome to Serbia. On arrival at Belgrade Airport, we’ll transfer you to your hotel and get you settled. The rest of the day is free – you can begin exploring Belgrade at your own pace or simply relax after the journey. Belgrade is Serbia’s lively capital and the former seat of Yugoslavia, offering plenty to discover when you’re ready. No further activities are scheduled today.
Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.
Day 2 - Belgrade - Fruska gora - Sremski Karlovci - Novi Sad
After breakfast, we depart Belgrade for Fruska Gora, a beautiful natural park known for its landscapes and Orthodox monasteries, some dating to the 12th century. We visit the monasteries of Krusedol and Novo Hopovo, founded by the influential Brankovic family. We continue to Sremski Karlovci – one of the oldest cities in the country, recorded in 1308 as Karom – whose historic centre showcases elegant neoclassical architecture. We then visit the Museum of Beekeeping and Winery Živanović for an included lunch and wine tasting. Afterwards, we proceed to Novi Sad, Serbia’s second largest city on the Danube, where varied architecture reflects a rich history. A highlight is the Petrovaradin Fortress, considered one of the largest in Europe and a masterpiece of European military architecture from the 18th century – often called the Gibraltar of the Danube.
Day 3 - Novi Sad - Viminacium - Manasija - Nis
From Novi Sad, we travel south through Serbia to the archaeological site of Viminacium – admission included – once a Roman city of around 40,000 inhabitants. We explore its Roman roads and the remains of temples, streets, squares, an amphitheatre, palaces, a hippodrome and thermal baths. We then continue to the fortified Manasija Monastery, a key monument of medieval Serbian culture whose church preserves 15th–century frescoes. We finish in Niš, Serbia’s third–largest city with a rich Roman heritage and the birthplace of Constantine the Great, where we stay overnight.
Day 4 - Nis - Zica - Studenica - Kraljevo
We travel from Nis to the Zica Orthodox Monastery, dating to the early 13th century and known as the Coronation Church – seven Serbian kings were crowned here. We continue into the mountains to the Studenica Monastery, the largest in Serbia, founded in 1190 and noted for its ensemble of wood and plaster buildings with interior Byzantine frescoes. Lunch is included. We then head to Kraljevo, a central Serbian town surrounded by mountains, known for its main square – dominated by a monument to Serbian warriors – and its medieval fortress.
Day 5 - Kraljevo - Ravanica - Oplenac - Belgrade
From Kraljevo we travel to Ravanica to visit its monastery and impressive church with five domes. We then continue to the village of Topola to learn about its past. On Oplenac Hill we visit St George’s Church, founded by King Peter I of Yugoslavia – the mausoleum of the Serbian and Yugoslav royal house until 1945. We then return to Belgrade.
Day 6 - Belgrade - Sremska Mitrovica - REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA - Sarajevo
We journey north towards Vojvodina, pausing in Sremska Mitrovica – a riverside city on the Sava that was once among the Roman Empire’s key centres and capital of the province of Pannonia. Entrance to the Imperial Palace of Sirmium is included, offering a clear window into this era. We then continue towards Bosnia, stopping en route for lunch, and cross the Republic of Srpska through striking landscapes to reach Sarajevo in the late afternoon. You’ll have time to explore the historic centre at your own pace – stroll the old Ottoman bazaar, known for its architecture, atmosphere and traditional shops. Dinner is included.
Day 7 - Sarajevo - Mostar - HERZEGOVINA - Dubrovnik
This morning we enjoy a guided tour of Sarajevo, where mosques, churches and synagogues stand side by side – a coexistence that earned the city the nickname Jerusalem of Europe. In the Ottoman-influenced old town we’ll see a mosque dating back over 500 years and a beautiful fountain. After the visit, we travel through the striking landscapes of Herzegovina to Mostar, whose historic centre is defined by its iconic stone bridge linking Orthodox, Muslim and Catholic quarters. You’ll have free time for lunch and to explore at your own pace. We then continue into Croatia – border formalities can be lengthy – arriving in Dubrovnik towards the end of the day. Dinner is included.
