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The Ultimate 2-Week Balkans Itinerary: 3 Perfect Routes

Last Updated on January 2, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

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When it comes to planning a Balkans itinerary, it can be difficult to know where to start. As one of the least-visited regions in Europe, there is much of the Balkans that remains undiscovered to most foreign travellers.

This makes travelling in and around the countries that made up former Yugoslavia, Bulgaria and Albania a perfect place to get off the beaten path while also sticking to even the tightest of budgets.

The Balkan region has something to offer any type of traveller — from thriving, metropolitan cities, to sprawling bucolic idyll, ancient Greek and Roman ruins to pristine blue seas and inviting beaches.

However, with so much on offer in the area, the prospect of piecing together a route can seem slightly overwhelming. The itineraries below will, hopefully, take some of the guesswork out of planning and help you see the highlights of the Balkans over the course of a fortnight!

Table of Contents

Planning a Balkans Trip

Best time to visit the balkans.

One of the biggest things you’ll need to consider for your trip to the Balkans is the time of year in which you plan to visit the region. All Balkan countries experience four seasons — from cold, snowy winters to hot and muggy summers. Also, many places in the Balkans tend to book out far in advance in the summer high season, especially along the Adriatic and Black Sea coasts.

Personally, I think that the best time to visit the Balkans would be in the shoulder seasons. Either in March-May or September-November.

In regards to the weather, with the exception of a handful of cold snaps early on, we found the weather to be mild and pleasant — averaging about 20ºC (68ºF) with abundant sunny days.

I tend to think that travelling in the shoulder seasons would be ideal for the more active traveller as well. There are a wealth of mountains and outdoor activities for the nature lover in the Balkans and the milder weather would make it all the more pleasant to enjoy these.

Planning your itinerary in the winter might prove fruitful as well, however, as many countries (especially Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia) offer world-class skiing at a fraction of the cost to their Western European counterparts.

Trip Length

Though the area of the Balkans seems small, these countries are incredibly diverse and complex and one could easily spend years in the region and barely scratch the surface. In fact, even after spending over three months exploring the Balkans, we feel that there was still so much we missed out on and are desperate to return and see more.

That being said, we understand that the majority of people don’t have an unlimited amount of time in which to devote to a Balkans itinerary. So, if you’re keen to dip your toe into exploring this amazing and diverse region, we would recommend going for two weeks at a minimum.

When planning a two-week Balkan itinerary, there are several things you might want to keep in mind. First off, especially if it’s your first time visiting the region, is that you need to take it slow.

If you can only spend two weeks in the Balkans, try to limit your travels to two or three countries at maximum. While travellers may think the only thing to see in certain Balkan countries is their capital or most popular city, there are a number of beautiful and interesting places to visit in each country and that takes time.

If you have more than two weeks to spend, all of the itineraries in this article can easily be combined or added to in order to suit any trip length. The only limit is your imagination!

Finally, have you considered taking out travel insurance for your Balkans trip? If you’re travelling on a budget and are only after travel medical insurance it’s worth checking out SafetyWing’s nomad insurance.

Getting Around the Balkans

If your visions of travelling through Europe include a lot of train travel, it’s time to give you a harsh dose of reality: the train network is extremely lacking in the Balkans. Therefore, if you are going to be relying on public transit while visiting the corner of Southeastern Europe, you’re going to be spending a lot of time on the bus.

Intercity buses in the Balkans are frequent and affordable throughout the region, but there can be some idiosyncrasies depending on where you are visiting and when. Not all bus routes are listed online, for instance, and those that are can sometimes be inaccurate or out of date.

The best way to make sure that you’re aware of all potential bus routes is to either check at the station or ask someone at your accommodation. This will usually point you in the right direction.

If a particular bus route is erratic, there is also another public transit option that is quite popular among Balkan travellers and that is the minibus. There are a few transfer companies that organise door-to-door intercity transfers in small, privately owned vans.

These do cost more than a traditional bus, however, they operate more frequently and at more agreeable hours than many intercity routes and have the added convenience door-to-door pick-up and drop-off.

If you are interested in using a minibus as transport in the Balkans, they can normally be arranged by your accommodation or privately through a quick Google search. Just type “city A to city B minibus transfer” and you will surely find something.

If you aren’t planning on using public transport to get around and are keen to embark on a Balkan road trip itinerary, then there are a few things you should keep in mind about driving in the Balkans . First and foremost, make sure that your car has the proper insurance so you are able to cross the border.

Most Balkan countries are outside of the Schengen area and therefore have different laws concerning international car travel, so make sure to check with your rental car company to ensure you are able to visit all of the countries on your itinerary.

Generally speaking, roads in the Balkans are fairly well-maintained, especially those going between the large cities. The exception to this, however, is Albania where there isn’t as much money to invest in the infrastructure and the roads can be quite precarious.

Balkan drivers can also be a bit aggressive, so make sure that you are comfortable driving defensively if you want to go on a Balkan road trip.

Accommodation

As mentioned earlier, if you’re not travelling in the high season it’s not essential to book accommodation more than a few days in advance. However, if you happen to find yourself in the Balkans between the months of June and August accommodation can be in a lot higher demand, especially along the coast.

If you are travelling in the high season, we highly recommend booking accommodation as far in advance as makes sense for your travel style – typically a couple of weeks to as much as a couple of months in advance.

If you’re on a budget, then these are some of the accommodation options that we recommend in the Balkans:

• Booking.com – You can generally book anything from budget guesthouses to luxe hotels on this platform throughout the Balkans (and the rest of the world!).
• Hostelworld – Balkan hostels  are some of our favourite hostels in the world as they are often run by locals and tend to be smaller than the typical larger Western European hostels
• Airbnb – a great budget option if you’re travelling as a couple or with friends as private rooms can be cheaper than two dorms.

Balkan Highlights Itinerary

This Balkan itinerary will see you visiting the highlights of the central Balkan nations of Serbia and Bosnia & Herzegovina. Both countries have long and complex histories, incredibly diverse and vibrant cities, and friendly and hospitable residents. One thing is certain, however: you will leave longing to come back and see more.

Days 1-3: Belgrade, Serbia

There is really no better major city to begin a sojourn through the Balkans than in Belgrade , the capital of Serbia and the former capital of Yugoslavia.

Belgrade is an incredibly special city that, though certainly a bit rough around the edges and not traditionally beautiful, has a tendency to charm travellers off their feet. There aren’t a ton of typical tourist sites to see here, but it is worth spending at least three days exploring and getting to know the Serbian capital.

Spend your first day exploring the Dorcol and Skardalija neighbourhoods of the city – the oldest part of Belgrade with a range of different architectural styles and fascinating history. Take the time to visit the Kalemegdan Fortress Park which sits above the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers.

And, of course, no visit to Belgrade is complete without experiencing its infamous nightlife.

On your second day, tour the St Sava Cathedral, one of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the world. Visit the Nikola Tesla museum and geek out over the inventions of this celebrated scientist and maybe sample a craft beer or two in one of Belgrade’s many pubs.

On the third day in the city, opt to visit the Zemun neighbourhood – which used to be separate from Belgrade entirely and was a part of Austria-Hungary. You could also take the time to wander around Novi Beograd or venture a bit further out and visit the Museum of Yugoslavian History.

Where to Stay in Belgrade

Garni Hotel Opera – Located in the city centre, this is a great hotel if you have a higher budget when visiting Belgrade. They come very highly rated, are within walking distance to all of the best attractions, they have several clean and comfortable rooms available, and breakfast is included in the nightly rate.

El Diablo Hostel – If you’re travelling to Belgrade on a budget, then this hostel is the best place to stay. This place has an incredible atmosphere, a wonderful and helpful local staff, clean dorms and private rooms, and they also organise social events in the evenings. 

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Belgrade!

Day 4: Novi Sad, Serbia

Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city, is an excellent place to visit for a day trip from Belgrade, especially if you want to see a bit more of Serbia. Easily reached in a bit over an hour via bus or train from Belgrade, spending one day in Novi Sad is a wonderful idea.

Selected as the European Capital of Culture 2021, Novi Sad is finally getting the attention it deserves on the international tourism scale. Famous already for its notorious EXIT music festival each summer, Novi Sad also has a beautiful old town that is worth wandering through and a thriving cafe culture.

One of the main sites to see in Novi Sad would be the Petrovardian Fortress which sits atop the banks of the Danube. The city also has a great nightlife and arts scene which ensures that you won’t be bored for a day trip.

Day 5: Belgrade to Sarajevo

The fifth day of this itinerary should be treated as a travel day as you make your way from the capital of Serbia to the capital of Bosnia & Herzegovina: Sarajevo. Sarajevo is a delightful city to visit, but it does take basically a full day to get there.

There are buses that leave from Belgrade’s main train station and arrive at the East Sarajevo bus station, which is a fair distance from the city centre – however, it’s easy to hop in a taxi and make it to the old town.

Once you arrive in Sarajevo, simply spend your evening wandering around, getting your bearings or maybe snacking on some burek or classic Sarajevski cevapi.

Where to Stay in Sarajevo

Hotel VIP – This hotel, located in the Old Town, is within a stone’s throw of all of Sarajevo’s best sites. They have a range of comfortable and clean rooms available, a restaurant on site, and a fantastic breakfast included in the nightly rate. 

Hostel Franz Ferdinand – A great hostel for solo and budget travellers. They have a range of dorms and private rooms with helpful staff and breakfast included.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Sarajevo!

Days 6-7: Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Sarajevo is a wonderful city to explore and it has a completely different feel to it than Belgrade. With two days here, you can take the time to visit the city’s many museums and learn about its place in history…from Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian rule to the devastating siege in the 1990s.

Though the war ended here more than 20 years ago, there are still reminders of the devastation that Sarajevo saw scattered throughout the city and it is incredibly important to educate yourself on this contentious matter.

Other interesting sites in Sarajevo include the bazaars of the Old Town, the Latin Bridge (the site where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated, which many historians believe was an inciting incident to the beginning of the First World War), and the Yellow Fortress. To learn more about the war od the ’90s, make sure to visit the heartbreaking War Childhood Museum.

On your second day in the city, it can be worth heading out to learn more about the siege of the 1990s by taking a tour the visit the War Tunnel Museum or even riding the cable car up to the abandoned bobsled tracks from the 1984 Winter Olympics. Today they are covered in graffiti and can be fascinating to walk along.

Also, take the time to visit the harrowing 11/07/95 Gallery to learn more about the horrors of the Srebrenica Massacre in 1995.

Days 8-9: Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina

After spending time in the Bosnian capital, it’s time to head south to one of the country’s most popular tourist cities: Mostar.

Mostar is perhaps most famous for the iconic, Stari Most, or Old Bridge, which was reconstructed in 2004 after being destroyed by Croatian forces during the Balkan Wars in 1993. Before then, the same bridge had connected the two sides of Mostar for over 400 years.

While Mostar is becoming ever more popular purely because it is incredibly picturesque, small, and walkable, it is important to learn about the history and culture that has shaped this Bosnian city.

Take the time to go on a tour of Mostar in order to learn how the city is still very much ethnically divided today and to try and understand the horrors that residents have had to live through.

On your second day, you can also venture out to visit the lovely Kravice Waterfalls and Blagaj Monastery, along with many other historic sites.

Where to Stay in Mostar

Hotel Eden – This hotel is excellently located in the Old Town, has a number of great rooms available and also has a free breakfast each morning.

Hostel Majdas   – This small hostel located close to everything in Mostar is one of the best hostels in the entire region. Run by incredibly hospitable owners, the rooms are clean and comfortable, they organise day tours of Mostar and the surrounding area, and a hot and delicious breakfast is included in the nightly rate.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Mostar!

Days 10-12: Dubrovnik, Croatia

Now that you’ve been relatively off the beaten tourist trail in the Balkans, it’s time to visit arguably the most popular destination in the region: Dubrovnik . Yes, Dubrovnik is touristy but it’s for a reason – it is absolutely beautiful!

You can reach Dubrovnik from Mostar in about 3 hours, so if you get an early start you will have lots f time to devote to exploring a bit on your very first day.

On the 11th day of this itinerary, take the time walk the city walls (get there early!) and explore all of the highlights of the Old Town. And on your final day in Dubrovnik, take the time to dig a little bit deeper, head to the lovely nature reserve on Lokrum Island or spend some time working on your tan by lounging on one of Dubrovnik’s many beachy areas.

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik

Boutique Hotel Porto   – Located within easy reach of the old town, this boutique hotel is perfect for a plush stay in Dubrovnik. They have plenty of lovely rooms and amenities like free parking and an on-site restaurant.

Old Town Hostel   – This hostel, located in the centre of the old town, is perfect for those visiting Dubrovnik on a budget. They have several dorms and private rooms to choose from and great common areas.

Not quite what you’re looking for?  Click here to browse other options in Dubrovnik

Days 12-14: Kotor, Montenegro

The final stop on this Balkans itinerary is the lively town of Kotor in Montenegro.

Kotor is a popular day-trip option from Dubrovnik, however, we believe it is an incredible city that deserves more time than just one simple day.

Your first day in this beautiful place can be spent wandering through the charming cobbled streets of the Old Town and walking the famed city walls. It is also worth hiking around the surrounding hills to gain some truly spectacular views of Kotor and the harbour below.

Your second day in Kotor can be spent either exploring more of the city itself or venturing a little bit farther afield to the nearby town of Perast. This is a smaller and less touristy area of coastal Montenegro, however, it is incredibly beautiful and very much worth visiting.

If you have a little bit more time, you could also opt to continue on to the lively coastal town of Budva or the beautiful town of Bar. From the latter, you can also take a train (considered to be one of the most scenic in Europe) back to Belgrade and make this trip a circular route.

Where to Stay in Kotor

Hotel Monte Cristo – This hotel is located in the centre of the Old Town and has a number of great, clean, and comfortable rooms on offer. They also have breakfast included in the room rate and a helpful staff to give you recommendations about Kotor.

Old Town Kotor Hostel   – Located, as the name suggests, in the Old Town, this hostel is a fantastic base for exploring Kotor. They have a very friendly staff who organise social events, clean facilities, affordable breakfast options, and a range of both dorm and private rooms.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse the best options in Kotor!

Central Balkans Itinerary

If the draw of the Balkans for you lies in getting considerably off the beaten path and exploring nations like Albania, North Macedonia and Kosovo, then this is the itinerary for you!

Like the route listed above, one of the most logical starting points of any trip through the Balkans is in Belgrade. So if you’re following this itinerary through the Central Balkans, then make sure to start with a few days exploring the Serbian capital.

Days 4-5: Skopje, North Macedonia

From Belgrade, it’s time to hop on a bus (or into your hire car!) and head to the capital city of North Macedonia: Skopje. Skopje is an interesting city, one that has seen some massive renovations in the past decade.

There are many interesting things to see in Skopje, such as the statue of Alexander the Great, the Kale Fortress, and the Stone Bridge. There are numerous monuments to historical figures in the country’s history littered throughout the capital, as well, most of which were erected within the past fifteen years or so.

Another great thing to do in Skopje is to take a day hike and enjoy the natural scenery surrounding the capital. Spending the day hiking to the Matka Canyon, for instance, is very popular amongst visitors to the North Macedonian capital.

Where to Stay in Skopje

Hotel Old Konak – This centrally located hotel is a fantastic base for exploring Skopje. It has a number of clean, comfortable rooms available and breakfast is also included in the nightly rate.

Shanti-Hostel   – Located in the centre of town, this hostel has great common areas, is clean and comfortable, and has both private and dorm beds available. They also have friendly staff to ensure your visit to Skopje is a great one.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Skopje!

Days 6-7: Ohrid, North Macedonia

After spending time exploring the capital, it’s time to head to one of the most beautiful towns in North Macedonia: Ohrid. Situated on the banks of the eponymous Lake Ohrid , this wonderful town is a great place to visit, recharge your batteries, and enjoy the beautiful lakeside scenery and relaxed way of life.

It is worth riding a bicycle by the lake to take in the scenery away from the (albeit minimal) tourist crowds. Visit the main attraction in the city, the Church of St John the Theologian, take the steep hike up to Samuel’s Fortress which offers spectacular views of the city, and ensure you don’t miss the Ancient Theatre of Ohrid.

There are a number of other beautiful hikes you can do in and around Ohrid if you are keen to explore some of the mountainous terrain of the Balkans, along with some watersports available on the lake itself.

Where to Stay in Ohrid

Villa Jordan  – This hotel, located directly on the lake, is one of the best places to stay in Ohrid. Their clean, spacious, and comfortable rooms include lake views, there is a pool and other recreational facilities, and there is a fantastic breakfast included in the nightly rate. 

Old Town Hostel   – A great option for both budget and solo travellers alike. Centrally located, they have a great local staff who are keen to help out their guests with anything, they have many rooms available, and great common areas to meet others. 

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to see the best hotel deals in Ohrid!

Days 8-10: Tirana, Albania

After enjoying the order and beauty of the previous towns and cities mentioned in this particular itinerary, it’s time to head to the wonderful chaos of the Albanian capital: Tirana .

Tirana isn’t always everyone’s favourite city, with its lack of traditional tourist sites and visible outward beauty. However, visit this city with an open mind and speak with locals and you are sure to have an amazing visit to this underrated Balkan destination.

Tirana has a thriving cafe culture and one could easily spend a day hopping from one cafe to another, enjoying some of the best coffee in the region. There are also a number of interesting museums and historical sites to visit which will help you learn more about Albanian history and isolation.

Where to Stay in Tirana

Hotel Antigone – This hotel located in Tirana’s city centre is a great option. They have a number of clean rooms available, a restaurant and bar on site, and breakfast is included in the room rate.

Trip’n Hostel   – This small hostel run by a friendly and helpful local staff has a great atmosphere and fantastic common spaces to meet other travellers. They also have a range of dorm and private rooms available.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Tirana!

Day 11: Berat, Albania

As one of the most beautiful cities to visit in Albania, spend your eleventh day of this itinerary on a day trip to historic Berat. Driving, Berat is only located only about 1.5 hours from Tirana, however, it may take a bit longer if you’re on the bus so make sure to get an early start.

Once in Berat, make sure to explore its UNESCO-listed historic centre and hike up to the incredible castle. Here, you can get excellent views and also enjoy the charming, village-like atmosphere.

Berat is one of those places that is simply a joy to wander through and get a bit lost in. It makes for the perfect place to expand on your experience of Albania when you don’t have a whole lot of time.

Days 12-13: Prizren, Kosovo

After spending some time exploring beautiful Albania, it’s time to venture even more off the established tourist trail and head to Kosovo.

Prizren is the second-largest city in Kosovo and also one of the most beautiful, which makes it a perfect addition to this Balkans travel itinerary.

It has a more laid-back pace of life than the capital of Pristina and there are a number of lovely historic sites to visit in the city as well. The picturesque old town is filled with beautiful mosques, bridges, and the Prizren Fortress which offers great views over the rest of the city.

It is quite small in size, so you can see a great portion of the sites in just a day or two. Take the time to really get to know Prizren during your time here and maybe take advantage of a day trip or hike nearby.

Where to Stay in Prizren

Hotel Edi Imperial – This small hotel is a great place to base yourself in Prizren. Located in the Old Town, they have a few cosy and clean rooms on offer, a helpful staff, and a great breakfast included in the nightly rate.

Ura Hostel – This hostel has a fantastic and hospitable local staff who are keen to show off the best of what Prizren has to offer. They have both dorm and private rooms available and clean and comfortable facilities. 

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Prizren!

Day 14: Pristina, Kosovo

End this route through the Central Balkans in the capital city of Kosovo: Pristina. Kosovo sees very few visitors as Balkan countries go but this is a huge shame as this young nation has a lot to offer travellers.

It might seem like there isn’t much in Pristina, however, this is another city that needs time to get to know and appreciate. Take the time to get lost in its streets, visit some of its fantastic historical sites, a enjoy its thriving cafe culture.

Pristina also has some great restaurants that would be a great introduction to Kosovan food, which is unique to that of other countries and draws from a number of influences. It is also a fantastic base to go on some day trips to other, smaller towns and villages in Kosovo where few tourists ever venture.

Where to Stay in Pristina

Hotel Prima – This hotel is in a prime location for exploring Pristina. They have a few great clean and comfortable rooms available and also have a free breakfast that is included in the nightly rate. 

Oda Hostel – Situated in a great location, this small hostel has a friendly and involved staff that have a ton of great recommendations and organise evening social events. They have a few rooms on offer for visitors. 

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Pristina!

Coastal Balkans Route

Those who are after beautiful coastal scenery but still want the atmosphere and travel challenges associated with the Balkans, then this itinerary is for you! Winding through Croatia, Montenegro and Albania, this is a great route for those who want the perfect mix when it comes to Balkan travel.

Days 1-3: Dubrovnik, Croatia

There really is no better place to begin an itinerary such as this one than in the Pearl of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik. Though it can be an expensive destination to visit (especially when compared to the prices in the Balkans elsewhere), spending your first few days exploring Dubrovnik is a pure joy.

This is going to be the busiest place you visit on this particular itinerary, but if you spend more than a day in Dubrovnik, you will be able to find ways to avoid the crowds.

Days 4-6: Kotor, Montenegro

From Dubrovnik, continue along the Adriatic to the beautiful town of Kotor in Montenegro. There’s a lot to do in Kotor and it’s especially great for those who want to be a bit active during their holiday.

You can get your heart rate pumping by climbing up to the iconic fortress which offers beautiful views over the Bay of Kotor!

Spend two days in Kotor enjoying all that the town has to offer before moving onto our next destination – wonderful Albania!

Days 7-9: Tirana, Albania

After spending time in and around Kotor, it’s time to cross the border once more and head to Albania, where we’ll spend the remaining week of this itinerary. Begin your time in Tirana and plan to spend two days exploring the Albanian capital before moving south and exploring more of this beautiful country.

Day 10: Berat, Albania

From Tirana, hop on a bus (or in the car) and begin making your way south – including a stop in the lovely town of Berat, where we’ll be spending the night.

Known as the “Town of a Thousand Windows,” Berat is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is noted for its historic castle and countless Ottoman-style houses lining the picturesque streets.

Spend a day exploring the joys of Berat and make sure to get a good night’s rest, because there are even more great places to visit tomorrow!

Where to Stay in Berat

Hotel Bila Nino  – This cosy little hotel in the centre of Berat is a great, comfortable option for those after a mid-range stay. They have several lovely rooms and an inviting terrace and garden on site.

Berat Backpackers Hostel  – Those after a good budget choice in Berat will like this hostel. They have a great location for exploring the town and plenty of dorms and private rooms to choose from

Not quite what you’re looking for?  Click here to browse more Berat hotels!

Days 11-12: Gjirokaster, Albania

From Berat, head even further south to the historic town of Gjirokaster. This is another of the well-known UNESCO-listed towns and has an incredible collection of Ottoman-era stone houses and a grand old bazaar to explore.

Gjirokaster is also the birthplace of the infamous and brutal dictator Enver Hoxha, who ruled Albania from 1941-1985 and made it one of the most isolated and oppressed countries in Europe during his rule.

It can take about 3 hours to get from Berat to Gjirokaster, but depending on bus timetables, this can vary in how long it will take to reach the town. Therefore, plan to spend at least one full day exploring all this incredible town has to offer.

Where to Stay in Gjirokaster

The Stone Sky Hotel  – A delightful hotel in the old town of Gjirokaster, they have several great rooms on offer, a fab breakfast available in the morning and an on-site restaurant.

Stone City Hostel  – Backpackers will love this highly-rated hostel in a central location. There are several types of rooms available and excellent common areas along with day trips arranged.

Not quite what you’re looking for?  Click here to browse more Gjirokaster hotels!

Days 13-14: Sarande, Albania

Though we’ve spent a bit of exploring the inland areas of this area of the Balkans, it’s time to end your itinerary in the coastal town of Sarande – located in the south of Albania not too far from the border of Greece.

Sarande itself is nice enough to explore – with a lovely beach and views of the gorgeous Ionian Sea and even the island of Corfu in the distance – but it’s also a great base to see some incredible scenery of fascinating ancient ruins.

So during your time in Sarande, ensure that you take a day trip to Butrint. which is home to an archaeological park filled with excellently preserved Greek ruins. You can also make a stop in Ksamil, which is home to one of the region’s few beautiful sandy beaches.

This is a great place to end your fortnight in the Balkans, however, you could venture into Greece if you have a bit more time. The island of Corfu is only a stone’s throw from Sarande or, if you’d like to visit Mainland Greece , you can head further onto places like Meteora or even all the way to Thessaloniki .

Where to Stay in Sarande

Hotel Kanes   – Offering several rooms with views over the Ionian Sea, this hotel has plenty of amenities like free parking and even an airport shuttle.

Saranda Backpackers  – Great for backpackers looking for a lively seaside atmosphere, this hostel has a great location right on the waterfront. There are several rooms to choose from and fantastic common areas, as well.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Sarande hotels!

Mapping out the perfect Balkans travel itinerary can be a daunting process, with so many wonderful places to explore in this diverse region. Make sure to devote an adequate amount of time to each destination you visit and you will ensure that your Balkan trip is the best it can be!

Are you planning to visit the Balkans? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments

Related Posts:

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11 Things To Do In Piran, Slovenia: A One-Day Itinerary

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

It is interesting – only te Western part of Balkans is covered. I wonder what is the reason? Probably Greece is widely covered, but there are Southern parts, that are not so popular. Bulgaria is not mensioned at all too. Even Turkey has its part on the Balkans!

