Leave Annecy station early in the morning for the long rail run to Zagreb via Switzerland or Austria; this is usually a 10–13+ hour day once you count changes, so the goal is simple: keep the connections generous, reserve seats if you can, and pack snacks, water, and a charger. If you’re carrying bags, avoid tight transfers in Geneva, Zurich, Milan, or Vienna-style hubs depending on the route you book, because one missed connection can snowball fast. You’ll most likely arrive at Zagreb Glavni kolodvor by late afternoon or early evening, then it’s an easy tram hop or a short taxi/Bolt ride into the center; for a budget stay, aim for accommodation around Donji Grad or the edge of Lower Town so you can walk most places tomorrow.
Once you’ve dropped your bags, head straight to Ban Jelačić Square to reset your body clock and get your bearings. It’s the city’s main meeting point, always lively but not chaotic, and a good place to grab a cheap coffee or just sit for 20 minutes and people-watch. From there, wander uphill into the Upper Town (Gornji Grad) for an easy first stroll past St. Mark’s Church, the old lanes around Opatovina, and the viewpoints above the city; this part of Zagreb is compact, so don’t rush it. In June, daylight lasts long enough that a slow wander feels perfect, and you can keep this whole stretch on foot without paying for transport.
For dinner, Mali Medo on Tkalčićeva Street is a solid budget-friendly choice: grilled meat, hearty portions, and local beer without the tourist-trap pricing of the more polished spots. Expect roughly €15–25 per person depending on drinks and how hungry everyone is; go a little earlier if you want an easier table, especially on a Saturday. Afterward, stay on Tkalčićeva Street for a short post-dinner walk or a final drink—there are plenty of casual bars and gelato stops, and it’s one of the best streets in the city for easing into the trip without burning energy. Call it a night early if you can; tomorrow is your first coastal transfer, and an early start will make the whole Balkans run feel smoother.
Take the morning bus from Zagreb Main Railway Station toward Zadar as early as you can so you still land with a proper coast afternoon. With the ride taking roughly 3.5–5.5 hours depending on the connection, the sweet spot is usually to leave before 9:00 if possible; that gives you enough buffer for delays and lets you arrive in time to drop bags, grab a snack, and head straight for the water. If you’re carrying backpacks, Zadar is easy enough to navigate on foot, but keep a light day bag with swimsuits, a towel, water, and flip-flops accessible so you’re not unpacking everything the moment you arrive.
For a first dip, Kolovare Beach is the easy, no-fuss choice: it’s close to the center, low-budget, and exactly what you want after a travel morning. It’s a pebbly city beach rather than a soft-sand one, so water shoes help, but the sea is usually clear and refreshing. Plan on spending about 1.5 hours here—enough to swim, dry off, and maybe buy a cheap cold drink from the kiosks along the waterfront. If you want to stretch your legs afterward, the walk from Kolovare Beach back toward the old town is straightforward and flat, so you can drift along the promenade without needing any transport.
Late afternoon is for the classic Zadar waterfront combo: Sea Organ followed by Greeting to the Sun. This is one of those rare tourist-famous spots that still feels worth it, especially at sunset when the light softens and the promenade fills with people just hanging out. The Sea Organ is free, so you can stay as long as you like, and the sound is best when the sea has a bit of movement; Greeting to the Sun is right nearby, so it’s easy to pair the two in one relaxed loop of 45–60 minutes. There’s no need to rush—grab an ice cream or a beer nearby and let the evening build naturally.
For dinner, head into the old town to Konoba Skoblar near Narodni trg. It’s a good budget-friendly Dalmatian option where you can eat well without turning the night into a splurge; expect roughly 15–30 € per person depending on whether you go for pasta, grilled fish, or a shared plate. If you’re tired from the travel day, go simple and order one or two dishes to split, then walk it off through the stone streets afterward. Zadar at night is small and pleasant, so you can keep things loose and unhurried rather than overplanning the evening.
