7-Day Balkan Adventure Itinerary: Exploring Serbia, Slovenia, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Albania

Day 1: Slovenian Urban Exploration

Ljubljana, Slovenia on June 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Le Petit Café

Start your day with a cozy breakfast featuring freshly baked pastries and excellent coffee at this popular Ljubljana café.
EUR10, 1h0m

9:30am

Ljubljana Castle

Visit the iconic Ljubljana Castle offering panoramic city views and exhibits on Slovenian history; the funicular opens at 9:00am.
EUR13, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Druga Violina

Enjoy traditional Slovenian cuisine focusing on local and organic ingredients in a charming setting in the old town. Open noon to 3:00pm.
EUR20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Tivoli Park and Museum of Modern Art

Stroll through the expansive Tivoli Park and visit the adjacent Museum of Modern Art to experience contemporary Slovenian art.
EUR5, 2h0m

4:00pm

Dragon Bridge and Old Town Walk

Explore Ljubljana’s central area, including the famous Dragon Bridge and picturesque riverbanks, perfect for photography and local shopping.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Julija Restaurant

Savor modern Slovenian dishes fresh from the local markets, paired with excellent Slovenian wine, in a cozy, historic ambiance.
EUR25, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 2: Croatian Heritage and History

Zagreb, Croatia on June 9, 2025

7:00am

Travel Ljubljana to Zagreb

Depart early for the approximately 2.5-hour drive or train to Zagreb to maximize sightseeing time in Croatia's capital.
EUR30, 2h30m

10:00am

Breakfast at Vincek

Indulge in traditional Croatian pastries and coffee at Vincek, an acclaimed bakery and café in downtown Zagreb.
EUR12, 1h0m

11:30am

Zagreb Cathedral and Upper Town

Visit Zagreb’s magnificent cathedral and then explore the charming upper town, including St. Mark’s Church and Lotrščak Tower.
Free, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Didov San

Taste authentic Croatian and Balkan specialties in a comfortable and artistic atmosphere, open until 3pm.
EUR18, 1h0m

3:30pm

Museum of Broken Relationships

Discover this unique and emotionally engaging museum showcasing personal objects and stories from broken relationships worldwide.
HRK40 (~EUR5.3), 1h30m

5:30pm

Zrinjevac Park Relaxation

Unwind in the scenic Zrinjevac Park, enjoying fountains, sculptures, and local street performances during summer evenings.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Stari Fijaker 900

Dine on traditional Zagreb dishes including štrukli and hearty stews in a cozy rustic setting.
EUR22, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 3: Bosnian Culture Immersion

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 10, 2025

7:00am

Travel Zagreb to Sarajevo

Take a morning bus or drive approximately 4.5 hours southeast to Sarajevo to explore its fascinating cultural heritage.
EUR25, 4h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Baščaršija Traditional Restaurant

Enjoy classic Bosnian cuisine such as ćevapi and burek in the historic Ottoman bazaar area of Baščaršija.
EUR15, 1h0m

1:30pm

Baščaršija Square and Old Town Walk

Discover the lively market streets, old mosques, and craft shops in Sarajevo’s cultural and commercial heart.
Free, 2h0m

3:30pm

Historical Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Learn about the region’s complex history including the Bosnian War, through compelling exhibits and multimedia displays.
BAM10 (~EUR5), 1h30m

5:30pm

Latin Bridge and Sebilj Fountain

Visit the historic site of the assassination triggering WWI and the famous Ottoman wooden fountain symbolizing Sarajevo.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Dveri

Experience a warm atmosphere with Bosnian specialties complemented by live traditional music on select days.
EUR20, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 4: Montenegro Coast and Culture

Kotor, Montenegro on June 11, 2025

7:00am

Travel Sarajevo to Kotor

Depart early for the approximate 4.5-hour drive south to the stunning coastal town of Kotor on the Adriatic Sea.
EUR40, 4h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Konoba Stari Grad

Taste fresh Adriatic seafood and Montenegrin specialties in a lovely old town setting, open daily from noon.
EUR25, 1h0m

