Family Road Trip in the Balkans from Athens, Greece

  • Day 1: Delphi
    2 hours (120km) from Athens

    Delphi, the ancient sanctuary of Apollo, is one of the most significant historical and archaeological sites in Greece, offering panoramic views of the mountains and the sea. Visit the Temple of Apollo and the Delphi Archaeological Museum.

  • Day 2: Skopje, North Macedonia
    5 hours (397km) from Delphi

    Skopje is the capital city of North Macedonia, boasting several historical landmarks such as the Skopje Fortress and the Old Bazaar, as well as various museums such as the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Memorial House of Mother Teresa.

  • Day 3: Ohrid, North Macedonia
    2.5 hours (170km) from Skopje

    Ohrid is a picturesque town located on the shores of Lake Ohrid. Explore the beautiful old town with cobbled streets, visit the UNESCO-listed Ohrid Cathedral and the Ohrid Fortress, and take a boat ride on Lake Ohrid.

  • Day 4: Tirana, Albania
    3 hours (170km) from Ohrid

    Tirana, the capital city of Albania, is a great place to explore with kids with several family-friendly attractions such as the Dajti Adventure Park, the Skanderbeg Square, and the National History Museum.

  • Day 5: Shkoder, Albania
    2.5 hours (100km) from Tirana

    Shkoder is the cultural capital of Albania, offering numerous activities for families such as the Marubi National Museum of Photography, Rozafa Castle, and Lake Skadar which is perfect for hiking and exploring.

  • Day 6: Dubrovnik, Croatia
    6 hours (341km) from Shkoder

    Dubrovnik is a beautiful coastal city located on the Adriatic Sea, with its charming old town and the iconic walls that surround it, it is no wonder its a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A great city to explore with the family to take in the medieval history and beautiful views.

  • Day 7: Kotor, Montenegro
    2.5 hours (90km) from Dubrovnik

    Kotor is a small town nestled along the Bay of Kotor, offering various family-friendly outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and boat rides. Take in the stunning views of the bay and enjoy a stroll down the marina.

  • Day 8: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
    3.5 hours (222km) from Kotor

    Sarajevo is a city rich in culture and history, with plenty of family-friendly things to do such as the War Childhood Museum, Olympic Museum, and Vrelo Bosne Park. Enjoy the vibrant markets, delicious traditional cuisine and take in the beautiful architecture.

  • Day 9: Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
    2.5 hours (128km) from Sarajevo

    Mostar is a town known for its stunning Ottoman-era bridge and lovely old town. Take a dip in the emerald river below, shop in the bazaar, and grab a traditional Bosnian coffee.

  • Day 10: Dubrovnik, Croatia
    2 hours (112km) from Mostar

    End the road trip back in Dubrovnik, enjoy a cruise around the Adriatic Sea, explore Lokrum Island, the Dubrovnik Art Gallery, and enjoy some final shopping and food in the old town.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Delphi (3 hours, €10)
  • Skopje (1 day, €30)
  • Ohrid (1 day, €20)
  • Tirana (1 day, €25)
  • Shkoder (1 day, €15)
  • Dubrovnik (2 days, €40)
  • Kotor (1 day, €20)
  • Sarajevo (2 days, €35)
  • Mostar (1 day, €15)
Total Estimated Costs: €210

Transportation

Travelling by car is the best option, but it's important to check the travel restrictions and requisites of each country before the trip. The estimated cost of fuel for this 10-day trip is around €150, and you will cover approximately 1,380 km. Keep in mind that toll roads and parking fees are not included in this estimate.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting other nearby cities such as Thessaloniki, Greece, or Budva, Montenegro. If you have less time, you can skip some locations and spend more time in other places, such as Dubrovnik or Sarajevo, which have a lot of things to offer to all family members.

Airports

Athens Airport (ATH) is the largest airport in Greece, located near Spata Town, around 30 km northeast of Athens city center. Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) is 20 km southeast of Dubrovnik, located in Čilipi, Croatia.

0