Best Of The Balkans & Greek Islands

Today, start this incredible 22-day tour in Athens, where the best of the Balkans and Greek Islands await. Meet your tour leader and fellow travellers at the hotel for a short introduction before setting out to explore the iconic Greek capital on an orientation tour. See landmarks such as the Academy of Athens, National Library, Greek Parliament, Panathinaikos Stadium, Hadrian's Arch, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Don’t miss out on the delicious local cuisine! Join the Athens Food Tour to taste traditional Greek delights the local way. Later, enjoy an included welcome dinner at a local restaurant with your group.

• Explore Athens; Greece’s ancient capital city

• Enjoy a welcome dinner in Athens

Journey across mainland Greece today, with a visit to historic Delphi en route. Once considered the "navel of the earth," Delphi is home to the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians, and the Delphi Archaeological Museum. Next, continue the journey to the breathtaking Meteora region, known for its extraordinary rock formations and centuries-old monasteries. Visit St. Stephen's Monastery founded in 1400, which now functions as a nunnery. Take in the views of Kalabaka and spot the Holy Trinity Monastery perched on an impressive rock formation. Spend a leisurely evening in Kalabaka after checking in.

• Explore the ancient ruins of Delphi

• Visit Meteora; see the formation of Eastern Orthodox monasteries

After breakfast this morning, set off for the charming city of Ohrid in North Macedonia, situated on the shores of its namesake Lake Ohrid, and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. As one of Europe's oldest human settlements, Ohrid once boasted a staggering 365 churches. On a guided tour, explore the city’s highlights, including the Church of St. John at Kaneo, perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the lake. Enjoy a group dinner this evening to round off the day and spend the rest of the evening as you wish.

• Embark on a guided tour of Ohrid

Today, journey from North Macedonia into Albania, where you'll experience the vibrant capital of Tirana. Just like many other Balkan cities, Tirana has undergone a remarkable transformation post-Communism. Explore this beautiful city, enjoy an included lunch and embark on a guided walking tour to see the colourful buildings displaying striking Ottoman, Italian, and Communist-era architecture. This evening, join the optional Evening in Tirana to visit a unique interactive museum and enjoy a traditional dinner for an authentic taste of Albanian culture.

• Discover Tirana on a walking tour

Leave Albania behind today in exchange for Montenegro, stopping in the picturesque town of Budva which is known for its walled medieval Old Town. Explore at your own pace before heading to the UNESCO-listed town of Kotor, where Venetian fortifications meet stunning fjord-like cliffs. Capture the beauty of this picture-perfect landscape before continuing to Croatia. Arrive in Dubrovnik and enjoy an evening to explore and experience this iconic city as you wish.

• Explore Budva and Kotor in Montenegro

This morning, embark on an unmissable guided walking tour of Dubrovnik's Old Town, complete with its historic City Walls and Franciscan Monastery. The rest of the day is free for you to explore as you wish! A popular recommendation is joining the optional Dubrovnik+ excursion for an in-depth discovery of this historic city. This includes a guided tour, a local lunch, and a visit to one of the city's museums. Tonight, consider joining the optional Sunset Cruise including dinner onboard for an unforgettable end to the day.

• Experience Dubrovnik on a walking tour

Take advantage of the opportunity to explore the culture and history of Bosnia and Herzegovina as you travel to Mostar today. Known for its Stari Most bridge and fascinating mix of Roman, Ottoman, and religious influences, Mostar offers a unique glimpse into this historic region's past. After some free time to explore at leisure, continue to the captivating city of Sarajevo, the Bosnian capital, where an expertly guided tour awaits before ending another exciting day in the Balkans with an included group dinner.

• Visit Mostar; a medieval Balkan town

• Take a walking tour of Sarajevo

This morning, cross back into Croatia and arrive in the hidden coastal gem of Split. Upon arrival, discover its Old Town, home to Diocletian's Palace and wander along the bustling Riva waterfront, on an orientation tour. Spend the afternoon soaking in the seaside atmosphere before heading to the Plitvice Lakes region for a delicious included dinner with the group and tonight’s overnight stay.

• Explore Split, an idyllic coastal city

Today, experience a highlight of Balkan travel as well as this exciting tour with a visit to the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park, known for its cascading waterfalls and scenic boardwalks. Enjoy some time to explore this natural wonder before travelling to Ljubljana, the enchanting capital city of Slovenia. Embark on a locally guided walking tour to discover the city's fairytale-like charms. Opt for an evening of local music, dancing, and cuisine by joining the Slovenian Evening optional excursion.

• Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park

• Embark on a guided walking tour of Ljubljana

Bid Ljubljana goodbye this morning as the tour continues into Hungary with a stop in Maribor, Slovenia's second city. Upon arrival, head out on an orientation tour with your tour leader. Tick off some of the city’s top attractions, including Lake Balaton, a popular holiday spot, before reaching the Hungarian capital of Budapest. This exciting city, straddling the Danube River, is full of UNESCO-listed sites and distinct architecture to admire. Explore the city on an expertly guided driving tour and end the day with a group dinner.

