The Balkans in Two Weeks: 3 Recommended 14-day Itineraries to the Balkans

The Balkans 14-day itinerary options
If you are looking for ideas and inspiration to spend 14 days in the Balkans, check out our handpicked 14-day itineraries to the Balkans below.
Itinerary #1: Bucharest to Belgrade


Overview | Activity | |
Day 1 | Explore Bucharest with its Baroque and elegant old city and find out why it’s known as the ‘Paris of the East’ | City sightseeing |
Day 2 | Continue your discovery of Bucharest and consider joining a city tour to learn about the city's tumultuous history | City sightseeing |
Day 3 | Visit Bran Castle, the legendary home of Dracula, and discover the medieval city of Brașov | Exploration |
Day 4 | Head south to Bulgaria and arrive at Veliko Tarnovo, the former capital of the Bulgarian Empire | Road trip |
Day 5 | Explore Veliko Tarnovo and the Unesco-listed town of Arbanasi | Exploration |
Day 6 | Join a tour of Bulgaria’s modern capital, Sofia, to discover its history | City sightseeing |
Day 7 | Reach North Macedonia and enjoy a local dining experience in Skopje | Road trip |
Day 8 | Head to Albania's capital Tirana, and explore its vibrant city center | City sightseeing |
Day 9 | Travel to Budva, Montenegro, and explore its historical Old Town | Sightseeing |
Day 10 | Visit Mostar and then head to Sarajevo, the Jerusalem of Europe | Road trip |
Day 11 | Take a walking tour of Sarajevo and learn about its history and religious role | Landmark sightseeing |
Day 12 | Travel through the Bosnian Mountains into Serbia and arrive in Belgrade | Road trip |
Day 13 | Explore Belgrade’s rich history with a visit to Kalemegdan Fortress | Landmark sightseeing |
Day 14 | Say goodbye to the Balkans |
Immerse yourself on a journey from Bucharest to Belgrade, traveling through Croatia, Romania, and six more countries. Explore the blend of medieval and modern in cities like Belgrade and Tirana, visit iconic landmarks like Bran Castle and Tsarevets Fortress, and dive into the rich Balkan history. Traverse the Carpathian Mountains, cross the Danube River, and wander through ancient towns following this 14-day itinerary. In two weeks you will be able to get a unique glimpse into the best cities in the Balkans traveling through 8 different countries and enjoying some of the best natural sites in the region.
While there are plenty of group tours to the Balkans that you can join, if you want a personal trip, try of these private itineraries to the Balkans.
Itinerary #2: Belgrade to Athens


Overview | Activity | |
Day 1 | Arrive in Belgrade and explore the city center before heading to Zvornik and Sarajevo | City sightseeing |
Day 2 | Explore the Ottoman and Austria-Hungarian rest in Sarajevo and the Unesco World Heritage Sites in Mostar | Sightseeing |
Day 3 | Continue to Kotor, Montenegro, and get lost in its romantic cobblestone streets | Road trip |
Day 4 | Visit Budva in Montenegro, and the viewpoint of Sveti Stefan, before crossing the border to Shkoder, Albania | Road trip |
Day 5 | Explore Prizren, the cultural capital of Kosovo | City sightseeing |
Day 6 | Visit Gjakova and then head to the Monastery of Decani | Landmark sightseeing |
Day 7 | Arrive in the rocky mountains of Kruja and discover all the hidden paths leading to the city’s castle | Exploration |
Day 8 | Visit Tirana, the capital of Albania, and check BUNKART museum, Tirana Castle, and the vibrant Blloku Neighborhood | City sightseeing |
Day 9 | Travel towards North Macedonia and arrive in Ohrid | Road trip |
Day 10 | Visit the scenic St. Naum monastery complex located at the source of River Crni Drim | Outdoor exploration |
Day 11 | Explore Berat and its medieval castle, then continue towards the “Stone City”, Gjirokaster | City sightseeing |
Day 12 | Visit Gjirokaster, the capital of Albanian folklore and traditional music | City sightseeing |
Day 13 | Explore Ioannina Castle and the old town, dating back to the Byzantine era, then drive towards Meteora | Exploration |
Day 14 | This is your last day in the Balkans, get ready for your return flight from Athens or Corfu |
Embark on a real adventure through the Balkans from Belgrade to Athens/Corfu. Travel through seven countries over 14 days and discover Europe’s most overlooked region. Wander the medieval streets of Kotor, admire the Unesco-listed Decani Monastery, and explore the enchanting Rozafa Castle in Albania. You will get the chance to learn about each country’s culture and see the highlights of the region, such as the Meteora monasteries, Berat's medieval castle, and the historic Ioannina Castle. In 14 days you will get a unique look into the region's rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning natural beauty. See all 14-day Balkans holiday packages.
Itinerary #3: Albania, Kosovo, and Macedonia


