Nestled between the modern regions of Western and Eastern Europe, the Balkans come out as a fusion of the best of both worlds. From the tourism point of view, the discovery of the Balkan Peninsula is probably the most under-rated part. Not many people venture into multiple countries of the Balkans and often lose out on experiencing its hidden gems.
The Balkan region consists of 12 countries coming together and sharing the Balkan Peninsula. Much of the history, culture, and traditions are commonly shared, and often when we travel to these countries – we see the best of Europe.
It proudly boasts national parks, gorgeous lakes & rivers, old towns, and cosmopolitan cities. Each country has its distinct feature, housing incredible highlights of Europe. Hence, to make your journey simple through this exciting land of the Balkans – I’ve curated a detailed itinerary plan. This 11-day itinerary is a culmination of major Balkan highlights – including the Dalmatian coast of Croatia, inspiring stories of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and lush-green regions of Montenegro.
With the help of the Balkan Peninsula itinerary, you can plan a perfect trip to Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
ESSENTIAL PLANNING TIPS
Before I get to the itinerary part, it’s important to understand a few essential planning points for any Balkan Peninsula trip. This is just a high-overview, but I’ll ensure to link you through some additional resources & helpful guides.
Best time to visit the Balkans: Generally, the best season to visit the Balkan Peninsula is during the months of April to June and September through November. The entire region of the Balkans is vast, so the climate varies accordingly. The coastal areas of Croatia can hit anywhere around 30°C – 32°C. All the island regions, and the mainland portion of Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, hit the same temperature but can go below 25°C during April and May.
Health & Safety: All three countries, i.e. Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia would have different COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines. Since the updates on travel rules change rapidly – it’s best advised to the latest news on this wiki website.
Visa & Documentation: Visa requirements will differ from country to country. But, all countries will require a valid passport (6 months of minimum validity) and valid Schengen Visa to enter Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Visit this section to know more about the visa procedure.
How much does it cost: Considering that you stay in fancy hotels, and book all the recommended activities suggested in this Balkan Peninsula itinerary – the tour price will be approx. $3400-$3500. If you book hostels, or prefer shared accommodation, along with a few booked experiences – the tour price may hover around $2500-$2700. Ultimately, everything depends on where you stay, which experiences you book, how you travel, insurance, meals, and other daily expenses. Accommodations play a crucial role in deciding the price fluctuation. The type of stay you book can lower your total cost or dramatically increase it. Below, I’ll suggest a few stay options that will help you sort your hotels as well.
OVERVIEW OF THE BALKAN PENINSULA TOUR
This 11-day itinerary to the Balkan Peninsula will take you to three different countries – Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. You will start your tour from Zagreb, and end in Dubrovnik.
The itinerary is designed considering all age groups. Meaning, no matter what – you can do all of the activities mentioned below. In addition, I’ve listed plenty of optional tours that you can opt for while being on this Balkan journey.
Highlights of the Balkan Peninsula tour –
- Full-Day Excursion to the Plitvice Lakes National Park
- Feel the Game of Thrones experience inside Diocletian’s Palace
- Historical site tour at Sarajevo
- Bay of Kotor Discovery
- Lokrum Island Game of Thrones tour
Through my partnership with G Adventures, you can book a similar tour of the Balkan Peninsula from their official website. The tour price may vary according to the selection of your dates.
DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 1: ZAGREB
Your exciting adventure to the Balkan Peninsula starts right here, from the capital of Croatia – Zagreb.
The city is often ignored by tourists, considering most of them start their Balkan journey right away. But, you can still spend some quality time exploring the cobblestone streets and medieval buildings.
The entire day is at your leisure, meaning you can go out – discover activities, and even try some local delicacies and drinks. However, the best way to save some time is to take a Zagreb city tour. This way ensures that you only visit the best attractions of Zagreb, and also relax for the rest of the day.
Overnight at Zagreb.
DAY 2: PLITVICE LAKES NATIONAL PARK
Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of Croatia’s famed wonders. It not only looks beautiful, but it almost feels like a wallpaper-perfect picture. Although there are many other spectacular places along the Adriatic Coast, Plitvice is the one to watch out for!
The entire day is reserved for Plitvice Lakes National Park. You’ll soon realize just how large the national park is, and often a day will not be enough to admire its striking beauty. Plitvice Lakes National Park also makes a difference, at different seasons of the year. Every experience based on the month you travel will be distinct, and truly amazing.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an amalgamation of a total of 16 lakes. All inter-connected and cascaded into each other, to form a massive body. With a full-day excursion, you can visit the park and hit the main sights around the Lower Lakes. Furthermore, you can cruise across to the Upper Lakes and discover more natural attractions. As you venture through Plitvice Lakes National Park, you’ll soon find out there are plenty of hiking trails as well. In total there are eight, but the shortest one you can take to complete is the ‘Route A’ trail.
Even if you aren’t hiking, there’s more than enough to explore at this park. Right from karst formations, emerald-like pools, and dramatic waterfalls – you’ll discover a range of opportunities at Plitvice National Park.
Book this activity: Day-trip from Zagreb to Rastoke & Plitvice Lakes National Park
Some helpful tips for visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park –
- Travel early to the park – Leave your hotel early in the morning, to beat the busy crowd which will eventually gather across the national park around 11 A.M. Book your accommodation near Plitvice Lakes National Park, so that proximity to travel becomes easier.
- Carry waterproof jackets – Do carry them, as you’re likely to get drenched near waterfalls.
- Entry Tickets – There are two types of entrance tickets – one-day and two-day. You can always customize this itinerary, to spend an extra day at Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Overnight at Plitvice.
DAY 3: SPLIT
Finally, it’s time to embark on an exciting exploration of the sparkling Adriatic Coast. From Plitvice Lakes National Park, it will approx. take you 2-3 hours to reach Split.
Split is Adriatic’s most riveting, bustling port that highly attracts tourists from all over the world. Due to its prime location, accessibility to Croatia’s awe-inspiring archipelagos like Hvar, Vis, Biševo, Brač, and Drvenik Veli becomes convenient. Also, it serves as a good entry point to other Croatian gems like Trogir, Makarska, Baska Voda, and Solin.
In the evening, I recommend doing the following activity which will enhance your Croatian experience –
Games of Thrones Location Tour – If you did watch Game of Thrones, probably you won’t need an introduction. But, for those who haven’t – you’re missing out on a beautiful experience. For all GOT lovers, this is absolutely a beast of a location to discover the award-winning series highlights and attractions. It’s a perfect place, to walk in the footsteps of the characters you may have seen during the episodes of Game of Thrones.
Inside the Diocletian Palace in Split, there’s plenty of exploration which can be done. This palace was shown as Daenery’s throne room, where she kept all of her dragons. As you walk through this guided tour, you’ll hear fascinating stories and facts about the filming process. Importantly, apart from Game of Thrones’ epic significance, Diocletian’s Palace has its own aura and charm that boasts Dalmatian history. It’s one of the most imposing Roman ruins, which almost took 10 years to build.
This is a fully-guided excursion, which will last approx. 2 hours and cost you around $40.
Overnight at Split.
DAY 4: SPLIT
Today, you have a full day to explore Split in Croatia. Choose from the activities suggested below, or discover experiences at your own leisure pace.
Here’s a list of activities you can do at Split on day four –
St Duje Cathedral Visit – Start your journey by visiting one of Split’s popular attractions – The cathedral of St. Domnius. Located inside the Diocletian Palace, this cathedral is the most visited place in Croatia. The combined history of the Ancient pagan, Christian Medieval, and modern heritage will make you want to explore more of its awe-inspiring stories. The highlight of the Cathedral is the Bell Tower, which has become an emblem of the city. It’s worth climbing up the Bell Tower to soak in splendid views of Split and the surrounding area.
City tour of Split with Marjan Hill – The best way to maximize your travel at Split – is to take a guided walking tour. As you venture through the inner city, discover the century-old buildings and fascinating laneways occupied by bustling tourists. Tour across the Old Town, and learn more about Split’s history and culture. Once you’ve hit all the main sights, then walk up Marjan Hill to grab some panoramic views over the Adriatic Coast.
Half-Day Tour to Trogir and Blue Lagoon – After some exploration at Split, it’s time to escape the crowds and discover amazing experiences at Trogi and Blue Lagoon. The town of Trogir has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It boasts a special atmosphere through its narrow streets and scenic waterfronts. Visit the Cathedral of St. Louvre, and then continue your way to the Blue Lagoon.
Blue Lagoon is an open field for you to explore core water-based activities. Do snorkeling, enjoy swimming or just enjoy your time sunbathing on deck. If you’re lucky, then you may also spot some dolphins in their natural habitat.
If the recommended activities don’t suit your style, then here’s a list of a few optional tours –
Krka National Park – Embark on a full-day (7-hour) trip to see some of Croatia’s stunning natural spots. Krka National Park is one of the country’s unique hotspots that boasts scenic views, beautiful waterfalls, beloved beaches, and UNESCO-nominated vineyards. This full-day excursion will include your roundtrip transfers, boat cruise along the Krka River, entry fees, and tour guides.