It’s impossible to incorporate such a vast region in only a few 2-week itineraries. We do have dedicated itineraries for Bulgaria: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/bulgaria-itinerary/ , Mainland Greece: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/greece-mainland-itinerary/ and Turkey: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/turkey-itinerary/ so I assure you, these countries are not forgotten or overlooked in our eyes!

Hello…want to travel to the balkans with my group of well travelled friends around 15 seniors in good health.., with interest in culture history n cuisine. we are Indian nationals of Xtian origin….so we have visa issues which we organise with your support data…these are the countries.. Serbia, Bostnia &Herzegovina,Kosovo Albania, Macedonia , Montenegro. We need a slow pace trip n not rush , days can be 15 or more. Thnx n regards Wynoma Thnx wynoma

Sounds like you’ve got quite a trip planned, Wynoma! Hope you have a great time.

Thank you for your email, sounds awesome. What would it cost me to do this tour.(BALKANS) 2 people traveling, sharing accommodation.

Hi Vanessa, glad you found this article helpful! We have actually written a detailed price guide to help you figure out your travel costs. You can find it here: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/balkans-travel-budget/ Hope you’re able to plan a great trip!

Hi Maggi, We are a travel enthusiast couple from India . Could you please help me to plan a route for these destinations by public transport . Flying in to Tivat – Montenegro -Kotor, Montenegro-Tirana, Albania-Berat and Gjirokaster -Sarandë -Butrint-Skopje, Macedonia- Ohrid, Macedonia-Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina-Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina-Novi Sad, Serbia- flying out of Belgrade, Serbia. I have 3 weeks plus and we don’t want to rush every day with suitcases so day trips wherever possible are preferable. We don’t mind doing some if not all these destinations, though from your itinerary account they all seem fabulous. Thanks

Hi Aradhana, sounds like you’re planning quite the trip. Bus timetables and public transport in the Balkans can be hard to plan, but you can check up on a lot of routes by using BalkanViator.com. However, this isn’t always 100% accurate and it’s a good idea to check the routes at the bus stations when you’re there on the ground. Hoe you have a great trip!

Hi Maggie Great site – I really enjoyed reading about your journeys. We are planning a trip to the Balkans in September. Unfortunately, and unusually for us, it has to be a little less ‘off the beaten path’ as I broke my leg and ankle badly last year and my hiking and stair walking abilities are much compromised. That said, we are planning to see some of Bulgaria, Romania, a quick pass through Zagreb before going to Bosnia and then on to Montenegro. We have been to the Istrian Coast of Croatia and a bit of inland Croatia but are not planning to go down the dalmation coast (I did this many years ago). We’ll be driving ourselves – we’re pretty comfortable with this as we’ve driven around Turkey and Morocco and Spain and Italy. We have about 6 weeks for this trip. Things we are keen to see include Brasov, drive the transfargarian road, Sarajevo, Mostar, Durmitor NP, Perast, Trebinje and anything ancient! Have you got any recommendations? Do you think we are trying to do too much? We also hope to duck over to Bari from Dubrovnik and spend an additional week in the Lecce area (depending on finances :-/ ) Thanks in anticipation Rana

Hi Rana — sorry to hear about your injury but it sounds like you’re planning quite the trip nonetheless! We have quite a bit of information about a lot of places in Bulgaria and Bosnia & Herzegovina if you want to check out our destination pages for those: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/tag/bulgaria/ & https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/tag/bosnia/ Hope these help and you have a great time in the Balkans!

Hi Maggie! Thank you so very much for all of this excellent information. I scored a round trip ticket to Belgrade from JFK for $193 – how could I NOT DO THIS??? In APRIL?? I will be visiting solo and your advice has helped me feel super excited instead of nervous. I have been taking Bosnian/Croatian language for a year and my teacher here will hopefully be able to arrange meet-ups with family he has still in the area. But I’m much happier being overly prepared than underprepared!

Thanks for your comment, Helena! Sounds like you snagged a great flight deal and I hope you have a great trip to the Balkans. I’m so glad that our advice has been helpful for you 🙂

Hello Maggie, Your itineraries sounds very exciting! I plan to do a solo travel in the Central Balkans for 2 weeks in September. Is it a good idea to travel solo? Thanks

Hi Shini, glad you like the itineraries and sounds like you have a great trip planned! September should be a great time to visit the Balkans. In my own experience, travelling solo was safe and easy in that area of the world. It was always easy to meet other people and I never felt like my personal safety was at risk. Hope you have an amazing time, I’m sure you will love it 🙂

Thanks for the reply!

Hi Maggie. Great page! I am likely going to mirror your Central Balkans itinerary in July 2019. Can you expand on how you traveled in between destinations? And how you managed booking the transportation? Thanks!

Hey, Greg, thanks for your comment! Your best option when it comes to travelling between destinations is to take the bus — it is more often than not the only public transport option, as well. If you want to make absolutely sure that you get a seat, I recommend heading to the bus station to book your place a day or two before you intend to travel. Some bus companies may have online booking, but in our experience, it can be unreliable. Hope that helps and you have a great trip!

Hi Maggie. At the end of 2017 my wife and I sold our house, most of our furniture and our car and embarked on a year long travel in Europe. Our plan is to stay a month at a time in one location (to both save via a month long discount and immerse ourselves at least a little in the culture) central enough in various countries and take day or overnight trips to nearby sites. So far we have spent a month in southern Spain and are concluding a month in southern France. Next up is Greece. As you know we will then need to spend 3 months outside Schengen countries and our thought was to do that in the Balkans. I could not have read your Balkans piece at a better time! As an authority on the area where would stay if you were to spend a month in 3 locations including Romania, Bulgaria and the Adriatic Balkans? Just so you know we have taken a tour of the Adriatic Balkans with Road Scholar that included Montenegro north to Slovenia and loved all of it. We know very little about Romania and Bulgaria. We have been using Airbnb to find lodging.

I look forward to any advice you can throw our way.

Cheers, Wayne

Hey Wayne! That sounds like an absolutely amazing journey and I hope you’re having a great time! As for a place to settle for a bit outside of the Schengen area, Sofia can be quite a good option — people generally have mixed opinions about the city but we, personally, loved it — and it has a great restaurant and arts scene and a lot of really interesting things to do. Plovdiv is also a great option in Bulgaria, it is definitely prettier than Sofia and has a lot of ancient Thracian ruins as well. It’s also located close to a lot of Bulgaria’s best wine country.

In Romania, our favourite city we visited there was Cluj-Napoca and it definitely feels very livable and vibrant. However, if you’re keen to do a few more day trips, it might be better to base yourselves somewhere like Brasov, which is closer to a lot of the “highlights” of Transylvania.

I hope this helps!

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Fully Guided Tours & Trips in Balkans

Find the right fully guided tour for you in Balkans. There are 1957 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 14,459 reviews

All About Balkans (4 Star Hotels)

A well organized whirlwind of experiences! Each day introduced us to the most spectacular sights of a new country. At each stop, well educated proffessional local guides explained the history and social complexion of the people. We received a taste of each region and often wished we had more time to explore. This tour could have been twice as long but for limited vacation time. Simon, our Travel Talks representative, masterfully lead a diverse group of 40 through the Balkans using humor, knowledge, passion and compassion. He brought us together as cohesive group and we forged new friendships. Any issue arising was handled in a mannner that left all of us having fun and learning new things.

• €150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Christmas & New Year

Balkan Discovery (4 Star Hotels)

Had a great time doing the 10 days Balkans tour. Unforgettable sceneries and memories. Our guide Simon is really a fantastic guy. Highly recommended.

• In-depth Cultural

Balkan Kaleidoscope

I’m a see all I can fall I can guy. Not the type to sit at a resort on a beach. I really enjoyed every where we were at and learned so much. Our guide was helpful our driver was excellent and we had a great time.

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

we had a great trip so many places we saw in only 14 days even with the covid 19

• Coach / Bus

Balkan Explorer

Filip is the TOTAL package. Intelligent, funny and kind. My family and I have traveled to 30+ countries and used several different tour agencies/groups and Filip, BY FAR, is the best tour guide we've ever had. He left a huge impression on everyone in our group.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Sightseeing

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

Our 4 days tour was more than we imagined. The sights, smells, and history were simply stunning, things I will never forget. You will get the most of the Balkans in four days. I will definitely visit Albania again, it is a hidden gem. Lovely experience

Zagreb to Athens: Adriatic & Ancient Capitals

This trip was overall in one word... amazing. The destinations covered were amazing & beautiful. It was handy to have everything sorted out : the accommodation (mix of hostels & hotels), the transportation and many of the activities. Most of the places stayed did not have breakfast, but it was stated clearly that they wouldn't. Some of the places that had breakfast included a selection of breads, cereals and coffee - everything that you need. Croatia blew my mind.. The Croatia part of the tour was very in depth and I have a great idea of what the country is all about now & I also want to go back to see more in the future - The tour goes to cities, lakes, medieval villages, islands, beaches and has stops along the way to each usually. Note that on occasion there are stops along the way & the activity isn't always included in the tour.. I found that out the hard way in Albania. The transportation was a mix of using local transportation, personal buses and ferries. Note that in Albania MOST places do not accept credit card & we had troubles using the bank machines to take out cash.. Albania accepts the Euro as currency so make sure you have lots before you go (I also found out the hard way and didn't have any Euros as i Spent them in Montenegro) The groups for the tour are really what made the trip amazing.. Both groups were super friendly & alot of fun.. being a smaller tour and with the age restrictions it did make for a better trip because we were all around the same age, so had more in common! It was great having a smaller group too because we all became closer & spent even the "free time/Free days" together doing the activities. Our guide Marco was with us for both parts of the tour and overall he did a great job covering the information needed and I felt like we could always go to him if we had questions about anything. That was a part of the tour that I liked: knowing that I had someone to ask questions to who knows the area..Overall, HIGHLY recommend doing BOTH parts of this tour, as Many who didn't do the 2nd leg of the trip were super jealous and wishing they did! You won't regret doing this tour!!

Dubrovnik to Athens

Tour leader Dora was awesome. Very adaptable. Provided options on transport to save time & inconvenience. Gave us information on each place visited but didn't overload us like school children. Provided suggestions on places to visit, restaurants, etc during free time. Hotels & guest houses all very good. Would have liked to stay 2 nights in Berat instead of 1. That is our 2nd Intrepid tour, will definitely keep recommending to friends. Linda Arlaud & Rodney Barnes

Western Balkans Uncovered

I did not know what to expect and was pleased to find it all very interesting and different from our North American standards. The kindness of the people toward tourists was wonderful to experience especially given the difficult history all of the countries visited had gone through. Food and drink were very good.

Balkan Adventure (14 Days)

An excellent trip with an outstanding tour director (Sarah Rossi) and highly skilled bus driver (Bruno). Plenty of option excursion choices along with very good included tours with knowledgeable local guides. The only down side were two of the hotels - Hotel Marinela, Sofia Bulgaria, and Mercure Belgrade Excelsior - that were in desperate need of refurbishment not to mention functioning air conditioning and bathroom cleaning. Otherwise, great trip.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Treasures of the Balkans (Classic, 16 Days)

Balkan Dreams end Bulgaria

Good trip to get a feel for the region and an appreciation for the uniqueness of each of the nations you visit. Hotels were very good for the most part. Only one looked like a carryover from the bad old days. Breakfasts and dinners were typically quite good Places visited were very good. Dubrovnik was not to be missed. Mountain top monastery in Greece was truly spectacular. Albania was surprisingly modern in the city center of the capital Needed an additional day in Sarajevo. With the assassination, the Olympics and the siege of the 90's, there is too much history to only have a single day there. Biggest problem was the amount of time in transit on the bus compared to the time seeing the sights we drove to. Interesting concept in the way the company recombines groups at each point to customize the experience desired by each of the travelers. Does mean that you may be travelling with totally new companions and guides each couple of days. Our guide for most of the time was Victor. Relatively young and new to the business. Fluent in Bulgarian, Spanish and English. Struck a nice balance in furnishing information about the places we visited without being over-bearing with it. Had the ability to keep things organized and get what we needed at various points. Street smart and I'm sure will get better with his knowledge of the region as time goes on. I'd bet he'll be really good at this down the road.

Balkan Experience – seven countries in two weeks - SMALL GROUP

This is my third time in the area, but first time in this part of the Balkans. We are absolutely satisfied. We saw and experıenced so many beautıful places. I am still full of impressions. Perfect choice of the hotels, better than promised. The guide was friendly and knowledgeable, and a very safe driver. From day 1 we felt safe and peaceful. The communication with the office was also smooth. All in all - a faultless tour.

Dubrovnik to Athens: Beachfronts & Fortresses

This trip was absolutely amazing! And it was all due to our amazing guide - he was, hands down, the most knowledgeable and charismatic tour guide a person could have dreamed up! He not only made it possible for our diverse group to get to know one another, he introduced us to experiences, places and persons that a local would only know. He was meticulously organized down to a "T", arranged for upgrades at his own expense, and left the group with little to no worries about where/what would be done next. If I could book tours with this guide solely - I would. In fact, for my next adventure I do plan on booking with G Adventures and requesting his tour.

Balkan Dreams

Overall the tour was good but very fast paced and quite often as is the way of Europomundo the Hotels were usually quite a way out of the main centres which meant very little chance to try local restaurants I would call these tours a brief taste of the Balkans. Hotels were good tourist class places. Like Accor style without the extra benefits Meals were mostly good. again typical tourist hotel style meals or buffet breakfast were very good with lots of variety As meals are mostly provided in the Hotels you are then wasting money by paying to go to a local restaurant You do see a lot of places and spend a few hrs in each place but no time for museums unless on the itinerary which they stick to. Europomondo tour company is well know for its tailored hop on hop offs so you can join them pretty much anywhere along the route Also bear in mind it is a Spanish company so all tours are bilingual and English is also spoken but firstly if you are only speaking English you have to wait for the Spanish info to be spoken then it is in English Buses are usually full say 40-45 people is pretty standard. I personally will not be using this company again am over being so rushed with late city arrivals and early starts for sure not a relaxing holiday BUT I did see a lot and coming from Australia it is not easy to revisit these places. I have done 2 separate but probably 5 individual tours with them 3 in one area ( Spain Morocco Portugal) and 2 in another area Balkans and the old Yugoslavian countries. I admire their logistics of pulling it all together but the individuality is lost. The drivers and guides are fantastic a big heads up for Victor and Igor and their drivers felt very safe and their information was very good. Ok so my main criticism is too rushed accommodation too far out busses very big so a lot of people who you only meet briefly before a new lot come on board. Variety yes but bonding no. thanks

What people love about Fully Guided Tours in Balkans

Enjoyed every moment. Highly recommend

The tour was fantastic! The Balkans are beautiful, the people are warm and welcoming, and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of travel companions. Cheers to Boyan, our tour director, and Nico, our driver. They’re lovely people and TravelTalk is fortunate to have them!

Travel Styles

• Fully Guided

International Versions

• English: Fully Guided Tours & Trips in Balkans
• Deutsch: Geführte Rundreisen in Balkan
• Français: Balkans : Circuits entièrement guidés 2024/2025
• Español: Totalmente guidado Circuitos en Balcanes
• Nederlands: Volledig begeleid Rondreizen in Balkan

• Bosnia and Herzegovina

North Macedonia

• One-Day & Half-Day Tours
• Multi-Day Tours
• Balkan Tours
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• Culinary Tours
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• Private Transfers

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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Bosnia’s nomad havens: lukomir & umoljani, 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.

Sarajevo to Bihac: Una River & Waterfall Expedition – 5 Days

Discover Bihac's gems: Old town, Una River, historic sites, and Plitvice Lakes adventure. An irresistible blend of culture, nature, and culinary delights!

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.

Hvar Island: Blue and Green Caves Boat Adventure

Explore Hvar's Blue and Green Caves: Dive into crystal waters, uncover hidden beaches, and relax in Palmižana Bay.

Skopje: Walking City Tour & Vodno Mountain Expedition – Macedonia Trips

Experience the wonders of Skopje's nature & urban life. Join our guided tour and explore the Old Bazaar and Vodno Mountain!

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.

Kalemegdan Fortress: Symbol of Belgrade’s strength

The Kalemegdan Fortress represents a symbol of Belgrade's strength.

The Balkans Travel with Balkland: Visit Skopje City!

Find out many interesting facts about Skopje city!

Balkan Tours: 5 reasons why to visit Kruja Castle

Meet Kruja castle in Alabinija! A symbol of the history of the Albanian people.

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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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 |

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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 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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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 vacations 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 colorful 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 flavors 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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The Balkans are a diverse region in Southeast Europe, with stunning cities and spectacular nature. Traveling in the Balkans can be a bit challenging, but it’s also extremely rewarding. So go one stop further with our Balkans itinerary and discover a whole new side of Europe. You can travel the Balkans with a  Eurail Global Pass . The train will get you to most places, but some stops in this itinerary can only be reached by bus. Bus tickets in the Balkans are generally low-priced, so don't let it stop you from having a full Balkan experience!

Itinerary in short

Click here  or on the map to view this route in our Trip Planner

Cities visited in this trip:

Zagreb, croatia.

Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina  

Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina

Dubrovnik, croatia, kotor, montenegro, belgrade, serbia.

Zagreb is a great place to start your Balkan adventure. It has an inviting city center, with many cosy bars and restaurants. Check out the magnificent tilework on St. Mark's Church and get your daily supply of fruit and veggies at Dolac Market . For something truly original, visit the Tragicomical Museum of Broken Relationships .

For the best view of Zagreb, climb up to Lotrscak Tower , a defensive fortification from the 13th century. If you're up for a walk, make your way to nearby Mirogoj , one of the most beautiful cemeteries in all of Europe.

From Zagreb to Sarajevo

Travel time:

Zagreb Glavni Kolod

Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina

Sarajevo is a city that will amaze and delight you. It's nicknamed the Jerusalem of Europe, due to its history of ethnic and religious diversity. Walk through the Bascarsija bazaar to see the lasting influence of the Ottoman Empire. Turn a corner to find the majestic Vijecnica , Sarajevo’s old city hall and library. It was greatly damaged in the Bosnian war, but repaired and reopened in 2014.

During the Bosnian war, Sarajevo suffered through the longest siege in modern history. Check out the Sarajevo Tunnel that was used for getting supplies into the city and look around for Sarajevo Roses – mortar shell holes in the concrete that have been filled with red resin as a memorial.

From Sarajevo to Mostar

The city of Mostar is famous for and named after the Stari Most , its Ottoman bridge from the 16 th century. One of the country's most recognisable landmarks, the old bridge was destroyed in the Croat-Bosniak War, but reconstructed with many of the original stones. In July, watch divers leap from the bridge in the annual Stari Most diving competition.

The bridge and the Old Town around it are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When you’re done exploring Mostar, take a day trip to the nearby Kravice Waterfalls . This beautiful spot is the perfect place to go for a swim on a hot summer’s day.

From Mostar to Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It lies on the Adriatic Sea and is bursting with monuments, like the Renaissance Rector’s Palace and the impressive Minčeta Tower . The city’s most characteristic features are the splendid Walls of Dubrovnik that run over 1.2 miles (2 km) around the Old City.

If Dubrovnik looks familiar to you, it's probably because it's a major filming location for the hit series Game of Thrones! This has only increased tourism, so expect Dubrovnik to be packed in summer. For some peace and quiet, you can visit the lush island of Lokrum and its botanical gardens. Lokrum is located just off the coast of Dubrovnik and is inhabited exclusively by peacocks.

From Dubrovnik to Kotor

From Dubrovnik, travel by bus to the Montenegrin town of Kotor , with its impressive Venetian fortifications. Climb all the way up to the Castle of San Giovanni for an amazing view of Kotor Bay. Equally beautiful is nearby Budva , a 2,500-year-old town that’s known for both its medieval Old Town and as the undisputed party capital of Montenegro.

Traveling in Montenegro is mostly done by bus. The country’s trains start running at Bar , another coastal town with plenty of beaches. Here, you can catch a train up to the capital city,  Podgorica, and to Belgrade in Serbia. The journey from Bar to Belgrade is quite long, so we recommend you travel this route by night train.

From Kotor to Belgrade

Bar, montenegro.

Belgrade, meaning white city, is Serbia's capital and largest city. Look beyond its rough edges to find an abundance of beauty. Visit the historic Belgrade Fortress in Kalemegdan Park for an amazing view of the Sava and Danube rivers. Make sure to check out the huge Church of St. Sava and visit the National Museum to find the largest art collection in Serbia.

If you’re looking for a night out, visit one of Belgrade’s splavovi , clubs and bars on rafts in the Sava River. On a summer day, go out of the city and have a swim at Ada Ciganlija , Belgrade’s beach island.

Experience the Balkans with a Eurail Global Pass!  

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The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Travelling the Balkans

Did you know that he word ‘balkan’ means ‘mountains’ in Turkish? Well, the exact definition in Ottoman Turkish is ‘a chain of wooden mountains’, which refers to the regional Balkan, Rhodope, Diarnic Alps and the Carpathian Mountains. The area evolved very differently from Western Europe, giving adventurous travellers a different, and a somewhat less explored, experience. Here’s a short guide on the essentials for visiting the Balkans.

Where are the balkans.

Geographically, the Balkans refers to Europe’s large eastern peninsula, including Yugoslavia, Albania, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova and parts of Greece and European Turkey. But not everyone agrees with this definition. Some identify based on historical and cultural terms , which tends just to include Bulgaria and the Former Yugoslavian nations. If you hear the name, it may refer to some or all of the countries mentioned above.

Where to Go:

There’s a rich history here too with Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and Yugoslavian influences as well as one or two Kingdoms. Take the time to understand the complicated story to appreciate the complex Balkan past.

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On a broader Balkan trip, consider Bulgaria, Macedonia, Serbia , Kosovo , Bosnia , Montenegro and Croatia. Albania is worth visiting too. Favourites include Macedonia’s Skopje and Lake Ohrid, Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor, Serbia’s Nis and, of course, Belgrade, Bosnia’s Sarajevo and Mostar, and Croatia’s Dubrovnik.

If you want to get a more off-the-beaten-path experience, check out Plovdiv in Bulgaria, Kosovo’s Pristina and Prizren, Banja Luka in Bosnia and Albania’s Tirana, Duress and Berat.

How to Travel:

The best way to get into the Balkans is by flying. European budget airlines, in particular Wizz Air, connects to many destinations. You shouldn’t have any difficulties finding an inexpensive flight to Sofia (Bulgaria), Skopje (Macedonia) and Tuzla (Bosnia).

The best way to travel within the Balkans is by either the bus or train. Getting around is quite easy, but for someone without experience, it can be frustrating and challenging. Prices aren’t as low as you may think; expect to pay at least US $10 or more for a one-way ticket.

If you’re travelling over a land border, you may or may not get an entrance or exit stamp, but this rarely causes problems.

Typical Travel Difficulties:

One of the biggest difficulties for Balkan travel is finding reliable information on timetables, costs and points of departure. Information online is hard to come by and even then, can’t be trusted. Schedules at the station may or may not be up to date.

You usually need to buy tickets from the station on either day of departure or in advance and give them to the drivers. Be aware some routes also charge to store luggage.

For the Balkan novice, this can all be daunting. But there’s a simple solution that works every time. And the majority of tourists, from my experience, fail to do it and end up frustrated. All you need to do is write the destination in either Latin or Cyrillic, the date, a time you want to depart, a price with a question mark and show them the day before. For example: ‘Sarajevo, 01/01/18, 11:00? 10KM?’

Give them the paper and a pen. If the time and price are wrong, they’ll change it, and you have your answer. Ask if they speak English, if yes, be as direct as possible. If not, rely on your paper.

Safety Tips:

Is it safe to travel to the Balkans? The answer is yes. Despite the negative connotations the region has for violence and conflict, the Balkans aren’t at war anymore. Whereas ethnic tensions remain, especially in the Former Yugoslavia, and protests are common, you’ll rarely face difficulties.

Regarding safety, watch out for gypsies, who often beg and follow foreigners around. Also, be wary of scams in touristy areas.

But don’t let this deter you, the Balkans are safe. The kind of attacks that are becoming more common in Western Europe have not reached this area. And you’ll find warmth and hospitality from the people you meet.

A Balkan Experience:

The Balkan experience is different from Western Europe, but travelling in the region is rewarding because of the history, culture and relatively affordable travel costs. You’ll quickly fall in love with the region.

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Wander-Lush

Where to Go on a Balkan Road Trip: 20 Epic Self-Drive Itineraries

Love road trips? The Balkans is one of the best regions in Europe for self-driving. This post brings together 20 tried-and-tested Balkans road trip itineraries to help you plan the perfect 3-14 day adventure.

Short distances, safe roads and affordable car rentals – the Balkans is a great place for a road trip.

With your own wheels, you can cover a whole country in a couple of days. In a week or more, you can fit in a cross-border itinerary to get a taste for the region’s diversity.

Mountains, lakes, dynamic cities, UNESCO sites and some of the best beaches in Europe – all for a fraction of the cost, and with a fraction of the crowds. The driving style in the Balkans takes some getting used to, but that’s all part of the experience!

