Travel the road less travelled, visit the Balkans.
From Montenegro to North Macedonia and Bucharest to Belgrade, the Balkan region encompasses a number of nations across the southeast of Europe. It covers larger countries such as Romania, home to Transylvania and the legend of Count Dracula, through to smaller spots like Slovenia, known for its verdant landscapes and stunning lakes.
Its complex and varied past carries traces of Venetian, Ottoman and Byzantine influences that can still be seen in its churches, monasteries and mosques, while its 20th-century history draws anyone who wants to see how much this region has changed in just a few decades.
Fancy visiting Sofia and its famous cathedrals and churches? Ever thought about island hopping in Croatia? Or perhaps you’d like to swap a story or two with locals over a glass of rakija in a tavern in Belgrade?
A guided tour can give you the chance to see more of the Balkans than you could discover on your own. Many itineraries balance the best of tourist attractions in the capital cities with the less-trodden villages tucked away in mountain ranges across the region.
You’ll also gain real insight into local life across the Balkans. You’ll be invited to try homemade wine and indulge in a hearty home-cooked meal, while guides on the ground will also be able to give you the best tips for how to make the most out of your stay as you discover a new and exciting region that’s closer to home than you might think.
I first visited the Balkans in 2016 after buying a flight to Split. I then studied a map and saw all kinds of names I recognised such as Mostar, Sarajevo and Belgrade. What happened after that was that I created an amazing itinerary to all these places and many more.
It’s one of my best holidays to date for many reasons. New, exciting and interesting destinations were part of it. But more than that too. The beauty of these places and the warm personalities of the people I met. You have to go to understand.