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Monterrasol Travel: all seasons multi-day small group car tours"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." Welcome to the world of small group car tours! We are delighted to see you here on our site! Please feel free to explore it, and we always happy to hear from you. We invite you to your new journey! |
What you can do with usYou can visit with us all the Balkan countries where we operate: Bosnia-Herzegovina, Albania, Greece, Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. You can travel with us year-round, although we really prefer to travel off-season. We can take you on private multi-day multi-country tour across these countries. Please explore our catalog of pre-designed tours we created for organized small group tours. We specialize in cultural and historical travel in really small groups, so mature travelers and seniors are the best candidates for our tours. Think of the Western Balkans region as a great example of off-the-beaten path travel. With our tours, we come to places that are undiscovered by mass tourism and explore "hidden gems". With us, you will experience more than just tourism; you will avoid crowded activities, enjoy less-traveled routes, and appreciate the authentic culture of each destination. Follow the ideas of Slow Tourism philosophy, we consider the Bosnia-Herzegovina as especially interesting as year-round destination for Senior travelers. |
Let's define a few things!Currently there is no widely accepted definition of the term tourist destination. From the traveler perspective, a tourist destination is a city, town, or other area that is dependent to a significant extent on the revenues accruing from tourism, or "a country, state, region, city, or town which is marketed or markets itself as a place for tourists to visit". Tourist destination may contain one or more tourist attractions. Cultural tourism is the subset of tourism concerned with a country or region's culture, specifically the lifestyle of the people in those geographical areas, the history of those people, their art, architecture, religion, and other elements that helped shape their way of life. A tour operator typically combines tour and travel components to create a travel package. An independent tour operator is an individual or company that works by themselves as tour operators. They are not owned by another company like a franchise or chain. An independent tour operator develops, organizes and promotes its own tours directly. An escorted tour is a form of tourism in which travelers are taken in a group to various destinations, versus a self-guided tour where the tourist is on its own. Escorted tours are normally conducted by a tour leader who takes care of all services from beginning to end of your tour. The tour leader takes care of the logistics; this includes accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, transfers to and from the airport/hotel and most meals. Escorted tour, whether just a couple travelling with a guide in a private car or a small group led by a tour leader, becoming an increasingly popular way to discover destinations of all kinds. Travelling with like-minded people, you have more time to enjoy the destinations you have come to visit, and often you get insight and access to places and experiences which independent tourists cannot reach. The small group car tour allows you to travel more like with family or friends instead having the trip with multiple strangers on a crowded bus. We, at Monterrasol Travel use passenger minivans such as Renault Trafic, Opel Vivaro or Fiat Scudo, that carry up to 8 people, including driver and tour leader. Minivans are our car of choice by default. In some cases, depending on the circumstances, we can use a classic passenger car, not a minivan. One clear advantage of a small group tour is that we are not obliged to follow a strict timetable like a big tourist bus. So, we can be much more relaxed and flexible in our schedule. |
Come with us to travel off-seasonThere are a few valuable advantages of traveling off-season in Europe. One is the significant cost savings. Off-season travel also means escaping the crowds. All attraction sites are far less congested, so you can avoid long lines and enjoy a more peaceful visit. Another advantage is the weather that is generally cooler and more comfortable than the hot summer months. |
Slow Tourism philosophyFollow the ideas of Slow Tourism philosophy, we consider the Bosnia-Herzegovina especially interesting destiantion in the light of current situation for Solo travellers and Senior travellers. All advantages of non-touristy places available here. |
Promo: Year-round Bosnia discovery tourAll seasons 11 days Bosnia discovery non-touristy tour from Sarajevo. Off the beaten path travel to Medieval land of Bosnia. |