Hvar & Pakleni Islands– Love sailing? Then this might be the right optional tour for you. Sail across the Adriatic Coast to Hvar and Pakleni Islands to enjoy important attractions & highlights. With a beautiful catamaran cruise, discover Croatia’s best islands and its peaceful bays whilst soaking in the excellent views of the Adriatic. This tour also includes unlimited beverages, delicious food, and entertainment.
Overnight at Split.
DAY 5: SPLIT – SARAJEVO
Get ready for an exciting journey ahead, as you cross the borders to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina. The drive to reach Sarajevo from Split is long, and will approx. take you 5-6 hours.
I’ve not planned any activity for today, as the journey may have been tiresome. But, for enthusiasts willing to stretch their arms & legs – you can take an optional guided city tour of Sarajevo. The tour will last around 2-3 hours venturing through Sarajevo’s Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian architecture.
As you explore the streets, enjoy a sip of coffee along your way, hear the sound of church bells ringing and smell the classic street food.
Overnight at Sarajevo.
DAY 6: SARAJEVO
Be prepared to take on a grand tour of Sarajevo, which will include Bosnia and Herzegovina’s best attractions and important highlights. The journey across the town will also make you venture into the historic Olympics, World War I history, and other influential phases.
The first site you will experience will be the city of Konjic, where the archaeological pieces of evidence are believed to be 4,000 years old. It’s one of the oldest towns in the country, with the same original look intact as it looked in the 14th century. Further, as you travel, you’ll cross Bosnian canyons, lush-green meadows, lakes, and historic towns.
The second spot will be the famous ‘Tunnel of Hope’. You will go through some interesting documentaries, presentations, and fascinating stories which will explain important periods in the history of Bosnia and Herzegovina. If stories aren’t enough, then the visual appearance of the site filled with bunkers, minefields, and trenches at Trebević Mountain will be enough to show what happened back in the era.
Furthermore, the discovery of the 1984 Olympics will make your tour even more special. You will have the opportunity to see and walk across the platforms and the luge track.
End your tour with a delicious lunch right at the heart of Sarajevo, and maybe then look for souvenirs at the lively markets.
Overnight at Sarajevo.
DAY 7: SARAJEVO – KOTOR
You’ll cross the borders from Sarajevo to reach Kotor in Montenegro. Approx. time of travel will be 5 hours.
The sparkling bay of Kotor is the highlight of this entire Balkan Peninsula trip. Spoilt with an ultimate range of activities & experiences, the endless list makes you wonder which ones to choose. The city has been designated as a World Heritage Site because of its admiring medieval architecture and waterfront landscapes.
Here’s your planned activity for the day in Kotor –
City Tour of Kotor – To keep it short & simple, embark on a city exploration tour of Kotor and discover this picturesque town. This 90-minute walking tour of Kotor will make you travel back in time, across 2,500 years of turbulent history. The starting points of this interesting tour will be the city’s main gate, the Old Town, and the Arms Square. As you walk through cobbled streets, the guide will explain to you Kotor’s beautiful Baroque architecture of the structures and palaces of the Bizanti and Beskuća families. Later, visit the Maritime Museum, the famous Cathedral of St. Tryphon, and the Church of Saint Mary.
Kotor Maritime Museum – After your city tour, head to Kotor Maritime Museum to enrich a historical experience of Montenegro’s culture and century-old naval traditions. The museum is loaded with living artifacts and interesting antiques. You can also learn more about the Boka Marines, who flourished ship-building manufacturers in the Balkans.
Overnight at Kotor.
DAY 8: KOTOR
Kotor is home to numerous activities, unbeatable experiences & niche discoveries. Since there’s so much, I wanted to leave day this up to you – to try and explore your favorite activities. You can either relax wandering off at Kotor or indulge in some of the optional guided tours.
Here’s my list of some optional tours you can choose for day eight –
Boka Bay Day Cruise – Discover the sparkling bay of Kotor in this 8-hour cruise, which will take you through some of the Mediterranean’s finest natural landscapes. This 8-hour journey will start from Kotor or Tivat and will take you through the entire length of UNESCO-protected Kotor Bay. Further, you will also visit Blue Cave – famously known for its iridescent blue being reflected on the caves. Stop at Porto Montenegro for lunch, and then to explore more of this picturesque town.
Sea Kayaking – Ever tried sea kayaking? This is your time, to head out to those crystal clear waters of Kotor, and to fully appreciate this gorgeous area. Paddle out your way outside the Old Town walls and then stop at a beach for a break or swim.
