THE BALKANS WITH THE SISTERHOOD
June 2 - 20, 2027
Explore the Balkans, Embrace Sisterhood
A 2027 Journey of Culture, Cuisine & Connection
Step into one of Europe’s most complex, beautiful, and emotionally rich regions on our Balkans Cultural Journey 2027, a women-only small-group experience designed for deep connection, meaningful travel, and true cultural exchange. This is not a “check-the-box” tour of the Balkans. It is an immersive journey through Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, and North Macedonia, created intentionally to foster understanding, empathy, and women-to-women connection across borders.
At the heart of this journey is our Women Supporting Women ethos. Throughout the trip, you’ll meet and learn from local Balkan women including artists, historians, cooks, survivors, entrepreneurs, and cultural keepers who open their lives, homes, and stories to us. From private conversations with women affected by war, to hands-on cooking classes, artisan workshops, and shared meals, this experience is built as a true cultural exchange rather than passive sightseeing. These are moments that don’t happen on large tours and cannot be replicated without trust, time, and intention.
This is travel with purpose. Travel that expands perspective. Travel that connects women across cultures in a way that feels authentic, respectful, and deeply human. If you’re seeking a Balkan tour that goes beyond history books and photo stops—one that invites you into real lives, real stories, and real sisterhood—this rare 2027 journey is for you.
Trip Highlights
- Six-Country Balkans Journey
- Women Supporting Women Cultural Exchange
- Purpose-Driven, People-Centered Travel
- Iconic Landscapes & Private Experiences
- Small, Intimate Sisterhood Experience
OUR ITINERARY
June 2, 2027
Welcome to Belgrade! This evening, meet your new Sisters and your Group Leader for an informal gathering to kick off our adventure. (No meals included today)
Hotel: Square 9 Hotel Belgrade
June 3, 2027
Think of today as Belgrade for Beginners as we explore all the iconic sights of this historically and culturally rich city. This evening, we’ll join together for an authentic Welcome Dinner. (Breakfast and Dinner included)
Hotel: Square 9 Hotel Belgrade
June 4, 2027
Today we’ll embark on a full-day journey through Serbia’s history and natural beauty, from the medieval Golubac Fortress overlooking the Danube to the prehistoric site of Lepenski Vir, Europe’s oldest known settlement. We’ll travel deep into the Iron Gate Gorge, including the dramatic Mali and Veliki Kazan ravines, and enjoy a scenic boat ride past Tabula Traiana and the monumental Decebal’s Statue while floating through the narrowest stretch of the Danube. (Breakfast included)
Hotel: Square 9 Hotel Belgrade
June 5, 2027
Today, we’ll participate in a Serbian cooking class at Zepter Museum Kitchen, learning to make dishes like sarma (stuffed cabbage) and ajvar (pepper spread). Of course, we’ll enjoy the fruits of our labor at lunch before leisure time the rest of the day to explore Belgrade independently with your Sisters. (Breakfast and Lunch included)
Hotel: Square 9 Hotel Belgrade
June 6, 2027
Enjoy our scenic drive to Sarajevo. When we arrive, we’ll discover the city’s diverse cultural heritage on our panoramic city tour, visiting the Latin Bridge, Bascarsija Bazaar, and Gazi Hus rev-beg Mosque. Later, weʼll meet with women from the Association of Women Victims of War to learn about their experiences and resilience. This evening, weʼll dine together at 4 Sobe
Gospode Safije, featuring a fine-dining experience in a beautifully restored Austro-
Hungarian villa. (Breakfast and Dinner included)
Hotel: Hotel Europe Sarajevo
June 7, 2027
Following our visit to the Srebrenica Memorial Gallery, we’ll engage in a private discussion with female historians and survivors about Bosnia’s recent history. Then, we’ll learn the art of Bosnian coffee-making and traditional pastry baking in a private class with local women before enjoying a homemade Bosnian lunch in a private home. (Breakfast and Lunch included)
Hotel: Hotel Europe Sarajevo
June 8, 2027