The latest added tours and placesOctober 31, 2025 Another one tour was added, a small group tour: Greece Zagori extended 14 days tour. UNESCO mountain stone villages and ancient stone bridges. Car small group tour by Monterrasol Travel. Circle tour from Igoumenitsa via history, cuisine, nature. We welcome you to explore with us Greece UNESCO region Zagori with our extended 14-day circle tour from Igoumenitsa. The main attraction of this tour is region Zagori (UNESCO World Heritage site for its Cultural Landscape). In Zagori we will visit the most beautiful mountain stone villages and see ancient stone bridges. Another important part of this tour is understand Byzantine period in Greece. For that, we going to see churches and Byzantine Art museum in Kastoria. Our tour will start with visiting the archaeological site Dodoni, known in ancient times for its Oracle, which nowadays features a huge ancient theater (UNESCO Tentative List site). We will stay overnight in the mountain town Metsovo, known for its wine and cheese. Before coming to Zagori, we will also visit the town Kastoria, known for its fur production and exceptional Byzantine churches. We will learn about the Byzantine period of Greece in its Byzantine museum, use the promenade along the lake, and come to see the monastery and cave. The main part of this tour is exploring the region of Zagori (also called Zagorochoria). There we will visit the most important villages in the regions of Central Zagori and Tymfi, and scout beautiful ancient stone bridges locals still use. Zagori's architecture is a great representative example of traditional, stone-built settlements, with its monasteries and churches, large houses, and stone bridges. With this extended tour focused on Zagorochoria, we will see a few beautiful bridges, several panoramic viewpoints, and a couple of hiking passes, visit monasteries, and enjoy local specific food and drinks in tavernas. On the way back to Igoumenitsa, we will come to Ioannina, to see its Ottoman fortress and Silversmith museum of weapons and jewelry. October 26, 2025 We added one more destination: Barcelona, Spain. Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Catalonia in northeastern Spain blends beautifully rich history and innovative modernity. Barcelona boasts 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, of which seven are Gaudí's architectural wonders. October 20, 2025 We have found a new place: Buitrago de Lozoya, Spain. Buitrago de Lozoya is a captivating small town nestled in the northern part of the Community of Madrid, Spain. Surrounded by mountains and natural beauty, it invites visitors to step back into medieval times, thanks to its well-preserved historic walls and charming streets. October 15, 2025 We just added a new tour, a small group tour: Central Greece exploring 15 days circle tour from Thessaloniki. Monterrasol Travel small group tour with minivan. Visit the most important attractions of Central Greece. We welcome you to come with us on a 15-day circle tour to explore Central Greece from Thessaloniki. With this off-season tour, we will visit the most important attractions of Central Greece: famous monasteries, important archaeological sites and museums, historical landmarks, fortresses and waterfalls, mountain and coastal towns. Our tour will start with visiting Pella, where we will explore its archaeological site and museum. From Pella we will come to town Edessa, to explore its attractions, small historical center, archaeological site, and the monastery of Holy Trinity. From Edessa, we will visit the area of Mieza, to see its archaeological site, ancient theater, and historical landmarks related to Aristotle. After Mieza, we will come to see the Byzantine museum in Veria, and see the so-called Podium of Paul the Apostle, the site where he talked with people. Near Veria, we will come to Aegae, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List because of its monumental significance in Western civilization and exceptional architecture. Aegae was the first capital of the Macedonian kingdom and the burial place for their kings, considered to be one of the biggest and most significant places of classical Greece. From Veria, we will come for an overnight stay in the mountain town Metsovo, known for its wine and cheese. Our next destination is Ioannina, where we will see its Ottoman fortress and Silversmith Museum of Weapons and Jewelry. After Ioannina, we will come to Arta to see the archaeological museum and gorgeous Ottoman bridge. On the way to Arta, we plan to visit the famous Paul Vrellis Greek History Museum. We will stay overnight in the coastal town of Preveza. From Preveza, we will take the road through the undersea tunnel to the coastal town of Lefkada, where the territory of the large Lefkada Island starts. In Lefkada town, we will see Faneromeni monastery, enjoy a drive around Lefkada Lagoon, and on the way to Nafpaktos, we will visit the coastal town of Vonitsa to see its fortress and admire the promenade passing along the sea and to the small islet nearby. In Nafpaktos, we will