10 Days in the Balkans - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Natural & Cultural Highlights of Croatia & Slovenia

Perfect for first-time visitors to the Balkans, this well-rounded highlights tour features the historical, cultural, and natural highlights of Croatia and Slovenia. Throughout, you'll explore the fascinating cities of Zagreb, Rovinj, and Ljubljana and the refreshing landscapes of Plitvice Lakes National Park and Lake Bled. Other highlights include a truffle hunting experience in the Istrian peninsula, a local family-hosted pottery class, and a sunrise hot-air balloon flight.

Welcome to Croatia! Upon arriving in Zagreb, you'll kick things off with a walking tour through the city's historic sites and vibrant markets. Then, spend a half-day exploring the nearby artsy town of Samobor before transferring south to Plitvice Lakes National Park. With two days here, you'll have ample time to hike among its waterfalls and pine forests and join a pottery class hosted by a local Plaški family. Next, continue to the Istrian peninsula city of Rovinj, where you'll wander at your leisure and join a memorable sunset excursion aboard a traditional fishing boat. 

While based in Rovinj, you'll also visit the medieval hilltop towns of Grožnjan and Motovun and join a local family for a truffle hunting mission. Next, set your sights on the Slovenian town of Bled, where, after enjoying a relaxing evening dining at a castle, you'll take to the skies for a glorious sunrise hot-air balloon ride. Spend the rest of the day exploring the less famous but equally beautiful Lake Bohinj before transferring to Ljubljana. Here, you'll wrap up your adventure by delving into the ins and outs of beekeeping and enjoying a celebratory dinner inside Ljubljana Castle. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Whirlwind Balkan Highlights Tour

Discover ancient fortresses, cascading waterfalls, and a bridge where "East meets West" on this fast-paced Balkan itinerary featuring Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. Ideal for travelers who enjoy keeping on the move, you'll journey from Zagreb to Split, then detour to Mostar before wrapping up your trip in Dubrovnik. Along the way, embark on a day trip to Ljubljana and Lake Bled, explore Plitvice Lakes National Park alongside a guide, and discover the "Venice on the Adriatic."

Your fast-paced adventure begins with two days based in the Croatian capital of Zagreb. Spend your first afternoon learning about the city's history during a private walking tour, then venture to Slovenia for an all-day excursion featuring Ljubljana and Lake Bled. Next, stop by Plitvice Lakes National Park for a short hike, overnight in the historic town of Zadar, and explore the narrow streets of Trogir on your way to Split. After the rush of the previous days, you'll enjoy a relaxed two-day stay in Split, which ensures time for an unhurried exploration of Diocletian's Palace and a sumptuous food tour.

Next, transfer to Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina), and enlist the help of a guide to discover the storied Stari Most. Then, enjoy a pause at Blagaj's natural spring before crossing back into Croatia on your way to Dubrovnik. Here, after taking an evening to explore independently, you'll delve into the region's culture through a private walking tour and a countryside cooking class. The following morning offers a scenic day trip to Montenegro, complete with a drive around the Bay of Kotor and visits to the charming villages of Perast and Kotor, followed by a return to Dubrovnik to catch your departing flight. Learn more

Itinerary #3: The Taste of Bosnia & Croatia: Sarajevo, Mostar, Split, Hvar & Dubrovnik

Indulge in a feast of fresh seafood, perfect pastries, and exquisite local wines on this two-country culinary journey that's been crafted especially for foodies. Throughout, you'll hop between Sarajevo's local restaurants, Split's vibrant markets, and a family-run farm near Dubrovnik. Plus, with a pie-making workshop and a three-hour cooking class in Mostar, you can look forward to bringing home secrets of the Balkans cuisine home with you.

Your culinary adventure begins in Sarajevo, the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina, where you'll spend the afternoon strolling the Old Town and indulging in traditional Bosnian cuisine. Then, delve deeper into local food culture through a half-day guided tour followed by a pie-making workshop, and round off your stay touring the remarkable Tunnel of Hope. Your next destination is Mostar, and with just an overnight stay here, you'll squeeze in an hour-long walking tour before joining a three-hour cooking class. Afterward, break up a transfer to Split with a stop to explore the cobbled streets of Počitelj.

There's plenty to see and taste in Split, and thanks to a local guide, you'll do plenty of both during a three-hour food tour. Then, explore and dine as you please, as the following morning, you'll board a ferry bound for Hvar. Your home on this charming Croatian island is the 13th-century Hvar Town, which is an excellent place to experience a traditional peka dinner. Continuing south by ferry, your final destination is Dubrovnik, and with two days here, you'll have time to enjoy lunch at a family-run farmhouse and visit an oyster farm in Ston before prepping for your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Montenegro & Croatia Active Adventure

Hike, whitewater raft, sea kayak, and zipline through Montenegro and Croatia on this 10-day Balkan adventure. Perfect for nature-loving travelers, you can look forward to exploring Durmitor National Park, climbing Mount Srđ, boating between Pakleni Islands, and zooming over the Cetina Canyon. When you're not out adventuring, refuel during a visit to a countryside farmhouse and while tucking into local taverns picked for their charm.

Your adventure begins in Montenegro's coastal town of Kotor, where you'll enjoy a leisurely afternoon wandering its medieval streets. Then, transfer to Žabljak, a quaint mountain village, and embrace the region's rugged beauty while hiking in Durmitor National Park and conquering a thrilling whitewater rafting excursion. Afterward, continue to Croatia's famous fortress city of Dubrovnik and settle in for a two-night stay. Spend your first day delving into local culture during dinner at a countryside farmhouse, which will ensure you're fueled up for the next day's city walking tour and sea kayaking excursion. 

At the midday mark of your adventure, leave behind the mainland and ferry to the picturesque island of Hvar. Spend your first day here checking out the island's idyllic sites alongside a guide, then leave the trodden path for a hike among lush meadows, followed by an afternoon of hopping between the Pakleni Islands. Next, catch a ferry to Split, which will be your home for the final two nights of your adventure. While here, you'll explore Diocletian's Palace and tackle a daring rafting and ziplining experience in Omiš before your departure. Learn more

More Great 10-Day Croatia Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Croatia? Check out these other 10-day Croatia itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.

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