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Featured Balkan Tours

Balkan trip: a 13-day heritage and scenery – balkan experience, sofia's historic walking highlights tour, spiritual heritage of bulgaria: rila monastery & boyana church - bulgaria trips.

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Skopje: walking city tour & vodno mountain expedition – macedonia trips, discover your next adventure.

• One-Day & Half-Day Tours Quick trips to discover local highlights.
• Multi-Day Tours Extended journeys for deeper immersion.
• Balkan Tours Explore the vibrant diversity of the Balkans.
• Pilgrimage and Religious Tours Spiritual journeys to sacred destinations.
• Culinary Tours Savor the flavors of regional cuisines.
• Family Adventures Tours Fun-filled explorations for the whole family.
• Special Offers Exclusive travel deals.
• Private Transfers Convenient and comfortable transport options.

Uncover the Magic of the Balkans – Go on unforgettable Balkan trips

Unforgettable adventures await you on our Balkan tours! From Croatia’s beautiful landscapes to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s hidden gems and the natural wonders of North Macedonia, experience the rich culture of Serbia, the charm of Montenegro, and the history of Albania and Slovenia. Balkland offers you different Balkan tours where you will get to know the Balkans as it is. Rich in various tastes, natural landscapes, and the best hospitality!

“ The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step „

Explore balkland tours and travel packages.

Explore our travel packages for a seamless and unforgettable experience. From detailed itineraries to helpful tips, we’ve got everything you need. Embark on a journey with Balkland, where each keyphrase guarantees extraordinary adventures in the heart of the Balkans.

Romanian Castles: Bran and Rasnov with Optional Peles Castle | Balkland

Join our Romanian Castles Tour for a historic journey to Bran Castle and Râșnov Fortress, steeped in myth and medieval splendor.

Dubrovnik: Game of Thrones Experience

Discover Game of Thrones' Dubrovnik: Visit King's Landing and Lokrum Island in a thrilling 3-hour tour.

Heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina: 7-Day Discovery Tour

Uncover Bosnia's Cultural Treasure: Explore Sarajevo, Mostar, Jajce, and Travnik. Immerse in Heritage, Landmarks, and Lasting Memories on this Captivating Tour.

Novi Sad & Petrovaradin: Cultural Heart of Serbia Tour | Serbia Trips

Embark on a journey to Novi Sad and Petrovaradin, exploring Serbia's rich culture, history, and wine.

Our Qualities

What does Balkland offer at Balkan trips?

Good organization.

A good road means a good organization. With our organization, you don’t have to worry about accommodation, food, transportation! We stand behind you as a dedicated companion on every Balkan trips!

We cover 10 Balkan countries

Balkland allows you to visit and feel the charms of 10 countries in the Balkans. Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Montenegro, Slovenia, Romania, Kosovo, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia await you to visit their beautiful landscapes and taste their most delicious food!

Different types of travel throughout the Balkans

The Balkans is a landscape of possibilities! Embark on Balkan Tours with your friends, experience Family Adventures with your loved ones, or Balkan food on Culinary Tours.

Your Smart Travel Guide to Balkan Adventures

Experience the Best of the Balkans with our Blogs.

Balkan States Tour Through the Most Beautiful National Parks

Explore the most beautiful national parks of the Balkans!

Balkan Trip: Experience Medieval Pocitelj

Pocitelj is a living museum offering a glimpse into the medieval past of BiH

Taste Balkan Food With Our Balkan Tour

Discover the delightful Balkan food that will captivate you!

Tour Balkan Countries With Balkland

Have you ever wanted to visit the unreal nature of the Balkans and try Balkan food rich in various flavors? With Balkland you can do just that! Our Balkan trips are unforgettable, diverse, and full of new adventures. Discover all our Balkan tours and pilgrim tours and choose the best one for you!

Why go on Balkan trips with Balkland?

With Balkland you always travel safely. We have provided transportation, hotels, and adventures throughout the Balkans for you, which are above all safe. The safety and security of our passengers is our priority!

Our Balkan trips are adapted to families, newlyweds, and corporate groups; with us, you can find tours that completely suit you!

Balkland was founded by foreign travelers and lovers of the Balkans, so every trip to the Balkans with us is diverse. Tour Balkan countries with us And you will experience all the beauties of the Balkans, from irresistible food to natural beauties.

Balkland FAQ

Is it safe to travel to the Balkans?

The Balkans are a very safe place to visit today. More than 30 years ago, the war that took place in the Balkans ended, and today the Balkans is one of the safer travel destinations.

Is it cheap to travel in the Balkans?

Yes. Compared to many Western European countries, traveling in the Balkans is often more budget-friendly, offering affordable accommodation, food, and transportation options.

Why is Balkan food popular?

Balkan cuisine is popular due to its rich flavors, diverse influences, and use of fresh, local ingredients. The combination of Mediterranean, Ottoman, and Slavic culinary traditions contributes to the unique and delicious dishes.

What is the most popular Balkan food?

Ćevapi, a type of grilled minced meat, is widely popular across the Balkans. Other favorites include Burek, a pastry with meat or cheese, and Ajvar, a roasted red pepper and eggplant spread.

Is the Balkans safe for solo female travelers?

Yes, many parts of the Balkans are safe for solo female travelers. All the locals are friendly and ready to help you if you get lost or need help. Since you are still in a foreign country, we recommend that you do not go out late at night alone and keep your personal belongings safe.

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• Balkans Tours

Balkans Tours and Trips 2024/2025

A trip to the Balkan region will allow you to explore one of the least visited parts of Europe . The Balkans is a cultural melting pot offering a broad range of destinations, and your tour might include enchanting cities like Dubrovnik in Croatia , astounding architectural accomplishments like Turkey’s Hagia Sophia, or ancient monuments like the Acropolis in Greece – as well as far more besides.

+300 Trips in Balkans with 2,373 Reviews

• Starts Zagreb, Croatia
• Ends Santorini, Greece

Croatia to the Greek Islands: Zagreb Nights & Santorini Views

• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• Tour Type Small Group Tour
• Activities Cruise & Beach Cruise , Beach & Museum and gallery visits 'data-more-tripid='40643'>+1 more
• Accommodation Hostel, Hotel, Resort & Villa
• Transport Bus, Ferry, Flight, Train, Boat, Private Vehicle & Taxi
• Age Range 18-39 yrs
• Operated in English
• Brochure Price: US$ 4,199
• Bookmundi Savings (5%): - US$ 210
• Total Price from: US$ 3,989
• Jul 21 Only 4 seats left
• Aug 04 Only 9 seats left
• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

• Starts Athens, Greece
• Ends Athens, Greece

Treasures Of Classical Greece: Nafplion, Olympia, Delphi And Meteora

• Tour Type Group Tour
• Activities Art and architecture
• Accommodation Hotel
• Transport Bus
• Age Range 18-99 yrs
• Operated in English, Italian
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,081
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 162
• Total Price from: US$ 919
• Jul 07 Only 10 seats left
• Jul 14 Only 10 seats left

• Starts Sofia, Bulgaria

All About Balkans (4 Star Hotels)

• Activities Sightseeing Tours & Art and architecture Sightseeing Tours , Art and architecture & Cultural, religious and historic sites 'data-more-tripid='17753'>+1 more
• Transport Bus, Coach & Boat
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,497
• Special Deal (45%): - US$ 1,124
• Total Price from: US$ 1,373
• Jul 13 10+ seats left
• Jul 20 10+ seats left

• Starts Istanbul, Turkey
• Ends Istanbul, Turkey

Amazing Turkey by Land (5 & 4 Star Hotels)

• Activities City sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites City sightseeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites & Walking tours 'data-more-tripid='14725'>+1 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Resort
• Transport Boat, Bus, Coach & Flight
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,950
• Special Deal (45%): - US$ 1,328
• Total Price from: US$ 1,622
• Jun 22 10+ seats left
• Jun 29 Only 10 seats left

• Starts Pogradec, Albania
• Ends Vlore, Albania

Cycling in Albania

• Activities Bicycle tours
• Accommodation Hotel & Guest House
• Age Range 16-99 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,942
• Special Deal (4%): - US$ 87
• Total Price from: US$ 1,855
• Aug 30 Only 5 seats left
• Sep 13 Only 8 seats left

• Starts Trebinje, Bosnia Herzegovina
• Ends Dubrovnik, Croatia

Walking in Bosnia & Herzegovina

• Activities Climbing & Trekking and Hiking
• Accommodation Hotel & Hut
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,623
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 268
• Total Price from: US$ 2,355
• Jul 18 Only 2 seats left
• Aug 08 Only 4 seats left

• Starts Split, Croatia

Cycling Croatia's Dalmatian Coast

• Transport Train
• Jun 22 Only 5 seats left
• Jul 13 Only 7 seats left

• Starts Budapest, Hungary

Balkan Adventure

• Activities Active and outdoor & City sightseeing Active and outdoor , City sightseeing , Museum and gallery visits & National parks 'data-more-tripid='3671'>+2 more
• Accommodation Guest House, Hostel & Hotel
• Transport Train, Bus, Private Vehicle, Boat & Taxi
• Age Range 15-99 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,020
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 453
• Total Price from: US$ 2,567
• Jun 29 Only 9 seats left
• Jul 06 Only 2 seats left

• Starts Venice, Italy

Play & Pause: Southeastern Europe Highlights

• Activities City sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites City sightseeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites & Beach 'data-more-tripid='43507'>+1 more
• Transport Coach & Boat
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,629
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 363
• Total Price from: US$ 3,266
• Jul 12 Only 1 seat left
• Sep 06 Only 7 seats left

• Ends Bucharest, Romania

Budapest to Bucharest

• Activities City sightseeing & Art and architecture City sightseeing , Art and architecture , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Museum and gallery visits & Countryside and village visits 'data-more-tripid='3668'>+3 more
• Accommodation Home-stay & Hotel
• Transport Train, Bus, Private Vehicle & Taxi
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,650
• Special Deal (20%): - US$ 530
• Total Price from: US$ 2,120
• Jun 29 Only 6 seats left
• Jul 06 Only 4 seats left

• Starts Bucharest, Romania

Eastern Europe Express

• Activities Sightseeing Tours & Art and architecture Sightseeing Tours , Art and architecture , Museum and gallery visits & Trekking and Hiking 'data-more-tripid='3670'>+2 more
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,755
• Special Deal (30%): - US$ 527
• Total Price from: US$ 1,228
• Jun 28 Only 8 seats left
• Jul 01 Only 6 seats left

• Ends Split, Croatia

Croatia Sailing Adventure

• Activities Sailing, yachting and motor boating & National parks Sailing, yachting and motor boating , National parks & Chill out 'data-more-tripid='37268'>+1 more
• Accommodation Yacht Cabin
• Transport Private Vehicle, Yacht & Boat
• Age Range 18-40 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,150
• Special Deal (50%): - US$ 1,075
• Total Price from: US$ 1,075
• Jun 22 Only 6 seats left
• Jun 26 Only 10 seats left

Delve Deep: Greek Islands

• Activities Walking tours & Sightseeing Tours Walking tours , Sightseeing Tours & Art and architecture 'data-more-tripid='42286'>+1 more
• Transport Ferry, Private Vehicle & Bus
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,449
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 245
• Total Price from: US$ 2,204
• Jun 22 Only 3 seats left

Essential Turkey (5 & 4 Star Hotels)

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,482
• Special Deal (45%): - US$ 1,117
• Total Price from: US$ 1,365
• Sep 28 10+ seats left
• Oct 05 10+ seats left

Balkans Tour Reviews

• George Willing

Balkans — Tour Highlights and Travel Tips

The term Balkan means “mountains” in Turkish and there is no doubt why as the region is carved with beautiful sprawling mountains. This vast region of eastern Europe encompasses Albania , Yugoslavia, Bulgaria , Romania , Moldova, Turkey and parts of Greece and is a backpacker’s paradise. From wine cellars, to medieval towns, islands and sandy beaches, castles and cobblestone streets, and hundreds of street markets, the Balkans region is full of history and architecture ready to be explored.

Tour Highlights

• Tour through Bulgaria and explore the old-world charm of Sofia  and marvel at the famous gold dome of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
• At the center of the Balkan peninsula in Macedonia is Skopje , an ancient city on the Vardar river that’s crossed by a beautiful stone bridge. You’ll find the memorial house of Mother Teresa, fortresses, monasteries, and vibrant bazaars built during the Ottoman empire. A trip to Macedonia will certainly take you through a culturally and historically rich country. 
• Staying one day in Dubrovnik in the south of Croatia is an experience you’ll never forget. This walled city is full of art, cobblestone streets, and a displays a magnificent beach. You can also travel over to the capital, Zagreb , which is a costal city and a wonderful cultural hub. While it has become more popular to go on a tour to Croatia , the country is still relatively cheap compared with other mediterranean countries such as Spain, France and Italy. 
• Don’t forget to tour through  Bosnia , Albania, Montenegro and Serbia as well in between as each has their own unique style and beauty.

Travel Tips

• Bus and train stations in the Balkan region often has outdated times of departure and prices. If this happens, just ask someone at the station for the time and price of departures. While most of the areas you will travel through, they will speak English, if they don’t speak, just write down the location and time you’re looking to travel on a piece of paper and they will understand and correct it for you.
• In terms of safety, the Balkans is a very safe region as they are no longer at war right now. While there are still some ethnic tensions that remain, you’re not likely to encounter any difficulties. As in all countries, keep a close eye on your belongings and stay towards well maintained/lighted areas.
• When you’re looking to decide what time of year to go, it’s best to travel during spring or fall since the summer time is way too hot and crowded with people. This means from March to June and September to October are the best timeframes.

Upcoming Departures

• Summer 2024/2025
• Winter 2024/2025
• Spring 2025
• August 2024
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• October 2024
• November 2024
• December 2024
• January 2025
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Fully Guided Tours & Trips in Balkans

Find the right fully guided tour for you in Balkans. There are 1733 trips to choose from, that range from one day in length, up to 42 days. The month with the most departures is September, making it the most popular time to visit Balkans.

250+ Fully Guided tour packages in Balkans with 16,642 reviews

Explorer Historical Christmas & New Year +1

All About Balkans (4 Star Hotels)

"Had an absolutely fantastic time on my second Travel Talk tour. Really loved this tour will highly recommend." A., traveled in May 2019

• €150 deposit on some dates

Explorer Family Coach / Bus Historical +1

Balkan Explorer

"Ten countries in sixteen days, organized to the point it was a pleasure to experience." Daryl, traveled in May 2023

• 10% deposit on some dates

In-depth Cultural Family Christmas & New Year +1

Tour from Athens to Dubrovnik or Split: 7 Balkan countries in 14 days

"Extremely interesting and informative. The most famous ancient sites in Greece mixed with lots of cultural activities and a variety of geographical areas." Vicki, traveled in March 2024

In-depth Cultural Family Sightseeing Christmas & New Year +2

Tour from Athens to Belgrade: 7 Balkan countries in 14 days

"Wonderful tour of Balkans! Each day was well planned with interesting sites to explore: old historic centers/ museums/ castles/ churches/ mosques/ markets." David, traveled in August 2023

Balkan Discovery (4 Star Hotels)

"One of the best tours I have been on. Very patient and professional." Regina, traveled in May 2024

Explorer Family

Balkan Experience – seven countries in two weeks - SMALL GROUP

"Visiting Balkans had been a long treasured dream. Victor Tours team members were extremely well informed." Amit, traveled in May 2023

Balkan Dreams end Bulgaria

"Most hotels were very pleasant, with the exception on the one in Greece." M, traveled in December 2022

In-depth Cultural Historical

Balkan Kaleidoscope

"Excellent, Amazing tour from Penguin Travel. I really enjoy the tour." Arnold, traveled in March 2024

Active Family Explorer Historical +1

Balkan Adventure (14 Days)

"Plenty of option excursion choices along with very good included tours with knowledgeable local guides." Shahron, traveled in June 2022

• €100 deposit on some dates

Treasures of the Balkans (Classic, 16 Days)

What people love about fully guided tours in balkans.

I am using Travel Talk Tours for the first time. I am taking three tours back to back. I would like to share my experience with the first tour that just ended, the Balkans tour. The tour was well organized. Each day brought change in scenery and destination with enough time to make our own exploration. The hotel accommodations were great. Special thanks to our tour director, Simon, who was absolutely fabulous, extremely knowledgeable, professional, friendly, and very helpful at all times. Thank you to Sacha, our driver, for all his help with our luggage and keeping us safe. The whole group got along so well. Long lasting memories and friendships were made.

Fast paced, and enjoyable. Ten countries in sixteen days, organized to the point it was a pleasure to experience. Our guide Rogan kept us informed and gave great background information of things we were about to experience. I will relive this adventure many times in my head.