see its fortress overlooking the whole bay, walk its historical center with a small port, and say hello to Miguel de Cervantes. On the way to Delphi, we will stop for lunch in the coastal town Galaxidi. In Delphi (UNESCO World Heritage site), famous in ancient times for its Oracle, we will explore its archaeological site and museum. After Delphi, we will visit King Leonidas in Thermopylae, learn about his legendary battle, and come to Kalampaka. Here we will climb steps of several Meteora monasteries (UNESCO World Heritage site). We will visit all monasteries that are open during these two days. After the Meteora monasteries, we will come to town Larissa, to see its archaeological museum and ancient theater. From Larissa, we will come to the area of Mount Olympus and learn how the area was explored over centuries. We also will visit the large archaeological site Dion and see its archaeological museum and ancient theater. October 11, 2025 We have added a new destination: Burgos, Spain. Burgos, Founded around 884 AD, located in northern Spain within Castilla y León, is a city rich in history and culture. It lies along the Arlanzón River, offering a blend of scenic river views and historic architecture. Its strategic location made it an important medieval hub, making it a must-visit for travelers. October 7, 2025 Another one tour was added, a small group tour: Exploring Central Greece 12 days tour from Thessaloniki. Small group tour from Monterrasol Travel in minivan. Circle trip via Aegae, Ioannina, Delphi, Meteora, Olympus. Come with us to discover Central Greece on a 12-day circle tour from Thessaloniki. With this off-season tour, we will visit different attractions of Central Greece, important ones as well as lesser-known ones. The very first attraction we will visit is town Pella, where we will explore its archaeological site and museum. From Pella we will come to town Edessa, to explore its attractions, small historical center, archaeological site, and the monastery of Holy Trinity. From Edessa, we will visit the area of Mieza, to see its archaeological site, ancient theater, and historical landmarks related to Aristotle. After Mieza, we will come to see the Byzantine museum in Veria, and see the so-called Podium of Paul the Apostle, the site where he talked with people. Near Veria, we will come to Aegae, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List because of its monumental significance in Western civilization and exceptional architecture. Aegae was the first capital of the Macedonian kingdom and the burial place for their kings, considered to be one of the biggest and most significant places of classical Greece. From Veria, we will come for an overnight stay in the mountain town Metsovo, known for its wine and cheese. Our next destination is Kalampaka. Here we will climb steps of several Meteora monasteries (UNESCO World Heritage site). We will visit all monasteries that are open during these two days. After the Meteora monasteries, we will come to town Trikala, see its fortress, and continue our tour toward the coastal town of Volos. Before coming to Volos, we will explore the archaeological site Sesklo, related to the Greek Neolithic Period (ca. 6000-3000 BCE). We will stay again 2 nights in the coastal town of Volos, where we also will visit its archaeological museum to see artifacts from Sesklo. Near Volos is located the mountain monastery of Holy Archangels, which we will see also on the same day. In Larissa, we will see its archaeological museum and ancient theater. From Larissa, we will come to the area of Mount Olympus and learn how the area was explored over centuries. We also will visit the large archaeological site Dion and see its archaeological museum and ancient theater. October 2, 2025 Another one place was added: Aspraggeli, Greece. Aspraggeli is a charming mountain village in the heart of the Zagori region in northwestern Greece. It sits at the entrance to the Zagorochoria area, making it the first stop for many exploring this UNESCO-nominated landscape. September 28, 2025 New place added to our catalog: Morosini, Croatia. The Morosini-Grimani Castle from the 13th century is a Croatian historical gem due to an impressive blend of medieval architecture with distinct Renaissance features, makes it a photographer's paradise and an architectural enthusiast's delight. September 23, 2025 We discovered an interesting place: Vitsa, Greece. Vitsa is a picturesque traditional village located in the central Zagori region of Northwestern Greece. Perched at an altitude of roughly 955 meters on a mountainside, it overlooks the famous Vikos Gorge, offering visitors enchanting views and a peaceful mountain setting. Vitsa is famous for its "Skala", historic stone pathways connecting it to neighboring villages before modern roads existed. September 17, 2025 We discovered a new place: Knin, Croatia. Knin Fortress, the second largest fortress in Croatia, stands majestically near the tallest mountain in Croatia, Dinara, and close to the source of the Krka river. This impressive stronghold and significant defensive structure dominates the skyline of Knin from its perch 345 meters above sea level and approximately 100 meters above the town itself. |
