2 Weeks in the Balkans - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Ultimate Balkan Highlights Tour

Perfect for first-time visitors to the Balkans, this whirlwind highlights tour features a thrilling journey through Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. While the pace is fast, you'll be rewarded with a solid introduction to the region's natural and historical highlights. From Bled's famous island and the medieval hilltop towns of the Istrian peninsula to the waterfall-filled Plitvice Lakes National Park and quaint countryside surrounding Dubrovnik, each destination promises picture-perfect moments and insightful guide-led tours.

Your ultimate Balkan adventure begins in Ljubljana, and after spending the day taking in the sights of Slovenia's charming capital, you'll transfer to the Julian Alps town of Bled. During a two-day stay here, you'll explore Bled Island's picturesque church alongside a guide and embark on a hike among Vintgar Gorge's dramatic waterfalls. Then, journey to the coastal Croatian town of Rovinj, which is an excellent base to hop between the medieval Istrian towns of Pula, Motovun, and Grožnjan. Continuing south, pause for an overnight and early morning hike in Plitvice Lakes National Park before arriving in Split.

Located on the Dalmatian Coast, Split is brimming with ancient Roman sites, and you'll experience the best of them through a private walking tour and side trips to Trogir and Klis Fortress. Next, travel inland to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and enjoy an introduction to the region's cuisine through a foodie excursion. Afterward, transfer to Dubrovnik, where a tour of its walled Old Town awaits, along with a memorable evening dining at a countryside farmhouse. Lastly, zip down to Kotor, Montenegro, and wrap up your trip with a hike to the St. John Fortress. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Taste of the Balkans: Sarajevo, Mostar, Split, Dubrovnik & Kotor

Treat yourself to a feast of fresh seafood, traditional desserts, and exquisite local wines on this flavorful journey through Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Montenegro. Crafted especially for foodies, you'll hop between Sarajevo's local restaurants, Split's vibrant markets, and a family farm near Dubrovnik. In addition, learn the secrets of Balkan cuisine through a Bosnian pie-making workshop and a cooking class in Mostar.

Your culinary adventure begins in Sarajevo, the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina, where you'll dive straight into the region's hearty cuisine through a foodie excursion and pie-making workshop. Next, transfer to Mostar and join a walking tour along Kujundžiluk Street, which will fuel your appetite for a cooking class. Afterward, pause to admire the mighty Kravica Waterfalls while transferring to Split, and celebrate your arrival with dinner on the seafront Riva. There's lots to see and taste in Split, and thanks to a food and culture tour, you'll do plenty of both before catching a ferry to Korčula.

With two days on the Adriatic island, you'll find unhurried time to sip wine at a family-run estate, tuck into local konobas (taverns), and beach hop. Then, pause at an oyster farm in Ston during a transfer to Dubrovnik. This medieval city is renowned for its storied architecture and decadent seafood, and you'll experience both through guide-led tours, a boat trip to Lokrum, and a family farm cooking experience. Continuing south, your final destination is Kotor, Montenegro, where you'll walk off your indulgences on a scenic climb up the Ladder of Kotor. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Balkan Coastal Adventure: Croatia & Montenegro

Crafted especially for travelers seeking an idyllic blend of relaxation and cultural immersion, this Adriatic odyssey features Croatia's Dalmatian Coast and Montenegro's fortified town of Kotor. Throughout, you'll sunbathe in the bays of the Pakleni archipelago, sip wine among island vineyards, and sail the pristine waters of the Bay of Kotor. In between, earn your relaxation time while speedboating to otherworldly caves, hiking waterfall-lined boardwalks in Krka National Park, and roaming fortresses that have withstood the test of time.

Straight off the plane in Split, Croatia, you'll be treated to majestic Dalmatian Coast views during an independent walk, followed by guided explorations of Diocletian's Palace and the nearby island city of Trogir. Next, detour to Krka National Park to explore on foot before boarding a ferry bound for Hvar. Your home on this dreamy island is Hvar Town, which is the ideal base to hop between quaint fishing villages and cruise around the neighboring islands of Biševo and Vis. Then, continue by ferry to Korčula and fill your two-day stay with fascinating tours featuring the island's wine, beaches, and farms. 