An absolutely amazing tour would highly recommend. There was only 3 at the beginning of the tour then they left after 7 days so I had Ana for the rest of the tour by myself. What an amazing young lady she is. Was a great driver and went out of her way to make sure I never slipped on the pavers as I had not long had a knee replacement. She’s the best, very polite and made sure if we needed a bathroom she would organise The girl at the apartment was great as well she was there to call if needed They stay in touch by WhatsApp if you need anything they are just a message away I am going home to promote Choose Balkins they are an amazing company Thank you for the awesome Tour

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Balkans tours

Whether you dream of gazing at the pristine blue waters of the Adriatic in Slovenia, sipping traditional Turkish tea with locals, or stroll along the cobblestone streets on the island of Naxo, you’ll love our guided tours of the Balkans.

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We offer 200+ immersive, guided tours around the world. Wherever you choose to go, you’ll enjoy lots of advantages that make traveling with us different.

That’s all it takes to secure a spot on one of our group tours when you sign up for AutoPay . Plus, you can pay in interest-free, monthly installments.

While you’re deciding what to take, we’ll be busy arranging your hotels, meals, tickets, and more tour essentials. That’s what going guided is all about .

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What our travelers say about our Balkans tours

Why go on a guided tour of the balkans.

The history Formerly one country known as Yugoslavia, the Balkans dissolved into 11 independent nations in the 1990s. Today, you'll find unique history, culture, and food to experience in every land.

The wine The Balkans are the fifth-largest producer of wine in the world, and this region is well known for bold, interesting reds. Be sure to visit the Zivanovic Wine Cellar in the wine region of Sremski Karlovci in Timisoara, Romania—their honey and wine are indescribably delicious.

The views Lakes, seas, landscapes, and incredible architecture put a tour of the Balkans on the top of many photographers’ to-do lists. Have you ever heard of Lake Ohrid? It’s on the border of Macedonia and Albania, and it has some of the most incredible views in Europe.

Travel tips for Balkan trips

The Balkans make up the easternmost peninsula in Europe and include the countries of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia, Romania, and parts of Greece and Turkey.

Some of the most iconic landmarks you can visit on tours of the Balkans include:

• The People’s Palace in Romania
• Nis Skull Tower in Serbia
• “Dracula’s Castle” in Transylvania
• Mostar’s Old Bridge in Bosnia and Herzegovina
• The Blue Mosque in Istanbul
• Dubrovnik’s fortified walls in Croatia

While peak travel time for the Balkans tends to be in the summer, we believe the best time for Balkans tours is the shoulder seasons—April to June and September to November. During these times, the weather tends to be milder, and you’ll find fewer crowds. Check out 5 reasons to travel in the off-season .

When you choose one of our Balkans tour packages, you’ll go with knowledgeable guides, free time to explore, and all the benefits of traditional group travel, too. Learn more about the Go Ahead Tours difference .

Travel inspiration

Find travel tips, trip planning advice & more from our team of travel experts!

See the latest from our travelers @goaheadtours

9-Day Balkans Tour – The Ultimate Guide (2024)

Are you looking for an unforgettable adventure in one of the world’s most diverse regions?

If you answered YES, a Balkans tour could be right up your alley, allowing you to discover many hidden gems across Eastern Europe.

From historical sites to beautiful coastlines, there are many unique experiences that make this region exceptionally alluring.

I have put together this Balkans itinerary based on my experience on the 9 Day Best of Balkans Tour with Travel Talk Tours .

Read on to learn everything you need to know about booking a Balkans trip!

Table of Contents

OVERVIEW – 9 DAY BALKANS TOUR

Here is an overview of the 9-day Balkans tour with Travel Talk Tours:

• Day 1: Arrival in Sofia
• Day 2: Sofia to Belgrade
• Day 3: Belgrade to Sarajevo
• Day 4: Mostar and Trebinje
• Day 5: Dubrovnik
• Day 6: Kotor and Shkoder
• Day 7: Tirana and Ohrid
• Day 8: Ohrid and Skopje
• Day 9: Skopje and Sofia

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE 9-DAY BALKANS TRIP

Below is a list of what is included in the Balkan itinerary with Travel Talk Tours:

• Accommodation in 4-star hotels
• 8 breakfasts, 5 dinners
• Air-conditioned, modern coach to get around the Balkans
• Where available, complimentary hotel and coach Wi-Fi
• Airport transfer from Sofia Airport on day 1
• Experienced Travel Talk local guides licensed by the Ministry of Tourism

BOOK NOW: 9 DAY BEST OF BALKANS TOUR

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED IN THE 9-DAY BALKAN TRIP ITINERARY?

Below is a list of what is not included on the tour:

• Flight tickets
• Travel insurance
• Optional activities
• Tips and donations
• Entrance fees to the sights and museums
• Other services not stated in the itinerary

9-DAY BALKANS TOUR ITINERARY

So without further ado, let’s dive into this Balkans trip itinerary!

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN SOFIA

The first stop on this Balkan itinerary is Sofia, Bulgaria. As you arrive at the airport, you’ll be taken to the hotel with your Travel Talk guide since airport pick-up is included.

Get ready to settle in and meet your fellow travelers, and at around 7 pm your guide will host a welcome meeting where you’ll receive all the essential information about the tour.

Be sure to listen carefully, as this will set you up for an unforgettable adventure!

After that, around 8:15 pm, join an optional group dinner where you’ll taste some delicious local cuisine and explore the charming streets of Sofia.

I recommend getting a good night’s rest as day 2 is a travel day from Sofia to Belgrade, Serbia.

DAY 2: SOFIA TO BELGRADE

Start your day with a hearty breakfast to fuel yourself for an adventure-packed day in Belgrade, the capital city of Serbia.

You will be staying at the luxurious 4-star Abba Hotel, conveniently located in the heart of the city, with easy access to all the tourist hotspots.

Upon arrival, your tour guide will give you a 1-hour walking tour of the city and after that, you’ll have free time to grab some lunch at a local restaurant and explore the sights.

From the Belgrade Fortress, enjoy the breathtaking view of the Danube and Sava rivers, and experience the bustling main street of Knez Mihailova.

Discover the fascinating stories behind St. Sava Temple, Republic Square, Terazije Square, and much more – that’s right, your guide knows it all!

Be sure to indulge in the local cuisine, visit the traditional Sarma stalls, and sip on the infamous Slivovitz.

As the saying goes, time flies when you’re having fun, but don’t worry, you have the entire afternoon to explore the bustling capital city of Serbia.

DAY 3: BELGRADE TO SARAJEVO

The tour continues on day 3 from Belgrade to Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital city, a place that has been through the ruffest of times.

Discover the scars of war through the bullet and cannon holes that are scattered throughout the city, while also discovering its unique beauty during a walking tour of the old town.

The local cuisine is also not to be missed, especially the mouthwatering lamb dishes.

After fueling up, you’ll have free time to roam around, soaking up the history and beauty of this vibrant city.

For a panoramic view of Sarajevo, head up the hill to the Yellow Fortress, afterward grab a cold beer at the local brewery, or simply walk along the edges of the river that cuts through the city.

The accommodation in Sarajevo is the stylish and comfortable Hotel Ibis Styles where you can get some well-deserved rest before the next leg of this Balkans itinerary.

DAY 4: MOSTAR & TREBINJE

On day 4, you’re in for a treat as you venture to the pearl of Herzegovina – Mostar. I guarantee you’ll be in awe as soon as you arrive.

A walking tour is included with a local guide where you can bask in the beauty and history of the Old Town.

You’ll have free time to explore the iconic Stari Mostar Bridge, go shopping at the markets, and have lunch at one of many local venues in town, each offering breathtaking views of the bridge.

After that, an optional activity you won’t want to miss is the trip to the Kravice Waterfalls.

Dive into the crystal-clear waters and enjoy a relaxing afternoon beneath the falls. It’ll be the cherry on top of a perfect day on the Balkans tour!

Finally, jump back on the coach for a 2-hour drive to Trebinje for an overnight stay at the 4-star Central Park Hotel.

DAY 5: DUBROVNIK

Day 5 on the Balkan itinerary is a full-day trip to Dubrovnik, Croatia’s most popular city, especially for Game of Thrones fans!

The UNESCO Heritage Old Town is surrounded by towering city walls and the striking orange-tiled roofs can be seen from afar.

Start the day with a guided walking tour that will take you on a journey through the town’s rich history.

Afterward, you’ll have the rest of the day to explore on your own. Some highlights include walking atop the mighty walls, getting lost in the narrow streets, and swimming at one of the many stunning beaches along the coast.

I also recommend joining today’s optional activity which is a boat trip to Kolocep Island where you can enjoy free drinks on the boat, lunch at a seaside restaurant, and a swim at the beach to cool off.

This day trip to Dubrovnik was personally the highlight of the Balkans trip, and the day ends back at the hotel in Trebinje for the night.

DAY 6: KOTOR & SHKODER

On day 6, the Balkan trip itinerary continues to Kotor and Shkoder from Trebinje. Try your best to score a window seat on the coach because this route boasts picturesque views.

Once you arrive, prepare to be taken aback by the beauty of Kotor, a fortified town in Montenegro.

Your expert local guide will take you on a walking tour of the old town, where you’ll get to admire the charming medieval citadel and characteristic architecture.

And of course, you’ll have a few hours of free time and I recommend taking the hiking trail to the Lady of Remedy Church for a panoramic view of Kotor.

After that, it’s time to venture to Shkoder, Albania where you’ll experience the true authenticity of Albanian culture.

And while Albania has an infamous reputation, it’s a stunning country part of this Balkans trip.

Spend the afternoon exploring the city center where you’ll see stunning landmarks like the Ebu Bekr Mosque, as well as a selection of great restaurants for a hearty dinner.

After a jam-packed day, get a good night’s rest at the Grand Hotel Europa.

DAY 7: TIRANA & OHRID

The next destination on this Balkans trip itinerary is Tirana, Albania’s capital city, which is home to a vibrant art scene and boasts impressive architecture.

Enjoy a walking tour of the city which will give you a glimpse of its wonders, from the stunning Skanderbeg Square to the famous Et’hem Bey Mosque.

Afterward, the tour continues to Ohrid in North Macedonia, and after a breezy check-in at Hotel Aqualina, you’ll have to opportunity to take a refreshing dip in the lake.

On this night is the optional Balkan dinner and performance where you can experience authentic Macedonian culture and cuisine.

There’s simply no better way to enjoy the 7th day of this Balkans itinerary!

DAY 8: OHRID & SKOPJE

Before leaving this wonderful lakeside city, a guided tour is included for you to discover its UNESCO-protected lake , the Monastery of Saint Naum, the medieval fortress, and more!

Of course, you’ll have free time to take a stroll along the lake and through the charming Old Bazaar, where traditional crafts and cuisine blend seamlessly with modern-day shops and cafes.

Then it’s time to head off to Skopje, the bustling and modern capital of North Macedonia.

Once checked into the hotel, you’ll have free time to explore and grab dinner in the nearby neighborhood, or simply take some rest and save your energy for a city tour the following day.

DAY 9: SKOPJE & SOFIA

On day 9, the last day of this Balkans itinerary, enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel before exploring the mesmerizing city of Skopje with a local guide.

Have your camera ready to take photos of this stunning city including the legendary statue of Alexander the Great, the Macedonian Arc de Triumph, Macedonia Square, and more!

After this exhilarating tour, enjoy some free time to check out other landmarks and bustling streets filled with bars and cafes.

You’ll then leave for Sofia in the afternoon where the Balkans tour will come to a close.

BALKANS ITINERARY – FAQ

Now that we’ve covered everything you must know about the Balkan itinerary with Travel Talk Tours, here are some frequently asked questions from first-time visitors.

WHERE ARE THE BALKANS?

The Balkans, also known as the Balkan Peninsula, is a geographic region in southeastern Europe.

It’s bounded by the Adriatic Sea to the west, the Mediterranean Sea (including the Ionian and Aegean seas) and the Marmara Sea to the south, and the Black Sea to the east.

Its northern boundary is often given as the Danube, Sava, and Kupa Rivers.

The region includes many countries, which are Serbia, North Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Romania, Croatia, Greece, and Slovenia.

Parts of Turkey and Italy are also located within the geographical region of the Balkans.

HOW TO GET TO THE BALKANS?

The Balkans is easily accessible from many parts of Europe.

The best way to get to the Balkans is to fly to Sofia, Bulgaria. Sofia International Airport (SOF) is well-connected with major cities worldwide.

Airlines such as Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, and Turkish Airlines, among others, operate regular flights to Sofia.

Once you’ve landed in Sofia, I highly recommend taking a guided tour with a reputable company like Travel Talk Tours.

They offer various tours that explore different parts of the Balkans, providing deep insights into the region’s history, culture, and natural wonders.

COST OF A BALKANS TOUR?

If you’re considering a tour of the Balkans, it’s essential to budget accordingly.

On average, for an organized tour with a company like Travel Talk, you can expect to pay around $1050 per person.

This typically includes accommodation, transportation between destinations, local tour guides, and some meals.

For optional tours, activities, additional meals, and souvenirs, it’s wise to budget an extra $50 per person per day.

This allows you to enjoy local experiences, taste regional cuisine, and bring home some souvenirs.

BEST TIME TO VISIT THE BALKANS?

The optimal time to visit the Balkans depends on your personal preferences and planned activities.

Generally, the most pleasant times are during spring (March to May) and fall (September to October) when the weather is typically mild and the landscapes are at their most vibrant.

Summers (June to August) can be hot and crowded but are perfect for beachgoers. Winters are cold, especially in mountainous areas, but they’re great for winter sports.

DO I NEED DIFFERENT CURRENCIES & SIM CARDS?

In the diverse Balkans region, different countries use different currencies and sim cards.

For instance, Montenegro, Kosovo, Croatia, and Greece use the Euro, while nations like Bulgaria and Albania have their own currencies.

Therefore, it’s wise to have some local currency on hand for each country you visit.

To stay connected, consider purchasing prepaid SIM cards from local telecom providers in each country.

When traveling in multiple countries, like on this Balkans tour, I recommend getting an e-sim card, so you won’t need to buy a local sim in each country.

That said, remember that WiFi is always available at hotels on tour with Travel Talk!

Forget plastic SIM Cards… Get an eSIM!

Say hello to eSIM – a virtual SIM card pre-loaded with mobile data so you can get online and stay connected around the world.

OneSimCard is the best eSIM for travel, with low-cost data packages available in 150+ countries.

Simply buy online, install it on your smartphone, and you’re good to go!

DO I NEED A VISA FOR THE BALKANS?

Visa requirements for the Balkans vary depending on your nationality and the countries you plan to visit.

Most Western tourists, including those from the EU, UK, USA, Canada, and Australia, can enter many Balkan countries without a visa for stays up to 90 days.

These countries include Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia, Albania, and Bulgaria.

However, some countries like Kosovo might have specific entry requirements.

For other nationalities, a visa may be required. It’s always recommended to check online for each country you plan to visit for the most up-to-date visa information.

WHAT TO PACK FOR THE BALKANS?

When visiting the Balkans, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:

Must-Have Travel Essentials

Hidden money wallet.

Keep your cash and other valuables safe with this anti-theft hidden money wallet!

Reusable Water Bottle

The GRAYL GeoPress is the best reusable bottle that allows you to purify water from anywhere!

Travel Backpack

The Nomatic Travel Backpack has 20+ innovative features, perfect for everyday use!

Quick-Dry Travel Towel

The most compact, lightweight, and quick-dry towel for traveling!

Portable PowerBank

Keep your phone, laptop, and accessories charged while you’re on the go with the Anker PowerBank!

SUMMARY – BALKANS ITINERARY

I hope you enjoyed reading this article and if you have any questions about this Balkans tour, please leave me a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.

TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!

Search and book accommodation worldwide.

Compare and book cheap flights to anywhere.

Find tickets, tours, and experiences around the world.

Book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance.

Search all rental cars in your next destination.

Need travel insurance for your next trip?

THANKS FOR READING

Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!

Please know this post may contain affiliate links. When making a purchase through one of my links, I earn a small kickback at no extra cost to you and it’s a big help to keep the site up and running. Rest assured, I only promote products and services that I personally use and recommend.

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3 Perfect Balkans Itinerary Options: 10 Days, 1 Month, and More [+PDF]

Traveling and backpacking in the Balkans is an extraordinary experience that offers the best of Europe on a backpacker budget. This Balkans itinerary will deliver the best of Europe. Delicious, Italian and Turkish-inspired food and drink. World-class beaches and Rivieras. Towering alps and the southernmost fjords in Europe. The Balkans backpacking experience offers so much to love in such a small area and at a great price that it should be top of every traveler’s list.

Read on to discover the best of the Balkans, the essentials for a perfect experience wandering the Balkans, including the best route and itinerary for 10 days, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, and 4 or more weeks.

My experience exploring Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Bosnia, Serbia, and more was one of the highlights of my European backpacking experience. Amazing food, plenty of great drink (wine and Rakja), never-ending parties, captaining a boat, extraordinary nature of towering mountains in bays, fantastic beaches, plenty of friends and friendly locals, and more. In this Balkans itinerary, I’ll share the must-see sights and experiences and how to make them happen to help you craft the perfect Balkans backpacking experience for you.

