Taking a 14-day journey from Split to Athens or Corfu, this tour offers a comprehensive look at the Balkans. Priced at $4,438 per person, it covers a wide array of cities, from Bosnia and Herzegovina to Greece, with carefully curated stops and guided tours at each highlight. The tour features 3-star accommodation, private transport, and a professional tour leader, making it suitable for travelers who want a well-organized, immersive experience.

A notable aspect is the extensive itinerary that balances sightseeing, leisure, and cultural exploration. One potential consideration is the long duration of travel days, which can be demanding. However, the inclusion of all entry tickets, hotel pickups, and ferry transfers adds value and convenience. This tour is perfect for those who want a structured, guided adventure through the Balkans, experiencing both iconic landmarks and lesser-known towns.

Key Points

14 days of guided exploration from Split through the Balkans to Athens or Corfu
Includes accommodation in 3-star hotels, breakfast, private transport, and entry tickets
Visits 12 cities, including Mostar, Sarajevo, Kotor, Tirana, Ohrid, Berat, and Meteora
Guided tours at major sites like the Old Bridge in Mostar and the National History Museum in Tirana
Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a small-group experience
Ferry tickets included for transfer to Corfu, with hotel drop-offs in Athens or port drop-off in Igoumenitsa

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Discovering the Old Town in Split

The tour begins in Split, renowned for its medieval architecture and historic Old Town. While the detailed activities in Split are not elaborated in the itinerary, the city’s vibrant atmosphere and Roman heritage set the perfect tone for the adventure ahead. From here, the journey quickly moves across borders into Bosnia & Herzegovina.

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Cross the Border to Visit Mostar and Its Iconic Old Bridge

On Day 1, travelers are picked up from their Split hotel and transferred to Mostar, crossing into Bosnia & Herzegovina. The highlight here is the UNESCO-listed Old Bridge (Stari Most), a 16th-century Islamic architectural marvel that draws admiration for its elegant design. The Old Bazaar in Mostar offers a lively, colorful street scene filled with shops and local crafts, providing a taste of traditional Balkan life.

The visit to Mostar is the first step into the region’s complex history, setting a tone of cultural diversity. The tour allows for a relaxed exploration, with enough time to enjoy the atmosphere and take photos of the bridge and surrounding streets.

Sarajevo’s Historic and Cultural Landmarks

On Day 2, the journey continues to Sarajevo, where a guided tour covers significant sites including the Old Bazaar, the Latin Bridge, and the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum. The Latin Bridge is historically important, known as the site of the assassination that sparked World War I.

The Sarajevo Tunnel Museum offers insight into the city’s recent history during the siege, making this stop both educational and impactful. After touring Sarajevo, travelers return to Mostar for overnight accommodation, combining city highlights with reflective moments.

Exploring Kotor and the Montenegrin Riviera

On Day 3, the group heads to Kotor, a city famous for its well-preserved medieval walls and stunning bay views. A guided tour introduces travelers to Kotor’s fortress, Old Town, and the picturesque Montenegrin Riviera. The day continues with leisure time along the bay, allowing for scenic walks or relaxing by the waterfront.

This stretch showcases Montenegro’s dramatic coastline and historic architecture, with the tour providing context through expert guides. The combination of guided sightseeing and free time makes this a balanced day.

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Discovering Budva, Sveti Stefan, and Shkoder

The itinerary on Day 4 takes travelers to Budva, known for its lively nightlife and historic old town. After a guided tour, the journey continues to Sveti Stefan, an island resort famous for its luxurious reputation and distinctive pink-hued buildings. A guided tour here highlights its architecture and exclusive status.

Later, the day concludes in Shkoder, where travelers can explore at their leisure. The blend of coastal towns and scenic islands offers a diverse experience, capturing Montenegro’s seaside charm and Albania’s welcoming atmosphere.

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Visiting Mirizi i Zanave and Prizren

Day 5 includes a guided tour of Mirizi i Zanave Agro tourism, giving insight into local agricultural practices and rural life. The day then moves to Prizren, a historic city with Ottoman-era architecture, lively markets, and cultural sites. The free time in Prizren allows for exploration of its mosques, bridges, and vibrant streets.

This combination emphasizes both traditional rural life and urban culture, adding depth to the Balkan experience.

From Prizren to Vineyards Near Rahovec

On Day 6, guided visits include Gjakove, Decan, and the vineyards near Rahovec. These stops deepen understanding of regional history and viticulture. The vineyards offer a chance to learn about local wine production, a notable aspect of Balkan culture.

The day’s itinerary showcases the region’s rich history and agricultural heritage, with guided insights at each stop.