Durmitor, Tara & Ostrog Monastery – In contrast to the sparkling blue waters of Kotor, experience the wild beauty of Northern Montenegro by visiting the Durmitor Mountain, Tara Canyon, and Ostrog Monastery. This full-day trip will take you through stunning lakes, spectacular coasts, bay viewpoints, and the Rocky Mountains. Apart from the places you visit in this guided tour, you will also be visiting the hidden jewel – ‘Black Lake’ at Durmitor National Park. You can find a detailed layout of this guided tour here.
Hiking in Montenegro – For adventure enthusiasts, looking to pump their adrenaline should head to Krstac Pass for a challenging hike. The path is strenuous, and not meant for every age group. However, if you feel your fitness level is fine – then there’s no better way to complement incredible views from the top.
Some more hiking – Certainly, for less-challenging hikes along the fjords lining the northern border – head to Donji Stoliv village. The path is relatively easy compared to Krstac Pass, and can best be enjoyed during the day.
Apart from the ones mentioned above, there’s plenty more to do in Kotor. I can’t list down every one of them here, however, if you feel to check more tours & optional activities in Kotor – check G Adventures guided tours. For day trips and excursions, check this catalog.
Overnight at Kotor.
DAY 9: KOTOR – DUBROVNIK
You’ll leave for Dubrovnik today. The journey is short, and will only take you around 1hr 45mins to reach.
Tourism in Dubrovnik has flourished since Game of Thrones. Every now & then, you see travelers specifically traveling to Dubrovnik to see the iconic “King’s Landing”, “Qarth” and the gardens of the “Red Keep”. Apart from Game of Thrones, Dubrovnik boasts excellent touristic opportunities to discover its Old Town streets, the city’s walls, churches and monasteries, and famous monuments.
Things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia –
Lokrum Island Game of Thrones Tour – Dive into an exciting world of Game of Thrones in Dubrovnik, and discover filming secrets. The tour will start at the first filming location – ‘King’s Landing’, where you’ll visit the production sets of the series. You’ll know more about its fun stories, interesting highlights, and much more as you walk through the staircase of the “Red Keep”. Out of all the places you visit during the tour, the Great Sept of Bailor will remain as a particular highlight. If you’ve seen the show, you may recall Cersei’s walk of shame.
Post your exploration at the site, you’ll then take a ferry to Lokrum Island. Located just outside of Old Town, the island was used for pivotal plot scenes from the Game of Thrones. The final location to visit will be the throne room in the Benedictine monastery.
Explore the old town in Dubrovnik at your own pace today.
Overnight at Dubrovnik.
DAY 10: DUBROVNIK
Today, opt to take a walking tour of Dubrovnik’s ancient city walls.
Any trip is incomplete without taking a walking tour of the city. This 2km walk will take you to Dubrovnik’s main highlights like Fort Minceta, St. Luke’s Tower, Fort Lawrence, and Fort Revelin. Apart from the walls and monuments, the vibrant street markets of Dubrovnik are truly fascinating.
The rest of the day is free for your leisure. Spend some time exploring the town on your own, hit local bars & cafes, interact with locals and shop for souvenirs & products.
Overnight at Dubrovnik.
DAY 11: DUBROVNIK
Depart anytime. If you feel to extend your Balkan journey, then check out these amazing tours.
ACCOMMODATION AT BALKAN COUNTRIES
Choosing the right accommodation becomes a crucial stage in planning any itinerary. Especially, when you travel in multi-countries, having the right understanding of good hotels & budgeted stays is important.
Below you’ll find a few accommodation options for Balkan countries. You can filter your hotel preferences according to the duration, price, amenities, and proximity.
Budgeted Hotels in Croatia – Visit this section to find budgeted stays in Croatia.
Budget Hotels in Montenegro – Visit this section to find good options across the mid-range bracket.
Budget Hotels in Bosnia and Herzegovina – For budgeted stays in Bosnia and Herzegovina, check this site.
WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR BALKAN PENINSULA TRIP
For this Balkan tour, I advise you to carry a convenient travel bag. Having a small handy bag will also help to keep your day-to-day essentials.
Essential Items –
T-shirts/ Shirts (Preferably long-sleeves)
Long pants/ Jeans
Sleepwear/ Innerwear (as per your need)
Footwear
Sunglasses
Toiletries
Fleece top/sweater
Outlet adapter
First-aid kit (bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, and Aspirin)
Reusable water bottle
Few energy bars/drinks
Waterproof backpack cover
Windproof rain jacket
Essential Items (warm weather) –
Cotton T-shirts/ Shirts
Shorts/ skirts
Sunscreen/ Lotion
Swimwear/ Sunglasses
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