CONTENTS OF THIS PERFECT BALKANS ITINERARY

• Quick Balkans Itinerary for 10 Days to 14 Days
• The Full Balkans Travel Itinerary (3+ Weeks)
• Why The Balkans
• Balkans Tour Options to Consider
• Slovenia : Fairy tale like nature, lakes, and forests
• Croatia : Castles, Game of Thrones, wine, Italian inspired cuisine, an exquisite coastline
• Bosnia and Herzegovina : History, Ottoman influenced culture and cuisine
• Serbia : Never ending parties on the riverfront, fusion foods, rakija culture
• Montenegro : Norwegian styled fjords in warm, welcoming waters
• Albania : The Albanian Riviera’s amazing beaches and the Albanian alps
• Bulgaria : Artsy neighborhoods, nature, and gourmet locavore food culture for cheap

The Additional Balkans Destinations

• Kosovo (Optional)
• Macedonia (Optional)

Logistics of Traveling the Balkans

• Balkans Travel Budget & Tips
• Visas and Crossing Borders in the Balkans
• Travel Insurance: Do You Need It In The Balkans?
• When To Visit The Balkans
• Tips for Staying In The Balkans On A Budget
• Balkans Packing List Essentials
• How To Get Around The Balkans
• Balkans Travel FAQ

BALKANS ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS: THE TOP 10 THINGS TO EXPERIENCE IN THE BALKANS

• Montenegro: The southernmost fjords in Europe and beautiful waterways
• Albania: Undiscovered escapes, beautiful rivieras that rival the Greek isles, Albanian Alps
• Croatia: Medieval architectural beauty and a “Balkans meets Venetian Italy” vibe
• The Albanian Riviera
• The Albanian Alps
• The fjords of Montenegro
• The castles of Croatia
• National Parks throughout
• World-class beaches in Albanian, Croatia, and Montenegro
• Scandinavian style fjords and towering mountains in Montenegro
• Rich food and amazing wine influenced by the Italians, the Ottomans, and Eastern Europe
• Medieval castles and city centers along the entire Balkans backpacking route

WHAT TO SEE AND DO WHILE YOU’RE IN THE BALKANS

KEY BALKAN ITINERARIES

THE TWO PERFECT BALKANS ITINERARY OPTIONS FOR YOUR TRIP: 10 DAYS AND MORE

The Balkans is such an impressive destination for backpackers and travelers because it offers so much for every type of traveler – and it just so happens to be budget-friendly too. Any one of the core Balkan countries could easily be a multi-week destination.

To balance maximum experience with enjoyment, we’ve created 2 separate itineraries.

The first option is the Balkans itinerary for 10 days , which focuses on the highlight destinations and experiences of the Balkans that no one can miss and skips the countries with redundant views or experiences.

The second is the full Balkans itinerary for 2-3 weeks or more , the itinerary achieves the same (maximum enjoyment and unique experiences), but at a slower, more enjoyable pace and more sites in each country added to ensure constant enjoyment. This itinerary includes everything you need to see in the Balkans if time is no issue and you’re one of the lucky backpackers on the long trail. If you’re backpacking in the Balkans, this full Balkans itinerary is the option you need.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A FREE PDF OF THIS GUIDE!!

BALKANS ITINERARY (10 DAYS)

Balkans travel is something that every traveler should experience, but not all travelers have the full month necessary to backpack and slow travel the Balkans. This Balkans itinerary for 10 days packs the best sites, tastes, and experiences of the region into a smooth, 10-day jaunt.

With this 10 day Balkans itinerary, every single day will be mind-blowing and enjoyable and leave you wanting to return to the Balkans very soon.

If you are pressed for time, this 10-day itinerary delivers the best of the Balkans – beaches, food, Roman ruins and architecture, and more. However, if you have more time to spare, I highly recommend spending a month or more moving slowly through the Balkans and staying a little longer anywhere that catches your interests.

Read on to discover the places I recommend for a full Balkans itinerary of a few weeks or more.

THE FULL BALKANS TRAVEL ITINERARY (2 TO 6 WEEKS)

The Balkans has just as much richness, beauty, and culture as much more popular and crowded Western Europe, without the crowds and at a far cheaper price tag – fjords, mountains, and national parks as good as any in Scandinavia, wine that rivals Italy and France, rich hearty food that is unmatched, ruins that rival Rome, beaches that are on par with the islands of Greece, Spain, and France, and nightlife that puts Barcelona and Majorca to shame.

If you have a month or more to spare, I highly recommend backpacking the Balkans with this full Balkans travel itinerary.

This itinerary traces a trail through the Balkans, traversable by bus with manageable stops along the way every few hours, giving you a “best of the Balkans” tour, doable on a budget easily by bus.

For those travelers with more time for wandering and backpacking the Balkans, this itinerary shares every place you need to visit and see.

HOW TO USE THESE ITINERARIES

Both of the itineraries above, the Balkans 10-day itinerary and the itinerary, are perfect. Which itinerary you choose obviously depends on how much time you have to travel. For the longer itinerary, you should choose or eliminate destinations based on your own travel style – backpacker, budget traveler, outdoorsy, or party hungry.

If you only have ~10 days, stick to our 10-day itinerary, and you’ll hit the highlights of the regions and the best thing that each country has to offer.

If you’re traveling for 2+ weeks or backpacking, use the full itinerary omitting Kosovo, Macedonia, and Macedonia if you need to save time. Otherwise, hop the bus and enjoy each destination on our list.

If you find a city or country that you particularly enjoy, you should absolutely stay longer in that city or country.

Stay longer in countries where you love the sights, food, people, and lifestyle. As you travel, if you find a country/culture you love, stay longer and add more cities from that country to your itinerary (I recommend a few for each country).

The experience will change drastically once you leave each country as each Balkan country is very unique, so soak it up while you’re there – food, drink, people, architecture, and nature.

Plus , you can always go back and explore other destinations, so live in the moment as much as possible when you travel.

WHY I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE BALKANS

If you’re looking for some of the most diverse (in culture, religion, language) and untouched parts of Europe, Balkans is a great place to go. The Balkans region has seen it all: from Macedonia’s Roman ruins and stunning mountain ranges in Kosovo to Croatia’s stunning shades of blue lagoons and epic beaches. What attracted me and my experience backpacking the Balkans

• European experience on a Southeast Asia travel budget
• Plenty of “ vacation nature ” and natural beauty – fjords, rivieras, waterfalls, and alps – within a short ride
• The best beaches in Europe for extremely cheap
• “Old World” and medieval cities and architecture bring Game of Thrones to life with castles and walled city centers.
• The varied and rich food : everything from Italian-inspired Istrian, hearty Slavic, and Ottoman/Middle Eastern -inspired Bosnian.
• The drink: Croatian, especially Istrian, wines are underrated, and world-class thanks to Italian influence, and the Rakija (local firewater) is interesting, complex and varied across the Balkans
• Compact and accessible traveling : most of the adventures are hours away from each other by an easily booked and cheap bus or train
• Easy visa situation: whereas the rest of Europe in the Schengen zone only allows 90 days per six months in all of the European Union, each Balkan state offers easily renewable and free visas from 30 days to 6 months
• Less crowded than the rest of Europe with all of the experience
• Plenty of history intact with cities built by Roman emperors , recent wars, and recently opened borders (Albania)

The Balkan region – Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Slovenia, Serbia, and Bosnia & Herzegovina – offers amazing food, hearty and rich, that will satisfy any taste buds and wine as good as anywhere else in Europe. If you are looking for a “European vibe” but want an experience that’s cheaper, less crowded, and less touristy than the typical destinations, then the Balkans is a perfect place to visit.

The Balkans will give you an unforgettable experience – just make sure to pack your swimsuit, hiking shoes!

BEST BALKANS TOUR OPTIONS

If you’re not in the mood for indie travel, or if you’re pressed for time and want to see all of the Balkans in two weeks but want to skip the logistics planning, I highly recommend attending one of these reputable Balkans tours.

THE FULL BALKANS ITINERARY

Click to Jump to The itineraries

| SLOVENIA | | CROATIA | | MONTENEGRO | | BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA | | SERBIA | | ALBANIA | | BULGARIA |

———-

THE ADDITIONAL BALKAN TRAVEL ITINERARY DESTINATIONS

| MACEDONIA | | KOSOVO |

Quaint European towns and Insta-worthy lakes, forests, and caves

For nature lovers and sober travelers, Slovenia is a picturesque and green destination that may be worth adding to your itinerary.

Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital and Europe’s greenest city, is a charming and quintessentially European city – walkable with cobblestone streets and a Riverwalk with plenty of coffee shops to enjoy the cool weather and peacefully picturesque views.

One hour away from the capital Slovenia’s biggest tourist destinations – Bled and Lake Bled – are nestled in the Julian Alps and deliver tons of Insta-worthy views. Hike up to Bled castle, boat to a church on an island, visit the charming village of Ribcev Laz on the shore of Lake Bled and take a cable car ride to the top of Mount Vogel for a panorama view.

End this leg of the trip by visiting the most toured cave in Europe (Postojna cave) and seeing the castle built into it (Predjama Castle) on your way to Croatia.

If you want to jump right into sunny beaches and lively nightlife, I suggest going straight to Croatia.

TIME NEEDED:

3 Days (1 Day in Ljubljana, 1 Day in Bled, 1 Day visiting Postojna Cave And Predjama Castle)

ESSENTIAL FOOD & DRINK

• Kremna rezina
• Kranjska klobasa
• Bograč
• Idrijski žlikrofi
• Pogača
• Štruklji
• Prekmurska gibanica

SLOVENIA VISA

Slovenia is part of the Schengen zone, so the Schengen visa applies – 90 days in a 180 day period, shared with all of the Schengen zone / EU countries

BUDGET/PRICES: ~$50 per day

• Hostel Dorm: $25/night
• Budget Hotel: $45/night
• Food: $15/day
• Transportation: $10 to $15 per day average, to visit attractions
• Attractions: ~$25

MOVING ON: From Ljublana, or anywhere else in Slovenia, if you are on a shorter itinerary (2 weeks or less), hop a bus (~8 hours) or a train (~10 hours + $38) to Split, Croatia, from Ljublana . If you are on a longer itinerary, hop a 5-hour bus or train (~$15) to Pula, Croatia and enjoy Istria .

GETTING THERE: As Slovenia is the start of many travelers’ and backpackers’ trails in the Balkans, the cheapest option is to fly into Bupadest, Hungary, enjoy the beauty of Budapest for a few days and then travel from Budapest, Hungary, to Ljublana, Slovenia by 7-hour train (~$30) or 7-hour bus (~$30) .

SLOVENIA ITINERARY

Slovenia has some amazing natural beauty that is world-class and that travelers rave about – but so do Montenegro, Croatia, and Albania, without being as far from the central Balkans backpacking route. Additionally, Slovenia offers very little outside of nature – while the rest of the Balkans offer rich food, drink, entertainment, and history.

Though Slovenia is remarkably beautiful, if you’re short on time traveling the Balkans, I recommend skipping Slovenia and starting your tour further south, closer to the action.

The Ljubljana city center was planned like an old baroque town, with cobbled streets and a Roman-style canal, catering to a day of walking and a leisurely lifestyle. This is a city that has been preserved in its original form, with buildings from all periods represented, all the while still moving forward. In 2014, Ljublana was awarded the Greenest City in Europe for its dedication to and advancements in sustainability, proving that Ljublana’s soul matched its surrounding beauty of turquoise lakes and sprawling forests.

Ljubljana also has a rich literary and artistic tradition, possibly cultivated by its welcoming cafes, with writers such as Nobel Prize winner Ivo Andric and poets like France Preseren make it their home for much of the 19th century. These literary giants influenced not just Ljublana but also much of the Balkans region as well through their work and by inspiring other writers.

WHAT TO DO IN LJUBLJANA

• Preseren Square and Tromostovje Triple Bridge
• Ljubljana Old Town, walking its two main streets
• Visit the Ljubljana Castle by funicular or hike
• Dragon Bridge
• Walk the riverfront
• Visit Congress Square
• Tivoli Park
• Museum of Illusions

TIME NEEDED: 1 Day

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS LJUBLANA:

WHERE TO STAY IN LJUBLANA

The hostel or hotel standards in Slovenia are great, so just choose one that fits your style. However, be choosy about the location to maximize your experience – either the Old Town or the Modern City Center are where you should look for accommodation. H20 Hostel comes highly recommended.

LAKE BLED / BLED

Bled, Slovenia, is a charming little town tucked up in the Julian Alps with the farily tale like Lake Bled situated right beside it. For those backpackers and travelers that love calm, pristine outdoor beauty and just the experience of strolling through a new place, Bled (just like the rest of Slovenia) will capture your heart.

Visitors can enjoy a stroll through the historic and beautiful city center, eating traditional Slovenian cuisine at one of many cafes or restaurants, or just picnic on flat rocks that jut out into the lake. Bled’s historic core is the winding castle on the hill on one side of the lake and the church on top of the hill on the other side of the lake. There are also many tours to take to explore the tiny, hidden, and less well-known, but still equally if not more stunning, parts of Slovenia that are offered by many different tour operators.

On the other side of the lake, on an island in the middle of the Krasna zalza (beautiful grove), stands a small, beautifully constructed church. It is said to be one of the most photographed churches in all of North-Eastern Europe.

Bled Castle was built in the 13th century by the Habsburgs as a summer residence. It has medieval turrets, and its view can be seen from throughout Slovenia. The castle is richly furnished and houses many treasurers; one that should not be missed is called “Prince Luitpold’s Treasure.” The treasure becomes more interesting because it contains some of Napoleon’s personal effects, including a memento made for the French emperor by a craftsman from Bled.

• Postojna Cave and Predma Castle inside
• Visit the town of Piran – full of Venetian architecture and coastline the rivals Italy and Croatia + Tartans Square, Saint Georges Church, and amazing seafood.

WHAT TO DO IN BLED, SLOVENIA

• Boat to the Church of the Mother of God on Lake Bled
• Hike to Bled castle
• Cable car to the top of Mount Vogel

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS AND CAFES

Sun-soaked beaches, Game of Thrones-style walled cities, and Venetian influence culture

Croatia’s Dalmatian coast is filled with countless amazing beaches and medieval-style cities worthy of Game of Thrones. The Croatian islands are party havens in the summertime that give you the must-experience opportunity to rent and captain your own boat for about ~$50 per day.

Between wanderings in Croatia, the rich food inspired by Italy just across the Adriatic Sea, and the great wine a rakija culture will keep you entertained. You could easily spend an entire trip in Croatia alone.

Croatia’s capital city, Zagreb, is a contemporary wonder. Its pedestrian-friendly streets lined with galleries and interesting shops hold fantastic treasures to be discovered at every turn. Foodies delight in the wide array of restaurants where one can sample everything from the old regional delicacies (try ćevapčići Slavinski) to original Southeast Asian fusion combos.

Endless nightlife options throughout Croatia offer partying high atop skyscrapers, in underground subterranean nightclubs nicknamed ‘catacombs,’ to islands that exist solely for nightlife and run until sunrise when they morph into normal beaches.

From its regal castle in Dubrovnik on the coast to modern marvels like The House of Croatian Parliament (Sabor) by architect Vjenceslav Richter, Croatia is filled with cultural riches that dance along pristine, unspoiled coastlines.

The Balkans are not only about wild mountains and alpine vistas – but they’re also home to some of Europe’s most spectacular coastline – the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia. The Dalmatian Coast, with its countless islands (think Hvar or Vis), packs in everything from laid-back fishing villages to cosmopolitan beach resorts. And did we mention the water? Well, it’s just turquoise, but it’s warm, clear, and everything you hope for in a riviera paradise.

No matter what kind of traveler you are, Croatia has something for you.

CROATIA ITINERARY

CROATIA TRAVEL INFO

HIGHLIGHTS OF CROATIA

• Cheap truffles
• Great wine in Istria inspired by the Italian style, and heavier, “Balkan style pasta.”
• Castles and medieval cities
• Rocky beaches with warm, clear water
• Never-ending nightlife

ESSENTIAL FOOD & DRINK ACROSS CROATIA

• Istrian cuisine
• Raznijci (meat skewers),
• Zagrebacki odrezak (veal stuffed with ham and cheese)
• Janjetina (lamb and herbs)
• Istrian wine
• Raznijci (meat skewers)

GETTING AROUND CROATIA:

Throughout Croatia, your travel mode of choice will be either by bus or rideshare. https://www.buscroatia.com/ is your best option for researching bus routes, and Rome2Rio.com is your second best option for researching routes, times, and prices. In both cases, book your ticket at the bus terminal as listed times can change and there are usually more routes and times listed than on these sites.

MOVING ON FROM CROATIA

From Croatia, I highly recommend going into Montenegro then Albania if you are on a shorter trip (less than two weeks). If you are traveling for longer (more than two weeks), travel by bus into Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mostar, then Sarajevo), up to Belgrade, Serbia, then back to Croatia, and continue south into Montenegro and Albania.

Leaving Croatia, you are perfectly situated in the Balkans to go anywhere – Slovenia, Bosnia, Montenegro, or a little further to Albania. If you travel to one of the adjacent, nearby countries (Bosnia, Montenegro, or Albania), traveling by bus is your best option, and you can research routes on Rome2Rio and book accordingly. Be sure to read the country sections in this guide to find out visa guidelines for each country.