This guide will take you through the very best tried-and-tested Balkans road trip itineraries to help you plan your own. I’ve also included lots of tips and tricks for driving in the Balkans, rental car advice, and two route maps.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Renting a car in the Balkans

There are two booking platforms I personally recommend for renting a car in the Balkans.

The first is Local Rent . This website aggregates local agents instead of big-ticket rental companies, meaning you can often find cars for much lower prices (from as little as 12 Euros/day in some countries!). Insurance often comes included in the base rate and better still, most cars do not require a deposit or credit card.

Currently, Local Rent is available in Bulgaria, Montenegro, Greece and Turkey .

→ Check prices on the Local Rent website .

For the other Balkan countries, I highly recommend using Discover Cars . This comparison website allows you to compare rentals from both international and local agents, and to pre-purchase comprehensive insurance.

→ Visit Discover Cars and plug in your dates to see what’s available .

3 quick Balkans road trip tips

You need prior permission to cross borders.

If you’re driving around the Balkans in a rental car and you plan on crossing international borders, it’s essential to inform the rental company ahead of time . Give them plenty of advance notice so they can organise a Green Card for you.

Some agencies put restrictions on which borders you can cross in a rental – many won’t allow you to drive into Kosovo, for example – so be sure to check this before you start planning your route.

Rental companies with offices across the region will usually allow you to return your car in a different country for an extra fee.

You need a Green Card

A Green Card is essentially a travel document that verifies that your car is insured . Without one, you might be asked to purchase local insurance instead.

Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Greece and Turkey all require a Green Card. Green Cards are not valid in Kosovo, so every driver has to purchase separate insurance at the border. This costs around 15 Euros for a fortnight of coverage.

Look out for vignettes & tolls

While Montenegro has only one toll road that can easily be avoided, Serbia for example has several toll roads with relatively high fees.

Other countries in the Balkans impose a blanket vignette or ‘road tax’ for using the highways rather than separate tolls. Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia all charge vignettes of between 3-15 Euros per week.

If you rent your car from within one of these countries, the cost will be rolled into the rental price. If you’re entering overaland, you can either pre-purchase an e-vignette online or buy it from a petrol station when you arrive. (Note that you need the car registration details to register online.)

• Albania: See a list of toll roads here – no vignette
• Bosnia: See a list of toll roads here – no vignette
• Bulgaria: Purchase an e-vignette here
• Croatia: See a list of toll roads here – no vignette
• Greece: See a list of toll roads here – no vignette
• Kosovo: No toll roads
• Montenegro: Only one toll tunnel (Sozina tunnel, €2.5) – no vignette
• North Macedonia: See a list of toll roads here – no vignette
• Romania: Purchase an e-vignette for Romania here
• Slovenia: See point-of-sale locations for the e-vignette here
• Turkey: See a list of toll roads here (sticker or card required) – no vignette

Balkan road trip: Suggested itineraries

Here are 20 of the very best Balkan road trip itineraries, tried and tested by me and other travel experts.

1. Montenegro road trip: Lake Skadar & The Bay of Kotor (5-7 days)

• Duration: 5-7 days
• Distance covered: 280km (approx. 5 hours of driving)
• Highlights: Kotor Old Town , Perast, Skadar Lake boat trip, Lovcen National Park

Montenegro is the perfect place for a Balkan road trip. This Montenegro road trip itinerary concentrates on the one and only Bay of Kotor, with a stopover at Skadar Lake plus a few nights on Montenegro’s southern coast.

The first day of driving from Podgorica, Montenegro’s capital, to the coast takes you over one of the most magnificent stretches of road anywhere in the region: the land bridge over Skadar Lake. This is the same route the famous Belgrade to Bar train takes. Spend a night in Virpazar where you can enjoy a boat trip on the marshy lake and do birdwatching. Or, continue straight to Petrovac, a small coastal settlement with a fortress.

Just 10km further up the coast, Sveti Stefan is quieter than other beach towns and makes for an ideal place to base yourself for a few nights. From here, you can day trip to Budva. Don’t miss the Church of St. Sava for the best views of the private island.

Cut briefly inland to reach Boka Kotorska, one of the most beautiful parts of the country . The Bay is dotted with cities and towns of various sizes – Tivat, Kotor, Perast and Herceg Novi are all worth spending a day in. In Kotor, hike to the castle and get lost in the old town. Perast is smaller and less touristy than Kotor, making it my favourite spot on the Bay. Don’t miss a boat trip to Our Lady of the Rocks, one of the most unique churches in the Balkans.

If you need a break from the coast, it’s a quick drive to Lovcen National Park and the iconic Petar Petrovic Njegos Mausoleum. From Herceg Novi, loop back to Podgorica, passing through Niksic and stopping off at Ostrog Monastery.

Check out my top tips for a successful road trip in Montenegro and my general travel tips for Montenegro .

2. Northern Croatia road trip: Istrian Peninsula (7 days)

Recommended by Maggie, The World Was Here First

• Duration: 7 days
• Distance covered: 200km (approx. 3 hours of driving)
• Highlights: Pula Amphitheatre, Istrian wineries, Rovinj old town

One of the best places in the Balkans to go for a road trip is the gorgeous Istria region of Croatia . As one of the gastronomic centres of Croatia, Istria is an excellent place for food lovers and sun-seekers alike.

If you want to get the most out of Istria, plan to spend at least one week exploring this lovely region. This will allow you to see the beautiful coastal cities of ‘Blue Istria’ as well as explore the hill towns and culinary scene of ‘Green Istria’.

The easiest place to begin a road trip in Istria is in the biggest city, Pula. Famous for its imposing Roman Amphitheatre, it’s also worth taking the time to visit Pula’s bustling central market, learn about oil production at the House of Istrian Olive Oil, or take a day trip to the Brijuni Islands.

Don’t have a car? Here’s how to travel between Rovinj and Pula by bus.

From Pula, head north to the coastal town of Umag. This charming seaside village is pleasant to stroll through and, though it doesn’t have a lot to offer in terms of tourist sites, it makes an excellent base to explore some other parts of the region. 

From Umag, you can visit some of Istria’s best wineries or take a day trip to the beautiful hill towns Motovun, Buje, or Groznjan. Here, you can feast on truffle-laden dishes while enjoying all the charms of a Tuscan hill town with a fraction of the crowds. You can also drive down the coast and visit the beautiful old towns of Porec or Novigrad and take in the stunning Lim Fjord.

Finally, no trip to Istria is complete without a stop in Rovinj. The Old Town is perfectly preserved and the pedestrianised streets will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Though Rovinj can get very crowded in the summer months, it still retains its charm and is very much worth exploring.

Related: 8 beautiful places to visit in Croatian Istria .

3. Croatia & Bosnia and Herzegovina road trip: Split to Sarajevo via Mostar (10 days)

Recommended by Coni, Experiencing the Globe

• Duration: 10 days
• Distance covered: 315km (approx. 5 hours of driving)
• Highlights: Waterfalls, Pocitelj open-air museum, Mostar bridge, Sarajevo Old Bazaar

This Balkan road trip is a dream because it includes all the main highlights of the region: turquoise beaches, Roman and medieval towns, stunning nature, and interesting history. I’d recommend setting aside 10 days to fully enjoy it.

Start in Split, Croatia, where you can explore Diocletian’s palace (a 1700-year-old fortress where the Roman Emperor lived), enjoy the forest and the beaches of Marjan Park, and visit a few art museums (don’t miss the Mestrovic Gallery).

From Split, you can add on a few day  trips. My recommendation is to visit medieval Trogir, Krka waterfalls , and at least one of the islands (there are island hopping tours to cover more in less time).

After Split, drive along the coast to Croatia’s capital of adventure, Omis, where you can have fun doing zip-lining, rafting or rock climbing.

After a few days on the Adriatic coast, head to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Your first stop will be at Kravica Waterfalls. Spend a few hours wandering around and go for a quick swim in the cold water before moving on to Pocitelj. This is the first indication that you’re entering a Muslim country. Pocitelj village is an open-air museum: medieval towers and mosques set in a cliff overlooking the Neretva river.

Related: My guide to exploring Pocitelj .

The next stop is Blagaj, where a historical tekija (a Dervish monastery) is set in a cliff near a spring of the Buna river.

Stay at least a day in Mostar , the best place to learn about the history of BiH, especially the Yugoslav wars. The contrast between western Croatia and eastern Bosnia is really palpable here. The river divides the town in two different worlds.

The last stop is Sarajevo , Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital. Walk around town to discover layers of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian and socialist history.

4. Short Romania road trip: Bucharest Loop (7-10 days)

Recommended by Victor, Victor’s Travels

• Duration: 7-10 days
• Distance covered: 670km (approx. 10 hours of driving)
• Highlights: UNESCO-Listed Sighisoara, Peles Castle, Bran Castle, Brasov

Romania is one of those countries you can easily underestimate due to the lack of tourist attractions. Sure, you have the Transylvanian region with Dracula’s castle, but the country has a lot more to offer!

Our Romania road trip started in Bucharest, Romania’s capital, where we rented a small car for about 50 Euros for a little over a week. When booking in advance, I definitely recommend getting the ‘worry-free’ option with full coverage, as you will encounter potholes and loose gravel on many of Romania’s roads.

Our first stop was Sibiu, a charming little city about 4 hours’ drive from Bucharest, with little bakeries, orthodox churches, and colourful buildings.

The next brief stop was the city of Sighisoara, which has a UNESCO-Listed walled old town. You can almost hear the buildings creak and crumble, most of them being at least 300 years old.

More Transylvania goodness: My guide to the walled city of Sighisoara .

Brasov was next, with its many hip cafe’s, excellent (and cheap!) restaurants, and friendly locals. I recommend hiking up to the Hollywood-like ‘Brasov’ sign for a breathtaking view of the city.

Romania’s famous castles were next on our itinerary. We decided to stop only briefly at Bran Castle (the famous Dracula’s castle) for a quick walk around the exterior. Instead, we drove another hour to check out Peles Castle , which is considered to be one of the most stunning castles in Europe. The tour is interesting too, as every room has a completely different interior.

Sinaia was our last stop before heading back to Bucharest. This ski-resort town was nice and quiet, as we did the trip at the end of March: too late for ski season, too early for hiking season. The beautiful mountains of Bucegi Natural Park still had lots of snow.

5. North Macedonia road trip: Skopje to Ohrid (5-7 days)

• Distance covered: 600km (approx. 9 hours of driving)
• Highlights: Skopje Old Bazaar, Tetovo Mosque, Lake Ohrid, Krushevo

Another classic Balkan road trip, the Skopje loop route in North Macedonia covers all the country’s must-sees. After a few days in capital observing the contrasts between Skopje’s sculpture-dotted city centre and the old Ottoman-era bazaar, drive west to the small town of Tetovo, home to one of the most stunning mosques in the Balkans region.

Head south, Skirting Mavrovo National Park, to reach Lake Ohrid. Ohrid is a great base for exploring the monasteries and churches around the lake and wineries and villages further inland. Make a stop in Bitola to visit the ruins of Heraclea Lyncestis, an ancient Greek/Roman city, before heading into the hills.

A few days in charming Krushevo , my favourite place in North Macedonia, will recharge your spirits. Wander the cobbled streets, eat at the local cafes, and be sure to visit some of the craftspeople in town.

Return to Skopje via Prilep with an option to stop over in Veles on the way back.

Related: The perfect North Macedonia itinerary by bus .

6. Bulgaria road trip: Ruse to Smolyan (7-10 days)

Recommended by Daniela, Ipanema Travels

• Distance covered: 900km (approx. 15 hours of driving)
• Highlights: Veliko Tarnovo, Rhodope Mountains, Plovdiv

This road trip takes you from north to south visiting some of the most beautiful places in Bulgaria, including two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The whole trip is a bit over 900km. If you travel slowly, taking the time to see everything along the way, you can easily spend a whole week or more on the road.

The trip starts in Ruse on the Danube River. On the next day, continue via the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo (a UNESCO Site) and Nikopolis ad Istrum (an ancient Roman city) to Veliko Tarnovo . 

Veliko Tarnovo is perhaps one of the most beautiful cities in Bulgaria, being the old capital of the country in the period 1185-1396.  Spend a whole day in Veliko Tarnovo, including a detour to the nearby village of Arbanasi.

From Veliko Tarnovo, the road trip continues to Kazanlak, crossing the Balkan Mountains and the Shipka Pass. Stop at Shipka Pass and climb to the top of the Monument to Freedom for some amazing views.

Afterwards, continue to Kanzanlak stopping at Shipka Memorial Church on the way. Spend the evening in Kazanlak and visit the famous Thracian Tomb (another UNESCO World Heritage Site) the next morning. In the afternoon head to Plovdiv – another contender for the crown of the most beautiful city in Bulgaria.

After Plovid, head further south to Smolyan – a lovely city in the heart of the Rhodope Mountains – stopping at Pamporovo, a famous ski resort, on the way. While you’re there, take the chair lift to Snezhanka Peak or climb the Snezhanka TV tower for breathtaking views. Stay the night in Smolyan and the next day, take a mini road trip to the nearby authentic village of Shiroka Luka and the stunning Trigrad Gorge leading to the Yagodinska Cave.

You can start and end this trip in Sofia, travelling to Ruse on the first day and back to Sofia on last day via Devin and Plovdiv. Or, you can make it a longer Balkan road trip by starting in Romania and continuing south to Greece.

7. Albania road trip: The Albanian Riviera (4-7 days)

Recommended by Rohan and Max, Travels of a Bookpacker

• Duration: 4-7 days
• Distance covered: 460km (approx. 8 hours of driving)
• Highlights: Albania’s beaches

If you’re into beaches, you can’t go past the fantastically scenic route stretching along the coast of Albania. The road is easy to drive and provides lots of great places to stop for a swim or detour off to see the sights inland.

We travelled this route over three weeks, taking our time to relax and enjoy the beaches. Realistically, you could drive the Albanian coast in a few days if you were pressed for time.

Start your drive from the capital, Tirana , and head straight out to the beach town of Durres. From there, follow the highway south and turn off to the beach whenever you fancy! Some of the best beaches are located at Vlores, Himare and Dhermi. The hidden beach at Gjipe is well worth a visit but requires a 4×4 or a 20 minute walk to reach.

Alternative Albania: Check out my 2-week road trip itinerary for the coast and interior.

Finally, continue down the coast to Sarande, making an inland detour to the Blue Eye . You can either finish your road trip there, continue south to Greece , or loop back up through Gjirokaster to get back to Tirana.

There are guest houses, hotels and even a few hostels in most beach towns. By far, the best experience is wild camping on the coast of Albania . There are so many amazing spots to pull up with your campervan (or tent at some of them) and enjoy beach views from your back door. The Italian influence, felt from just across the sea, is evident in the availability of great pizza and gelato. You’ll also find a great range of affordable restaurants selling fresh seafood.

Related: An easy 2-week Albania itinerary by bus .

8. Serbia road trip: Nis to Subotica (3-5 days)

Recommended by Allison, Sofia Adventures

• Duration: 3-5 days
• Distance covered: 430km (approx. 6 hours of driving)
• Highlights: Belgrade, Novi Sad, wineries, Art Nouveau architecture in Subotica

If you’re planning a road trip through the Balkans, don’t discount Serbia! This beautiful Balkan country often gets the short end of the stick, with people only spending a couple of days in Belgrade. But Serbia deserves a lot more than that!

While Western Serbia is full of beautiful natural wonders like the Drina River and Tara National Park, this road trip in Serbia focuses on four important Serbian cities that are all easily connected by the best highway in the country, making it an easy route.

Start in Nis, the largest city in southern Serbia. Nis is a wonder for history lovers. You should visit the Skull Tower, a ghastly relic of the Ottoman occupation, and Nis Fortress, as well as the Crveni Krst (Red Cross) Concentration Camp Museum. There is a large spomenik dedicated to those who died in Nis during World War II on Mount Burbanj. If you visit these sites, please do so respectfully.

After Nis, head north to Belgrade. There’s so much to do in Belgrade that it practically defies belief, but I suggest taking a communist tour, exploring the night life, checking out the food and street art scene, going for a river cruise on the Sava and Danube, and visiting Kalemegdan Fortress. Belgrade has a ton of traffic and parking can be a bit of a nightmare, so I suggest picking a  place to stay in Belgrade  that is outside the downtown area: Vracar, Novi Beograd, and Zemun are all fantastic neighborhoods.

Finally, head up to Vojvodina, an autonomous region of Serbia which used to be part of the Austro-Hungarian empire. Novi Sad should be your first port of call here, although a side trip to nearby Sremski Karlovci to try some of the delicious Fruska Gora wineries would be a wonderful addition.

Novi Sad is Serbia’s beautiful second city with uniquely beautiful architecture and a funky vibe. There are wonderful cafes and restaurants to enjoy, candy-coloured architecture everywhere you look, and the gorgeous Petrovaradin Fortress which is definitely a can’t-miss.

Find your way around Serbia’s second city with my Novi Sad city guide.

End your Serbia trip in Subotica. This stunning Art Nouveau city is most famous for the gorgeous Raichle Palace, which is easily the most beautiful building in all of Serbia. It’s now been converted into a museum.

The main square with the town hall, library, and the most beautiful McDonalds I’ve ever seen (no joke), is also a must visit, and be sure to also stop by the synagogue and Subotica Cathedral, which is famous for a large crack in the middle of the cathedral!

9. Kosovo, Albania & Montenegro road trip: Prizren to Shkoder via Ulcinj (3-7 days)

Recommended by Erika, Erika’s Travelventures

• Duration: 3-7 days
• Distance covered: 230km (approx. 5 hours of driving)
• Highlights: Prizren, the Accursed Mountains, beaches around Ulcinj

In order to get a taste of just how diverse this conglomerate of countries is, try a Balkan road trip from Prizren, Kosovo, to Shkoder, Albania, and Ulcinj, Montenegro. This route takes you from a sleepy Islamic town to a mountainous Albanian one, then finally to a beachy Montenegrin destination.

You can do this road trip in a minimum of three days, that’s how close each of the towns are. However, I recommend taking it slow and spending maybe two days in each place. Spend three days in Shkoder if you want to make a day trip to the mountain village of Theth.

First stop, Prizren, Kosovo. Kosovo is a tiny country that should not be skipped on any Balkan road trip because of how culturally and historically unique it is. Prizren in southern Kosovo is a gem of a town and is a more cultural version of Kosovo’s capital, Pristina.

Prizren is home to a large fortress located atop a hill – the perfect sunrise or sunset spot. There is an old bazaar area that will transport you to the heart of any Islamic country, if the sound of the central mosque’s call to prayer hasn’t done so already.

From Prizren, it’s about a 30-minute drive to the Albanian border, then 2.5 hours until Shkoder.

Shkoder is the economic and political centre of northern Albania and is close to some beautiful natural landscapes, including lakes and mountains. Take a tour or day trip drive to Theth, a tiny mountain village surrounded by impressive jagged mountains. Shkoder itself has many charming pedestrian pathways where you can relax on a cafe terrace or go for drinks at a quirky pub.

Stretch your legs: My tips for the Valbona to Theth hike.

From Shkoder, it’s no more than an hour of driving to Ulcinj, a quick hop over the Montenegrin border. Montenegro has endless towns along its coastline that are famous for their beaches. Ulcinj is no exception, although it is far less known.

Bask in the sun, go for a stroll under the palm trees, or explore the maze-like old town located at the top of a small hill. Find relaxation during the day, and go out for some dancing during the night at the many bars and clubs.

10. Slovenia road trip: Brda to Ljubljana (10 days)

Recommended by Karen, Local Holland

• Distance covered: 300km (approx. 4 hours of driving)
• Highlights: Predjama Castle, hiking in Triglav National Park, Lake Bohinj

Slovenia is the perfect spot for a Balkan road trip. In 10 days, we experienced the best western Slovenia has to offer. We started and ended near the Italian border to take advantage of affordable flights into Venice.

One of the unexpected highlights near the beginning of our trip was the stunning Brda region, which sits directly next to the Italian border. Here, you can enjoy local red and white wines in stunning hilltop towns such as Smartno na Pohorju.

If you’re a wine lover, it’s worth taking a day (or two) to explore the various wineries and learn about the unique history of this region. We also loved stopping off at small towns along the beautiful Soca River.

After exploring Brda, we drove down to Predjama to experience the stunning castle built in the mouth of a cave. The castle itself has an amazing history and some shocking features, so be sure to enter the cave! The next day, we enjoyed the beautiful Skocjanske caves, a less-crowded alternative to Postojna cave.

The next two days were spent exploring the beautiful Triglavski National Park and the stunning Tolmin Gorge. While driving up, I wondered if we were in Yosemite National Park in the US. The hiking here is first-class and Triglav is a popular day hike among Slovenians. I also loved exploring the picturesque Tolmin Gorge with its beautiful aquamarine water.

After some hiking, we rested up for a day of relaxation at Lake Bohinj, the little sister to Lake Bled – again without the crowds. It’s located at the foot of Triglav National Park, so the views are absolutely stunning. You can take a dip in the water or go SUPing. After a relaxing afternoon, we ended our evening with sunset at Lake Bled.

No car? Here’s how to travel to Bled from Ljubljana by bus.

Depending on how much time you have, you might want to give yourself several days in Ljubljana to experience one of Europe’s greenest capitals. Slovenia has a thriving experimental craft beer culture, so be sure to try a pint of the local brew. Throw in a side trip to the charming city of Skofja Loka to visit the castle.

Driving in Slovenia is fairy straightforward. The highways are very well maintained. Anyone who’s not used to hills should practice driving in manual. If you will be driving on smaller narrow roads, especially in the mountains, it’s best to avoid driving at night.

11. Transylvania road trip: Sibiu to Targu Mures (5-8 days)

Recommended by Corina, Another Milestone

• Duration: 5-8 days
• Distance covered: 760km (approx. 13 hours of driving)
• Highlights: Fortified churches, the Merry Cemetery, Turda Salt Mine

The classic tour of Transylvania includes the big cities of the region , some traditional villages, important natural attractions and landscapes that will amaze you. Five days are enough to see it all. Add an extra three days for Maramures and you will remember this holiday forever!

Start your trip in Sibiu with a long walk in the old town. The next day, go to Cluj Napoca, stopping on the way to see Alba Iulia, the white citadel, and to explore the salt mine amusement park in Turda.

Dedicate your third day to Cluj Napoca, the largest city in Transylvania, for its old town, modern restaurants and botanical garden. On day four, you can visit the wooden churches of Maramures and stop in Sighetu Marmatiei.

The next day, visit the main attractions around the area: The Merry Cemetery and a prison transformed in museum. Don’t leave Maramures without a ride on the mocanita , a steam train that takes you deep into the woods. In the evening, you can stop in a traditional village.

Coming back to Transylvania on your seventh day, visit Targu Mures, another medieval city. On the way back to Sibiu, spend your last day discovering the fortified churches of Transylvania, UNESCO Heritage sites Biertan and Valea Viilor.

12. Great Balkan Cities Road Trip: Zagreb to Belgrade & Sarajevo (10-14 days)

• Duration: 10-14 days
• Distance covered: 880km (approx. 12 hours of driving)
• Highlights: House of Flowers in Belgrade, Sargan Eight historic railroad, Bridge on the Drina , Sarajevo Old Bazaar

Perfect for urban explorers and modern history aficionados, this driving itinerary takes you to three of the best cities in the Balkans: Zagreb, Belgrade and Sarajevo. In between, you’ll be treated to a slew of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, several smaller cities and a couple of national parks.

Starting in Zagreb, Croatia’s capital, wander the twin neighbourhoods of Kaptol and Lower Town, popping into as many museums and quirky art galleries as you can. Walk the Green Horseshoe and be sure to spend an afternoon amongst the gravestones at Mirogoj Cemetery.

Say goodbye to the crowds heading west towards Croatia’s coast and set your sights eastward instead, driving through the beautiful and underrated Slavonia region. Osijek was once the largest city in Croatia; now it’s a relatively quiet and peaceful place with a beautiful old town and several monuments that commemorate the terrible conflicts of the 1990s. Pay your respects at the Monument to Croatian War Veterans and learn the incredible tale behind the ‘Red Fico’, then sit at a cafe on the River Drava to process it all.

Cross the border into Northern Serbia , stopping for a few nights in charming Novi Sad before continuing to the capital. There are dozens of hidden gems in the concrete jungle that is Belgrade: Don’t miss the TV Tower or the House of Flowers, a museum-mausoleum dedicated to Tito. Finish your time in Belgrade with an afternoon stroll through Zemun – a cute town within the city – or a bike ride through New Belgrade to admire the Brutalist architecture.

Head to the border region to hike in Tara National Park, using the town of Mokra Gora as a base. Here’s where you can hitch a ride on the Sargan Eight, a heritage narrow-gauge railway that’s been chugging through these mountains on and off since 1925. The city of Viesgrad and its iconic stone bridge lie just over the border in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Pause here to take in the sombre significance of the famous Bridge on the Drina .

Sarajevo, Bosnia’s lively capital, is just a short drive away. Compare and contrast its Old Bazaar with the Brutalist face of Belgrade and the classical European architecture of Zagreb – you’ve just ticked off three of the region’s great cities!

