Happydays Tour take you on an unforgettable journey across a fascinating region that has shaped the history of modern Europe. It is where Europe greets the Orient; where Christians and Muslims have cohabited for centuries building its unique cultural and social fabric. This beautiful geography hosted huge incidents in history from the splitting of Roman Empire into two, to the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand that sparked World War I. It has witnessed many wars and struggles – named the “powder-keg of Europe” due to strong ideals of the natives. Whilst the Balkans hold such a rich history, it is also truly blessed with its astonishing natural beauty. From magnificent mountains covered in tall green forests, to crystal waters and endless white beaches.
The Balkans are a unique facade of Europe with its familiar, yet distinct style and vibe. Go on a full discovery with a taste of Bulgaria, Serbia, and Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Macedonia and Greece, following the legacy of each nation.
Happydays Tour tours are perfect for all chasing the most charming natural beauties, immense cultural heritage and unique travel experiences.
Balkanlar’ın simgesel şehirlerini ve etkileyici önemli noktalarını keşfetmeye katılın. Sofya, Üsküp, Belgrad, Saraybosna ve Tiran’ı keşfedin. Arnavutluk ve Karadağ’ın sakinleştirici dinginliğini ve cazibesini özlerken her zaman popüler ve canlı Hırvat kıyılarında dolaşın. Büyük İskender’i Makedonya’dan Yunanistan’a kadar takip edin ve Meteora’nın yüzen manastırlarının gizemlerini ortaya çıkarın. Antik dünyanın başkenti Atina’nın panoramik manzarasını görmek için Akropolis’e […]
12 Days / 11 Night
20 people
Experience the highlights of the Balkans and Transylvania on this 16 day adventure. Explore the historic capital of Bucharest, delve into the legend of Dracula at Bran Castle, learn about the humbling history of Bosnia, be amazed by the coastlines and fjords of Montenegro and take a dip in Macedonia’s beautiful Lake Ohrid. You’ll experience […]
16 Day / 15 Night
20 people
Join us on this fascinating Balkan Discovery to witness the living history as well as unparalleled natural beauty. Share a cup of tea with the lively and passionate people; fall in awe against the magnificent mountain range and crystal mirror-like lakes; meanwhile soak in the massive history that shaped the future of Europe. This Balkans […]
10 Days / 9 Nights
20 people
Balkanların en iyilerinin unutulmaz turuna çıkın. Bulgaristan başkentinden başlayarak Belgrad ve Bosna-Hersek’e doğru yol alın. Adriyatik’in safir sularına atlamadan önce Dubrovnik surlarını kuşatın. Muhteşem Karadağ’a giderken olağanüstü dağ manzarasının yanından geçerek kurulayın. Sıcakkanlı ve hareketli insanlarla birlikte muhteşem sahil şeridini karşılayın. Bu Balkanlar turunda muhteşem bir bölgenin dile getirilmeyen doğal güzelliğini ve etkileyici tarihini keşfedin.
9 Day / 8 Night
20 people
Uncover a region where history and medieval castles meet rocky coastlines and mountainous terrain. Get a glimpse into the generations of culture and tradition throughout the Balkans and Transylvania. Experience the incredible Gothic architecture, legends and castles of Dracula, lush enchanting forests and fairy tale-like villages as you journey through Transylvania. Hit the beautiful Adriatic […]
17 Days / 16 Nights
20 people
Discover the treasures of the Balkans and Transylvania on this immersive 19 day adventure packed with the perfect mix of charm, culture, history, architecture and scenery. Go back in time to a world of Saxon villages and hilltop citadels in Transylvania as you delve into the myths and legends of Dracula. Bathe in the turquoise […]
19 Days / 18 Nights
20 people
Sofia – the capital city of Bulgaria – one of the oldest cities in Europe Plovdiv – European capital of culture for 2019! Ivanovo Rock churches – UNESCO site Veliko Tarnovo – the historical hill Tzarevetz and the Royal Castle of Second Bulgarian State UNESCO listed Thracian Tomb in Kazanluk Bucharest – Little Paris of […]
12 Days / 11 Nights
20 people
Bucharest – Sinaia – Brasov – Bran – Sighisoara – Sibiu – Bucharest – Ruse – Ivanovo – Veliko Tarnovo – Gabrovo – Kazanlak – Plovdiv – Rila Monastery – Sofia
9 Days / 8 Nights
20 people
Sofia – Veliko Tarnovo – Arbanassi – Shumen – Varna – Balchik – Nessebar – Sozopol – Ropotamo – Burgas – Kazanlak – Skobelevo – Plovdiv – Backovo Monastery – Rila Monastery – Sofia This exclusive programme is specially designed for people searching for a new tourism experience. It will present you with the best […]
10 Days / 9 Nights
20 people
Please find below the 4 Star hotels used on our Balkans trips. All accommodation is carefully hand-selected to satisfy our standards in terms of quality, authenticity and location for you to enjoy a comfortable and unforgettable holiday.