For travel to Slovenia (Ljublana) and Serbia, a flight (~$90) is your best bet, as the bus to Ljubljana is 14 hours and the bus to Belgrade is 8 hours.

VISA: No visa is required for tourist visits less than 90 days – Croatia is not part of the Schengen zone

BUDGET/PRICES:

• €10-15 for a dorm bed in a hostel, ~25 per night for a private hostel room or budget hotel room

PULA, CROATIA

Pula is a low-key highlight of Croatia. Whereas the rest of Croatia boasts Game of thrones vibes and never-ending nightlife, Pula has a uniquely Istrian feel, heart food that combines Italian influence with Croatian traditions, fantastic wine (in the Italian tradition), low key beaches, and plenty of ruins.

Pula has been occupied by exactly 22 countries, and each has left its mark, although now the area feels very much like forgotten Italian countryside as the city was part of Italy up until 1942. Many of the residents do still speak Italian.

The colosseum that sits in the middle of town, a remnant of the Roman Empire’s occupation, is one of many ruins and archeological sites to explore. Last, there is a vast, still unmapped underground tunnel network beneath the city.

HIGHLIGHTS OF PULA, CROATIA

• Roman ruins and restored Roman empire era structures
• Rocky Beaches and cliff diving
• Food: Cheap truffles, great wine in Istria inspired by the Italian style, and heavier, “Balkan style pasta”
• Malvasia – The local white wine – normally the house wine

WHAT TO DO AND SITES TO SEE IN AND AROUND PULA

• See the Roman Coliseum (The Amphitheater), walking distance from downtown Pula.
• Pula – Built in the 1600s by the Venetians, designed by a French architect
• Roman Temple in Town
• The Triumph Arch
• Pula Daily Market from 7am to 3pm
• Archeological Museum of Istria
• Hop a bus and take the Nr1 line to Stone for 11 Kuna (1.5€) or take an Uber for 5€. Take the bus from the bus station is in front of Corso Kavana & Tapas Bar / Your Private Kingdom Cocktails.
• Go to the café in the campground behind the bus station in Stoja for decent Calamari (60 Kuna) and cocktails.
• Rt Kamenjak – rent a bike in the city at the last bus stop in the city of Premantura. Pick a bike shop at any place in that city.

WHERE TO EAT IN PULA

• Jupiter: Delicious, hearty, Istrian cuisine at an amazing price. Great wine selection too. The Local Wine (Malvasia), Istarski odrezak, and gnocci were the highlights
• Vodnjanka: Great seafood
• Parabuto: Call for reservations as it books up quickly each night
• Tappo: Next to the coliseum. Great for wine and tapas
• Hook & Cook: “Sea to table” restaurant
• Kod Kadre: Meat Restaurant. LOTS of meat

BEST CAFÉ’S IN PULA Have coffee in the main square, in view of a Roman Temple and Ruins. These were my favorite café’s

• Cjvajner Café
• Bistro Nonno
• Caffe Djana

GOING OUT AND NIGHTLIFE IN PULA If you’re planning to party, then you may want to skip Pula. This mellow town is wonderful, filled with great food and wine and plenty of rocky beaches, but the nightlife is scant compared to the rest of Croatia. However, if you plan to go out, these places are your best bet:

For the local scene, go out Thursdays. Start with drinking in the park until about 1 and then move to Uljanik, the local club that specializes in Electronica and Croatian Rock.

For more excitement, go out on the weekends. Pietras Julias – Pizzeria by day, club by night. The music can be a toss-up, depending on the DJ, but this is still the place to go during the weekend.

BARS AND NIGHTLIFE IN PULA

• The Shipyard
• Old City Pub
• Click (the James Joyce Bar)
• Enoteca Istriana – A bar near the Amphitheater that showcases regional wines
• Tapos – next to the amphitheater. Stylish and creative Tapas bar with a very cool/chill vibe

Drinking Tip: Check if the house wine is local; if it is, go for it. It’s usually delicious and always cheap.

PULA WALKING TOUR PATH

• Amphitheater
• Hercules Gate
• Arch of the Surgai (for a family that ruled for 1600 years, the family that won the battle that arose after the death of Julius Ceasar).
• Roman Mosaik – hidden underground House. Punishment of Darci
• Forum (City Center)
• Temple of Augustus
• Front wall from the Middle Ages
• Back Wall from The Temple of Dianna (Goddess of Hunting)
• Sidewall – 1970’s

WHERE TO SLEEP IN PULA

• Crazy House Hostel
• Antique hostel

OTHER TIPS ON PULA

• Summer is the best time to visit, and the most popular restaurants generally close between October and May.

SPLIT, CROATIA

Travelers should visit Split, Croatia, to explore Roman ruins, beautiful beaches, and amazing architecture.

Split is the second-largest city in Croatia, the main port on the Adriatic Sea coast of Dalmatia. The entire town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its most famous landmark is Diocletian’s Palace, a centuries-old historical site that was once one of the most important sites in the Roman Empire. Interesting fact – Roman Emperor Diocletian was the only Roman emperor to leave his station peacefully and avoid being murdered after. He did this by dividing the Roman Empire into fourths appointing a ruler over each so that they may quarrel with each other and leave him in peace. While Diocletian was executing this plan, he built the walled fortress of the palace in Split to retire peacefully and live out the remaining years of his life – as he did – and defend it if necessary. You will see when you arrive that this “palace” is the size of a small town and remained just as peaceful.

A guided tour will take you through its awe-inspiring corridors to some of the highlights, like its vast peristyle with an intricate mosaic floor and golden four-headed animal symbol of old imperial power.

Besides exploring this incredible palace, there are a number of other must-see sights in the area, like the ancient Titus’ Arch on its main promenade and Marjan Hill—a popular park that offers great views of the town.

Moderate to low-budget travelers can still enjoy Split by simply strolling along the seafront promenade where you will see all different kinds of cafes and shops, as well as many outdoor activities including volleyball, table tennis, star gazing or just hanging out on one of many sandy beaches. For those more interested in historical sites or some nightlife and partying, there are plenty of clubs where nightly events featuring both local DJs and international acts. The city’s Old Town is also jam-packed with restaurants offering some great Dalmatian cuisine; however, it can be for the more expensive side.

After soaking up the history and views of Split, hop a boat to the island Hvar to purely soak up the sun, party through the night, and captain your own boat…literally.

WHAT TO DO IN SPLIT, CROATIA

• Visit Diocletian’s Palace
• Enjoy a great, local lunch or dinner on the oceanfront boardwalk – aim for the north end for better prices.
• Specifically, eat at Konoba Matejuska or Hvar Harbor Restaurant
• Explore the city on foot and see all the sights of Split or with a free walking tour
• Visit Paskval Street in the old town for local jewelry and souvenirs.
• Visit the nearby Paklenica National Park for a little fun in nature (2 hours away)
• Take a boat to one of many Croatia islands like Korcula, Mljet and Vis for a day trip, or overnight to Hvar or Brac.
• Firstly, hop a ferry (1 hour, ~$8) to Hvar island to the sun and sip in a place that exists solely for pleasure. Hvar is a Croatian highlight not to be missed. After Hvar, continue by ferry (3.5 hrs, ~$30) from Hvar to Dubrovnik , or return back to Split and travel from Split to Dubrovnik by bus (~4 hours, ~$25)

HVAR, CROATIA

Hvar is a beautiful island in the Croatian Adriatic with amazing architecture, beaches, outdoor activities, and calm urban centers.

Hvar is a Croatian island located in the Adriatic Sea with some of Croatia’s most incredible scenery.

Hvar is also famous for its wines, handcrafted jewelry made out of volcanic stone & silver sea urchins. Tourists can visit different wineries to sample local wines by the glass. The island is very well known for its jewelry, made from the rare Lapis lazuli stone found in nearby mines all over the Balkans, which was highly prized by ancient societies as well as today’s fashion designers.

The vibrant nightlife scene is not necessarily as chaotic as other party islands, but it has its moments – especially if you make your way to the legendary “Carpe Diem.” There are plenty of bars and cafes that have live music every night of the week, and there is also an annual cultural event called “Cherry Night” held every July, during which Hvar celebrates the first sour cherries harvest every year. Local restaurants offer up amazing Mediterranean dishes that will make any foodie happy, including fresh fish and traditional Croatian cuisine like a filet of beef served with a delicious truffle sauce.

WHAT TO DO IN HVAR

• Visit the day bars, Hula Hula Hvar (bar) and Majerovica
• By night visit the never-ending party island of Carpe Diem
• Visit the beaches to the east and west of the main harbor. Beaches in the east rent kayaks for cheaper
• Rent a boat and motor you and your crew around the islands surrounding Hvar

WHERE TO STAY IN HVAR

• Villa Skansi
• The White Rabbit Hostel (Party centric)

MOVING ON FROM HVAR

After Hvar, continue by ferry (3.5 hrs, ~$30) from Hvar to Dubrovnik , or return back to Split and travel from Split to Dubrovnik by bus (~4 hours, ~$25)

DUBROVNIK CROATIA

Known as the Pearl of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik offers more sights and activities than any other city in Croatia. The “Game of Thrones” esque old town is a prime destination for anyone looking to explore some Croatian history and culture and enjoy some amazing views from up high. The city was nearly destroyed during the 1992 war. Since then, Dubrovnik was rebuilt impeccably, maintaining a look that conjures feelings of a “Slavic Venice” considering Dubrovnik (and much of Croatia) were once ruled by the Venetian Empire.

Along with walking along the old city’s high walls and exploring fortifications (complete with cannons), there are also plenty of beautifully secluded beaches not too far away by car or public transportation from Dubrovnik. Just minutes outside of Dubrovnik, you can take it easy lounging on a beach that feels worlds away from busy Old Town. There are smaller gems like Ston where you can see some beautiful medieval architecture, go diving off its limestone rocks nicknamed “The Rocks,” and peaceful Lokrum island, littered with tons of peacocks.

Top your Dubrovnik experience with a sunset towering over the city after a cable car ride up Mount Sryoy, and you cap an epic experience before moving on to even better Balkans destinations.

WHAT TO DO IN DUBROVNIK

• Walk Stradun street, the main street in the Old Town, flanked by Venetian style buildings and Game of Thrones backdrops, ending at the clock tower
• Walk the Old Town city walls
• Old Town sites to see: Rector’s Palace,
• Hop a boat to Lokrum Island for the view, the experience, and peacocks
• Cable car ride up to 412 meters tall Mount Srdj for a birds-eye view of Dubrovnik
• Do a Game of Thrones walking Tour
• Enjoy the beaches that flank the city

TIME NEEDED: 1 to 2 days

ISLANDS NEAR DUBROVNIK TO CONSIDER

• Korcula: Beautiful Venetian architecture and the childhood home of Marco Polo, Princeton Beach, and winemaking
• Elite archipelago of 14 small islands: orchards and fruit groves, white sands beaches, more beautiful architecture and each island has a character all its own

COOL NOTES ON DUBROVNIK:

• The Old Town was a set for Star Wars as well as Game of Thrones

GETTING AROUND DUBROVNIK: On foot is your best and easiest bet as the best parts of Dubrovnik are walkable

WHERE TO STAY: The Old Quarter is a highlight and a great place to stay but pricey. Budget travelers should aim for the surrounding neighborhoods of Pile, Ploce, and Lapad. I highly recommend Hostel Angelina , and there are plenty of options on Airbnb

After you’ve finished exploring Dubrovnik, you’ve likely reached the end of your adventures in Croatia if you are taking the “from north to south” route through the Balkans. If you are in the Balkans for less than two weeks, hop a bus from Dubrovnik to Kotor, Montenegro (~3.5 hours, $8), for insanely beautiful fjords, towering green mountains, and warm, deep blue waters.

If you are on the extended tour through the Balkans, hop a bus on to Mostar, Bosnia, to begin the tour through Bosnia & Herzegovina and Serbia.

BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

Ottoman food, culture, and heritage in the Balkans, with dense European history

Bosnia and Herzegovina deliver a unique experience in the Balkans thanks to heavy Ottoman influence in their culture, food, religion, and architecture, and due to the Bosnian history of war – from the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo, which started World War I, to the Bosnian War in the mid-1990s.

Bosnia used to be a small, medieval kingdom (and existed before Sarajevo); however, in the late 15th century, the Ottomans conquered the Bosnian kingdom, destroying much of the original history and leaving behind much of the culture and architecture we observe today.

Beyond the history-laden walking tours, Sarajevo delivers a rich experience of “Little Vienna meets Little Istanbul.”

Whereas other Balkan destinations deliver pure sunshine and pleasure, Bosnia and Herzegovina deliver culturally enriching and educational experiences in a way any travel will appreciate.

INTERESTING BOSNIAN FACTS: WHY THE BOSNIAN COASTLINE IS ONLY 17 KM LONG

Bosnia &Herzegovina have only 17km of coast: During the period of the Ottoman and Venetian empires, the Venetians controlled present-day northern Croatia. The Ottomans controlled Bosnia (without a coast at the time). Croatia (south of Bosnia) was the Dubrovnik republic. The Dubrovnik republic agreed to give the Ottomans the 17km of coastline to aid trade via access to the oceans, under the conditions that they would fight the Venetians if they ever attempted to invade. This is why present-day Bosnia has this coastline

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA ITINERARY

BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA TRAVEL INFO

• Mostar: Cliff diving and a small-town feel
• Sarajevo: Vienna meets Istanbul, intense history (Balkan wars, WW2), unique foods,

ESSENTIAL FOOD & DRINK OF BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

• Dolma: Served many ways, but stuffed in onion and stuffed in peppers are the most common ways.
• Bey’s Soup or Begova Corba – slow-cooked chicken or beef and vegetables make a thick, slightly creamy, but extremely (simply) delicious soup.
• Klepe: Bosnian meat dumplings served with a creamy yogurt-like cream infused with garlic
• Cevapi: Simple, grilled rounds of minced meat served with a traditional bread somewhat like pita. Simple, yet filling. Good for an uneventful but tasty lunch
• Burek: A savory pastry filled with cheeses, meats, spinach, and the like (comes from Turkey and was brought to the Balkans by the Ottomans). Try it for a quick breakfast.
• Baklava: A layered pastry of flaky bread covered in honey and sugary sweet sauce. Common in many Middle Eastern countries and Greece. Absolutely delicious! Similar to everywhere else in the Balkans and the Middle East, it’s no less enjoyable here. Perfect with a cup of coffee

VISA: Most nationalities can stay for 90 days free without a visa but need to have at least 6 months validity on their passport on arrival

BUDGET/PRICES: $45/ Day for hosteling backpackers and ~$75 for budget travelers staying in budget hotels

CONNECTIVITY: HT Eronet SIM cards for 3G coverage

MOSTAR, BOSNIA  

The famous Old Bridge, built-in 1566 over the Neretva River, is one of Mostar’s most recognizable features. It was destroyed in 1993 when Croat forces bombed it in order to create a dividing line across the Balkans. Reconstruction began in 2002 and ended ten years later; today, it is again one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s top tourist attractions.

But there isn’t just cultural significance here–this city also has plenty of natural beauty: nearby peaks can reach 3,000 meters high (10,000 feet). Take a hike through Medjugorje (30 minutes away) or its surrounding hillsides for some epic views that are rarely seen by anyone but locals–as well as perhaps sightings of wild animals like deer.

Also, check out Kravice waterfalls – some of the tallest in the Balkans at 80 feet tall – between Split, Croatia and Mostar, 45 minutes away from Mostar. There is a swimming pool at the foot of these falls, and you can take a walk along a path that goes behind them to see where it all comes from. Many day hikers picnic along the shores and enjoy the paradise.

If you need one more destination around Mostar and in Bosnia, consider experiencing some local cuisine on Pliva Lake’s shore, featuring plenty of fresh fish and other delicacies, but expect a 2+ hour drive to get there.

The Balkans are known for their hospitable locals–and this is no different in Mostar! Take the time to talk with some of the friendly people who help run shops and cafes. You’ll be able to get a taste of local life that you wouldn’t otherwise see as a tourist.

HIGHLIGHTS OF MOSTAR BOSNIA

• The Stari-Mos Bridge: The iconic bridge, the “stari most” (meaning “old bridge”), has existed since the 1400s. The bridge was used to connect the commerce and residential neighborhood sides of the river. Now, you can jump from the Stari Most after getting certified by the local coaches – or jump from the lower platform. During my time in Mostar, Red Bull was running a cliff diving competition from the Stari Most Bridge.
• Terrace café by Day and Ali Baba disco by night
• Central mosque
• Top of Franciscan Church
• Heavy Ottoman influence
• Fantastic rich food with strong Turkish notes
• Do the free Mostar walking tour

AROUND MOSTAR

• Kravca Waterfalls
• Roman Ruins
• Pocitjeli: A medieval fortress and walls surrounding a town that dates back to 1444. 30 minutes from Mostar.

