1 Week in the Balkans - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Balkan Highlights Tour: East Meets West in Sarajevo, Mostar & Dubrovnik

Perfect for first-time visitors to the Balkans, this whirlwind highlights tour features the historical, cultural, and culinary highlights of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Montenegro. Throughout, you'll explore the fascinating cities of Sarajevo, Mostar, and Dubrovnik independently and alongside a guide and sample traditional cuisine while on foodie excursions. Other highlights include a nature-infused visit to a Bosnian spring and a stop by the religiously significant town of Međugorje.

Welcome to Sarajevo, the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina, where you'll spend your first afternoon strolling the Old Town independently and indulging in traditional Bosnian cuisine. Enlist the help of a local guide the following morning for a city highlights walking tour, and when hunger strikes, transition to a food and culture excursion. Next on your agenda is a transfer to Mostar, but before arriving, you'll make a special stop in the religiously important town of Međugorje. Then, once in Mostar, visit its famous Stari Most bridge and learn about the town's Turkish-style houses alongside a private guide.

The second leg of your adventure kicks off with a transfer to Dubrovnik, Croatia, and although it's only a 2.5-hour drive, you'll make a morning of it by stopping at a beautiful Bosnian spring in Blagaj en route. Next, in Dubrovnik, delve deeper into the region's culture while splitting a day between a private walking tour and a countryside cooking class. Then, wake early the following morning for a superb day trip to Montenegro, complete with a drive around the Bay of Kotor and a visit to the villages of Perast and Kotor. Afterward, return to Dubrovnik and prep for your departing flight. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Highlights of Slovenia & Croatia: Culture, Countryside & Coast

Explore the narrow Vintgar Gorge, a cliff-perched castle, Istrian hill towns, and plenty more cultural wonders on this adventure through Slovenia and Croatia. Crafted for those who enjoy keeping on this move, you'll enjoy private transfers between Ljubljana, Bled, and Rovinj, which allows for numerous side excursions to quaint towns and medieval villages. Other notable highlights include truffle hunting with locals and a cycling excursion in Brijuni National Park.

Your adventure begins in Slovenia's capital, Ljubljana, and after taking a moment to refresh at your hotel, you'll delve into the region's fascinating mix of Alpine and Mediterranean cuisine on a food tour. Spend the next morning checking out city highlights alongside a guide before transferring north to Lake Bled in the afternoon. With two nights here, you'll have ample time to cruise to Bled Island on a traditional wooden boat and hike amid Vintgar Gorge. Then, top off your stay with a delightful dinner at the town's iconic hilltop medieval castle.

Midway through your trip, it's time to pack up and transfer to Croatia's coastal town of Rovinj. Break up the drive with stops at Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle, and upon arrival in Rovinj, treat yourself to dinner at one of the town's top restaurants. Spend the next day roaming between ancient Roman sites in Pula and biking among Brijuni National Park's storied forts and remote beaches. Then, on your final full day, visit the medieval hilltop towns of Motovun and Grožnja and embark on a truffle hunting mission before arriving back in Ljubljana—where your adventure comes to an end. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Balkan Cultural Discovery Tour: Slovenia, Bosnia & Croatia

East meets West with this immersive Balkan itinerary that ventures from Slovenia's capital, through Croatia's natural beauty and storied cities, to the dynamic capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Ideal for travelers eager to delve into the region's fascinating culture, you'll team up with local guides to uncover hidden corners of ancient palaces, bazaars, and markets. In addition, treat your nature-loving side with a boat trip on Lake Bled and a hike in Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Upon arriving in Ljubljana, Slovenia's charming capital, your journey gets rolling with a fun-filled day of independent exploration, perhaps roaming Prešern Square and admiring river views from the Dragon Bridge. Spend the next day strolling through the medieval town of Radovljica and visiting Bled Island's famous church. Then, settle in for a transfer to Split, Croatia, which is broken up by a hike in the waterfall-filled Plitvice Lakes National Park. Once in Split, join up with a private guide to learn about the city's history while venturing between Diocletian's Palace and Peristyle Square.

While based in Split, you'll also embark on a half-day tour to the ancient island city of Trogir and detour to the "Game of Thrones" famous Klis Fortress. Your next and final destination, reachable by a four-hour transfer, is Sarajevo—the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. On arrival, explore Old Town and the old bazaar of Baršćaršija independently. Then, enlist the help of a local guide to uncover the city's most important sights, like the Catholic Cathedral and Latin Bridge, before wrapping up your adventure with an elegant night at the Sarajevo National Theatre and dinner at a local restaurant. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Balkan Coastal Adventure: Split, Dubrovnik & Kotor

Perfect for travelers seeking a blend of relaxation and cultural immersion, this relaxed Adriatic escape takes you on a scenic journey down Croatia's Dalmatian Coast to Montenegro's fortified town of Kotor. Throughout, you'll laze on beautiful beaches, sip wine while taking in Adriatic Sea views, and watch the sunset from atop Dubrovnik's Mount Srđ. In between, delve into the region's history during a walking tour of Split's Old Town, Ston's defensive stone walls, and the former royal town of Cetinje.

Your Balkan coastal adventure begins with your arrival in Split, which is an excellent place to shake off any travel fatigue while strolling the tree-covered Marjan Park and happening upon beautiful beaches. The following day is all about learning stories behind key sights, and thanks to a private guide, you'll effortlessly make your way between the Cathedral of St. Dominus and Peristyle Square. That same day, embark on an afternoon trip to the ancient city of Trogir and the impressive medieval Klis Fortress. Then, pause to admire Ston's defensive stone walls during a transfer to Dubrovnik. 

After an evening arrival in Dubrovnik, wake early and join a guide to check out Old Town's Onofrio's Fountain and Rector's Palace. Then, spend the afternoon as you please, with options including beach hopping, kayaking, and a cable car ride up to Mount Srđ. Your next destination is Montenegro's village of Kotor, where a local guide will introduce you to Venetian palaces and Romanesque churches. There's plenty to see outside the city, too, so delight in a day dedicated to exploring Mount Lovćen National Park and the former royal town of Cetinje before prepping for your departure. Learn more

More Great 1-Week Croatia Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Croatia? Check out these other one-week Croatia itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.