adriatic balkans itinerary

Split also has a wonderful nightlife, a fantastic restaurant scene, and incredibly friendly people all of which are there to occupy your time. Thank you Julie. Day 1: Sarajevo, Capital of Bosnia & Herzegovina . The Balkans are the absolute perfect place to get off the beaten path in Europe and an ideal region to head when travelling long-term. But Im much happier being overly prepared than underprepared! 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. Take the time to get lost in its streets, visit some of its fantastic historical sites, a enjoy its thriving cafe culture. For more inspiration, journey through Montenegro in 22 beautiful photos. This route is shorter in distance and Google says it is 15 minutes quicker. Cheers, Ben & Family, In both cities we stayed outside of the walls and didnt feel at all like we were missing out on something. Adriatic Ascents - SpiceRoads Cycling Tours I recommend you check visa/passport requirements and if you have any questions or concerns, you could inquire at your embassy. 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. Click here to browse other hotels in Mostar! LEARN MORE: Why We Fell in Love with Brac Island. 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. 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. Click here to check availability, Old Town Hostel A great option for both budget and solo travellers alike. Also we will be travelling with two kids ages 14 and 8 and this will be their first time really travelling abroad. North Macedonia road trip: Skopje to Ohrid (5-7 days) 6. Summer is peak season, so expect large crowds of people and hot temperatures. 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. Sounds like youve got quite a trip planned, Wynoma! Click here to browse other hotels in Tirana! And in the other towns we booked hotels that offered parking, because it can be difficult in the smaller towns like Split. We chose Brac because we wanted to hike Vidova Gora, the highest point in the Adriatic Sea. They have a range of comfortable and clean rooms available, a restaurant on site, and a fantastic breakfast included in the nightly rate. Suggested Itineraries Balkans Itinerary Balkans Itinerary The Balkans are a diverse region in Southeast Europe, with stunning cities and spectacular nature. Other interesting sites in Sarajevo include the bazaars of the Old Town, the abandoned bobsled tracks from the 1984 Winter Olympics, 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. We took E73 almost all of the way to Croatia, driving past Mostar. So, just based on timing, I think Turkey is great. They come very highly rated, are within walking distance to all of the best attractions, they have a number of clean and comfortable rooms available, and breakfast is included in the nightly rate. New Tour Adriatic Ascents Overview Full Itinerary Tour Details Print Factsheet Map Book this tour Price from US$ 2,525 Duration 8 Days / 7 Nights Distance 522 km Difficulty Etape? With its well-preserved medieval architecture, winding cobblestone streets, and stunning views of the Adriatic Sea, Kotor is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Balkans. 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. We have about 6 weeks for this trip. If you are visiting during the summer months, make your dinner reservations in advance. London and Paris for 10 days was Tyler and Karas first international trip. Between the top-notch ski run s at an affordable price, the Adriatic's immaculate beaches, the unspoiled hiking trails among dozens of national parks, and the dashing water activities of the Black Sea, there is fun for all seasons in the Balkans. From the Sky Bar you can have a great view over the city. Two days in Zagreb is ideal for those looking to get a feel for the city and to hit all of the main attractions, though you could easily spend more. DRIVING IN EUROPE: If you have plans to rent a car in Europe, read our article Things to Know Before Renting a Car in Europe for lots of helpful tips. Single Supplement $675 See Dates & Prices Our two-week Adriatic adventure explores a corner of Europe with some of its grandest natural wonders and some of its most captivating recent history. And despite its seemingly small geographic region, there are a number of different climates and areas to visit within the Balkans that can appeal to anyone. Balkan Itinerary Day 2: Dubrovnik - Day Tours. We ate an early lunch at Portofino, located in the main square of the old town. Im sorry. Croatia & Bosnia and Herzegovina road trip: Split to Sarajevo via Mostar (10 days) 4. This is a strenuous 6 to 8 mile hike with a stunning view over the Bay of Kotor. The afternoon is spent exploring the coast, also called the Budva Riviera. Better towns are waiting to be explored in Montenegro. If youre wondering where to stay in Belgrade, follow these suggestions: Garni Hotel Opera Located in the city centre, this is a great hotel if you have a higher budget when visiting Belgrade. we are Indian nationals of Xtian origin.so we have visa issues which we organise with your support datathese are the countries.. Serbia, Bostnia &Herzegovina,Kosovo Albania, Macedonia , Montenegro. We had a rental car, which we had to park just outside of the Old Town. There are numerous monuments to historical figures in the countrys history littered throughout the capital, as well, most of which were erected within the past fifteen years or so. Adriatic Sea - Wikipedia If you think it will improve the experience, we will pay the higher prices and park outside the city walls. Thanks for your input. Trogir & Zadar. We are looking to go to Europe or the middle east. Ok thanks for the advice. Balkan Road Trip: 20 Epic Self-Drive Balkan Itineraries - Wander-Lush 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. Is there a man at the embassy who would know about these things? Click here to see the best hotel deals in Ohrid! For more information, see our privacy policy. We did this in April and some hotels and restaurants on the coast were just opening up for the season. While its fast paced, this itinerary will allow you to see the highlights of Albania, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. 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. FOR OUR FAVORITES, READ7 Great Dubrovnik Restaurants to Try. 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. Therefore, if you are going to be relying on public transit while visiting the corner of Southeastern Europe, youre going to be spending a lot of time on the bus. We also have a guide on Where to Eat in Dubrovnik and an article about how to walk the Dubrovnik Walls. Kotor is becoming a popular day-trip option from Dubrovnik, however, we believe it is an incredible city that deserves more time than just one simple day. Thank you so very much for all of this excellent information. Were Michael and Maggie, an Australian and American couple travelling the world. We spent our second day in Dubrovnik wandering the old town some more, dining at as many restaurants as possible, and just enjoying this very cool, very interesting city. Sounds like you snagged a great flight deal and I hope you have a great trip to the Balkans. One of the main sites to see in Novi Sad would be the Petrovardian Fortress which sits atop the banks of the Danube. You are already visiting an off-beat region of Europetake it to another level by straying even further from the limited tourist trail and come back with experiences that very few European tourists can boast! 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. PLACES TO GO ON THE BALKAN PENINSULA: Spend a few days exploring Dubrovnik, stroll the streets of the fairytale town of Mostar, explore Plitvice Lakes, spend a few days in Montenegro, and hike to the highest point on the Adriatic Sea, Vidova Gora. This excursion takes about one hour. Seeing the Olympic Bobsleigh Track was our favorite experience in the city. Click here to check availability. There arent 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. Traveling in the Balkans can be a bit challenging, but it's also extremely rewarding. When searching for a ferry, make sure you put in the correct dates. Spend one-minute twisting and turning through lush mountain forest roads and the next minute cruising along the Adriatic or the Black Sea's coastal highways. From Kotor, head south out of town on P22 and turn left on P1 for a winding, climbing road that takes you high into the mountains behind Kotor. In Makarska, we ate a very early dinner, walked along the beach, and then drove south to Dubrovnik. Zagreb has a very cool and artistic feel to it and has a number of very interesting sites to see and things to do. Today you will explore the awesome city of Dubrovnik. Today, a true Balkan gem is on the itinerary. Not quite what youre looking for? Thanks. If you have more than 2 weeks to devote to your Balkans itinerary, then we would suggest exploring more of the undiscovered nation that is Albania. Then, choose to relax in one of the many cafs, explore the old town fortifications, or take a boat trip to one of the . Not quite what youre looking for? Those are all great trips for different reasons. 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. It is also worth hiking around the surrounding hills to gain some truly spectacular views of Kotor and the harbour below. The Ultimate 5-Day Balkans Itinerary | Chasing the Donkey This is also the Game of Thrones filming location for Meereen. Begin your travels home. The Ultimate 2-Week Balkans Itinerary: 3 Perfect Routes We did this trip in 2017. Here are some things to consider when planning your Balkan trip. Click here to browse other options in Split. If you get to the ferry too late, you may not get a spot, even if you have a ticket for that time slot. During the summer months, you should haveyour car in line up to 2 to 3 hours before the ferry is scheduled to depart. What a wonderful post. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Today jump on a boat tour of the Elaphite islands, which are gorgeous islands just outside the city's port. From Mostar, it is a 2-hour drive to Sarajevo. Ljubljana Walking Tour. Check into your hotel and take a quick nap if you need it. However, if you do want to explore more, Korcula makes an excellent day trip from Dubrovnik. 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. Click here to check availability, Agape Villa Apartments If youd like to have your own space while visiting Novi Sad, then these apartments are a great choice. It is also nice to take a break from driving and from getting on and off the ferry. Im so glad that our advice has been helpful for you , Hi Maggie Great site I really enjoyed reading about your journeys. Balkan Grand Circle with Adriatic, 19 days includes accommodation in a hotel as well as an expert guide, meals, transport and more. Explore Diocletians Palace, enjoy the view from the bell tower of St. Domnius Cathedral, stroll the Riva Promenade, and sample some Croatian food. Traveling around the Balkans in a rental car can occasionally be a headache. (BALKANS) 2 people traveling, sharing accommodation. Balkans Road Trip Itinerary: 2 Epic Weeks Down the Adriatic Coast 19 October 2021 The Balkans region is one of the most underrated areas in Europe. Stroll through the old town, climb the Kanli-Kula Fortress for a beautiful view of the town and the Bay of Kotor, and visit the Savina Monastery, if you desire. 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. This hike ends with a walk down the Kotor city walls. Best of the Adriatic in 14 Days Tour - Rick Steves Europe It takes about 45 minutes to get to Perast, the next stop of the day. Sarajevo has a number of great places to stay, being popular among those on a backpacking Balkans itinerary or on a more traditional tour of the region. Hi Maggi, We are a travel enthusiast couple from India . Continue your itinerary through the Adriatic Balkans in the beautiful coastal Croatian city of Split. It's inexpensive, the weather is great year-round, and the locals are overwhelmingly friendly and welcoming. The real treat though was exploring the Kotor Bay by a small speed boat. In Romania, our favourite city we visited there was Cluj-Napoca and it definitely feels very livable and vibrant. Can I ask what camera equipment you are using in these photos? Mostar is quite popular on the backpacker trail and is gaining traction as a tourist destination among not-so-budget-minded travellers as well. They also have breakfast included in the room rate and a helpful staff to give you recommendations about Kotor. We did not need a visa, just our passport to cross between these countries. Cheers, Julie. But the thing you must do while you are here is to climb the city walls. 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. Do you know if Croatia has issue with these crimes or will I get entry without issues? 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 probably still feels like you just got here. We did the same thing but our trip was over 5 years ago and I dont recall which rental car company we used. Click here to browse other hotels in Novi Sad! So, if youre keen to dip your toe into exploring this amazing and diverse region, we would recommend going to for two weeks at a minimum. 4.5/5 Excellent. There are a lot of narrow, winding roads like that one in the area. Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. Here are several destinations to add to this Balkan Peninsula itinerary if you have more time. The Balkan region is so easy to navigate through that this 12-day itinerary will take you through some of the most beautiful national parks, river valleys, mountains, ancient towns, seaside locations, and even islands guaranteed to instantly charm you. If youre struggling to find the best place for you, check out our top suggestions: Hotel Old Konak This centrally located hotel is a fantastic base for exploring Skopje. The hotel was clean, quiet, and the staff were amazing. Click here to check availability. Montenegro road trip: Lake Skadar & The Bay of Kotor (5-7 days) 2. Are you planning a Balkan itinerary? Both countries have long and complex histories, incredibly diverse and vibrant cities, and friendly and hospitable residents. If you are staying in the old town of Split, getting into and out of this area by car is almost impossible and a big hassle. Choose one by picking out the Balkan trip of your dreams and take advantage of centrally-located hotels, private airport transfers, top-notch tours with . However, this isnt always 100% accurate and its a good idea to check the routes at the bus stations when youre there on the ground. 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. Balkan road trip itinerary Planning a Balkan Road Trip If You Rent a Car, You Will Need a Green Card, More Information for Your Trip to the Balkans. Our website uses cookies. With mountains, clear lakes, fantastic waterfalls, fascinating cultures, historic buildings and tasty cuisines, you will have a great vacation. Palace Judita is located on Narodni Trg, the main square in the Old Town. Note: This post contains affiliate links. There are a number of interesting things to see in Skopje, such as the statue of Alexander the Great, the Kale Fortress, and the Stone Bridge. In this post I'm going to share with you our 2-week Balkan road trip itinerary that will take you through some of the most beautiful countries in this region: Slovenia, Croatia and Montenegro. Zagreb also has a fantastic restaurant scene where you can get everything from traditional Croatian fare to modern, international favourites. Hey, Greg, thanks for your comment! Hellowant 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. That's before taking in the long stretch