The Balkans History Trips & Packages Tours & Trips

54 The Balkans History Trips & Packages trips. Tours from 31 tour companies. 237 reviews.

54 Trips match your criteria (21 - 40 shown)

Hungary and the Slovenian Alps
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Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Stroll vineyard-striped hillsides and taste wines from Hungary’s Lake Balaton to Goriška Brda in Slovenia.
  • Hike Slovenia’s stunning Alpine scenery: from snow-covered peaks and glacially carved valleys to pristine Lake Bohinj.
  • Discover medieval history at a floating grain mill and herders’ cone-roofed huts.
  • Delve into the otherworldly limestone cathedrals of Škocjan Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Themes

Culinary & Wine, Hiking & Walking, High Adventure

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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Ottoman Trek
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Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Extreme
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

  • Mostar, the bridge and the bakeries
  • Sarajevo walking tour with a cevapcici lunch in the Old Town
  • The buzz of Belgrade
  • Our gypsy evening in Sofia
  • Bulgaria’s Black Sea Coast
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Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"We were booked for an Italian Adventure in Capri and were booked at the Camp Santa Fortunata in Sorrento which turned out to be a nightmare. We paid for an upgrade and the cabin we were placed in had no air conditioning, windows had no mosquito net, the bathroom had no toilet paper. I have contacted them for a refund, of at least the upgrade that we paid, and they have refused. We ended up having to book a hotel in Sorrento because we just couldn't sleep at the cabin they placed us in. We hated the accommodation and their communication was poor and underserved to their clients."

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A Luxury Discovery of Croatia and Slovenia
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Private Guided
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

  • Private walking tour of Dubrovnik Old Town with visit to the city walls
  • Lauded by George Bernard Shaw as “Paradise on Earth"
  • Churches, monasteries, and museums ornamented with finely carved stone recall an eventful history and a vibrant artistic tradition
  • Enjoy swimming and snorkelling in the crystal clear blue Adriatic Sea.
  • Experience cultural-historical sites from a wholly new perspective.
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Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife, 50 Plus, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks

What travelers are saying

"While the staff was unfailingly polite in their communications, I had significant concerns about my experience booking through this travel agency: The primary issue was the clear lack of first-hand destination knowledge among their team members. Despite marketing themselves as a luxury travel provider, the recommendations and arrangements felt more premium-tier at best. This became apparent through several missteps: They booked us into a subpar hotel in Entebbe that was well below the expected quality for the price point Our itinerary included an unnecessary layover in Zanzibar that wasted an entire day, when direct flights were available They scheduled us for an extremely challenging hike despite clear communication about moderate fitness levels, suggesting limited familiarity with the terrain Most disappointingly, when these issues were raised during and after the trip, the company acknowledged their mistakes but was unwilling to provide any meaningful compensation or refund. This stance felt particularly problematic given their admitted errors in judgment and planning. While individual elements of the trip were enjoyable (particularly Chameleon Lodge), I cannot recommend an agency that positions itself as a luxury provider while delivering mid-tier experiences and refusing to make things right when they fall short of expectations. The silver lining was their responsive and pleasant communication style, but politeness alone doesn't make up for fundamental service issues."

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Northern Greece, Albania & Macedonia: Ancient Lands of Alexander the Great
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Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Explore the picturesque hillside city set along the shores of Lake Ohrid in the Republic of Macedonia
  • Visit the National History Museum
  • Visit the small village of Dhoksat
  • Visit a traditional Albanian village
  • Explore the stunning ruins of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
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Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks

What travelers are saying

"This letter is effectively what was communicated no less than 8 times in writing and conversation to OAT representatives up the chain, beginning 19 days before the trip. OAT was IMMOVABLE on allowing us to find an alternative travel companion and it was 100% due to rigid policy, not real barriers. We never expected a refund and wouldn't have blamed them if we could not fill my spot. They refused to even give us the opportunity. Appalling and sadly representative of their customer service. Congratulations, you lost two customers and one long time referral source. I only think it is fair that folks know the nature of the company at this point. An absolute shame. As a dedicated Edmund Hillary member of OAT with a history of introducing countless friends to your service including 4 who booked trips, I am writing to express my deep concern over the handling of our Galapagos trip booking in light of a recent medical emergency. This situation not only highlights significant gaps in customer communication and care but also underscores the need for immediate, effective action. Timeline of Events and Communication Issues: Initial Contact on 11/22: We contacted OAT 19 days before the trip, scheduled for 12/11, as soon as it became clear that extended surgical complications would prevent my travel. Policy of No Refunds or Changes Under 30 Days: We were informed that the trip is non-refundable under 30 days, which is understood. However, OAT also refused to allow a replacement traveler, posing zero risk to the company. Both of us called, met with the same response. Response from Exceptions Department on 11/22: The no-change policy was reiterated by the Exceptions Department on the same day. Written Escalation on 11/22: Both parties sent written letters to escalate the matter. Delayed Response Until 11/29: We did not receive any response until 11/29, with OAT mentioning the inability to make changes 12 days before the trip. Policy vs. Practical Reasons: The response seemed more policy-based than practical. We offered to cover the cost for a replacement traveler for the internal Galapagos flight, which was declined. The rep always returned to the policy prohibiting it. She further added we do not sell trips within 30 days. Upon looking the next day, I found no less than 7 different itineraries with no less than 13 different trips that I could have booked within 30 days. Further Escalation Request and Conversation on 11/30: A further request for escalation resulted in a 23-minute conversation on 11/30 without any change. Given these circumstances, I propose the following practical solution: Future Travel Credit in Exchange for Re-Selling My Space: If finding a substitute traveler is unfeasible, I suggest OAT resell my space to another interested party, crediting me for a future trip. This solution aligns with my preference and ongoing loyalty to OAT. The lack of a constructive response and rigid adherence to policy without considering exceptional circumstances is alarming. It not only affects this immediate trip but also impacts my ability to continue advocating for OAT in good conscience. An amicable and prompt resolution to this issue would speak volumes about OAT's commitment to customer satisfaction and flexibility. Unless there is a prompt and constructive resolution to this matter, we will be forced to escalate our concerns further. This includes reaching out to higher management within OAT, engaging with consumer protection agencies, sharing our experience through travel forums, and social media for breach of service. Our preference is to resolve this amicably, yet the current trajectory leaves us little choice but to pursue these avenues. I implore you to seriously consider these options and respond in a manner that reflects OAT's values of empathy and customer support. Your immediate attention to this matter is not only appreciated but necessary for a resolution that respects both parties' interests. Thank you for your understanding and prompt attention to this critical issue."