Experience the best of Bosnia and Herzegovina today on our scenic day trip. We’ll explore Mostar’s Old Town and stroll its famous UNESCO-listed Old Bridge. Later, we’ll unwind at the stunning Kravice Waterfalls, where turquoise water cascades into a lush natural pool which is perfect for photos and a refreshing dip. (Breakfast and Lunch included)
Hotel: Hotel Europe Sarajevo
June 9, 2027
We will head to Dubrovnik today, enjoying a scenic drive and complete day of leisure to explore Dubrovnik’s Old Town with your new besties. (Breakfast included)
Hotel: Hotel Excelaior Dubrovnik
June 10, 2027
Take the day off today as its free for you to enjoy at leisure with your Sisters at our beautiful, luxury seaside hotel or continue to explore exciting Old Town. (Breakfast and Dinner included)
Hotel: Hotel Excelaior Dubrovnik
June 11, 2027
This morning, we’ll journey to Kotor and upon arrival, we’ll take a short, guided walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Old Town. The afternoon is yours to explore independently with your Sisters before we dine together at a fabulous waterfront restaurant. (Breakfast and Dinner included)
Hotel: Hotel Vardar Kotor
June 12, 2027
You’re in for a treat today as we head toward the open sea to have fun with high-speed twists and turns on our private speedboat toward Blue Cave. We’ll also see the Mamula Fortress and the Yugoslavian Submarine Tunnels. (Breakfast included)
Hotel: Hotel Vardar Kotor
June 13, 2027
Embark our private boat for a scenic cruise in the small town of Skadar Lake before our visit to a local winery for wine tasting and a delicious lunch. We’ll also make a stop in Budva for a walking tour and free time with your Sisters. (Breakfast and Lunch included)
Hotel: Hotel Vardar Kotor
June 14, 2027
Today we’ll make our way to Tirana, Albania where the rest of the day is yours to enjoy before we meet together for dinner. (Breakfast included)
Hotel: Maritim Hotel Plaza Tirana
June 15, 2027
We’ll start our day with a guided walking tour of Tirana before we enjoy a fabulous lunch featuring gourmet Albanian cuisine with a modern twist. After some free time with your Sisters, we’ll head to a “paint and sip” session featuring Albanian wines and connections with local artists. Tonight, we’ll experience a tasting menu at dinner that reinterprets traditional Albanian dishes using local ingredients. (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)
Hotel: Maritim Hotel Plaza Tirana
June 16, 2027
The Sisters are heading to the Albanian countryside where we will have an immersive visit to the medieval Kruja Castle and on to the Skanderbeg Museum. We’ll also experience the vibrant culture of Albania at the Old Bazaar and visit the Sarisalltik Tekke, a Sufi shrine that offers unique insight into Albania’s spiritual heritage. (Breakfast included)
Hotel: Maritim Hotel Plaza Tirana
June 17, 2027
Discover one of Albania’s most enchanting UNESCO-listed towns on our full-day tur to Berat, known as the “City of a Thousand Windows”. You’ll have plenty of time to stroll through the historic neighborhoods this ancient city. (Breakfast and Dinner included)
Hotel: Maritim Hotel Plaza Tirana
June 18, 2027
Today, we’ll be departing on a day long journey to Skopje, Macedonia with stops along the way, beginning with a tour of Lake Ohrid. This evening, we’ll enjoy dinner together at a beloved local spot serving authentic Macedonian dishes. (Breakfast and Dinner included)
Hotel: Skopje Marriott
June 19, 2027
We’re heading to Matka Canyon this morning to explore this natural wonder with a private boat tour. We’ll visit the Vrelo Cave and enjoy a picnic Farewell Lunch at the Canyon with locally sourced products. Upon our return to Skopje, we’ll meet with local women for a traditional dance workshop. The rest of the day and evening is at leisure with your Sisters. (Breakfast and Lunch included)
Hotel: Skopje Marriott
June 20, 2027
Sadly, our incredible Balkan adventure has come to an end. We’ll be transferred to the airport for our return flights home. (Breakfast included)
Trip Inclusions
- 18 nights/19 days deluxe and luxury accommodations
- 31 Meals (18 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, and 7 Dinners)
- Round-trip airport transfers as specified in the itinerary
- Porterage at hotels
- All sightseeing tours, exclusive experiences and excursions as listed within this itinerary
- Deluxe, private transportation throughout the itinerary.
