Best Balkans/Eastern Europe Itinerary (10 Days to 1 Month) With Culture, Hiking & Beaches

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How do you fit an entire overlooked region in Europe in 10 days? You can but it’s almost impossible. I traveled to the Balkans region in Spring (May to June) and it took me close to two months to explore this region.

The history, the mountains, sea and the mish-mash of cultures and religious communities living side by side; it’s a different side of Europe that you’ve never seen or heard before.

There’s a lot of unexplored terrain and untouched topics like war that you might come across when meeting people in this region.

If you had to pick which route to follow, here’s my suggested itinerary for the best Balkans or Eastern Europe trip from 10 days to two weeks and 1.5 months:

The Best Balkans/Eastern Europe Itinerary from 10 days to 1.5 Months

here’s the best balkans itinerary from 10 days to 2 weeks and one month

10 Days Balkans Itinerary

Day 1-2: Zagreb, Croatia
Day 3-4: Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Day 5-6: Dubrovnik, Croatia
Day 7-8: Kotor, Montenegro
Day 9-10: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

2 Weeks Balkans Itinerary

Day 1-2: Zagreb, Croatia
Day 3-4: Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Day 5-6: Dubrovnik, Croatia
Day 7-8: Kotor, Montenegro
Day 9-10: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Days 11-12: Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Days 13-14: Belgrade, Serbia
Days 15-16: Novi Sad, Serbia
Days 17-18: Sofia, Bulgaria


1 Month Balkans Itinerary

Day 1-2: Zagreb, Croatia
Day 3-4: Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Day 5-6: Dubrovnik, Croatia
Day 7-8: Kotor, Montenegro
Day 9-10: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Days 11-12: Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Days 13-14: Belgrade, Serbia
Days 15-16: Novi Sad, Serbia
Days 17-18: Sofia, Bulgaria
Days 19-20: Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Days 21-23: Thessaloniki, Greece
Days 24-26: Athens, Greece
Days 27-28: Santorini, Greece


1.5 Month Balkans Itinerary (For Slower Travel Involving Beaches & Mountains + My Itinerary Route)

Day 1-3: Zagreb, Croatia
Day 3-5: Korenica, Croatia and Plitvice Lakes National Park
Day 5-6: Split, Croatia
Day 6-12: Cycling & Chilling at the Dalmatia Islands in Croatia (Split-Brac-Makarska-Drvenik-Hvar & Korcula)
Day 12-14: Sarajevo, Bosnia + Daytrips to Mostar, Bosnia
Day 14-18: Zabljak, Montenegro
Day 18-20: Kotor, Montenegro
Day 20-22: Dubrovnik, Croatia
Day 22-24: Shkoder, Albania
Day 24-26: Theth National Park, Albania
Day 26-34: 9-10 days of Peaks of Balkans Trail (Albania, Kosovo & Montenegro)
Day 35-37: Tirana, Albania
Day 37-39: Berat
Day 39-41: Saranda, Albania
Day 41-43: Ksamil, Albania
Day 43-43: Back to Tirana

You could also include Slovenia at the beginning of your trip but I found covering four countries (Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro & Albania) at a leisurely pace with a lot of breaks and downtime the best option for my mental health.

I need the calm of the seas when I was done with castles and cathedrals and the challenge and allure of the mountains when all the small talk got to me.

Ofcourse, you can choose what you’d like to do and not follow everything to the T — but if you love hiking, cycling and a lot of chilling read on for my experiences.

When Is The Best Time to Visit The Balkans?

when is the best time to visit balkans? this is in spring in june up in the mountains with fields of wildflowers

The best time to visit Balkans are obviously on the shoulder seasons, everything except peak summer season.

Spring (April to June):

  • This is a great time for mild weather and blooming landscapes.

  • Tourist crowds are generally smaller compared to the summer months.

  • Ideal for outdoor activities and exploring cities without extreme heat.

Summer (July to August):

  • This is the peak tourist season with warm to hot temperatures.

  • Coastal areas can get crowded and temperatures can reach 40 degrees.

  • It’s also a great time to be in the mountains without the crowds!

Autumn (September to October):

  • The weather is still pleasant, with fewer crowds compared to summer.

  • It's a good time for cultural events and wine festivals.

  • The landscapes are still colorful as foliage changes.

Some other considerations:

  • Croatia, Greece & Albania Coastlines: Summer is popular for beach vacations, but it can be crowded. Late spring or early fall might be more comfortable.

  • Inland Areas: If you're exploring inland cities or mountainous regions, summer is actually a good time, but spring and fall offer milder temperatures and interesting landscapes.

