12-Day Balkan Discovery – From North Macedonia to Croatia

After a hearty breakfast, embark on a guided exploration of Skopje, where centuries of history blend with the pulse of a modern capital.

Begin at Macedonia Square, the city’s vibrant heart, and admire the monumental Alexander the Great statue before crossing the iconic Stone Bridge, which gracefully links the old and new parts of the city.

Wander through the Old Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest in the Balkans, filled with artisan shops, spice aromas, and local crafts. Visit the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, and stroll along the Vardar River, capturing Skopje’s evolving skyline.

Conclude your tour with visits to the Murat Pasha and Yahya Pasha Mosques, each narrating its own chapter in Skopje’s multicultural story.

After breakfast, depart from Skopje for a scenic three-hour journey to Ohrid, one of North Macedonia’s most captivating destinations.

Begin your exploration at the shimmering Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its remarkable natural beauty and rich cultural history. Visit the ancient Amphitheater, stroll through Činar Square, and admire the exquisite Church of St. Sophia, a masterpiece of medieval architecture adorned with centuries-old frescoes.

Later, enjoy a peaceful boat trip across the lake to St. Naum Monastery, surrounded by tranquil waters and lush greenery. Discover its spiritual atmosphere, admire the historic frescoes, and witness the mystical “Ohrid Pearl” springs, whose crystal-clear waters symbolize purity and renewal — a perfect reflection of the serenity that defines this region.

After breakfast and hotel check-out in Ohrid, embark on a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Tirana, Albania’s lively and ever-evolving capital. The journey offers a beautiful transition — from the serene lakeside landscapes of Ohrid to the colorful rhythm of one of the Balkans’ most dynamic cities.

Upon arrival, begin your exploration at Skanderbeg Square, the heart of Tirana and a proud tribute to Albania’s national hero, Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg. Surrounded by grand architecture, this square reflects both the country’s Ottoman legacy and its modern European spirit.

Just a short walk away stands the Et’hem Bey Mosque, a delicate gem of early 19th-century Ottoman artistry. Step inside to admire its finely detailed frescoes and experience a sense of peace — a quiet sanctuary amid Tirana’s vibrant energy.

After breakfast and check-out, begin your day with a scenic 1-hour drive to Kruja, Albania’s legendary town of national pride. Explore Kruja Castle, once the stronghold of the Albanian hero Skanderbeg, and visit its fascinating museums. Then, enjoy some leisure time in the Old Bazaar, where you can sip traditional coffee and browse handcrafted souvenirs.

Continue your journey with a 1 hour and 15-minute drive to Mrizi i Zanave Agrotourism, a renowned eco-friendly farm and restaurant that celebrates Albania’s farm-to-table tradition. Take a short tour of the estate and indulge in a locally sourced, seasonal lunch surrounded by the peaceful Albanian countryside.

Next, travel 30 minutes to Shkodra, one of the oldest cities in the Balkans, for a short city tour highlighting its cultural landmarks and artistic heritage.

Your day concludes with a 1.5-hour drive to Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and unwind for a relaxing evening.

After breakfast and hotel check-out in Podgorica, begin a day filled with stunning coastal scenery and timeless charm along Montenegro’s Adriatic coast.

Your first stop is the iconic Sveti Stefan, a picturesque fortified island village once frequented by royalty and film stars. Admire its stone architecture, turquoise waters, and the 12th-century Church of Sveti Stefan, graced with beautiful frescoes that echo centuries of history.

Continue to Budva’s Old Town, a lively blend of Venetian walls, medieval streets, and sunlit seaside cafés — a place where history meets the Mediterranean spirit.

A short 30-minute drive leads to the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Kotor, a captivating labyrinth of narrow alleys, baroque churches, and charming squares framed by dramatic mountain peaks. Enjoy leisure time to explore before continuing to Perast for a scenic boat trip to Our Lady of the Rocks, a small island sanctuary rich in legend and devotion.

As the day winds down, take a short coastal drive to Tivat, one of Montenegro’s most elegant seaside towns, known for its luxury marina and tranquil evening atmosphere.

Check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing night by the Adriatic.

After breakfast and check-out from your hotel in Tivat, begin your journey toward the Pearl of the Adriatic — Dubrovnik.

Upon arrival, step inside the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage treasure encircled by magnificent medieval walls. Stroll along the cobbled Stradun, the city’s lively main promenade, and take in its historic landmarks such as the Orlando’s Column, the Dubrovnik Clock Tower, and charming narrow alleys lined with centuries-old stone houses.

Continue your journey with a 2.5-hour drive to Kravica Waterfalls, one of Bosnia’s most enchanting natural wonders, where you can relax by the emerald cascades or enjoy a short walk through the lush surroundings.

