Ultimate 6-Week Cultural and Scenic Tour of the Balkans from Tirana to Budapest

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Tirana

Tirana, Albania on June 9, 2025

2:00pm

Skanderbeg Square and National History Museum

Start your journey exploring the heart of Tirana with Skanderbeg Square, surrounded by important landmarks. Visit the National History Museum to understand Albanian culture and history through its vast exhibits.
ALL200, 2h0m

5:00pm

Bunk'Art 2

Visit this unique Cold War bunker-turned-museum to learn about Albania’s communist past through modern exhibitions.
ALL500, 1h30m
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Day 2: Historic Berat Exploration

Berat, Albania on June 10, 2025

9:00am

Drive Tirana to Berat

Travel about 2 hours south to Berat, known as the ‘city of a thousand windows’ with its Ottoman architecture and World Heritage status.
N/A, 2h0m

11:30am

Berat Castle and Onufri Museum

Explore Berat Castle with its medieval walls and visit the Onufri Museum inside the castle for Byzantine art and icons.
ALL700, 2h0m

2:00pm

Mangalem Quarter Walk

Stroll through the charming Mangalem neighbourhood with traditional houses and cobblestone streets.
Free, 1h30m
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Day 3: Beach and Nature in Ksamil

Ksamil, Albania on June 11, 2025

8:00am

Drive Berat to Ksamil

Take a 4-hour drive down south to Ksamil, a beautiful coastal village known for crystal-clear waters and island beaches.
N/A, 4h0m

1:00pm

Ksamil Beaches and Islands

Relax on the white sandy beaches and take a boat to small nearby islands for swimming and snorkeling.
Boat trips around ALL1000, 3h0m
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Day 4: Travel to Montenegro

Kotor, Montenegro on June 12, 2025

8:00am

Drive Ksamil to Kotor

Cross the border and travel to Kotor (approx 3.5-hour drive), famous for its medieval old town and stunning bay views.
Border crossing fees vary, 3h30m

12:00pm

Kotor Old Town Walking Tour

Explore Kotor’s UNESCO World Heritage old town with its winding streets, churches, and sea walls.
Free, 2h0m

3:00pm

Hiking up Kotor Fortress

Climb the fortress steps for panoramic views over Kotor Bay, a must-see for scenery lovers.
EUR3, 2h0m
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Day 5: Coastal and Nature in Montenegro

Budva and Durmitor National Park, Montenegro on June 13, 2025

9:00am

Drive Kotor to Budva

Short 30-minute drive to Budva, a lively coastal town with beaches and an old citadel.
N/A, 0h30m

10:00am

Budva Old Town and Beaches

Walk Budva's charming old town and enjoy beaches like Mogren with turquoise water.
Free, 3h0m

2:30pm

Drive to Durmitor National Park

Travel north to Durmitor National Park (around 3-hour drive) to enjoy mountain scenery and nature trails.
N/A, 3h0m
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Day 6: Explore Durmitor National Park

Žabljak, Montenegro on June 14, 2025

9:00am

Hiking Black Lake

Spend the day hiking the popular Black Lake trail with stunning scenery of glacial lakes and forests.
Park entrance EUR3, 4h0m

2:00pm

Optional Tara River Canyon Zipline

Experience the thrill of the Tara Canyon zipline, Europe’s longest, for spectacular views over the canyon.
EUR40, 2h0m
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Day 7: Travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina

Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 15, 2025

9:00am

Drive Durmitor to Mostar

Drive approximately 4.5 hours to Mostar, famous for its historic Ottoman bridge.
N/A, 4h30m

3:30pm

Stari Most Bridge and Old Bazaar

Visit the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge) and browse the Old Bazaar for handicrafts and local culture.
Bridge free, museum approx BAM5, 2h0m
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Day 8: Cultural History in Sarajevo

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 16, 2025

8:30am

Drive Mostar to Sarajevo

Travel 2 hours north to Sarajevo, a city rich in history and cultural diversity.
N/A, 2h0m

11:00am

Old Town Baščaršija

Explore Baščaršija, Sarajevo’s historic bazaar with Ottoman architecture, mosques and artisan shops.
Free, 2h0m

2:00pm

Sarajevo Tunnel Museum

Visit the Tunnel Museum to understand Sarajevo’s siege and how the tunnel was vital during wartime.
BAM10, 1h30m
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Day 9: Nature and History around Sarajevo

Blagaj, Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 17, 2025

9:00am

Drive Sarajevo to Blagaj

Short 30-minute drive to Blagaj to see the stunning spring source of the Buna river and the historic Dervish monastery.
Free, 0h30m

10:00am

Blagaj Tekke Visit

Visit the 16th-century tekke built into the cliffs beside the river spring, a peaceful site combining nature and history.
Free, 1h0m

12:00pm

Return to Sarajevo for City Parks

Relax in Sarajevo’s public parks, such as Vrelo Bosne (entrance approx BAM3), enjoying nature at the river spring.
BAM3, 2h0m
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Day 10: Begin Croatia Coast

Dubrovnik, Croatia on June 18, 2025

8:00am

Drive Sarajevo to Dubrovnik

Travel around 3.5 hours to Dubrovnik, famous for its stunning walled city and Adriatic coastline.
Border crossing fees may apply, 3h30m

1:00pm

Dubrovnik City Walls Walk

Walk the imposing city walls that provide panoramic views of the sea and Old Town, a top historical attraction.
HRK200, 2h0m

4:00pm

Explore Old Town Alleys

Stroll Dubrovnik’s charming narrow streets full of history, shops and cafes.
Free, 2h0m
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Day 11: Beaches and Islands near Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, Croatia on June 19, 2025