Arrivez à Split bus station vers la fin de matinée, posez les sacs si votre hébergement ne les garde pas, puis filez à pied vers le centre: en 10–15 minutes vous êtes déjà dans le cœur piéton. Gardez cette journée simple, car le vrai plaisir ici c’est de laisser la ville se dévoiler à pied, entre ruelles de pierre, linge aux fenêtres et petites ombres qui font du bien quand le soleil tape. Pour le déjeuner, prenez quelque chose de rapide et pas cher autour de Marmontova ou près de la Riva — un burek, une salade, un sandwich — avant d’entrer dans le monument le plus important de la ville.
Commencez par Diocletian’s Palace, qui n’est pas un musée fermé mais un vrai morceau de ville vivant. Comptez environ 1 h 30 à flâner entre les passages, les cours et les petites échoppes; l’intérêt est autant dans l’ambiance que dans les vestiges romains. Ensuite, traversez vers le Peristyle, la grande place centrale: c’est le meilleur endroit pour souffler, boire un café si vous en trouvez un libre, et faire quelques photos. À deux pas, entrez dans la Cathedral of Saint Domnius; l’intérieur se visite facilement, et si vous avez encore de l’énergie, la montée au clocher vaut le petit effort pour la vue sur les toits et le port. Prévoyez environ 45 minutes au total, et quelques euros d’entrée selon ce que vous choisissez de voir.
Quand la chaleur commence à redescendre, marchez vers Bacvice Beach: c’est la plage urbaine la plus simple à atteindre depuis le centre, à peu près 10 minutes à pied du vieux noyau. Ici, pas besoin de chichi: eau peu profonde, ambiance locale, familles, groupes d’amis, et possibilité de rester longtemps sans dépenser grand-chose. Prenez de l’eau, éventuellement un en-cas du supermarché avant d’y aller, et profitez d’une vraie baignade après le bus. Si vous aimez le côté populaire de Split, c’est un bon moment pour regarder les gens jouer au picigin dans l’eau — très local, très relax.
Pour finir, remontez tranquillement vers Fife dans le West End près de la Riva. C’est le genre d’adresse sans prétention où on mange des plats dalmates copieux à prix encore raisonnables, souvent autour de 12–25 € par personne selon ce que vous prenez. Venez assez tôt si possible, car ça se remplit vite en été; sinon, gardez l’idée d’un dîner plus tardif après une bière sur la promenade. Le reste de la soirée peut se faire sans programme: une marche sur la Riva, un dernier café, puis retour à pied à votre logement.
Quitter Split sans se presser, c’est déjà profiter de la ville. Commencez par une marche le long de Split Riva tôt, quand la lumière est douce et que les terrasses s’installent encore. Prenez un café debout ou en terrasse — un espresso coûte souvent autour de 1,5–2,5 € — puis laissez-vous porter par le front de mer avant d’attaquer la vraie marche. Le plus simple ensuite est de monter vers Marjan Hill depuis Varoš ou le côté ouest du centre; comptez 15–25 minutes à pied selon votre point de départ. Les sentiers sont gratuits, ombragés par endroits, et parfaits pour couper avec le bitume: emportez de l’eau, car il fait vite chaud en juin, et gardez de bonnes chaussures pour les petites montées et descentes.
Après la balade, redescendez vers Kasjuni Beach pour le meilleur moment baignade de la journée. C’est l’un des coins les plus agréables autour de Split: eau claire, ambiance détendue, et assez d’espace pour poser une serviette sans payer de transat si vous venez tôt. Prévoyez 2 à 3 € pour une boisson si vous vous arrêtez au beach bar, mais le vrai budget-friendly, c’est d’arriver avec votre bouteille d’eau et quelques snacks. Pour le retour vers le centre, les bus locaux et taxis existent, mais à pied c’est faisable si vous gardez de l’énergie; sinon, comptez environ 10–15 minutes de trajet selon l’accès choisi. En milieu d’après-midi, faites un passage à Tržnica Split juste à côté du palais, puis à Green Market (Pazar): c’est là qu’on achète les meilleures pêches, tomates, cerises et petits en-cas pour quelques euros, et l’ambiance est bien plus vivante que dans les ruelles touristiques.