TIME NEEDED: 1 Day for Mostar, an additional ½ day today for each day trip out of town

WHERE TO EAT

• Restaurant Sadrvan – a plethora of local, Bosnian cuisine at great prices despite the touristy location and feel. Perfectly situated next to the UNESCO heritage bridge ” Stari Mos.”

GETTING TO MOSTAR

• From Dubrovnik or Split, go to Mostar, then Sarajevo, then depart to Serbia (east) or Montenegro (South)
• Traveling by bus, booking on the GobyBus site is your bet

The capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the most varied and historically significant cities in Europe. The heritage of the rule of the Ottoman empire remains clear in the cuisine, architecture, and half of the city’s downtown. Museums host the memories of the Yugoslav wars, a product of the splitting of Yugoslavia, as well as the assassination of Franz Ferdinand by student revolutionaries that kicked off World War 2.

The highlight of the Sarajevo is absolutely standing at the border of east meets west in the downtown border between little Vienna and little Istanbul.

HIGHLIGHTS OF WHAT TO DO IN SARAJEVO

• Monday night party at the “unofficial bar.”
• Walking tour (hopefully with Neno)
• A museum (there are so many)
• Crimes against Humanity Museum (I had no idea of the atrocities, genocide, and torture that took place in Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Sarajevo Tunnel
• Latin Bridge – site of the assassination of Franz Ferdinand and the start of WW2
• Walk the Main Street
• “The cultural meeting point” is the line between mini Istanbul and mini Vienna

BEST RESTAURANTS IN SARAJEVO AND WHAT TO EAT:

• Dalmatinska.
• Amazing Burgers
• Walnut Rakija Aperitif
• Stuff peppers and Zucchini
• Gastro Pub Vucko
• Sarajevo eating tip: Stick to the Old Town for cheap, authentic, and delicious food

GETTING AROUND

• Unofficial shuttles 8, 12, 5 for 25 Euros or 50 Marks

WHERE TO SLEEP

• Hostel Kucha
• Doctors Hostel – comfy private beds, clean facilities, and a relaxed yet welcoming atmosphere
• 6:00AM bus to Belgrade from the east bus station

A proud country with a very Eastern European feel, robust history, and intense nightlife.

Serbia is a Balkan country that, through the countless empires and booms of tourists, has been able to hold on to its history and culture more than its neighbors. At times Croatia feels consumed by summering Europeans and GoT tours, and other cities can feel more Ottoman than Balkan at times. Serbia, on the other hand, feels 100% Slavic and 100% Serbian in a unique way for the Balkans. Serbia offers travelers a chance to experience the Balkans untouched, so it is nearly impossible not to have an amazing time during a trip there.

A uniquely Serbian experience awaits in Belgrade and beyond – from Rakia bars to floating nightlife to college-style warehouse parties, then waking the next day to absorb and discuss culture; Serbia will surprise you with its variety and uniqueness.

Serbia, formerly part of Yugoslavia, has a long tradition of hospitality and welcoming people epitomized by the Balkan proverb: “Whoever visits Serbia in wintertime knows what hospitality is.”

If you’re looking to get away from the tourist traps that can sometimes make traveling feel less personal, Serbia is one of the best places to go.

SERBIA ITINERARY

SERBIA TRAVEL INFO

• Insane Nightlife
• Deep History
• Experiencing a Slavic country that remains very true to its culture, unbent by tourism and other invaders

TIME NEEDED: 2 Days

• Ćevapi
• Karađorđeva šnicla
• Punjena Paprika
• Čvarci

VISA: Serbia is not part of the Schengen zone and offers a free 90-day visa for most visitors

• Hostel: $12/night
• Budget breakfast: $1
• Diner or Café Meal: $5
• Coffee: $1.50
• Beer: $1.50
• Inter-city Train: $4.50
• $60 for budget travelers staying in budget hotels

CONNECTIVITY: SIM Card from VIP, Telenor, or MTS for best 3G connectivity

BELGRADE, SERBIA

Belgrade has a rich history, ranging from Roman times to the Ottoman occupation and Serbian Christianization when Serbs converted to Orthodox Christianity in order to counter moves by Catholic clergymen coming from Rome. It was later captured by Turks in 1459, conquered briefly by Habsburgs in 1688, taken by Austrians in 1717–39 during the Great Turkish War, when it was known as “Belgrad” (Turkish: “Novo Brdo”), and liberated by the Serbian army in 1876 during the Serbian–Ottoman War of 1876–78.

Belgrade was also the capital of several Yugoslav states until the dissolution of the former Yugoslavia in 1992. Belgrade is still the capital and largest city of Serbia. It is the only major Serbian city with a population above one million.

• Do the free Belgrade walking tour, hosted by Hostel Hedonism
• Visit the Belgrade Fortress and hang out at the Park in front of it
• Visit old town (Zaman)
• Visit Sajmiste (remnants of a concentration camp)
• Walk Belgrade’s “Stari Grad” (Old Town), seeing the main walking
• The main pedestrian walk of Kneza Mihaila and plenty of places to eat, drink, and people watch
• Visit Republic Square, at the end of Kneza Mihaila
• The Belgrade Fortress, which has never been overtaken
• Kalemegdan Park surrounding the fortress, which includes the military museum and a zoo
• Walkthrough Skadarjila, Belgrade’s most stylish and bohemian neighborhood
• Enjoy the never-ending nightlife at the riverfront bars and clubs
• Visit Zeleni Vanac farmers market
• Visit the Nikola Tesla Museum
• Visit the neighbors of Zemun and Novi Beograd for a taste of what local life is like outside of the city center.
• Noteworthy landmarks to see: National Assembly, Church of St Mark, Church of St Sava
• Belgrade is the largest city in the Balkans
• The Belgrade fortress has never been captured by a rival

TIME NEEDED: 1-2 Days

ESSENTIAL FOOD, DRINK, AND WHERE TO EAT

• Fabrika (Restaurant)
• Leila Records (Radio-Televizija Beograd) – A café, bar, and record located a 10 minutes walk from the tourist strip but authentically (hipster) Serbian.
• Go to new Belgrade or Zamun for food
• Cafeteria (coffee bar in tourist center)
• Fabrika Restaurant

BARS AND NIGHTLIFE

• Go to Passenger Café (have a Kas beer) next to Hedonism Hostel
• Rakia Bar – The name says it all!
• Splavoli (floating clubs built into houseboats on the Rivershore)
• Drugstore (Warehouse District – Bus 16), Old factory clubs complex

GETTING AROUND: Most of the parts of Belgrade you’ll want to see are situated in the downtown and historic areas, so you’ll be able to explore the entire city on foot

• Bongo Hostel
• Hostel Hedonism
• Take the train (11 hours) or fly back to Podgorica, Montenegro and continue on the Balkans backpacking route.

Novi Sad is the second-largest city in Serbia. It’s known for its significant role at the end of World War I, when it was occupied by Serbian troops and became an important anti-Bolshevik base. This great deed earned it a reputation as a Christian bastion that turned out to be undefendable against merciless Ottoman forces.

The dynamic atmosphere attracts many visitors and workers from abroad, who come to experience this Mediterranean Balkans feel during their Balkans tours. Novi Sad is also famous for its thriving art scene as well as the annual jazz festival attracting celebrities and musicians from around the world every October.

As one of the youngest European capitals, Novi Sad’s restaurants, bars, galleries and concert halls all reflect its cultural diversity, which in turn gives the city an alluring nightlife that is often described as unique.

Novi Sad’s strategic position on the Danube River makes it a natural hub for inland waterway transport, and there are good road connections to all major cities around the Balkans.

• Smaller version of Belgrade
• Student city
• Lively nightlife
• EXIT festival in July – biggest music fest in the Balkans

WHAT TO DO IN NOVI SAD

• Visit the Petrovaradin Fortress
• Walk Dunavska pedestrian street
• Enjoy peace and quiet in green Danube park
• Visit the Museum of Vojvodina which documents 8,000 years of history in the region
• Enjoy the architecture: Name of Mary Church, Novi Sad Synagogue, Vladičanski Dvor (the Bishop’s Palace), St. George’s Cathedral
• Enjoy Strand, the sandy beach on the shore of the Danube
• Visit the Matica Srpska Gallery housing 7,000+ pieces of Serbian art from 1500 to present
• Visit Fruška Gora 30 minutes from town, a National Park of vineyards, pastures, and woodlands that was the shores of an island in the Pannonian Sea 90 million years ago
• Drive 35 minutes away to the vineyard laden small town of Sremski Karlovci

TIME NEEDED: 1 day

MONTENEGRO (HIGHLIGHT OF THE BALKANS)

The southernmost fjords in Europe tower above pristine, beautiful waterways and castles

Montenegro is a small yet intensely beautiful country dominated by the southernmost fjords in Europe, waterways, and towering mountains with centuries-old, medieval-style cities dotting in between. Montenegro’s views and stories feel unreal, whether walking a cobblestone road in the afternoon, taking a cheap boat tour through the waterways with the captain narrating the hidden history, or hiking to a monastery.

For many travelers, Montenegro is the highlight of their Balkan itinerary.

You’ll find the popular sites, Kotor and Budva, frequented by cruise ships and locals (Croatians and Serbians). Montenegro delivers all of the enjoyment of Croatia at about 1/3 the price.

MONTENEGRO ITINERARY

MONTENEGRO TRAVEL INFO

TIME NEEDED: 2 to 3 days for the essentials

• Moussaka (in general)
• Musaka od Ketola

GETTING TO MONTENEGRO

• International travelers coming from outside the Balkans will need to fly into Dubrovnik and then bus to their destination in Montenegro.
• No matter where you come to Montenegro from (within the Balkans), traveling by bus is your best bet.
• From Dubrovnik to Kotor, take a 3-hour bus ($10) .
• From Albania, bus from Skoder (3 hours) or Tirana (6 hours).
• From Mostar, Bosnia, or Sarajevo, taking the bus will be your best option.
• From Belgrade, take the train from Belgrade to Podgorica, and hop a bus from Podgorica to your next destination in Montenegro

VISA: Montenegro is not part of the Schengen zone, and a free 90-day visa is offered on arrival

CONNECTIVITY: Telenor SIM Card best for 3G access countrywide

• Hostel: $12/day
• Transportation: $7 between cities, most cities are walkable and need no transport
• Tours: $35 for Kotor Bay and Lady of the Rocks Tour
• $75/night for budget travelers option for hotels

KOTOR, MONTENEGRO

Kotor is one of the most picturesque cities in Montenegro and a popular destination to visit for people all over the Balkans and beyond!. It’s located on a dramatic bay where the Adriatic crashes into towering limestone walls, forming cliffs and caves. Kotor is home to UNESCO World Heritage Site Old Town, which begins at the foot of Stari Grad (Old Town) and ends at Lovrjenac Rock in the center of the bay, and is considered one of the most beautiful places along the Adriatic Coast. Nearby seaside villages include Tivat, Budva, and Sveti Stefan. With its beautiful beaches, magnificent fortresses and interesting history, Kotor is perfect for travelers of all ages.

Roman Emperor Augustus spent time in Kotor in the 3rd century BC and praised it as a “city defended by strong walls” back then.

If you are planning a Balkans itinerary, be sure to put Kotor on your list. The beauty of this coastal town, as well as its historical significance, will not disappoint.

HIGHLIGHTS (BLURB)

• Kotor Bay Boat Tour
• Visit Our Lady of the Rock Church (UNESCO Site)
• The Kotor Bay Boat tour (€35) is a must-do. 3 hours on a boat spent cruising the crystal clear, blue waters up to the border with Croatia, visiting some interesting sites in between (includes lady of the rock church, underwater tunnel)
• Beaches abound around Kotor , walking distance with water so warm and calm. I went for midnight, moonlit swims every night in Kotor.
• Two fishermen found a picture of the Virgin Mary on a rock in the middle of the water. It was gone the next day but reappeared a week later. The locals decided to build a church on the rock but needed to build an island first. For 100 years, sailors in the bay would drop small rocks from their boats each time they went out, and the town sank enemy ships over the rocks to build the island. Today, the church and the island are UNESCO world heritage sites.
• Old Town and the Castle: The old town is an ancient, walled complex and castle that crawls up the steep mountain behind the city. This complex houses most of the nightlife in Kotor and caters to partiers and backpacker life.

TIME NEEDED: 1 to 2 days for the essentials

GETTING THERE: The destinations in Montenegro are close together, so, anywhere in Montenegro you go, travel by bus. Rome2Rio will be your best tool for planning bus travel, but be smart and book at the train station beforehand.

GETTING AROUND: Kotor is a small and beautiful town that is tightly packed and very walkable. Plan on just walking to get anywhere you’d like to go.

WHERE TO SLEEP IN KOTOR

• Hostel 4 U Montenegro : A hostel on the beach and an anomaly. When I stayed, they had 2000+ reviews and a rating of 9.9 out of 10. On arrival, you won’t check-in. Instead, you’ll be handed a shot of homemade Rakia.
• Old Town Hostel
• Use www.getbybus.com to find your bus out

LOGISTICS VISA: Montenegro is not part of the Schengen zone, and a free 90-day visa is offered on arrival

BUDGET/PRICES: (1 NIGHT ACCOMMODATION, 1 MEAL, 1 BEER)

NOTES : Next to the old town is Kotor’s only shopping complex with a grocery store and anything else you’ll need

BUDVA, MONTENEGRO

Budva is a coastal town with great nightlife and vibrant atmosphere, long sandy beaches, beautiful residences, hotels and hostels. Its off-season city is charming as well – not too big yet numerous things to see and do. The city’s old town centers around its signature pedestrian street, which is the center of activity for visitors, lined with shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes. The Old Town is bordered by the site of a 14th-century Franciscan monastery on one side and a 17th-century Orthodox church on another. A walk through this picturesque area also gives a breathtaking view of mountainside villages and the shores leading up to the Adriatic Sea.

• Soak up the sun on the Budva Riviera
• Walk the Budva Old Town
• Visit the Cathedral of Saint Stephen
• Sail the bay and view Kotor fjord

GETTING AROUND: Just like Kotor, Budva is tightly packed and walkable, so plan out using your feet to get around for the best experience

Undiscovered and packed with experience: the Albanian Alps and the Albanian Riviera are Balkan highlights

Albania is one of the highlights of the Balkans – “young,” undiscovered, and filled with some of the best beaches (the same coastline as you’ll find on the Greek Riviera) and Alpine views in all of Europe, at a travel price that is easily the lowest in the Balkans and Europe.

Albania opened up to the west and abandoned communism much later than its neighbors, leaving Albania with a very young and “new” and somewhat adventurous feel as a country. Though traveling through Albania can be slightly more difficult than its neighbors, the natural beauty you get in return makes Albania a highlight of the region thanks to two things – the Albanian Riviera and the Albanian Alps. As you travel through this country, you will experience the highs of travel and the calamity of “adventure travel.” Some parts will feel like the Greek isles and riviera or Alps of other countries, while other places will feel as chaotic as urban India – in all situations, though, the experience is exquisite and worth the trip.

The Albanian Riviera is the coastline shared with Croatia (to the north), but more interestingly, it is shared with Greece to the south. This is the same immaculate beaches and coastline that would cost 5x as much to travel in Greece, but (in Albania) you experience it with a more authentic, less touristy feel, and without the crowds.

The Albanian Alps are tucked just across the Albania-Montenegro border, near the Albanian towns of Theti, the Valbona River Valley and deliver sights as amazing as the Swiss Alps and Dolomites, surrounded by charming rural towns, yet just a few hours drive from warm beaches. All of this is still under traveled, undiscovered, and perfect for budget travels.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT ALBANIA

• Albania was the first atheist country in the world in 1967
• The clock tower in Tirana has been rebuilt several times because, at the start of wars, it was usually the first thing destroyed, and after wars, it was usually the first thing rebuilt
• Albania has over 170,000 bunkers strewn throughout the country
• Albania is the international name based on the first tribe that was found here.

ALBANIA ITINERARY

Consider Albania route –> Tirana –> Shkoder –> Albanian Alps –> Albanian Riviera (Vlore, Sarande, Himare) –> Berat –> Gjirokaster –> Tirana to do the adventurously strenuous experiences (trekking) first, and end the trip on the beachy riviera

Or reverse the route if you would prefer to get adventurous first and then end on the beach.

HIGHLIGHTS ALBANIA

• Tirana (capital) and learning of the country’s history
• The Albanian Riviera and exquisite beaches for insanely cheap
• Sarandë (Best coastal destination)
• Rough camping on the beaches of Albania
• Shkodër
• Berat and Berat National park (UNESCO heritage site)

ESSENTIAL FOOD & DRINK IN ALBANIA

• Byrek: Savory pastry
• The Mediterranean Staples: Olives, cheeses, fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, baklava, byrek
• Stuffed Peppers
• Fried Eggplant

WHEN TO VISIT: Shoulder seasons of April to June and September to October are best, with great temperatures and thin crowds. July and August are great, too but expect heavier crowds.

GETTING THERE: From within the Balkans, international busses connect to Tirana from Montenegro, Kosova, Greece, and Macedonia. From outside of those countries, expect to fly in. Momondo is your best bet for finding cheap flights.