Week two of your adventure kicks off with a transfer to Kotor, Montenegro, and along the way, you'll stop to sample fresh oysters and sip wine in Ston. Then, over the following two days, discover Montenegro's storied landscapes through visits to Mount Lovćen National Park and Cetinje and a Bay of Kotor sailing adventure. Your next and final destination is Dubrovnik, and with four days here, you'll have generous time to experience its many wonders. Take a cable car up Mount Srđ, see firsthand "Game of Thrones" filming locations, and speedboat around the Elafiti archipelago—all before bidding farewell. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Cultural Heritage Tour of the Balkans

Featuring a lovely blend of immersive tours and short hikes, this alternate highlights itinerary is ideal for travelers eager to dive deeper into the Balkan's cultural and natural wonders. Through carefully selected stops, including the iconic cities of Dubrovnik, Split, and Ljubljana, and the nature-immersed Bled and Plitvice Lakes, you'll get a well-rounded view of the region's long history and connection to nature. Among the many highlights are a Bay of Kotor sailing excursion, a biking tour along the historic Parenzana Trail, and a visit to Bled Island's picturesque castle.

Your cultural-infused Balkan adventure begins in Kotor, Montenegro, which is the perfect place to shrug off travel fatigue while hiking up to St. John Fortress and sailing the Bay of Kotor. Next, transfer to Dubrovnik and get to know the legends of this storied city through an Old Town walking tour and free time to wander independently. Continuing north, detour across the border to Bosnia and Herzegovina and explore Mostar's historic sites before arriving in Split. Here, a day of discovering Diocletian's Palace and the nearby town of Trogir awaits.

Next, pause in Šibenik and Plitvice Lakes National Park en route to Rovinj—which serves as your base to visit the Roman-influenced town of Pula and conquer a bike ride along the Parenzana Trail. Afterward, transfer to Bled and spend two days delving into Slovenia's history. Visit Bled Island, enjoy dinner in a historic castle, and sip coffee overlooking Jasna Lake; then, set your sights on Ljubljana, Slovenia's capital. Here, you'll wrap up your trip with numerous immersive tours, including through Old Town, between traditional restaurants, and to Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Nature & Outdoor Adventure in Croatia & Slovenia

Hike, raft, kayak, zipline, and paraglide through Slovenia and Croatia on this active Balkans adventure. Perfect for nature-loving travelers, you'll spend time in the most breathtaking destinations of the region, including Lake Bled, the mountainous Soča Valley, Brijuni National Park, and Plitvice Lakes National Park. In between exhilarating outdoor activities, rejuvenate during a wine-tasting session, a pottery workshop, and scenic transfers.

Upon arriving in Zagreb, your trip gets rolling with a delightful urban adventure through the city's parks and scenic neighborhoods. Then, transfer north to Bled and immerse yourself in the region's natural beauty while visiting Bled Island and hiking through the dramatic Vintgar Gorge. You'll also venture to Lake Bohinj for a peaceful afternoon of kayaking and hiking before crossing over the Vršič Pass to Bovec. This mountain town is renowned for its thrilling activities, and with two days here, you'll have ample time to zipline, raft, paraglide, and hike among its peaks and valleys. 

Leaving the mountains behind, you'll arrive in the coastal town of Piran, where you'll cycle through quaint villages to panoramic viewpoints. A relaxing afternoon at an Istrian wine estate follows, which will ensure you're ready to tackle your next set of activities from Rovinj, including a Brijuni National Park cycling excursion, a trip to Pula's ancient amphitheater, and a medieval hilltop towns tour. Your journey then continues to Plitvice Lakes for a two-day exploration of its terraced lakes, complemented by a pottery class. Lastly, return to Zagreb and delight in an end-of-adventure Croatian dinner. Learn more

More Great 14-Day Croatia Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Croatia? Check out these other 14-day Croatia itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.

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