Le soir, direction Konoba Kod Joze pour un dîner simple et solide sans exploser le budget. C’est une bonne adresse pour du poisson grillé, des calamars, ou de la viande à la dalmate, avec des plats souvent dans une fourchette de 15–30 € par personne selon ce que vous prenez; évitez les extras inutiles, partagez une salade, et vous restez raisonnables. Réservez si possible ou venez tôt, surtout en saison, car les bonnes konobas se remplissent vite. Depuis le centre ou le secteur du port, vous y allez facilement à pied en une dizaine de minutes selon votre point de départ. Après le dîner, gardez une petite marche digestive autour des quais ou dans les ruelles du centre: c’est la meilleure façon de terminer une journée très simple, très locale, et franchement parfaite avant la suite du littoral.
Today is mostly about the transfer from Split to Dubrovnik, so don’t try to do too much before leaving. If you can, grab an early coach from Split bus station so you still land with enough light for a proper first look at the city. The ride is long enough that snacks, water, and a downloaded playlist are worth it, and if you can choose your seat, the right side is the one to aim for for better sea glimpses along the coast. Once you arrive, keep your luggage close and head straight into the old town area rather than wandering far — Dubrovnik works best when you enter it gently.
Your first stop is Pile Gate, the main western entrance to Dubrovnik Old Town. It’s the cleanest way to “meet” the city for the first time: walls, stone, and that immediate feeling of stepping into a movie set, except you’re very much in real life and probably a bit tired. From there, walk the length of Stradun, the polished limestone spine of the old town. It’s only about a 10-minute stroll end to end, but with stops it easily becomes a pleasant 45-minute drift. A calm break at the Franciscan Monastery Museum is smart here — the old pharmacy is one of the oldest in Europe, and the shaded cloister is exactly what you want after a bus day. Entry is usually around €6–10, and it’s typically open into the late afternoon, though hours can shift seasonally.
As the heat softens, head just outside the walls to Buža Bar. It’s one of those Dubrovnik places that lives on the view, so don’t overthink it: go a bit before sunset if you want a decent seat, because the cliffside tables fill fast. Drinks are not cheap by Balkan standards — expect roughly €6–10 each — but this is the one splurge that really feels worth it. After that, stay within the old town for dinner at Taj Mahal Dubrovnik. It’s a solid, dependable choice for hearty Bosnian-style dishes, and after a travel-heavy day the portions make sense: think cevapi, grilled meats, and comforting plates in the €18–35 range per person. If you still have energy afterward, just wander a little through the lit lanes of Old Town — no need to over-plan it tonight.
Start early and keep the first part of the day compact: the Dubrovnik City Walls are best done as soon as they open, before the limestone gets hot and the crowds build up. From the Pile Gate side, you can usually be on the walls within minutes; plan on about 2 hours if you want to stop for photos and not rush. Entry is pricier than most things on this trip, but it’s the one “splurge” that really earns it here — expect roughly €35–40, and bring water because there’s very little shade. Wear good shoes; the steps are uneven and the stone gets slick in places.
When you come off the walls, head straight to Lovrijenac Fortress, just west of the Old Town and only a short walk from the wall exit. It’s a quick but dramatic add-on: 45 minutes is enough unless you’re lingering over views toward Lokrum and the sea. The fortress is often included with the walls ticket, so keep your pass handy. This is the moment to slow down a little, sit on a stone ledge, and enjoy the breeze before the day turns beachy.
For a budget-friendly reset, go down to Banje Beach on the eastern edge of the Old Town. It’s the easiest swim break in Dubrovnik, and the view back toward the city walls is the classic postcard shot. The beach is pebbly, so water shoes help, and sunbed prices can climb quickly in peak season — if you’re saving money, just bring a towel and claim a free patch of shoreline. After a swim, if you still have energy, grab the cable car or hike up Mount Srđ for late-afternoon light; the cable car is the lazy option and the best value if you want the panorama without spending your whole evening climbing. The view is especially good an hour or so before sunset.