Next, visit Medjugorje, a serene pilgrimage site known for its spiritual atmosphere and the stories of the Marian apparitions that draw visitors from around the world.

End the day with a 40-minute drive to Mostar, where you’ll check into your hotel and unwind after a day filled with history, faith, and breathtaking beauty.

After breakfast and check-out from your hotel in Mostar, begin the day with a visit to the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge) — the city’s timeless symbol of unity and resilience. Take in the breathtaking views of the Neretva River and the charm of the Old Bazaar before continuing your journey north.

Drive about one hour to Jablanica, a small town steeped in World War II history. Visit the Battle of Neretva Museum, where exhibits and the remnants of the destroyed bridge vividly recount one of the most famous wartime events in the Balkans.

Continue for another 30 minutes to Konjic, a picturesque riverside town framed by mountains. Stroll across the Old Stone Bridge, an elegant Ottoman masterpiece that stands as a proud landmark of architectural heritage.

Finally, take a one-hour drive to Sarajevo, the cultural heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Upon arrival, explore the city’s most famous sights — the Eternal Flame, City Hall (Vijećnica), Baščaršija Old Market, and the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque — each reflecting Sarajevo’s unique blend of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and modern influences.

After breakfast and hotel check-out in Sarajevo, begin your journey with a 1 hour and 30-minute drive to Travnik, the former capital of Ottoman Bosnia. Explore the impressive Travnik Fortress, perched above the town, and enjoy panoramic views that echo centuries of history.

Continue your scenic route with a 1 hour and 15-minute drive to Jajce, one of Bosnia’s most picturesque towns. Here, marvel at the stunning Jajce Waterfall, where the Pliva River dramatically plunges into the Vrbas, and take a peaceful stroll around the Pliva Lakes, known for their tranquil mills and natural beauty.

Conclude your day with a 3-hour drive to the Plitvice region, crossing into Croatia. Upon arrival, check into your hotel near the national park and unwind, preparing for tomorrow’s exploration of one of Europe’s most breathtaking natural wonders — Plitvice Lakes National Park.

After breakfast and hotel check-out, begin your day at the breathtaking Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its cascading waterfalls, turquoise lakes, and lush forest trails. Spend around 3.5 hours exploring the park’s wooden pathways and panoramic viewpoints — a true masterpiece of nature.

Following your visit, enjoy a 3.5-hour scenic drive to Ljubljana, Slovenia, with a relaxing stop for a snack and coffee at Mövenpick Marché, a favorite roadside retreat known for its warm atmosphere and local treats.

Upon arrival in Ljubljana, check into your hotel and embark on an evening city tour of Slovenia’s charming capital. Stroll through Prešeren Square, cross the elegant Triple Bridge, and admire the iconic Dragon Bridge, a proud symbol of the city. Conclude your tour with a funicular ride to Ljubljana Castle, where panoramic views of the city offer a perfect ending to your day.

After breakfast and hotel check-out in Ljubljana, set out for one of Europe’s most enchanting destinations — Lake Bled. Known for its turquoise waters and fairytale setting, the lake is crowned by the medieval Bled Castle, perched high on a cliff overlooking the Alps. Visit the castle to admire breathtaking views and learn about its fascinating history and architecture.

Continue to Mlino Village, where a traditional Pletna boat awaits to take you across the lake to Bled Island. Climb the steps to the Church of St. Mary, home to the famous wishing bell — said to make dreams come true.

Next, depart for a 1-hour drive to Postojna Cave, one of Europe’s most magnificent underground wonders. Join a 1.5-hour guided tour through its vast chambers, glittering stalactites, and dramatic limestone formations — an unforgettable journey into the depths of nature.

Conclude your day with a transfer to Zagreb, Croatia’s vibrant capital. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening in the heart of this lively city.

After a delightful breakfast, embark on the final chapter of your Balkan Discovery journey.

Begin your guided city tour of Zagreb, Croatia’s vibrant capital, with a visit to the magnificent Zagreb Cathedral, a neo-Gothic masterpiece dominating the city’s skyline. Continue to Ban Jelačić Square, the lively heart of the city, surrounded by elegant cafés and 19th-century architecture.

Next, admire the stately Parliament Building and wander through the charming streets of the Upper Town, where history and culture meet at every turn. Conclude your exploration at St. Mark’s Church, instantly recognizable by its colorful tiled roof bearing Croatia’s historic coat of arms.

As your unforgettable adventure comes to an end, take a moment to reflect on the beauty, history, and warmth you’ve experienced across six Balkan countries.

With memories that will last a lifetime — and perhaps a promise to return — we wish you safe travels back home.