The best time to visit the Balkans is in spring and autumn, when the picturesque countryside across the Balkan Peninsula thrive with the changing seasons.
Spring is a fantastic time to visit the Balkans. The weather is generally mild, and nature comes alive with blooming flowers and lush landscapes. It’s an ideal season for outdoor activities like hiking, and it allows you to enjoy the region’s natural beauty without the summer crowds.The summer months are popular for visiting the Balkans, especially if you’re interested in coastal destinations along the Adriatic Sea. The weather is hot and sunny, making it perfect for beach vacations and outdoor festivals.
Why You Should Visit the Balkans: Visiting the Balkans is a captivating travel experience, offering a rich blend of historical heritage, cultural diversity, and stunning natural landscapes. This region, marked by its complex history and a convergence of various civilizations, features a tapestry of architectural wonders and religious traditions.
The Balkans offer a tapestry of remarkable destinations, each with its own unique charm. Dubrovnik, Croatia, known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” showcases a beautifully preserved medieval old town with historic city walls and stunning architecture. The Plitvice Lakes National Park, also in Croatia, is a natural wonderland of cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear lakes. Moving inland, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a city that seamlessly blends diverse cultures and religions, making it a fascinating cultural hub.
The Wadi Rum desert, with its striking sandstone formations and opportunities for stargazing and adventure, is a must-visit. Experience floating effortlessly in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea and indulge in its therapeutic mud. The Roman city of Jerash showcases well-preserved ruins, while the ancient mosaics of Madaba and the biblical history of Mount Nebo add cultural depth to your trip.
Belgrade, Serbia, offers a vibrant nightlife scene and a rich cultural heritage, while the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro presents a dramatic fjord-like setting with medieval towns nestled against the backdrop of steep mountains.
Many Balkan countries, such as Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and North Macedonia, allow visa-free travel for short stays for citizens of many countries. However, always verify the latest visa regulations for each country you intend to visit. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from the Balkans. You need to have valid and adequate travel insurance before your tour with Happydays Tour begins.
The Balkans are a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities, which have shaped the region’s cultural mosaic. The area has been influenced by various civilizations, including the Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian empires, leaving their mark on architecture, art, and traditions.
Religious diversity is a significant aspect of Balkan culture. The region is home to various religious communities, including Orthodox Christianity, Catholicism, Islam, and Judaism. Religious festivals and customs are an integral part of life and are celebrated with fervor. The Balkans are known for their lively music and dance traditions. Folk music and dance, with distinctive rhythms and instruments like the accordion and tamburitza, play a crucial role in social gatherings and celebrations.
Balkan cuisine is a flavorful and hearty reflection of the region’s diverse cultural heritage. Meat takes center stage in many Balkan dishes, with grilled meats, stews, and roasted meats being common staples. Cevapi, a type of minced meat kebab, and pljeskavica, a savory burger, are beloved meat dishes found throughout the Balkans. Peka is a traditional method of cooking where meats and vegetables are slow-cooked under an iron bell covered with hot coals, resulting in tender and succulent flavors. Balkan cuisine also features deliciously rich stews like goulash and sarma, which are cabbage rolls stuffed with a mixture of meat and rice. Served with a side of ajvar, a flavorful red pepper-based condiment, these dishes offer a taste of Balkan comfort food.