GETTING AROUND: Albania is small and easy to get around. You can travel from north to south in a single day, all via public transport (no need to rent a car). Fulgoni and busses are your best options for travel.

Fulgoni are shuttle buses or minivans that run between cities in Albania. They’re accessible and cheap but often only leave when full. To find them, it is best to ask your hostel or hotel where to find the appropriate one for your next destination.

Long-distance busses are another great option, more reliable, easier to book, and my preferred option.

If you are pressed for time and don’t want to waste time sorting transport, consider a tour from G Adventures or Intrepid Travel.

MOVING ON: From Albania, take a cheap flight into Bulgaria (Sofia and Bansko) for great food adventures, a Bohemian café scene, low-key yet engaging nightlife, and some great day hikes.

VISA: 90 days free with no visa required for citizens of EU countries and 59 other countries, including the US, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom ( Source )

ALBANIAN BACKPACKING BUDGET/PRICES: Albania is the cheapest country to travel in the Balkans

• $35 per day total
• Hostel: $11/night
• Good meal: $5
• Transport: $75 to $100 for bussing the entire loop of Tirana to the Riviera to the Alps

WIFI AND CONNECTIVITY:

• Vodafone SIM for 3G is best, also Eagle Mobile, Telekom
• Larger, chain cafes will have wifi, don’t expect strong wifi in small cafes

RECOMMENDED TOURS: (G Adventures, Intrepid, Contiki)

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Albania is adventurous enough that I recommend travel insurance, and Safetywing and World Nomads both suffice

Tirana is the Albanian capital and full of history in Tirana, dating back to about 3000 BC. Tirana was once the crown jewel of the Balkans and was considered Europe’s newest and most modern city. But the Balkans lost a lot of its charm following World War 1 which destroyed major portions of the Balkans, including Tirana and many other cities in Albania.

After the war, a communist government was established, and Albania became a communist state, isolating itself from not but the west, but even China, the Soviet Union, and neighboring Yugoslavian countries.

In 1992, Albanians voted to end communism and instead embrace democracy. Since then, Albanian has been gradually reopening and recovering from decades of isolation.

Tirana is the perfect place to learn about, experience, and absorb this history from walk tours, wherein guides share the history that they lived through, museums, and daily life that has eery remnants of a time passed.

• The City Square: Has a plant from every region of Albania and has 100+ small fountains, so the square stays cool in summer.
• The National Museum located next to the square
• A Free Walking Tour for a firsthand account of Albania’s history
• Block Ware (former place of the elite – now a place to go out)
• Sky Bar – a bar that rotates completely every hour, giving a 360-degree view of the city
• The Bunker Museum
• Visit the Bunk’Art 2 museum: A nuclear bunker turned Albanian dictatorship history museum.
• Take a free walking tour to discover the history
• Visit the National Museum
• Visit Skanderberg Square
• View Et’hem Bej Mosque in the Square
• Cable car up to Dajti Mountain for sunset after bussing to Daytime National Park for a panoramic view of Tirana
• Visit Tiranas New Bazar for food and people watching.

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS IN TIRANA

• Oda Restaurant
• Sofra Beratase Restaurant
• Head to Himare, on the Albanian Riviera
• By bus from the south bus station (1000 Leke) at 5:45, 6:15, 1:00pm, 6:00pm
• From center to bus station ~700 Leke

RECOMMENDED TOURS

• Any free walking tour
• The Bunk’Art Tour

The gateway to the Albanian Alps and an ancient city that was home to Illyrian tribes that ruled Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Later, this city was ruled by the Serbs, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans, and the remnants of these cultures still remain today.

A prep town before heading into Theth and the Albanian Alps. One of the oldest cities in the Balkans.

When not prepping gear and planning transport for the Theth to Valbona hike, walk the city streets to absorb the vibe. The main street (G’juhadol), the shopping street (Kole Idromeno) are great places to walk through.

• Hike up to Rozafa Castle
• Prep for the Theth to Valbona hike (food and equipment are best gathered here)

TIME NEEDED: 1 Night

SHKODER LOGISTICS NOTES

• Plan on going to the SPAR Market in town to stock up on everything you’ll need for the hike
• Bring enough cash for your time in the Alps because there is no ATM in Shkodra.
• Transport to Theth will be best arranged through your hostel or hotel, including transport back from Valbona.

THE ALBANIAN ALPS

The Albanian Alps is a high-altitude mountain range in southern Albania, with the highest peak, Mount Korab towering at 2,764m above sea level. The range spans 100km from north to south and rivals the beauty of the alpine regions elsewhere in Europe, making for the same amazing outdoor experience at a fraction of the price and with a fraction of the crowds.

You already know Albania is already a country that has maintained its beauty with charming rural villages untouched natural landscapes. A relatively small Balkans country, to begin with, having an area of only 28,750 km2, the Albanian Alps continue to be an unexplored gem tucked in the northeast corner of Albania. The Albanian Alps stand as a national park immaculate and pristine trekking and hiking by summer and international ski resorts to explore by winter. Throughout your wanderings here, you’ll find scenic views of snowy peaks surrounded by green pine forests as backdrops to crystal blue watering holes and waterfalls. Tourists choosing to hike and make the most of their time in the region here, around Theth and Valbona, can choose from different levels of difficulty in treks, from easy to difficult, making the adventures here suitable for everyone.

The Albanian Alps offer many activities beyond just hiking, such as sightseeing, kayaking, horse trekking, and skiing. This destination is a perfect escape where you will get to travel throughout the Balkans but have the feeling that you are far away from civilization.

An Alpine Mountain town with hiking as its main draw, and that’s plenty.

• The Theth to Valbona hike through the Albanian Alps (7 hours)
• Hike the trail to Danielle (5 hours)
• Hike to the Blue Eye (7 hours) + Grunas Waterfall on the route

TIME NEEDED: 3 Days

The destination city of an amazing, 7-hour one-way hike from Theta to Valbona. You will complete the hike with a walk through the town with a beautiful view on both sides, ending with dinner at your guesthouse.

Be sure to go out after sunset and take in the night sky. Then rest up and prepare to go back to Shkodra the following day.

• Arrange transport back to Shkodra through your guesthouse for the following day.
• The travel back will require a furgon from Valbona to Fierce, a ferry across Loman Lake to Koman, and another Furlong from Koman to Shkodra.

A central town on the Albanian Riviera surrounded by beautiful beaches and a great base for comfortably exploring as many as your trip allows.

• Gjipe Beach (accessible by kayak)
• Jala Beach (accessible by kayak from Himara)
• Filikuri Beach (accessible by rented kayak)
• Rent a kayak and explore the coastline by day, visit the beaches and coves that dot the shoreline.

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS & ESSENTIAL FOOD & DRINK

• Sunset Restorat Bar (more for sunset than the food)

UNESCO World Heritage site and city of 1000 windows and home to Ottoman era homes and fortresses on the route to the Albanian beaches

• Berat Castle
• Holy Trinity church, and Byzantine church from the 13th century
• Walk the Mangalem Quarter (home to Muslims) and Gorica Quarter (home to Christians)
• Make the hour-long hike up the hill behind the Gorica quarter for sunset
• Walk Bulevardi Republika just after sunset to experience “xhiro hours” when friends and family come out to walk and socialize
• Two buses daily run from Berat to Gjirokaster from the Berat Bus Terminal, one at 8 am and the second at 2 pm for ~200 LEK. The ride will be ~3 hours.

GJIROKASTER

A UNESCO world heritage site known as the “Stone City of a Thousand Steps.” One of the Balkans’ oldest cities, Gjirokaster, is worth a visit for its architecture, ancient ruins, and abundant Ottoman-era houses.

WHAT TO DO AND SEE IN GJIROKASTER

• Gjirokaster Castle, a beautiful Ottoman-era fortress sitting atop a hill
• Gjirokaster Museum
• Explore the hundreds of bunkers in Gjirokaster
• Gjirokaster Old Bazar
• Do the Free Walking Tour hosted by Stone City Hostel if staying there
• Hike to the Ottoman era Ali Pasha Bridge

WHERE TO STAY

• Stone Coty Hostel

Calm, quiet, and potent for foodies and lovers of pub culture

Quaint, calm, and charming in a peaceful way, Bulgaria is a wonderfully relaxed destination in the Balkans that is less about natural beauty, architecture, and nightlife than its neighbors and more about food and absorbing culture by osmosis. Additionally, you will constantly be surprised by the history, culture, and cuisine of Bulgaria that you’d never even heard of. At night, the restaurants and nightlife make Sofia and Bansko places that a nomad could hang their hat.

Food in Sofia, Bulgaria is surprisingly amazing ; a strong locavore food scene encourages restaurants to commonly experiment with the foods of the region in a gourmet way. The yogurt you commonly eat started here. My favorite meal in Bulgaria was local wild boar that fed on a particular berry in the forest, served with greens and salad foraged from the same forest, paired with a wine made from the same plucked berry from that forest, and finished with ice cream made from the same berry – and this was a standard meal for my entire time in Sofia for cheaper than an average meal in a western European country.

Bulgaria’s history can be explored with day trips (to Plovdiv) and walking tours wherein you’ll discover ruins and remnants from the Ottoman Empire’s former footprint, as well as how the Bulgarians protested the deportation of Bulgaria’s Jews to concentration camps and came up with a scheme to save the Jews in Bulgaria.

Bulgaria’s pub and local bar is an adventure on its own. Whereas Croatia’s nightlife rivals Barcelona’s, Bulgaria’s dark pubs seem reminiscent of Game of Thrones pubs. As contrasted and low-key as the vibe is, the locals are welcoming, and a few beers on the town in Sofia can be a great time.

All in all, Bulgaria is a less exciting destination, but calmly pleasing in many ways and a great way to end a trip through the Balkans.

BULGARIA ITINERARY

• Shopska Salad
• Tarator Soup
• Shkembe Chorba
• Chushka Biurek (Stuffed Peppers)
• Madradjisko (Egg & Cheese in Clay Pot)
• Palačinka (Bulgarian Pancakes)

BULGARIAN VISA: You can travel in Bulgaria for up to 90 days every 180 days. Visits to Bulgaria do not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit in the Schengen area.

CONNECTIVITY and SIM Cards: Telenor, Vivacom, A1 Bulgaria

• Accommodation: $11/night
• Transportation: $10 between cities, $17 to taxi across the entire city
• Attractions: $10
• Accommodation: $25/night
• Food: $25/day
• Attractions: $10  

Sofia, the capital and largest city of Bulgaria, is a fascinating blend of European and Slavic styles with architecture that encompasses many different periods. The Balkans itinerary would be incomplete without at least a short stopover in Sofia.

This city may seem dull on the surface, but it is actually cultured, entertaining, and has a heavy hipster influence beneath the surface.

A strong gourmet and locavore food scene at insanely low prices (as expected in the Balkans), a great pub and dive bar scene, tons of kitsch coffee shops, and more add up to a destination that doesn’t quite blow your mind but is a perfectly enjoyable and relaxing stopover for backpackers, digital nomads, and anyone who can appreciate artsy and “low key.”

WHAT TO DO IN SOFIA

• Food Tour with Balkan Bites
• Free walking tour with Sofia free tours
• Go on a graffiti tour or simply wander the town and admire the street art
• 10 pm pub crawl every night from Hostel Mostel
• Consider day use of the spa and sauna at Central Hotel Sofia if you’ve been running too hard.
• Wander and explore the countless cafes as there’s a strong bohemian scene in this city
• Hike up Vitosha Mountain, just outside the city
• Visit “ The Red Flat ” for a peek into what life was like under communism
• Do the Seven Rila Lakes Hike, glacial likes high in the surrounding mountains
• Day trip outside the city to the colorful Rila Monastery
• Landmarks and architecture to see: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

TIME NEEDED : 1 day for Sofia proper, 2 days including hikes

GETTING THERE:

• Fly in as Sofia is one of Europe’s most affordable cities to fly into. I paid $32 for my flight in and $1.50 to get from the airport to my hostel.

WHERE TO STAY:

• Hostel Mostel: At $11, I got a dorm bed, made tons of friends, and all-you-can-eat breakfast and free dinner. The crowd here was the best part.
• Consider heading to Turkey as a train ticket to Istanbul is only $29.
• Balkan Bites Walking Tour
• Sofia Free Walking Tour
• Free Sofia Graffiti Tour (or just wander on your own)

Bansko is best known as a budget-friendly ski location and mountain town for digital nomads. If you’re traveling to Bulgaria in the winter, stop off for some snowboarding and skiing. Outside of winter, your trip to Bansko will be filled with hikes and day trips to nearby cities.

If you’re on the long trail, backpacking for months, Bansko is worth stopping at for some outdoorsy relaxation. If your schedule is tight, skip this destination and allocate more time for other Balkan cities.

WHAT TO DO IN BANSKO

• Ski-in the wintertime
• Hike to Vihren Peak
• Rila Monastery Day Trip
• Pirin National Park Day Trip

TIME NEEDED: 1 Day + 1 day for each of your chosen hikes/day trips

RESTAURANTS

• Hadjidragana Tavern
• Skaptoburger
• Salted Cafe

ALTERNATE DESTINATION: THE BULGARIAN BLACK COAST

City 1: Varna – The Marine Capital of Bulgaria (1 Day)

• The Retro Museum
• The Stone Forest
• Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin
• The Butterfly House

City2: Sunny Beach – A sunny vacation spot filled with nightlife (1 Day)

• Erma Turkish Bath
• Church of Saint Sophia

THE ADDITIONAL BALKANS DESTINATIONS

Kosovo (optional).

Honestly, many other countries in the Balkans have more to offer, but the act of visiting this formerly war-torn country will help you open your mind and shed stereotypes that will enhance your travels down the road. Though Kosovo lacks the sights to see that its neighbors do, Kosovo is very safe to travel to, and visiting can open your mind.

If you are traveling the region for less than three weeks, skip Kosovo and save the travel days for another highlight destination (Albania, Montenegro, or Croatia).

If you are backpacking in the Balkans and have plenty of time, stop through Pristina, Kosovo and walk the town, and be sure to read the history of Kosovo to truly appreciate how far this country has come.

KOSOVO ITINERARY

WHAT TO DO IN PRISTINA

• Take the cathedral elevator up for a good vantage point of the new city
• Check out the statue of Bill Clinton
• Walking tour – 11 AM daily from the steps of the National (Library)?
• Walk down the main drag (??name and Mother Theresa road) in the evening to see normal life.
• National Museum

VISA: For most nationalities, no visa is necessary for up to 90 days

MACEDONIA (OPTIONAL)

With all of the other amazing sights to see in the Balkans, it is difficult to justify detouring to Macedonia instead of spending extra days in one of the country’s neighbors.

Skopje’s Bazar, reminiscent of Turkey, is topped by Little Istanbul (and Little Vienna) in Sarajevo, Bosnia. The countless statues in Skopje’s downtown are interesting but more reminiscent of Las Vegas than a Balkan backpacking adventure and are one-upped by the old walled cities in Croatia and Montenegro.

At the same time, Lake Ohrid’s, and Ohrid’s, beauty are topped by that of Kotor Bay in Montenegro and Lake Shkoder/Shkodra on the Montenegro /Albania border.

Plus, all of these other options above are a shorter distance to other worthwhile sites.

If you are traveling or backpacking the Balkans for less than three weeks, skip Macedonia and spend more time in the other, highlight locations.

If you are traveling the Balkans for more than three weeks and want to include Macedonia, do a quick layover in Skopje and add Ohrid and Lake Ohrid if you are enchanted enough.

MACEDONIA ITINERARY

• Poletti Peperki

VISA: Visas are not required for tourist or business trips of less than 90 days within a six-month period.

VISA INFO FOR THE BALKANS

General: For most borders in the Balkans, you can show up to the border and easily get a 90-day visa or a 90-day entry, visa-free as long as you have 6 months validity on your passport. Slovenia is the only Schengen zone country in the Balkans, sharing its 90 visa with the entire Schengen zone.

Country by Country Balkans Visa Information:

• Slovenia: Schengen Zone country meaning 90 days in a 180 day period, shared with all of the Schengen zone / EU countries
• Croatia: No visa is required for tourist visits less than 90 days – Croatia is not part of the Schengen zone
• Montenegro: Montenegro is not part of the Schengen zone, and a free 90 day visa is offered on arrival
• Bosnia & Herzegovina: Most nationalities can stay for 90 days free without a visa but need to have at least 6 months validity on their passport on arrival
• Serbia: Not part of the Schengen zone and offers a free 90-day visa for most visitors
• Albania: 90 days free with no visa required for citizens of EU countries and 59 other countries, including the US, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom
• Bulgaria: You can travel to Bulgaria for up to 90 days every 180 days. Visits to Bulgaria do not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit in the Schengen area. Bulgaria is an EU country but is not in the Schengen zone.
• Macedonia: Visas are not required for tourist or business trips of less than 90 days within a six-month period.
• Kosovo: For most nationalities, no visa is necessary for up to 90 days

CROSSING BORDERS IN THE BALKANS

Border crossings in the Balkans are fairly easy, for the most part. Just be sure to have at least 6 months validity on your passport.