The latest updates on our siteOctober 2, 2025 We make better the description of the place Zagreb, Croatia. The capital and the largest city of Croatia, lively and with a rich history dating from the Roman times, Zagreb is located in the northwest of the country, along the Sava river, at the southern slopes of the Medvednica mountain. Zagreb is an important tourist centre because of its culture, arts, music, architecture, gastronomy among other things. September 13, 2025 We have updated details of the place Dion, Greece. The Archaeological Park of Dion, the most important archaeological site at Mount Olympus in Greece, features several notable sanctuaries, including those dedicated to Zeus, Demeter, Artemis, Asklepios, and Isis. The Sanctuary of Demeter is the oldest, dating back to the Archaic period, while the Sanctuary of Zeus was built during the Hellenistic period. The site also includes a theater, which, although rebuilt in wood, was once a venue for concerts and shows. September 13, 2025 We have polished the description of place Athens, Greece. Athens, the capital of Greece and one of the world's oldest cities, is located in the Attica region near the Saronic Gulf in southeastern Europe. Sitting between three hills, including the famous Acropolis hill, the city enjoys a unique blend of ancient heritage and modern urban life. Famous the Acropolis of Athens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. September 12, 2025 We have improved the description for a small group tour: Northern Greece 15 days exploring tour from Thessaloniki. Monterrasol Travel small group minivan tour. Thasos island, Philippi, Zagori mountain villages. We welcome you to discover amazing Northern Greece region with our 15 days tour from Thessaloniki. With this off-season tour we going to see the most important areas of Northern Greece, come to see Thasos island, visit archaeological site Philippi (UNESCO World Heritage site), and spend few days in famous region Zagori (UNESCO World Heritage site for Cultural Landscape). The tour will start with visiting Amphipolis, an important ancient Greek polis and a Roman city later, today a large archaeological site with a museum. Amphipolis is known from antiquity as a colony of ancient Athenians and the site of the battle between the Spartans and Athenians in 422 BC. After Amphipolis we will come to Kavala, to see its historical center, fortress and taste wine in nearby winery. Near Kavala will will come to explore huge and important archaeological site Philippi, with exceptional Roman architecture, its urban layout as a smaller reflection of Rome itself, and its importance in Christianity because of several visits to the city by the apostle Paul. For those who enjoy wine, we scheduled to visit two famous wineries in the Kavala region, Biblia Chora winery and Chateau Nico Lazaridi winery, and taste their wines. From Kavala, after short drive, we will take a quick ferry to Thasos island, where we will visit historical landmarks of Thasos town, museum of Olive and Olive oil, picturesque Kefalogourna waterfalls, Archangel Michael monastery, Marble Quarry and few other sites. When we return back from Thasos to mainland, we will continue to discover Northern Greece. We will continue with Byzantine Greece by visit Byzantine museum in Veria. Near Veria, we will come to Aegae, first capital of the Macedonian kingdom and the burial place for their kings, considered to be one of the biggest and the most significant places of classical Greece. Its inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List because of its monumental significance in Western civilization and exceptional architecture. After Aegae, next place to visit is mountain town Metsovo, known from Ottoman census records. Metsovo residents got a special privileges by provided the special service of guarding local mountain passes and the servicing of travelers. Metsovo is known for merchants, traveling sheepherders, rich traders, and cuisine with famous local cheeses and winemaking industries, including the Katogi vineyard of the Averoff family. Large part of this tour is visiting Zagori region, designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Zagori contains 46 villages known as Zagori villages, also called Zagorochoria. The main source of income for the local communities originally came from commercial activities which resulted in migration to distant places. As result, the region is full of cute villages with stone houses, stone bridges, cobblestones, fountains, schools, temples and monasteries. UNESCO added Zagori to the list of Cultural Landscapes, acknowledging the universal value of Zagori's architecture as a representative example of