13. Turkey, Bulgaria & Greece Road Trip: Istanbul to Thessaloniki (10-14 days)

• Distance covered: 1,000km (approx. 16 hours of driving)
• Highlights: Istanbul, Bulgarian Revival Architecture in Plovdiv, Pyramids of Melnik, markets and street food in Thessaloniki

East meets West on this itinerary that traverses continents, taking you from the crossroads of Asia into the heart of Europe. Kick things off in the one and only Istanbul, a total Turkey icon . Three days is barely enough time to see the highlights: Prioritise the Grand Bazaar, Galata Tower , Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, but leave a few hours to get lost down the charming streets of Karaköy and Balat as well.

Follow in the footsteps of the Ottoman Empire’s finest as you trace north-east into Bulgaria, stopping to visit the mosque in Edirne along the way. Plovdiv might not have the same reputation as Istanbul, but it’s another of this region’s greatest cities (and one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements). A few days here is ample time to admire the Bulgarian Revival Architecture .

Along the Greek border, visit the ski town of Smolyan, hike through arched bridges in Trigrad Gorge, and spend a few days crisscrossing the cobbled streets of Melnik, a beautiful town with Ottoman-style houses set against a rocky gorge. Hike through the Melnik Pyramids to see this unearthly landscape up close.

Final stop: Northern Greece. Serres has been a stopover point for traders throughout its history and is an important piece in this east-meets-west puzzle. Visit some of the numerous archaeological sites in the area before continuing down to Thessaloniki , Greece’s second-largest city.

There’s no better place to bring your road trip full circle than in the bustling markets of Thessaloniki – this is, after all, the birthplace of Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey.

Hang up your keys here, or continue driving to Halkidiki or to Meteora and Athens , using these Greece road trip itinerary ideas for inspiration.

14. Black Sea Road Trip: Burgas to Constanta & the Danube Delta (5-7 days)

• Distance covered: 420km (approx. 7 hours of driving)
• Highlights: UNESCO-Listed Nessebar, Black Sea beaches, the casino at Constanta, boat trip on the Danube Delta

The best beaches in the Balkans might be on the Adriatic Coast, but that doesn’t mean you should overlook the Black Sea completely. The slice of shoreline split between Bulgaria and Romania offers both swimming beaches and the Danube Delta, Europe’s second-largest river delta wetland and a flora-and-fauna lover’s paradise. All that against the backdrop of the mythical Black Sea .

To tackle this part of the Balkans by road, it’s recommended to start in Burgas, Bulgaria. Spend a day dashing between sandy beaches and pockets of glorious architecture, visiting the Church of Saint Cyril and Methodius and the wonderful Ethnographic Museum.

A little further along the coast, the ever-charming Nessebar awaits. Nicknamed the ‘Pearl of the Black Sea’, the entire old city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with countless monuments to discover. More secluded coves and swimming beaches can be found off the road between Nessebar and Varna. After crossing into Romania, head to Constanta to see the much-photographed abandoned casino. It’s even more enigmatic in real life than the pictures would have you think.

Finally, the city of Tulcea, just shy of the Ukrainian border, is the jumping-off point for tours of the Danube Delta , a stunning landscape rich with nesting birds and rare fish.

15. Short Bulgaria road trip: Sofia to the Buzludzha (1-3 days)

Recommended by Stephanie, Sofia Adventures

• Duration: 1-3 days
• Distance covered: 500km (approx. 6 hours of driving)
• Highlights: Buzludha Monument, Shipka church

One of my favorite Balkan road trips is to rent a car and spend the day driving the five hours from Sofia to Buzludzha and back. While I usually make the drive there and return in one day, you can also choose to stretch this out into a two-day or three-day day road trip if you don’t want to tackle that much driving in one day.

Leaving from Sofia, the drive winds through the Central Balkan Mountains in the Central Balkan National Park, which has the distinction of being a Tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You can plan your itinerary to include stops at several additional Communist Monuments. The mountains in this part of the country are dotted with them.

Make sure to give yourself enough time to visit Shipka, which is about thirty minutes from Buzludzha. The town’s gorgeous Russian Orthodox Church was built to serve the Russian troops who stayed behind after the Russians helped expel the Ottomans from Bulgaria.

The main event, of course, is Buzludzha. This former Monument House of the Bulgarian Communist Party sits atop a mountain and is only truly accessible by car. Famous for looking like a Communist UFO, give yourself time to get out and walk around the site.

If you want to turn your road trip into a multi-day affair, spend the night in nearby Stara Zagora, where you can take in another one of the country’s most famous Communist Sites and add a trip to the Thracian Tomb of Kazanak, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Otherwise, the drive back to Sofia will be beautiful, but possibly tiring. It helps to share this journey with another driver if you’re going to attempt it in one day.

16. Alternative Montenegro road trip: Komovi to Durmitor National Park (7 days)

Recommended by Sabrina and Kati, Moon & Honey Travel

• Distance covered: 560km (approx. 13 hours of driving)
• Highlights: Hiking, Bobotov Kuv

This Montenegro road trip highlights the country’s most impressive mountain ranges and national parks: Komovi, Prokletije and Durmitor.

It’s best to start this trip in the capital city, Podgorica. After picking up your rental car, begin your journey inland to the Komovi mountains. Base yourself in Stavna, a high alpine pasture dotted with traditional herdmen’s settlements (aka Katuns ). Here, you’re well-positioned to hike to the summit of Kom Vasojevićki, one of the highest peaks in the Komovi Range.

After exploring Komovi, it’s time to venture further inland to Prokletije National Park, otherwise known as the Accursed Mountains. Base yourself in Grebaje Valley and/or Ropojana Valley. You can access a number of day hiking trails from these valleys, though trail markings aren’t always ubiquitous, or clear. Note that there’s a 1 Euro entrance fee per person per day.

After a few days in the Accursed Mountains, begin the 3.5-4 hour drive to Durmitor National Park. The best base for exploring Durmitor is the town of Zabljak. There are numerous hiking options, including Bobotov Kuv and Planinica.

Your journey continues along the scenic Sedlo Route P14 through the heart of Durmitor National Park to Pluzine. The P14 is arguably the most beautiful road in all of Montenegro.

From here, you can make your return journey to Podgorica.

17. Kosovo road trip: Pristina to Prizren (3-5 days)

Recommended by Paulina, Paulina on the Road

• Distance covered: 160km (approx. 3 hours of driving)
• Highlights: Kosovo’s two biggest cities, UNESCO monasteries

Despite its small size, Kosovo is home to many different cultures, spectacular landscapes and warm-hearted people. One of the best ways to discover the beauty of Kosovo is by doing a road trip through the county.

This Balkan road trip will take you from the capital, Pristina , to the most scenic town, Prizren , via Peja – gateway to the most breathtaking mountain scenery in Kosovo. Calculate at least three days.

After enjoying what Pristina has to offer, start your road trip by driving to Prizren via the M9, with a quick detour to the UNESCO-Listed Gracanica Monastery on the way. The ride only lasts a little over an hour, but you’ll already get fantastic views. When arriving in Prizren, take at least one day to explore Kosovo’s most picturesque city. It has plenty of charming bars, too!

After Prizren, it’s time to drive to Gjakova , a small historic town with a wonderful covered bazaar. From there, head to Peja in the northern part of Kosovo, stopping at the second UNESCO monastery, Decani.

Pec is home to a large Serbian community and hosts the Peja Patriarchate, the spiritual seat and mausoleum of the Serbian Patriarchs. It’s also the gateway to the jaw-dropping Rugova Valley, a heaven for outdoor sports lovers.

This itinerary is the perfect way to spend 3 days in Kosovo .

18. Highlights of Croatia road trip: Zagreb to Dubrovnik (7 days)

Recommended by Inma, A World to Travel

• Distance covered: 600km (approx. 8 hours of driving)
• Highlights: The walled city of Dubrovnik, Dalmatian Coast, Korcula Island

A few years ago, I became infatuated by travelling by train in Europe . When I arrived in the Balkans and realised that it wasn’t so easy, I decided to rent a car instead.

I travelled from inland Croatia down the Dalmatian Coast over seven days. My first stop was Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. It normally doesn’t have a very good reputation (compared to the beautiful coastline) but it’s worth spending at least one night in Zagreb.

From there, I continued on towards Plitvice lakes. This part of Croatia is something else. Who can avoid falling in love with the unreal turquoise waters? It’s certainly one of the highlights of the country for me.

As I made my way down the coast, Krka, Split and other small towns all made for excellent stopover points. When I finally arrived in majestic Dubrovnik, I dropped off my rental car to continue on by bus.

If you decide to travel through Croatia from north to south, I recommend you to visit the wonderful Korcula island (less than two hours by car and ferry from Dubrovnik). Normally people skip it, but it’s well worth a visit!

19. Bosnia and Herzegovina & Montenegro road trip: Sarajevo to Zabljak (3-5 days)

Recommended by Arzo, Arzo Travels

• Distance covered: 170km (approx. 4 hours of driving)
• Highlights: Sarajevo, rafting on the Tara River

The Balkans has some amazing driving routes, and one of my favourite scenic drives is from Sarajevo (the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina) to Zabljak in Montenegro.

This route is different from everywhere else I have driven and one of the most beautiful trips I’ve ever done. Start from Sarajevo and take the M5 to Foca. The streets are mostly in good condition and the views are nice. Bosnians tend to drive fast and a bit reckless (I have seen several accidents), so be careful.

From Foca, take the M20 and then the M18. Close to the Montenegrin border, you’ll see the stunning Tara River. If you’re into water rafting and the season is right, this is the place to do it. Your route then passes through the Pluzine and Pliva Lake – one of the most beautiful places in the Balkans.

Driving here is stunning (though streets tend to be narrow in parts). The nature is a mix of Switzerland and Norway. Make sure to plan at least one day at Pliva Lake – there are good cafes, but a picnic somewhere high in the mountains is the best way to enjoy your breaks.

When you cross the border into Montenegro, head for the town of Zabljak at the gateway to Durmitor National Park. From here you can partake in some hiking before looping back to Sarajevo or continuing your road trip through Montenegro to the Bay of Kotor and the coast.

20. Southern Albania road trip: Saranda loop (4-7 days)

Recommended by Christine, Christine Abroad

• Distance covered: 360km (approx. 7 hours of driving)
• Highlights: The Blue Eye, beaches, UNESCO sites Gjirokaster & Butrint

The South of Albania has become quite popular in recent years – and for good reason. The Albanian riviera is full of beautiful beaches and bays with crystal clear water and white sand.

Many of the coastal towns are also in reach of beautiful and historical places such as The Syri i Kalter (the Blue Eye), Butrint (an archeological site), Gjirokaster (UNESCO town), and other interesting sites.

Related: Gjirokaster city guide .

I recommend this one week road trip, starting and ending in Saranda where there are ferry connections to Corfu, Greece. The best route is a circle, driving north first with stops in Himare and Gjipe Beach on your first day, then staying in Dhermi for two nights if you want to spend some time on the beach.

Next stop is Gjirokaster, which is situated inland. Head here on the morning of your third day and stay one night. On day four, make a day trip to Syri i Kalter, and then spend your last days in Saranda.

From Saranda, you can visit Butrint and Ksamil on a day trip, which is very easy if you have a car. Then you can drive around the various bays and beaches around Ksamil. Dedicate one of your last days to exploring historic Butrint, another UNESCO site.

The roads are fine in this part of Albania, and you won’t be driving more than one or two hours per day.

Have you ever done a road trip in the Balkans? Do you have any tips to share? Which of these Balkan road trip itineraries takes your fancy?

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Looking to travel through the Balkan’s next year and have a couple of months to have a good look around. Can you suggest a travel plan that covers all 20 road trips in one?

Hi Ross – you would need to look carefully into border crossings, permits and insurance requirements.

This was an excellent topic about Balkan road trips with many tips! I travel in June of 2022 from Greece to Sarajevo and back. I make it about 8 days alone with my motorcycle. This was an amazing beautiful roadtrip, cheap & fair enough. I would make it again and again! Thanks for the info.

Great information Emily, thank you so much!

So many beautiful places. I’ve visited the coastline of Montenegro and was absolutely amazed by the beauty of the Kotor Bay Area. In Croatia I was very disappointed of Dubrovnik it was a bit to touristy in my opinion. I’m looking forward to my next trip to the Balkans, thanks for your tips 😉 Can’t wait to explore Durmitor NP in Montenegro

I actually missed visiting Dubrovnik – maybe it was a good thing! I loved the bay in Montenegro too, especially Perast.

Such beautiful places! Thank you for a detailed and impressive guide! Saved your post for the future.

Hey, Emily!

Thank you so much for all the awesome info. I have plans for a Balkans road trip in the works, but am undecided as to when in the year to make it happen. Other than a summer trip providing more time to travel, do you know of any other pros/cons in regards to a summer vs. winter trip?

Cheers, Shay

Hi Shay! Glad you found the post helpful. That’s a good question!

We travelled mostly in winter and found most cities were nice and quiet. We didn’t have any trouble getting around in winter. However, a lot of smaller places (especially coastal towns in Croatia and Montenegro) are very seasonal and almost completely shut down in winter. I love having quiet streets, but there were a lot of cafes/shops that we missed out on because it wasn’t the season yet. That’s definitely something to consider.

If you want to do trekking (for example in Albania), the season doesn’t start until late May/June. So it depends on what activities you want to do as well. Bucharest and Transylvania in winter was cold but SO SO beautiful. Obviously driving in winter requires the right equipment.

Spring shoulder season would be a good compromise. We loved May (we were in Kosovo/Macedonia at that time) – beautiful and green but still not too busy.

I really hope this helps!

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PAKEJ BALKAN 5 NEGARA 10H7M 2024 (JOIN TOUR)

Info balkan.

10 Hari 7 Malam

Mesra Warga Senior

Bandar & Alam 

Sepanjang Tahun

✈ 14 JAM 15 MINIT

Dari kl – skopje, -1°c – 31°c.

Balkan merupakan sebuah nama untuk satu kawasan seluas  666,700 km²  di banjaran pergunungan yang bersejarah di tenggara Eropah merangkumi 12 negara.

Balkan terkenal sebagai destinasi pelancongan untuk orang yang cintakan sejarah tamadun Rom, empayar Uthmaniyah sehingga Perang Dunia 1 & Perang Dunia 2.

Setiap negara Balkan mempunyai budaya, makanan, cara hidup & bahasa yang berbeza dan ini menjadikan Balkan sentiasa didatangi pelancong yang inginkan experience Roman Kristian & Turki Islamik. 

Senarai negara Balkan adalah Serbia, Albania, Greece, Croatia, Kosovo, Turki, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Bosnia & Hervzegovina, Montenegro, Romania dan Slovenia.

Antara tempat menarik di Balkan adalah Skopje, Ohrid, Tirana, Shkoder, Budva, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Trebinje, Blagaj, Pocitelj, Mostar, Sarajevo & Bihac.

Balkan sesuai dikunjungi sepanjang tahun & sangat popular di kalangan warga senior yang inginkan experience berbeza melihat gunung ganang, hutan beriklim Mediterranean,  tasik, laut dan seni bina kuno yang luar biasa. 

NEGARA-NEGARA BALKAN DI EROPAH

TEMPAT MENARIK DI BALKAN

Bandar di utara Macedonia yang ada tasik tertua di dunia.

Bandar lama di teluk Montenegero yang menghadap Laut Adriatik.

Ibu negara Macedonia & kaya dengan sejarah Islam Eropah.

Kampung sufi di Bosnia tempat Sultan Uthmaniyah beruzlah.

Ibu negara Croatia yang ada sejarah & senibina Kristian klasik.

Terkenal dengan masjid berwarna warni yang dibina tahun 1438.

Bandar di selatan Bosnia yang terkenal dengan Mostar Bridge.

Ibu negara Bosnia & ada sejarah Ottoman - Perang Dunia.

Bandar dengan view sunset & sunrise tercantik di Bosnia.

Restoran tepi sungai tempat Sultan Uthmaniyah sarapan dulu.

Drago Palace

Istana keluarga 'Drago' dibina di Old Town Kotor abad ke 13.

Teluk dengan tembok, restoran, sejarah & keindahan Laut Adriatik.

AKTIVITI MENARIK DI BALKAN

Ziarah Masjid Lama

Experience solat di masjid ratusan tahun di seluruh Balkan.

Ohrid Boat Tour

Join ekspedisi telusuri laut tertua di dunia seluas 358 km².

Sightseeing Plitvice

Rasa kedinginan sungai di Croatia & Bosnia pada musim panas.

Budaya Lokal

Budaya pemuda Bosnia terjun Mostar Bridge musim summer.

Bergambar & Selfie

Seluruh Balkan adalah cantik & sentiasa ada spot bergambar.

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Lihat keindahan bandar lama di teluk Laut Adriatik.

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Experience kedai kopi yang beri kopi & rokok kepada semua orang.

Beli cenderamata, kraftangan & barangan lain di Croatia.

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Bukan trip touch n go.

City guide kami akan jelaskan sejarah & bawa tempat menarik di Balkan bukan “photostop 10 minit” macam pakej lain.

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Anda tak perlu beri tipping lagi di sana. Pakej kami dah include tipping pada city guide, tour guide dan driver!

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Kami pun kaki makan! Anda dapat makan breakfast, lunch & dinner lengkap sepanjang trip ke Balkan.

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Anda dapat hotel minimum 4 star yang selesa & ada buffet di setiap negara yang dilawati dalam pakej Balkan ini.

TAK TERLALU LAMA

Pakej Balkan lain sampai 10 malam dan pergi sampai Istanbul. Kami fokus 5 negara Balkan & 10+ bandar untuk 7 malam sahaja.

PAKEJ BALKAN YANG DIPILIH 3,000 RAKYAT MALAYSIA SEJAK 2015

ITINERARY PAKEJ BALKAN 10H7M

Day 1: kuala lumpur - istanbul - skopje, day 2: skopje - tetovo - ohrid.

• Trip briefing at KLIA 4 hours before departure
• Flight to Istanbul (transit) then to Skopje
• Airport pick-up
• Skopje City Tour
• Transfer Skopje – Tetovo
• Painted Mosque Tetovo (colourful old mosque)
• Arabati Baba Teḱe (Holy building)
• Transfer Tetovo – Ohrid
• Check in Ohrid Hotel

DAY 3: OHRID - TIRANA - SHKODËR

Day 4: shkodër - budva - kotor - trebinje.

• Check out Ohrid Hotel
• Lake Ohrid Cruise – if weather permitted
• Amphitheatre (well-preserved ruins)
• Ohrid Old Town
• Transfer Ohrid – Tirana
• Et’hem Bey Mosque (City’s historical mosque)
• Skanderbeg Square (Albania’s cultural & historical hub)
• Transfer Tirana – Shkodër
• Check in Shkodër Hotel
• Check out Shkodër Hotel
• Transfer Shkodër – Budva
• Budva Old Town (well-preserved medieval walled city)
• Transfer Budva – Kotor
• Palace of Drago Family (aristocratic heritage)
• Kotor Old Town
• Bay of Kotor (Europe’s southernmost fjord)
• Transfer to Trebinje
• Check in Trebinje Hotel
• Check out Trebinje Hotel

DAY 5: DUBROVNIK - BLAGAJ - MOSTAR - SARAJEVO

Day 6: sarajevo.

• Dubrovnik Old Town – Stradun Square  (cobblestone hub) – Sponza Palace  (Renaissance architecture) – Rector’s Palace  (Venetian architecture) – Clock Tower
• Transfer Dubrovnik – Blagaj
• Blagaj Tekija  (Dervish monastery)
• Sari Saltuk Mosque
• Transfer Blagaj – Mostar
• Mostar Old town  (Historic town)
• Karadoz Bey Mosque
• Check in Sarajevo Hotel
• Baščaršija (old bazaar)
• Ferhadija Street
• Latin Bridge
• Malaysian Mosque Breka
• Gazi Husrev-Beg Mosque
• Morića Han (historical caravanserai)
• Back to hotel

DAY 7: SARAJEVO - TRAVNIK - JAJCE - BIHAĆ

Day 8: bihać - zagreb.

• Check out Sarajevo
• Travnik Castle (historical monument)
• Sulejman Mosque  OR  Visiting a local Muslim Bosnian elementary school
• Plava Voda (“Blue Water”)
• Transfer Travnik – Jajce
• Pliva Waterfall
• Jajce Fortress (symbol of medieval Bosnia)
• Mlinčići (wooden watermills)
• Transfer Jajce – Bihać
• Check in Bihać Hotel
• Check out Bihać hotel
• Bihać Old Town
• Plitvice National Park ( UNESCO World Heritage site ) [ Optional entrance fee for Plitvice National Park (own expenses)]
• Transfer Bihać – Zagreb
• Zagreb City Tour
• Dolac Bazaar
• Check in Zagreb Hotel

DAY 9: ZAGREB - ISTANBUL

Day 10: istanbul - kuala lumpur.

• Check out Zagreb Hotel
• Zagreb Outlet (shopping)
• Airport Transfer
• Flight to Istanbul (transit) then to Kuala Lumpur
• Arrival at KLIA Airport
• Return Flight Tickets
• Airport Tax
• 25/35 kg International Baggage Fee
• 7kg Hand Luggage
• Meals : 5x International Breakfasts, 5x Lunch, 5xDinner
• Accommodation 4 star hotel
• Transportation (Private)
• Admission fees
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• Personal Expenses
• Excess Baggage Fee
• Additional Meal
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Infant (below 2 yrs)

Detail Harga Pakej

Rm400 discount (first 15 pax), rm300 discount (16-25 pax), adult (above 10 yrs), child with bed (6 - 9 yrs), child no bed (2 - 5 yrs), infant (below 2 years), add on (optional), plitvice national park (entrance fee), includes: entrance fee excludes: other additional activities, meals, etc. duration: 2 hours, 29 apr - 8 may 2024 spring (labour day) rm8897 rm8797 available, 4 may - 13 may 2024 spring rm8897 rm8797 available, 7 jun - 16 jun 2024 early summer rm9297 rm9197 available, august 2024, 22 aug - 31 aug 2024 summer (hari merdeka) rm9297 rm9197 available, 29 aug - 7 sept 2024 summer (hari merdeka) rm9297 rm9197 available, september 2024, 5 sept - 14 sept 2024 autumn rm9297 rm9197 available, 10 sept - 19 sept 2024 autumn (cuti sekolah) rm9297 rm9197 available, october 2024, 9 oct - 18 oct 2024 autumn rm9297 rm9197 available, 30 oct - 9 nov 2024 autumn (cuti deepavali) rm9297 rm9197 available, november 2024, 7 nov - 16 nov 2024 autumn rm8897 rm8797 available, 21 nov - 30 nov 2024 autumn rm8897 rm8797 available, 4 may - 13 may 2024 spring rm9297 rm8897 1 seat left, 7 jun - 16 jun 2024 early summer rm9297 rm8897 available, 22 aug - 31 aug 2024 summer (hari merdeka) rm9697 rm9297 available, 29 aug - 7 sept 2024 summer (hari merdeka) rm9697 rm9297 available, 5 sept - 14 sept 2024 autumn rm9697 rm9297 available, 10 sept - 19 sept 2024 autumn (cuti sekolah) rm9697 rm9297 available, 9 oct - 18 oct 2024 autumn rm9697 rm9297 available, 30 oct - 9 nov 2024 autumn (cuti deepavali) rm9697 rm9297 available, 7 nov - 16 nov 2024 autumn rm9297 rm8897 available, 21 nov - 30 nov 2024 autumn rm9297 rm8897 available.

29 Apr – 8 May 2024

Peak Spring (Labour Day)

RM8,897 RM8,797

4 May – 13 May 2024

7  Jun – 16 June 2024

Early Summer

22  Aug – 31 Aug 2024

Summer (Hari Merdeka)

RM9,297 RM9,197

29  Aug – 7 Sept 2024

5 Sept – 14 Sept 2024

10 Sept – 19 Sept 2024

Autumn (Cuti Sekolah)

9 Oct – 18 Oct 2024

30 Oct – 9 Nov 2024

Autumn (Cuti Deepavali)

7 Nov – 16 Nov 2024

21 Nov – 30 Nov 2024

RM9,297 RM8,897

1 Seat Left!

RM9,697 RM9,297

SOAL JAWAB PAKEJ BALKAN

Salji ada di bandar yang terletak di gunung dengan pemandangan pokok pine dan hutan berwarna putih di musim sejuk (winter).

Balkan adalah satu kawasan bergunung-ganang yang mempunyai sungai dan tasik yang membiru.

Anda dapat experience kehidupan, makanan & keindahan alam Mediterranean, pergunungan dan Turki.

Untuk info, Croatia antara negara yang cantik sebiji seperti Santorini, Greece.

Anda akan lihat ada banyak gereja lama & masjid lama sepanjang trip.

Balkan kaya dengan sejarah bermula empayar Romawi, emapayar Turki Uthamniyah dan Perang Dunia yang awalnya berlaku di Bosnia-Serbia.

Balkan ada 4 jenis musim :

Disember – Februari : Winter Mac – Mei : Spring Jun – Ogos : Summer September – November : Autumn

Suhu di Balkan untuk cuaca sejuk sehingga -5 °C. Suhu di Balkan untuk cuaca panas adalah 29.°C.

Buat pengetahuan anda, jumlah negara Balkan ada 12.

Tidak perlu VISA. Cukup dengan passport sahaja.

Waktu terbaik untuk melancong ke Balkan adalah pada musim panas (summer) kerana ada banyak taman negara, tasik yang dibukan untuk orang lokal dan pelancong.

Selain itu, banyak aktiviti yang anda boleh buat di musim panas berbanding di musim sejuk. 

Pakej Balkan ARBA Travel arrived di Sarajevo, Macedonia bukan di Itali.

Sarajevo, Macedonia adalah negara Islam di Balkan.

Pakej lain yang arrived di Milan, Itali akan buang banyak masa kerana anda perlu naik bas 12 jam untuk sampai ke Sarajevo, Macedonia.

Ya! Harga pakej Balkan ARBA Travel 2024 termasuk :

• Driver • City Guide • Entrance Fee • Tipping (Sepanjang Trip) • Tiket Flight (pergi balik) • Hotel 4 Star (Sepanjang Trip) • Private transport (Bas / Van) • Makan FULLBOARD (Sepanjang Trip) • Airport transfer (Hotel – Airport)

Anda tinggal bawa duit shopping sahaja!

Makanan halal di negara Balkan yang majoriti Kristian agak sukar berbanding Bosnia. 

Akan tetapi, makanan anda sepanjang trip adalah halal & ditanggung sepenuhnya oleh ARBA Travel.

Ya! Anda perlu pakai baju tebal, seluar dan kasut bertutup yang sesuai bila melancong ke Balkan di musim sejuk.

Ya, anda digalakkan bawa sambal, cili sos, mayonis dan makanan pek kembara dari Malaysia. 

Makanan di negara Balkan rata-ratanya kering, tidak berkuah dan tidak berempah.

Ini untuk mengelakkan anda ‘homesick’ dengan makanan Malaysia sepanjang trip ke Balkan nanti.

Tidak. Pakej Balkan ARBA Travel cuma 10H7M tak seperti pakej lain yang lama, jauh & memenatkan sebab duduk dalam bas sekitar 3-4 jam sehari.

Hotel anda minimum 4 star sepanjang trip dan lokasi hotel penginapan adalah di city centre setiap bandar di Balkan.

Jarak ke kedai serbaneka, kedai kopi dan tempat lain cuma walking distance sahaja. 

Antara tempat menarik di Balkan adalah Skopje, Ohrid, Tirana, Budva, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Blagaj, Pocitelj, Mostar, Sarajevo & Bihac.

Antara aktiviti menarik di Balkan adalah ziarah masjid lama, ikut Ohrid Boat Tour, sightseeing Plitvice, ziarah tempat sufi, bergambar di belakang gunung-ganang, lihat muzium perang, experience coffee shop di Croatia dan shopping!

Ya, kerana anda akan naik private transport bukan public transport yang kena kongsi dan bersesak dengan orang lain. 

Tidak! Pakej Balkan ARBA Travel sudah include tipping pada city guide dan driver sepanjang trip 10H7M ke Balkan.

Anda tidak perlu bayar apa-apa tipping di sana lagi.

INGIN BUAT TEMPAHAN?

Deposit hanya RM1000 seorang. Baki bayaran boleh dibuat secara ansuran. Hubungi kami untuk tempahan.

HUBUNGI KAMI

(di luar waktu kerja, sila whatsapp).

Hubungi Kami

ISI BORANG TEMPAHAN

(kami akan hubungi anda melalui whatsapp).

• Balkan / Destinasi / Itinerari

Itinerari trip ke 7 negara Balkan selama 14 hari

by Dan Arif · November 13, 2019

Itinerari ke Balkan Selama 14 Hari , 7 Negara

Bosnia & Herzegovina – Croatia – Montenegro – Albania – Macedonia – Bulgaria – Hungary

Trip ke negara-negara Balkan bersama ibu bapa saya yang berumur 63 dan 67 tahun. Memandangkan saya bawa warga emas, itinerari ke Balkan yang saya bakal kongsi juga sangat “ free & easy ”. Santai-santai je. Kami bertiga pergi sendiri, dan bukan dengan mana-mana agensi pelancongan.

Penerbangan

Flight Kuala Lumpur-Sarajevo dan Budapest-Kuala Lumpur bersama Qatar Airways. Harga lebih kurang RM2700 pergi balik. Sekiranya anda dapat tiket di bawah RM3000, jangan lepaskan peluang tersebut!

Kuala Lumpur – Doha: 8 jam

Doha – Sarajevo: 6 jam

Flight dari Kuala Lumpur, transit di Doha, Qatar. Lapangan terbang Doha sangat selesa, besar, nak solat pun mudah. Musolla dia selesa dan wangi. Tempat wuduk siap ada sabun untuk kita cuci kaki dan juga tisu.

Pastikan lepas berwuduk, lap kaki dengan tisu. Jangan basah-basah tu pergi pijak karpet musolla. Makan macam tak perlu sebab dah kenyang atas flight . Tapi kalau nak makan, sediakan duit je. Nak bawa bekal dari rumah boleh. Tapi pastikan lauk-lauk ringkas tak berkuah. Jangan bawa patin tempoyak pula sebab takut tak lepas di security sebab lauk ber “ liquid ”.

Sampai di Sarajevo, kami menginap di Airbnb. Banyak pilihan rumah dan ada dapur. Ibu bapa saya seorang yang cerewet bab halal haram jadi saya ikut je mereka. Lagipun kami nak makan nasi. Tak nak kebab dan sebagainya. Cumanya rumah kami ni tiada lif dan agak sukar bagi ibu bapa saya.

Tuan rumah telah arrange pengangkutan dari airport ke rumah. Dekat je lebih kurang 15-20 minit. Harga lebih kurang €10 satu trip .

Disebabkan ini adalah trip santai, hari pertama kami tidak kemana-mana dan berehat di rumah bersantai sambil makan-makan dan minum kopi.

Itinerari dimulakan dengan pergi ke Baščaršija (cara nak sebut dia Basharsha). Senang cerita Old Town Sarajevo. Di situ kami lihat:

• Sarajevo Sebilj ( Wooden Fountain ). Salah satu mercu tanda terkenal di Sarajevo.
• Old Town Bazaar. Ada jual-jual souvenir . Beli kat sini terus. Ada café , boleh cuba makanan tradisional dia.
• Masjid Gazi Huzrev-beg. Masa tu Masjid Baščaršija tengah dibaikpulih jadi kami tak boleh masuk kerana ia ditutup.
• Miljacka Riverfront dan Latin Bridge- Jambatan pencetus Perang Dunia Pertama. Depan jambatan ni ada muzium.

Semua tempat yang dinyatakan ada sejarahnya. Nanti baca sendiri ya. Rugi pergi tempat orang tak baca sejarah. Sekiranya anda ada tenaga dan masa terluang, boleh lawat banyak lagi tempat di Sarajevo. Kebanyakan tempat di situ dekat-dekat je.

Cara hendak ke Baščaršija dan getting around Sarajevo? Boleh ambil tram. Beli sahaja tiket di hentian tram. Sangat mudah. Sekiranya hotel anda dekat dengan tempat tersebut, jalan kaki sahaja.

Pada hari yang sama juga, saya ke Stesen Kereta Api Sarajevo untuk membeli tiket ke Mostar untuk hari berikutnya. Pastikan anda beli tiket siap-siap pada hari sebelumnya. Saya jalan kaki dari rumah kira-kira 30 minit ke stesen.

Itinerari ke Balkan

Kami keluar dari rumah pada awal pagi. Ambil train ke Mostar. Menurut apa yang saya baca, ada banyak cara untuk ke Mostar dari Sarajevo. Train adalah yang highly recommended . Dalam tiket memang ada nombor tempat duduk, tetapi penduduk tempatan kata tak perlu ikut. Duduk sahaja di tempat yang anda inginkan. Ada wifi dalam train. View dalam perjalanan ke Mostar memang cantik.

Tiba di Mostar, kami jalan kaki ke tempat-tempat wajib. Tanya sahaja arah daripada penduduk tempatan. Berjalan dalam setengah jam juga. Tapi tak terasa sangat sebab banyak kedai-kedai di tepi jalan tersebut. Ibu bapa saya pun jalan perlahan-lahan je. Tempat pertama kami pergi ialah The Old Bridge (Stari Most) dan kawasan Old City. Jalan dia berbatu-batu yang macam di Istanbul tu. Makan masa juga berjalan di kawasan tersebut.

Kebetulan hari tersebut ialah hari Jumaat, saya solat Jumaat di situ. Tempat wuduk dia tiada air panas ya jadi kena besedia dengan air sejuk untuk berwuduk. Lepas solat kami buang-buang masa di sekitar Old City tersebut, tangkap gambar, dan ambil train pulang ke Sarajevo.

Kebiasaannya orang akan terus menginap di Mostar sebab dah tidak jauh sangat dari sempadan Croatia. Tapi kerana saya tak buat research terperinci, kami pulang juga ke Sarajevo pada hari tersebut. Kepada yang merancang itinerari, boleh menginap di Mostar, dan tidak perlu pulang ke Sarajevo.

Check out awal pagi. Memulakan perjalanan dari Sarajevo ke Dubrovnik, Croatia. Ambil bas pagi jam 0715 dari Sarajevo. Perjalanan lebih kurang 6 jam. View sangat cantik. Bas akan lalu route yang sama untuk ke Mostar dahulu sebelum ke Croatia. View dia Subhanallah! Sungai dia warna hijau.

Ambil seat di belah kanan kerana anda akan dapat view menghadap Laut Adriatic. Ia antara laut yang tercantik di dunia. Ada berhenti sekejap untuk makan tengah hari dan tandas. Kami makan bekal yang telah dimasak malam sebelumnya. Perjalanan juga melibatkan border crossing untuk cop passport.

Tiba di Dubrovnik, kami diambil oleh tuan rumah. Sama juga kami menginap di Airbnb. Tuan rumah sendiri yang offer untuk ambil kami secara percuma. Perlu diingatkan kos melancong di Croatia sangat-sangat mahal. Dalam banyak-banyak negara Balkan, Croatia paling mahal. Tuan rumah dah sediakan limau saki baki masa summer dan buah tin. Local produce . Dia sediakan arak juga. Masa tu kami macam krik-krik je. Yelah tuan rumah bukan Muslim so dia tak faham kut.

Pergi ke Old Town Dubrovnik. Jalan-jalan di sekitar Old Town. Beli souvenir . Dubrovnik ialah lokasi penggambaran Game of Thrones. Anda boleh juga jalan-jalan di The Stradun yang terletak di Old Town tersebut. Cantik dan unik tempat dia.

Harga souvenir agak mahal di sini tapi itu sahaja pilihan yang ada kerana Croatia in general memang negara yang mahal. Beli tiket bas Dubrovnik – Tirana pada hari sebelumnya di stesen bas.

Balik dari Old Town kami lihat-lihat pemandangan Laut Adriatic dan pulang ke rumah untuk berehat.

Check out awal pagi. Sekali lagi tuan rumah offer untuk hantar kami ke stesen bas. Kami ambil bas untuk ke Tirana, Albania. Tetapi sebelum itu, kami singgah di Kotor, Montenegro. Kami tidak bermalam di Kotor kerana kesuntukan masa. Terdapat beberapa tempat lagi yang anda boleh lawati sekiranya anda bercadang untuk bermalam atau nak stay dua hari di Montenegro. Kami tukar bas di Kotor untuk ke Tirana.

Kami tiba di Tirana, Albania pada waktu malam. Kira-kira jam 9 malam. Keadaan di stesen bas agak menakutkan kerana ramai “ulat” menghampiri kami menawarkan perkhidmatan teksi. Mujur sebelum itu, saya telah hubungi tuan rumah, dan tuan rumah kami di Tirana bersetuju untuk ambil kami di stesen bas dengan sedikit bayaran. Kami tinggal di Airbnb.

Disebabkan perjalanan sangat panjang, kira-kira 14 jam, bas telah berhenti beberapa kali untuk mengambil penumpang, tandas, makan, dan juga urusan border crossing . Kami solat jamak zohor dan asar di atas bas.

Check in di Airbnb, makan, rehat, santai, basuh baju, tidur.

Kami mulakan aktiviti agak lewat, iaitu selepas zohor kerana kepenatan naik bas hari sebelumnya. Kami ambil bas sahaja untuk ke bandar. Tiket dibeli pada konduktor kalau tak silap. Di bandar Tirana, kami melawat:

• Piramid (yang tak macam piramid sangat)
• Skanderbeg Square
• Et’hem Bey Mosque (masa tu tengah renovate so tak boleh masuk)
• Clock Tower
• Toptani Street (beli souvenir )
• Bunk’Art (saya hantar ibu bapa saya ke sebuah café sementara saya masuk ke Bunk Art kerana tempat ni macam hipster-hipster sikit jadi mereka tak minat)

Sebelum balik, saya ke tempat untuk membeli tiket bas untuk perjalanan dari Tirana ke Skopje, Macedonia. Saya hantar ibu bapa saya ke rumah dan saya keluar semula jalan-jalan di kawasan Blloku.

So far saya rasa selamat di Albania walaupun Albania terkenal dengan mafia dan sebagainya, alhamdulillah, tiada kejadian tidak diingini berlaku. Tirana ni dahulunya sebuah negara komunis dan juga pernah menjadi sebahagian daripada Empayar Turki Uthmaniyah jadi terlalu banyak sejarah. Apa yang jadi selepas negara Muslim diperintah oleh komunis? Baca sendiri ya sejarah dia.

Check out awal pagi sebelum subuh kerana bas akan bertolak awal pagi. Kami tahan teksi untuk ke tempat menunggu bas. Perjalanan dari Tirana ke Skopje, Macedonia akan melalui Pristina, Kosovo. Kami tidak bermalam di Kosovo. Hanya tukar bas di Pristina. Ada border crossing jadi mereka akan cop passport. Kosovo ni negara yang baharu dan rata-rata mereka yang berada di Kosovo kini adalah golongan muda. Orang-orang tua dah lari dari situ akibat perang dahulu. Sebuah negara kecil yang menarik dan saya akan lawat Kosovo di trip yang akan datang inshaallah.

Kami tiba di Skopje sekitar jam 2.00 petang. Dari stesen bas, hanya jalan kaki ke rumah. Kami tinggal di Airbnb. Tuan rumah telah tunggu bagi urusan check in . kami unpack barang, masak, dan bersantai sahaja di rumah.

Lepas maghrib saya keluar ke shopping mall berdekatan untuk tukar duit, beli makanan dan sebagainya, dan pulang. Sepanjang trip ini, bila saya mention lepas maghrib, maksudnya saya keluar tu sekitar jam 5.00 petang ke 6.30 petang kerana masa musim sejuk maghrib masuk awal.

Itinerari kami pada hari ini ialah:

• Macedonia Square (yang ada patung Alexander the Great tu)
• Macedonia Gate
• Stone Bridge
• Mustafa Pasha Mosque

Kami jumpa sekumpulan orang Malaysia di sini. Banyak lagi yang anda boleh lawati di Skopje. Tapi untuk kami cukup itu sahaja. Sambil-sambil tu, kami pergi beli daging halal untuk dimasak, dan terjumpa sebuah pasar. Jalan-jalan di pasar tersebut yang saya sendiri tidak tahu apa namanya.

Setelah hantar ibu bapa pulang ke rumah, saya ke stesen bas untuk membeli tiket bas untuk perjalanan esok.

Check out awal pagi. Ambil bas untuk ke Sofia, Bulgaria. Perjalanan yang panjang dan melibatkan border crossing dan security check yang agak ketat dan paling lama kerana Bulgaria termasuk dalam negara-negara EU. Habis barang dalam bagasi kami dikeluarkan. Daging mentah yang dibeli di Macedonia kalau ikutkan tidak dibenarkan untuk dibawa masuk ke Bulgaria. Tapi setelah berbincang dengan baik, daging kami tidak dirampas.

Hanya kami bertiga sahaja pelancong di dalam van tersebut. Yang lain semua orang Bulgaria. Hanya seorang sahaja boleh berbahasa Inggeris dan sangat membantu kami.

Tiba di stesen bas di Sofia, saya tukar duit, dan ambil teksi ke rumah. Kami menginap di Airbnb. Tiba di rumah, tuan rumah telah tunggu bagi urusan check in . Kami hanya berehat dan makan-makan selepas check in .

Kami mulakan hari lebih kurang jam 10 pagi. Itinerari kami seperti berikut:

• St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (jauh sikit dari centre dan kena ambil tram)
• Kawasan sekitar city centre ( walking distance dari rumah) untuk beli souvenir
• Banya Bashi Mosque
• Pasar (kami tak tahu apa nama pasar tersebut kerana ia ditulis dalam Cyrillic)
• The Synagogue (ibu bapa saya tidak masuk dan lepak di café berdekatan)

Kami juga banyak melawat pasar-pasar di Sofia kerana kami sangat suka lihat sayur-sayuran dan hasil-hasil tanaman di luar negara.

Check out awal pagi dan ambil penerbangan ke destinasi terakhir iaitu Budapest, Hungary. Buat pengetahuan semua, Budapest bukanlah negara Balkan, tetapi kami masukkan dalam itinerari kerana pilihan penerbangan yang murah dari Budapest untuk ke Kuala Lumpur.

Tiba di Budapest, kami check in , dan berehat. Jalan-jalan di sekitar city centre . Antara tempat yang kami lawati:

• Jalan-jalan di tepi Danube River sambil melihat Parliament Building.
• Széchenyi Chain Bridge
• Shoes on the Danube Bank
• Central Market Hall (beli souvenir dan cari pejabat pos)
• Heroes’ Square

Tempat-tempat di atas dekat-dekat je, kecuali Heroes’ Square. Kena ambil metro untuk ke situ. Bagi saya, Budapest ni memang highly recommended . Memang cantik tempat dia.

Saya cadangkan anda stay satu setengah hari ke dua hari di Budapest. Memang cantik tempat dia. Boleh tengok klip video Katy Perry berjudul Firework. Ia dirakam di Budapest.

Check out dan flight ke Kuala Lumpur melalui Doha. Solat subuh di airport. Ada multipurpose prayer room . Ambil wuduk siap-siap dari rumah atau di tandas tapi jangan basahkan lantai.

Budapest – Doha: 5 jam 20 minit

Doha – Kuala Lumpur: 7 jam 35 minit.

Boleh baca artikel Tips Penting untuk anda yang nak ke Balkan – untuk dapatkan tips-tips yang berguna

Semoga itinerari ke Balkan ini dapat membantu korang merancang perjalanan ke negara-negara Balkan dengan lebih baik.

Artikel ini dikongsi oleh : Mohd Ekhsan Sallahudin

Jangan lupa LIKE  Facebook  Kaki Travel  bagi mendapatkan idea untuk planning percutian korang!

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Salam Adakah kita perlu apply visa utk setiap negara Balkan

Depend kepada negara mana nak pergi.. ke Serbia perlu visa.. Bosnia, Albania, Montenegro, Kosovo tak perlu

Boleh tengok senarai penuh di https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_requirements_for_Malaysian_citizens

Utk berurusan d negara Balkan seperti utk beli ticket bas atau nk berurusan dgn orner Airbnb guna bahasa apa?

Cara apply visa ke bagrade serbia macam mana?

buat private trip utk brape org… package termasuk flight tix dan tpt tinggal ke..

Tix flight beli macamne? Kalau KL – turkey(return) tapi awak dari negara lain untuk balik ke KL

boleh tau berapa total RM untuk keseluruhan perjalananan ni

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The Ultimate Balkans Road Trip Itinerary: 15+ Stunning Spots + Route Map

by Drifter Planet | Jun 26, 2018 | Road Trips , Most Popular Blog Posts , National Parks

It has been 5 years that I have been living in Europe and traveling around the continent (on and off) on our camper van . We got to see many amazing countries but my best travel experience has been our Balkans road trip.

While most of the travel destinations in Western and Central Europe have been cursed with “over tourism”, a lot of the Balkans are still relatively unexplored.

Simply put, the Balkans are colorful, affordable, offbeat, and the natural scenery is breathtaking.

While your typical Euro trip may burn a deep hole in your pocket, you can actually travel the Balkans on a tight budget. But hey, for that you may have to skip one or two countries in this suggested route.

The Beauty of Driving Around in the Balkans – around Zlatibor in Serbia

Here’s the thing, the recommended road trip through the Balkan countries took me as more than three different trips to complete due to time limitations. But I couldn’t help thinking how amazing it would have been if San and I had a month to ourselves for this ultimate Balkans road trip.

Many places on this list are much easier to reach with a car ( you can rent one for cheap ) because this list contains a few national parks. In the recent years we have done this trip on our camper van as well as a rented car. But in our early travel years, we have also traveled in the Balkans without San and without a car.

Based on our experience, the best way to travel the Balkans is by road tripping, especially if you want to see natural landscapes. Even though we have our own camper van, we did most of our road trips in the Balkans with a rental car. At times It just makes things much easier! Want to do this too? Get yourself a travel credit card , rent a car and start exploring the Balkans.

If you’re a nature lover like us, then you’d love to travel to the Balkans by car so that you can visit the places that YOU want to see, instead of making a mandatory stop in big cities. In case you’re looking for a country specific guide, then check out our awesome Croatia road trip itinerary .

Which countries are the Balkan countries?

The Balkans is a region in Europe, which is towards the southeast part of the continent. There are many different definitions of the Balkans with slight variations. Each once has evolved over the time and has been modified. Countries like Italy, Turkey, Slovenia and Greece are not 100% geographically in the Balkan Peninsula.

For the sake of travel, the below countries are collectively considered Balkan countries:

• Bosnia & Herzegovina

*At the moment this itinerary doesn’t include information about Moldova and Kosovo but we may add it at a later point.

Where to start your Balkans road trip?

If you see the suggested route map for this road trip through Balkan countries, you will notice that you can do this trip in many different ways. You can do just a part of the trip and include just 2 or three countries or remove a few destinations.

You can start this trip in Zagreb in Croatia or Sarajevo in Bosnia or even Belgrade in Serbia. Or, get creative and pick ANY of the destinations that we have mentioned on the route that has an airport and start your circle from there.

You can pre book a rental car at any of these places and move ahead from there. Book your rental car in such a way so that you can pick and drop it in different locations. In case that’s not possible or affordable, you can just slightly alter this route to make it circular and pick and drop your car at the same place.

Apart from Croatia, Serbia and Bosnia are the best countries to rent a car and start your trip. I have always seen the lowest rental rates there and also there are many budget airlines that fly to these countries.

So go head and modify this flexible road trip itinerary through the Balkans to suit your needs. You can make it a 3 week Euro trip itinerary by adding a few Western European cities or just let it be 2 weeks or 3 weeks in the Balkans itinerary. Our Balkans road trip was one of the best Europe road trips for us. What’s on your Europe bucket list ?

Balkans Road Trip Route Map

Before you start planning your road trip through the Balkons, please read some important tips that are at the bottom of the post. Here’s a suggested map with trip route map which will give you an idea of the itinerary.

15 Spots on Balkans Road Trip

1) plitvice lakes national park, croatia.

I will start with one of the most visited countries in the Balkans – Croatia. This itinerary includes many under the radar places but Plitvice Lakes National Park is not one of them.

The super clear water of Plitvice Lakes in Croatia

Plitvice Lakes National Park is perhaps the most visited destination in Croatia but is totally worth the visit because it is spectacular. We had seen pictures of the lakes and the waterfalls of Plitvice National Park before but were not prepared for the vivid color of the water and the clarity.

The Plitvice Lakes national park is huge and there are many walking trails for different lengths. We took the one that is for 18 KMs and did not regret it. We were able to do this trail within a day but you have an option of purchasing a multi day ticket. We’d recommend you to start early here to avoid the long queues at the entry point to save time.

One of the many stunning viewpoints inside Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

The entry is €25 – €30 per person or 180 Kunas, which felt a little high because we were on a tight budget. However after seeing the beauty of this place and how well maintained it is, we think this price totally makes sense.

San and I in Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Plitvice Lakes National Park is close to Croatia – Bosnia border, so it makes sense to make it your first destination on your Balkans road trip. I have a detailed post about visiting and avoiding crowds in Plitvice Lakes – check it out. 

Where to stay near Plitvice Lakes:

You can’t stay inside Plitvice Lakes National Park but will have to stay in one of the nearby villages. We found a place called Camping Korena , which was just 5 KMs away from the national park entry gate. They have bungalows too, you can find out about this place here . and they have a free shuttle service to the par k. We paid just EUR 3 per tent but we were carrying our own. The toilets and showers are very comfortable and clean. There is a river behind the campsite where you can chill – it is Korena River.

Optional Stop: Una National Park, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Una National Park is just 30 KMs away from Plitvice Lakes and is a natural wonderland that includes Una River and its tributaries – Krka and Unac. 

Us three in Martin Brod – Milančev Buk waterfall – Una National Park, Bosnia-Herzegovina

We visited Una National Park on a separate trip in 2019 with our 8-month-old baby and loved it as compared to Croatia’s crowds.

2) Split, Croatia

On your way from Plitvice to Bosnia, the route goes from Split and is a very obvious stop. Split is Croatia’s famous beach destination where you can experience both history as well as modernity. You can check out the historical buildings as well as spend many lazy hours on Bačvice beach.

Old Town in Split, Croatia – travel the Balkans – CC0 via Pixabay

While you’re in Split, you should also check out the remains of Diocletian’s Palace, which is a UNESCO world heritage site. If you need a break from history or busy beaches, you can head to the Marjan Nature Park. Here you can climb Telegrin peak and get a panoramic view of Split.

If you have a little more time on your hands, you can park your car in Split and take a boat to the nearby Hvar Island . You can also make a side trip to the lovely Krka National Park where the entry is 30 Euros per person.

