Notes on special circumstances
1. In the event that the number of registered guests is odd, guests shall have the option to accept or decline the room-sharing arrangement organized by our company. No extra fee will be charged regardless of whether the sharing arrangement is successful or not. If you agree with the room-sharing arrangement, you waive the right to object or request changes to the room assignment post-confirmation. If you choose a single room, you are required to pay a supplement fee according to the specific itinerary.
2. Since the accommodation adjustment is an additional service arrangement, please understand that we cannot assist you in sharing rooms.
3. *78 € is the charge standard for one child aged from 2 to 11. If two adults and one child are traveling together, we will upgrade the room to a triple room or add an extra bed if possible. (Triple rooms can be: double bed +sofa bed, twin beds + sofa bed, three single beds, double bed + 1 single bed, etc., subject to actual arrangement.)**If one adult is traveling with one child aged 2-11, they will be charged the standard rate for two adults and will be arranged to stay in a standard room to avoid inconveniencing other tourists. If two adults and two children are traveling together, they will be charged the rate for four adults. Both rooms will be arranged with one adult and one child per room.The child will be charged the adult rate if they occupy a bed.
4. Guests aged 70 or above and guests under 18 should be accompanied by an adult relative or friend under 65 to join the tour. Both parties must sign a "Participation Disclaimer Commitment" to ensure mutual interests. We suggest that the accompanying relatives or friends purchase the corresponding insurance products for the elderly before joining the tour. We have the right to reject guests without an accompanying adult. Adults accompanying minors should be responsible for fulfilling custody and ensuring the safety of minors; any consequences caused by the minor’s own actions or negligence of the accompanying adult shall be borne by the guests solely.
5. Guests who are pregnant must truthfully disclose their pregnancy during the booking process. The pregnant guests after week 24 of pregnancy are not suggested to join the trip; however, if they insist on participating, they must be accompanied by a family member and sign a Disclaimer while the company reserves the right to deny participation accordingly. For those within 24 weeks of pregnancy insisting on participating, they must be accompanied by a family member and sign a Participation Statement while the company reserves the right to deny participation accordingly. Any consequences caused by the guest’s personal reasons should be borne solely by the guest.
6. Once the booking is confirmed, the full payment must be made no less than 15 days before departure. The company reserves the right to cancel your booking if your full payment is overdue or failed.
7. After successful online registration, please download via the system and send the relevant participation vouchers to the guests. Guests should join the tour with their vouchers.
8. During the booking process, guests must provide accurate email addresses and mobile phone numbers to receive confirmation details and for other essential communications.
9. Guests requiring to book a flight to join the trip must wait until receiving a "Booking Confirmation" from the company before purchasing airline tickets.
10. The company reserves participants’ Image Publicity Rights of photos or videos taken during group itinerary activities. The photos or videos can be used on the company’s social media, brochures, and advertisements, without prior consent.
11. The company reserves the right to accept or decline any booking application with no obligation to provide reasons or explanations.
Special Reminders
1. The tour will proceed with a minimum of one participant. Please thoroughly review all relevant precautions before booking. Based on a full understanding of the hardship of a journey and the limited medical conditions during the trip, guests can sign up for this tour determining that their physical conditions are suitable to participate.
2. This is an open-loop journey, and it is possible that the guests, guides, and drivers on your team may also change during the trip. If you choose the room-sharing service, your roommate may also change along the journey. Our company will arrange a same-sex roommate by default. Note: Although roommates are arranged by our company, their personalities and behaviors are their own responsibility and have nothing to do with our company. In the event of any differences in habits or disputes, our company and guides will not be responsible for mediating or intervening.
3. The bus type will change according to the number of participants. If the number is extremely small, we may arrange public transportation or a minibus driven by the guide for certain stages of the journey. For safety reasons, the European Transportation Department mandates that each child, regardless of his or her age, must occupy a seat. Since most buses are not equipped with child safety seats, parents traveling with children under 3 are suggested to bring their own. A child safety seat can only occupy one seat, and we cannot guarantee that all personal child safety seats will be compatible with the tour buses. Please take note of this.
4. Traveling in Europe differs from traveling in other countries around the world. Most tourist attractions are not accessible by tour buses and require visitors to walk around for sightseeing. If a guest has limited mobility to join the group in walking activities, he or she may have to wait in the vehicle at certain sites, and no refunds will be issued for such circumstances; acceptance of this term is assumed when the registration is made.