Exploring Kruje and the Capital of Albania, Tirana

Day 7 involves touring Kruje, a town famous for its castle and artisan markets, before heading to Tirana. Once in Tirana, travelers have free time to explore the city at their own pace, with a guided tour scheduled for Day 8.

In Tirana, highlights include the National History Museum, the Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the Clock Tower, providing an overview of Albania’s recent history and cultural scene.

A Day of Sightseeing in Tirana

During the guided Day 8 tour, the guide explains Tirana’s transformation and history. The visit includes key landmarks, offering insight into Albanian identity. The city’s eclectic architecture and vibrant streets make it an engaging stop for history and culture enthusiasts alike.

From Tirana to Ohrid and Lake Activities

On Day 9, the tour proceeds to Struga for a guided city tour, then continues to Ohrid. The city is known for its historic churches and lakeside setting. Travelers have free time to explore, stroll along the lake, or relax.

The next day, Day 10, involves a guided tour of Ohrid, then visits to St. Naum and Tushemisht, small towns renowned for their beautiful monasteries and lakeside views. The day also includes time in Drilon, a peaceful lakeside area.

Cultural Heritage in Berat and Gjirokaster

Day 10 features guided explorations of Berat, with its Ottoman-era houses and UNESCO World Heritage sites. The following day, Day 11, you visit Gjirokaster, another UNESCO site, known for its stone houses and historic bazaar.

These towns showcase Albania’s architectural diversity and history, giving travelers a sense of its past and present.

Visiting Ioannina and Meteora

On Day 12, the journey takes travelers to Ioannina, a Greek city famed for its lake and historic castle. The day continues to Meteora, where visitors enjoy the stunning monasteries perched atop towering rock formations. The day ends with leisure time, allowing for optional exploration of the monasteries.

Meteora’s dramatic landscape and religious significance make it a highlight of the Greek leg of the tour.

Transfer to Athens or Corfu

The final day, Day 14, involves a transfer from Gjirokaster to Athens or Corfu. The tour concludes with a drop-off at the hotel in Athens or a port transfer in Igoumenitsa, including the ferry tickets to Corfu. This seamless transfer wraps up the extensive Balkan exploration.

Practical Details and What’s Included

This tour covers all accommodation and breakfast in 3-star hotels, along with private transportation, professional tour leadership, and all entry tickets for visited sites. Hotel pickup in Dubrovnik is included, and the tour ends with hotel drop-offs in Athens or ferry transfers to Corfu.

The package also includes tourist taxes, international car insurance, road taxes, and petrol, providing transparency on what’s covered. However, lunches, dinners, drinks, souvenirs, and personal expenses are not included, giving travelers flexibility to explore local cuisine and shopping independently.

The Small Group Experience and Flexibility

Limited to 8 participants, this tour promises a personalized experience with more interaction and less crowding. Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, or reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility for planning.

The tour is designed for those who appreciate comfort, structured sightseeing, and cultural insights without sacrificing leisure time.

Final Thoughts on the 14-Day Balkans Tour

This tour offers a rundown of the Balkans, combining iconic landmarks with lesser-known towns across multiple countries. The inclusion of paid entry tickets, private transport, and experienced guides makes it a value-rich option for those eager to see the region without the hassle of planning every detail.

While the long travel days may be tiring for some, the overall itinerary balances sightseeing, leisure, and culture. The small group size encourages more meaningful interactions, and the inclusion of ferry tickets to Corfu adds an island escape to the experience.

This tour suits history buffs, culture lovers, and adventurers seeking a well-rounded Balkan exploration with the convenience of guided logistics. Travelers looking for a structured but dynamic itinerary will appreciate this detailed 14-day journey.

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From Split: 14-Day Balkans Tour to Athens or Corfu

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $4,438 per person.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for 14 days.

What is included in the price?
Included are accommodation in 3-star hotels, breakfast, private transport, entry tickets, hotel pickup and drop-off, and ferry tickets to Corfu.

Are there any meals not included?
Yes, lunches, dinners, drinks, and snacks are not included.

What stops are part of the itinerary?
Stops include Mostar, Sarajevo, Kotor, Budva, Sveti Stefan, Shkoder, Prizren, Gjakove, Rahovec vineyards, Kruje, Tirana, Struga, Ohrid, St. Naum, Berat, Gjirokaster, Ioannina, and Meteora.

Is the group size small?
Yes, the group is limited to 8 participants.

What are the main highlights?
Highlights include the Old Bridge in Mostar, Sarajevo Tunnel Museum, Kotor fortress, Sveti Stefan, Berat’s Ottoman architecture, and Meteora’s monasteries.

Do I need a passport?
Yes, a passport is required for border crossings.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure.