Balkans Road Trip 10 Day Itinerary & Ultimate Travel Guide
Planning a European vacation and wondering where to go? This Balkans road trip 10 day itinerary is for you.
My best friend is one of the only people I know who probably travels more than I do. While we’ve been on big group trips together, we’d never done a 1:1 trip.
Last year, we decided to remedy this and began researching where to go. To narrow down on a destination, we flipped through a National Geographic book, Destinations of a Lifetime.
The destination that immediately jumped out was the Balkans region of Europe. While I’d previously cruised to Dubrovnik and Kotor, I had never given this region much exploration.
Between the natural beauty, rich culture, and relatively inexpensive prices, this area was a clear choice for our vacation.
Fast forward to now, we just got back from the trip. It went better than I could have ever imagined, and I am obsessed with this area.
This Balkans Road Trip 10-day itinerary will explain in detail how to plan a visit to this region, destination guides, and general travel tips.
If you are planning or considering a vacation to the Balkans region of Europe, keep reading for a ten-day itinerary and complete travel guide.
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Overview of a Balkans Road Trip 10 Day Itinerary
You could easily spend weeks exploring all of the Balkans. There are many great countries with plenty of places worth visiting.
However, 10 days is a great amount of time to see the highlights of the area. Below is an easy ten-day Balkans itinerary.
This itinerary has a mix of one and two-night stays in different cities. While this is quick-paced travel, some of these towns are quite small and can be seen in a day.
At the end of the guide, I will share some potential trip extensions if you are seeking a longer trip.
- 2 nights Tirana Albania
- 2 nights Dubrovnik Croatia
- 2 nights Split Croatia
- 1 night Mostar Bosnia and Herzegovina
- 1 night Kotor Montenegro
Keep reading for detailed destination guides for each of these places as well as general travel tips for a Balkans road trip.
Tirana Albania – 2 Nights
When I discussed this trip with people, I often got weird looks when I said I was visiting Albania. Many people have a skewed view of the country based on the communist regime that existed until the early 90’s.
Since then, the country has been rebuilding and expanding tourism, but is still an unusual destination to some.
However, Albania is actually a fantastic vacation destination and I encourage you to visit before everyone else get’s in on the secret.
With only two days in Albania on this Balkan’s itinerary, I suggest spending all your time in the capital of Tirana. On a longer trip, I’ve also heard great things about the Riviera.
Where to Stay
Tirana Intercontinental – The location of this new Intercontinental hotel cannot be beat. It overlooks the city square which is the center of all tourist destinations in Tirana.
Tirana Marriott – The Tirana Marriott is also brand new and is easily one of the nicest hotels in the city. The rooms are large, modern, and nicely decorated. In addition, the hotel is walking distance to all of the tourist sites in the city center.
What to Do
Tirana Free Walking Tour – Free walking tours are very common in Europe. The concept is that a local guide will put on a tour for “free” in exchange for tips. The typical tipping amount is between $10 and $30 per person, so this is a very low-cost activity.
The Tirana free walking tour is one of the best I’ve done. It visits the top attractions in the city such as Skanderberg square, Blloku, Totani Street, Tirana castle, and bunkers.
The tour is the perfect mix of entertainment and educational. It covers the majority of the city in only a couple hours.
I recommend starting your trip with this tour to get a lay-of-the-land to prioritize what you may want to see more of afterwards.
Bunkart Museum – Museum dedicated to the communist era of Albania. It’s a bit challenging emotionally but provides a good understanding of life in Albania during that time period.
Spy Museum – If you’re interested in the communist regime, this museum deep dives on the spies that were very active at that time.
Dajti Mountain Cable Car – For great views of the city, take a taxi to this cable car just outside of the city for mountaintop views overlooking Tirana.
Where to Eat
Era Blloku – Casual, local cuisine. Great lunch option!
Artigiano – Tasty Italian pizza and pasta
Oda – One of the most recommended restaurants. They serve traditional food, but the menu is a bit adventurous so be sure to preview it before you dine
Mullixhiu – Fine dining local cuisine, with a tasting menu available for around $30 per person. Be sure to get a reservation for this popular spot.
La Gioia – Fun restaurant located within the remains of the Tirana castle
Dubrovnik Croatia – 2 Nights
The drive from Tirana to Dubrovnik is around 6 hours, making it one of the longer drives of the trip. However, it’s a beautiful drive and well-worth it for time in this beautiful city.
I visited Dubrovnik for the first time in 2017 on a Mediterranean cruise. I love cruising because it allows you to see a bunch of destinations, then decide where to go back and spend more time.
Dubrovnik was one of those places I discovered that I immediately knew I wanted to come back to for more time.
After visiting for the second time, I can confidently say that Dubrovnik is one of my favorite cities in the world.
It’s absolutely beautiful with the Adriatic Sea, historic old town, and the iconic orange roofs. There’s also a lot to do, see, and eat in the area.
Where to Stay
Hotel Bellevue – This is one of the prettiest hotels in Dubrovnik. The grounds and amenities are amazing with water views from every window. This is a great place to stay if you are planning some pool or beach time during your vacation.
Hilton Imperial – If your trip is focused on sightseeing around Old Town, the Hilton Imperial is the best option. This beautiful historic hotel is located across the street from the city gates, for super easy access.
Vacation Rental – The best way to stay within the city walls is in a vacation rental such as this three-bedroom home or this duplex apartment.
What to Do
Dubrovnik walking tour – This free walking tour gives a great overview of the history of the city. It also visits the major areas of the old town such as the port, government buildings, and church.
Taking this tour will give you a better understanding and appreciation of Dubrovnik.
Walk Dubrovnik Old Town walls – For 35 euros per person, you can walk the city walls around the entire town.
Although it’s a bit expensive, the views from the wall cannot be beaten. There are also bars and cafés along the walk to stop for a drink with a view.
Banje Beach – If the weather is nice, Banje beach is a great place for a day of relaxing next to the water.
Kayak Tour – To get the full Dubrovnik experience and see it from the water, I highly recommend a kayak tour. You will be able to explore the waters and get great photos.
This sunset kayaking tour is the best option because it comes with wine, bruschetta, and some of the best sunset views in the city.
Mount Srd – Visit this mountain peak with a hike or gondola ride for panoramic views of the city and water.
Buza Bar – The entrance to this bar is through a hole in the city walls. The bar is perched on the outside of the walls over the water, giving it amazing views.
In the summer, there are cliff jumping platforms you can jump off of into the ocean. Even if you don’t want to swim, this bar is a great place to visit for the views alone.
Where to Eat
Lady Pi-Pi – Local cuisine with some of the best views in the city. Arrive early for lunch or dinner to get one of the best tables in the restaurant.
Taj Majal – Michelin star Bosnian restaurant that was my favorite meal of the entire trip. The food is incredible, and not overly fancy or expensive as some Michelin restaurants are.
Pizzeria Oliva – Casual pizzeria in the heart of old town.
Peppinos Gelato – Known as the best gelato in Dubrovnik, with unique flavors full of mix ins such as nougat, nuts, and caramel.
aRoma Gelato – My favorite Gelato in Dubrovnik. This is actually a Croatian chain, so you will probably see a few on your trip. Their flavors are so good! Be sure to try the chocolate with orange flavor.
Split Croatia – 2 Nights
The second driving leg of this road trip is much shorter, and very scenic. It should only take around two hours and will follow the coast for most of the drive.
After falling in love with Dubrovnik, I was so excited to see Split. I’ll be honest, it didn’t live up to my super high expectations.
However, I still recommend visiting Split on your Balkan’s Road trip because it is the perfect home-base for day trips in the area.
Also, the old town is built directly into the ruins of Diocletian’s palace which is definitely worth exploring.
Where to Stay
Juditha Palace Heritage Hotel – The key to choosing a hotel in Split is the location. The city is very large and spread out, so be sure to stay in the Old Town near Diocletian’s Palace. The Juditha Palace Heritage Hotel is in a great location, walkable to most of the sights. It’s also nicely decorated with a historic style.
Piazza Heritage Hotel – The Piazza Heritage Hotel is a comparable option to the above hotel with a similar location, style, and price point. You can’t go wrong with either of these options for your Split vacation.
What to Do
Blue Cave Tour – This boat tour was one of the highlights of my trip and a cant-miss activity from Split. The tour visits the blue cave, which is a natural phenomenon where a cave is lit up bright blue.
In addition to seeing this cave, the tour visits the Croatian islands of Vis and Hvar. In the summer, there is time for swimming and in the cooler months, you can go sightseeing.
Blue Lagoon Tour – The above option is my top recommendation for a boat tour from Split. However, if you want a half-day trip (versus the above full day option), this tour to the nearby blue lagoon is also great.
You will visit the city of Trogir and the blue lagoon, where you can take a swim in the bright blue waters.
Diocletian’s Palace – As mentioned above, the old city is built into and around the Diocletian’s palace. You can wander the ruins on your own or take a guided tour.
Krka National Park – Krka national park is a great day trip from Split. This national park has a variety of sites, but the most popular is the Skradinski Buk waterfalls.
You can visit the park on your own by driving to the town of Skradin, purchasing entrance tickets, then taking the provided boat to the falls. Alternatively, you can take a guided tour from Split to have everything done for you.
Where to Eat
Konoba Korta – Tasty restaurant in the heart of the Old City with a variety of options such as pasta, steak, and local dishes.
Mr Pozzetti Ice Cream – A fun novelty dessert where you can get gelato served in a warm chimney cone with a variety of flavors such as cinnamon sugar or sprinkles.
Mostar Bosnia Herzegovina – 1 Night
Mostar was the most pleasant surprise of the trip. If you take one thing away from this guide, it should be that Bosnia Herzegovina is worth a visit.
The town of Mostar is only a two-hour drive from Split, with the drive winding through the countryside to get there.
Mostar is set on a river and looks straight out of a fairytale. There are cobblestone streets, restaurants overlooking the river, and an iconic historic bridge.
Beneath the fairytale facade is a less-romantic history of war. There are still ruins and a lot of destruction from the war 1990’s war.
This history is very interesting to learn about as the country is still working to recover.
Where to Stay
Mostar Marriott – This Marriott is the clear best choice for a hotel in Mostar. It’s only a five-minute walk from the iconic Mostar bridge, which is the center of the tourist area. The hotel is also new, with a trendy design, spacious common areas, and a pool.
Vacation Rental – Since there aren’t many hotels in Mostar, a vacation rental is a great option. There are a variety of houses and apartments near the old town, depending on your group’s size.
What to Do
Mostar walking tour – As with most places on this guide, the Mostar free city tour is a great first activity.
You will learn about the war, history, and significance of Mostar. You will also walk around the town and learn about the important neighborhoods and buildings.
Koskin-Mehmed Mosque – For four Euros, you can climb to the top of this Mosque for great views of the town
Stari Most – This is the iconic bridge that you will see in most photos of Mostar. At the top of the bridge, will see locals asking for money.
Once they raise around 50 euros, they will jump off into the water. If you want to see someone jump, be prepared to wait because it can take up to an hour for them to raise the funds.
Old Town Market – On the Muslim side of the river, there is a small market where you can buy handcrafted gifts and souvenirs.
The most authentic item to buy in Mostar is any copper goods. I got a cute copper bracelet for only 3 euros.
Where to Eat
Hindin Han – Super cute restaurant with two level deck that overlooks the river. The mixed grill plate is also delicious!
Lagero – Arguably the best view in the city and the food is great too! Get here early to secure and outdoor table with views of Stari Most.
Tima Irma – This was the most recommended restaurant in Mostar, but was unfortunately closed during my visit.
Café de Alma – Experience traditional Bosnian and Turkish coffee
Kotor Montenegro – 1 Night
Head back to the coast for the final stop of this trip in Kotor. The drive from Mostar to Kotor is approximately three hours.
Kotor is an old walled town that is situated deep in a fjord. It’s a popular cruise ship destination, so it can get busy in the day but will calm down when the ships leave for the day.
Kotor reminds me a lot of Croatia with the historic town, orange roofs, and Adriatic roofs. Like Dubrovnik, Kotor is a UNESCO world heritage site.
However, it’s less crowded and less than expensive than Croatian cities such as Dubrovnik. Some of the top things to do in Kotor include exploring the town or spending time on the water.
If you’re tired by this point on the Balkans vacation, Kotor is a great place to relax on the water or take a relaxing boat trip.
Where to Stay
Historic Boutique Hotel Cattaro – This historic hotel is built directly into the city walls of the Kotor old town. While the décor is a bit outdated, you cannot beat the location of this hotel.
Vacation Rental – Similar to Mostar, a vacation rental is a great option since there are limited hotels. This penthouse with a pool or this waterfront house are both great places to stay near the Kotor Old Town.
What to Do
Kotor Walking Tour – To no surprise, the walking tour of Kotor is great. The tour visits the entirety of the small walled city.
Learn about the history and learn about the different squares, such as cat square, cathedral square, or salad square.
Hike to San Giovanni Fortress – For eight euros per person, you can hike to the San Giovanni Fortress that overlooks the bay.
The hike takes around 40 minutes to get up to the top. Alternatively, you can stop halfway at the church for (almost) equally great views.
Boat Tour – Explore Kotor from the water with this boat tour that visits a blue cave, a floating island church, and a couple swimming spots.
Where to Eat
Restaurant Tanjga – One of the best meals of the trip. Choose from a selection of meats at the butcher counter and have them grilled by the chef. This place looks like a bit of a dive but trust me it is a must-visit.
Cattarissimo – Bakery and gelato. Try the local dessert – layered puff pastry with vanilla cream
Frequently Asked Questions about Balkans Travel
If you aren’t super familiar with the Balkans, here are some answers to the most common questions you may be wondering about.
