Highlights of the Balkans tour

Environment

We have a detailed Responsible Travel policy which you can find on our website and our Reservations Team can send you the link when you send an enquiry. It is full of information about what we do to lower our impact on the regions we travel to and the measures we have put in place. Our tour leaders are trained in responsible travel practices and will reiterate what can be done on tour to lower our environmental impact during the pre departure meeting.

On this tour we use a mixture of local trains, buses and private minivans. Using local transport where possible reduces our carbon footprint. All our hotels are within walking distance to restaurants, shops and usually the main sites, so our groups can easily navigate each city by foot. This further limits the need for regular use of transport.

Entry to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites is included in the price of this tour and the money goes towards conserving, restoring and protecting the cultural sites for future generations. This includes Dubrovnik City Walls, Mostar Old Town, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Diocletian Palace in Split and Lake Ohrid.

Community

On this tour through the Balkans, we stay in small private hotels or guesthouses where possible. On Hvar Island, we stay in local apartments and homestays, which directly benefits the homeowners and brings business to the community. This also gives clients a local experience.

In some locations we use a private minivan as transport. Our supplier is local to the Balkans and all drivers employed are local. Not only does this inject business straight into a local company but also gives clients a unique experience as the drivers know the best places to stop for food, photo opportunities and more.

We use local guides in Diocletian’s Palace and there are opportunities to hire further local guides on optional excursions. This provides employment for the local community and encourages an education and pride in the history and culture of the region. The local guides will be able to answer any questions you have and will provide an insight in to the community they live in. Our experienced Tour Leaders will be able to recommend restaurants and cafes, known for their delicious local cuisine. We always recommend small local businesses over chains to ensure reinvestment in to the local community and encourage you to shop at local stores, purchasing traditional handicrafts from skilled artisans from the region.