Making the Most of Your Balkan Adventure Tour: 3 Key Tips to Keep in Mind

Hmm, where to go when decide to go on an adventure tour? Have you ever thought about the Balkans?

This geopolitically active region has a diverse mix of ethnicities and cultures and is home to a large chunk of the European population. There are 11 Balkan nations, namely Serbia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Albania, Macedonia, Greece, and Romania. European part of Turkey is also a part of the Balkan states. Cultural diversity is something you have to experience. You can find some of the most stunning monasteries, churches, and mosques while you're in the Balkans. This region is full of diversity, specially when comparing with the rest of the Europe. From people, language, culture, and of course, natural heritage. Combination of walking and cultural discovery trip, such as so called the Balkans’ cocktail is the authentic and exciting way to explore more countries, their cultural diversities and similarities, spiced with a gourmand Balkan cuisine in one trip.

The Old Bridge in Mostar

Do you know the best walking holidays in Europe can be spent here? The Balkans is covered in magnificent and rugged mountain ranges that are a natural paradise for hikers. The five main mountain ranges are: the Balkan Mountains (Stara Planina), which run from the Black Sea coast in Bulgaria to the South-East Serbia; the Rhodope Mountains in southern Bulgaria and northern Greece; the Dinaric Alps behind the Adriatic coastline; the Pindus Mountains, span from southern Albania to Northern Greece and the Šar Mountains, from the region of Kosovo and the northwest of North Macedonia to northeastern Albania. Are you familiar with the fact that hiking in Montenegro, Albania as well as guided walking holidays in Serbia are becoming more and more popular among hikers and nature lovers from all over the world? Durmitor National Park

What’s more, the Balkans is also well-known as a cycling paradise. Croatia is not only famous sea bathing destination, but also a destination on a bucket list among cyclist from America to Australia. Cycling in Croatia offers holiday in the country of 718 islands, turquoise blue water, home of the Zinfandel grape, fresh seafood, lavender fields, the world's biggest truffle, the highest number of UNESCO Intangible goods in Europe. On the other hand, exploring on two wheels the most spectacular gorge of the Danube river- the Iron Gate in Serbia where many different civilizations left their traces, you can learn a lot by visiting medieval fortresses, impressive archeological sites, national park and nature reserves. Golubac Fortress on the Danube

Balkan’s cuisine is amazing. All ex Yugoslavia countries have a long history of food production, with a diverse range of ingredients and flavors that reflect its history and cultural influences. Slow food practice and cooking classes are great possibility for those who wants to learn how to cook authentic Balkan's food as well for the adventurous traveler wanting to infiltrate into food and social culture. Cap off your experience with lunch on the terrace under the shadow featuring the dishes you’ve made is really worth engaging. Traditional breakfast in Sirogojno

Finally, it is really hard to decide what is more tastier – cevapi, sarma, sweet dumplings, fish or beef stew, smoked carp, domestic soup, cheese and so on.. The list is endless…

Our guided tours provide an experience of total immersion into local cultures of places like these in the Balkan region. Check out the tours that cover this region:

Contents of the blog post are not tied to any tour itinerary. For tour itineraries check out the tour webpages.