9:00am

Boat Trip to Lokrum Island

Take a short 15-minute ferry to Lokrum Island to explore botanical gardens, hiking trails and swimming spots.
HRK150 ferry, 4h0m

2:00pm

Relax at Banje Beach

Return and enjoy the pebble beach just outside the city walls with views of the old town.
Free, 3h0m
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Day 12: Split and Diocletian’s Palace

Split, Croatia on June 20, 2025

9:00am

Drive Dubrovnik to Split

Drive 3 hours up the coast to Split, the historic Roman city with its UNESCO-listed palace.
N/A, 3h0m

1:00pm

Diocletian’s Palace

Explore the ancient Roman emperor’s palace, still bustling with cafes, shops and history.
Free entry to grounds, 3h0m
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Day 13: Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice, Croatia on June 21, 2025

8:00am

Drive Split to Plitvice Lakes

Travel north about 3-hour drive to the world-famous Plitvice Lakes National Park, renowned for its cascading waterfalls and turquoise lakes.
HRK300, 3h0m

11:30am

Plitvice Lakes Hiking

Hike scenic trails and wooden walkways to admire the park’s stunning natural beauty.
Included above, 5h0m
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Day 14: Explore Zagreb

Zagreb, Croatia on June 22, 2025

9:00am

Drive Plitvice to Zagreb

Take a 2-hour drive to Croatia’s capital, Zagreb, blending cultural sights and lively streets.
N/A, 2h0m

11:30am

Upper Town and Museums

Discover Zagreb’s Upper Town including St. Mark’s Church and the Croatian Museum of Naïve Art.
Croatian Museum approx HRK40, 3h0m
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Day 15: Ljubljana - Capital Charm

Ljubljana, Slovenia on June 23, 2025

9:00am

Drive Zagreb to Ljubljana

Drive 2 hours into Slovenia and explore its capital, known for its vibrant culture and riverfront cafes.
N/A, 2h0m

11:30am

Ljubljana Castle

Ascend to the castle for city views and historic displays on the region’s past.
EUR10, 2h0m

2:00pm

Old Town Walk and Triple Bridge

Wander the charming streets and iconic bridges of Ljubljana’s old centre.
Free, 2h0m
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Day 16: Lake Bled Nature

Lake Bled, Slovenia on June 24, 2025

9:00am

Drive Ljubljana to Lake Bled

Short 40-minute drive to beautiful Lake Bled, a picturesque alpine lake with an island church.
N/A, 0h40m

10:00am

Lake Bled Rowboat Ride

Rent a traditional pletna boat to reach Bled Island and ring the wishing bell at the church.
EUR15, 2h0m

1:00pm

Bled Castle Visit

Climb to the medieval castle perched on a cliff with panoramic views over the lake.
EUR13, 1h30m
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Day 17: Slovenian Coast at Piran

Piran, Slovenia on June 25, 2025

9:00am

Drive Lake Bled to Piran

Drive 2.5 hours to enjoy the Adriatic coastal town of Piran, known for Venetian architecture and seaside charm.
N/A, 2h30m

12:00pm

Piran Old Town and Tartini Square

Explore the old town’s winding streets to Tartini Square and the medieval walls overlooking the sea.
Free, 2h0m

3:00pm

Seaside Promenade and Beaches

Relax along the seafront promenade or swim at small local beaches.
Free, 2h0m
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Day 18: Hungary: Lake Balaton

Balatonfüred, Hungary on June 26, 2025

8:00am

Drive Piran to Balatonfüred

A longer day drive approximately 6 hours northeast to Balatonfüred, a spa town on Lake Balaton famed for its beautiful lakeside promenade.
N/A, 6h0m

3:00pm

Balatonfüred Lakeside Walk

Explore the charming town and take a relaxing walk along the lakeside.
Free, 2h0m
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Day 19: Baroque Eger and Wine

Eger, Hungary on June 27, 2025

9:00am

Drive Balatonfüred to Eger

Drive approx. 2.5 hours to Eger, a historic town with baroque architecture and famous wine cellars.
N/A, 2h30m

12:00pm

Eger Castle and Minaret

Visit the fortress and Ottoman minaret symbolising the city’s diverse history.
HUF1500, 2h0m

3:00pm

Valley of the Beautiful Women

Tour the traditional cellars in this famous wine valley known for its red Bull’s Blood wine.
Wine tasting around HUF2500, 3h0m
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Day 20: Budapest Highlights

Budapest, Hungary on June 28, 2025

9:00am

Drive Eger to Budapest

Drive approximately 2 hours to Hungary’s vibrant capital Budapest, renowned for historic landmarks and lively culture.
N/A, 2h0m

11:30am

Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion

Tour the historic castle district with views over the Danube and the ornate Fisherman’s Bastion.
Free to walk, castle exhibitions approx. HUF2000, 3h0m

3:30pm

St Stephen’s Basilica and Danube Promenade

Visit the impressive basilica and enjoy the riverside pedestrian area for relaxing end of day.
Basilica Free, tower entry HUF1500, 2h0m
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Day 21: Thermal Baths and Museums

Budapest, Hungary on June 29, 2025

9:00am

Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Start the day relaxing at one of Europe’s largest thermal bath complexes, with indoor and outdoor pools.
HUF6000, 3h0m

1:30pm

Hungarian National Museum

Learn about Hungary’s rich history through impressive exhibits in this central museum.
HUF2000, 2h0m

4:00pm

Walking tour of Andrássy Avenue and Heroes’ Square

Visit this elegant boulevard and iconic square, major cultural sights of Budapest.
Free, 2h0m
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