Best Way To Travel In Between Balkan Countries

  • Flix Bus: This app was easy enough to book all my travels

  • Getbybus: I found this app the best way to book buses and check in real time other bus options especially if Flix Bus is fully booked.

  • Busticket4me: The next best alternative for checking real time and routes

My Itinerary of 1.5 Months in The Balkans

Day 1-3 Zagreb, Croatia

the flower market in zagreb croatia

Think of Zagreb, Croatia like a big town with small city vibes. It was easy enough to explore and check out their outdoor markets, sample the best fruits and also understand what makes Croaita a huge draw in recent years.

It was the first time traveling to Zagreb, Croatia after it joined the EU. The prices were on the steep side but I found hidden joints with bursts of flavours with a mix of Mediterranean and Slavic.

The spillover cafes add a certain quiet thrill without it being too touristy — though I found that the city was constantly under construction especially after the earthquake destroyed a lot of its prominent buildings.

What to see and do

  • Sample Croatian street food at Heritage with the best cooks from Masterchef

  • Take a stroll along the Green horseshoe

  • Have strukli (local salted cheese lasagne) at La Struk

  • Visit the Museum of Broken Hearts and Chocolate Museums (these are some of the best museums that I had visited)

  • Visit Zagreb Cathedral

  • Walk to the panoramic viewpoint of Zagreb in the corner of the upper old town

  • Take in Zagreb’s social scene at Ul. Ivana Tkalčića

Where to stay

Also Read: 7 or 10 Days Croatia Itinerary: National Parks To Coastlines

Day 3-5 Korenica, Croatia & Plitvice Lake National Park

at plitvice lake national park

Instead of a stopover to Plitvice Lake National Park, I found staying longer in Korenica and seeing the countryside in this part of Croatia to be truly underrated.

It is just 2 hours and 20 minutes away from Zagreb and some of the best things to do here are access it’s nature trails — two notable ones Mrsinj Grad and another one that takes you to the border of Bosnia — Gola PLJESEVICA. You will find plenty of remnants from the Balkan war with abandoned buildings and old relics.

Also Read:

What to see and do

  • Spend the whole day dedicated to Plitvice Lake National Park

  • Hike MrSinj Grad on a day hike or hike Gola Pljesevica

  • Have affordable fine dining food at Bistro Time

Where to stay

Day 5-6: Split, Croatia

From Korenica, it is pretty easy to catch a Flixbus to Split. I caught the bus and ventured into Split, Croatia’s second largest city that’s facing the Adriatic coast.

The city’s Roman past is everywhere and it is easy to stroll the place at leisure and visit the promenade or catch a glimpse of several locations that was shot at the Games of Throne site.

There are seafood-restaurants facing the sea and a lot of ancient traditions with a dash of a wine-filled afternoon for you to enjoy and explore the city at your own pace.

What to see and do

  • Visit the Diocletian’s Palace where the Roman emperor had built as a retirement home in 305AD.

  • Explore Peristil Square, the 57-meter-tall belfry or climb up to take stellar views of the city

  • Head to Marjan hill for a short walk/hike to see windswept views of Split

  • Stop at Jezinac Bay along the way for beachside quiet time

  • Visit the Ivan Meštrović Gallery which pays tribute to the celebrated Croatian sculptor

  • Dine at Mazzgoon restaurant for some courtyard feels and local cuisine

Where to stay

Day 6-12: Explore the Dalmatian Islands (Split-Brac-Makarska-Drvenik-Hvar & Korcula)

the dalmatian islands in croatia

Hvar, Korcula and Mljet — you’ve probably heard a ton about the Dalmatian Islands. It is Croatia’s go-to place for seeing the Adriatic coast and the lesser-known islands while sampling some of the world’s best truffles and olive oil.

There are stunning fortresses, miles and miles of vineyards and the shiny blue jeweled sea that’s perfect for a quick dip.

We wanted to throw in a bit of an adventure and decided to rent bikes from Split island as we made our way to the Dalmatian coast — let’s just say it was quite an adventure — you can read it all about Cycling in the Dalmatian islands post here.

If you don’t want to cycle, you could just do away without it and explore the islands by checking the schedule online and head to the counter to buy the tickets. We took the Jadrolinija line which is the main ferry operating in Croatia.

Or you could even explore 5 islands in the Adriatic Sea on a 10-hour tour of Hvar, Biševo, Vis, Budikovac, and Pakleni. I have heard that Vis island was used as the filming location of Mamma Mia!

Brac

at brac island next to zlatni rat beach!

The first island from the coast of Split — I found Brac to be gorgeous and the perfect place to stay in their cute stone houses found on Bol island. The gorgeous island is home to Zlatni Rat, the Golden Horn Beach. During summers, it can be quite the party place but off season it is a gorgeous little place with access to trails, history and a lot of sunbathing. You could also hike the Vidova Gora, a 770 metres mountain that’s 5km long.

Makarska

Though not on the island, but inland — this is a good stop to break up your trip and it is home to the Biokovo range and a high mountain peak called Sveti Jure. Sveti Jure is the second tallest mountain in Croatia at 1,762 meters and worth the extra stay in Makarska.

At that time, there were tons of cruises docked at Makarska but if you stay in places slightly away from the main town, you will have access to a never-ending tapestry of coastal vistas.

Hvar

Perhaps the most popular of all the islands simply because of its Venetian architecture and cobbled streets with an amazing nightlife and incredible beaches. For me, it was the outskirts and journey towards Hvar that was the most mesmerising.

Hvar Town is estimated to draw around 20,000 people a day in the high season and that explains its growing popularity and prices ofcourse! The real draw are its olive trees and the ability to visit one. We stopped at “Olive oil tasting Radojkovic” for olive oil and cheese tasting.

Korcula

So much has been said about Korcula! It is where Marco Polo was born but what’s really nice is that you can do a lot of shopping here and just amble around while wining and dining to your hearts out.

It is also a mini Dubrovnik with medieval fortified walls and cluster of of terracotta-roofed houses facing the sea and mountains.

Mljet

If a national park is what you had not thought of as part of your travels, then here’s the only island to experience a national park with pine forests with plenty of shaded walking and cycling paths.

Where to stay

Day 12-14: Sarajevo, Bosnia + Daytrips to Mostar, Bosnia

A former Ottoman empire and one of the main three Muslim majority country in Europe, there’s war, culture and history all wrapped into one roof that makes Sarajevo an interesting visit.

There’s the bright mosques, various tea houses with treats to Baklava and among all of these are the scars from the war. What makes it nice and unique is also hidden by a certain sadness considering the war was just 30 years ago.

But there’s no shortage of things to do here as you find the best of east meets west.

What to see and do

  • Go for a walking tour of Sarajevo’s Old Town

  • Try their local burek at Buregdžinica Bećiri

  • Learn about the harrowing tales of their war at Museum of Crimes Against Humanity and Genocide & War Childhood Museum

  • Visit Sarajevo Eternal Flame as it commemorates Bosnians, Serbs, Croats and all who fought to liberate the city and the country during the war.

  • Have Balkava and tea at Teahouse Džirlo

  • Visit the country’s largest mosque Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque

  • Catch the cable car to Trebević mountain and take a walk among these pine tress and visit the Olympic abandoned bobsled track

  • Take a daytrip to Mostar, Konjic, Blagaj, Pocitelj, and Kravica Waterfall

Where to stay

Day 14-18: Zabljak, Montenegro

enroute to tARA RIVER RAFTING FROM ZABLJAK

THE GORGEOUS VIEWS IN MONTENEGRO

With few days in Bosnia, it is time to shift gears and head towards the Black Mountains of Monetenegro, Zabljak.

Getting here was a bit of a challenge as there were no direct routes but I assure you the trip is absolutely worth it. You’d need to take a bus from Sarajevo to Niksic and from there catch the next connecting bus to Zabljak.

Zabljak is the highest town in the entire part of Balkans and has the known Durmitor National Park, access to some of the most georgous mountains in Europe and also if you love hiking, this absolutely the place to be.

Hiking is essentially what brought me to Zabljak — I found the best combination of city breaks and a hike thereafter particularly refreshing for a slower pace of travel.

Zabljak was just that place — it is quiet, food is great and Montenegrins are so friendly (and really tall too!) Fun fact: they’re the second tallest people in the world.

What to see and do:

  • Hiking to Bobotuv Kuk, the highest peak in Montenegro at 2,523metres

  • Tara Canyon viewpoint hike

  • Visiting the lakes at Durmitor National Park

  • Rafting the Tara river at the border between Bosnia and Montenegro

  • Dining at Restaurant Or'O with the best local fish for cheap prices.

Where to stay

  • Hostel Hikers Den (There’s one and only hostel you should stay and it is with Alex — they have private rooms too but it is the best place to stay at if you plan to be around here for days. He helps you with the Tara Canyon water rafting and an epic drive among the mountainous roads!)

Day 18-20: Kotor, Montenegro

the beautiful view of kotor bay

having a cheese break after climbing the fort on our way down

The dramatic cliffs, forts and castles as well as the cute alleyways with tons of cats makes Kotor a nice stop on your trip after doing all that mountain hikes and soul-searching.

Kotor is a medieval maze and there are tons of cafes and cruise ship crowds in this small area. You have the lit-up walls and streets abuzz with live music — it makes it nice to take a walk along the coast.

While the town is great, and highlight is climbing those steep steps, I found it pretty meh in other parts. It’s a nice place to get your bearings but don’t stay for too long. Here are some of the best things to do in Kotor.

What to see and do

  • Climb to St John’s Fortress (make sure to take the hiking route towards the end part on your descent so you can stop for some cheese and wine at this cheese shop).

  • Visit the cats museum

  • Wander around the old town

  • Book a tour to Lovcen National Park

  • Have lunch at Bastion for a classic Montenegrin lunch

  • Explore Perast town on a day trip via boat

Where to stay

Day 20-22: Dubrovnik, Croatia

The buzz of Dubrovnik can be felt from afar — everyone from Kotor to Split had made it their point to be at Dubrovnik. It’s the old town energy as well as the forts where you momentarily feel you’re in a Game of Thrones set.

The endless stairs, roller suitcases and gelato shops are the first things you notice in Dubrovnik. It’s crowded and initially I came on a day trip but quickly realise how much time it takes to go from one end to the other.

The city is rich in culture and requires time to visit all these spots, take the cable car views and paddle board in the ocean. If you’re coming from Zadar to Dubrovnik directly, you could also opt to stop along the little coastal towns.

If you have one day in Dubrovnik, here are some things you can do.

What to see and do

  • Visit the Sveti Jakov Beach, a 15 minute walk from the old town

  • Visit the Cultural History Museum, housed in the 15th-century Rector's Palace

  • Walk the full circuit of the medieval walls

  • Go kayaking to this island cove called Lokrum

  • Experience a Game of Thrones tour

  • Check out the cafe scene and gorge on Gelato at Gianni’s

Where to stay

Day 22-24: Shkoder, Albania

bird’s eye view of schkoder from rozafa castle in albania

It’s like travelling back in time and that’s the exact feeling I got when I was in Shkoder, Albania. The city is completely cycling-friendly which means it’s easy to rent a bike for 1 or 2 euros and just travel around.

Albania has opened up in recent times and don’t be afraid if you see people staring at you — until recently, they were not used to solo travellers or tourists in general.

This is the gateway to the Albanian Alps and a stopover before heading into the Accursed Mountains. Shkoder, Albania is also interesting in its way as it is influenced by the Romans, Ottomans and Illyrians.

There’s a booming cafe scene and an interesting Schkoder Lake that you can cycle to as well to see the Muslim side of Albania.

Also Read: Of Strolls & Cycling: What To Do In Shkoder, Albania

What to see and do

  • Visit Rozafa Castle to see the impressive ruins of the 14th century castle

  • Cycle to Shkoder Lake towards Shiroka town, a sleepy seaside village

  • Cycle or drive to Mesi bridge, the largest bridge that remains from the Ottoman period in Albania

  • Have the best fish at Rozafa Seafood

  • Savour the best desserts at Kanelle Cafe

  • Explore the Schkoder History Museum

Where to stay

Day 24-26: Theth National Park

at theth national park

This is the gateway to the Accursed Mountains and the most dramatic settings with jagged peaks in Albania.

I knew I wanted to spend atleast two days here with a mountain family to take in the views, meander at the Theth river and enjoy the surrounding views.

The main town may look like nothing much with construction happening but once you take a 20 minutes walk and stay at Guest House Rrashkadoli, you’ll enjoy the slower pace of life and be able to listen stories from people.

Stargazing and enjoying the quiet beauty of the mountains are some of the best things to do Theth

What to see and do

  • Visit the 19th century church in Theth

  • Stay in Guest House Rrashkadoli just for the views and hospitality

  • Walk along the Theth river

  • Do mini hikes to Grunas waterfall and the blue eye

Where to stay

Day 26-34: 9-10 days of Peaks of Balkans Trail (Albania, Kosovo & Montenegro)

the epic peaks of the balkans trail should be your balkans itinerary!

If mountains and nature are what you truly love, and want to escape the city crowds, I highly recommend doing the entire Peaks of the Balkans trail.

This epic adventure involved immersing myself in diverse landscapes and the highlights were the peaks from Northern Albania all the way to peaks in the Kosovo and Montenegro region.

Trekking the Montenegrin side of the Accursed Mountains (Prokletije) in the Dinaric Alps was quite something — these jagged peaks are a bit foreboding and intimidating but surprisingly not very well known in the mountain world.