Before dinner, swing through Gruž Market in Gruž for fruit, cheap snacks, or a simple lunch-style bite if you’ve been eating around the tourist center all day. It’s much more local and much kinder to the wallet than the Old Town cafés, and you can easily get there by local bus from the center in about 10–15 minutes. Wrap the day with dinner at Barba in the Old Town: it’s casual, fast, and one of the better low-stress seafood options when you want to eat well without turning the night into a long sit-down affair. Expect around €12–25 per person depending on what you order. If you’re heading on tomorrow, keep the evening simple and aim for an early night — Dubrovnik looks best when you’re not too tired to enjoy it.
Leave Dubrovnik bus station as early as you can — ideally around 7:00–8:00 — because the border can add unpredictable time and you’ll want to arrive with daylight left. The ride is usually 3.5–5 hours, but on a busy June Friday it can creep up if the line at the crossing is slow, so keep your passport and tickets handy and don’t bury anything you’ll need in the bottom of your bag. Once you reach Kotor, the bus drops you near the waterfront, and from there it’s an easy flat walk into Stari Grad; if you’ve got a room, drop your bags first, otherwise most hostels and apartments will store them for a few euros or for free.
Spend the first hour just wandering the lanes of Kotor Old Town without a map. It’s tiny, but the charm is in the details: stone passages, little courtyards, cats lounging in doorways, and sudden openings onto quiet squares. This is one of those places where you don’t need to “do” much — just let yourself loop through Stari Grad, then stop into the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon when you’re ready for a cultural pause. Entry is usually around €3–5, and it’s worth stepping inside for the cool interior and the sense of how old the city really is. After that, head a few minutes away to the Maritime Museum of Montenegro; it’s small, cheap, and a good way to understand why this bay has always mattered so much. Expect another €4–6 and about 45 minutes if you take your time.
By late afternoon, the old town starts feeling much more relaxed, so it’s the perfect moment to sit down at Café Pronto for a budget-friendly break — think espresso, iced coffee, pastry, or soft drink for roughly €5–12 per person depending on what you order. If you want something very local and even cheaper, just ask for a coffee and a bottle of water rather than going full snack mode. After that, stay inside the walls for your first evening stroll around Square of Arms, where the light gets soft, the music spills out of the bars, and the whole center feels alive without needing to spend much. It’s a great night for wandering, people-watching, and keeping dinner simple in the old town or just outside the gate; the key here is not to over-plan, because Kotor is best when you let the evening unfold slowly.
Leave Kotor early and head for the Kotor Fortress hike before the sun starts bouncing off the stone. In June, this is the move: if you’re on the trail around 7:00–8:00, it’s still relatively cool and you’ll avoid the worst of the midday heat and cruise-ship crowds. The path starts right above Old Town near the old walls; go slowly, bring at least one big bottle of water each, and wear proper shoes because the steps are uneven and dusty. Expect about 2.5–3 hours round trip if you take your time and stop for photos, and carry some cash just in case there’s an entrance fee or a checkpoint on the way up.
Your reward is St. John’s Fortress viewpoint, which is the classic postcard angle over the Bay of Kotor and the terracotta roofs below. Don’t rush this part — this is where you sit, breathe, and let the climb feel worth it. The view is best if the light is still clear, so linger a bit, take the photos you want, then descend carefully; those stone steps are slippery when your legs are tired. By the time you’re back down, you’ll feel like you’ve already earned the day.
Drop into Pjaca od Drva to cool off and snack without spending much. It’s a good low-key reset after the hike: grab an ice cream, a cold drink, or a cheap pastry, and just sit in the shade for half an hour. From there, make your way north for the Dobrota promenade, which is one of the nicest budget-friendly walks in town because it’s flat, peaceful, and has those endless bay views that make you forget the busier tourist core. You can wander for about 1.5 hours, dip into swimming spots if you brought a towel, and keep it simple — no need to overplan here, the point is to enjoy the water and the quieter side of the bay.
