14-Day Balkan Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1-2: Zagreb, Croatia (stop in Slovenia)

Day 3: Rovinj, Croatia

Day 4: Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Day 5: Sibenik, Croatia

Day 6-7: Split, Croatia

Day 8: Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Day 9-10: Kotor, Montenegro

Day 11-14: Dubrovnik, Croatia

Our journey through the Balkans was nothing short of extraordinary. The lifelong memories created and the unique bond we formed while traveling together are timeless treasures that I will always hold dear in my heart.

Discovering the grandeur of our beautiful world frequently resulted in the most memorable experiences. With every mile, a new journey awaited discovery. We enjoyed the excitement of unexpected detours, which frequently led to the encounter of hidden gems. On the open road, we choose our pace, resulting in the ideal balance of excitement and freedom.

Balkan is a Turkish word for mountains. It originates from the Ottoman Turkish term Balkan, meaning ‘a range of wood mountains’. This pertains to the area of the Balkan, Rhodope, Dinaric Alps, and the Carpathian Mountains.

The Balkans is one of Europe’s most underestimated regions. While travelers have explored Western European countries like France, Spain, and Germany, many remain unaware of this remarkable destination that offers a distinctive, unexplored experience for seasoned travelers.

These are all the countries that have full or partial territory in the Balkan peninsula: Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia, Romania, and Italy (less than 0.5% located in the Balkans).

The Balkans, a region of resilience and renewal, is a captivating mosaic of diverse cultures and histories. It served as a bridge between East and West, with layers of influence from ancient Greece, Rome, and the Ottoman Empire. The 19th-century independence movements, following centuries of Ottoman rule, gave birth to new nations with distinct languages, religions, and traditions, each adding a unique thread to this rich tapestry of identities.

In the 20th century, Yugoslavia brought a vision of unity to the Balkans. Its dissolution in the 1990s, though challenging, also sparked a powerful rebirth. It led to the emergence of individual nations, each embracing its own identity and heritage while fostering connections, a testament to the resilience and optimism of the region.

The Balkans are located in Europe’s easternmost southern peninsula between the Adriatic Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Aegean and Black Seas. The region is home to a variety of ethnic, religious, linguistic, and national groups.

Our road trip through the Balkans offered firsthand experience of this resilience. Though we could not visit every country in such a short time, each place we explored reflected the region’s energetic character. We wandered through these historic cities and serene landscapes, where the past coexists with a promising, modern future. This journey gave us a genuine appreciation for the spirit of the Balkans and the optimism that carries these nations forward.

Zagreb, Croatia

Our Balkan road trip commenced in Zagreb, a city that is both culturally and historically significant in Croatia. We spent a day and a half exploring the tranquil alleyways, indulging in the local cuisine, and soaking up the vibrant ambiance of its buzzing squares. The following day, we eagerly collected our rental car to start our journey on the open road.

Slovenia

Our first stop was in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Our quick stop gave us a delightful sneak peek of Slovenia’s lively capital. We wandered through picturesque streets and enjoyed a quick, delicious lunch in the heart of the city. Energized and eager to explore further, we headed to Lake Bled, where the pristine water and picturesque island views provided an unforgettable afternoon amidst the Alps. We spent some time strolling around the lake and admiring the scenery; the tranquil environs were a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of travel.

Rovinj, Croatia

As we returned to Croatia and proceeded toward the Istrian Peninsula, the landscape underwent a significant transformation. This striking region, renowned for its picturesque villages and captivating coastline, was welcoming. With its stunning vistas of olive orchards, vineyards, and verdant Mediterranean vegetation, the Istrian Region established the tone for our next stop.

We often paused along the way, enjoying the lovely scenery and breathtaking sea views. We had forgotten how much time had gone on the drive to Rovinj.

We stayed in Rovinj, Croatia, for the night, where the cobblestone pathways quickly pulled us in. Our day in Rovinj was a perfect blend of exploring winding streets, soaking in the coastal charm of its colorful old town, and relaxing by the Adriatic Sea. We watched the sunset and sunrise over the charming fishing boats in the harbor.

The next day, we left the enchanting streets of Rovinj behind. We made our way to Pula, where we marveled at the city’s ancient Roman amphitheater. We explored its historic charm before continuing our journey. The travel to Pula proved to be quite the experience! What we thought would be a simple diversion quickly got more challenging. However, these problems just added to the excitement of our travel!

Plitvice National Park

Our next destination was the beautiful Plitvice National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its waterfalls and cascading lakes. We spent the day wandering the park’s lovely walks, admiring the turquoise oceans and lush landscape.

As we left the beautiful Plitvice behind and proceeded toward the beach city of Sibenik, we detoured again to the little village of Smiljan. From a scientific standpoint, this place is noteworthy. Nikola Tesla, the famous inventor whose groundbreaking work in electricity and electromagnetics forever changed the world, was born in Smiljan.

Šibenik, Croatia

Continuing, the next stop was at Šibenik, a beach town with ancient structures and a fortress offering panoramic sea views.

Split, Croatia

After a night in Šibenik, we arrived at Split, Croatia’s second-largest city and home to the ancient Diocletian Palace. Wandering through its numerous labyrinths transported us back to the Roman period, witnessing a magnificent fusion of the past and contemporary.  A short drive away, the breathtaking waterfalls and lush landscapes of Krka National Park.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

We landed in Bosnia and Herzegovina and stopped in Medjugorje, a well-known pilgrimage site. After some introspection in this peaceful village, we traveled to Mostar, home of the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge). It was a poignant moment to see the contrast between the scars of battle and the beauty of the historic town. The sight of the rebuilt bridge, a symbol of endurance, and the dynamic spirit of the city had an indelible effect on us.

Montenegro

After leaving Bosnia, we arrived in Montenegro, where the lovely town of Kotor awaited. Nestled between the gorgeous mountains and the serene Bay of Kotor, the historic old town of Kotor was a sight to see; the hike to the fortress presented us with gorgeous views of Kotor.

Every stop opened a new chapter in our adventure, yet the time we spent in the vehicle was equally magical. We listened to music, played games, spoke about our best everyday experiences, and even had a few quiet moments for a nap. Family time is truly the best!

The route itself made our road trip unforgettable as we drove along the magnificent coastal road, especially the dramatic portion between Kotor and Dubrovnik.

The drive from Kotor, Montenegro, to Dubrovnik, Croatia, offered stunning vistas of the Adriatic coast on the winding roads. The two-hour trip started with a drive through Montenegro’s rugged cliffs overlooking the blue waters of the Bay of Kotor. As we neared the Croatian border, the background transformed and rewarded us with panoramic Adriatic views. As we approached, the legendary Dubrovnik city walls rose over the glistening river, marking our arrival.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Finally, we arrived at our last stop on our road trip, Dubrovnik, Croatia. This renowned city, with its medieval walls and terracotta roofs overlooking the Adriatic, was the ideal conclusion to our road trip. We spent several days enjoying the splendor of the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” strolling the city walls and learning about its rich history and culture.

Each stop on our Balkan road trip was distinct, from bustling cities to calm lakes and ancient buildings, resulting in a remarkable adventure across one of the world’s most varied and beautiful areas.

Author: Cristy
Photo Credit: Nathan