10-Day Scenic and Cultural Tour through the Balkans and Central Europe

Day 1: Explore Tirane

Tirane, Albania on July 1, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Artigiano at Vila

Enjoy a delicious Albanian breakfast with fresh pastries and coffee at this popular local spot that opens at 8am.
EUR5, 1h

9:30am

Visit Skanderbeg Square

Explore the central square of Tirane with its historical monuments and busts of national hero Skanderbeg, a must-see cultural site.
Free, 1h

11:00am

National History Museum

Discover Albania's rich history through well-curated exhibitions; museum is open 9am to 6pm.
EUR3, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Era Restaurant

Savor traditional Albanian cuisine like tave kosi in a welcoming setting. Open daily from 12pm to 11pm.
EUR10, 1h

2:30pm

Dajti Ekspres Cable Car

Take a 15-minute cable car ride to Dajti Mountain for panoramic views of Tirane. Operates 9am to 6pm.
EUR10, 2h

5:00pm

Walk in the Grand Park (Parku i Madh)

Relax in Tirane's largest park, featuring a artificial lake and botanical gardens.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Oda Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Albanian dishes in a traditional setting; open until 10pm.
EUR15, 1h30m

Day 2: Skopje Highlights

Skopje, North Macedonia on July 2, 2025

7:30am

Travel Tirane to Skopje

Depart early for a 3-hour drive or bus trip from Tirane to Skopje to maximize the day.
EUR15, 3h

11:00am

Breakfast at Public Room Cafe

Enjoy specialty coffee and pastries at this trendy cafe near the Old Bazaar.
EUR5, 1h

12:00pm

Old Bazaar Tour

Explore the vibrant historic bazaar with shops, mosques, and cafes; open all day.
Free, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Destan

Try renowned Macedonian kebabs and traditional dishes at this popular local grill spot.
EUR8, 1h

3:00pm

Stone Bridge and Macedonia Square

Visit iconic landmarks in the city center, perfect for photos and people watching.
Free, 1h

4:30pm

Visit Kale Fortress

Walk up to this historic fortress overlooking Skopje for sunset views. Open daylight hours.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Stara Kuka

Enjoy traditional Macedonian cuisine in a charming old-world setting; open until 10pm.
EUR12, 1h30m

Day 3: Discover Sarajevo

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 3, 2025

7:00am

Travel Skopje to Sarajevo

Early departure for the approximate 4-hour road trip to Sarajevo for maximum exploring time.
EUR20, 4h

11:30am

Late Breakfast at Dveri

Taste local Bosnian specialties and coffee in a cozy traditional ambiance, open from 9am.
EUR6, 1h

12:30pm

Baščaršija Market

Explore Sarajevo’s historic Ottoman bazaar with shops and cafes in lively surroundings.
Free, 1h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Ćevabdžinica Željo

Savor iconic Bosnian ćevapi (grilled meat) in this well-known local eatery; open lunch hours.
EUR7, 1h

3:30pm

Visit the Latin Bridge

Historic site of the WWI assassination, a must-see for history buffs.
Free, 30m

4:00pm

Sarajevo Tunnel Museum

Explore the underground tunnel used during the siege of Sarajevo, open until 7pm.
EUR8, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Avlija

Dine on Bosnian specialties with a cozy garden atmosphere; open until 11pm.
EUR15, 1h30m

Day 4: Mostar Day Trip

Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 4, 2025

8:00am

Travel Sarajevo to Mostar

Take a scenic 2.5-hour drive or bus ride to the historic town of Mostar.
EUR15, 2h30m

10:30am

Visit Stari Most (Old Bridge)

Explore the iconic 16th-century Ottoman bridge and watch local divers perform their stunts.
Free, 1h

11:30am

Walk through Old Bazaar Kujundziluk

Discover artisan shops and traditional souvenirs along cobbled streets.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Sadrvan

Enjoy Bosnian cuisine like stuffed peppers in a charming courtyard setting; open from 11am.
EUR10, 1h

2:00pm

Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque

Climb the minaret for panoramic views of Mostar and the river valley; open till 5pm.
EUR3, 45m

3:00pm

Museum of War and Genocide Victims

Learn about the recent history and return home of Mostar, open until 6pm.
EUR5, 1h

5:00pm

Return to Sarajevo

Travel back for overnight rest and preparation for Croatia exploration.
EUR15, 2h30m

Day 5: Dubrovnik Exploration

Dubrovnik, Croatia on July 5, 2025

7:30am

Travel Sarajevo to Dubrovnik

Depart early for 3.5-hour drive to the beautiful Adriatic city of Dubrovnik.
EUR25, 3h30m

11:00am

Breakfast at Dubravka 1836

Enjoy espresso and local pastries with views of the city walls; opens at 9am.
EUR7, 1h

12:00pm

Walk Dubrovnik Old Town City Walls

Experience breathtaking views of the Adriatic and red rooftops along the historic fortified walls; open typically from 8am to 7pm.
EUR35, 2h

2:30pm

Lunch at Taj Mahal

Try Bosnian-influenced dishes in a cozy setting within the Old Town.
EUR15, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Rector’s Palace

Tour this historical museum demonstrating Dubrovnik's political heritage; open 9am - 6pm.
EUR10, 1h