Day 8 - Dubrovnik
This morning we take a panoramic tour of Dubrovnik with a local guide. We explore the historic walled centre and pause at a scenic viewpoint along the coastal road for wide‑angle views of the city. Entry is included to the Franciscan Monastery – home to the oldest pharmacy in Europe – and the Assumption Cathedral. We then board a boat to Lokrum, a small island around 15 minutes away, where we visit the ruins of an eleventh century Benedictine monastery – also a filming location for Game of Thrones. Afterwards, you’ll have free time to continue exploring before we return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner is included.Please note: On some departures we may stay in Cavtat – a coastal town near Dubrovnik. From November to March there is no boat service to Lokrum, so this visit will not operate in these months.
Day 9 - Dubrovnik - Kotor - Budva - Tirana
We set off early for Montenegro, enjoying the coastal scenery along the Bay of Kotor. We take a ferry across the bay to reach Kotor, where you’ll have time to explore this beautiful walled town with its strong Venetian influence. We then continue to Budva – a charming walled village surrounded by the sea – where you can pause for lunch. Afterwards, we travel into Albania, complete border procedures and continue to Tirana. Dinner included.
Day 10 - Tirana - Struga - Ohrid
We begin with a panoramic tour of Tirana, Albania’s capital, taking in its mosques, the Clock Tower and the government ministries. Around midday we head inland, driving through mountain scenery and small villages towards Lake Ohrid, whose shores mark the border with Macedonia. We cross into the Republic of Macedonia – border formalities may take some time – and stop for lunch in Struga, a picturesque town on the lake’s edge. We then continue to Ohrid, a city rich in Ottoman influence and recognised as a World Heritage Site. You’ll have free time to visit the Plaosnik Monastery or the ancient university founded in the ninth century. Dinner will be included.
Day 11 - Ohrid - Bitola - Kalambaka
We leave Ohrid and travel through Macedonia towards Greece, stopping in Bitola – a historic city known for its Ottoman and neoclassical architecture. You’ll have time to stroll along Širok Sokak, the lively pedestrian street lined with cafes, restaurants and shops. After border formalities, we cross into Greece and continue south through the rugged northern landscapes, where Slavic and Ottoman influences remain strong. Near Kalambaka we pause in Kastraki for your lunch break with wide valley views, then continue into the Meteora Valley – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll drive through the valley and include admission to one of the famous clifftop monasteries. Arrival in Kalambaka with dinner included.
Day 12 - Kalambaka - Thessaloniki - Melnik - Sandanski
We travel through northern Greece towards the Aegean, enjoying mountain scenery en route. In Thessaloniki – Greece’s second largest city – you’ll have free time to explore and have lunch. We then cross into Bulgaria and visit Melnik, a picturesque museum town set among stunning landscapes and renowned for its wine. We end the day in Sandanski – a spa town known as the birthplace of Spartacus – where dinner is included and we stay overnight.
Day 13 - Sandanski - Rila - Sofia
We depart Sandanski this morning to visit the Rila Monastery – a UNESCO World Heritage Site with imposing fortress architecture, set amid forested slopes. After our visit, we continue to Sofia, arriving by late morning. Following lunch, we join a guided tour of Bulgaria’s capital to see St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Russian Church, the Mosque, and the city’s main squares and avenues, noted for their Stalinist architecture. You’ll then have free time to explore at your own pace.
Day 14 - Sofia
After breakfast, we conclude our journey in Sofia – we hope you leave with lasting memories and wish you a smooth onward journey.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Post-Tour Accommodation - Sofia
Triple
Double
Twin
Single
Pre-Tour Accommodation - Belgrade
Triple
Double
Twin
Single
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard. Click here to see more information about the ships used on this and similar Tour.
Confirmation of the hotels used may not be available until 48 hours before the tour departs.
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Triple' prices are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Shared' prices are for solo travellers who are happy to share with another solo traveller of the same sex in a twin room - a single room will be provided at no additional cost if there are no suitable travellers to share with.
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