Meet the Balkans: 9 adventures in Europe’s most under-rated area

Embrace the glittering Adriatic Sea and discover the hidden secrets of Croatia’s Dalmatian coast on board a traditional Turkish gulet with Peter Sommer’s journey.

As you drive from Split to Dubrovnik, explore the natural and historical wonders of this region, visit secluded archaeological sites, dock alongside beautiful medieval towns, and sample delicious local food and wines. Dalmatia is a land of mountains, islands and the sea and there is no better way to experience it than on board a luxury gulet.

Excursion: Cruise along the Dalmatian Coast: From Split to Dubrovnik

WHO: Peter Sommer Reisen

When: Departures Jun & Sep.

How long: 8 days

How much: £ 3,495 (excluding flights)

Josip Broz Tito ruled the former Yugoslavia from 1943 until his death in 1980 and enjoyed famous rural vacations, avoiding more exotic foreign destinations for beauty spots in the vicinity. This tour of Serbia, Bosnia and Croatia with KE Adventure Travel visits some of his favorite places.

From the big cities of Belgrade to the old world charm of Mostar and Sarajevo, experience the best this little-visited region has to offer. Take a spectacular ride on the Sargan Eight narrow-gauge railway, spend the night at the Sirogojno Open-Air Museum on Mount Zlatibor, and stroll the narrow streets of Dubrovnik. This is a spectacular journey through the heart of the Balkans.

Excursion: Tito’s hiking trails – Belgrade to Dubrovnik

WHO: KE adventure travel

When: Departures Jun & Sep.

How long: 10 days

How much: From £ 945 excluding flights

Step back from the rat race with G Adventures and enjoy the charm and medieval grandeur of the Old World on this farm in southern Croatia.

When you stay in a cozy farmhouse villa with ample access to local wine and olive oil, you will experience rural life like a local. Located close to Dubrovnik and the Adriatic Sea, it’s the perfect base from which to wander, bike, and sail this stunning corner of the world before retiring to your rustic villa for a filling dinner. Live the Croatian way and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Excursion: Locally living Croatia – South Dalmatia

WHO: G adventure

When: Departures May-Oct

How long: 7 days

How much: From £ 1,045 excluding flights

Combining a variety of exciting outdoor activities with plenty of time to learn about local cultures, this 29-day Balkan tour with Tucan Travel will give you a deep understanding of this exceptionally beautiful region.

From Budapest, you can start and end in every corner of the Balkans, including Serbia, Croatia, Macedonia, Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Here you will find imposing mountain peaks covered by deep green forests, crystal clear sea, lined with long white beaches and sparkling rivers and thermal springs that invite you to take a dip. People are also some of the most hospitable in the world and are always happy to invite you into their lives and share a hearty local meal.

Excursion: Balkans captured

WHO: Tucan travel

When: Departures Apr-Aug

How long: 29 days

How much: From £ 2,719 including flights

Step away from the coast and discover a world of lakes, forests, and picturesque castles on this 8-day tour of Croatia and Slovenia with Intrepid.

From Croatia’s dazzling Dalmatian coast, travel to the glowing lakes of Plitvice Lakes National Park before heading to Slovenia. In Bled, a beautiful lakeside town with a fairytale island church, discover forest walks, medieval architecture and sumptuous local dishes. Indeed, this is a journey full of history, nature and delicious bites.

Excursion: Croatia & Slovenia

WHO: Fearless

When: Departures May-Sep

How long: 8 days

How much: From £ 1,130 (excluding flights)

Explore Croatia’s extraordinary Dalmatian coast at a relaxed and insightful pace on this 8-day bike tour with Exodus.

It’s a journey full of history and culture on the region’s best bike paths. You cycle through the long and beautiful islands of Hvar and Korcula, take the ferry back and forth between the islands and meet coastal villages, tiny medieval towns and beautiful pebble bays before ending in Dubrovnik and spending two nights to soak up the atmosphere of this uniquely preserved to enjoy city. With every turn of the wheel you will be accompanied by the blindingly clear waters of the Adriatic, an unbeatable way to cool off after a long, tiring day.

Excursion: Cycling along the Dalmatian coast

WHO: Exodus

When: Regular departures throughout the year

How long: 8 days

How much: £ 879 (excluding flights)

Visit a little-known corner of the Balkans and experience a Europe where rules of nature and hospitality are generous and given free on this 16-day tour of Albania, Kosovo, and Macedonia of undiscovered destinations.

Every country is fascinating, complex and deeply rooted in history. In Albania you will experience fortresses on hills, high alpine meadows and traditional rural life. In Kosovo you will discover a bewitching mixture of modern history and old monasteries and mosques. In Macedonia, expect the vibrant street life of Skopje, as well as the calming tranquility of Lake Ohrid and the church of Jovan Kaneo.

Excursion: Albania, Kosovo & Macedonia Hidden Europe

WHO: Undiscovered goals

When: Departures in May, September & October

How long: 16 days

How much: From £ 1,699 excluding flights

With Evaneos, visit a land of ancient traditions, breathtaking scenery and heartwarming hospitality on this 8-day trip to the heart of the remote Alpine region of Albania.

After crossing spectacular Lake Komani by ferry, head high into the Alps, hike through remote mountains, encounter the Blue Eye in Theth, and live in remote communities where locals share their stories, culture, and hearty meals. Finally, visit the cities of Kruja and Shkodra, shop for local handicrafts and enjoy local treats.

Excursion: Nature and tradition in the Albanian Alps

WHO: Evaneos

When: Flexible dates all year round

How long: 8 days

How much: From £ 635 excluding flights

Experienced hikers say that hiking in the Balkans today is like hiking in the Alps 50 years ago. Signposts are rare on this 14-day hike with Ramblers Walking Holidays, but your local guides know the trails and lead you high between rugged peaks, untamed wild landscapes and through traditional farming communities and rural villages.

You hike from Albania to Montenegro, climb the trough of Prosllopi and follow former mule tracks through wild terrain, alpine meadows and oak and pine forests to the ancient city of Kotor. Every evening you are warmly welcomed in rustic guest houses and traditional alpine huts, where home-style cooking from the region is awaited. This is really a once in a lifetime experience.

Excursion: A hike through the Balkans

WHO: Hikers hiking vacation

When: Regular departures throughout the year

How long: 14 days

How much: From £ 1,735 excluding flights

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