Balkans tour, Belgrade to Banja Luka

Planet

By keeping the group size to a maximum of 12, we can also minimise the human impact on the fragile sites and ecosystems we visit.
We attempt to reduce plastic bottle use wherever possible by promoting use of reusable and filtered water bottles. Our partnership with Water-To-Go provides a discount on filtered water bottles to our clients. We do not provide water from plastic bottles to our clients in country but always ensure there is regular access to drinking water on our tours.
We are promoting the natural beauty and ancient heritage of Serbia, Kosovo and Bosnia & Herzegovina through visiting not only Derdap National Park and Tara National Park, but also the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Sopocani, Gracanica and Visoki Decani. UNESCO Sites are chosen by the UNESCO committee and must "bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to civilisation", "an important interchange of human values" or be outstanding examples of major stages of Earth's history or ecological and biological processes in evolution. Visiting such sites helps sustain the traditions and natural ecosystems of Serbia, Kosovo and Bosnia & Herzegovina through tourism.
Throughout most of the trip we will be travelling in minibuses. Travelling as a group in a small bus contributes less pollution than a multitude of vehicles. We will also be exploring many areas on foot, by boats and by train, to not only soak up the amazing sights at a slower pace, but to reduce our environmental impact and footprint along our journey. Slower travel also allows for more chances to interact with people from another culture.

People

The best way to share stories and meet new people is over a plate of great food and a glass of wine in hand. On Day 5 in Radan Park (Serbia), we will be eating in a local farm to try a traditional Serbian lunch. On Day 13, we will be going on a wine tasting and dinner in a local vineyard, near Mostar. Supporting the local food industry in the Balkans not only maintains the cultural identity of the country but connects cultures through the most ancient of pastimes, eating and drinking!
On each Group tour we use local ground handlers. This means that all operational costs go directly into the local economy and help improve employment opportunities in remote regions. Such support can also be seen in our incorporation of homestays, locally owned hotels, family run restaurants and the services of local guides and drivers into our itineraries, which ensures that the money you spend with us goes directly into the local economy and local community.