3) Kravice Waterfalls and Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Kravice Waterfalls are insanely gorgeous and reminded us of Plitvice Lakes’ waterfalls – except less crowded and you can actually swim in them!

Kravice Waterfalls, Bosnia & Herzegovina – Balkans Road Trip itinerary

We didn’t expect the waterfalls to be so massive and our jaws literally dropped when we caught the first sight. The best part is that these waterfalls form a big natural swimming pool. Carry a mat and your swimming gear so that you can set up a small base near the pools and go for a swim.

Kravice Waterfalls in Bosnia and Herzegovina – travel the Balkans

There are 3 – 4 bars and restaurants that are right next to Kravice waterfalls where you can get food and drinks. If you walk further along the Drina river, you will see some lovely places and a smaller waterfall, which is called Small Kravice.

Please note that the Kravice waterfalls are also called Kravica waterfalls. To make matters more confusing, there is another destination in Bosnia called Kravica. I wanted to let you know so that you don’t by mistake put that in your GPS navigator and end up at the wrong place. Kravice waterfalls are near Studentski.

The entry fee to Kravice Waterfalls is €7.5 per person, which is quite cheap as compared to Croatia’s National Parks – Plitvice and Krka.

Mostar in Bosnia & Herzegovina – Travel to the Balkans – CC0 via Pixabay

Kravice waterfalls are 50 minutes drive away from the main Mostar city. Mostar is famous for its historical bridge, which is Ottoman style. This city has a sad history and was heavily bombed during the war in 1992 and 1993.

Where to stay near Kravice Waterfalls:

If you want to stay in Mostar, try Apartments Konak  or Old Bridge Terrace Apartments – these two places are right next to Mostar’s famous Old Bridge. We stayed in the nearby town Medugorje, which is closer to the waterfalls and boked a place called Guest House Robi , that was simple yet comfortable. We paid 20 euros for the night for a room for two of us.

4) Dubrovnik, Croatia

If you’re thinking that this route is going criss-cross – you’re wrong. If you go in a straight line from Split in Croatia to Dubrovnik, you will drive very close to the Bosnia and Montenegro borders and it makes sense to go to the spectacular Kravice waterfalls, and then enter Croatia again.

Dubrovnik – the Walled city in Croatia – Balkans Road Trip – CCO via Pixabay

If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones series, then most likely you know about Dubrovnik already. This is where the scenes of King’s Landing and Qarth were filmed.

The walled city of Dubrovnik is a UNESCO world Heritage site and cannot be compared to other beach or historical destinations because it is like none other. While you’re here, walk around the old town and get lost in the maze like streets. Get lazy on Lapad beach or Banje beach which can get really busy during summer.

5) Kotor Bay, Montenegro

Dubrovnik is very close to Montenegro and we highly recommend you stop in the spectacular Kotor bay . Kotor bay is very close to the border and has many different options of places to stay.

Kotor Bay viewpoint, Montenegro – Balkans Road Trip

If you don’t like busy destinations, then you don’t have to stay in the main Kotor town. San and I found a small fishing village that is just at the start of the Kotor bay and is called Denovici.

Enjoying an ice cream in Denovici, Kotor Bay in Montenegro

Kotor Bay is often called one of the most beautiful bays of Europe. If you look at a satellite image of this bay, it looks like a 3-pointed flower. I have never seen a bay like this! The seaside has many turns and you can see other villages on the other side of the water.

More than the seaside, San and I really enjoyed the viewpoints that we came across as we drove along the bay. There were places to stop where we could park our car and enjoy the view.

Where to stay in Kotor Bay:

We stayed in Denmar Apartment in Denovici where we paid 25 euros for a double room.

6) Žabljak and Durmitor National Park , Montenegro

Montenegro’s beach side is definitely famous but we enjoyed the mountains so much more! From Kotor bay, drive towards the North Montenegrin Mountains and stay for a few days in Zabljak, which is inside Durmitor National Park .

Black Lake – Durmitor National Park near Žabljak, Montenegro

Zabljak was very cold when we visited, even in the peak summer time, so I’d recommend you carry warm clothes. If you like to hike, there are several amazing hiking trails in Durmitor National Park .

You’re going to love the Black Lake in Durmitor National Park and we highly recommend you walk all around it. It won’t take more than one hour. It is called black but the water is bluish-green and clear.

Tara River Canyon near Zabljak and Durmitor National Park, Montenegro

Another spectacular place that you should not miss here is the Tara river canyon. It is the deepest and biggest river canyon in Europe and some say it is the second biggest after the Grand Canyon. The easiest way to see this is by going to Tara Bridge. You can also go for rafting on Tara river or zip over the canyon to enjoy the view.

7) Visegrad, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Visegrad is a riverside town in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is on the banks of the River Drina. It features a historical bridge, which features in the award-winning novel – The Bridge over the Drina .

the Bridge over the Drina in Visegrad, Bosnia & Herzegovina – travel the Balkans

Visegrad is one of those places where you can be lazy and just enjoy the lively atmosphere. Walk over the romantic bridge and see how blue the river looks when the sun shines. You can also go to Visegrad spa, which is just 5 KMs out of the city.

There is an excellent riverside restaurant here where you must treat yourself to a good meal. The restaurant is called Anika and we had the best meal of our road trip here. The meal was so good that we even crossed the border one day from Mokra Gora in Serbia to just eat in Anika restaurant in Bosnia.

Where to stay in Visegrad

We stayed in a place called Harmony apartments where we paid 20 euros for an unbelievably squeaky clean apartment that had a kitchen too!

8) Mokra Gora and Tara National Park and Zlatibor, Serbia

Mokra Gora is an adorable little village in Serbia where you’d love to spend more than just a few days. From here, you can drive to the nearby Tara National Park and Zlatibor.

The most amazing thing about Mokra Gora is that it is still under the radar and not much visited by the tourists and same for Tara National Park. Hardly anyone speaks English in the village and you will need your Google translate app to communicate.

Riding the Nostalgia Express train in Mokra Gora, Serbia

While you’re in Mokra Gora , ride the “Nostalgia Express”, which is one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. It is a narrow gauge train with old-fashioned compartments and what looks like a steam engine. This little train ride reminded us of Sri Lanka .

There is a wooden village in Mokra Gora and is called Drvengrad . (a.k.a. Küstendorf). Literally everything here is wooden, even the lamp posts! It was actually built for a film called Life is a Miracle , but was left to thrive after the movie ended.

You can even rent a room in Drvengrad and stay here overnight. Some parts are covered with artwork and this village is often the location for cinema workshops and movie festivals. For more information, read this detailed post about Drvengrad .

Drvengrad – the wooden village in Mokra Gora, Serbia

Spend a day or two in the nearby Tara National Park . This is where Drina river (the same one in Bosnia) makes a very deep gorge and creates a dramatic view. You can also see the Tara mountain here. You will be so happy that you have a car because if you start hiking here, it will take you many days to see some important places in the national park.

Banjska Stena, Tara National Park, Serbia

After seeing the beauty of Mokra Gora and Tara National Park, Zlatibor is nothing but an extremely busy town. I didn’t like the town but I liked the grassy hills around it.

Where to stay in Mokra Gora:

We stayed in two places here – Apartment Matogi and Apartment Mateja . As the name suggests, both were more than just rooms but were like little houses. In both these places, we had our own gardens, kitchens and living rooms.

9) Belgrade, Serbia

I have mentioned this many times and here it goes again – San and I hate big cities. The reason why some big cities like Belgrade are here on this list is because you will eventually have to pass through some of them for the ease of route.

Bridge over Danube river in Belgrade, Serbia – CCO via Pixabay

Belgrade has a lot of history but lately it has become more famous for its party scene. They say Belgrade is the new Berlin! Attend one of the typical floating river parties while you’re here.

10) Sibiu, (Transylvania) Romania

From Belgrade, head to Romania and go straight to the Dracula’s area – Transylvania. Believe it or not, Sibiu was voted as “Europe’s 8 th most idyllic place to live” by Forbes magazine.

Sibiu, Transylvania, Romania – Travel to the Balkans – CCO via Pixabay

Sibiu is one of those destinations which will be liked by both history or nature lovers. The town looks really beautiful with the backdrop of Transylvanian Alps. Walk around in the old town and see the Citadel of Sibiu. Hike the nearby Cindrel and Fagaras mountains and enjoy the dramatic viewpoints.

Dracula’s Castle is not in Sibiu but 2 hours away and is called Bran Castle. Believe it or not, this castle has nothing to do with the book writer or Vlad the Impaler (Vlad Dracula) but is a lovely place to visit nonetheless.

Bran Castle – Dracula’s Castle in Transylvania – CC0 via Pixabay

11) Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest is one of those few cities where I actually enjoyed myself a lot. It is a very big city and with a lot of old buildings that have a story to tell. Even if you’re not into architecture or history, you will find these aspects of Bucharest interesting.

Bucharest’s Pretty Umbrella Street, Romania

Firstly, there are many old churches that are definitely interesting from the outside, but you’re in for a surprise when you step inside. The details in most of the churches are astounding. Secondly, the old government buildings are super impressive, such as the house of the parliament, the Roman Athenaeum, etc. Moreover, the party scene is really good. Stay in Bucharest’s old town area and see how it livens up as the sun starts to set.

Inside Carturesti Carusel, Bucharest- the most beautiful bookstore in the world

Where to stay in Bucharest:

While I was in Bucharest, I stayed in three different places. The Marriott being the grandest, then the Ramada Majestic in the city centre and also Pura Vida hostel in the old town.

12) Sofia, Bulgaria

Like seeing ancient ruins? You can see them in Sofia’s city center. This vibrant city in Bulgaria with a backdrop of Vitosha Mountain can be your spot for a couple of days.

Sofia in Bulgaria – Travel to the Balkans cc0 via Pixabay

Apart from the historical buildings, you should spend some time in Sofia’s many parks and vibrant cafes. Head to the Lover’s Bridge where there’s usually an exhibition going on.

13) Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria

The Seven Rila Lakes are near the Rila Mountains. As the name suggests, these are seven lakes of different shapes and sizes that are connected with a series of streams and waterfalls. It will take you 2 hours to drive here from Sofia.

Seven Rila Lakes National Park in Bulgaria – Travel to the Balkans – CC0 via Pixabay

The shallowest lake out of the Seven Rila Lakes is Ribnoto Ezero, which is also known as “the fish lake”. This is where you will need to stop and find a place to stay in order to explore the area. Many people just make a day trip to these lakes instead of staying here overnight.

Seven Rila Lakes in Bulgaria – Balkans Road Trip – CCO via Pixabay

Please keep in mind that the only way to enjoy the Seven Rila Lakes is by hiking. There is a chair lift too but is not usually open in summers, but only in winters during the skiing season. You may hike for 40 minutes to a few hours or even days – depending on how many lakes you want to see.

The Seven Rila Lakes are frozen from October to early June, so dress in warm clothes. For more information, you can read what other travelers have to stay about the Seven Rila National Park .

14) Mavrono National Park or Lake Ohrid or Skopje, Macadonia

Macedonia is a very small country and I will give three options of places that you can visit for different kind of travelers. Beach lovers should head to a lake side town called Ohrid, history lovers should head to Skopje and Nature lovers should go to Mavrono National Park, which is between Ohrid and Skopje.

Lake Ohrid, Macedonia – Travel to the Balkans – CC0 via Pixabay

Lake Ohrid and the town Ohrid is a UNESCO world heritage site. In early Greek documents, it was called “the city of light”. Lake Ohrid is so big that it looks like sea. In fact, there are a few rocky beaches here that will make you forget you’re next to a lake.

Skopje is the capital city of Macedonia and you can see a lot of historical buildings and landmarks here. You can head to Macedonia Square to see the statue of Alexander the Great, walk on Skopje’s stone bridge, check out Kale Fortess and see how Porta Macedonia shines at night.

Not many who visit Macedonia end up seeing Mavrono National Park, the biggest national park in the country. Check out the Mavrono Lake that’s inside the national park and semi submerged church. In winter months you can also ski here.

15) Valbonë Valley National Park, Albania

Valbonë or the Valbona Valley National Park is a lovely natural paradise which is located in the Albanian Alps in Northern Albania. The river Valbona forms many waterfalls and natural pools, so the resulting landscape is gorgeous.

Valbona Lake in Albania – Travel the Balkans – by Robert Figgen

Just like Serbia’s Tara National Park, even the Valbona Valley National Park borders two other countries – Montenegro and Serbia. The highest peak here is Maja Jezercë which has a few active glaciers.

The craziest part is that the Albanian Alps are connected with the Himalayas through the Atlantic Ocean and they form the Alpine-Himalayan Orogenic belt.

Where to stay in Valbona, Albania

While you’re here, go stay for a few days in a typical alpine inn in Valbonë village, that’s inside the national park. We recommend Hotel Rilindja, which also has a hostel and is next to a lovely lake. Alternatively you can check out Jezerca .

Optional Balkans Road Trip detours in Romania, Bulgaria and Albania

16) constanta, romania.

Alice and I on Tuzla Beach in Constanta, Romania

Constanta is a beach destination in Romania, which is by the Black Sea. I just spent a few days in Romania and a lot of those days were spent in Constanta. This area has resort destinations like Mamaia or offbeat hippie villages like Vama Veche. Vama Veche is just a couple of kilometers away from Bulgaria border. It is so close that one of my friends actually walked to Bulgaria from Vama Veche.

17) Varna, Bulgaria

Varna is Bulgaria’s hipster beach destination that’s very easily accessible from Romania’s Constanta. During summer, Varna is highly visited for its beaches and parties.

18) Skadar Lake, Albania and Montenegro

The biggest lake in the Balkans, Shkodër Lake (a.k.a. Scutari, Shkodra) is between Albania and Montenegro and you can visit it from both the countries. If you’re entering from Montenegro, you will have to visit the lake from Skadar Lake National Park. From Albania, you need to go to Shkodra town to visit the lake. This lake is really big and you can go for a boat ride on it. You can also take the Lake Koman Ferry

Few tips to keep in mind for driving in the Balkans

I will write a detailed post about this but just for now, here are some quick tips that you must keep in mind when you travel the Balkans by driving:

Our Rented Car in Montenegro – Travel to the Balkans – Balkans Road Trip itinerary

1) If your rented car doesn’t have an EU number, make sure your rented car has a green card, else you can’t cross the border.

2) Most car rental companies will not let you take your car to Kosovo because of just one or two cases of car bombings. I have heard Kosovo is beautiful but we did not end up visiting.

3) We crossed many traffic police checkpoints but most of them were in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Many check points were hidden in the mountainous regions where they frequently stopped others for over speeding. Thankfully, San and I were never stopped.

4) Google Maps app will be your best friend and you will end up using it all the time. Make sure your rented car has a USB charging spot for your phone. Download a part of your trip on offline maps every few days.

5) For the sake of traveling easy, we have included a few big cities in this itinerary. We’d recommend you spend less time in them and more in the nature. More than anything, driving and parking in big cities is going to be a big pain the bum!

6) As much as we tried, we couldn’t find a single cellular operator with 3G that covered all the countries. We had to buy a SIM card in every country that costed 5 euro and had at least 10 GBs of date. If you find a single SIM then comment below and let us know!

7) If you are tight on budget, you should consider skipping Croatia entirely and start your trip from Bosnia or Serbia.

8) Yes, you can rent your car from one place and return it at a different place – but it depends on the availability and car rental company.

Have you ever traveled to the Balkans? If yes, let us know about your favorite destination in the comments below.

PS: Drifter Planet contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we will earn a little commission at no extra cost to you.  We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

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21 Comments

This is so helpful one..i was following your journey and loved all your captures. Often such places are underrated and you shown here so much insight Love this sonal

Hi Mayuri, we are so happy to know that you were following our journey through the Balkans. 🙂 Traveling the Balkans was really one of our best travel experiences, even though we had to split it into three trips. Still, we can’t wait to go back and this time we want to do Albania, Kosovo and Moldova. 🙂 PS: hope you’re going to follow our new journey – leaving for Sri Lanka today. 😉

I am fascinated with the Balkans since I visited a month ago. I was able to visit Croatia and Montenegro (Slovenia too). Like you mentioned, it is difficult to see as much as desired in one trip. I was blown away by the beauty of the places I visited. I want to see more! Your itinerary gives me tons of ideas. Love it!

Hi Ruth, Yes the Balkans are truly fascinating and normally it takes more than just one or two trips to cover many of them. We did the same too! 🙂 We didn’t include Slovenia in this itinerary because not all of Slovenia is a part of the Balkans peninsula, but we’d love to travel through the country properly.

Hi did you drive in winter? We are thinking of doing this in Dec and wish to seek your opinion!

The countries that come under Balkans, such as Romania and Croatia are on my wishlist. Your road trip itinerary is great. I hope to follow some of it, if not all. I’d love to explore some of the national parks mentioned.

Yes, Romania and Croatia are beautiful. We are heading back to Croatia this year and will add more recommendations soon.

Wonderful post! Would definitely like to visit Croatia sometime.

Croatia is really awesome. It is one of the most popular countries in the Balkans peninsula. The natural beauty here is mind-blowing!

I found your page more interesting and informative than most. Thank you for your advice. We shall make good use of it next year.

Flexiroam X is kinda new product for borderless data SIM. Its not that cheap, but its awesome.

Good to know about this! We couldn’t find a good option for the Balkans but will check out Flexiroam the next time.

Hello! Thank you for sharing your road trip, I had such an enjoyable time reading it. May I know how long did you take to complete this road trip and which car rental company did you hire from?

Hi Syahirah, the trip mentioned in this post is actually a combination of three different trips. We rented our car from the airport in Belgrade, but it is cheaper if you book it online — https://www.discovercarhire.com/?a_aid=DrifterPlanet

How long did this trip take you?

🙂 This Balkans road trip itinerary is a combination of our three different trips.

Thank you for this interesting advice. We will be traveling a very similar trip this July in a car rental so thanks for the tips. We are from South Africa and travelled extensively. We have driven most of Africa and also our little car from London to Cape Town.

Hello, can you summarize the 3 loops you have done? and tell me how long it has taken?

We have been a few times…. 2 weeks in Slovenia in 2006, 2.5 weeks in Montenegro and Croatia in 2019. Heading to Albania, Montenegro, and Serbia (Tirana – Podgorica – Belgrade) in April/May 2020. Great tips here.

Unlike you, we like the cities though — we get lots of nature here at home (Canada)so we travel for the history, culture, and great food. One of our favourite places was Stari Bar in Montenegro. Another was the walking tours in both Zadar and Zagreb. Dubrovnik was definitely too crowded though, as was Plitvice National Park.

Peter, that sounds really wonderful and you’re going to love Albania and Serbia. Glad you like the tips. Yes, I understand if you’re living in a place where you can enjoy nature then you will appreciate cities more and Europe definitely has some amazing ones. Walking tours are amazing and if I ever revisit Zadar or Zagreb, I will consider taking one. 🙂

kikou milles grand merci pour ce partage, nous sommes trois a partir dit si le moi d avril 2023 pour un periple de l ardeche jusqu en Grece, en camping car.

et vos conseilles sont super merci, aquelle date avez vous fait cela? Je vous souhaite de profiter encore longt de vos belles ballades merci mimi

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Hello Travelers!

Namaste, Guten Tag! I'm Sonal from India, living in Germany and exploring Europe. I've been writing about my travels since 2015. I often travel alone (and sometimes with family of 3).

I love European city breaks, nature, adventure, hiking to viewpoints, Yoga, and road trips. I have a think for creating the most amazing travel itineraries and in-depth destination guides which will help you make the most of your trip.

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Last Updated on September 15, 2023 by Drifter Planet

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• Kembali ke bas untuk makan tengahari.
• Bertolak ke Zagreb.
• Bermalam di Zagreb dan makan malam di hotel.
• Sarapan pagi dan makan malam disediakan.

HARI 4: ZAGREB

• Lawatan di Plitvice Lake- National Park yang dikitiraf UNESCO
• Pada lewat petang, tiba di Bihac, Bosnia & Herzegovina. Makan malam di hotel. Bermalam di Bihac.

HARI 5: BIHAC

• Bertolak ke Jajce dan melawat “water mill”. Kemudian lawatan diteruskan ke Ottoman Town di Travnik.
• Waktu lapang untuk makan tengahari dan solat.
• Bertolak ke Sarajevo. Makan malam di hotel. Bermalam di Sarajevo.

HARI 6: SARAJEVO

• Lawatan di sekitar bandar Serajevo.
• Bertolak ke Mostar. Lawatan sekitar bandar Mostar & Old Bride. Masa lapang untuk aktiviti bebas.
• Makan malam di hotel dan bermalam di Monstar.

HARI 7: TREBINJE-SHKODER

• Bergerak ke Dubrovnik. Lawatan di bandar Dubrovnik untuk melihat pemandangan panorama dan landskap yang indah.
• Aktiviti bebas untuk makan tengahari dan solat di masjid Bandar Lama Dubrovnik.
• Tiba di Kotor dan melawat Bandar Kotor. masa lapang di Bandar Lama.
• Tiba di Shkoder. Makan malam di hotel dan bermalam di Shkoder.

HARI 8: SHKODER-OHRID

• Lawatan sekitar bandar Shkoder.
• Masa lapang untuk solat dan makan tengahari.
• Teruskan lawatan ke Tirana & ke Tasik Ohrid.
• Menginap di Ohrid dan makan malam di hotel.

HARI 9: OHRID

• Lawatan pada waktu pagi di sekitar bandar Ohrid.
• Masa lapang untuk aktiviti bebas di bandar lama Ohrid.
• Bertolak ke Skopje. Lawatan ke bandar Skopje. Masa lapang untuk makan tengahari dan solat.
• Seterusnya bertolak ke Sofia. Makan malam di hotel dan bermalam di Sofia.

HARI 10: SOFIA

• Lawatan sekitar bandar Sofia.
• Melawat Masjid Banya Bashi dan tapak arkeologi Raman dari abad ke-4 selepas Masihi.
• Masa lapang untuk membeli-belah. Bertolak ke Istanbul.
• Makan malam di hotel. Bermalam di Istanbul.

HARI 11: ISTANBUL

• Lawatan di sekitar bandar Istanbul bersama pemandu pelancong tempatan.
• Melawat Hagia Sophia.
• Masa lapang untuk membeli-belah di Grand Bazaar.
• Kembali ke hotel untuk makan malam dan bermalam.

HARI 12: ISTANBUL

• Aktiviti bebas sehingga waktu bertolak ke airport.
• Bergerak pulang ke Malaysia.
• Sarapan pagi disediakan.

HARI 13: MALAYSIA

• Tiba di KLIA.
• Makanan di dalam pesawat disediakan.

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Home > The Best 2 Week Russia Itinerary: What To See & Do In Russia

The Best 2 Week Russia Itinerary: What To See & Do In Russia

Written by our local expert SJ

Sarah-Jane has lived in Croatia for 10+ years. SJ, as she is known, has been traveling the Balkans & beyond since 2000. She now shares her passion for traveling with her husband & kids.

Written by Campbell & Alya of  Stingy Nomads. They’ve traveled together to over 30 countries globally, including Africa, Latin America, Asia & Europe.

For many travelers visiting Russia is an adventure on its own ; with huge countries like Russia, it’s often difficult to decide where to go, how to move around. This two-week Russia itinerary allows you to visit both must-see places and more off-the-beaten paths destinations in Russia.

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

Best Ways To Move Around Russia

Russia is a vast country for long-distance travel . We’d suggest flying, but budget airline options are quite limited in Russia – so be prepared to shell out some serious Russian Ruble. Also, if you are flying with a local airline, check for their luggage allowance, as it can vary.

For many tourists taking a train in Russia is a must-have experience, especially the Transsiberian or an overnight train from Moscow to St Petersburg . The train system is quite good in general for moving around Russia.

Taking a bus in Russia is also an option, but the costs for a coach are the same as for traveling by train for the same distance and the travel time might be a lot longer and buses, as you know, are much less comfortable.

Renting a car is not very popular for travelers to Russia, as it tends to be a bit of a hassle. There are always lengthy traffic jams, poor road maintenance, and random police inspections. So instead, look to get a private transfer service. 

The Best Two Week Russia Itinerary

Day 1 – 3: st.petersburg.

Russia’s most beautiful and romantic city has a lot to offer, from top world art museums and stunning royal residences to nightlife and shopping.

The best time to visit St.Petersburg is in the summer months of June and July to witness famous White Nights when the city literally doesn’t sleep, and neither do you.

Public transport works quite well in the city with the Metro being the fastest and the easiest way of moving around. One metro trip costs 0,5 Euro. There are hundreds of accommodation options in the city, from hostels to B&Bs and fancy hotels.

