Ready-made routes

🏔️ Balkan Tour: the Adriatic and the Mountains

Europe's most affordable corner, and the easiest one to cross overland. City to city by bus, from Ottoman traces to Adriatic bays; a cheap, safe and culturally dense first-time-abroad route.

14Days
5Stops
$45Per day
$630On the ground

Visa status for this route

The itinerary below is the same for everyone. What changes is how your passport enters these countries.

Pick your passport to see your visa status

The route, night by night (13 nights)

  1. 01

    Belgrade (Serbia)

    3 nights

    Kalemegdan Fortress, boat-club nightlife, the bohemian Skadarlija street. Ottoman-era streets, strong cafe culture and an affordable start.

  2. 02

    Sarajevo (Bosnia)

    3 nights

    Baščaršija, Gazi Husrev Bey Mosque, the Latin Bridge. Turkish coffee and burek; Mostar as a day trip.

  3. 03

    Kotor (Montenegro)

    2 nights

    The walled old town, a fjord-like bay, Adriatic views from the fortress climb.

  4. 04

    Tirana & Berat (Albania)

    3 nights

    Berat, the "city of a thousand windows" (UNESCO), cheap coastline, strong hospitality. Europe's cheapest.

  5. 05

    Ohrid (North Macedonia)

    2 nights

    Lakeside, ancient theatre, sunsets. A calm, romantic final stop.

Best season

May–June, September (summer is hot and crowded)

Getting around

The intercity bus network is very well developed; FlixBus + local companies. No need to rent a car.

What to know before you go

  • —Currencies differ (dinar, mark, euro, lek, denar); keep small cash in every country and watch ATM fees.
  • —Buying bus tickets at the station works, but in summer buy popular legs (Kotor–Budva) a day ahead.
  • —At border crossings, be ready to state your onward/return plan along with your passport; usually smooth.

Important: this content is general information

Visa rules can change without notice. Always confirm your situation with an official source before you travel: Also check with the embassy or consulate of your destination country in your own country. The information on this page is guidance, not legal advice.