12-Day Balkan Discovery – From North Macedonia to Croatia
Discover the Balkans on a 12-day small-group journey from Skopje to Zagreb, crossing six countries and 21 unforgettable cities. From Lake Ohrid, Tirana and Kotor Bay to Dubrovnik, Mostar, Sarajevo, Plitvice Lakes, Lake Bled and Ljubljana, this curated route blends history, local culture and spectacular nature with comfortable 4★ hotels, expert guides and seamless travel every step of the way.
- 6 Balkan countries and 21 cities in 12 days
- Lake Ohrid & St. Naum
- Plitvice Lakes and Lake Bled
- Dubrovnik, Mostar’s Old Bridge
- Walk cobbled old towns with certified local guides.
Dates & Prices
Choose a departure date. We show the next few months first.
Itinerary (Day Wise)
Your exhilarating 12-day Balkan Discovery journey begins in Skopje, North Macedonia’s vibrant capital — a city where ancient history gracefully meets modern spirit.
Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted by your Balkland representative at the airport and transferred in comfort to your centrally located 4★ hotel.
Take some time to unwind, refresh, and explore the city’s rhythm at your own pace.
In the evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at Skopski Merak, where the aromas of traditional Macedonian cuisine, live music, and Balkan hospitality set the tone for the adventure ahead.
Included
Tour details
Best facilities with no added cost.
| City - Country | Accommodation | Check In - Check Out |
|---|---|---|
| Skopje - North Macedonia | Limak Skopje Luxury Hotel /or similar | Apr 05 - Apr 07 |
| Ohrid - North Macedonia | Inex Olgica Hotel & Spa /or similar | Apr 07 - Apr 08 |
| Tirana - Albania | Central Inn Hotel /or similar | Apr 08 - Apr 09 |
| Podgorica - Montenegro | Boscovich Boutique Hotel /or similar | Apr 09 - Apr 10 |
| Tivat - Montenegro | Hotel Palma /or similar | Apr 10 - Apr 11 |
| Medjugorje - Bosnia and Herzegovina | Hotel Mostar /or similar | Apr 11 - Apr 12 |
Tour Information
Read this to prepare for your tour in the best way!
- Daily breakfast, 1 lunch, and 2 dinners.
- Airport arrival and departure transfers on the official tour start and end dates.
- Accommodation in highly rated 4-5 star hotels
- English-speaking tour leader throughout the trip
- Certified local guides at select sites (English-speaking, with other languages available upon request)
- All necessary transport and transfers in modern, private, air-conditioned vehicles
Need to Know
Things to consider before the trip!
The Balkans use several different currencies. On most Balkland itineraries, you may encounter:
• Romania – Romanian Leu (RON): 1 EUR ≈ 5.10 RON
• Bulgaria – Bulgarian Lev (BGN): 1 EUR ≈ 1.96 BGN
• Serbia – Serbian Dinar (RSD): 1 EUR ≈ 117 RSD
• North Macedonia – Macedonian Denar (MKD): 1 EUR ≈ 61.6 MKD
• Albania – Albanian Lek (ALL): 1 EUR ≈ 96.7 ALL
• Bosnia & Herzegovina – Convertible Mark (BAM / KM): 1 EUR ≈ 1.96 BAM
• Croatia – Euro (EUR)
• Slovenia – Euro (EUR)
• Montenegro – Euro (EUR)
• Kosovo – Euro (EUR)
Approximate rates only; they change daily. For exact values, please check a live currency converter close to your travel date. As a rough guide, 1 EUR ≈ 1.20 USD.
Money & Payments
• Euros are widely accepted in many tourist areas, but local currency is recommended for smaller towns and villages.
• ATMs are widely available in cities and larger towns.
• Credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels, many restaurants and larger shops.
• Small markets, kiosks and some local cafés often prefer cash.
Tipping
• Tipping is not mandatory but always appreciated.
• Rounding up the bill or leaving around 5–10% in restaurants and cafés is common.
• Small gratuities for local guides and drivers are welcome, at your discretion.
Electricity & Plugs
• Standard voltage: 230V, 50Hz.
• Plug types: C and F (two round pins).
• Travellers from outside Europe should bring a universal adapter.
Wi-Fi & Connectivity
• Free Wi-Fi is standard in most hotels and common in cafés and restaurants.
• Mobile data coverage is generally good in populated areas but may be limited in remote or mountainous regions.
Water
• In many cities, tap water is considered safe to drink, though taste and quality vary by location.
• Bottled water is inexpensive and widely available; it is recommended if you are unsure or travelling in rural areas.
Weather
• Weather can vary significantly between coastal, inland and mountain regions, and by season.
• Spring and autumn are generally mild with cooler mornings/evenings; summers can be hot, especially along the coast.
• Always check a reliable weather forecast a few days before departure and pack accordingly.
Flexibility & Itinerary Changes
• All timings in the itinerary are approximate and may be affected by border formalities, traffic, weather or other local conditions.
• The order of visits and activities may be adjusted by the tour leader or local partners to provide the best and safest experience on the day.
Photo & Video Consent
• Photos and videos taken during the tour may be used for Balkland’s promotional purposes (website, social media, brochures, etc.).
• If you prefer not to appear in such materials, please inform your tour leader at the start of the trip.
Payment & Cancellation (Summary)
For most multi-day tours (1–8 travellers):
• 40% deposit at booking (non-refundable).
• 30% due 60 days before the tour start.
• Final 30% due 15 days before the tour start (or on arrival in cash, if agreed in advance).
Standard cancellation fees (counting back from the tour start date):
• More than 60 days before departure: 40% of total tour price (loss of deposit).
• 59–31 days before departure: 70% of total tour price.
• 30–15 days before departure: 90% of total tour price.
• 14 days or less before departure: 100% of total tour price.
Groups (9+ travellers) and one-day tours may have different terms; these are specified in your offer and confirmation. Certain services (e.g. flights, special tickets) may be fully non-refundable from the time of purchase.
For complete and legally binding details, always refer to Balkland’s full Terms & Conditions on our website.
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