5.Due to the limited luggage storage space in the buses, each guest can bring a single luggage of up to 30kg.
6.We reserve the right to fine tune the detailed schedule on the itinerary. In some exceptional circumstances (including mechanical issues, traffic delays, adverse weather conditions, strikes, sporting or religious events, protests, or other complicated situation), we also reserve the right to adjust the tourist attractions in the original itinerary or the order of the tour.
7. If guests fail to appear at the designated times or locations( at the beginning of the tour or during the tour), any resulting issues, missed services and economic losses should be borne by the guests themselves.
8. All guests including adults and children must wear safety belts while the bus is in motion. To keep the bus clean, no drinks, food, or alcohol will be allowed on the bus. Please don’t leave your valuables on the bus even when the bus is locked, for our company bears no liabilities for the loss or theft of any item or luggage left in the bus.
9.Guests voluntarily participating in hazardous activities (including rock climbing, mountaineering, rafting, diving, bungee jumping, etc.) are assumed to bear all responsibilities of property damage, personal injury or other disputes therefrom. Our company shall not be liable.
10. Guests with poor health conditions should ask for doctors’ medical suggestions on participating in this tour and prepare for necessary medications and first-aid supplies according to their conditions. Our company bears no liability for any results caused by their pre-existing diseases. Our company also reserves the right to terminate the contract if a guest has contagious diseases endangering others, carries hazardous items and refuses to hand them over to relevant authorities, engages in illegal or immoral activities, engages in activities that seriously infringe upon the rights of other guests or violates any other stipulated laws.
11. Given that some bus types might not be able to transport a wheelchair, we are sorry that we cannot accept bookings from wheelchair users. Kindly note this restriction when booking.
12. If there is any medical emergency, guests notify the staff immediately, and our company will assist in sending the guest to the closest local medical institution for examination and treatment. Guests with hearing or visual impairments must be accompanied by a healthy travel companion to join the tour. Individuals with mental illnesses or without the ability to control their own behaviors cannot sign up for the tour.
13. If guests have any subsequent travel plan that requires a transfer for other transportation when the group tour ends, we strongly suggest a buffer time of at least 3 hours to avoid unpredictable postponement brought about by the group tour. Our company will not be liable for any losses incurred by insufficient buffer time. If guests choose to depart on their own, return, or leave the tour in any circumstance or for personal reasons, our company will not be liable for any direct or indirect loss or expenses incurred due to the delay of transportation or other reasons that prevent them from joining the scheduled itinerary or accommodation.
14. As some guests might be allergic to pets and some hotels do not allow pets on the premises, participants are not allowed to bring pets on the tour. Please make alternative care arrangements for your pets in advance. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
About Guide Service
1. Guide service commences at the start of the tour. Guide service is not included during the additional accommodation excluded in the itinerary, free-time activities period, as well as on a tour-included train or other regular transportation.
2. There are circumstance where our guides cannot provide commentary outside the bus due to local regulations in some cities. Thus the guides will provide you with tour information as reference during your free time before you leave the bus.
About Hotels
1. Check-in and check-out times vary by hotels. However, check-in time for most hotels is usually 2 pm or 3 pm. Please present your tour voucher at the hotel reception when you check in. Check-out time for most hotels is usually 10 am.
2. We cannot guarantee that all hotels offer a double room with a king-size bed. In some hotels, a twin room usually consists of one large bed and a sofa bed/or extra bed.
3. We cannot guarantee you the hotel for your extended-stay will be the same the group hotel. It will be confirmed as the date approaches.
4. Breakfast is provided in all European hotels, typically offered as a simple continental one; (continental breakfast usually includes coffee or tea, juice, bread, and jam)
5. European hotel rooms are smaller, and the facilities and services are not as good as those in Asia, North America, and Canada.Guests are suggested to bring their own toiletries.
6. Due to the large day-and-night temperature difference, and strong environmental awareness across European countries, some European hotels do not provide air conditioning, which does not indicate substandard facilities. We kindly ask for your understanding.
