Top Eastern Europe Local Immersion &amp; Homestays Trips &amp; Packages In 2025/2026

Small Group Tour

Why we love them

They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Easy

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Auschwitz, Belgrade, Budapest, Budva, Croatia, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Krakow, Montenegro, Prague, Sarajevo, Vienna

Highlights

Soak up the royal history of Krakow's Wawel Castle and step back in time with a stroll through the city's medieval main square.
Immerse yourself in the history, architecture and bohemian vibes of the Czech Republic. Soak up the smooth sounds of jazz at a low-lit bar in Prague before stepping right into a fairytale in the World Heritage-listed town of Cesky Krumlov.
Enjoy a scenic walk along the banks of the River Danube in Budapest. Threaded with bridges and hemmed in by castles and historic city buildings, Europe’s second longest river is also one of its most beautiful.
Hike in the picturesque Tatra Mountains and traverse the steep slopes via funicular, gondola and electric steam train.
Wander through Belgrade’s Bohemian quarter and grand 19th-century boulevards, before launching yourself into its animated nightlife.

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"I went on the Intrepid 15 day "Best of Morocco" tour in 2025 and had such an amazing time that I wasn't ready to leave by the time the trip finished! It exceeded my expectations in so many ways: value for money, itinerary, a lot of included activities balanced with lots of rest stops on longer travel days, very caring & attentive local guides, and lots of optional activities. As a company, Intrepid was very easy to communicate with before the trip started (I had sent a few questions about optional activities). The website is also easy to navigate and simple for updating travel & health information. If you are considering doing a tour with Intrepid - make sure you read the Essential Trip Information they have on each tour page. It describes everything in detail so you'll know what to expect. While I LOVED my tour, I can see some people signing up for this without reading the description and then being surprised at some of the 2 star hotels (in this case it was the "Original" tour style). Overall, I am impressed at how this tour managed to simultaneously get us closer to Moroccan culture AND feel like an adventure AND feel like a vacation from day-to-day life back home. I would travel with Intrepid again."

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$7,796

29 days From$5,775

Health Safety +

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Sail Dubrovnik to Split / Premier Boat

Local Expert

Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.

5/5 Excellent

Group Tour

Why we love them

They have unique and exciting itineraries around the world, at incredible prices.

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Flexible schedule

Visits

Dubrovnik, Split

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, Sailing, Singles Travel

What travelers are saying

"During my trip to Turkey, I had an incredible experience with Mustafa. All my expectations for the trip were exceeded. The breathtakingly beautiful Turkish landscape and the incredibly welcoming and kind people made my trip truly unforgettable. Mustafa provided the perfect balance of guidance and free time to explore, making the tour fantastic. The air balloon ride was an unforgettable experience, and the Turkish bath was a perfect way to relax during the tour. The thermal bath was equally relaxing. The impressive ruins at Ephesus offered a glimpse into the rich history of the region. The experience in Istanbul was amazing, with its extensive history and precious sites. Overall, I highly recommend this trip to anyone who has Turkey on their bucket list."

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$729

8 days From$540

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Balkan Discovery (4 Star Hotels)

Local Expert

Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.

4.7/5 Excellent

Group Tour

Why we love them

They have unique and exciting itineraries around the world, at incredible prices.

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Sofia

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

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$1,547

10 days From$1,146

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics

Design custom trip

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Best of Balkans (4 Star Hotels)

Local Expert

Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.

4.7/5 Excellent

Group Tour

Why we love them

They have unique and exciting itineraries around the world, at incredible prices.

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Sofia

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, Singles Travel

What travelers are saying

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$1,478

9 days From$1,095

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Sail Split to Dubrovnik / Premier Boat

Local Expert

Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.

4.7/5 Excellent

Group Tour

Why we love them

They have unique and exciting itineraries around the world, at incredible prices.

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Dubrovnik, Split

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, Singles Travel

What travelers are saying

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$729

8 days From$540

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All About Balkans (4 Star Hotels)

Local Expert

Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.

4.7/5 Excellent

Group Tour

Why we love them

They have unique and exciting itineraries around the world, at incredible prices.

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Athens, Sofia

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

By National Geographic Expeditions

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$1,686

12 days From$1,249

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Croatia Island Adventure

preferred

3.5/5 Great

30 reviews

Small Group Tour

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Highlights

Kayak and explore the wooded islands, white pebble beaches, and lush inlets of Croatia’s stunning coast.
Climb Vidova Gora, the highest peak of the Adriatic islands, and take in sweeping views of the spectacular Dalmatian coast.
Swim and snorkel in Korčula’s quiet coves, then visit the island’s walled town, a World Heritage site.
Walk atop Dubrovnik’s magnificent ramparts and explore Split’s white-stoned Diocletian’s Palace.

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We booked a National Geographic expedition Holland and Belgium by River. The promotional literature promised a 14-day deposit refund window. The “invoice” was marked “non-refundable” deposit. We completed the National Geographic Traveler Information. About 8 days later we received the “Travel Agreement” to be signed. We both approved and signed the National Geographic documents. A Cruise Line Travel agreement was enclosed but had no signature line. This document contained language which was unacceptable. We submitted the signed NatGeo documents. The following day we canceled the trip due to the unacceptable Cruise Line language. Cancellation was made 12 days after booking and no deposit was returned. We were told on the phone that the refund deadline was triggered by the 14 day window OR signatures on the Travel Agreement which ever came first. This was NEW information. To date, we have received NO refund of our $1000. We cancelled our trip within the advertised 14 day window."

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8 days From$4,995

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Moscow Ulan-Bator and Beijing Trans-Siberian Railway Tour

By Bravo Asia Tours

none

4.8/5 Excellent

24 reviews

Private Guided

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Very Easy

Trip pace

Full schedule

Highlights

The ultimate train journey that covers 2 continents, 7 time zones and countless views of mountain, lake and steppe scenery.
For travelers seeking for luxurious experience, there is option of the outstanding Golden Eagles services of the train.
Meet people of different cultures and countries in a train can be the most interesting things ever in a journey.
Visit Moscow for the Kremlin, St. Basil's Cathedral, Red Square, extraordinary metro system and Bolshoi Ballet.
Visit Irkutsk and Lake Baikal, the oldest, deepest and one of the largest lakes in the world.

Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife, Culinary & Wine, Family Friendly, Cycling & Biking, Local Immersion & Homestays, Train & Rail Journeys, Photography, National Parks, Climbing & Mountaineering, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"DO NOT BOOK WITH THIS COMPANY!!!! They SCAMMED ME AND MY FAMILY OUT OF 5,000 US Dollars!!!"