Beautiful Places
The Balkans encompass every breathtaking view you could dream of. From bustling cities to serene nature landscapes, you can have it all. Looking forward to magnificent mountains? Perhaps you are craving a fun and relaxing seaside vacation. Does exploring medieval fortresses, admiring cross-cultural architecture, and making unforgettable memories with a community of like-minded travel enthusiasts pique your interest? If yes, the Balkan Peninsula is the perfect destination for you. By the time you’re through visiting the Balkans’ beautiful destinations and immersing yourself in the region’s rich history, you’ll be asking yourself, “who knew Heaven is a place on Earth!”
Great Food
The Balkans’ culinary flavors will leave your taste buds more in love than ever before. Balkan cuisine is comprised of a wide variety of soups, salads, meats, stews, and pastries, as well as local specialties served only in certain regions. This region’s cooking is heavily comprised of mouth-watering grilled meats, delicious dairy products (yogurt and cheese), and seasonal fruits and vegetables freshly grown in local communities. Rest assured that Balkan cuisine offers flavorful, healthy meals prepared using local herbs and spices grounded in traditional recipes that every visitor can appreciate. The one catch - once you try the flavors of the Balkans, you may never want to go back to the cooking you are used to.
History
The Balkan Peninsula’s abundant and rich history stems from this region being inhabited since ancient times by several civilizations. While touring the Balkans, you will find UNESCO world heritage sites, medieval monuments, ancient tombs, monasteries, archaeological and ethnographic reserves, influence from centuries of foreign conquest, and so much more. History is at your fingertips as you venture throughout this world-renowned region, all with the added luxury of skipping the long lines and congested crowds typical for other hotspot destinations. With more than 1300 years of history and even boasting the oldest country in Europe – Bulgaria – the Balkans pique the interest of history lovers globally.
Natural Resources
All Balkan countries are rich in natural resources, like Bulgaria, the oldest country in Europe. Hidden among the beautiful mountains of Bulgaria, you can find over 600 hot mineral springs. Bulgaria's hot springs are renowned for their therapeutic properties, including easing stress, reducing pain, and promoting overall wellness. These magnificent mineral springs also have Liman mud, turf, and bentonite clay, all of which contain high concentrations of minerals that rejuvenate your skin's radiance. Beyond the refreshing hot springs, Bulgaria also produces the highest quality rose oil from the country's famous Rosa Damascena roses. Rose oil is valued for its soothing properties and is used in spa treatments. Bulgaria's hot springs and rose oil are a testament to the country's stunning natural beauty and abundant resources that will captivate visitors with the country's charm.
Religion
The Balkans have a rich history, with a variety of faiths that have played a role in the region's culture. The dominant religions are Eastern Orthodox Christianity, Islam, and Catholicism. No matter what religion you practice, the Balkans welcomes and accepts people of all faiths. There is so much to discover, from historically significant religious sites to stunning churches of various faith backgrounds. Take a walk through Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria, and you'll find yourself immersed in a world of religious diversity. From Orthodox Christian churches to Catholic cathedrals, Jewish synagogues, and Muslim mosques, Sofia's variety of churches demonstrates the region's religious diversity and serves as a great way to explore the region's religious history.
Location
The Balkans, also known as the Balkan Peninsula, is a geographical area in southeastern Europe. Though there is no universal agreement on the region’s components, the Balkans are usually characterized as comprising Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia – with all or part of each of those countries located within the peninsula. Portions of Greece and Turkey are also located within the geographic region generally defined as the Balkan Peninsula, and many descriptions of the Balkans include those countries too. The region takes its name from the Balkan Mountains that stretch throughout the whole of Bulgaria.
Language
Since the Balkans are comprised of several countries, language varies throughout the region. The official languages of the Balkan States include Albanian, Bosnian, Bulgarian, Croatian, Macedonian, Montenegrin, Romanian, Serbian, and Slovenian (and sometimes Greek and Turkish, based on whether the person asking considers Greece and Turkey a part of the Balkans). Despite the presence of so many languages, there is a common thread among Balkan speech. Locals from different Balkan countries often manage to communicate with and understand one another while speaking different languages. This makeshift communication method is a nice advantage for local Balkan travelers which fascinates many foreign visitors. Even if you do not speak the local language, you will always feel relaxed and secure while traveling with Balkan Splendors as the company ensures an English-speaking guide on all tours and most locals also speak English.
Currency
In the Balkans, your money goes further, so you can experience an unforgettable destination that won't break the bank. The Balkans are a hidden treasure trove of high-value experiences that have yet to experience the same level of mass tourism as other parts of Europe. As a result, you can get a high-value experience at a lower cost.
Countries in the Balkans use their own local currency, and some use the Euro. When traveling to the Balkans, it is essential to know the currency of the country you are visiting, and it is recommended to carry cash to avoid inconveniences in the few places where credit cards may not be accepted.
Climate
The Balkan Peninsula enjoys a temperate and subtropical climate with four distinct seasons - a delightful summer, vivid fall, cozy winter, and serene spring. Its weather patterns are influenced by the Mediterranean, Adriatic, and Black Sea and its forty distinct mountain ranges. The northern region tends to experience harsher weather, while weather in the southern region is milder. The Balkans also has a diverse topography featuring high mountain ranges, expansive plains, and a mix of coastal and inland areas. The snow-covered mountain ranges have peaks that rise over 6,500 feet, and the coasts have stunning wide sandy beaches offering visitors an amazing seaside environment.
Best Time to Visit
The Balkans boast stunning scenery throughout the year, with each season offering a unique and unforgettable experience. Many consider April to December the best time to visit the Balkans, but to make the most out of your trip, it is important to visit in the season best fit for the activities you want to do. Year-round, the Balkans offer world-class 5-star mineral spa centers, many of which are conveniently located by other recreational activities. In the summer and early fall, visitors can take advantage of the lovely weather and explore remarkable historical sites, discover rustic villages, and so much more. Winter is ideal for alpine tourism in the stunning mountain ranges. No matter what season you visit the Balkans though, you will fall in love with the region's unique charm, stunning scenery, and discover Europe's hidden gem!
The Balkan Peninsula offers everything necessary to make your dream vacation a reality. Exploring new places inspires us to see, taste, and try new things. Travel constantly challenges us, not only to adapt to and explore new surroundings, but also to engage with different people, to embrace adventures as they come, and to share new and meaningful experiences with friends and loved ones.
Balkan Splendors looks forward to providing you with a truly unforgettable tour, team building, or children’s camp experience. For inquiries, please reach out to info@balkansplendor.com or get in touch by visiting our Contact Us page.
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