Western Balkans Tour: Countries, Routes and How Many Days You Need
A Western Balkans tour takes you through some of the most varied corners of Europe in a single trip: Adriatic walled towns, Ottoman bridges and bazaars, mountain lakes and cities that are still rebuilding their stories. The distances are short, but there are many borders, currencies and road choices along the way. In this guide our team in Sarajevo explains which countries belong to the Western Balkans, how many days you need, the classic routes we drive every season and the practical details that make the trip easy.
The term is used by the European Union for Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. Travellers usually add Croatia, and sometimes Slovenia, because the best road routes pass through Zagreb, Plitvice, Split and Dubrovnik. On a typical Western Balkans tour you visit four to six of these countries.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Sarajevo, Mostar, Jajce and the waterfalls of Herzegovina. See our Bosnia tours.
Croatia: Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes, Split and Dubrovnik.
Montenegro: the Bay of Kotor and the old town of Budva.
Albania: the capital Tirana and the hill town of Kruja.
North Macedonia: Lake Ohrid and the capital Skopje.
How many days do you need for a Western Balkans tour?
Plan at least two nights in the main stops so you are not packing every morning. Most of our guests choose one of these three lengths:
Want to see what the 7-day route looks like stop by stop? Our 7-day Balkans itinerary explains every destination from Sarajevo to Skopje.
If you only have a week and want to slow down, focus on three countries instead of five. Our 7-Day UNESCO Balkan Tour covers Sarajevo, Mostar, Dubrovnik and Kotor at an easier pace, from €1,500 per person.
Three classic Western Balkans routes
1. Sarajevo to Skopje in 7 days
Start in Sarajevo, drive south through Mostar, Blagaj and the Kravica waterfall to the coast, then visit Dubrovnik and the Bay of Kotor. From Budva the road continues to Tirana (about 200 km), Lake Ohrid (about 130 km) and Skopje (about 180 km). It is the fastest way to see five countries, and it is the route of our 7-Day Balkan Tour – 5 Countries.
2. Zagreb to Skopje in 10 days
This route starts in the north with Zagreb and Plitvice Lakes, crosses into Bosnia at Bihać and continues through Jajce, Travnik, Sarajevo and Mostar before reaching the Adriatic. After Dubrovnik and Budva you head inland to Ohrid and Skopje. It gives you more time in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which many travellers say is the highlight of the trip.
3. Croatia, Bosnia and Montenegro in 9 days
If you prefer fewer border crossings, our 9-Day Western Balkans Tour stays in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, with a full day in the Bay of Kotor and departure from Dubrovnik.
Best time to travel
May, June, September and early October are ideal: warm days, open attractions and fewer crowds. July and August are hot and very busy on the coast, especially in Dubrovnik and Kotor, so book early. In winter the coast is quiet and some hotels close, but Sarajevo and the mountains are lovely in the snow.
Borders, money and practical tips
Passports: Croatia and Slovenia are in the EU and the Schengen area, the other countries are not, so expect passport checks at most borders. Check the entry rules for your own passport before you travel.
The Neum corridor: the coast road between Split and Dubrovnik briefly passes through Bosnia and Herzegovina, so keep your passport at hand.
Money: Croatia, Montenegro and Kosovo use the euro. Bosnia and Herzegovina uses the convertible mark (BAM), Albania the lek, North Macedonia the denar and Serbia the dinar. Cards work in cities, but carry some cash for small towns and markets.
Driving: one-way and cross-border car rentals often come with extra fees and paperwork. With a private driver-guide the borders, parking and route planning are handled for you.
Where to stay: choose hotels in or next to the old towns of Sarajevo, Mostar, Kotor and Ohrid, so you can enjoy them in the evening when the day visitors have left.
Group departure or private tour?
In 2027 our 7-Day Balkan Tour – 5 Countries runs on fixed Sunday departures twice a month, which is a good option for solo travellers and couples. If you want your own dates, hotels and pace, we build a private Balkan tour around you, from a few days in Bosnia to two weeks across six countries. Our guide How to Plan a Balkan Trip: Step-by-Step Guide explains the steps.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Western Balkans tour safe? Yes. The region is popular with travellers and the main routes are well travelled. Use the same common sense you would anywhere in Europe.
Can a tour start in Dubrovnik, Split or Zagreb? Yes. Private tours can start and end in any city on the route. Ask us when you send your enquiry.
What is the cancellation policy? Free cancellation up to 15 days before departure. See our Terms and Conditions for details.
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