The only border crossing difficult will happening attempting to travel from Kosovo into Serbia. You will have no issues traveling from Serbia into Kosovo, however, traveling from Kosovo to Serbia is forbidden and you will not be allowed through the border.

MONEY AND CURRENCIES ACROSS THE BALKANS

With the exception of Slovenia, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Greece, each country in the Balkans uses its own currency, so be sure to limit the amount of cash you convert to avoid losing too much on the exchange when you exit.

Better yet, aim to keep the bulk of your cash in Euros or US dollars and only exchange as necessary.

The respective currencies for each country in the Balkans are:

• Euros are the standard currency in Slovenia, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro
• Croatia – Kunas/HRK
• Bosnia and Herzegovina – Bosnia Herzegovina convertible mark/KM –
• Serbia – Serbian Dinar
• Bulgaria – Bulgarian Lev
• România – Romanian Leu
• North Macedonia – Macedonian Denar
• Albania – Albanian Lek

You will receive the best exchange rate at ATMs, so avoid exchanging at money changers if all possible.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: DO YOU NEED IT IN THE BALKANS?

If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.

As often as this saying is repeated, it doesn’t make it any less true.

Despite the fact that most of the travel in the Balkans is slow-paced and far from danger, it is wise to pick up travel insurance just in case you get a stomach bug, have an unexpected accident, or fall victim to something related to the recent pandemic.

I normally recommend World Nomads for adventurous travel and high-risk travelers, thanks to World Nomads’ robust coverage.

However, the Balkans is low-risk enough that I recommend inexpensive (yet still reliable) Safetywing travel insurance, as that is the insurance I currently use and have had for the past two years. At ~$40 a month, you can’t afford not to.

GETTING TO THE BALKANS

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport and Dubrovnik’s Čilipi Airport are the cheapest airports in the region with the most flight options per day.

If you are flying into the Balkans, where you should fly into depends on whether you plan to travel from south to north or north to south through the Balkans.

If you plan to travel from the north (Slovenia, northern Croatia) to the south, I recommend flying into Budapest’s international airport. Budapest will have the cheapest inbound international flights in the region.

If you plan to travel south to north, beginning in Albania, fly into Dubrovnik’s international airport (this will be the cheapest airport for inbound international flights in the south), then travel south into Albania, looping back up to Dubrovnik and Montenegro and continue your tour of the Balkans.

WHEN TO VISIT THE BALKANS

Anytime is a great time to visit the Balkans, but the shoulder season is by far the best season to visit the Balkans. Spring and fall, between April to June and September to October, are the shoulder seasons and the best times to visit the Balkans. If you can visit in either window, you’ll have warm waters and sunny skies, yet not too hot, while exploring mostly empty streets. Additionally, prices will ½ the normal tourist season (summertime) prices.

During the Balkans summer of July to September, you’ll have perfect beach weather with amazingly warm waters but plan on sharing the views and beaches with throngs of travelers. Plan on Dubrovnik, Hvar, and Budva to be exceptionally crowded. Also, plan on any of the old town destinations at sea level, such as Split, Dubrovnik, and Hvar, to be scorching hot on the pedestrian streets.

For more open-minded travelers, winter has appeal as well. Winter brings a cold and eerie calm to the Balkans with an equal amount of beauty. If you can brave the cold, you’ll have the cities to yourself. However, plan on the guesthouses, hostels, and hotels closing shortly after tourist/summer and being closed for the winter. You should book accommodation well in advance to avoid booking issues.

WHERE TO STAY IN THE BALKANS

Based on my experiences booking accommodations in the Balkans, both good and bad, I recommend the following booking guidelines

• Hostels & Boutique Hotels for Backpackers and Budget Couples
• Booking.Com for Stays 3 Days or Shorter
• Airbnb for Stays Longer Than 4 Days Or Longer

SOLO TRAVELERS, BACKPACKERS, AND BUDGET COUPLES: OPT FOR THE GREAT HOSTELS IN THE BALKANS

The Balkans are extremely developed, just as well developed as Western Europe, so you will have plenty of accommodation options to fit your tastes or budget.

For solo travelers and backpackers (especially if on a budget), I highly recommend hostels. The hostel standard in the Balkans, especially in Croatia and Montenegro, is very good while being very cheap. For instance, Hostel 4U in Kotor Montenegro is about $12 per night, has maintained a well-deserved 9.8 or 9.9 rating for the last 5 years, and is literally situated on a beach. The beds are comfy, the dorms are clean, and the building seems more similar to a chalet from Game of Thrones than a hostel. Best of all, this is the general standard throughout the Balkans – with the exception of Albania and Kosovo.

For couples and more private budget travelers who still want to be social, private rooms in hostels throughout the Balkans deliver a great balance between the social and the isolated feel of hotels while being friendlier on the pocket.

Bottom Line: For solo travelers, backpackers, and budget travelers, hostels are a great bet. I recommend booking on Hostelword as the site has most of the hostels (or at least the good ones) available on the site.

TRAVELERS STAYING FOR 3 DAYS OR LESS: BOOK VIA BOOKING.COM

If you’re staying less than four days and not interested in hostels, you’ll find the best value for your money and selection on Booking.com. Simple as that.

TRAVELERS STAYING FOR 4 DAYS OR LONGER: AIRBNB

If you’re staying for four days or longer, I recommend booking via AirBnB for a more cost-efficient experience and to better experience what life is truly like off the tourist circuit. While hotels (on Booking.com) tend to be in touristy areas, AirBnB’s and hostels are more often in real neighborhoods where people actually live. As a result, you’ll naturally be exposed to the restaurants, bars, and experiences that locals frequent in their daily lives – which adds a whole new layer to your travels.

BALKANS TRAVEL BUDGET

The Balkans are the cheapest place in Europe to travel and one of the best places in the world in terms of “bang for buck”.

10 TIPS FOR TRAVELING THE BALKANS ON A BUDGET

• Book hostels . Hostels for your Balkans accommodations instead of booking hotels. Hostels in the Balkans can be as cheap as $10 to $15/night and often offer free breakfast too.
• Spend more time in fewer places. The longer you stay in a destination, the cheaper it gets, as room accommodation is cheaper by the week or month than by the day, you learn the great “local” restaurants with cheaper and better food, and you spend less money per week traveling between towns.
• Go in the shoulder season between April to May and September to October when the tourists are fewer, and everything (sites, accommodation, food) is as much as ½ high season prices.
• Sleep, eat and drink off the main street . Sleeping, eating, and drinking on the tourist thoroughfare, a couple of streets over, will cost you 25% to 50% more than walking an extra 5 minutes.
• Use “Trip Advisor Cheap Eats” to find the best food that fits your budget
• Pick destinations wisely – according to your budget and tastes. Croatia is amazing, but the most expensive in the Balkans. Albania delivers amazing beaches and outdoors for 25% of the Croatia coast.
• Bus everywhere as your primary mode of transportation. Flights are extremely inconvenient in the Balkans, and taxis are expensive and unnecessary. Checkout out the best list of Balkans bus and travel booking sites here .
• Travel carry-on only to save fees on flights traveling in and make life easier when transiting by bus – so you can keep your bags with you.
• Grab a beer and quick food to go, make friends, and eat in the park or on the water for a cheap night out or pregame, instead of burning money at a bar. The Balkans has a great tradition of gathering in parks and green spaces around sunset and some great parks to take advantage of.

ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR BALKANS PACKING LIST

You can get by with very little in terms of packing while you travel the Balkans. However there are a few items that are essential for a good experience and making the most of your opportunities in the Balkans.

• Sport sandals: Walkable, adventure-ready sports sandals such as Chacos or minimalist Xero Trails are perfect for the Balkans because so many experiences involve walking and hiking but are equally close to beaches. Whether you are walking Hvar to get to a beach or on a boat tour in Montenegro, you’ll appreciate having comfy sandals that are ready to get wet. Any of these seven great travel sandals will work as well.
• Walkable shoes: Many of the experiences in the Balkans will involve walking, whether on tour, looking at the architecture, or walking to catch a bus. Make sure you have comfortable shoes for walking to make it a 100% enjoyable experience. This mega list of travel shoes has plenty of options if you don’t have a solid pair of travel shoes.
• If you come in December or January or between April and June, be sure to bring a rain shell as those are the rainiest months in the Balkans. Outside of those months, it’s still smart to keep a waterproof layer in your backpack
• If you max out your Balkans experience, you will spend A LOT of time in swim trunks and shorts. Especially if you visit during summer or just outside of the window, you’ll be so hot that pants will be unbearable. Make the most of it by bringing at least 2 pairs of swim trunks, ideally that double as walk shorts too. I highly recommend the Outlier New Way shorts , as they’re as stylish as they are swim-ready and functional, but check out these 6 other shorts that are perfect for travel .
• In Croatia, Montenegro, and Albania, the best adventures are aquatic, whether on relaxing beaches, at waterfalls, or cliff diving. Do yourself a favor and bring a simple roll-top waterproof bag like this to keep your phone, passport, and headphones safe while you swim between boats. The bag takes up minimal space and pays HUGE dividends in function.  

HOW TO GET AROUND THE BALKANS

Best options for transport through the Balkans (in order).

• SHORT FLIGHTS

Though there are international airports in Dubrovnik and the neighboring countries, flights between Balkan countries are fairly expensive – so don’t expect the budget airline deals of western Europe. Additionally, when you account for time and hassle spent checking bags, processing through security, and getting to and from the airport from in town, it takes just as long as a bus trip from anywhere to anywhere in the Balkans, but it’s 10x the price. To save time and money in the Balkans, don’t fly; just take the bus.

Best booking platforms for booking buses in the Balkans.

• General Buses in Balkans:  Flixbus
• Montenegro –  https://busticket4.me/EN
• Croatia –  https://www.buscroatia.com/
• General Planning:  Rome2Rio

For more info on transport in the Balkans, check out the Balkans section of this article How to Get Around while Traveling .

BALKANS TRAVEL FAQ

• Which Balkan country is cheapest?
• What countries are in “The Balkans”
• Will language be a problem in the Balkans
• How do you get around the Balkans?
• What is the best time to visit the Balkans?
• Where to start when backpacking the Balkans?
• What is it like crossing borders in the Balkans?

WHICH BALKAN COUNTRY IS CHEAPEST?

The cheapest country in the Balkans by far is Albania. Considering the country shares the same riviera as Greece and Croatia and accommodations and food are ¼ the price of the other two countries if you want a budget travel experience Albania is a no brainer.

At the same time, Montenegro is as expensive as Serbia and Bosnia; however, the value of the experience surpasses the cost. Montenegro has the southernmost fjords in Europe make the nature comparable to what you would see around Bergen, Norway, but at a fraction of Scandinavian prices. This makes Montenegro a high “value to money” option as well.

WHO IS BACKPACKING THE BALKANS BEST FOR

• Budget backpackers looking for a cheaper alternative to Europe
• Adventurous travelers, aiming to get off the beaten path to truly new destinations, like Albania, Kosovo, and changing destinations like Bosnia.
• Nature lovers that could spend days on end exploring beautiful lakes, alpine mountains, endless coastlines
• Partiers that find the all-night music and dance of Belgrade’s riverfront clubs and Hvars club island unusually alluring
• History lovers desiring to see old Roman cities and castles in pristine condition (like Diocletian’s palace in Split) or learn the “interesting” histories of the Balkans’ past struggles, like Albania, and Bosnia & Serbia

Note that though you can find food, parties, history, and peace & quiet in the Balkans, you can very easily fill a trip with one type of experience (i.e., quiet, nature) and fill a multiple months-long itinerary. If any of the above.

WHAT ARE THE BALKANS? WHAT COUNTRIES ARE IN “THE BALKANS”

The “Balkans” is the cluster of 11 countries situated in the Balkan peninsula, the name for the Balkan mountain range situated in Bulgaria.

The following 11 countries are regarded as the “Balkan states” that are mostly situated within the Balkan Peninsula.

• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• North Macedonia

Turkey is also partly situated in the Balkan peninsula. Though some people may not regard Turkey as a Balkan country from a cultural standpoint, Turkey is so amazing and so close that it should absolutely be part of your Balkan itinerary.

As you travel through the Balkans, you’ll notice that, with the exception of Greece, the countries and cultures are strikingly familiar while also being drastically different – especially Albania and Bosnia.

During your Balkan tour, I highly recommend adding Turkey to your itinerary because it’s so close, it’s so cheap, and offers such a fantastic travel experience.

WILL LANGUAGE BE A PROBLEM IN THE BALKANS

No, language will not be a problem in the Balkans. For every single destination on this itinerary, you will be able to easily navigate the experience in English. 

WHERE TO START WHEN BACKPACKING THE BALKANS?

Ljublana, Slovenia or Dubrovnik, Croatia are your best options for starting your Balkans itinerary.

Ljublana as a start point offers you a very straight forward top to bottom itinerary. If you start in Slovenia, consider flying into Budapest and taking the train into Ljublana.

If you don’t want to start in the peace and calm of Slovenia, Dubrovnik is the other best option for starting. Dubrovnik has a large international airport and is central to every location in the Balkans, allowing you to do one large loop.

OTHER GREAT ARTICLES ABOUT BACKPACKING THE WORLD

• The 9 Best South America Backpacking Routes for 2 Weeks to 6 Months of Travel
• 5 Essential Routes for Backpacking the World and Visiting Every Continent
• The Balkan Walk: The Perfect Backpacking Itinerary for the Balkans
• 3 Months in Southeast Asia: A Perfect Plan for the the “Banana Pancake Trail”
• The Mini Backpacking Trails: 15 Itineraries Aroudn the World for 2 Weeks or Less

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carlos is a nomad, slow traveler, and writer dedicated to helping others live abroad and travel better by using his 7+ years of experience living abroad and background as a management consultant and financial advisor to help other nomad and expats plot better paths for an international lifestyle. Click here to learn more about Carlos's story.

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From Corfu to Tirana; 3 UNESCO sites Butrint, Gjirokaster & Berat

Day tour of Montenegro; Budva & Kotor from Tirana

Hiking day tour of Pellumbas cave & Erzeni Canyon from Tirana

How does the payment process work.

We will require a 30% deposit upon confirming your tour and require full prepayment before your tour departure.

Payment can be made via Bank Transfer/ Wise / Paypal/ Western Union or MoneyGram/ Credit Card/

Once we receive your payment into our account, we will send you a proof of receipt.

Can you show me a list of the hotels included in the tours?

We use a variety of 3-star standard hotels for all overnight stays during the tour. As per our policy, we share the specific hotel names after your commitment as these will be dependent on availability at the time of booking.

You are also welcome to upgrade your stays at an additional charge.

Do you provide airport transfers?

We can certainly arrange your transfer from Tirana Airport to your accommodation in Tirana for 22 Euros per car each way.  Please note that our local currency is Albanian Lek. We quote Euros as this is a currency most customers recognize however we will accept either currency when paying in cash.

If you are traveling form other city/country please ask us for a quotation.

Will there be air conditioning in my hotel rooms?

Air conditioning is generally provided in most hotels we partner with.

What time will my tour start?

After booking the tour, our team will share with you a detailed itinerary together with the pick-up location and start time. During high season, tours may start earlier in order to avoid traffic.

Will I need to carry my passport with me on the day?

For tours where we will be crossing borders, please ensure you bring your passport with you.

Can you pick me up from my hotel or will I need to meet you at a pick up point?

Hotel pick up will be provided for tours which will be outside of Tirana. For our local day tours or self-guided tours, we will advise you of a central meeting point.

Will I need to bring cash on the day or can I use my cards? What currency do you accept?

Carrying cash with you is important when travelling the Balkans as not all venues provide card facilities. Please check the local currency of the country you will be visiting on your tour as this may vary between destinations.

Where will my tour end? Will I be dropped back off at my pick up point?

If you are picked up from your hotel, we will gladly drop you back off at your accommodation.

How much can I expect to spend on food and drinks per day?

Depending on where you will be visiting, you can expect for spend an average of 30 Euro per day in Albania.

Do you have a packing list of what I should bring to the tour?

For our hiking tours, we will send you a list of what to bring along on the day. On all other tours, weather appropriate clothing is advised. Food and drinks will be available for purchase on the day however feel free to bring water and snacks during your transfers

I am a solo traveler, will my tour continue should there be no other participants?

We provide guaranteed departures even for one traveler meaning yes, the tour will continue!

When will you send me a full itinerary for my tour?

At least 1 week before departure you will be provided with the hotel names and full detailed itinerary.

Do you provide car seats for children during transfers?

Yes, we can provide car seats or seat booster for children upon request. Please let us know in advance.

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Amazing adventures in Europe’s wildest corner

We’re the UK’s go-to activity holiday specialists in the Balkans. Our range of small group adventures will take you well and truly off the beaten path to some of Europe’s most beautiful and lesser known places. 

Each trip has been handcrafted with our extensive local knowledge and thoroughly tested for awesomeness. Whether you’re into hiking, biking, yoga or swimming, we guarantee an unforgettable escape that will leave you wanting more.

From family-friendly active holidays to cross-border kayaking expeditions, and foodie tours to  lakeside painting retreats , we’ve got something for every type of traveller. 

