Balkans Small-Group Tour from India — 15 Days, 7 Countries
A 15-day Balkans small-group tour from India — Athens to Sofia across seven countries, with ancient ruins, Adriatic coastlines and old-town evenings.
Upcoming Departures
Overview
Fifteen days and seven countries, overland from Athens to Sofia. Begin at the Acropolis, then the clifftop monasteries of Meteora. Cross into North Macedonia for Lake Ohrid, one of Europe's oldest lakes, and on to Tirana, Albania's colourful capital. Follow the Adriatic to Montenegro's Bay of Kotor and Budva, then Mostar's Old Bridge and Sarajevo's layered history in Bosnia & Herzegovina. The journey ends through Belgrade, Skopje and Sofia's Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, with wine tastings and old-town evenings along the way. Distances are broken up sensibly, with no strenuous walking — a small group of 10–16 travellers.
Highlights
- Meteora's Clifftop Monasteries
- Lake Ohrid — One of Europe's Oldest Lakes
- Montenegro's Bay of Kotor
- Belgrade's Riverside Culture
- Adriatic Coastline Drives
- Ancient Ruins & Monasteries
- Athens' Acropolis & Parthenon
- Stari Most (Old Bridge) in Mostar
- Wine Tasting in the Balkans
- Tirana — Albania's Colourful Capital
- Sarajevo's Layered History
- Sofia's Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
- Scenic Balkan Mountain Drives
Itinerary
Download PDFAthens, Greece
Arrive, welcome dinner in taverna beneath the Acropolis.
Athens
Acropolis, Parthenon, Plaka, Cape Sounion, Temple of Poseidon.
Kalambaka (Meteora)
UNESCO Meteora monasteries.
Ohrid, North Macedonia
Lake Ohrid, cobbled lanes, centuries-old churches.
Tirana, Albania
Skanderbeg Square, street art, cafes.
Budva, Montenegro
Coastal drive, walled old town, Adriatic seafood.
Budva
Bay of Kotor exploration, coastal towns, viewpoints.
Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Perast, scenic boat ride, wine tasting.
Sarajevo
Stari Most (Old Bridge) in Mostar, Konjic, Blagaj Tekke, continue to Sarajevo.
Belgrade, Serbia
Short Sarajevo tour, drive to Belgrade.
Belgrade
Kalemegdan Fortress, Republic Square, Danube-Sava confluence.
Skopje, North Macedonia
Drive south, arrive in Skopje.
Sofia, Bulgaria
Skopje city tour (Old Bazaar, Stone Bridge), drive to Sofia.
Sofia
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St. George Rotunda, city center.
Sofia — Departure
Departure from airport.
What's Included
- Accommodation in hotels with daily breakfast
- Travel Insurance up to age 69 years
- Entrance fees and activities as per itinerary
- Breakfast & Dinner during the tour
- Visa Fees
What's Not Included
- International Airfare
- Insurance for passengers above 69 years
- Tax Collected at Source (TCS) extra as applicable
- Any other cost/activities not mentioned in Inclusions above
- All Lunches during the tour
- GST of 5%
- Any change or deviation in the airline itinerary
- Any personal expenses like beverages, tips, laundry, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will the weather be like?
May brings warm, settled weather: 20–28°C by day, cooler mornings in the mountains, low rainfall and long, light evenings. Pack layers for Meteora and the mountain drives.
Do Indian passport holders need a visa? What if I already have a US, UK or Schengen visa?
You need a Schengen visa for Greece and Bulgaria. With a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa, Indian passport holders can generally also enter North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Serbia without separate visas. Some of these also accept valid US or UK visas. We confirm each country's current rules after booking, and visa fees are included.
Is airfare included? What does the price include?
International airfare is not included. The whole route is overland, so there are no internal flights. The price includes: hotels with daily breakfast; breakfast and dinner throughout; visa fees, entrance fees and activities; travel insurance up to age 69. GST (5%) and TCS are extra.
How much walking is involved?
Easy to moderate: 4–8 km a day through old towns, mostly on flat ground with cobbles and some steps. The steepest part is the steps at the Meteora monasteries. There are no hikes.
How big is the group?
Between 10 and 16 travellers.
Can I join as a solo traveller?
Absolutely. We can try to match you with a same-gender room-share. If you'd prefer a room to yourself, the single supplement is EUR 700.
Is travel insurance included?
Yes. Travel insurance is mandatory on this trip and is included for travellers up to age 69. If you are 70 or older, we help you arrange separate cover.
Can you cater for vegetarian or Jain food?
Yes. Tell us your needs when you book and we brief our hotels and restaurants in advance.
Fitness Level
Easy to moderate. City walking (4–8 km/day), some cobblestone streets and steps at historical sites. The Meteora visit involves steps. No strenuous hikes.
Weather Notes
May: 20–28°C, perfect spring weather. October: 15–22°C, pleasant autumn. Both months have low rainfall across the region.
Captured along the way.
Real moments from our travellers, click any photo to view full size.