BALKANS CAUCASUS
Adventure - Nature - Culture
BALKANS CAUCASUS
Adventure - Nature - Culture
AN ADVENTURE IN TWO STAGE
Experience Diversity and Beauty
This journey offers a unique opportunity to experience the diversity and beauty of the Balkans and the Caucasus, off the beaten track. It is an adventure through history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. From the rolling hills and dense forests of Eastern Serbia to the rugged terrain of the High Caucasus, every kilometer promises new discoveries and unforgettable experiences.
Two Stages for Different Preferences
To accommodate different travel preferences and schedules, the tour is divided into two stages:
• Entire trip: From Eastern Serbia to Dion, Greece - distance approx. 8000km, duration: 50 days
• Partial trip: From Istanbul to Dion, Greece - distance approx. 7000km, duration: 40 days
Detailed Itinerary
Entire Travel Route
The itinerary for the entire trip is as follows: Eastern Serbia - Bulgaria - Turkey - Georgia - Armenia - Georgia - Turkey - Greece.
Stage 1: Eastern Serbia to Istanbul
The first leg of the journey begins in Boljevac, Serbia, on Wednesday, July 1st, 2026. This section of the trip takes us through the lush valleys and historic towns of Eastern Serbia, into the picturesque landscapes of Bulgaria, and finally, to the vibrant city of Istanbul, Turkey.
Along this route, travelers will have the opportunity to explore medieval fortresses, sample local cuisine, and experience the rich cultural heritage of the Balkans. Highlights include the ancient city of Nis, the Rose Valley of Bulgaria, and the bustling bazaars of Istanbul.
Stage 2: Istanbul to Dion, Greece
The partial trip commences on Friday, July 10th, 2026, from Istanbul, Turkey, with a meeting scheduled for the evening of July 8th at Hotel Kalyon, Istanbul. This stage traverses the stunning landscapes of Turkey and the Caucasus, passing through Georgia and Armenia before returning to Turkey and concluding in Dion, Greece, on Wednesday, August 19th, 2026.
Travelers on this leg will experience the majestic scenery of the High Caucasus, the ancient monasteries of Armenia, and the idyllic beaches of Greece. Notable stops include the historic city of Tbilisi, the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Mtskheta, and the serene coastal town of Dion.
Participation Options
Entire Trip
For those with a sense of adventure and ample time, the entire trip from Eastern Serbia to Dion, Greece, covers approximately 8000 km and lasts 50 days. This option allows participants to fully immerse themselves in the diverse landscapes and cultures of the Balkans and the Caucasus.
Partial Trip
For travelers with limited time, the partial trip from Istanbul to Dion, Greece, spans approximately 7000 km and takes 40 days. This option offers a rich and varied experience, focusing on the most scenic and culturally significant regions of the journey.
Suitable Vehicles
To ensure a safe and enjoyable journey, the following types of vehicles are recommended:
• Off-road vehicle with reduction gear.
• Off-road camper with reduction gear, under 3m high and max. length 6m.
• Pickup with body under 3m high.
• Tires: At least AT or MT tires.
Requirements and challenges:
This overland trip is for adventurers who are ready to face the challenges of a long and demanding journey. Participants must be prepared for extreme weather conditions, difficult terrain and unpredictable situations. Unpredictable situations require flexibility and team spirit, which leads to unique experiences. Whether it is about bypassing an impassable spot, repairing a broken-down vehicle or taking an unexpected break in a remote village.
But the rewards are unforgettable experiences and the opportunity to explore some of the most fascinating and diverse regions in the world.
Limited number of participants
To carry out this overland tour through the Balkans and Kuksus, we need a minimum of four and a maximum of six vehicles. This requirement ensures that we have an optimal group size to guarantee both safety and an exciting adventure.
ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS
Overnight stay
On this off-road tour we will experience a variety of overnight accommodation options. We will spend the nights in cozy hotels, on well-equipped campsites and at selected wild camping sites in picturesque natural landscapes. Each overnight option offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature and the tranquility of the surroundings.
Hotels
In the cities or nearby towns we will stay in comfortable hotels. These offer us the opportunity to relax and enjoy new comforts after a long day on the slopes.
Campsites
The campsites along our route are well equipped and offer amenities such as showers, toilets and barbecue areas.
Wild camping
For the adventurous, our special wild camping sites offer a particularly intense nature experience. Without the amenities of a campsite, we are completely on our own and experience the wilderness up close. These places are carefully selected to ensure both beauty and safety. Here we can spend the evening around the campfire, exchange stories and admire the stars.
Food
On the off-road tour, the food will be an equally varied experience. From our own on-board kitchen to campfire cooking and restaurant visits, we have numerous opportunities to explore the culinary diversity.