1:30pm

Kotor Old Town and City Walls

Explore the UNESCO-listed medieval old town with its winding streets, churches, and climb the city walls for panoramic bay views.
Free, City Wall entrance EUR8, 3h0m

5:00pm

Cat Museum

Discover Kotor’s unique Museum dedicated to cats, a beloved symbol of the town with fun and quirky exhibits.
EUR4, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Galion Restaurant

Enjoy elegant dining with views over Kotor Bay, featuring excellent seafood and Mediterranean dishes.
EUR35, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 5: Albanian Capital & Culture

Tirana, Albania on June 12, 2025

7:00am

Travel Kotor to Tirana

Set off early for a roughly 4-hour drive to Tirana, the vibrant capital of Albania.
EUR30, 4h0m

11:30am

Breakfast at Komiteti - Kafe Muzeum

Have a late breakfast or brunch in this atmospheric spot combining history, culture, and excellent coffee.
EUR7, 1h0m

12:30pm

Skanderbeg Square and National History Museum

Visit the heart of Tirana and explore the National History Museum to understand Albania’s rich past.
ALL200 (~EUR2), 2h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Era Restaurant

Taste authentic Albanian dishes like tavë kosi in a locally beloved, rustic atmosphere, open until evening.
EUR15, 1h0m

4:00pm

Bunk’Art 2

Explore this fascinating anti-nuclear bunker turned museum focusing on Albanian history under communism.
EUR5, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dajti Ekspres Cable Car Ride

Enjoy a scenic cable car ride up Mount Dajti for sunset views over Tirana and the surrounding valley.
EUR7, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Padam Boutique Hotel & Restaurant

End the day with exquisite international and Albanian fusion cuisine in a sophisticated setting.
EUR30, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 6: Kosovo Discovery

Pristina, Kosovo on June 13, 2025

7:00am

Travel Tirana to Pristina

Morning drive to Pristina, Kosovo’s capital, approximately 2 hours by car.
EUR20, 2h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at Dit' e Nat Cafe

Enjoy fresh pastries and traditional Balkan coffee at this well-loved local café.
EUR5, 1h0m

10:30am

Newborn Monument and Ethnographic Museum

See the iconic Newborn Monument symbolizing Kosovo’s independence and explore traditional Kosovo culture at the museum.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Liburnia Restaurant

Delight in traditional Albanian-Kosovar dishes in a cozy local spot open throughout the day.
EUR15, 1h0m

2:00pm

Germia Park

Relax or take a light hike in this beautiful forest park on the outskirts of Pristina, ideal for nature lovers.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Imperial Mosque and The Cathedral of Saint Mother Teresa

Visit the main religious landmarks representing Kosovo’s diverse cultural heritage.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pishat

Experience fine dining with contemporary Kosovar cuisine in an elegant atmosphere.
EUR25, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 7: North Macedonian Highlights & Serbian Finale

Skopje, North Macedonia and Belgrade, Serbia on June 14, 2025

7:00am

Travel Pristina to Skopje

Morning transfer to Skopje, about 1.5 hours by car for exploring North Macedonia’s capital.
EUR15, 1h30m

8:30am

Breakfast at Caffe Trend

Start your day with a good coffee and Balkan pastries in the city center.
EUR6, 1h0m

9:30am

Old Bazaar and Stone Bridge

Explore the vibrant Old Bazaar, one of the largest in the Balkans, and see the iconic Stone Bridge over the Vardar River.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Kale Fortress

Climb to the fortress for sweeping views of Skopje and learn about its history dating back centuries.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Destan

Enjoy renowned Macedonian grilled meats and kebabs for a hearty midday meal.
EUR15, 1h0m

2:00pm

Travel Skopje to Belgrade

Depart mid-afternoon for Belgrade, Serbia's capital, approximately 5 hours drive, with a route through scenic areas.
EUR30, 5h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Tri Šešira, Belgrade

Conclude your trip with traditional Serbian cuisine in Belgrade’s historic Skadarlija bohemian quarter.
EUR25, 1h30m
View Hotels