Ultimate 14-Day Balkans Travel Itinerary - An Epic Adventure
Planning a 14-day adventure in the Balkans? Here's a detailed itinerary that takes you through stunning landscapes, historic sites, and vibrant cultures. From the streets of Dubrovnik to the serene lakes of Plitvice, this guide covers a breakdown of my Balkan adventure & hope it helps you on yours.
14 Day Balkans Itinerary
- Days 1-3: Dubrovnik, Croatia
- Days 4-5: Kotor, Montenegro
- Days 6-7: Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Days 8-9: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Days 10-11: Belgrade, Serbia
- Days 12-14: Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
I recently went on a 14-day adventure through the Balkans, and it was my very 1st visit to the region, and I must say YES PLEASE!
I live to explore the world, but one thing that chaps my ass is the cost to do it! If you're like me, the Balkans is most certainly for you then.
Coming in at a fraction of the price take a French and Italian Riviera vacation, I can honestly say the Croatian part of this Balkan Itinerary far surpassed my adventures in the med, as there was far less people, and I didn't pay $10 for a single bottle of water.
My desire to explore Serbia in this particular itinerary stemmed from a child hood friend who was a foreign exchange student who was from Belgrade, and so I wanted to go and allow him to show me around, and educate me on their tough history, as bombs were falling down on top of his people as a child and when telling me about it in high school.
I was dumbstruck as to why we hadn't been educated on the Bosnian war. It's as if we're only interested in teaching things from an American perspective, and that's what I've found about the majority of my travels. If you want to be educated, there is no better way to do it than go learn from the people, and never count on hope your government or the public schooling system in which they control, to educate you. Even worse, they might just educate you with falsehoods, which is a common theme since WW2.
So, I had to investigate it, as well as explore the Balkan Riviera. Everything else in this itinerary was added simply to explore more of this world, as I want to see every inch on this planet that I can before my time is up here.
You will never know how many beautiful and amazing places that are out there, that you never hear mention of, and it's going to require you simply saying "Let's Go There", and going if you truly want to see all there is to see. Only visiting the most popular tourist destinations is the LAST WAY you should try to explore the world as that is only exploration of the landscape, and everything else around you is a creation for tourist and not how the local people live their daily lives.
I challenge you to explore the unknown! Spin a globe and travel to where ever your finger lands without saying "Let's do best out of 3"
Below, I will break down my trip itinerary day by day, and I highlight where I went, where I stayed, and some of the things I did in each location.
Obviously, I didn't include all my time spent strolling lost exploring alleyways, restaurants, cafes and markets. Those are what I call day fillers, and although they make for the favorite part of my travels, every destination has those things so we're not going to talk about them.
Just to give quick understanding as to why Croatia is at the start and the very end of my trip, it's because that is where my flight arrived and departed back to the states from.
So, let's jump right in to my 14 day Balkans Itinerary.
Dubrovnik
Days 1-3
Where I Stayed
Hotel Kompas
- Guest Rating: 9.0/10 Booking.com
- Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address: Ul. Kardinala Stepinca 21, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
I chose Hotel Kompas for its spectacular views of the Adriatic Sea and proximity to Dubrovnik's Old Town. It's directly on sunset beach and has amazing views of the sea. With it's modern amenities, combined with excellent service, it made my stay incredibly comfortable and smooth from check in to check out.
- Nearby Attractions: Dubrovnik Old Town (2 km), Lapad Beach (500 m)
- Transportation: Dubrovnik Airport (22 km)
Activities & Attractions
- Walk the City Walls
- Visit Fort Lovrijenac
- Explore the Old Town
- Kayak & Beach Bumming
Walk the City Walls:
The panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and the terracotta rooftops of Dubrovnik are truly breathtaking. It was a great way to get an overview of the city's layout and history.
Visit Fort Lovrijenac:
This impressive fortress offered stunning views and a glimpse into Dubrovnik's defensive past. The climb was a bit steep, but the vistas made it worthwhile.
Explore the Old Town:
Wandering through the narrow, cobbled streets of the Old Town was like stepping back in time. The historic buildings, charming shops, and delightful cafes made it a memorable experience.
Kotor
Days 4-5
Where I Stayed
Hotel Vardar
- Guest Rating: 8.8/10 Booking.com
- Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Address: Stari Grad 476, 85330 Kotor, Montenegro
Hotel Vardar, located in the heart of Kotor's Old Town, provided a blend of historic charm and modern comfort. The location was perfect for exploring the town's main attractions.
- Nearby Attractions: Kotor Old Town (0 km), Bay of Kotor (1 km)
- Transportation: Tivat Airport (7 km)
Activities & Attractions
- Climb to the Castle of San Giovanni
- Visit the Maritime Museum
- Stroll through the Old Town
Climb to the Castle of San Giovanni: The hike up to the castle was challenging but rewarding, offering panoramic views of Kotor and the bay. The climb took about an hour, and the scenery was well worth the effort.
Visit the Maritime Museum: The museum provided fascinating insights into Kotor's maritime history, with exhibits ranging from ancient maps to model ships.
