Ten days is the sweet spot for a first trip around the Balkans. It is enough to see the Adriatic coast, the Ottoman towns of Bosnia, the fjord-like bay of Kotor and the lakes of North Macedonia without feeling rushed. This 10-day Balkan itinerary covers five countries: Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania and North Macedonia.
Day 1: Dubrovnik, Croatia
Arrive in Dubrovnik and walk the marble streets of the Old Town. If you have energy, walk the city walls in the late afternoon for the best light over the Adriatic.
Day 2: Dubrovnik to Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Cross into Herzegovina, stopping at the Kravica waterfalls and the hillside village of Počitelj. In Mostar, watch the sunset from the Old Bridge.
Day 3: Mostar to Sarajevo
Visit the Dervish monastery in Blagaj, then follow the Neretva canyon north to Sarajevo. Spend the evening in Baščaršija.
Day 4: Sarajevo
A full day in the capital: the Old Town, the Latin Bridge, the Tunnel of Hope and the Olympic bobsleigh track on Mount Trebević. Our Sarajevo Grand Tour covers all of this in five hours.
Day 5: Sarajevo to Kotor, Montenegro
A long but beautiful drive through eastern Herzegovina and down to the Bay of Kotor. Arrive in time to explore Kotor’s Old Town.
Day 6: The Bay of Kotor
Climb the fortress walls above Kotor for the famous view of the bay, then visit Perast and the island church of Our Lady of the Rocks.
Day 7: Kotor to Tirana, Albania
Drive along the Montenegrin coast, past Budva, into Albania. Tirana is colourful and lively, with cafés, museums and a growing food scene.
Day 8: Tirana to Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia
Cross the mountains to Ohrid, one of the oldest lakes in Europe. The old town is full of churches and has a wonderful lakeside promenade.
Day 9: Lake Ohrid
Visit the Church of St. John at Kaneo above the water, the old town and the monastery of St. Naum near the springs on the far side of the lake.
Day 10: Skopje and departure
Finish in Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, with its old Ottoman bazaar and Stone Bridge, before your flight home.
Let us handle the borders and driving
This route crosses four borders and some slow mountain roads. On a guided tour, our drivers and guides take care of the logistics so you can enjoy the views. Our Balkan tours that follow this route:
7-Day UNESCO Balkan Tour (from €1,500): if you prefer to focus on Croatia, Bosnia and Montenegro.
Practical tips for the Balkans
Currencies: Croatia and Montenegro use the euro. Bosnia uses the convertible mark (KM), Albania the lek and North Macedonia the denar.
Best time: May, June and September offer warm weather with fewer crowds than July and August.
Border crossings: usually quick, but allow extra time in peak summer.
Frequently asked questions
Is 10 days enough for the Balkans?
Ten days is enough for the highlights of five countries at a steady pace. With 15 days you can add Slovenia and more time on the coast. See our 15 Days Balkan Tour.
Can the tour start in Dubrovnik?
Yes. Many of our Balkan tours can start in Dubrovnik, Split or Sarajevo. Ask us when you send an enquiry.
Can I travel solo?
Yes. Solo travelers can join our group tours, which run with a minimum of 2 people. See all Balkan tours.
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