traditional, stone-built settlements. During our time in Zagori we will also come to few developed hiking passes, relatively easy but with amazing viewpoints. September 11, 2025 We make better the description of the place Aigai (Aegae), Greece. The archaeological site of Aegae, also known as Aigai, is situated in northern Greece, approximately 80 km southeast of Thessaloniki, at the foot of the Pierian Mountains. This site was the original capital of the ancient Macedonian kingdom It was here that Alexander the Great was proclaimed king in 336 BC. Aegae listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its monumental significance in Western civilization. September 8, 2025 We have updated details for a small group tour: Greece contrasts 15 days tour from Igoumenitsa. Zagori, Arta, Preveza, Nicopolis. Small group tour with minivan from Monterrasol Travel. UNESCO Zagori mountain villages, ancient bridges, archaeological sites, museums. We welcome you to explore the contrasts of Greece with our 15-day round-trip tour from Igoumenitsa. The main attraction of this tour is the UNESCO region of Zagori (UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural landscape). Another important part of this tour is discovering attractions in areas of Ioannina, Arta, and Preveza. The main part of this tour is the region of Zagori (also called Zagorochoria). There we will visit villages in regions of Central Zagori and Tymfi, and scout beautiful ancient stone bridges locals still use. Zagori's architecture is a great representative example of traditional, stone-built settlements. During our time in Zagori, we will also come to a few developed hiking passes, relatively easy but with amazing viewpoints, and several monasteries. In Ioannina, we will visit its Ottoman fortress and Silversmith museum of weapons and jewelry. We will also come to the small islet inside of Ioannina's lake to explore there a few monasteries and the Ali Pasha museum. After Ioannina, we will come to Arta to see there archaeological museum and gorgeous Ottoman bridge. On the way to Arta, we plan to visit the famous Paul Vrellis Greek History museum. On the way to Preveza, we will come to the small fishers village Koronisia, located in the middle of a huge lagoon. In the area of the coastal town Preveza, we will explore the vast Roman archaeological site Nicopolis, established by Roman Emperor Octavian. On the way back to Igoumenitsa, we will visit the mountain archaeological site Cassope and an unusual place called the Necromanteion of Acheron, featuring an ancient Greek temple of necromancy devoted to Hades and Persephone. September 4, 2025 We have updated details for a small group tour: Greece explorer: 18 days circle tour from Igoumenitsa via Zagori and Tzoumerka. Small group tour from Monterrasol Travel in minivan. UNESCO Zagori + Tzoumerka mountain villages and ancient bridges. Archaeological sites, museums. We invite you to explore Greece with our 18-day circle tour from Igoumenitsa. The main attraction of this tour is the UNESCO region of Zagori (UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural landscape) and Tzoumerka, both are mountainous areas with stone villages, stone bridges, and wild nature. Also, we will come to see attractions in areas of Ioannina, Arta, and Preveza. In the region of Zagori (also called Zagorochoria), we will visit villages of Central Zagori and Tymfi, and see beautiful ancient stone bridges locals still use. Zagori's architecture is a great representative example of traditional, stone-built settlements. During our time in Zagori, we will also come to a few developed hiking passes, relatively easy but with amazing viewpoints, and several monasteries. Similar to Zagori, Tzoumerka is a large mountainous area with stone villages and stone bridges. Although Tzoumerka is a bit more wild, mountains are taller, canyons are deeper, and the distance between villages is longer. Here in Tzoumerka, we will also visit the cliff monastery Holy Kipinas and the picturesque Anemotrypa Stalactite cave. In Ioannina, we will visit its Ottoman fortress and Silversmith museum of weapons and jewelry, together with the small islet in the middle of Ioannina's lake to see there a few monasteries and the museum of famous Ali Pasha. Before we enter the Tzoumerka region, we are going to visit the famous Paul Vrellis Greek History museum. In Tzoumerka, we will come to see the mountain town of Syrrako and take a hiking pass through a canyon between Syrrako and Kalarites. From Syrrako, we will continue our tour via the Holy Kipinas monastery, located just on the cliff, and will come to the mountain town of Melissourgoi, where we need to see its bridge. The next day we will visit Anemotrypa Stalactite cave, see the large ancient bridge in Frasta, and come to Arta to explore its archaeological museum and gorgeous Ottoman bridge. On the way to Preveza, we will come to the small fishers village Koronisia, located in the middle of a huge