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Balkans Treasures Tour
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Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Explore Belgrade, Budva and Novi Sad
  • Visit Dubrovnik - Big Onofrio Fountain, Rector's Palace, Franciscan Monastery and Sponza Palace
  • Visit Kotor - Cathedral of Saint Tryphon and Mostar - Stari Most Bridge
  • Discover the places like Skopje - Church of the Holy Savior, Sofia, Sarajevo and Skopje

Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks

What travelers are saying

"used Direct traveller or my business trip in Turkey. Excellent from the word go. The Istanbul hotel they recommended and the service provided for the taxi was spot on"

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Highlights of the Balkans
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Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Explore Belgrade, Belgrade - Kelmegdan Fortress
  • Discover Dubrovnik’s Big Onofrio Fountain, Franciscan Monastery, Rector's Palace and Sponza Palace
  • Visit Mostar - Stari Most Bridge
  • Visit Niš, Novi Sad, Sarajevo and Sofia

Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"used Direct traveller or my business trip in Turkey. Excellent from the word go. The Istanbul hotel they recommended and the service provided for the taxi was spot on"

Trip dates & details
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Custom Designed Trip
Lodging level
lodgingLevelName
Physical level
N/A

Highlights

  • Fully customized trip based on preferences
  • Matched with a local specialist
  • From $200 per person per day
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Balkan Magical Escape Tour
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Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Visit Budva - Old Town, Dubrovnik - Big Onofrio Fountain and Dubrovnik - Rector's Palace
  • Explore Kotor - Cathedral of Saint Tryphon and Mostar - Stari Most Bridge
  • Visit Skopje - Church of the Holy Savior and Skopje - Old Bazaar
  • Discover Sofia, Tirana - Mosque of Et'hem Bey and Belgrade - Kelmegdan Fortress

Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks

What travelers are saying

"used Direct traveller or my business trip in Turkey. Excellent from the word go. The Istanbul hotel they recommended and the service provided for the taxi was spot on"

Trip dates & details
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The Balkan Gems
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Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Explore Budva and Budva - Old Town
  • Visit Dubrovnik - Big Onofrio Fountain, Rector's Palace, Franciscan Monastery and Kotor - Cathedral of Saint Tryphon
  • Budva - Church of St. Ivan
  • Visit Kotor Bay, Ohrid - St. Sofia and Skopje - Kale Fortress
  • Explore Tirana - Mosque of Et'hem Bey and Skanderbeg Square

Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"used Direct traveller or my business trip in Turkey. Excellent from the word go. The Istanbul hotel they recommended and the service provided for the taxi was spot on"

Trip dates & details
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The Balkans History Trips & Packages Reviews

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Anonymous

Oct 2018

Great mix of scenery and culture

This is a good combination of interesting cities and mountains ,with a reasonable pace and comfortable air-conditioned bus;our guide and driver were excellent, wi...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

A little bit of everything at a great pace

Bosnia and Montenegro have it all; beautiful coast line, spectacular lakes which are oh so blue , mountains and charming towns and cities. This trip goes at an exc...

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Anonymous

Oct 2018

Bosnia and beyond

The trip was everything I had hoped for and more. It is extremely well balanced in that it offers an excellent mix of town and countryside based activities, a mixt...

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Anonymous

Oct 2018

Full on and great fun

Great cultural and educational experience. Lots of variety of experiences superbly led by Sabina and safely driven by damir. Not enough time in Dubrovnik so most o...

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Anonymous

Oct 2018

Superb mix of natural beauty and culture

The trip exceeded our expectations. You start on the coastline of Croatia and Montenegro, which is totally stunning. The drive into the mountain is breathtaking an...

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