Stroll through the Old Town: Kotor's Old Town is a maze of narrow streets, picturesque squares, and historic buildings. Every corner seemed to hold a new discovery, from charming cafes to hidden churches.
Mostar
Days 6-7
Where I Stayed
Hotel Mepas
- Guest Rating: 9.1/10 Booking.com
- Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address: Kardinala Stepinca bb, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
I opted for Hotel Mepas due to its central location and excellent reviews. The hotel offered top-notch amenities, including a spa and wellness center, which was a perfect way to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
- Nearby Attractions: Stari Most (1.5 km), Old Bazaar Kujundziluk (1.6 km)
- Transportation: Mostar Airport (7 km)
Activities & Attractions
- Walk Across Stari Most
- Visit the Old Bazaar
- See the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque
Walk Across Stari Most: The iconic bridge, a symbol of Mostar, offered stunning views of the Neretva River. Watching the local divers was thrilling, though I opted not to take the plunge myself!
Visit the Old Bazaar: The bazaar was bustling with activity, filled with shops selling traditional crafts, souvenirs, and local delicacies. It was a vibrant and colorful experience.
See the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque: This historic mosque provided insight into Mostar's Ottoman heritage. Climbing the minaret rewarded me with panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape.
Sarajevo
Days 8-9
Where I Stayed
Hotel Europe
- Guest Rating: 8.6/10 Booking.com
- Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address: Vladislava Skarića 5, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Hotel Europe, located in the heart of Sarajevo, offered a blend of luxury and history. Its central location made it easy to explore the city's main attractions.
- Nearby Attractions:
Baščaršija (500m), Latin Bridge (300 m) - Transportation: Sarajevo International Airport (10 km)
Activities & Attractions
- Explore Baščaršija
- Visit the Tunnel of Hope
- See the Latin Bridge
Explore Baščaršija: Sarajevo's old bazaar and cultural center was a maze of narrow streets lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings. The blend of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian architecture was fascinating.
Visit the Tunnel of Hope: This tunnel played a crucial role during the Siege of Sarajevo, serving as a lifeline for the city's residents. The museum offered a poignant look into the city's recent history.
See the Latin Bridge: The site of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, which sparked World War I. Standing on this historic bridge was a surreal experience.
Belgrade
Days 10-11
Where I Stayed
Hotel Moskva
Hotel Moskva
- Guest Rating: 8.7/10 Booking.com
- Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address: Terazije 20, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Hotel Moskva, a historic landmark in Belgrade, offered a unique blend of old-world charm and modern amenities. Its central location was perfect for exploring the city's main attractions.
- Nearby Attractions: Knez Mihailova Street (300 m), Belgrade Fortress (1 km)
- Transportation: Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (18 km)
Activities & Attractions
- Explore Belgrade Fortress
- Walk Along Knez Mihailova Street
- Visit the Nikola Tesla Museum
Explore Belgrade Fortress: The fortress offered a mix of history and natural beauty, with expansive views over the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. The museum within provided insights into the fortress's long history.
Walk Along Knez Mihailova Street: This bustling pedestrian street was filled with shops, cafes, and historic buildings. It was a great place to people-watch and soak in the city's atmosphere.
Visit the Nikola Tesla Museum: Dedicated to the life and work of the famous inventor, this museum housed many of Tesla's original inventions and personal items. It was both educational and inspiring.
Plitvice Lakes
Days 12-14
Where I Stayed
Hotel Jezero
- Guest Rating: 8.4
- Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Address: Josipa Jovića 19, 53231, Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
Hotel Jezero, located within Plitvice Lakes National Park, was the perfect base for exploring the park's stunning landscapes. The serene setting and comfortable amenities made for a relaxing stay.
- Nearby Attractions: Plitvice Lakes National Park (0 km)
- Transportation: Zadar Airport (130 km)
Activities & Attractions
- Hike the Trails of Plitvice Lakes
- Visit the Great Waterfall
- Boat Ride on Kozjak Lake
Hike the Trails of Plitvice Lakes: The park's network of trails led me through some of the most beautiful landscapes I've ever seen, with cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and lush greenery. Each trail offered unique perspectives and stunning views.
Visit the Great Waterfall: The largest waterfall in the park was truly a sight to behold. The sound of the rushing water and the mist in the air added to the awe-inspiring experience.
Boat Ride on Kozjak Lake: This peaceful boat ride offered a different perspective of the park's beauty. It was a relaxing way to take in the scenery and enjoy the tranquility of the lakes.
Trip Conclusion
My 14-day journey through the Balkans was filled with unforgettable experiences, breathtaking landscapes, endless amounts of history, and most of all I got to have a childhood friend show me around his once war torn country that is now a peaceful place and everyone seems to be doing great.
I hope this itinerary helps you plan your upcoming trip to the Balkans and inspires you to explore this incredible region. Whether you're seeking adventure, history, or relaxation, the Balkans have something to offer every traveler. Safe travels!
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