Overview | Activity | |
Day 1 | Discover Tirana, the colorful capital of Albania, and the mixed cuisine of the region | Exploration |
Day 2 | Ride a cable car to the peak of Mount Dajti and enjoy a day of hiking | Hiking |
Day 3 | Explore Elbasan in North Macedonia and visit the breathtaking Lake Ohrid with its churches and monasteries | Exploration |
Day 4 | Join a boat ride to the monastery of Saint Naum and then head to the Galicia National Park and Lake Prespa | Outdoor adventure |
Day 5 | Explore Matka Canyon with its towering cliffs and crystal clear lakes, and close the day visiting the city of Skopje | Outdoor adventure |
Day 6 | Sign up for a walking tour of Pristina and then head to Peja, one of the oldest towns in Kosovo | Exploration |
Day 7 | Continue your exploration of Peja, before heading to the mountain in the village of Boga, where you can take a hike to a nearby lake | Hiking |
Day 8 | Visit the Dečani Monastery, then continue on to Prizren to explore more of the Byzantine and Ottoman heritage | Culture sightseeing |
Day 9 | Explore the historic center of Prizren and relax with a wine degustation in Kosovo’s wine city, Rahovec | Wine tasting |
Day 10 | Visit the Ottoman Bazaar in Gjakova and return to Albania to the picturesque Valbona Valley | Exploration |
Day 11 | Enjoy the nature in Valbona Valley and conquer one of the surrounding peaks before a traditional dinner of lamb | Hiking |
Day 12 | Take a scenic ferry ride across Lake Koman and arrive in Shkoder, where you can enjoy a fantastic view from the famous Rozafa Castle | Outdoor adventure |
Day 13 | Visit the Skanderbeg Memorial and the Roman Amphitheatre in Durres | Sightseeing |
Day 14 | From Durres, head to Tirana International Airport (TIA) and get ready for your return flight |
Explore the Balkans in 2 weeks, discovering hidden gems of Albania, Kosovo, and Macedonia. Begin in the vibrant Albanian capital of Tirana and discover its unique mix of communist and modern influences. Travel to Lake Ohrid, known for its rich Byzantine and Ottoman heritage, and visit Saint Naum Monastery. Discover some of the best historical sites in Kosovo and learn about its complex past in Pristina and Peja. Hike in Valbona Valley in Albania and end your trip relaxing on the shores of the Adriatic Sea in Durres. Within 14 days you will fully explore the core of the countries, getting a real taste of the Balkans.
Planning a 2-week itinerary of the Balkans?
To freely move around the Balkans and get the most out of your stay, we recommend traveling by car. The railway network is not as extended as in other European countries, and locals often opt to move by bus. This can be a good option to move around the region on a budget. However, travel times can be long due to the mountainous terrain and border crossings. Several companies offer cruises on the Mediterranean Sea with several stops in the major Balkan coastal cities, such as Dubrovnik, Kotor, and Budva. For a hassle-free adventure, have a look at our 14-day pre-packaged tours of the Balkans. You can also tweak our existing tailor-made holidays to the Balkans to create your own itinerary.