The Balkans pack an incredible amount into a small area: Adriatic old towns, Ottoman bazaars, mountain lakes and some of the most moving recent history in Europe. Because the distances are short but the borders many, a tailor-made trip is often the easiest way to see it. This step-by-step guide is based on the trips we plan every year from our base in Sarajevo.
Step 1: Choose the best time to travel
May, June, September and early October are ideal: warm weather, open attractions and fewer crowds.
July and August are hot and busy on the coast, especially in Dubrovnik and Kotor. Book hotels early.
Winter is quiet and cheaper, with snow in the mountains around Sarajevo, but some coastal hotels close.
Step 2: Decide how many days you need
As a rule of thumb, plan two nights in each main stop so you are not packing every morning.
7 days: three or four countries, for example Croatia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
10 days: five countries, adding Albania and North Macedonia. See our 10-day Balkan itinerary.
14–15 days: six countries from Slovenia to North Macedonia at a relaxed pace.
Step 3: Pick a route
Most trips are built from a few classic sections that you can combine:
The Adriatic and Herzegovina: Dubrovnik, Kotor, Mostar and Sarajevo. This is the route of our 7-Day UNESCO Balkan Tour.
The southern Balkans: Tirana, Lake Ohrid and Skopje, often combined with Montenegro.
The north: Ljubljana, Lake Bled and the Postojna caves, then down the Croatian coast.
Inland Bosnia: Sarajevo, Jajce, Travnik and the Pliva Lakes for history and nature away from the crowds.
Step 4: Choose how to get around
You can rent a car, take buses or travel with a private driver-guide. Buses are cheap but slow and do not stop at the sights between cities. A rental car gives freedom, but one-way and cross-border rentals often come with extra fees and insurance paperwork. A private driver-guide costs more, but handles the driving, parking and borders and turns every journey into a guided tour.
Step 5: Check documents and border crossings
Croatia and Slovenia are in the EU and the Schengen area, while Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia and Serbia are not. That means passport checks at most borders. Many nationalities can visit all these countries without a visa, but always check the rules for your own passport before you travel.
Step 6: Book hotels in the right places
Location matters more than stars. Staying inside or next to the old towns of Sarajevo, Mostar, Kotor or Ohrid means you can enjoy them in the evening, after the day visitors have left.
Step 7: Set a realistic budget
The Balkans are still good value compared with Western Europe, but prices on the Croatian coast in summer can be high. Your main costs are hotels, transport and guides. Local food and entrance fees are generally affordable.
Let a local team plan it for you
If you prefer not to plan every detail yourself, we can do it for you. Tell us your dates, interests and budget, and we will send you a day-by-day plan with a price. See our private and tailor-made Balkan tours, or start from one of our existing Balkan tour packages.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to travel in the Balkans?
Yes. The region is welcoming and safe for visitors. Use the same common sense you would anywhere else in Europe.
Where should a Balkan trip start?
Popular starting points are Dubrovnik, Split, Ljubljana and Sarajevo, depending on your flights. Trips do not have to start and end in the same place.
Can solo travellers book a tailor-made trip?
Yes. Private trips work for one traveller as well as for families and groups.
Should you book a private or a group tour in Sarajevo? We compare price, pace, flexibility and who each option suits best, from solo travellers to families.
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