lagoon. In the area of the coastal town Preveza, we will explore the vast Roman archaeological site Nicopolis, established by Roman Emperor Octavian. On the way back to Igoumenitsa, we will visit the mountain archaeological site Cassope and an unusual place called the Necromanteion of Acheron, featuring an ancient Greek temple of necromancy devoted to Hades and Persephone. August 31, 2025 We added few more details in description of the place Ohrid, North Macedonia. Ohrid is a charming town in the country North Macedonia (before it called just Macedonia), located at the edge of the stunning Lake Ohrid. Ohrid once had 365 churches, one for each day of the year, and has been referred to as a "Jerusalem of the Balkans". The city is rich in picturesque houses and monuments, and tourism is predominant. Ohrid and Lake Ohrid were accepted as Cultural and Natural World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Ohrid is one of only 28 sites that are part of UNESCO's World Heritage that are Cultural as well as Natural sites. August 26, 2025 We added few more details in description for a small group tour: Discover Bosnia Montenegro Macedonia in 14 days tour. Small group tour with minivan by Monterrasol Travel. Balkans roadtrip from Sarajevo to Thessaloniki via UNESCO sites, old towns, monasteries and fortresses. Balkans discovery 14 days tour will open for you 3 countries: Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro and Macedonia. Together with mentioned countries, you will also briefly meet Albania and will able to enjoy great time in beautiful coastal city Thessaloniki in Greece. With this tour we will pass over wonderful hilly Bosnia-Herzegovina, coastal venetian towns of Montenegro, unexpected panoramas of Albania, and visit roman sites of Macedonia. In all 3 countries we will visit most of must-see places. We will walk venetian towns in Montenegro; medieval towns in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro; will see famous Orthodox monasteries in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro; ancient roman settlement in Macedonia; fortified towns in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro; archaeological places in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Macedonia; medieval fortresses of Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro; UNESCO sites in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Macedonia and Montenegro. August 13, 2025 We added few more details in description for a small group tour: Greece +Albania off-season UNESCO sites tour 19 days from Igoumenitsa. Monterrasol Travel minivan small group tour. Off the beaten path circle tour exploring Greece and Albania. We invite you to travel with us to two beautiful Mediterranean countries, Greece and Albania. With this our off-the-beaten-path circle tour, we will visit several UNESCO sites in each country and come to explore lesser-traveled locations. This tour is also full of contrasts: islands and mountains, coastal and mountain roads, coastal towns with beaches and mountain stone villages with stone bridges, Orthodox churches and Muslim mosques. But each country is very welcoming and friendly, with its own gastronomy, culture, and traditions. We will drive beautiful coastal roads, admire panoramic viewpoints, explore imposing archaeological sites, walk streets of mountain villages, stay on top of ancient stone bridges, see impressive museums and Orthodox monasteries, and every day enjoy food and drinks of local cuisine. In Albania, we will visit: archaeological site Butrint (UNESCO World Heritage site); see beautiful beaches of town Ksamil; see Ottoman castle in Sarande and come to the beautiful natural phenomenon Blue Eye; take a coastal road and see castles Borsh, Porto Palermo, and Himare; pass across Llogara and enjoy panoramic views; explore important archaeological site Apollonia (UNESCO Tentative List site); see town Berat (UNESCO World Heritage site), called The Town of a Thousand Windows; see fortress in town Tepelene; in town Gjirokaster (UNESCO World Heritage site) see its fortress, Army museum, and walk old bazaar streets. In Greece, we will come to see: several stone villages and stone bridges in mountain area called Zagori (UNESCO World Heritage site); important town Ioannina with its fortress, Silversmith museum of weapons and jewelry, and lake island full of monasteries; explore archaeological site Dodoni (UNESCO Tentative List site) and admire its huge theater; see Venetian fortress in town Vonitsa and walk a pass over the sea to small island; come to see town Lefkada and explore whole Lefkada island until its last point, a Cape Lefkatas lighthouse; come via undersea tunnel to town Preveza and see nearby located important archaeological site Nicopolis (UNESCO Tentative List site) with its museum; and on the way back to Igoumenitsa see archaeological sites Cassope and Necromanteion of Acheron. |
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