For dinner, Mladost is the kind of no-fuss local spot that works well for a small budget: expect roughly €10–20 per person if you keep it straightforward, with filling plates and an easygoing vibe near the center. It’s the right kind of place after a long walking day — no dress code, no stress, just a solid meal. Then finish at the Kotor waterfront sunset and stay a little longer than you think you should; this is one of the best free moments of the whole trip. Find a spot by the water, watch the light fade over the bay, and if you still have energy, keep it as a slow night rather than trying to cram in more.
The hop from Kotor to Budva is short enough that you can treat it like a lazy coastal move rather than a real travel day: plan to leave after breakfast, settle in by late morning, and keep your bag light if possible. The bus station drop-off puts you close enough to walk into town, so once you arrive, head straight into Budva Old Town (Stari Grad) and give yourself about an hour to wander the stone lanes, peek through the gates, and catch the early calm before the day-trippers arrive. It’s compact, so don’t overplan here — just drift between the little squares, tiny churches, and souvenir stalls, then grab a coffee in the shade when the heat starts building.
From the Old Town, take the scenic coastal path west to Mogren Beach; this is one of the nicest free swims in Budva, and the walk itself is half the fun, with the sea on one side and limestone cliffs on the other. In June, the water is already warm enough to feel like a reward, and if you bring your own towel, snacks, and water, you can keep the whole stop very budget-friendly. After a couple of hours swimming and drying off, pop up to Budva Citadel for a short break from the beach: the views over the Adriatic and the red roofs of the Old Town are best from up there, and the visit is quick enough that it won’t eat the afternoon. Expect a small entry fee, and go mainly for the panorama rather than a long museum-style stop.
When the sun starts to soften, follow the flow toward the Slovenska Plaža promenade for an easy low-cost stroll with the rest of Budva. This is where the town feels most alive in season: kids on scooters, ice cream stands, cheap snacks, beach bars, and plenty of places to sit without spending much. It’s a good stretch to slow down before dinner, especially if you want to avoid the pricier beach clubs and keep the day relaxed. For the evening, book a simple table at Jadran Kod Krsta near the marina — it’s a classic for grilled fish, calamari, and Montenegrin basics, and you can eat well without going overboard if you stick to the house wine or a shared plate. Expect roughly 15–30 € per person depending on what you order.
Today is a pure logistics day, so treat it like a travel reset: leave Budva as early as possible, have your passport handy, and keep water, snacks, tissues, and a power bank in the top of your bag because the Montenegro–Albania border can be slow and unpredictable in June. If you’re on a coach, expect a long but manageable day with one or more stops through Shkodër before reaching Saranda; once you arrive, drop your bag fast and don’t plan anything ambitious besides a first look at the sea. In summer, many guesthouses will let you store luggage even if your room isn’t ready, which is useful here because late afternoon is the best window for a quick viewpoint.
If you still have a bit of daylight after checking in, head straight up to Lekursi Castle for the classic first panorama over Saranda Bay and the Ionian Sea. It’s the kind of place that costs almost nothing to enjoy if you just go for the view, and it’s best in late afternoon when the light softens and the heat backs off; budget around a short taxi ride up the hill if you don’t want to climb in the sun. Give yourself about 45 minutes there, more if you want to sit with a drink and watch the ferries and fishing boats come and go.
After that, come back down for an easy walk along the Saranda Promenade, which is really the city’s social spine after sunset: families out, kids on scooters, people lingering by the water, and plenty of spots for a cheap gelato or coffee if you need a breather. For dinner, Mare Nostrum Cuisine is a strong choice if you want local seafood and Mediterranean plates without blowing the budget — think roughly €12–25 per person depending on whether you go for grilled fish, pasta, or a couple of shared starters. If you still have energy after dinner, finish with a casual drink or late snack at The Beer House, which is more wallet-friendly than the fancier waterfront bars and usually lands in the €5–12 range per person; it’s a good place to decompress, compare border stories, and call it an early night before the beach day tomorrow.
