Which Countries Are in the Balkans?
When people hear "Balkan tour," they usually think not of a single country but of the chance to visit many neighboring countries in a short time. Depending on the route, countries such as Kosovo, North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina can all be part of the same itinerary, which makes the Balkans appealing to those seeking a multicultural and intensive travel experience.
Number of Countries Varies by Route
The scope of Balkan tours can differ depending on the operator and the program. Some tours follow a shorter route focused on Kosovo and North Macedonia, while programs known as "Greater Balkans" add Albania, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, combining 5-6 countries in a single trip. For this reason, before choosing a tour, it is important to check day by day in the program details which cities and countries are included.
Highlighted Stops
Stops frequently featured in the programs include Pristina, the capital of Kosovo; the historic city of Ohrid and the capital Skopje in North Macedonia; the capital Tirana and the port city of Shkodër in Albania; the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro; and the cities of Mostar and Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Each city offers a distinct travel experience with its own architecture and cultural fabric.
For Those Joining a Balkan Tour for the First Time
Due to the density of the route, Balkan tours generally last 6-8 days and most days involve changing cities. For preparation tips for first-timers, you can find our Guide for First-Time Balkan Tour Travelers.
Among current Balkan tours, there are options with different departure points such as the Izmir Departure Greater Balkans Tour, the Ankara Departure Greater Balkans Tour and the Istanbul Departure End-to-End Balkans Tour.
If you would like to get to know the countries of the Balkans individually, you can browse our country-based guides: the North Macedonia guide, the Slovenia guide, the Albania guide and the Romania guide will help guide you as you plan your Balkan trip.