On-board kitchen
We will have the opportunity to prepare meals in our own on-board kitchen. Everyone can cook either for themselves or in small groups. This offers us the freedom to prepare our own food and try out our cooking skills.
Campfire cooking
Cooking together on the campfire is another highlight of the tour. In the open air, surrounded by nature, we will prepare simple but tasty dishes. These evenings strengthen the community spirit and create unforgettable memories.
Restaurants
We will also eat in local restaurants along the way. These offer us the opportunity to try regional specialties and enjoy the local cuisine. Whether in a cozy village restaurant or a street food stall, the culinary experiences are varied and authentic.
Overall, the off-road tour offers a perfect mix of comfort and adventure, with both the overnight stays and the meals becoming an unforgettable experience.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TRIP
The white mushroom-like rock formations are particularly impressive, as are the famous natural stone bridges, which are an impressive testimony to the geological history and the power of nature.
Istanbul
After crossing the Bulgarian-Turkish border, our route leads directly to Istanbul, a city that lies at the junction between Europe and Asia. The historical and cultural wealth of this metropolis will captivate us.
During our stay in Istanbul we will spend two nights at the Kalyon Hotel. With its central location, the Kalyon Hotel offers the perfect starting point to discover the rich history and culture of Istanbul. The ability to reach the most important sights on foot makes our stay all the more pleasant and unforgettable.
From Istanbul we continue along the picturesque Black Sea coast towards Georgia.
From Turkey through Georgia to Armenia
From the Turkish border the route leads via the coastal town of Batumi, the "Las Vegas of the East". The city is known for its dynamic mix of modern architecture and historic buildings. Batumi is particularly impressive at night, when the city lights glitter reflected on the sea water.
Tusheti National Park
From Batumi the journey leads through the small town of Chaschuri into the mountains, where the landscape changes dramatically. After an exciting circuit through the Tusheti National Park including the Abano Pass (weather permitting), we dive into the Georgian wine region of Napareuli. Here the grapes are grown and processed using traditional methods. The huge clay amphorae, called "qvevri", in which the wine ferments, are a trademark of Georgian wine production. This method, in which the grapes are fermented with their skins and seeds, gives Georgian wine its unique taste.
Tbilisi
After leaving the wine region, we reach Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. Here we spend the day sightseeing the city. Tbilisi, known for its rich history, impressive architecture and vibrant culture, offers a variety of attractions. After a day exploring the fascinating sights of Tbilisi and sampling local cuisine, we head to Armenia.
Através da Arménia
Lago Sawense
A Arménia, um país rico em história e cultura, recebe-nos de braços abertos. O nosso primeiro destino é o pitoresco Lago Sevan, que se encontra a uma altitude de cerca de 1.900 metros. O lago é um dos maiores lagos de alta montanha do mundo.
Mosteiro Tatev
Depois de deixar o Lago Sevan, conduzimos cerca de 130 km até ao Orbelian Caravanserai. A partir do caravançarai, a nossa rota leva-nos ao impressionante Mosteiro Tatev. Fundado no século IX, o mosteiro ergue-se majestosamente num planalto rochoso e oferece-nos não só uma visão da história espiritual da Arménia, mas também uma vista deslumbrante das montanhas e vales circundantes. O teleférico “Tatever”, o maior teleférico reversível do mundo, leva-nos em segurança até ao mosteiro e é uma atração à parte.
Região vinícola de Yeghegnadzor
Depois de absorvermos a tranquilidade espiritual e o significado histórico do Mosteiro Tatev, continuamos a nossa viagem para Yerevan. No caminho, parámos em Yeghegnadzor, uma pequena cidade de província que deve algumas adegas e destilarias importantes à região vinícola vizinha.
Da Arménia via Geórgia até à Turquia
Vardzia
Depois de Yerevan, seguimos em direção a Vardzia, na Geórgia. O nosso destino do dia é Vardzia com a sua famosa cidade-caverna esculpida na montanha.
Lago Çıldır
Depois de atravessarmos a fronteira entre a Geórgia e a Turquia, a nossa rota leva-nos até um dos lagos mais pitorescos da Turquia, o Lago Çıldır.
O majestoso Monte Ararat
Continuamos até ao Monte Ararat, a montanha mais alta da Turquia e um dos lugares míticos mais importantes do mundo.
O Museu ao Ar Livre de Ani
O próximo ponto alto da sua viagem é o museu ao ar livre de Ani, a antiga capital do reino medieval arménio.
