Best of the Balkans & Greek Islands

Start at the hotel in Athens today and meet up with your tour leader and group. Then, Greece’s capital city awaits on an orientation tour. Craving Greek cuisine? Join the optional Athens Food Tour! Then, embark on the optional guided tour of the Acropolis site. This excursion must be pre-booked. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Today, stop in Delphi. In ancient times, Delphi was considered the “omphalos” (navel) of Earth. Admire some top sights, including the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians, and the Delphi Archaeological Museum. This afternoon, arrive in Meteora - a spellbinding series of rock formations home to Eastern Orthodox monasteries. Tonight, opt for a Greek evening in a picturesque setting.

Travel to the hidden gem of Ohrid in North Macedonia. This UNESCO-listed city located on the shores of Lake Ohrid is one of Europe's longest-standing human settlements. Tour the Old Town and marvel at top attractions, including the Church of St. John at Kaneo, overlooking Lake Ohrid from atop a cliff. End the day with a group dinner.

Leave North Macedonia behind in exchange for Albania. Arriving in the capital city, Tirana, sit down for a local lunch and embark on a walking tour. Marvel at the impressive Ottoman, Italian and Communist architecture. Explore Tirana more during free time before travelling to Shkodër, a historic, riverside city, where the group will spend the night.

Say goodbye to Albania and journey through Montenegro. Arrive in the scenic coastal town of Budva, famous for its well-preserved medieval walled city, and explore at leisure. Then, enjoy a guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Kotor. Next, continue to Croatia and marvel at Dubrovnik's entrance gate to the Old Town. Tonight is yours to explore.

Start another exciting day with a locally-guided walking tour of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, complete with the City Walls and Franciscan Monastery. Next, depart on a walking tour from the spectacular Amerling Fountain. The rest of the day is free. Join the Blue Cave Boat Tour to explore the azure waters of some of Dubrovnik’s famous and hidden caves!

Cross the border into Bosnia and Herzegovina, a country rich with history and culture and filled with charming towns and picturesque landscapes! Visit Mostar and admire the city's most iconic sight, the Stari Most bridge. Later, travel to Sarajevo, the country’s fascinating capital. Head out on a locally-guided tour before enjoying a group dinner this evening.

Head back to Croatia this morning. After arriving in the seaside city of Split, head out on an orientation tour of the scenic Old Town. Behold the Baroque architecture of Fruit Square, discover the age-old Diocletian's Palace and traverse the lively Split Riva waterfront. This evening's accommodation lies within the Plitvice Lakes region. Dinner is served at the hotel tonight.

Start today’s adventure by visiting the Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of Europe’s most beautiful natural sights. Marvel at cascading waterfalls and spellbinding surroundings. Up next is the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana. Embark on a locally-guided walking tour and embrace the city’s fairytale feeling. For a night of Slovenian wine and cuisine, join the Taste of Ljubljana optional excursion.

Cross the border into Hungary, stopping in Maribor, Slovenia's second-largest city, for an orientation tour. Next, enter Hungary and visit Lake Balaton - one of Europe's most breathtaking freshwater lakes. This afternoon, journey to Budapest, Hungary’s breathtaking capital. Enjoy a driving tour of the city with a local guide. Celebrate the first night in Budapest with a group dinner tonight.

Enjoy a free day to explore Budapest’s history and unusual details. Opt for today's Buda vs Pest optional excursion to tick landmarks such as St. Stephen’s Basilica and Fisherman’s Bastion off your bucket list! Or, spend the day relaxing in the Budapest Baths. This evening, choose to take in views of Budapest by night on the Danube dinner cruise.

Bid beautiful Budapest goodbye as the journey continues to Serbia. Stop in the charming city of Novi Sad before entering the Serbian capital and embarking on a locally guided walk. See the city's top sights, including Republic Square, the Bohemian Quarter (Skadarlija), Kalemegdan Park and Belgrade Fortress. This evening, enjoy an included group dinner.

This morning, visit Niš, a historic city in south-eastern Serbia once under Turkish reign. Enjoy a lunch stop and visit Tinkers Alley (Kazandžijsko Sokače). Next up, Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. Embark on a walking tour of this lively city. Marvel at the stunning Sofia Cathedral, one of the city's most striking symbols. This evening, a group dinner is included.

Today, the tour's Greek leg kicks off. En route, visit Rila Monastery. This 10th-century Eastern Orthodox monastery astounds with ancient relics, fabulous frescoes and surrounding mountainous scenery. Later, journey to Thessaloniki, a bustling port city. Upon arrival, set out on an orientation tour of its historic sights and waterfront. Enjoy a free evening to spend as you wish!

Start the journey south, admiring the gorgeous Greek countryside along the way. En route to Athens, stop in Kamena Vourla. This is the perfect spot to have lunch and enjoy the serene scenery. Sit down for a group dinner after hotel check-in in Athens. Spend an evening relaxing or catching up with your new travel family.

Athens awaits with a variety of attractions today! Choose to join a new group of travellers on a more in-depth city tour and behold the city's top sights such as the Academy, National Library, Greek parliament, Panathinaikos, Hadrian’s Arch, and the temple of Olympian Zeus. Enjoy an included Greek lunch before spending the rest of the day however you like.

Can you hear Mykonos calling? After catching the ferry, arrive in magical Mykonos and settle into your accommodation. Next, embark on a tour of Mykonos Chora, learning interesting facts and spotting the top sights! Enjoy the night as you wish, exploring some of the fun local bars, sipping sundowners, or simply relaxing for the night.

Today is yours to make memories in Mykonos as you wish. Sunbathe on local beaches, explore the lively town or enjoy some downtime. Alternatively, join today's optional Rhenia & Delos Cruise around the scenic Cycladic islands! Or, opt for the Mykonos Cooking Class to craft authentic Greek dishes with a local hostess in a traditional island home.

After breakfast, catch the ferry heading to Santorini. As you cruise, soak up the spectacular island vistas and picture-perfect ports as well as Santorini's towering cliffs, breathtaking beaches, and blue-and-white buildings the ferry makes its approach. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel before heading to Fira Town for an orientation tour. Spend the evening in Santorini as you wish!

Savour this free day in Santorini and explore your way. Our Santorini Highlights optional excursion comes highly recommended as the ultimate way to explore the island! With a guide, lunch, and wine tasting included, visit a black sand beach, explore charming Megalochori village, relax at a winery, and watch Oia's iconic sunset!

Take full advantage of the last full day in Santorini. Join the Caldera Islands optional excursion for an unforgettable sailing adventure! Explore the famous volcano and discover its captivating history. Plunge into rejuvenating hot springs and savour a traditional Greek lunch on picturesque Thirassia Island. The tour comes to an end tomorrow, so make the most of your last night!

This morning, take an early transfer to Santorini airport for a local flight back to Athens. The tour concludes upon arrival in Athens. Don't forget to swap contact details with your new global travel family before heading your separate ways. Expat Explore wishes you a safe journey ahead and hopes to see you on tour again soon!