- Private Tour Director
- Sisterhood Travels Group Leader
- Sisterhood Travels Swag
The Art of Staying Flexible
Deposit
- Non-refundable deposit due at time of booking: $1000 per person
- 2nd Non-refundable deposit due on or before July 2, 2026: $1500 per person
- 3rd Non-refundable deposit due on or before October 2, 2026: $2500 per person
- Final Payment Due on or Before February 2, 2027
important information
PLEASE READ THIS INFORMATION CAREFULLY
There will be a maximum of 17 Sisters including your Sisterhood Travels Group Leader. Roommate matching is available.
ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES
- International airfare is not included in your pricing. You will fly into Belgrade (BEG) and depart from Skopje (SKP).
- You can arrive at any time on June 2, 2027, and depart at any time on June 20, 2027.
- Check-in time at our arrival hotel is at 3:00 pm.
- All international flight arrangements must be submitted to Sisterhood Travels on or before April 2, 2027. If you need help making flight arrangements, or to submit your independent flight arrangements, please click here for Airfare Information.
- Arrival transfers are provided only on June 2nd from the Belgrade airport to our hotel. Departure transfers are only provided on June 20th from our hotel to the Skopje airport. If you arrive or depart outside these days and times, or you’re needing transfers or hotels elsewhere, you are responsible for making your own arrangements at your own expense.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Complete valid passport information is required on or before February 2, 2027. You are required to travel with a passport that is valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond the date of your return. If you fail to submit your information on time, we cannot guarantee your travel arrangements, and you will be responsible for any additional costs incurred.
- If you are traveling through London, an ETA will be required for entry, even as a transit passenger. Applications are accepted online, at the approximate cost of £10, subject to change based on governing authority. For more information please click here.
- You will be required to obtain an ETIAS tourist visa for travel within the European Union. This will become effective for all travel in the 4th quarter of 2026. Applications are not yet available, but we will notify you when it is time to apply electronically. For more information please click here.
- When reserving accommodations, be advised that single occupancy rooms in the European Union are often smaller in size.
GRATUITIES, TRAVEL INSURANCE & OPTIONAL EXPENSES
- Individual gratuities for your Tour Director, local guides, and drivers are not included in your pricing. We will provide you with tipping guidelines for your trip.
- Travel Insurance is strongly recommended and is not included in your pricing. We will send you a quote via email.
- Any optional expenses or expenses related to anything not specifically listed in this itinerary are not included.
- Please don’t schedule any optional excursions on your own for this trip as we cannot promise that you will arrive in time at any location to make your independent excursion. Sisterhood Travels won’t be liable for any expense you incur because of this.
- There are no refunds for unused portions of this tour.
GENERAL
- When reserving accommodations, be advised that single occupancy rooms in Europe are often smaller in size.
- Dates and times of itinerary as well as hotels listed are subject to change without notice due to operational or logistical reasons.
- Rates are guaranteed once your deposit has been received and your reservation has been confirmed by Sisterhood Travels. Until that point, pricing may change, and any increases in government taxes or fees may still apply.
- We cannot accommodate wheelchairs, assistive devices, scooters, walkers or rollators, or Zimmer-frames. You must be able to ambulate independently with no assistance from devices or others on the trip. It is imperative that you read the activity level description below.
- You will receive an invitation soon after you book your trip for our travel app, “Trip Plans”. You will need to download this app to your smart phone as this is where you will find the most up-to-date, accurate information regarding your itinerary in addition to all of the critical information you need to know.
Need a Roommate?
Cancellation & Refunds
Activity Level:
Moderate
This is a moderately paced itinerary that involves some longer days and more activities. Expect some early hotel departures, and limited time for day time rest and rejuvenation as the itineraries are designed to ensure that you see as much as possible in these wonderful destinations. This may include longer coach journeys and guests should be able to join a walking tour lasting 1-2 hours with stops possibly over uneven terrain. Guests should have reasonable health and mobility and be comfortable with standing for longer periods of time with no difficulty.