Reviews
Our Balkan trip has come to a successful end! We had a wonderful time. The Balkan Peninsula truly is a hidden gem of Europe, boasting magnificent natural scenery and a rich historical heritage. The combination of human culture, valleys, and rivers is seamless, making it perfect for a seven-day itinerary. The itinerary was well-organized yet tightly packed, and all the attractions we visited were steeped in history and culture. We sincerely thank our guide, Lei, for his solid knowledge, which allowed him to eloquently explain the complex history of the Balkans. He also provided helpful local tips along the way, attentively cared for each member of the group, and handled any issues smoothly. The driver was also superb, driving steadily and skillfully. All the local guides were also dedicated and provided clear and thorough explanations. In short, we felt it was a fantastic and enjoyable trip, and we will definitely recommend it to our friends and family.
This Balkan Peninsula trip was wonderful! We saw many beautiful sights along the way, and the itinerary was very fulfilling. Our young female tour guide was enthusiastic, attentive, and provided excellent service, especially since I was traveling alone; she took great care of me, making me feel particularly warm and welcome. The hotels we stayed at were also very nice, several of them four-star hotels with spas and swimming pools, offering comfortable environments and a great experience. Overall, I was very satisfied with the trip; it was a wonderful trip and I highly recommend it!
Our guide, Lei, was conscientious and responsible, providing explanations throughout the trip. He was knowledgeable and answered all our questions. He worked tirelessly to take care of every member of our group, and we were very satisfied.
This 7-day, 6-night Balkan tour was great! Starting in Budapest, there were 16 guests in total, and the 45-seat bus was spacious! Our guide, Gyuri, was attentive, knowledgeable, and provided continuous explanations. The overall itinerary was well-planned, with a day break between the five-plus-hour hike in Plitvice Lakes National Park on Day 2 and the visit to Dubrovnik on Day 4, allowing for a relaxing break in the coastal cities of Zadar and Split. The two drivers were both very smooth and even helped with our luggage. The hotels throughout the 6 nights were quite good, better than those on the blue tour! This brown tour is highly recommended to friends and family.
The itinerary was quite good, suitable for solo travelers. The tour guide was highly skilled, and the service was attentive and considerate. Most of the classic attractions were covered, and the free time was reasonably allocated. However, compared to other tour groups from Canada and the UK, booking through Ctrip's Chinese website was the most expensive. A Canadian couple paid CAD 1000 per person for a 7-day tour, while I purchased a 6-day tour directly from Ctrip for 5197 RMB. A British couple paid over £600 per person for a 7-day tour. However, since I was traveling alone, I had my own room throughout the trip with no extra charge, so I had little to complain about regarding the price.
Originally planning a self-guided trip, but feeling that transportation in the Balkans was inconvenient, I ultimately decided to join a tour. Overall, it exceeded my expectations, great value for money, highly recommended!! Plitvice Lakes, Dubrovnik, the Sea Organ… it covered all the must-see places. The tour guide was attentive, responsible, and had excellent explanations ❤️👍 Accommodation and transportation arrangements were reliable, making things very convenient ✌
Overall, I was extremely satisfied with this Balkan trip, and the entire journey was incredibly rewarding. Our guide was exceptionally knowledgeable about Balkan history and culture, recounting the local stories at each site in a captivating way, bringing the rich history to life and allowing us to understand the vicissitudes of time while enjoying the scenery. He was attentive and considerate throughout the trip, frequently reminding everyone to safeguard their belongings and mitigate travel risks. He remained calm and composed in unexpected situations, handling matters reliably and providing us with a strong sense of security. The itinerary was well-paced and comfortable, allowing us to relax and enjoy ourselves. I am very grateful to our guide for his dedication throughout the trip; it was an unforgettable international journey, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone planning a trip to the Balkans.
The itinerary was well-planned, including visits to Plitvice Lakes, Zadar, Split, and Dubrovnik in Croatia, with ample free time.
The Balkans were severely underestimated, exceeding all expectations! Our guide, Lei, was humorous and engaging, explaining the history and culture of the Balkans throughout the trip. He was also very considerate of our fellow travelers, and the itinerary was thoughtfully arranged – truly excellent! The tour offered exceptional value, solving the major problem of inconvenient transportation in the Balkans. The flexible design allowed for hopping on and off the tour at any time! Croatia is so beautiful; I want to go back again!