• Visit Maribor, a charming city in Slovenia

• Admire Lake Balaton, Central Europe’s largest lake

• See the best-loved sights in Budapest on a driving tour

Enjoy a full free day at leisure in Budapest to delve into its history or relax at your own pace. For an in-depth and unmissable look into the city, join the Budapest+ excursion for a comprehensive tour including visits to St. Stephen's Basilica and Central Market Hall. Alternatively, explore solo or join the Budapest Baths optional and spend time unwinding at one of the city's many famous thermal baths. This evening, join the optional Danube dinner cruise for a delectable dinner and unbeatable views of the city by night.

Bid farewell to Budapest today as the tour continues by travelling to Serbia. En route, enjoy a stop in Novi Sad, a stunning city located on the banks of the Danube river. Arrive in Belgrade and embark on an expertly guided walking tour of the city's highlights, including Republic Square, Skadarlija, Kalemegdan Park, and Belgrade Fortress. Enjoy some time to explore, relax or shop for souvenirs before this evening's included group dinner.

• Visit Novi Sad in Serbia

• Embark on a guided walking tour of Belgrade

Today, explore more of Serbia on a visit to Niš, a historic city with Ottoman heritage. Take in the sights of Tinkers Alley and find a place to enjoy lunch before heading to Sofia, Bulgaria's vibrant capital. Once in Sofia, discover the city's major landmarks on a guided walk, including the striking Sofia Cathedral. Finish the day with an included dinner with the tour group.

• Visit Tinkers Alley and enjoy a lunch stop in Niš

• Enjoy a guided tour of Sofia, Bulgaria

Say goodbye to the Balkans today and leave Sofia behind to start another exciting journey through the Greek Islands! Before leaving Bulgaria, visit Rila Monastery, a 10th-century gem surrounded by the beauty of Rila Nature Park. Then, continue the journey onward to Thessaloniki, and kick off your discovery of Greece with an orientation tour showcasing this port city's best spots. Spend the evening exploring at your leisure, sampling local cuisine and enjoying the city's lively atmosphere.

• Explore the majestic Rila Monastery

• Discover Thessaloniki; a greek port city

Take advantage of the opportunity to soak up the Greek countryside today en route to Athens. Enjoy a stop in Kamena Vourla, a stunning seaside city, and find the perfect spot to enjoy lunch by the ocean. Take some time to explore at leisure before hopping back on the coach to return to Athens where it all started. Arrive back in Athens and share a final dinner with the current group, as tomorrow, more travellers join the journey. With two weeks complete, take time to unwind and even reflect on some highlights with your newfound travel friends.

• Visit Kamena Vourla; a scenic coastal Greek city

• Farewell dinner in Athens

Get ready to explore all that Athens has to offer today! This Greek capital is rich with historic and cultural attractions to discover, as well as a palpable local pulse that you can't help but follow. Join the travellers arriving today for a more in-depth exploration of Athens and see top sights like the Academy, National Library, Greek parliament, Panathinaikos marble stadium, Hadrian’s Arch, and the temple of Olympian Zeus. Savour a local lunch before embarking on the optional guided exploration of the Acropolis. As this excursion is incredibly popular, spots must be secured before the tour starts.

• Embark on an Athens city tour

Answer Mykonos's call today as the group transfers to the port and catches a ferry to magical Mykonos. Upon arrival, take some time to settle in. Then, take an orientation tour of the city with your tour leader to discover some of the top sights and uncover some interesting facts. Enjoy some time to explore at leisure. This evening, join your tour leader and the group in Mykonos Chora, which would be the perfect place to check out the local bar scene and sip some sundowners.

• Enjoy two nights on the iconic Mykonos island

Take full advantage of a free day to explore the sights of Mykonos solo. Alternatively, choose to join a half-day optional excursion, taking a boat trip to the South Coast. Marvel at the Aegean Sea from a traditional Greek Kaiki boat, enjoy some swimming and snorkelling alongside picture-perfect beaches and enjoy a delicious lunch of local food. Choose to stay at Ornos Beach and arrange your own transport back, or hop aboard the coach back to Mykonos. Make the most of the last night in this idyllic Greek paradise - you could see some more sights or stop by a local taverna!

This morning, it's time to transfer to the port and catch the ferry towards Santorini. Along the way, marvel at the awe-inspiring island views and picturesque ports. Be sure to capture Santorini's towering cliffs, beautiful beaches, classic blue buildings and sweeping views as the ferry approaches its destination. Arrive and head to the hotel for check-in, then embark on an orientation tour of Fira Town! This evening, spend your time in Santorini however you please.

• Spend three nights on Santorini island

Make the most of a full free day in Santorini today! You can either explore solo at leisure or join our highly recommended Santorini Highlights optional excursion, which many describe as the ideal way to see the island. Marvel at the black-and-red sands of Santorini’s unique beaches and be sure to taste some wine at an ancient village's local winery. Soak up Oia's sunset this evening. Alternatively, if you choose to explore at leisure today, be sure to traverse the local villages, admire the local beaches and, most importantly, tuck into some of the tasty, freshly caught seafood Santorini is known for!

Today is the last of three full days in Santorini, so make the most of the final time to explore! Join the Caldera Islands optional excursion to sail past the islands around the caldera towards Thirassia Island and Amoudi Bay, where an active volcano and hot springs await! Conclude another incredible day by soaking up the Oia sunset, relaxing at a local spot, or seeing more of the island sights.

It's the last day of the tour and time to head to the airport for a domestic flight to Athens. Upon arrival, say goodbye to your newfound travel friends as the tour concludes. Remember to exchange contact details to stay in touch! May you have happy and safe travels ahead.