10 Day Balkan Itinerary

Prepared by: [Your Name]

Date: [START DATE] - [END DATE]

Destination: Dubrovnik, Croatia, Balkan

The Balkans, a region in Southeast Europe known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and diverse cultures, offers a mesmerizing vacation experience. With so much to see and do, planning a 10-day itinerary can be both exciting and challenging. This guide will help you make the most of your Balkan adventure, highlighting the must-visit destinations and experiences along the way.

Day 1: Arrive in Dubrovnik, Croatia

Begin your journey in the charming city of Dubrovnik, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and stunning Adriatic Sea views. Explore the historic Old Town, walk along the ancient city walls, and visit landmarks like the Rector's Palace and the Franciscan Monastery. Don't miss the chance to take a cable car ride to the top of Mount Srd for panoramic views of the city and the coast.

Places to Eat: Proto, Nautika Restaurant, Pantarul

Hotels to Stay: Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik, Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik

Hospital: Dubrovnik General Hospital
Address: Dr. Roka Mišetića 2, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Phone: +385 20 431 777

Day 2-3: Explore Montenegro

Travel south to Montenegro and spend a day exploring the picturesque Bay of Kotor. Take a boat trip to Our Lady of the Rocks, a man-made island with a fascinating history. Continue to the coastal town of Budva, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. Spend the next day exploring the stunning Durmitor National Park, with its dramatic mountain scenery and pristine lakes.

Places to Eat (Bay of Kotor): Konoba Catovica Mlini, Conte Restaurant & Lounge, Stari Mlini

Hotels to Stay (Bay of Kotor): Hotel Forza Mare, Hotel Astoria, Hotel Palazzo Radomiri

Hospital: General Hospital Kotor
Address: Škaljari bb, 85330, Kotor, Montenegro
Phone: +382 32 322 111

Places to Eat (Budva): Jadran Kod Krsta, Konoba Stari Grad, Jardin Restaurant

Hotels to Stay (Budva): Avala Resort & Villas, Hotel Splendid Conference & Spa Resort, Hotel Budva

Day 4-5: Discover Bosnia and Herzegovina

Cross the border into Bosnia and Herzegovina and head to the historic city of Mostar. Explore the famous Stari Most bridge and the old bazaar, and learn about the city's complex history. Continue to the capital, Sarajevo, known for its mix of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslav architecture. Visit the historic Baščaršija bazaar, the Latin Bridge, and the poignant Tunnel of Hope museum.

Places to Eat (Mostar): Hindin Han, Sadrvan Restaurant, Tima-Irma

Hotels to Stay (Mostar): Hotel-Restaurant Kriva Ćuprija, Hotel Eden, Hotel Mostar

Hospital: Mostar University Clinical Hospital
Address: Kneza Višeslava bb, 88000, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Phone: +387 36 318 000

Places to Eat (Sarajevo): Ćevabdžinica Željo, Dveri, Noovi

Hotels to Stay (Sarajevo): Hotel Europe, Hotel President Sarajevo, Hotel Bristol Sarajevo

Day 6: Visit Belgrade, Serbia

Travel to Serbia and explore the vibrant capital, Belgrade. Visit the historic Kalemegdan Fortress, stroll along the bustling Knez Mihailova Street, and admire the stunning St. Sava Temple.

Places to Eat (Belgrade): Skadarlija, Ambar, Manufaktura
Hotels to Stay (Belgrade): Hotel Moskva, Square Nine Hotel Belgrade, Hotel Metropol Palace

Hospital: Clinical Center of Serbia
Address: Pasterova 2, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
Phone: +381 11 366 0000

Day 7: Explore Novi Sad, Serbia

Spend the day exploring the charming town of Novi Sad, known for its picturesque old town and the impressive Petrovaradin Fortress.

Places to Eat (Novi Sad): Project 72 Wine & Deli, Lazin Salaš, Fontana

Hotels to Stay (Novi Sad): Prezident Hotel, Hotel Park, Garni Hotel Leopold I

Hospital: Clinical Center of Vojvodina
Address: Hajduk Veljkova 1, 21000, Novi Sad, Serbia
Phone: +381 21 482 6000

Day 8-10: Discover Bulgaria

Head east to Bulgaria and start your exploration in the capital, Sofia. Explore the city's mix of Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman architecture, visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and stroll through the beautiful Borisova Gradina park. Continue to the historic town of Plovdiv, known for its well-preserved Roman amphitheater and charming old town. Spend your final days exploring the stunning Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and relaxing in the scenic mountain town of Bansko.

Places to Eat (Sofia): Shtastlivetza, Made in Home, Rakia & Co

Hotels to Stay (Sofia): Sense Hotel Sofia, Grand Hotel Sofia, Hotel Anel

Hospital: Military Medical Academy
Address: Georgi Sofiyski 3, 1606 Sofia, Bulgaria
Phone: +359 2 922 2211

Places to Eat (Plovdiv): Hemingway, Pavaj, Restaurant Philippopolis

Hotels to Stay (Plovdiv): Ramada Plovdiv Trimontium, Hotel Imperial Plovdiv, Hotel Evmolpia

Hospital: University Hospital "St. George"
Address: General Gurko 15A, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Phone: +359 32 602 222

Places to Eat (Rila Monastery): Restaurant The Old Kitchen, Etno Bar & Grill

Hotels to Stay (Rila Monastery): Rila Monastery Nature Park Hotel, Hotel Tzarev Vrah, Hotel Alen Mak

Hospital: Rila Monastery Medical Center
Address: Rila Monastery, 2643 Rilski manastir, Bulgaria
Phone: +359 71 372 286

Places to Eat (Bansko): Banski Han, Mehana Cheshmeto, Smokey Mountain Bar & Grill

Hotels to Stay (Bansko): Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko, Premier Luxury Mountain Resort, Lucky Bansko Aparthotel & SPA

Hospital: Mountain Medicine Center
Address: Yavor Str. 34, 2770 Bansko, Bulgaria
Phone: +359 88 888 3643

Do's and Don'ts for Tourists in the Balkans:

Do:

Respect the local customs and traditions.
Try the local cuisine, which varies from country to country.
Be prepared for changeable weather, especially in the mountains.
Carry local currency, as some places may not accept credit cards.
Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas.

Don't:

Don't dress inappropriately when visiting religious sites.
Don't discuss politics or sensitive topics without knowing the context.
Don't expect everyone to speak English, although many people in tourist areas will.
Don't underestimate the driving conditions, especially in rural areas.

Reminders for Tourists:

Keep a copy of your passport and other important documents in a safe place.
Make sure you have travel insurance that covers medical expenses and emergencies.
Stay hydrated, especially in the summer months.
Be aware of the local customs regarding tipping.
Enjoy your trip and make memories that will last a lifetime!

Other Locations to Visit in the Balkans:

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Split, Croatia
Hvar Island, Croatia
Perast, Montenegro
Sveti Stefan, Montenegro
Tara River Canyon, Montenegro
Jajce, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Subotica, Serbia
Nis, Serbia
Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Varna, Bulgaria
Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria