8-Day Scenic Balkans and Croatian Coast Road Trip from Sarajevo to Rovinj

Day 1: Historic Towns Tour

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 6, 2025

9:30am

Baščaršija Market

Start your day exploring the heart of Sarajevo’s old bazaar, known for its Ottoman-era architecture, handicrafts, and authentic Bosnian coffee shops.
EUR0, 1h30m

11:00am

Breakfast at Café Tito

Enjoy a traditional Bosnian breakfast featuring burek (savory pastry) and fresh coffee in a historic setting.
EUR5, 1h

12:15pm

Drive to Travnik

Travel about 85 km west to Travnik, a town rich with Ottoman history and the birthplace of Nobel laureate Ivo Andrić.
EUR0, 1h30m

1:45pm

Lunch at Han Mehmed Paša

Savor authentic Bosnian dishes like ćevapi and stuffed vegetables in a traditional konak near Travnik castle.
EUR10, 1h

2:45pm

Visit Travnik Fortress

Explore the well-preserved Travnik Fortress offering panoramic views and insight into the town’s military past, open until 7pm.
EUR3, 1h

4:00pm

Drive to Jajce

Travel 60 km northwest to Jajce, a historic town famous for its beautiful waterfall in the town center and medieval fortress.
EUR0, 1h30m

5:30pm

Explore Jajce Waterfall and Fortress

Visit the stunning Pliva Waterfall right within town and the medieval fortress before sunset.
EUR4, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Vrbas

Enjoy hearty Bosnian dishes alongside the Pliva River with views of the illuminated waterfall.
EUR12, 1h30m
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Day 2: Mostar Old Town

Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 7, 2025

8:30am

Drive to Mostar

Travel 130 km south from Jajce to Mostar, famed for its UNESCO-listed Old Bridge and vibrant Ottoman bazaars.
EUR0, 2h30m

11:00am

Breakfast at Mandina Konoba

Indulge in fresh pastries and Bosnian coffee in a charming Old Town setting.
EUR7, 1h

12:00pm

Explore Old Bridge and Old Bazaar

Visit the iconic Stari Most to watch divers and browse artisan shops in the historic bazaar open until evening.
EUR2, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Šadrvan

Try local specialties like lamb and fresh trout right in the Old Town courtyard.
EUR12, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque

Climb the minaret for panoramic views of Mostar and the Neretva River; mosque opens until 5pm.
EUR3, 1h

5:00pm

Walk along the Neretva River

Relax with a scenic stroll by the riverbanks at sunset before dinner.
EUR0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Tima Irma

Enjoy a cozy dinner with a fusion of traditional and modern Bosnian cuisine.
EUR15, 1h30m
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Day 3: Coastal City Charm

Dubrovnik, Croatia on June 8, 2025

7:30am

Drive to Dubrovnik

Head 140 km south crossing into Croatia to reach the stunning Adriatic city of Dubrovnik.
EUR0, 3h

11:00am

Breakfast at Dubravka 1836

Have breakfast with sea views near the historic Pile Gate of Dubrovnik’s Old Town.
EUR10, 1h

12:00pm

Walk the Dubrovnik City Walls

Explore the famous city walls providing spectacular views of the Adriatic and Old Town, open 8am-7pm.
EUR30, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Proto Fish Restaurant

Savor fresh seafood dishes in a historic setting in the Old Town.
EUR20, 1h30m

3:30pm

Cable Car Ride to Mount Srđ

Take the cable car for panoramic views of Dubrovnik and the Adriatic coast, operating until 8pm.
EUR25, 1h

5:00pm

Leisure stroll through Old Town

Browse shops and landmarks like Rector’s Palace and Stradun promenade.
EUR0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Nautika

Experience fine dining with views of the city walls and fortresses illuminated at night.
EUR50, 2h
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Day 4: Split Cultural Explore

Split, Croatia on June 9, 2025

8:00am

Drive to Split

Travel 230 km northwest along the coast to Split, known for Diocletian’s Palace and vibrant waterfront.
EUR0, 3h30m

11:30am

Breakfast at Kavana Procaffe

Enjoy coffee and pastries outside the city gates near the Diocletian’s Palace.
EUR7, 1h

12:30pm

Tour Diocletian’s Palace

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site palace, including the cellars, Peristyle, and cathedral, open 9am-7pm.
EUR12, 2h

2:30pm

Lunch at Konoba Fetivi

Try Dalmatian seafood specialties in a cozy tavern nearby.
EUR15, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at Bačvice Beach

Spend the afternoon at the popular sandy beach close to the city center for swimming and sunbathing.
EUR0, 2h

6:30pm

Sunset walk along Riva Promenade

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the bustling waterfront lined with cafes and street performers.
EUR0, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Villa Spiza

Dine in a small local favorite serving fresh homemade Dalmatian dishes.
EUR18, 1h30m
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Day 5: Capital City Walk

Zagreb, Croatia on June 10, 2025

7:30am

Drive to Zagreb

Head 410 km north to Croatia’s capital city, Zagreb, with a vibrant arts and history scene.
EUR0, 4h30m

12:00pm

Breakfast at Tkalčićeva Street Café

Relax with coffee and pastries at a lively café on the bustling pedestrian street famous for culinary treats.
EUR8, 1h

1:00pm

Visit Zagreb Cathedral and Dolac Market

Explore the Gothic cathedral and nearby vibrant open market with local produce and crafts, open till 3pm.
EUR0, 1h30m

2:30pm

Lunch at Agava Restaurant

Enjoy modern Croatian cuisine with Mediterranean influences in the city center.
EUR20, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk through Upper Town (Gornji Grad)

Visit historic landmarks like St. Mark’s Church, the Museum of Broken Relationships, and Lotrščak Tower, open till 5pm.
EUR5, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Didov San

Experience regional Croatian dishes with a cozy ambiance in the city center.
EUR15, 1h30m
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Day 6: Istrian Peninsula Arrival

Rovinj, Croatia on June 11, 2025

8:00am

Drive to Rovinj

Travel 240 km west to the picturesque Istrian town of Rovinj on the Adriatic coast.
EUR0, 3h

11:00am

Breakfast at D’vino Wine Bar & Restaurant

Enjoy a light breakfast paired with local Istrian wines near the Old Town harbor.
EUR10, 1h

12:00pm

Explore Rovinj Old Town

Wander the cobblestone streets, climb the Church of St. Euphemia bell tower for panoramic views; open 9am-6pm.
EUR4, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Monte Restaurant

Treat yourself to Michelin-starred Istrian specialties emphasizing local ingredients.
EUR40, 1h30m

3:30pm

Walk the Rovinj Waterfront and Beaches

Relax along the scenic seafront or visit nearby Lone Bay beach for swimming.
EUR0, 2h

6:00pm

Wine Tasting at Kozlović Winery

Experience renowned Istrian wines with a tasting session just outside Rovinj, tours available until 7pm with reservation.
EUR15, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at La Puntulina

Dine cliffside with breathtaking sunsets and seafood-focused cuisine.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 7: Rovinj Leisure Day

Rovinj, Croatia on June 12, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Urša

Enjoy freshly baked pastries and coffee before a day of leisure.
EUR8, 1h

9:30am

Day Trip to Lim Fjord

Visit Lim Channel, a stunning fjord-like inlet famous for oyster and mussel farming; enjoy hiking and boat tours open till sunset.
EUR0-20 depending on tour, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at Konoba Batelina

Taste locally sourced fish and seafood at one of the region’s top family-run restaurants in nearby Banjole.
EUR25, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return and Relax in Rovinj

Spend the late afternoon at your leisure strolling or enjoying a café on the Old Town piazza.
EUR0, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Balbi

Enjoy refined Istrian and Mediterranean cuisine in an elegant setting near the harbor.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 8: Departure or Leisure

Rovinj, Croatia on June 13, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at your accommodation or nearby café

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before departure or continued exploration.
EUR5-10, 1h

10:00am

Leisure time in Rovinj

Opt for last-minute shopping, visit the Rovinj Aquarium, or enjoy a final walk through town depending on your schedule.
EUR5 for Aquarium, 2h
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