St.Petersburg Highlights

• The Hermitage Museum/Winter Palace:  One of the top art museums in the world. It says if you stop at every item (painting, sculpture, or artifact) for 1 second, you’ll need years to finish. In summer, it gets hectic with thousands of people surrounding the main art treasures; Da Vinci, Raphael, Rembrandt’s paintings. Buy your ticket online; it’ll save you a lot of time staying in a long queue outside .
• St. Isaac’s Cathedral: A stunning building crowned with a massive golden dome, inside it’s even more impressive. Not to miss the view from its colonnade, especially at night time.
• Church Of The Savior On Spilled Blood : Probably the most famous and photographed building in the city. Built in the traditional Russian style with many, very similar to the famous St.Basil cathedral on the Red Square in Moscow . Do yourself a favor and go inside; you won’t be disappointed; the interior is impressive, richly decorated in gold, with many fresque paintings.
• The Russian Museum: A great collection of Russian art from old icons to modern painting.
• The Mariinsky Theatre: The main city theatre has three stages; the original one (Old Stage), the Concert Hall, and the Second (modern) stage. All three give performances; ballet, opera, Philharmonic orchestra almost every day.
• Peterhof:  The fountain residence and ex-summer royal residence built as a repetition of Versaille. An impressive palace with golden, hundreds of small and big fountains, a beautiful park, it’s a must-visit place. If you travel with children, they will enjoy a visit there are many joke fountains where they can get soaking wet. Just be sure to bring extra clothes and a towel with you.
• The Catherine Palace and Park:  Another ex-royal summer residence in the southern suburb of St.Petersburg. Catherine Palace is probably the most beautiful palace in the city. The main highlights are the famous restored Amber Room and the Grand Hall.

• White Nights and Drawing Bridges:  These two are strongly associated with each other. White Nights is a fascinating phenomenon when the daylight is basically 24 hours. The shortest night, June 21, in St.Petersburg is less than 2 hours, but in fact , it never gets really dark. Summer is navigation season in the city, the Neva river gets quite busy, but it starts only at night when all the bridges are closed for traffic. The show of opening bridges begins with music and lights between 1 am, and 2 am; thousands of people, locals, and tourists watch it every day.
• St.Petersburg Metro:  Named one of the most beautiful metro systems in the world, and it deserves two hours of your time to explore. The most beautiful metro stations; Admiralteiskaya (the second deepest metro station in the world, 102m), Avtovo, Bukharestskaya, Kirovsky Zavod, Mezhdunarodnaya.

Day 4: Veliky Novgorod

Distance from St.Petersburg 195km takes 2h50min to get here by train.

Located between St.Petersburg and Moscow, the oldest Russian city, founded in 859, is definitely worthy of a day stop, especially for those who like history.

Veliky Novgorod is not a usual stop on any Russia itinerary, but it has many old churches and monasteries . The city is relatively small you can move on foot between the main attractions. To get from the train station take a bus, there is a bus stop in front of it.

You’ll notice that everything here is cheaper than in the capital cities; food, accommodation, souvenirs , and entrance fees. There are three of four hostels and quite a few hotels, both budget, and luxury , in the city.

Veliky Novgorod Highlights

• Novgorod Kremlin (Detinets):  The oldest Kremlin in Russia.
• St.Sophia Cathedral
• Yuriev Monastery
• The Millenium of Russia Monument
• Vitoslavlitsy Museum Of Wooden Architecture

Day 5 – 7: Moscow

Distance from Novgorod 537km takes 8 hours to arrive by night train.

Crazy and bustling Russian capital city is a strange mix of everything; old-style Russian churches neighboring with skyscrapers of Moscow City. Moscow is famous for the terrible traffic; the Metro is the best way to move around the city , it’s cheap, 0,6 Euro per trip, and fast in the rush hours it gets hectic.

There are many hostels, B&Bs and hotels in the city for any budget , the most important thing is to find a place in the city center, or as close to it as possible otherwise you risk spending quite a lot of time commuting.

Moscow Highlights

Like any capital city, there are many things to do and places to see , to explore Moscow you’ll need a lot of time, but you’ll be able to visit its highlights in three days.

• Moscow Kremlin:  The most iconic building in Russia and one of the most famous in the world. The complex is big with a lot to see; Armoury museum, Diamond Fund, the Grand Kremlin Palace, Patriarch Palace, Ivan the Great Bell Tower, Assumption Cathedral, and more.
• Red Square:  Its name doesn’t come from the color as many people think; in old Russian, “red” (Rus. “Krasny”) meant “beautiful.” Most of the central city sights are located on the square. Tip. Come here early morning, at 6 am, and you’ll get the square all to yourself without the crowds.
• St. Basil’s Cathedral: A favorite tourist attraction, its colorful domes and strange, vivid decoration contrast with traditional Russian churches found all over the city. It was built in the 16th century during the reign of Ivan the Terrible. City legend says that the cathedral architects were blinded to make sure they would not be able to build anything similar ever again.
• The Tretyakov Gallery:  The most significant collection of Russian art from to XX century. The building itself is fascinating.
• The Novodevichy Convent and Cemetery: The convent was founded in 1524 by Vasili III; during its history hosted many ladies from the Russian royal family who were forced to take the veil.
• Kolomenskoye:  Located 12km from Moscow, this complex consists of many buildings representing different eras of traditional Russian architecture; the White Column of Kolomenskoye, the Wooden Palace, Church of John the Baptist, Church of Our Lady of Kazan, etc. This trip takes half of a day .
• Moscow Metro: 212 stations with a total route length of 360km; it is the sixth-longest metro system in the world. But it is not just the size that is most impressive – it is also about its beauty.  Some stations look like palaces. The most spectacular stations are Komsomolskaya, Kievskaya, Novoslobodskaya, and Ploshchad’ Revolyutsii. The best time to explore the Moscow metro is Saturday and Sunday morning.

Day 8 – 9: Kazan

Distance from Moscow 825km takes 11 hours to get by night train.

Kazan is very different from St.Petersburg and Moscow, and visiting it will give you a more complete picture of Russia.

The city is becoming a new tourist attraction in Russia; in the last years, its infrastructure was improved significantly with FIFA World Cup games taking place here, the city got a new stadium and even a new metro. However, it’s relatively small and has only ten stations.

Kazan has the largest Muslim population in Russia, an interesting place to come, a unique mix of European and Asian traditions and culture. Due to recent significant sports events, many hostels and budget hotels were recently opened in the city.

Kazan Highlights

• Kazan Kremlin:  Don’t be surprised, there is a Kremlin in every old Russian town. In fact, the Moscow Kremlin is one of the youngest out of all of them, although the most famous one.
• Kul Sharif Mosque:  The biggest mosque in Russia.
• Millenium Park of Kazan
• Epiphany Cathedral and The Bell Tower
• Syuyumbike Leaning Tower

Day 10 – 12: Sochi

Distance from Kazan 2000km, there are three flights per week, duration 2h40min.

A subtropical sea city might be the last most people imagine when thinking of Russia.

The city is busy all year round; in summer, many locals come here seeking sea and sun; in winter, it welcomes ski and snowboard enthusiasts, mainly from the capital cities. The local infrastructure and hospitality service was improved quite a lot for the Winter Olympic Games.

There are many hotels and resorts in the city for holiday travelers, but it’s possible to find a hostel, price from 5 Euro per dorm bed. Chilling on the beach (though it’s rocky), swimming in warm water, hiking to the waterfalls , or exploring the nearby subtropical forest, all these you can do here.

Sochi Highlights

• Sochi Botanical Garden
• Olympic Sochi Park
• Krasnaya Polyana
• Aquapark Amphibius
• Caucasian Biosphere Reserve

Day 13: Sochi to St.Petersburg, Train/Flight

The longest distance traveled on this trip , 2339km. A train journey takes almost two days, usually two nights and one full day. For a comfortable ride, take the Severnaya Palmira train; it has AC, wi-fi, personal power outlets, showers, hot water boiler, and includes a hot meal. A flight is a better option if you have some extra cash; there are three daily flights between two cities, duration 3h10min.

Day 14: St.Petersburg

On the last day, you can relax, do souvenir shopping , wander around the city or maybe visit more city attractions. As an alternative to the standard sights and tours, you can do a roof tour or visit one of the modern art museums , e.g., Street Art museum, Erarta.

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Russia Travel Planning Tips

To move around the country take night trains this way you save time by traveling at night and save money on accommodation. Night trains have bunk beds and are comfortable enough for sleeping.

In big cities Moscow, St.Petersburg, Kazan, Couchsurfing is quite popular if you’d like to get some insider tips and meet locals , it’s a great way to do it.

Buy train tickets online on the official Russian Railways website – it’s easy you can choose your seats and best price range, it’s easier than trying to explain all these at a ticket office.

Download Google Translator as it works well with Russian – English language combination and translates even written text if you scan it.

How To Get To Russia

Flying to russia.

This is the fastest way to get the most out of any Russia itinerary.

More than likely, your flight will arrive in Moscow as it has the best air connection with international destinations . If you have a connecting flight to catch in Moscow: make sure your arrival and departure airport are not the same. There are three airports in the city , and sometimes all operate local and international flights, and to commute between them is a nightmare even at night.

Your second option is to fly into St.Petersburg. Numerous international airlines arrive and depart there. If you have a choice, choose this one, as it’s an easier option. There is only one airport and to get to the city center by public transport only takes 30-40min.

Taking A Train To Russia

Several train routes connect St.Petersburg and Moscow with some European capitals; Helsinki, Berlin, Warsaw, Vienna, Prague, Tallinn; most of them depart once a week , except Helsinki and Tallinn, these go every day. Prices are between 30 Euro and 250 Euro, depending on the distance.

Russia  By Bus

It’s an option if you come from one of the nearby countries; many buses connect St.Petersburg with Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Belarus . Bus tickets are usually relatively cheap, from 10 Euro.

Arriving To Russia By Sea

This option is basically limited to St.Petersburg; several cruises go to Scandinavian countries , Finland and Estonia, and make a stop here; ferries passengers are allowed to stay within St.Petersburg without a visa for 72 hours.

More Russia Travel Blogs

• What’s So Great About Russia? Know Before You Go!
• Traditional Food In Russia You have a Try

Comments (21)

thanks for sharing,pictures are really cool

I appreciate for your blog post, Thanks for sharing.

Nice Blog, I have been Russia in the month of August and I indeed such a beautiful country it is, will consider this to visit it again.

Nice Blog, I hope I have a chance to go to Russia.

Did any of your hotels register you during your stay ?

Yes, all of them had to back when I went – maybe rules are different now.

This two week experience is the finest experience for every new travelers who want to go for Russia. Thanks

This is a very nice itinerary that enables you to explore the country in just a few days. Thank you for giving us transport at a glance, this enables people plan better.

Really enjoyed this, thanks for the information you provided here!

Very nice Itinerary! It cover the best travel essential in Russia. Great Photography Too.

great blog…….i loved russia

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20 amazing places to visit in the Balkans

Posted: March 27, 2024 | Last updated: March 27, 2024

The Balkan countries are an underrated part of Europe, rich in history, culture, and scenery. Not to mention kind people and unique food and drink. Here are 20 places to consider visiting!

Zagreb, Croatia

The capital of Croatia is very different from other major cities in the Balkans. Home to numerous museums, including the wonderful yet heartbreaking Museum of Broken Relationships, you could spend weeks learning in Zagreb. When you need a place to rest after museum-hopping, chill out at one of the amazing coffee shops in the city or stylish bars, often housed in ruins.

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Istria Peninsula, Croatia

Often skipped by visitors in favor of the ever-popular Dalmatian Coast, Istria is Croatia’s best-kept secret! A peninsula close to Italy, you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’re in the land of pizza and espresso. Brightly colored buildings, amazing olive oil, and some of the best truffles in the world can be found here. Don’t miss towns like Rovinj, Bale, Motovun, Grožnjan, and Vodnjan.

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Zadar, Croatia

Alfred Hitchcock adored Zadar, particularly at sunset. Visit this up-and-coming city, and you’ll see why. One of Croatia’s best vegan restaurants calls the city home and some of Croatia’s best Roman ruins. The waterfront features two unique art installations: the Sea Organ (organ pipes drilled under the water) and “Greeting the Sun” (lights that change color per the sun’s movement.)

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Split, Croatia

The former Greek and Roman center still houses one of the most impressive ruins in the Balkans, Diocletian’s Palace. The former retirement home of Roman rulers is now home to apartments, shops, and restaurants, with various parts sectioned off as museums. Split also has a small but beautiful promenade, a forest park with views above the city, and many of the country’s top restaurants.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

This list, of course, couldn’t have been completed without mentioning arguably the most famous destination in the Balkans. Game of Thrones ensured the city is now on every traveler’s wishlist, so while you won’t ever have Dubrovnik to yourself, it’s still worth a visit. Enjoy views from atop the city walls, kayak around the hidden coves, and have dinner in the magical Old Town. 

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Korcula, Croatia

A little over two hours by ferry from Dubrovnik is this gem of an island, home to wineries with many unique varietals and many high-quality restaurants, including LD, a Michelin-star restaurant that uses mainly ingredients from Korcula. You can hike or bike one of the island’s endless trails when not drinking.

Vis, Croatia

Vis lacks activities compared to other islands, but that’s the point. You come to the island to relax and not do much else. Popular with the sailing crowd, you’ll find a different type of traveler here, as it’s the furthest island from the Croatian mainland. Come with a stack of books, sunglasses, and not much else.

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Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina

This capital city is full of history (the Latin Bridge is where Franz Ferdinand was shot and WWI began) and is still visibly marked by the Bosnian War. Numerous walking tours and museums are dedicated to telling Sarajevo’s story. You can also take the cable car up Trebec Mountain and walk the old bobsled run from the 1984 Olympics.

Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina

In the south of the country, solidly in the region of Herzegovina, is one of the Balkan’s most adorable towns. Mostar and its small Old Town will have you in love at first glance. Wander the many bridges, have coffee at one of the cute cafes, sample regional wine, and watch the locals jump off the Old Bridge into the river on a hot day.

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Herzegovina wine country

The Balkans aren’t known for wine, but the region is home to some amazing producers. If you’ve had wine from the area, it was likely from Croatia (and even that’s rare outside of the country itself.) However, the best up-and-coming destination is Herzegovina. This region has two main varietals; Žilavka, an acidic white wine, and Blatina, a full-bodied red. Both can be sampled in Mostar; however, for the best experience, visit the vineyards outside of town!

Kotor, Montenegro

The cruise ship capital of Montenegro is worth a visit whether you’re arriving by land or sea. The epic fortress is a must, hike up for the best views in the country or trek the Ladder of Kotor, a winding trail with amazing views. Then, take a boat to Our Lady of Rocks and the Blue Cave and wander Old Town to round out your site-seeing!

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Budva, Montenegro

One of the Balkan's best-kept secrets is this gem of a town on the Bay of Kotor. Unlike many regional destinations, the beaches here are sandy and can be enjoyed without water shoes! The Budva Old Town is also super cute for a wander and has some great cafes.

Herceg Novi, Montenegro

Another adorable small Montenegran village just a couple of hours from Dubrovnik, the town of Herceg Novi isn’t commonly visited, despite being one of the most charming destinations in the Balkans! A green oasis home to many tropical flowers, it’s commonly called the “town of 100,001 steps” due to the climbing necessary to make your way around town.

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Tirana, Albania

This is probably the quirkiest capital in the Balkans. Italian architecture from the Mussolini period is mixed with Communist-era blocks and historic remains of its varied past as an Ottoman stronghold and closed-off country under a dictatorship for 50 years. These days, the city is full of life. From the trendy Blloku neighborhood to Tirana’s huge city park and endless monuments and museums to explore.

Sarandë, Albania

The unofficial capital of the “Albanian Riveria,” Sarande feels like a world away from the rest of the country. Electric blue waters rival those of Greece (which you can see from the town), trendy beach clubs could fool you into thinking you’re on the beaches of Tulum, and the outfits on the evening promenade will have you thinking it’s Milan Fashion Week.

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Berat, Albania

This ancient city is best known for the traditional white Ottoman homes that make up the center. The windows of the homes give the impression that you’re being watched as you arrive or stroll the riverfront promenade (a favorite evening activity for the locals.) There are also Byzantine churches, Ottoman mosques, and a castle with amazing views!

Skopje, North Macedonia

This capital in a highly fought-over country is truly a bizarrely beautiful city to visit. Wide roads from the communist era (built to accommodate large armies) are now tiled pedestrian streets making strolling the city center the perfect way to spend the day. However, don’t be surprised by the imposing giant monuments all over, commissioned in 2014 as part of redevelopment aimed at attracting tourists. The city's best views are from the Fortress and Mount Vodno — each on opposite sides of the river. 

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Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia

A true Balkan gem, the 138-square-mile lake is shared between Albania, Greece, and North Macedonia. However, it’s the Macedonian side that is the true beauty. Numerous villas and lakeside accommodations dot the shores, along with the UNESCO Saint Naum Monastery and a charming Old Town.

Pristina, Kosovo

Europe’s youngest country has what is potentially the coolest capital city. Pristina is home to a cute pedestrian area (the local government is currently trying to expand) and many interesting attractions like the futuristic National Library and NEWBORN monument that are redone every year. Additionally, the best coffee in the Balkans can be sampled at any of the city’s numerous cafes. 

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Prizren, Kosovo

Pristina may be the political and educational seat of Kosovo, but Prizren is the cultural and economic capital. Just an hour’s drive from the capital city, the Ottoman-style city feels like a world away. Visit one of the numerous mosques, hike to the city's top for amazing views, or just wander the Old Town and step back in time.

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Moscow Vacation Packages

Moscow vacations are always a great idea when it comes to traveling in Russia. Plan your trip to Moscow with a leading tour operator for Russia and enjoy the ease and pleasure that comes from it. You will stay at the centrally-located hotels, enjoy guided tours to Moscow's best sights with charming local guides, and, most importantly, feel relaxed and immersed in the Russian culture at all times. Wondering what the ideal way to see the best of Moscow is? Well, with a private tour to Moscow, of course! We will listen to your travel preferences and prepare a custom Moscow itinerary just for you. Let's start talking about your upcoming vacation to the gorgeous capital city of Russia.

Moscow Tour Highlights

Explore the capital of the largest country in the world, Russia.

Learn about the most visited sights in Moscow that are worth adding to your Russian itinerary. Create a fantastic tour to Moscow with a destination, choosing your wished activities.

• Moscow walking tour
• The Red Square
• St Basil's Cathedral
• Moscow Subway ride
• Tretyakov Gallery
• The Red Square in Moscow
• The Bolshoi Theater
• Cathedral of Christ the Savior
• Moscow's Kremlin exploration
• 'Seven Sisters' Skyscrapers

Tips for Moscow Travel

Take a look at the good-to-know tips before visiting Moscow and have a fantastic time in the capital.

What to pack

Make sure to check the weather prognosis before your trip and pack accordingly.

When to travel

Moscow is beautiful all around the year. Choose traveling time according to preferred activities.

We suggest to always have some cash with you. You will need Rubles (RUB) for Russia.

How much to tip

Tipping is not required in Russia, but it's considered good etiquette, tip 10%-15% of your bill.

The average summer temperature is approx 18°C (64°F), and winter is around -6°C (22°F).

Some of the most popular souvenirs from Moscow are caviar, Krasnaya Moska perfume.

Best Moscow Sights

One of the highest points in Moscow and one of its most breathtaking places - the Sparrow Hills.

See the 344-feet Cathedral of Christ the Savior - the tallest Orthodox church in the world.

Enjoy masterpieces of Russian opera and ballet in Moscow's legendary Bolshoi Theater.

Being the most recognizable symbol of Russia in the world, Red Square is an absolute must see when in Moscow. 

The famous GUM is a large department store in the Kitai-gorod part of Moscow facing Red Square.

St. Basil’s Cathedral is Moscow’s most famous artistic work of architecture set in the romantic Red Square.

History and luxury is revealed inside the Kremlin as the Armoury Chamber displays treasures like Faberge Eggs.

The symbol of Moscow and entire Russia, the Kremlin is often described as the 8th Wonder of the World.

Moscow Metro is like a whole underground city that holds the world's largest collection of Stalinist Art.

I am very satisfied.

I have been using the Firebirds (Travel All Russia) services for a while. I am very satisfied.

WOW. From the choice of hotels to...

WOW. From the choice of hotels, an itinerary that ran to plan, the amazing Guides and drivers, and of course the stunning cities of Moscow and St Petersburg. No long queues for entry to museums, churches, and palaces.  I would gladly recommend using Firebird Tours (Travel All Russia) to anyone.

THANK YOU for making this happen for me !!!

I must say from the day I started to book my tip till the day I got home I had one GREAT trip and experience I always felt safe and cared for help was seconds away not that I needed any I will defiantly highly recommend your company to any traveler to Russia WELL DONE to the Whole team THANK YOU for making this happen for me !!!

We enjoyed the whole trip a lot

Overall we enjoyed the whole trip a lot. Moscow is beautiful and clean. Thank you very much for your patience and excellent organization of this tour. Everything ran very smoothly and according to schedule. The guides met us on time at hotels or at our train carriage on arrival. They all spoke good English, had a good local knowledge and were very kind and helpful.

The tour lived up to all expectations

I’m most pleased with Travel All Russia in arranging our ‘Volga Dream’ Russia tour, I would recommend using your services again as every aspect of our tour went off without a hitch. The communication between our tour representative was excellent as we required additional days on both ends of our tour. The visa process and the logistics were flawlessly implemented.

We had a great time in Moscow!

Everything was perfect and we are very satisfied with services and accommodations.

Loved my time in Russia

The trip was great. Especially want to mention the guides I had on the extra days were exceptional. Both guides and drivers worked out well. Thanks again for all your help and attention. Loved my time in Russia, and still haven’t stopped talking about it.

Exploring Magnificent Russian Capitals, June 2017

Just want to say that our guide in St Petersburg was really outstanding. You really felt like someone was looking after you. Very observant - knowledgeable. We really enjoyed time spent with her.

Exploring Vibrant Moscow, June 2017

The experience was great!!! We had an excellent guide. The hotel was fabulous.

Thank you for your help !!! was an unforgettable trip.

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Home » Europe » Moscow

EPIC MOSCOW Itinerary! (2024)

Moscow is the heart of Mother Russia. Just the mention of this city conjures images of colorful bulbous pointed domes, crisp temperatures, and a uniquely original spirit!

Moscow has an incredibly turbulent history, a seemingly resilient culture, and a unique enchantment that pulls countless tourists to the city each year! Although the warmer months make exploring Moscow’s attractions more favorable, there’s just something about a fresh snowfall that only enhances the appearance of the city’s iconic sites!

If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or simply wanting to see as much of the city as possible, this Moscow itinerary will help you do just that!

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Best Time To Visit Moscow

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Here is a quick look at the seasons so you can decide when to visit Moscow!

The summer months (June-August) are a great time to travel to Moscow to take advantage of the enjoyable mild temperatures. This is considered peak travel season. Bear in mind that hotel prices rise along with the temperatures!

If you’re planning a trip to Moscow during fall (September-November) try to plan for early fall. This way the temperatures will still be pleasant and winter won’t be threatening.

Russian winters (December-February) are not for the faint of heart as Napoleon learned to his peril. Some days the sun will be out for less than an hour, and snow is guaranteed. Although winters are exceptionally cold, this is when you’ll get a true glimpse of the Moscow experience!

The best time to visit Moscow is during spring  (March-May). The temperatures will begin to creep up and the sun begins to shine for significant portions of the day. Hotel rates will also have yet to skyrocket into peak ranges!

With a Moscow City Pass , you can experience the best of Moscow at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

Moscow is a large city with many accommodation options to choose from. Staying in a location that fits with your travel plans will only enhance your Moscow itinerary. Here is a brief introduction to a few great areas of the city we recommend checking out!

The best place to stay in Moscow to be close to all the action is Kitay-Gorod. This charming neighborhood will put you within walking distance to Moscow’s famous Red Square, thus cutting down on travel time. This will allow you to see more of the city in a shorter amount of time!

It’s surrounded by restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or just planning a quick weekend in Moscow, then this area is perfect for you!

Another great area to consider is the Zamoskvorechye district. This area of the city offers a blend of new and old Moscow. It has an artsy vibe and there are plenty of fun sites you can explore outside of the main touristy areas of Moscow.

Of course, as in all areas of Moscow, it’s close to public transportation that will quickly connect you with the rest of the city and make your Moscow itinerary super accessible!

Best Airbnb in Moscow – Exclusive Apartment in Old Moscow

Modern and cozy, this apartment is in the heart of Old Moscow. Bordering the Basmanny and Kitay-Gorod districts, this two-bedroom flat is walking distance to the Kremlin and Red Square. Safe, quiet, and comfortable, this is the best Airbnb in Moscow, no question!

Best Budget Hotel in Moscow – Izmailovo Alfa Hotel

The Izmailovo Alfa Hotel is a very highly rated accommodation that provides all the components necessary for a comfortable trip to Moscow. There is an on-site restaurant, bar, fitness center, and an airport shuttle service. The rooms are modern and spacious and are equipped with a TV, heating/air conditioning, minibar, and more!

Best Luxury Hotel in Moscow – Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre

If you’re touring Moscow in luxury, the Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre is the hotel for you! Elegantly furnished rooms are equipped with a minibar, flat-screen TV,  in-room safes, as well as tea and coffee making facilities! Bathrooms come with bathrobes, slippers, and free toiletries. There is also an onsite restaurant, bar, and fitness center.

Best Hostel in Moscow – Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station. Guests will enjoy all the usual hostel perks such as self-catering facilities, 24-hour reception, Free Wi-Fi, and security lockers. This is one of the best hostels in Moscow and its wonderful social atmosphere and will make your vacation in Moscow extra special!

Godzillas Hostel is one of our favourites in Moscow but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

An important aspect of planning any trip is figuring out the transportation situation. You’re probably wondering how you’re going to get to all of your Moscow points of interest right? Luckily, this sprawling city has an excellent network of public transportation that will make traveling a breeze!