of sun-drenched Adriatic coastline and the natural and man-made beauty from Zatar to the south all the way down to some of the most jaw-dropping towns and cities of Montenegro. Discover the rich cultural and social history of the Balkans, a place of ancient trade routes, architecture, breath-taking scenery and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Here are our suggestions: 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. Cheers, Julie. Click here to check availability, Old Town Kotor Hostel Located, as the name suggests, in the Old Town, this hostel is a fantastic base for exploring Kotor. Hi Maggie. From our balcony we had awesome views of the Bay of Kotor. And then in 2016, we did this trip, and it was another favorite of theirs. However, it is just wide enough for two cars. The only limit is your imagination! Plus, we found that it was much cheaper to fly into and out of Sarajevo than other cities in the area, such as Split, Dubrovnik, and Kotor. Same question with Kotor. They have a number of clean and comfortable rooms available, it is located very close to the city centre and all of the main tourist attractions, and breakfast is included in the room rate. For some people, this just may be the highlight of this entire Balkan Peninsula itinerary. Click here to check availability. Click here to check availability, Tripn Hostel This small hostel run by a friendly and helpful local staff has a great atmosphere and fantastic common spaces to meet other travellers. Unless you are really curious about what Cavtat is all about, Id skip it. Slovenia & Croatia Itinerary: Where to Go in Slovenia and Croatia by Hope you have an amazing time, Im sure you will love it . Complete Balkan Tour and Epic Road Trip for You In the early afternoon, we took a ferry from Brac to Makarska on the mainland. Balkans Travel Guides and Backpacking Itinerary - BucketListly Blog Yes, some rental car companies allow this. Click here to check availability, 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. Balkans 10-Day Itinerary: Discover Europe's Undiscovered Treasures Good luck! At the border crossing, we were waved through without even showing our passports when they learned we were American. During our visit, this border crossing was quick and painless, but it was also 7 pm. if youre travelling on a budget and are only after travel medical insurance its worth checking out SafetyWings nomad insurance. After breakfast, check out of your hotel and drive south to Montenegro. With vaccinations, requirements could change, so what the restrictions are now could be different 4 to 6 months from now. Click here to check availability. If you have any questions, comment below! There are a few transfer companies that organise door-to-door intercity transfers in small, privately owned vans. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. I will be visiting solo and your advice has helped me feel super excited instead of nervous. Best of the Balkans: From Medie by Road Scholar [reviews_count] 12-Day Itinerary To Croatia, Montenegro And Bosnia & Herzegovina Since you are renting a car, return to Dubrovnik after visiting Montenegro. Spending the day hiking to the Matka Canyon, for instance, is very popular amongst visitors to the North Macedonian capital. Hi Maggie. Bolette's Balcony Junior Suites have a private balcony and sitting/bedroom area. I tend to think that travelling in the shoulder seasons would be ideal for the more active traveller as well. When shes not dreaming of far-away lands, Maggie enjoys drinking copious amounts of coffee, Harry Potter, and coaxing stray cats into her home. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Within easy reach of Budapests Keleti train station (there are two trains leaving daily), Novi Sad is the perfect introduction to the Balkans and Serbia in general. At Jablanica, in Bosnia & Herzegovina, you can take a series of smaller roads on a more northern route to Split. Its also located close to a lot of Bulgarias best wine country. 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. LEARN MORE: 11 Must-Have Experiences in Dubrovnik. If you have a week or less, focus on either the south (Dalmatian Coast Dubrovnik, Split, and the islands plus Mostar and Montenegro) or the north (Slovenia, Istria, and Zagreb). Though the area of the Balkan nations seems small, these countries are incredibly diverse and complex and one could easily spend years in the region and barely scratch the surface. Select . Next up is Greece. You will need your passport and green card (for the rental car) to cross the border. Click here to check availability. This is a beautiful town to visit, but the best thing to do here is to hire a boat to Our Lady of the Rocks. Prices are higher and we will have a rental car. If you have more time, you can hop from island to island via the network of Croatian ferries. Let us know in the comments! A green card is a cross-border insurance card that proves that your car has at least minimum level of insurance required. Click here to browse other hotels in Skopje! This place is awesome, especially for families. Heres where we recommend: Hotel Prima This hotel is in a prime location for exploring Pristina.
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