From Saranda, get moving early toward Ksamil Beach — ideally before 8:30 if you want the calmest water and a decent chance of finding a cheap sunbed or, better yet, a free patch of sand if you bring your own towel. In June, the minibuses/taxis along the coast fill fast once day-trippers arrive, so it’s worth sharing a taxi with your friends if you’re trying to keep things simple and budget-friendly; the ride is short, usually around 20–25 minutes, and splitting the fare often works out better than multiple buses. Expect bright turquoise water, rocky little coves, and beach bars that will happily let you sit for the price of a drink instead of a full beach-club bill. Keep snacks, water, and a little cash on you, because card payments can be hit-or-miss in the smaller places.
After the swim, head inland to Butrint National Park while the day is still manageable but the sun is starting to bite. This is the smart order: you get your beach fix first, then spend the hotter middle of the day in the shade of one of Albania’s most important sites. The park is spread out enough that you should plan around 2 hours if you want to do it properly without rushing — wear good sandals or sneakers, bring water, and don’t skip the quieter corners near the lagoon. Entry is usually modest by European standards, and the site has enough archaeology, views, and breeze to feel like a real break from the beach crowd. If you’re coming by taxi from Ksamil, ask the driver to wait or arrange a return pickup in advance; otherwise, it’s easy enough to find a ride back toward Saranda later.
On the way back, stop at Mirror Beach for one more dip if you still have energy. It’s a small, scenic cove and a good “last swim” kind of place — less about facilities, more about the view and the water. Don’t expect luxury: it’s the kind of stop where a little flexibility pays off, and carrying your own flip-flops, water, and maybe a light snack saves money. If you’re trying to keep the afternoon easy, even 30–45 minutes here is enough to cool off before rolling back into town. Later, settle into the Saranda seafront cafés along the waterfront for a cheap coffee, lemonade, or beer and watch the promenade life go by; this is the best low-cost reset in town, especially around sunset when the air softens and everyone else is out walking.
For dinner, go straightforward and budget-friendly at La Petite in Saranda. It’s the kind of place that works well for a mixed group because nobody has to overthink the menu: burgers, pasta, easy comfort food, and decent portions without the seaside markup you’ll find in fancier spots. A normal meal here should land somewhere around €10–20 per person, depending on drinks and how hungry you are. After dinner, keep the night simple — stroll the waterfront one last time, then remember that tomorrow’s move north to Tirana is a proper transit day, so it’s worth being near your bag and ready to leave early rather than squeezing in a late-night plan.
Leave Saranda in the morning for Tirana and treat it like a reset day inland after so much coast time. The coach ride is long enough that you’ll want an early departure, water, snacks, and something for the air-con—then aim to arrive in Tirana with enough daylight left for a proper city afternoon. Once you’re in the center, drop your bags first if you can; around Skanderbeg Square most hostels and hotels are a short walk away, and it’s the easiest place to orient yourselves before wandering.
Start with Skanderbeg Square, which is Tirana’s big open heart: wide, walkable, and good for getting your bearings after the bus. From there, step into Et’hem Bey Mosque, a small but beautiful stop that usually takes only 20–30 minutes, so it fits neatly into the afternoon without feeling like a detour. Then head a few minutes on foot to Bunk’Art 2 near the square; it’s one of the better museums in the city if you want something that feels local and a bit raw, not just “another capital city museum.” Expect around 1.5 hours here, and note that tickets are usually in the modest budget range for the area.
As the heat softens, walk over to Pazari i Ri, which is the best place to see a more everyday Tirana: fruit stands, café tables, local life, and plenty of easy options for a cheap group dinner. It’s especially nice at golden hour when everyone’s out and the area feels lively without being too polished. Finish at Oda Garden nearby for filling Albanian plates that work well on a budget if you share starters and go easy on drinks; plan roughly 10–22 € per person depending on appetite and how many things you order. It’s a good final evening before your return journey, and you’ll be back in a part of town where getting a taxi or ride back to your lodging is simple.
