Frequently Asked Questions

Balkland specialises exclusively in the Balkan Peninsula and offers: • Multi-country Grand Balkan journeys • Private luxury tours • Small curated group departures • One-day and half-day cultural tours • Custom-designed itineraries • Family and multi-generational travel • Religious and heritage journeys • Adventure and experiential programs All programs are thoughtfully curated and can be tailored to your preferences.

We operate across 9+ Balkan countries, including: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia and Slovenia. We specialize in seamless multi-country coordination across the region.

The best months are typically April–June and September–October for mild weather, fewer crowds, and comfortable sightseeing. July–August is peak season on the coast with higher prices and heavier crowds, while winter is ideal for festive city breaks and mountain experiences. We tailor recommendations based on your interests—coastline, culture, nature, or multi-country touring.

You may: • Submit a booking request online • Contact us directly via email or phone • Request a fully customized itinerary A booking becomes confirmed once written confirmation and deposit payment are received.

Yes. Private tours are fully customizable. We tailor itineraries based on: • Countries and cities of interest • Accommodation preferences • Cultural or historical focus • Dietary requirements • Activity level • Special celebrations Major changes should be agreed in advance. Minor flexibility is possible during private tours depending on availability.

• Full legal names (as per passport) • Passport copies (for hotel registration purposes only) • Special requests We fully comply with GDPR and data protection regulations.

Yes. We can add extra hotel nights before or after the tour, arrange airport transfers, and coordinate logistics around flights or cruises. This is common for guests connecting to Dubrovnik cruises or extending time in a city.

Inclusions are always clearly specified in your confirmed itinerary. Most private and multi-day tours include: • 4-star or 5-star centrally located accommodation • Daily breakfast • Professional driver • Tour leader • Certified local guides at major landmarks • Airport transfers • Admission fees for included sites • Bottled water during transfers • On-tour assistance International flights, personal expenses, optional activities, gratuities, and travel insurance are not included unless specified.

Yes, for attractions listed in your confirmed itinerary. Optional or additional sites may incur extra fees if added later.

Daily breakfast is generally included. Select lunches or dinners may be included depending on your package. We provide flexibility for independent dining and can arrange reservations upon request.

Multi-Day Tours: • 40% non-refundable deposit at booking • 30% due 60 days prior to departure • 30% due 15 days prior to departure Bookings made within 15 days require full payment. One-Day / Half-Day Tours: • 100% payment at booking • Non-refundable once confirmed Payments are processed securely via encrypted third-party platforms.

Cancellations must be submitted in writing. Individuals & Small Groups (1–8 pax) • >60 days: loss of 40% deposit • 59–31 days: 70% • 30–15 days: 90% • <14 days: 100% Groups (9+ pax) • >65 days: loss of deposit • 64–31 days: 70% • <30 days: 100% One-day tours are non-refundable. For full details, refer to our Terms & Conditions.

Yes. Airport transfers are included for all confirmed multi-day tours. Additional transfers for pre- or post-tour nights can be arranged.

We select carefully vetted 4-star and 5-star properties, prioritizing: • Central location • Service standards • Comfort and safety • Guest reviews In rare cases of operational necessity, comparable or superior alternatives may be provided.

Depending on group size: • Luxury sedans • SUVs • Premium minivans Vehicles are modern, air-conditioned, and operated by professional drivers.

Yes. Private tours include: • Dedicated driver • Accompanying tour leader • Certified local guides at key historical sites This ensures both logistical efficiency and cultural depth.

Yes. We design pacing and accommodations to suit: • Families with young children • Elderly travelers • Multi-generational groups However, clients must inform us in advance of mobility or health considerations.

No. International flights are not included. We can assist with flight recommendations, but airfare arrangements remain the client’s responsibility.

Yes. Please inform us in advance regarding: • Vegetarian • Vegan • Gluten-free • Allergies • Religious dietary requirements We coordinate accordingly.

Travel insurance is not mandatory but strongly recommended. It should cover: • Medical emergencies • Trip cancellation • Travel delays • Baggage issues Clients traveling without insurance assume full personal responsibility.

Visa requirements depend on your nationality, passport, and the specific countries you will visit. We can advise what documents are typically required and highlight official sources to check, but the traveller is responsible for securing visas and meeting entry conditions. If you share your passport nationality and planned route, we’ll guide you on what to verify for each border.

Currencies vary by country (some use EUR, others local currencies). Cards are widely accepted in cities and hotels, but cash is still useful for small purchases, tips, and rural areas. We recommend carrying a small amount of local cash and using ATMs in central areas. Your tour leader/driver can advise the best practices by destination.

In case of events beyond reasonable control (natural disasters, war, pandemic, government restrictions), itineraries may be adjusted. Where possible and depending on supplier conditions, future credits may be offered.

Notify your tour leader immediately so we can address the issue on-site. Formal complaints must be submitted within 30 days after trip completion.

Yes. We reserve the right to remove or refuse service to any participant whose behavior is disruptive or unsafe. No refund will be issued in such cases.

Yes. Many solo female travellers visit the Balkans comfortably each year, especially in major cities and well-travelled regions. As with any destination, we recommend standard precautions (aware of surroundings at night, using registered taxis/ride apps where available, and keeping valuables secure). On Balkland tours, we add an extra layer of support through vetted hotels, professional drivers, clear daily planning, and WhatsApp assistance. If you have any concerns, tell us your comfort level and we will tailor routing, pacing, and hotel locations accordingly.

Yes. Balkland welcomes LGBTQ+ travellers and treats every guest with respect, professionalism, and discretion. Social attitudes can vary by country and smaller towns may be more conservative, so we provide practical guidance (where to feel most comfortable, local etiquette, and privacy considerations). We can also recommend LGBTQ+-friendly hotels and venues where relevant.

All multi-day tours include on-tour assistance, and the easiest way to reach us is usually WhatsApp. You will have a clear point of contact (tour leader/driver and operations support) for any needs during the journey. For urgent matters, we also provide an emergency contact protocol.