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Wander-Lush

The Balkans

He who was lucky enough to wake up this morning in Belgrade shouldn’t ask for anything more in life. More than that would be immodest. Duško Radović

Caught between Western and Eastern Europe, the Balkans combines the best of both worlds. In traveller’s terms, this is probably the most underrated (and undervalued) part of the continent.

Why you’ll love The Balkans

Geographically, ‘the Balkans’ is the 12 countries that share the Balkan Peninsula, including the six ex-Yugoslavia republics (Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro and North Macedonia), plus Kosovo, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Greece and Albania. Much of their history is shared – yet when you look beneath the surface, you’ll see that each country is completely distinct.

The Balkans countries each boast national parks, old towns and cosmopolitan cities to rival any of their more popular neighbours. All with a much more palatable price tag and in most cases, far fewer other tourists to share with. On a practical note, the region is small and well-connected, making it easy to fit a lot into a short itinerary.

I spent more than 6 months travelling around the Balkans by bus, train and car, with a minimum of 14 days in each country and at least a week in each of the capitals.

Explore the Balkans by country

northern Greece

N Macedonia

Things to do in the Balkans

A journey through the Balkans is like 12 trips for the price of one. In the space of a day, you can travel from an Illyrian town that’s as old as the hills to Europe’s youngest country , Kosovo.

If, like me, you grew up in the 1990s, your preconceptions of the Balkans were probably shaped by the six-o’clock news. A lot has changed in the intervening years, and the region is now an overwhelmingly safe place for travellers. From the scars of past conflicts spring the green shoots of creativity, most visible in the vibrant cities of Tirana , Pristina and Zagreb .

Trace the region’s omnipresent Ottoman influence all the way from the Old Bazaar of Skopje , the minarets of Bulgaria and the coffee houses of Sarajevo back to its point of origin in Istanbul . Be prepared to adopt a steady diet of cevapi and burek – hearty, meaty food, as you’ll see, is one thing all of the Balkan countries can agree on.

From the pink churches of fairytale-like Ljubljana and the iconic half-moon Stari Most bridge in Mostar , all the way to 50-shades-of-cement Belgrade , the nerve centre of the old Yugoslavia, a journey through the land of spomeniks must be laced with either strong coffee, wine or a shot of rakia , depending on the time of day.

Incredible hiking can be found in the region’s national parks, most notably Albania’s Accursed Mountains , Croatia’s Krka , Montenegro’s Durmitor, and Slovenia’s Triglav that envelops the iconic Lake Bled . Take a boat out on the marshy Lake Skadar , the largest on the peninsula, or through Romania’s Danube Delta .

Be transported back to the time of Saxon craft guilds as you wander through Transylvania’s fortified towns . Hop between the walled Venetian cities that stud the Adriatic Coast – from Croatian Istria to Dubrovnik all the way to the Bay of Kotor . Trust me when I tell you that each one is more charming than the last.

Conquer the steep cobbled streets of the UNESCO-Listed old towns in Berat and Gjirokaster , then veg out under a parasol on the Albanian Riviera .

Recent posts from the Balkans

The Ultimate Albania Road Trip Itinerary — From the Riviera to the Vjosa & Lake Ohrid in 2 Weeks

Guide to Lin, an Ancient Village on the Albanian Side of Lake Ohrid

Guide to Leskovik, Albania: Wine Country & the Melesin Distillery

Guide to Upper Qeparo, a Traditional Village in Southern Albania

Guide to Dhermi, the Loveliest Village on the Albanian Riviera

How to Get From Tirana Airport to the City Centre (Updated for 2024)

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Here’s when you can tour this controversial Utah LDS temple

Dedication date is also set for a building that the church’s top leaders relocated to a different city after running into community backlash..

(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) Tooele's Deseret Peak Utah Temple, shown in May, will welcome guests this fall.

More than five years — and a whole lot of controversy — after it was first announced, Tooele County’s Latter-day Saint temple is preparing to open its door to the public before its dedication this fall.

The open house for the single-spired, three-story, 70,000-square-foot Deseret Peak Temple will kick off Sept. 26 and last through Oct. 19, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Monday . The building then will close ahead of a Nov. 10 dedication, after which only faithful members will be permitted to enter its vaulted walls.

The edifice, which was originally proposed for the nearby town of Erda , represents a first for Tooele County.

By comparison, Utah County, home to the church’s premier school, Brigham Young University, has eight existing or planned temples, the most of any county in the Beehive State, followed by Salt Lake County, with six.

The church’s historic temple-building spree has provoked some pushback across the country among neighbors wary of living in the shadow of the massive structures and their cloud-piercing spires.

In most cases, the church has dug in its heels, adamant that such complainers are classic NIMBYs (“not in my backyard”) who fail to recognize the benefits that come with having such a quiet and meticulously groomed neighbor.

Not in the case of the Deseret Peak Temple. The church originally sought to construct the building, then called the Tooele Valley Temple, in rural Erda along with a high-density housing project, but moved the site a few miles down the road to Tooele City after a year of intense debate that left residents with a lot to get over.

Equally rare was the faith’s governing First Presidency’s decision to weigh in publicly , expressing a “sincere desire on the part of the church to avoid discord in the community” and encouraged all people to treat one another with kindness and Christlike love.

(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) The Deseret Peak Utah Temple in Tooele is shown in May 2024. It will welcome public tours this fall.

Utah is currently home to 20 functioning Latter-day Saint temples: Bountiful, Brigham City, Cedar City, Draper, Jordan River (South Jordan), Layton ( dedicated Sunday ), Logan, Manti (rededicated in April), Monticello, Mount Timpanogos (American Fork), Ogden, Oquirrh Mountain (South Jordan), Orem , Payson, Provo City Center (converted from the former Provo Tabernacle ), Red Cliffs (St. George — dedicated in March ); Saratoga Springs, St. George , Taylorsville and Vernal.

The faith’s most-celebrated temple, the iconic six-spired Salt Lake Temple, in the heart of Utah’s capital, is undergoing a seismic upgrade and extensive renovation. It is expected to reopen in 2026.

The Space Age Provo Temple, meanwhile, is being overhauled. It will be renamed the Provo Rock Canyon Temple.

Besides Deseret Peak, seven more temples — Ephraim, Heber Valley, Lehi , Lindon, Smithfield, Syracuse and West Jordan — are either under construction or in planning stages. When all are completed, Utah will be home to 30 temples of the state’s predominant faith.

There are nearly 200 functioning Latter-day Saint temples worldwide.

For members, these sacred buildings represent nothing short of Houses of the Lord and, unlike their more common meetinghouses, places where devout members participate in their highest religious rites such as eternal marriage.

Donate to the newsroom now. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax deductible

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A Trip to Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro and  Bosnia-Herzegovina

United by incredible scenery and a history which has included influences from east, west, the Mediterranean and more, you will explore the most well-known parts as well as the hidden histories which so few people get to see.

Let us know what your tour tour should be like – and we’ll customize any itinerary to meet your needs.

Your full licensed local guide will be there to give you insight throughout your once-in-a-lifetime trip around the Balkans.

Here’s what you’ll see: Highlights: big city tour of historic Belgrade, Novi Sad old town and Petrovaradin Fortress, incredible Zagreb city tour, Plitvice Lakes and National Park, Zadar, world-famous Split and Dubrovnik, Kotor with its magnificent harbour and palaces, Budva, Mostar and the Strati Most bridge, Cetinje and then Sarajevo for a final unforgettable city tour.

What your tour price includes

• A private tour guide –  friendly, fully licensed English-speaking guide or driver.
• A fully tailored tour – add extra stops, rest days, free time, airport transfers – whatever you need to make your Balkan trip one that’s unique to you.
• An upfront quote – we’ll provide a free, no-obligation quote with your custom itinerary.
• Private tours matched to your group size – we provide small group tours for up to 8 participants.
• Comfortable transport – you’ll be traveling in a spacious, air-conditioned minivan.

The Four Nations Tour Tour Itinerary

→ City tour of Belgrade and free time Visit the Belgrade fortress “Kalemegdan” (Enduring fortress built in 535 BCE) with a view to Sava and Danube rivers; The Pobednik Monument (Monument inside the Belgrade fortress); Church of the Holy Mother of God / Crkva Ruzica (Serbian Orthodox church located inside the Belgrade fortress); The “Knez Mihaylova” pedestrian street; St. Sava cathedral (The biggest Orthodox cathedral in the Balkans ); The House of Flowers (Josip Broz Tito mausoleum); History museum of Yugoslavia; The Republic square, The National Assembly, The bombed buildings.

During your free time you can take a walk around the Belgrade waterfront or enter some of the museums in Belgrade: Nikola Tesla Museum; The History museum of Serbia; etc.

Overnight in Belgrade

→ Short stop to visit the Old town and Petrovaradin Fortress

→ Transfer to Belgrade

→ City tour and free time in Zagreb, Croatia Visit the Old Town; The Zagreb Cathedral; St. Mark’s church (Monumental, medieval-style, Serbian Orthodox church); Dolac Market (Large market with many stands offering flowers, fruits, veggies & meats in an indoor/outdoor setup); The Lotrscak Tower; The Medieval Stone Gate; The Lenucijeva Potkova. Ban Josip Jelačić Square (The central square of Zagreb)

Overnight in Zagreb

→ Transfer to Zadar Free time in Zadar

Overnight in Zadar

→ Transfer to Split, Croatia

→ City tour of Split and free time Visit the old town, The Diocletian Palace; The Cathedral of Saint Domnius (Built in 4th century AD); The Riva (The central part of Split); The Old Jupiter’s Temple (build in 3rd century AD); The “Let me pass” street; The Golden Gate (4th-century Roman stone entryway to Diocletian’s Palace, with arches & ornate statues);

Overnight in Split

→ Transfer to Dubrovnik

Overnight in Dubrovnik

→ Transfer to Kotor

→ Transfer to Budva

Overnight in Budva

→ Transfer to Cetinje City tour of Cetinje old centre

→ Transfer back to Budva

→ Short city tour of the old town Visit the Strati Most/ The most bridge (A rebuilt 16th-century Ottoman bridge in the city of Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina that crosses the river Neretva and connects the two parts of the city. The Old Bridge stood for 427 years, until it was destroyed on 9 November 1993 by Croat military forces during the Croat–Bosniak War.); The Old turkish bazar “Kujundziluk”, The Old turkish quarter, “Koskin – Mehmed pasha’s” mosque, (Small mosque dating to the 17th century)

→ Transfer to Sarajevo Free time in Sarajevo

Overnight in Sarajevo

→ Free time at the afternoon During your free time in Sarajevo you can enter the Museum of Sarajevo 1878–1918 (Compact museum dedicated to historical events in Sarajevo during the Austro-Hungarian period.); The War Childhood Museum (Prominent museum featuring exhibits & videos on the children who lived through the Bosnian War.); The Museum of Crimes Against Humanity and Genocide

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Balkan sightseeing tours inspiration

Mystical landscapes, unique cultures & ancient history

You won’t miss a thing on our Balkan travel experiences, as we take you from the iconic attractions to the unexpected treasures. Go beyond the ancient beauty of Dubrovnik and discover the spectacular islands off Croatia. See the famous capitals like Bucharest and Sofia before roaming further to fairytale towns like medieval Veliko Târnovo.

All the best Balkan sights

Whether you want to explore the ancient Old Town of Split, sail across the magical lake to Bled Island, marvel at the Plitvice waterfalls, or see Bran Castle, the mythical home of Count Dracula in Transylvania, our Balkan holidays are packed with iconic highlights. And with your expert Balkans travel guide and Local Specialists leading the way, you’ll get the insider’s lowdown on all the top sights and really make the most out of your Balkan adventure.

Plus the local hidden gems

We’ll also reveal the incredible secrets on our Balkan tours. Soak up the Belle-Époque atmosphere of Bucharest, and wander the elegant boulevards of Sofia and the colourful streets of Tirana. See the traditional crafts of Skopje’s bazaars and gaze at the mesmerising fjord-like mountains of Kotor. From the Stari Most bridge to the great fortress of Belgrade, there are endless wonders to explore in the Balkans.

Connect with local cultures

Our Balkan tour packages give you the chance to connect with the locals and gain a deeper understanding of the region’s cultures. Taste the flavours of North Macedonia at a local dinner in Skopje or visit a historic farm in Bled for an exclusive family dinner. Sample indigenous wine from a family-owned vineyard in Skradin, or meet the Muhoberac family for a traditional dinner in Osojnik, where their ancestors have lived for over 500 years.

The best of the Balkans unlocked for you

Enjoy one-of-a-kind experiences and uncover local secrets when our friends across the country open their doors to you. Here’s just a sample of the rich experiences you can expect.

All you need to know about Balkan Sightseeing Tours

What countries make up balkan.

If you’re trying to choose your Balkan travel destinations, you’ve got plenty of options. There are several countries within the Balkan Peninsula including Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Bulgaria and Kosovo. Parts of Croatia, Greece, Italy, Turkey, Slovenia, Romania and Serbia also make up the Balkans.

What is the best time to visit the Balkans?

Spread over half a million square kilometres, the climate varies greatly around the Balkans. In general, the spring and autumn shoulder seasons are perfect for mild temperatures, less crowded cities and blooming national parks, while summer brings hot weather and perfect beach days. If you’re taking on the chilly winter, pack your snow gear!

Why are they called the Balkans?

The meaning behind the name ‘Balkans’ is obscure. The word ‘Balkan’ means ‘mountain’ in Turkish and was aptly used to describe this mountainous region throughout history. While the concept of the “Balkans” was created by a German geographer in 1808, the term became more popular in the 19th and 20th centuries as a geopolitical concept.

What is the best Balkan route?

Dreaming of a Balkans road trip? Our top Balkans itinerary takes you to the best places in the region, starting in Romania’s capital Bucharest. Head to Sofia in Bulgaria, cross to Skopje in North Macedonia, then arrive in Tirana in Albania. Travel up to Montenegro, see the sights of Bosnia and Herzegovina, then finish up in Serbia’s Belgrade for the ultimate Balkan adventure.

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Caitlin Clark reacts to controversy after Chennedy Carter's cheap shot

WASHINGTON — After having a few days off for the first time in her rookie season in the WNBA, Caitlin Clark was back Friday, speaking for the first time about the national conversation and controversy that has erupted following Chennedy Carter’s blindside cheap shot nearly a week ago in Indiana’s victory over Chicago. 

“Sometimes it stinks how much the conversation is outside of basketball and not the product on the floor and the amazing players that are on the floor and how good they are for their teams and how great this season has been for women’s basketball,” Clark said in reply to a question from USA TODAY Sports after the Fever’s morning shoot-around before Friday night’s game with the Mystics. 

“I’m not on social media so I don’t see a lot of it but you would be surprised,” she said. “I still have my TV on in my house and I’m watching sports, you’re still aware of it and you still see it. Other than that, my focus is basketball. …

“But, yeah, I try to block it out. I don’t have social media on my phone, I don’t go on it, I don’t see a lot of it. But I don’t really think it’s that different from when I was in college. Everybody is going to have their opinion, everybody is entitled to their own opinion, and that’s just what it is. I think you’ve just got to be focused on what’s in your locker room, what’s in your organization, how your teammates feel, how your coaches feel, and for me that’s my focus but also I have a job to do at the same time so that’s where my focus remains.”

Later Friday, Clark was asked if Carter owed her an apology since her hit was later upgraded to a Flagrant 1.

“You know, no, I mean basketball is competitive, I get it,” Clark said. “Sometimes your emotions get the best of you. Happened to me multiple times throughout the course of my career. People are competitive. It is what it is.”

Clark also praised Carter’s play this year. 

“She’s having a tremendous season. She’s played great basketball in my eyes, probably in first place for sixth player of the year, she’s been great off the bench for them, I think she had, what, 25 here last night and really helped them win the game.”

While Clark and the Fever took a couple of days off in the midst of a four-day layoff after playing 11 games in 20 days, six of them against the league’s three top teams, conversation exploded on social media and sports TV about Carter’s hit on Clark.

“I just love playing basketball,” she said. “This is my job, this is what I’m here for. I’m not here for all the other stuff, that’s not what my teammates are here for either, and that goes for the rest of the teams in the league as well. They want to play basketball, that’s what they’ve been doing their entire lives. They’re really good at it. 

“I’ve come into this league and I’m trying to learn as much as I can too. I’m 22 years old and there’s a lot of expectations on my shoulders and I feel like I’ve grown a lot and I’m going to continue to grow and it’s been a great learning period for myself and allowing myself a lot of grace at times is really hard because I’m a perfectionist and I want to be really good for our organization, for my teammates.”

Through her first 11 professional games, she said, “I’ve done some really good stuff but also I’ve learned a lot too. At the end of the day, basketball is my job and that’s what I want to focus on most.”

Clark, named WNBA Rookie of the Month for May, is fourth in the league in assists per game, 18th in points per game and tied for third in three pointers. In her first 10 games, she scored more than 150 points and had more than 50 rebounds and 50 assists, a feat previously accomplished only by Sabrina Ionescu in WNBA history.