6:00pm

Relax at Banje Beach

Unwind on the pebble beach with stunning views of the Old Town walls; open to public access.
Free, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Proto Fish Restaurant

Feast on fresh seafood along the waterfront; reservations recommended, open until 11pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 6: Split Discovery

Split, Croatia on July 6, 2025

8:00am

Travel Dubrovnik to Split

Morning drive or bus for about 3 hours to the vibrant city of Split on Croatia's Dalmatian coast.
EUR20, 3h

11:00am

Breakfast at Kava2

Sample Croatian coffee culture with light bites near Diocletian's Palace, opens at 8am.
EUR6, 1h

12:00pm

Tour Diocletian’s Palace

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site that forms the historic heart of Split; open daylight hours.
EUR7, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Konoba Matejuska

Enjoy fresh Dalmatian seafood in a cozy tavern setting, open 12pm onwards.
EUR15, 1h

3:30pm

Climb Marjan Hill

Take a hike for panoramic views of Split and the sea, accessible year-round.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Stroll Riva Promenade

Enjoy lively cafes, street performers, and sunset views on the waterfront promenade.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Uje Oil Bar

Taste authentic Croatian dishes paired with local olive oils; open till 11pm.
EUR20, 1h30m

Day 7: Ljubljana Charm

Ljubljana, Slovenia on July 7, 2025

7:00am

Travel Split to Ljubljana

Early morning 6-hour drive or a combination of bus/train to Slovenia’s picturesque capital.
EUR40, 6h

1:00pm

Lunch at Druga Violina

Relish Slovenian traditional fare in an artistic setting near the old town.
EUR15, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Ljubljana Castle

Take funicular or hike up to the castle for city views and exhibitions; open 10am to 8pm.
EUR13, 2h

5:00pm

Walk the Triple Bridge and Old Town

Explore charming pedestrian streets and bridges in historic Ljubljana.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Julija Restaurant

Enjoy contemporary Slovenian cuisine with local ingredients; open till 10pm.
EUR20, 1h30m

Day 8: Zagreb Sights

Zagreb, Croatia on July 8, 2025

8:00am

Travel Ljubljana to Zagreb

A relaxed 2-hour train or bus journey into Croatia’s capital city Zagreb.
EUR15, 2h

10:30am

Breakfast at Otto & Frank

Indulge in European breakfast specialties with vegetarian-friendly options.
EUR7, 1h

11:30am

Visit Zagreb Cathedral

Explore the tallest building in Croatia, known for its gothic architecture; open daylight hours.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Walk Ban Jelačić Square and Dolac Market

Soak in the bustling heart of Zagreb with its lively farmers market and shops.
Free, 1h

1:30pm

Lunch at Didov San

Taste traditional Croatian meat dishes in a rustic setting.
EUR12, 1h

3:00pm

Museum of Broken Relationships

Visit this unique museum dedicated to love stories and heartbreaks; open 10am to 7pm.
EUR7, 1h

4:30pm

Stroll Upper Town (Gornji Grad)

Explore medieval streets, the Lotrščak Tower, and view the city from the Bell Tower.
EUR5, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Vinodol Restaurant

Enjoy Croatian dishes with a modern twist at this popular Zagreb eatery; open until 11pm.
EUR20, 1h30m

Day 9: Vienna Culture

Vienna, Austria on July 9, 2025

7:00am

Travel Zagreb to Vienna

Morning 4-hour train or bus journey to Austria’s imperial capital city, Vienna.
EUR40, 4h

11:30am

Breakfast at Café Central

Experience authentic Viennese coffee house culture with pastries in a historic setting.
EUR12, 1h

12:30pm

Visit Hofburg Palace

Tour the former imperial palace with museums and the Spanish Riding School; open 9am to 5:30pm.
EUR15, 2h

3:00pm

Stroll through Kärntner Straße and Graben

Explore Vienna’s premier shopping streets and Baroque fountains.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Visit St. Stephen's Cathedral

Admire Gothic architecture and consider climbing the tower for panoramic city views; open till 7pm.
EUR5, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Plachutta Wollzeile

Relish traditional Austrian Tafelspitz in a renowned restaurant; open till 10pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 10: Budapest Highlights

Budapest, Hungary on July 10, 2025

7:30am

Travel Vienna to Budapest

Approximately 2.5-hour train ride to Hungary’s capital known for stunning architecture and thermal baths.
EUR25, 2h30m

10:30am

Breakfast at Café Gerbeaud

Enjoy traditional Hungarian cakes and coffee in one of Budapest’s most famous cafes.
EUR10, 1h

11:30am

Buda Castle and Castle Hill

Explore historic palaces, museums and enjoy panoramic views of the Danube; open 9am to 6pm.
EUR10, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Pest-Buda Bistro

Sample hearty Hungarian stews and goulash near the castle, open from noon.
EUR15, 1h

3:00pm

Walk across Chain Bridge to Pest side

Enjoy iconic views and visit the Parliament Building from outside and Liberty Square.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax at Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Unwind in historic thermal pools open until 10pm, a quintessential Budapest experience.
EUR20, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at Hungarikum Bistro

Dine on authentic Hungarian cuisine with friendly service; open until 10pm.
EUR20, 1h30m