The Balkans is a sprawling peninsula which derives its name from the Turkish word meaning ‘a chain of wooded mountains’. Those mountains are the Balkans, a place where farming first reached Europe way back in the Neolithic era.

To the west is the Adriatic Sea, with the Mediterranean Sea to the south and the Black Sea to the east. It is perhaps easier to think of the Balkan States as “South-eastern Europe”. Wholly or partially on the peninsula, the region is made up of many fascinating countries. Our tour includes seven of them – Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Slovenia and Serbia. Their polyglot nature has been forged in turn by the Greeks, Romans and Slavs, and even fell part of the Ottoman Empire in the 16th Century. A genuine cultural crossroads, the Balkan region was where Orthodoxy met Christianity, and Christianity met Islam. While many of these names have been synonymous with political turmoil in modern history (Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in Sarajevo in 1914, sparking the First World War), the current reality is a collection of countries and cultures now relishing their own identities, and enjoying a resurgence of interaction with the outside world. The region is rich in pre-history and history, with Neanderthal relics found in many areas, plus many towns still with dramatic mediaeval fortifications in place.

While typically characterised by peaceful mountainous terrain, many of these Balkan destinations feature pristine coastlines and seascapes, affording dazzling variety as you travel seamlessly from one country to another. Many of the places we visit are not yet popular with tourists, but this will change.

Are you ready for this journey of surprise and delight?

INCLUDED

• All transportation as per itinerary
• Ferry and boat trips as listed on the itinerary
• Twin-share accommodation
• All tipping including drivers and guides
• Meals as listed on the itinerary
• Entry fees to places of interest as per itinerary
• Transfers to and from airport if travelling on our group flights
• Experienced English speaking local tour guide/driver
• Escorted by an Australian host (subject to minimum number of 10 clients)

NOT INCLUDED

• International and internal flights
• Electronic travel authorisation or tourist visa
• Travel insurance
• Any meals not indicated on the itinerary
• Optional excursions
• Items of a personal nature e.g. drinks, laundry, hotel charges
• Airport transfers if you are not travelling on our group flight

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Blue Dot will book your international flights, or you can manage this independently
• No more than 16 clients on any trip
• Tours depart with a minimum of 4 clients
• Business or premium economy flights can be arranged at an additional cost if available
• Tour extensions – before or after tour extensions can be arranged on your behalf
• To book and reserve your place on tour, a deposit of $500 and a completed booking form is required

ITINERARY

TOUR MAP