Lago Van Uma Jóia da Natureza
Mais a sul, chega-se ao Lago Van, o maior lago da Turquia. O lago salino está rodeado por paisagens montanhosas dramáticas e alberga espécies endémicas únicas, incluindo o gato Van, conhecido pelas suas cores de olhos características. Numa ilha do lago encontra-se a histórica igreja arménia de Akdamar, famosa pelas suas elaboradas esculturas em pedra
O místico Nemrut Dagi
A sua viagem continua até Nemrut Dagi, uma montanha conhecida pelas suas estátuas monumentais e túmulos que datam da época do Reino Comagena. No cume do Nemrut Dagi encontram-se enormes figuras de pedra de deuses, animais e reis, criadas pelo Rei Antíoco I no século I a.C. Chr.
A mágica Göreme
No coração da Capadócia encontra-se Göreme, uma cidade conhecida pelas suas extraordinárias formações rochosas e cidades subterrâneas. A região de Göreme é Património Mundial da UNESCO.
A caminho de Çanakkale
Depois de experienciarmos as maravilhas de Göreme, continuamos a nossa viagem para oeste com o objetivo de chegar a Çanakkale. A viagem levou-nos por paisagens mutáveis, desde as planícies secas da Capadócia até às zonas verdejantes do oeste da Turquia.
Os campos de batalha de Galípoli
Chegados a Çanakkale, visitamos os históricos campos de batalha de Galípoli. Este local, onde ocorreu uma das batalhas mais sangrentas da Primeira Guerra Mundial, é hoje um importante memorial.
A cidade de Tróia
Outro ponto alto perto de Çanakkale foi uma visita à antiga cidade de Troia. Os sítios arqueológicos e a réplica do famoso Cavalo de Troia levaram-nos de volta ao tempo da mitologia grega e às histórias épicas de Homero. A travessia ofereceu-nos belas vistas da paisagem costeira e das águas azuis profundas do estreito.
Grécia ao longo da costa do Mediterrâneo até Dion
Depois de entrarmos na Grécia, continuamos a nossa viagem pela costa do Mediterrâneo. Outro ponto alto da nossa viagem foi a visita à antiga cidade de Filipos, que fica perto de Cavala. Este importante sítio arqueológico, Património Mundial da UNESCO, ofereceu-nos uma visão fascinante da história e da cultura da Grécia antiga.
O nosso destino final é Dion, onde visitaremos o parque arqueológico. Esta antiga cidade no sopé do Monte Olimpo oferece-nos uma visão profunda da vida e da cultura dos antigos gregos.
É aqui que a nossa aventura pelos Balcãs e pelo Cáucaso muda.
PRICES
Entire trip
- 5,200 CHF per vehicle with two people per vehicle
- 3,600 CHF for a single driver
Partial trip
- 4,500 CHF per vehicle with two people per vehicle
- 3,200 CHF for a single driver
Services included in the price
- Support vehicle with off-road equipment
- 4 hotel nights in a double room
- Tour leader Mario Manojlovic
- Inmarsat satellite phone system
-10 x campsite fees
- Medical equipment, basic pharmacy (with various infusion systems, medication, defibrillator, etc.)
- Satellite tracker for location and status reports for your relatives at home
- Checklist, equipment and packing list, travel information to prepare for the trip
Not included in the price
- Meals
- Fuel costs
- Restaurant and bar visits
- Various excursions and city tours
- Transport costs and any repair costs for your own off-road vehicle
- Travel insurance (foreign health insurance is mandatory)
- Everything that is not listed in the service description
Payment conditions
After receiving the booking confirmation, a deposit of 20% of the travel price must be paid within 30 days. The full travel price is due 8 weeks before the start of the trip. The travel documents will only be handed over after the full travel price has been paid.
PRICES
Total trip
- 5,200.- CHF per vehicle with two people per vehicle
- 3,600.- CHF for a single driver
Services included in the price
- Support vehicle with off-road equipment
- 4 hotel overnight stays in a double room
- Tour leader Mario Manojlovic
- Inmarsat satellite telephone system
-10 x campsite fees
- Medical equipment, basic pharmacy (with various infusion systems, medication, defibrillator, etc.)
- Satellite tracker for location and status reports for your relatives at home
- Checklist, equipment and packing list, travel information to prepare for the trip
Not included in the price
- Meals
- Fuel costs
- Restaurant and bar visits
- Various excursions and city tours
- Transport costs and any repair costs for your own off-road vehicle
- Travel insurance (foreign health insurance is mandatory)
- Everything that is not listed in the service description is
Payment conditions
After receiving the booking confirmation, a deposit of 20% of the travel price must be paid within 30 days. The full travel price is due 8 weeks before the start of the trip. The travel documents will only be handed over after the full travel price has been paid.