Ctrip is always trustworthy. The tour schedule was very reliable, departing every Saturday without fail, which was reassuring. The itinerary was well-planned and fulfilling, with the Plitvice Lakes on the second day and Dubrovnik on the fourth day being the highlights of the trip. The placement of these two non-consecutive days was very reasonable. Many of the attractions were places I hadn't known before, but visiting them in person greatly enhanced their value. The hotel breakfast in Zadar was fantastic, exceeding the standards of many five-star hotels. The apple pie was delicious, and it wasn't pre-frozen – amazing! Our guide, Lei, provided comprehensive explanations throughout the tour. His extensive knowledge and years of local experience were invaluable, making him the highlight of the trip. I felt very fortunate to have joined this tour. Finally, I would like to thank Ctrip again for its consistently excellent service.
Our tour guide, Mr. Zhong, was patient, enthusiastic, and provided excellent service, answering all our questions promptly. His explanations along the way were incredibly informative, covering everything from local customs and traditions to geopolitics and the fundamental differences between religious beliefs. We learned a great deal. Our driver was also excellent, punctual, and provided warm and friendly service. Thank you, Mr. Zhong and the driver, for a wonderful travel experience!
The tour guide managed the students' emotions appropriately and provided attentive service.
The entire Balkan Peninsula tour was a perfect experience, with both the guide and driver being outstanding! The Balkans boast a complex history, a tapestry of diverse ethnicities and cultures. I was initially worried about not understanding the weighty historical sites, but thankfully, our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, possessing an encyclopedic understanding of the historical changes, religious origins, architectural features, and folklore of Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and other countries. At each ancient city, church, and historical site, his explanations were clear, engaging, and easy to understand, avoiding rote memorization and instead vividly narrating the complex geopolitical stories, providing a complete context for every scene. The journey was incredibly enriching, allowing me to truly grasp the unique and profound heritage of the Balkans. Our guide was extremely responsible, attentive to every detail throughout the trip. The itinerary was well-planned, with a good balance of pace and time management, avoiding rushed travel. He also provided daily reminders about the weather, road conditions, personal belongings, and local travel precautions. The tour guide patiently responded to any needs of the older and younger members of the group, and proactively helped coordinate communication, shopping, and directions. When someone felt unwell or lost items during the trip, the tour guide handled the situation thoughtfully and took good care of every member of the group throughout the entire journey.
Our guide, Lei, provided excellent service. He was incredibly helpful, introducing various attractions along the way and was very patient and enthusiastic! He answered all our questions, and even after the tour ended, we asked him for recommendations on local restaurants, which he gave us fantastic suggestions. 👍
On May 30th, my spouse and I joined a Ctrip Balkans tour. Our guide was Chen Yue. There were three couples and six elderly people in our group. The guide was very attentive, even helping us navigate up and down stairs. He explained the history and conflicts of the Balkans over hundreds and thousands of years, going beyond textbook knowledge with meticulous detail. His commentary on various types of European architecture was clear and insightful, perhaps indicating his architectural expertise. Guide Chen Yue was excellent.
I highly recommend this tour. Our guide, Lei, gave an excellent explanation of history, culture, politics, and geography in great detail. He was also very patient and took great care of my mother throughout the trip, answering all her questions. The restaurants he recommended were also delicious.
Absolutely amazing! I didn't expect to stay in such a good hotel for this price; it felt like a steal. The overall trip was fantastic! Our guide, Lei, was very professional, providing explanations throughout the trip. He has a vast knowledge base and is very experienced. My favorite places on the itinerary were Mostar and Dubrovnik; Dubrovnik is incredibly photogenic! Following the Game of Thrones route, the weather was great every day, perfect for taking pictures. The natural beauty of Plitvice Lakes and the history of the former Yugoslavia resonated deeply with the older members of our group. The meals were very affordable. We also watched the sunrise three times during the trip – from the beach, from the balcony with coffee, and from the restaurant while eating Western food. Highly recommended!
Overall, I was extremely satisfied with the experience! The itinerary was well-planned and covered most of the classic attractions. The historical atmosphere of Sarajevo and the coastal scenery of Dubrovnik were particularly impressive. The hotels and meals exceeded my expectations, and the comfort level was good. Special praise goes to our tour guide; he was lively and engaging, and very attentive to the group members. When I was worried about not being able to open my suitcase, he kindly helped me solve the problem, making the whole trip easy and enjoyable. Overall, it was excellent value for money and a highly recommended travel experience! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The itinerary was well-planned, the tour guide provided excellent service and rich explanations, the scenery along the way was beautiful, and the trip was not tiring. Several of the hotels offered delicious breakfasts, making it a worthwhile trip.