December, January and February are the coldest months in all of the Balkans. Temperatures may be as low as -5°C inland, and weather in the mountainous countries is crisp, bringing heavy snowfall. As the skies are dark with clouds most days, it is not the best time to visit the Balkans for capturing the views of the cozy countryside and the ancient towns.

Temperatures rise in March, but occasional rains last till early April. So, packing up for wet weather is recommended.

April and May offer the best sceneries and the ideal temperatures for traveling across the diverse land of the Balkans.

June to August, temperature varies in the high 20s, rising above 30°C

September is one of the best months for both cultural tours in the inner regions and enjoying the vibrant city life on the coast. Temperatures drop to comfortable levels with an average of 25°C

Similar to June, September is an ideal month to visit Egypt. The heat of summer is still there, but the weather is breezy and more comfortable. It is less busy compared to summer and autumn.

Balkans tours have a lot to offer in the fall shoulder season. The weather is still comfortably warm in the south, while northern countries like Serbia begin experiencing cooler weather.

Welcome to the world’s gastronomy center, the Balkans. Widely celebrated as one of the most culturally diverse regions in the world, the Balkans is a cradle of regional flavors blending together in myriad dishes and drinks. The most dominant influence is that of the Ottoman, but Balkan food carries traces from Austria, Croatia, and Italy as well. Balkan cuisine has features that make it all the more appealing, such as filling of vegetables, stewing of meat, and having delicious pastries as appetizers. Learn about the subtleties of Balkan food with our guide for the best culinary experience. Before you arrive, also keep in mind these Balkan food tips:

* People in the Balkans usually eat three meals in a day, and dinner starts around 7pm.

* As you travel across the Balkans, you will see the same dishes in the menus in different countries. But, don’t let it mistake you and try the iconic Balkan dishes in different countries, as each has its own delicious version.

* Balkan food is not exactly the most photogenic, but don’t let it get to you. They will be some of the tastiest dishes you ever tried.

* Here are the top dishes of the Balkan food scene that will help you eat like a local: Cevapi, Dolma (Stuffed Peppers), Ajvar, Banitsa, Kadaif.

The best time to visit the Balkans is from April to December when the weather is pleasant for enjoying the coast and the inland attractions from Greece to Serbia. Spring and autumn offer breathtaking views across the diverse region, and the weather is ideal for cultural trips to the historic sites that have been home to numerous empires.

Summers are hot and busy in the Balkan countries. From June to August, the coastal paradises of Dubrovnik and Kotor are bustling with life. It is a great time to witness memorable music and art festivals in the iconic cities and spend warm evenings surrounded by spectacular architecture.

The Balkans region of Europe is particularly rich in folklore and traditions. Ethnic diversity is one of the Balkans’ most characteristic social and political features. It has been said that the Balkans have produced more history than they can consume. The region has not been controlled by only one government since the Roman Empire, and it continues to compete with the East-West divide since the Empire’s split in the 4th century. Your Tour Leader will provide immense detail of such events throughout your tour, but here is a light preview to get you started!

In general, there are few dress restrictions in Eastern Europe. However, when visiting churches, monasteries or other religious sites modest dress is required – shorts or open-shoulder tops may not be permitted, for both men and women. It is important to cover from shoulders to knees as a sign of respect and women are also often required to wear a headscarf at religious sites.