Complimentary wi-fi is available in most hotels, some cafes and restaurants, however the quality of the connection may differ. You can also find internet cafes in the cities visited. Make sure to enable data roaming on your mobile if you wish to use 3G/4G. Connection may be limited especially in small towns and rural areas.
If you come from another EU Country you may be able to use your phone without any additional roaming charges, please consult with your mobile provider. Coverage is generally quite good in the urban areas, however may be spotty in rural areas and some towns. Make sure to enable global roaming before leaving home to be able to use your mobile internationally. 3G/4G is usually available in the cities, however may be unreliable.
Although it is safe to drink tap water in some cities, we recommend to use filtered or bottled water. Alternatively consider using a reusable water bottle to reduce your use of plastic.
Credit cards are widely accepted in the cities. However, small shops and vendors may not accept cards, we would recommend to carry cash with you for such small purchases.
ATMs are common in Balkan cities and large towns, and most shops accept major credit cards. Smaller shops and vendors may still prefer cash payment.
Arrival airport transfer is included if your flight lands in Sofia on the first day of your tour between 5am and 11:30pm.
You must inform our call centre or info@traveltalktours.com of your flight details (date of flight, flight number, arrival time and name of travelers) at least 15 days prior to your departure date. If you do not receive confirmation that your pick-up is arranged, please contact us.
You will be picked up by a Happydays Tour representative holding a Happydays Tour sign at the airport. Departure transfer is not available for Balkan tours.
The welcome meeting will be held in the hotel lobby at 7pm with your group and guide. If there is any change in your arrival hotel, we will send you an e-mail to inform you before the trip. Don’t worry if you will miss the welcome meeting on Day 1 as some travellers arrive late in the day – just make sure to let us know in advance.
There is no pre or post tour accommodation available in the Balkans tour.
Solo travellers often join our tours to meet and travel with like-minded adventurers, forming longstanding friendships. We also strive to provide a relaxed and sociable tour experience to allow the group to weld throughout the journey.
Solo travellers will be roomed with another solo traveller of the same gender, or can upgrade to a solo room by paying the single supplement.
There are always solo travelers on our tours. If you don’t mind being roomed with another single traveler of the same gender, you do not need to pay the supplement. Single supplement is for travelers who would like to stay in a single room for the duration of their tour.
Please contact us with your request & we will do our best to arrange your room accordingly. info@happydaystour.co.uk 0203 355 0089
Our tours do not include airfare to/from the destination, and we do not advise on, ticket or sell flights. It is your responsibility to make it to the starting point of your tour on time.
If you provide your dietary requirements at the time of booking, we will do our best to make the necessary arrangements where available. You can leave a comment under the “Notes” section when making an online booking or simply contact us. Please note that gluten-free & vegan options may be limited in the country.
As most countries on our Balkan tours use their local currency, we recommend you to exchange small amounts as you go. Euro is generally accepted however it is always more favourable to pay in the local currency.
Avoid changing the bulk of your money at the airport as the exchange rates are usually more favorable in the city. Your tour leader will be pleased to help you if you need any assistance.
The local currencies are: Bulgarian Lev, Serbian Dinar, Bosnia-Herzegovina Convertible Mark, Croatian Kuna, Macedonian Denar, Albanian Lek, and Euro in Greece and Montenegro.
Good news, there isn’t any luggage restriction on our tours as long as you’re able to carry your own luggage – usually just for a very short distance.
Tips are a common reward for service staff in the Balkan countries. For a restaurant meal, you can tip around 10-15% if tip is not included in the bill.
Your tour guide and driver will be especially appreciative and honored with this kind of traditional gratitude at the end of your tour.
You can join a tour late or miss the Welcome Meeting on Day 1 if you inform us prior to the departure date. Please note that it will be your responsibility to make the necessary arrangements to catch up with the group.
Please contact us at info@happydaystour.co.uk +44 0203 355 0089
For all emergencies, you can contact +44 0203 355 0089
The Best of Balkans tour ends at our Sofia hotel around 18:00 on the final day. Flights departing after 20:30 are recommended.
The Balkan Discovery tour ends at Sofia city center around noon. Flights departing after 14:30 are recommended.
All About Balkans tour arrives in Athens at approximately 18:00.