Prenez la route tôt vers le port de Durrës pour viser une traversée de fin d’après-midi ou de soirée sur la ligne Tirana → Bari : c’est la meilleure façon de “rentabiliser” la journée sans brûler votre budget. Comptez large pour le transfert jusqu’au port, les contrôles de passeport et l’embarquement — arrivez au moins 2 heures avant le départ, avec billets, passeports et chargeurs accessibles dans un petit sac. Sur place, il n’y a pas grand-chose à faire dans le port, donc mieux vaut avoir mangé un vrai repas avant de partir et garder une bouteille d’eau, surtout en juin.
Si vous débarquez en fin d’après-midi ou en soirée, filez directement vers Bari Vecchia pour une marche tranquille dans les ruelles blanches et les petites placettes. Le centre historique se parcourt très bien à pied en 30 à 45 minutes, sans plan compliqué: laissez-vous guider par les arches, le linge aux fenêtres et les voix qui sortent des cours intérieures. C’est le moment parfait pour sentir la ville sans courir, et pour repérer où vous logerez si vous restez dormir en centre-ville.
Si vous avez encore un peu d’énergie et que les horaires le permettent, faites un crochet par la Basilica di San Nicola avant de redescendre vers la mer. L’entrée est généralement gratuite, mais prévoyez une tenue correcte si vous voulez y entrer, et gardez 30 à 45 minutes maximum pour ne pas vous alourdir avant le dîner. Ensuite, terminez votre virée par une marche sur Lungomare Nazario Sauro: c’est la promenade la plus simple et la plus économique pour profiter de l’Adriatique une dernière fois, surtout au coucher du soleil. À cette heure-là, le front de mer est vivant sans être trop cher, et vous pouvez encore vous poser sur un banc sans consommer.
Pour manger sans exploser le budget, visez Al Sorso Preferito, un bon plan du centre pour des plats pugliese simples, dont les fameuses orecchiette, avec une note souvent autour de 12 à 25 € par personne selon l’appétit. C’est l’adresse idéale si vous voulez un dernier vrai repas avant le retour, sans tomber dans les pièges trop touristiques du port. Ensuite, retour au ferry ou à l’hébergement selon votre heure de départ: gardez une marge confortable pour rejoindre Bari porto, et essayez de dormir dès que possible, car la journée suivante sera consacrée au retour vers Annecy.
Leave Bari as early as your ticket allows and keep the morning very simple: one last espresso, a quick pastry, and then straight to the station or airport with enough buffer to absorb delays. If you’re near Bari Centrale, the easiest low-cost stop is usually a bar-café around Corso Italia or Via Capruzzi for a coffee and a focaccia barese or sandwich; expect roughly €5–12 per person if you keep it basic. At the airport, arrive with more slack than you think you need, especially if you’re checking bags or connecting on a separate ticket.
This is the day to switch off a bit: use the flight and the onward connection to Geneva or Lyon as recovery time, not sightseeing time. Keep water, a charger, and a light layer handy—airports and trains can be chilly, and the connection from the airport into Annecy is much smoother if you’re not digging through your backpack at the last minute. If you arrive via Geneva, the easiest onward move is usually the train-bus combo toward Annecy station; if you land in Lyon, plan for a direct rail/bus link and give yourself a comfortable margin if your connection is separate. It’s worth checking your bag strategy before you go: for a budget trip, carry-on only saves money and time, but only if you can really manage it.
Once you’re back, keep the evening deliberately empty. The best ending is boring in the nicest way: get home, throw laundry in, shower, and have a simple late dinner near Annecy vieille ville or just something at home if you’re wiped out. If you do want one last gentle moment outside, a short walk by Le Thiou or a lap near Jardins de l’Europe is enough to feel like you’ve properly come back without starting a second day of travel.