The underground metro system is the quickest and most efficient way to travel around Moscow. Most visitors rely exclusively on this super-efficient transportation system, which allows you to get to pretty much anywhere in the city! It’s also a great option if you’re planning a Moscow itinerary during the colder months, as you’ll be sheltered from the snow and freezing temperatures!

If you prefer above-ground transportation, buses, trams, and trolleybuses, run throughout the city and provide a rather comfortable alternative to the metro.

Moscow’s metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses are all accessible with a ‘Troika’ card. This card can be topped up with any sum of money at a metro cash desk. The ticket is simple, convenient, and even refundable upon return to a cashier!

No matter which method you choose, you’ll never find yourself without an easy means of getting from point A to point B!

Red Square | Moscow Kremlin | Lenin’s Mausoleum | St. Basil’s Cathedral  | GUM Department Store

Spend the first day of your itinerary taking your own self guided Moscow walking tour around the historic Red Square! This is Moscow’s compact city center and every stop on this list is within easy walking distance to the next! Get ready to see all of the top Moscow landmarks!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Red Square

• Why it’s awesome: The Red Square is the most recognizable area in Moscow, it has mesmerizing architecture and centuries worth of history attached to its name.
• Cost: Free to walk around, individual attractions in the square have separate fees. 
• Food nearby: Check out Bar BQ Cafe for friendly service and good food in a great location! The atmosphere is upbeat and they’re open 24/7!

The Red Square is Moscow’s historic fortress and the center of the Russian government. The origins of the square date back to the late 15th century, when Ivan the Great decided to expand the Kremlin to reflect Moscow’s growing power and prestige!

During the 20th century, the square became famous as the site for demonstrations designed to showcase Soviet strength. Visiting the Red Square today, you’ll find it teeming with tourists, who come to witness its magical architecture up close!

The square is the picture postcard of Russian tourism, so make sure to bring your camera when you visit! No matter the season, or the time of day, it’s delightfully photogenic! 

It’s also home to some of Russia’s most distinguishing and important landmarks, which we’ve made sure to include further down in this itinerary. It’s an important center of Russia’s cultural life and one of the top places to visit in Moscow!

In 1990, UNESCO designated Russia’s Red Square as a World Heritage site. Visiting this historic site is a true bucket-list event and essential addition to your itinerary for Moscow!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Moscow Kremlin

• Why it’s awesome: The Moscow Kremlin complex includes several palaces and cathedrals and is surrounded by the Kremlin wall. It also houses the principal museum of Russia (the Kremlin Armory).
• Cost: USD $15.00
• Food nearby: Bosco Cafe is a charming place to grat a casual bite to eat. They have excellent coffee and wonderful views of the Red Square and the Moscow Kremlin!

The iconic Moscow Kremlin , also known as the Kremlin museum complex, sits on Borovitsky Hill, rising above the Moscow River. It is a fortified complex in the center of the city, overlooking several iconic buildings in the Red Square!

It’s the best known of the Russian Kremlins – citadels or fortress’ protecting and dominating a city. During the early decades of the Soviet era, the Kremlin was a private enclave where the state’s governing elite lived and worked.

The Kremlin is outlined by an irregularly shaped triangular wall that encloses an area of 68 acres! The existing walls and towers were built from 1485 to 1495. Inside the Kremlin museum complex, there are five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers.

The Armoury Chamber is a part of the Grand Kremlin Palace’s complex and is one of the oldest museums of Moscow, established in 1851. It showcases Russian history and displays many cherished relics. Definitely make sure to check out this museum while you’re here!

The churches inside the Moscow Kremlin are the Cathedral of the Dormition, Church of the Archangel, Church of the Annunciation, and the bell tower of Ivan Veliki (a church tower).

The five-domed Cathedral of the Dormition is considered the most famous. It was built from 1475–1479 by an Italian architect and has served as a wedding and coronation place for great princes, tsars, and emperors of Russia. Church services are given in the Kremlin’s numerous cathedrals on a regular basis.

The Grand Kremlin Palace was the former Tsar’s Moscow residence and today it serves as the official workplace of the President of the Russian Federation (Vladimir Putin seems to have bagged that title for life) .

Insider Tip: The Kremlin is closed every Thursday! Make sure to plan this stop on your Moscow itinerary for any other day of the week!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Lenin’s Mausoleum

• Why it’s awesome: The mausoleum displays the preserved body of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin .
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: Khinkal’naya is a charming Georgian restaurant with vaulted ceilings and exposed brick. It’s a popular place with locals and right next to the Red Square!

Lenin’s Mausoleum, also known as Lenin’s Tomb, is the modernist mausoleum for the revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin. It’s located within the Red Square and serves as the resting place for the Soviet leader! His preserved body has been on public display since shortly after his death in 1924.

It’s located just a few steps away from the Kremlin Wall and is one of the most controversial yet popular Moscow attractions!

Admission is free for everyone, you’ll only need to pay if you need to check a bag. Before visitors are allowed to enter the mausoleum, they have to go through a metal detector first. No metal objects, liquids, or large bags are allowed in the mausoleum!

Expect a line to enter the building, and while you’re inside the building, you’ll be constantly moving in line with other visitors. This means you won’t be able to spend as long as you’d like viewing the mausoleum, but you’ll still be able to get a good look. Pictures and filming while inside the building are strictly prohibited, and security guards will stop you if they see you breaking this rule.

The mausoleum is only open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday – unless it’s a public holiday or a day scheduled for maintenance. The hours it’s open for each day are limited, make sure to check online before you visit to make sure you can fit this into your Moscow itinerary for that day!

Insider Tip: The Lenin’s Museum is there for people to pay their respect; remember to keep silent and move along quickly, it’s not intended for people to congregate around. Also, men are not allowed to wear hats and everyone must take their hands out of their pockets when inside the building.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – St. Basil’s Cathedral

• Why it’s awesome: A dazzling designed cathedral that showcases Russia’s unique architecture. This cathedral is one of the most recognizable symbols of the country!
• Cost: USD $8.00
• Food nearby: Moskovskiy Chaynyy Klub is a cozy cafe serving food items and pipping hot tea; it’s the perfect place to go if you’re visiting Moscow during the winter months!

Located in the Red Square, the ornate 16th-century St. Basil’s Cathedral is probably the building you picture when you think of Moscow’s unique architecture. Its colorful onion-shaped domes tower over the Moscow skyline!

The cathedral was built from 1555-1561 by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. It was designed with an iconic onion dome facade and enchanting colors that captivate all who see it. Fun fact: If you’re wondering why Russian churches have onion domes, they are popularly believed to symbolize burning candles!

This iconic cathedral has become a symbol of Russia due to its distinguishing architecture and prominent position inside the Red Square. It’s one of the most beautiful, wonderful, and mesmerizing historical cathedrals in the world!

The interior of the church surprises most people when they visit. In contrast to the large exterior, the inside is not so much one large area, but rather a collection of smaller areas, with many corridors and small rooms. There are 9 small chapels and one mausoleum grouped around a central tower.

Visiting the inside is like walking through a maze, there are even small signs all around the cathedral tracing where to walk, and pointing you in the right direction! The walls are meticulously decorated and painted with intricate floral designs and religious themes.

The church rarely holds service and is instead a museum open for the public to visit.

Insider Tip: During the summer months the line to go inside the cathedral can get quite long! Make sure to arrive early or reserve your tickets online to guarantee quick access into the cathedral!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – GUM Department Store

• Why it’s awesome: This is Russia’s most famous shopping mall! It’s designed with elegant and opulent architecture and provides a real sense of nostalgia!
• Cost: Free to enter
• Food nearby: Stolovaya 57 is a cafeteria-style restaurant with a variety of inexpensive Russian cuisine menu items including soups, salads, meat dishes, and desserts. It’s also located inside the GUM department store, making it very easily accessible when you’re shopping!

The enormous GUM Department Store is located within the historic Red Square. It has a whimsical enchantment to it that sets it apart from your typical department store.

A massive domed glass ceiling lines the top of the building and fills the interior with natural sunlight. There are live plants and flowers placed throughout the mall that give the shopping complex a lively and cheerful feel! A playful fountain sits in the center, further adding to the malls inviting a sense of wonder and amusement!

The GUM department store opened on December 2, 1893. Today, it includes local and luxury stores, including Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and many more! There are numerous cafes, restaurants, and even a movie theater inside!

For a special treat, head into Gastronom 1. This 1950s-style shop sells gourmet food items, like wine, freshly-baked pastries, cheese, Russian chocolate, and of course, vodka! Also, be on the lookout for a bicycle pedaling ice cream truck with an employing selling ice cream!

The ambiance is simply amazing, a trip to this idyllic shopping mall is an absolute must on any Moscow itinerary!

Insider Tip: Make sure to carry some small change on you in case you need to use the restroom, you’ll need to pay 50 rubles – or about USD $0.80 to use the bathroom in GUM.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Novodevichy Convent | Gorky Park | State Tretyakov Gallery | All-Russian Exhibition Center | Bolshoi Theater

On your 2 day itinerary in Moscow, you’ll have a chance to use the city’s excellent public transportation service! You’ll explore a few more of Moscow’s historic highlight as well as some modern attractions. These sites are a little more spread out, but still very easily accessible thanks to the metro!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Novodevichy Convent

• Why it’s awesome: The Novodevichy Convent is rich in imperial Russian history and contains some of Russia’s best examples of classical architecture!
• Cost: USD $5.00
• Food nearby: Culinary Shop Karavaevs Brothers is a cozy and simple place to have a quick bite, they also have vegetarian options!

The Novodevichy Convent is the best-known and most popular cloister of Moscow. The convent complex is contained within high walls, and there are many attractions this site is known for! 

The six-pillared five-domed Smolensk Cathedral is the main attraction. It was built to resemble the Kremlin’s Assumption Cathedral and its facade boasts beautiful snowy white walls and a pristine golden onion dome as its centerpiece. It’s the oldest structure in the convent, built from 1524 -1525, and is situated in the center of the complex between the two entrance gates.

There are other churches inside the convent as well, all dating back from many centuries past. The convent is filled with an abundance of 16th and 17th-century religious artworks, including numerous large and extravagant frescos!

Just outside the convent’s grounds lies the Novodevichy Cemetery. Here, you can visit the graves of famous Russians, including esteemed authors, composers, and politicians. Probably the most intriguing gravestone belongs to Russian politician Nikita Khruschev!

The Novodevichy Convent is located near the Moscow River and offers a peaceful retreat from the busy city. In 2004, it was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The convent remains remarkably well-preserved and is an outstanding example of Moscow Baroque architecture! 

Insider Tip: To enter the cathedrals inside the complex, women are advised to cover their heads and shoulders, while men should wear long pants.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

• Why it’s awesome: A large amusement area in the heart of the city offering many attractions!
• Cost: Free! 
• Food nearby: Check out Mepkato, located inside Gorky Central Park for a casual meal in a cozy setting. There are indoor and outdoor seating options and the restaurant is child-friendly!

Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure is a large green space in the heart of Moscow. The park opened in 1928, and it stretches along the scenic embankment of the Moskva River. It covers an area of 300-acres and offers a lovely contrast from the compact city center.

You’ll find all sorts of wonderful attractions, from boat rides to bike rentals to tennis courts and ping-pong tables, and much more! there are an open-air cinema and festive events and concerts scheduled in the summer months.  A wide selection of free fitness classes is also offered on a regular basis, including jogging, roller skating, and dancing!

Although many of the options you’ll find here are more suited for outdoor leisure during the summer, you’ll also a selection of winter attractions, including one of Europe’s largest ice rinks for ice-skating!

If you’re trying to decide what to do in Moscow with kids, the park also offers several venues designed specifically for kids. Check out the year-round Green School which offers hands-on classes in gardening and art! You can also feed the squirrels and birds at the Golitsinsky Ponds!

The park is very well maintained and kept clean and the entrance is free of charge, although most individual attractions cost money. There is also Wi-Fi available throughout the park.

With so many attractions, you could easily spend all day here! If you’re only planning a 2 day itinerary in Moscow, make sure to plan your time accordingly and map out all the areas you want to see beforehand!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – The State Tretyakov Gallery

• Why it’s awesome: The gallery’s collection consists entirely of Russian art made by Russian artists!
• Food nearby : Brothers Tretyakovs is located right across the street from the gallery. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric restaurant serving top quality food and drinks!

The State Tretyakov Gallery was founded in 1856 by influential merchant and collector Pavel Tretyakov.  The gallery is a national treasury of Russian fine art and one of the most important museums in Russia!

It houses the world’s best collection of Russian art and contains more than 130, 000 paintings, sculptures, and graphics! These works have been created throughout the centuries by generations of Russia’s most talented artists!

The exhibits range from mysterious 12th-century images to politically charged canvases. The collection is rich and revealing and offers great insight into the history and attitudes of this long-suffering yet inspired people!

All pictures are also labeled in English. If you plan to take your time and see everything inside the museum it will take a good 3-4 hours, so make sure to plan your Moscow trip itinerary accordingly! This gallery is a must-see stop for art lovers, or anyone wanting to explore the local culture and history of Russia in a creative and insightful manner! 

Insider Tip: When planning your 2 days in Moscow itinerary, keep in mind that most museums in Moscow are closed on Mondays, this includes The State Tretyakov Gallery!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – All-Russian Exhibition Center

• Why it’s awesome: This large exhibition center showcases the achievements of the Soviet Union in several different spheres. 
• Food nearby: Varenichnaya No. 1 serves authentic and homestyle Russian cuisine in an intimate and casual setting.

The All-Russian Exhibition Center is a massive park that presents the glory of the Soviet era! It pays homage to the achievements of Soviet Russia with its many different sites found on the property.

The center was officially opened in 1939 to exhibit the achievements of the Soviet Union. It’s a huge complex of buildings and the largest exhibition center in Moscow. There are several exhibition halls dedicated to different achievements and every year there are more than one hundred and fifty specialized exhibitions!

The Peoples Friendship Fountain was constructed in 1954 and is a highlight of the park. The stunning gold fountain features 16 gilded statues of girls, each representing the former Soviet Union republics. 

The Stone Flower Fountain was also built in 1954 and is worth checking out. The centerpiece of this large fountain is a flower carved from stones from the Ural Mountains! Along the side of the fountain are various bronze sculptures.

You will find many people zipping around on rollerblades and bicycles across the large area that the venue covers. It’s also home to amusement rides and carousels, making it the perfect place to stop with kids on your Moscow itinerary! Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and allow a few hours to explore all the areas that interest you!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Bolshoi Theater

• Why it’s awesome: The Bolshoi Theater is a historic venue that hosts world-class ballet and opera performances!
• Cost: Prices vary largely between USD $2.00 –  USD $228.00 based on seat location.
• Food nearby: Head to the Russian restaurant, Bolshoi for high-quality food and drinks and excellent service!

The Bolshoi Theater is among the oldest and most renowned ballet and opera companies in the world! It also boasts the world’s biggest ballet company, with more than 200 dancers!

The theater has been rebuilt and renovated several times during its long history. In 2011 it finished its most recent renovation after an extensive six-year restoration that started in 2005. The renovation included an improvement in acoustics and the restoration of the original Imperial decor.

The Bolshoi Theater has put on many of the world’s most famous ballet acts! Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake premiered at the theater in 1877 and other notable performances of the Bolshoi repertoire include Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker!

Today, when you visit the theater, you can expect a magical performance from skilled singers, dancers, and musicians with the highest level of technique!

If you don’t have time to see a show, the theater also provides guided tours on select days of the week. Tours are given in both Russian and English and will provide visitors with a more intimate look at the different areas of the theater!

The stage of this iconic Russian theater has seen many outstanding performances. If you’re a fan of the performing arts, the Bolshoi Theater is one of the greatest and oldest ballet and opera companies in the world, making it a must-see attraction on your Moscow itinerary!

Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station.

• Towels Included

Cosmonautics Museum | Alexander Garden | Ostankino Tower | Izmaylovo District | Soviet Arcade Museum

Now that we’ve covered what to do in Moscow in 2 days, if you’re able to spend more time in the city you’re going to need more attractions to fill your time. Here are a few more really cool things to do in Moscow we recommend!

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

• Hear the timeline of the ‘space race’ from the Russian perspective
• This museum is fun for both adults and children!
• Admission is USD $4.00

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a museum dedicated to space exploration! The museum explores the history of flight, astronomy, space exploration, space technology, and space in the arts. It houses a large assortment of Soviet and Russian space-related exhibits, and the museum’s collection holds approximately 85,000 different items!

The museum does an excellent job of telling the full story of the exciting space race between the USSR and the US! It highlights the brightest moments in Russian history and humanity and is very interesting and fun for all ages!

If you’re a fan of space or just curious about gaining insight into Russia’s fascinating history of space exploration, make sure to add this to your 3 day itinerary in Moscow!

The Alexander Garden

• A tranquil place to relax near the Red Square
• Green lawns dotted with sculptures and lovely water features
• The park is open every day and has no entrance fee

The Alexander Garden was one of the first urban public parks in Moscow! The garden premiered in 1821 and was built to celebrate Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s forces in 1812!

The park is beautiful and well maintained with paths to walk on and benches to rest on. The park contains three separate gardens: the upper garden, middle garden, and lower garden.

Located in the upper garden, towards the main entrance to the park is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame. This monument was created in 1967 and contains the body of a soldier who fell during the Great Patriotic War!

The park stretches along all the length of the western Kremlin wall for about half a mile. Due to its central location in the city, it’ll be easily accessible when you’re out exploring The Red Square.

It provides a bit of relief from the city’s high-energy city streets. Bring a picnic lunch, go for a walk, or just sit and people watch, this is one of the best Moscow sites to wind-down and relax!

Ostankino Television Tower

• Television and radio tower in Moscow
• Currently the tallest free-standing structure in Europe
• Make sure you bring your passport when you visit, you can’t go up without it!

For spectacular views of the city, make sure to add the Ostankino Television Tower to your itinerary for Moscow! This impressive free-standing structure provides stunning views of the city in every direction. The glass floor at the top also provides great alternative views of the city!

It takes just 58 seconds for visitors to reach the Tower’s observation deck by super fast elevator. The tower is open every day for long hours and is a great site in Moscow to check out! There is even a restaurant at the top where you can enjoy rotating views of the city while you dine on traditional Russian cuisine or European cuisine!

The tower is somewhat of an architectural surprise in a city that is not known for skyscrapers! To see the city from a new perspective, make sure to add this stop to your Moscow itinerary!

Izmaylovo District

• The most popular attractions in this district are the kremlin and the flea market
• Outside of the city center and easy to reach via metro
• Most popular during the summer and on weekends

Travel outside the city center and discover a unique area of the city! The Izmaylovo District is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and one of the coolest places to see in Moscow! The two main attractions we recommend checking out are the Kremlin and the flea market.

The Izmailovo Kremlin was established as a cultural center and molded after traditional Russian architecture. This colorful complex is home to several single-subject museums, including a Russian folk art museum and a vodka museum!

Next to the Kremlin is the Izmailovo open-air market, which dates back to the 17th century! The market is connected to the Izmailovo Kremlin by a wooden bridge. Pick up all your Russian souvenirs here, including traditional handicrafts, paintings, books, retro toys, and Soviet memorabilia!

You will find many hand-made and hand-painted options available at higher prices, as well as mass-produced souvenir options at lower prices!

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

• Closed on Mondays
• Filled with old arcade games that visitors get to try out!
• The museum also includes a small cafe and burger shop

For something a little different, check out the Museum of Soviet Arcade Games! The museum features roughly 60 machines from the Soviet era, including video games, pinball machines, and collaborative hockey foosball! The machines inside the museum were produced in the USSR in the mid-1970s.

The best part is, most of the games are still playable! Purchase tickets and try the games out for yourself! The museum also has a neat little screening room that plays old Soviet cartoons and an area with Soviet magazines! This unique attraction is a fun addition to a 3 day itinerary in Moscow, and an attraction that all ages will enjoy! 

Whether you’re spending one day in Moscow, or more, safety is an important thing to keep in mind when traveling to a big city! Overall, Moscow is a very safe place to visit. However, it is always recommended that tourists take certain precautions when traveling to a new destination!

The police in Moscow is extremely effective at making the city a safe place to visit and do their best to patrol all of the top Moscow, Russia tourist attractions. However, tourists can still be a target for pickpockets and scammers.

Moscow has a huge flow of tourists, therefore there is a risk for pickpocketing. Simple precautions will help eliminate your chances of being robbed. Stay vigilant, keep your items close to you at all times, and don’t flash your valuables!

If you’re planning a solo Moscow itinerary, you should have no need to worry, as the city is also considered safe for solo travelers, even women. Stay in the populated areas, try and not travel alone late at night, and never accept rides from strangers or taxis without a meter and correct signage.

The threat of natural disasters in Moscow is low, with the exception of severe winters when the temperature can dip below freezing! Bring a good, warm jacket if you visit in Winter.

However, please note that Russian views on homsexuality are far less accepting than those in Western Europe. Likewise, Non-Caucasian travellers may sadly encounter racism in Russia .

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Moscow

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Now that we’ve covered all the top things to see in Moscow, we thought we’d include some exciting day trips to other areas of the country!

Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring)

On this 7-hour guided tour, you’ll visit several scenic and historic areas of Russia. Start your day with hotel pick-up as you’re transferred by a comfortable car or minivan to Sergiev Posad. Admire the charming Russian countryside on your drive and enjoy a quick stop to visit the Russian village, Rudonezh!

You’ll see the majestic Saint Spring and the Church of Sergiev Radonezh. You’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, one of the most famous Orthodox sites in Russia!

Lastly, you’ll swing by the local Matreshka market and enjoy a break in a nice Russian restaurant before returning to Moscow!

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

On this 13-hour trip, you’ll discover old Russia, with its picturesque landscapes and white-stoned beautiful churches! You’ll visit the main towns of the famous Golden Ring of Russia – the name for several cities and smaller towns north-east of Moscow.

Your first stop will be in the town of Vladimir, the ancient capital of all Russian principalities. The city dates back to the 11th century and is one of the oldest and the most important towns along the Ring! Next, you’ll visit Suzdal, a calm ancient Russian town north of Vladimir with only 13,000 inhabitants!

The old-style architecture and buildings of Suzdal are kept wonderfully intact. If you’re spending three days in Moscow, or more, this is a great option for exploring the charming areas outside the city!

Zvenigorod Day Trip and Russian Countryside

On this 9-hour private tour, you’ll explore the ancient town of Zvenigorod, one of the oldest towns in the Moscow region! As you leave Moscow you’ll enjoy the stunning scenery along the Moscow River, and make a few stops at old churches along the way to Zvenigorod.

Upon arrival, you’ll explore the medieval center, including the 14th-century Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery. Next, you’ll take a break for lunch (own expense) where you’ll have the chance to try out the Russian cuisine! Next, you’ll visit the Museum of Russian Dessert and sip on tea at a Russian tea ceremony.

The final stop of the day is at the Ershovo Estate, a gorgeous place to walk around and enjoy nature!

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage & Faberge

On this full-day tour, you’ll enjoy a a full round trip to St Petersburg where you’ll spend an exciting day exploring another popular Russian city! You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Moscow and be transferred to the train station where you’ll ride the high-speed train ‘Sapsan’ to St Petersburg.

Upon arrival, you’ll start the day by touring the Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace. Next, you’ll visit the Faberge Museum, where you’ll explore the impressive collection of rare Faberge Eggs! In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing boat ride and a traditional 3-course Russian lunch.

If you’re spending 3 days in Moscow, or more, this is an excellent trip to take!

Trip to Kolomna – Authentic Cultural Experience from Moscow

On this 10-hour tour, you’ll escape the city and travel to the historic town of Kolomna! First, you’ll visit the 14th-century Kolomna Kremlin, home to the Assumption Cathedral and an abundance of museums!

Next, enjoy lunch at a local cafe (own expense) before embarking on a tour of the Marshmallow Museum – of course, a marshmallow tasting is provided!  Your final stop is the Museum of Forging Settlements, where displays include armor and accessories for fishing and hunting.

Discover this beautiful Russian fairytale city on a private trip, where all of the planning is taken care of for you!

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Find out what people want to know when planning their Moscow itinerary.

How many days you need in Moscow?

We recommend that you spend at least two or three days in Moscow to take it all in.

What’s the best month to visit Moscow?

The best time to visit Moscow is over the spring, from March to May as temperatures are mild, crowds are thin and prices are reasonable.

What are some unusual things to do in Moscow?

I mean, queuing up to see an almost 100 year old corpse is pretty unsual! Check out Lenin’s Mausoleum if you fancy it!

What are some fun things to do in Moscow?

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a fun place to explore the famous space race from the perspective of the ‘other side’!

We hope you enjoyed our Moscow itinerary! We’ve made sure to cover all the Moscow must-sees as well as some unique attractions in the city! Our addition of insider tips, favorite food stops, and day trips from Moscow is an added bonus and will guarantee you make the most out of your exciting Russian vacation!

Immerse yourself in the modern and traditional Russian lifestyle! Get lost in museums, witness awe-inspiring architecture, and indulge in Russian cuisine! Spend the day strolling through all of the charming sites of Moscow, admiring the beautiful scenery and discovering the city’s fairytale-like enchantment!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Alya and Campbell

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