Where are the Balkans?
The “Balkans” are a mountain range in Eastern Europe. In fact, the word “Balkan” means mountain in Turkish. The Balkans region refers to the countries that are located around the mountain range.
The countries that make up the Balkans are Romania, Moldova, Bulgaria, Greece, Albania, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro.
There is some debate as to which specific countries make up the Balkans, but this list is fairly agreed upon.
Why Visit the Balkans
When people are considering a European vacation, they typically think of the most popular countries such as England, Italy, France, Germany, and Spain.
However, there are plenty of amazing reasons to branch out to other areas such as the Balkans.
For one, this area is absolutely beautiful. There are countries that border the Adriatic Sea and the mountains, making scenic views plentiful.
In addition, there is a ton of recent history in this area. With communist occupations, the rise and fall of Yugoslavia, and other unrest, there is a lot to learn about in these countries.
Finally, the Balkans region is significantly less expensive than other areas of Europe. A nice hotel is typically around $100 per night and meals (including alcohol) are below $30 for two.
Note – Areas of Croatia, such as Dubrovnik, are much more expensive than other areas in the Balkans with prices comparable to the United States.
The Best Time to Visit the Balkans
The best time to visit the Balkans is April/May and September/October. While the summer is a popular time to visit, there will be very large crowds and more expensive prices.
In addition, some Balkans countries get very hot in the summer (over 110 degrees Fahrenheit.)
Alternatively, a lot of the popular tourist destinations shut down in the winter, so it will be very challenging to find activities and restaurants.
For these reasons, late spring and early fall are the best times to visit.
Tips for Driving in the Balkans Region of Europe
My biggest concern planning this Balkans road trip was the rental car. I’ll be honest, it’s not the simplest process. However, driving is the best and most cost-effective way to get around the area.
International Drivers Permit
A few Balkans countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina and Albania require all drivers to have an international drivers permit.
This can be purchased at your local AAA office, even if you aren’t a member. You will just need your driver’s license, passport-sized photos, and the request form.
My international permit was only $40, including the photos.
Crossing Borders
When booking your rental car, confirm that it is permissible to cross into every country you plan to visit.
Surprisingly, a lot of rental car companies have bans on visiting certain countries in the area. If you are following this itinerary, Enterprise allows you to visit all four countries.
The second item to check before booking is the one-way fees of picking up and dropping the car in different countries.
In my case, it was five times more expensive to do a one-way drop off, so we opted to drive a loop instead to start and end in Albania.
Green Card Insurance
Finally, once you have a car, be sure to have all the necessary documentation to cross the border. The first item you may need is a written authorization from the rental car company.
The second item is called a green card. A green card is a document that is proof of car insurance for each country.
If you are coming from Albania, a green card for Montenegro, Croatia, and Bosnia can be purchased immediately before the border. The comprehensive pass costs 40 euros.
The other option is paying the insurance fee at each border crossing. However, I don’t recommend this as it’s much more expensive and will waste time in the long run.
Extending this 10 Day Balkan Itinerary
If you have more time to extend your trip, it’s easy to head North, South, or West to other great destinations.
If I had more time, I would have extended north into Slovenia to visit Lake Bled or Ljubljana. I haven’t visited Slovenia before, but I’ve seen amazing things and it remains high on my bucket list.
Another trip extension option would be to start further south in Greece. The island of Corfu is directly across the border from Albania.
In the other direction, you could continue northwest following split to head into Northern Italy, to destinations such as Venice.
The great thing about Europe is that the countries are very close together and easy to get between. It’s simple to add onto this itinerary and make it your own.
Summary of this Balkans Road Trip 10 Day Itinerary
All in all, this ten-day Balkans Road trip itinerary will allow you to see five towns and four countries. While its fast paced, this itinerary will allow you to see the highlights of Albania, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. Afterwards, you can decide which places you want to revisit for a longer time.
Related Posts:
- Best European Countries to Visit in November: 28 Trip Ideas
- The Best Things To Do In Tirana Albania – Two Day Itinerary And Travel Guide
- The Top Things To Do In Mostar Bosnia Herzegovina – Travel Guide And One Day Itinerary
- Travel Guide & Itinerary For One Day In Dubrovnik Croatia
- 2 Days In Split – The Top Things To Do And See In Split Croatia
- Day Trips From Dubrovnik – The Top Places To Visit Near Dubrovnik Croatia In The Summer
- One Day In Kotor – The Best Things To Do And One Day Itinerary
- Europe Trip Itinerary: Planning The Perfect 3 Weeks In Europe
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