Before it takes over by mass tourism, this is the only way to experience true Balkan hospitality.

You can easily go with the Balkan Natural Adventure Group for a self-guided tour that organised the logistics for us which includes the border permit crossings, GPX files transfers, emergency and accommodation and food in the mountains for a very affordable price of 500 euros per person.

You can read all about my experience of hiking the Peaks of The Balkans trail here!

What to see and do (Highlights from the trek)

  • Spend time with the families — I had some of the most heartwarming moments with these families on the trail and it was eye-opening to hear about their stories.

  • See the bunkers — The region is still recovering from the scars of its wars — you’ll see bunkers, meet guesthouse owners who find it triggering when reminded of the war but are delighted to share their culture with you.

  • Savour local cuisine and cafe stops in some stops like amazing honey and milk crepe cakes and the best mountain tea with honey

Day 35-37: Tirana, Albania

The teeming neighbourhood of Tirana is a welcome change from the mountain sceneries. The city's transformation in recent years is nothing short of remarkable, with urban spaces being reimagined into lively hubs of creativity.

Skanderbeg Square, the heart of Tirana, boasts a stunning mix of architectural styles, including the iconic Et'hem Bey Mosque and the National Historical Museum, providing a glimpse into Albania's rich past.

Tirana is not only a city of history but also a culinary haven that will tantalize your taste buds. The Blloku district, once an exclusive area accessible only to the political elite, has now transformed into a trendy neighborhood filled with chic cafes, vibrant bars, and delicious restaurants.

What to see and do

  • Explore Skanderberg square, the historical center with iconic landmarks

  • Blloku District where trendy area with cafes, bars, and restaurants.

  • Visit Bunk'Art 2, the Cold War museum in a former nuclear bunker.

  • Visit Albania’s Grand Park where relaxing green spaces for walks and picnics.

Where to stay

Day 37-39: Berat, Albania

Known as the "City of a Thousand Windows" for its stunning Ottoman-era houses that cascade down the hillsides, Berat has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Strolling through the cobbled streets of the historic Mangalem and Gorica quarters, you'll find yourself transported to a bygone era.

The iconic white-washed houses, adorned with wooden facades and colorful shutters, create a picturesque scene that feels like a living museum.

What to see and do

  • Wander through the well-preserved medieval castle on a hill called Berat Castle

  • Stroll through cobbled streets lined with Ottoman-era houses at Mangalem and Gorica Quarters

  • Visit historic mosques showcasing Islamic architecture - White Mosque and King Mosque

Where to stay

Day 39-41: Saranda, Albania

Saranda's laid-back charm, coupled with its vibrant cultural scene, makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration on the Albanian Riviera.

The city boasts a series of picturesque beaches, including the popular Mirror Beach and Pasqyra Beach, where pristine sands meet the turquoise sea. The Ionian coastline beckons sun-seekers to unwind on the shores, partake in water sports, or explore nearby coves accessible by boat.

What to see and do

  • Relax on Mirror Beach and Pasqyra Beach with pristine white sands.

  • Visit Lekuresi Castle for panoramic views of Saranda and the Ionian Sea.

  • Visit the Monastery of the 40 Saints, an ancient Orthodox monastery.

  • Venture to Borsh Castle, one of the most significant castles along the Albanian Riviera.

Where to stay

Day 41-43: Ksamil, Albania

The Albanian riviera is truly underrated and Ksamil belongs in that category of the best beaches in Balkans. Ksamil isn't just a paradise for beach lovers; it also boasts a rich history and cultural heritage.

The most famous feature of Ksamil is its trio of small, interconnected islands just off the coast. Accessible by boat or even by swimming for the more adventurous, these islands boast secluded beaches with powdery white sands and inviting emerald waters.

What to see and do

  • Take a boat trip to the three Ksamil Islands for secluded beaches.

  • Discover nearby beaches on the Albanian Riviera, such as Mirror Beach and Pasqyra Beach.

  • Hop between coastal villages like Himara and Dhermi for diverse landscapes.

  • Try local specialties like grilled octopus or seafood risotto.

Where to stay

My Overall Budget for A Balkans Trip

budget for balkans travel trip

The only place where I broke my budget was in Croatia where the average meal was around 15-20 euros, but compared that with Montenegro you could get a fancy meal for 10 euros, Albania about 6-8 euros and 5 euros in Bosnia.

In total, I spent 3500 euros including flights from Asia where I am based and the trek tour, as well as all the other activities for a 45 days trip.

You could easily live on a €25-30 a day budget by staying in guesthouses, hostels and only sharing a hotel with a friend.

Also read my other posts on the Balkans

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