The Balkans in 10 Days: 4 Recommended 10-day Itineraries to the Balkans

The Balkans 10-day Itinerary Options
Explore our fantastic Balkans 10-day itinerary suggestions that showcase the region's historic cities, natural wonders, and cultural gems.
Itinerary #1: Balkan Capitals and Coasts

Overview |
Activity |
Overnight |
|
---|---|---|---|
Day 1 |
Begin your journey in Ljubljana, exploring its iconic bridges and the Ljubljana Castle |
Historical sites tour |
Ljubljana |
Day 2 |
Head to Zagreb, Croatia's vibrant capital to visit the Upper Town and Museum of Broken Relationships |
Sightseeing and museum tour |
Zagreb |
Day 3 |
Discover coastal Split to enjoy a cruise around the Dalmatian Coast |
River cruise |
Split |
Day 4 |
Travel to the historic city of Dubrovnik and walk the city walls and discover Lovrijenac Fortress |
Historical sites tour |
Dubrovnik |
Day 5 |
Visit Kotor in Montenegro to explore the Bay of Kotor and climb to the Kotor Fortress |
Hiking and castle tour |
Kotor |
Day 6 |
Journey to Sarajevo, the heart of Bosnia & Herzegovina, and see the Ottoman influences during the walking tour of Baščaršija |
City sightseeing |
Sarajevo |
Day 7 |
Venture to Belgrade, Serbia and tour the Belgrade Fortress and Skadarlija Street |
Historical sites tour |
Belgrade |
Day 8 |
Head towards Novi Sad and explore the Petrovaradin Fortress |
City sightseeing |
Novi Sad |
Day 9 |
Return to Ljubljana for relaxation and reflection |
Leisure |
Ljubljana |
Day 10 |
Conclude your tour in Ljubljana and head to your next destination or home |
Experience the best of the Balkans in 10 days with this carefully curated itinerary, which blends vibrant city life and serene coastal vibes. Begin in Slovenia's charming capital, Ljubljana, known for its iconic architecture and inviting ambience. As you travel through grand cities like Zagreb and Belgrade, enjoy cultural landmarks and fascinating museums. The itinerary also leads you to the stunning Dalmatian Coast, where a cruise around Split is a must. From the fortified city walls of Dubrovnik to the panoramic views at Kotor, every stop is distinct. End your journey by revisiting Ljubljana, reflecting on a memorable trip across diverse landscapes and cultures. See all tours in the Balkans.
Itinerary #2: Enchanting Bulgaria and Romania


Overview |
Activity |
Overnight |
|
---|---|---|---|
Day 1 |
Kick off in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria |
City sightseeing |
Sofia |
Day 2 |
Travel to Plovdiv, Bulgaria's cultural heart and visit the ancient Roman theatre and Kapana District |
Cultural and historical landmarks tour |
Plovdiv |
Day 3 |
Experience Veliko Tarnovo's medieval charm |
Historical sites tour |
Veliko Tarnovo |
Day 4 |
Cross into Romania's dynamic capital, Bucharest |
City sightseeing |
Bucharest |
Day 5 |
Navigate through the picturesque Carpathians to Brașov |
Cultural exploration |
Brașov |
Day 6 |
Head to Sinaia to embrace the natural beauty and the stunning Peles Castle |
Nature and historical sites tour |
Sinaia |
Day 7 |
Arrive in Sibiu, a Saxon treasure and experience its cobblestone streets and grand squares |
City sightseeing |
Sibiu |
Day 8 |
Head to Timișoara, Romania's western gem |
City sightseeing |
Timișoara |
Day 9 |
Return to Sofia for a leisure day |
Leisure |
Sofia |
Day 10 |
Conclude your journey in Sofia |
Embark on a 10-day journey through the Eastern Balkans, exploring a fascinating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Begin in Sofia, Bulgaria, where the golden-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and lively Vitosha Boulevard set the stage for discovery. In Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s cultural heart, wander through the Kapana District and marvel at the well-preserved Roman Theatre. Step back in time to Veliko Tarnovo, home to the imposing Tsarevets Fortress. Cross into Bucharest, Romania, a city of contrasts, from the grandiose Palace of the Parliament to the serene Herăstrău Park. Journey into Transylvania, stopping in Brașov, a charming medieval city near Bran Castle, known as Dracula’s Castle. Visit Peles Castle in Sinaia, a fairy-tale retreat in the Carpathians. Continue to Sibiu, with its Saxon heritage and picturesque squares, before exploring the vibrant city of Timișoara. Conclude your trip in Sofia, reflecting on an unforgettable Balkan experience. See all Bulgaria and Romania holiday packages.
Itinerary #3: Western and Southern Balkans Adventure


Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Start in Belgrade, Serbia's vibrant capital, and explore the Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan Park | City sightseeing | Belgrade |
Day 2 | Travel to Novi Sad and take some time out to visit the Petrovaradin Fortress and Dunavska Street | Historical sites tour | Novi Sad |
Day 3 | Cross into Bosnia, arriving in Sarajevo, and wander through Baščaršija and learn about its Ottoman history | History tour | Sarajevo |
Day 4 | Continue to Mostar, Bosnia’s historical gem and see the iconic Stari Most and enjoy the Old Bazaar | Cultural tour | Mostar |
Day 5 | Travel to Kotor, Montenegro, and take a stroll along the Bay of Kotor and hike up to Kotor Fortress | Hiking | Kotor |
Day 6 | Visit the serene coastal town of Budva for a relaxing beach day | Leisure | Budva |
Day 7 | Cross into Albania, reaching Tirana, and tour Skanderbeg Square and the National History Museum | City sightseeing | Tirana |
Day 8 | Experience Shkodra, Albania's cultural center, visit Rozafa Castle, and enjoy the scenic views | Cultural landmarks tour | Shkodra |
Day 9 | Return to Belgrade and visit local markets and enjoy authentic Serbian cuisine | Market and food tour | Belgrade |
Day 10 | Wrap up your adventure in Belgrade |
This exciting 10-day journey through the Western and Southern Balkans introduces you to a mixture of bustling cities, historical landmarks, and coastal tranquility. The itinerary kicks off in Serbia's capital, Belgrade, where historic sites and cultural energy set the tone. Delve into Bosnia's complex history in Sarajevo and Mostar, then enjoy the stunning landscapes of Montenegro's Kotor and Budva. As you cross into Albania, you’ll discover vibrant Tirana and the awe-inspiring vistas around Shkodra. Finally, revisit Belgrade to wrap up your adventure. This itinerary immerses you fully into the varied textures of the Balkan countries.
Itinerary #4: Scenic Balkans Nature and Culture

Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Commence your adventure in Zagreb, Croatia's charming capital | City exploration | Zagreb |
Day 2 | Travel to Split and enjoying its vibrant coastal atmosphere | City exploration | Split |
Day 3 | Experience the natural beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park | Outdoor exploration | Plitvice |
Day 4 | Travel to Dubrovnik and delve into its medieval allure | City exploration | Dubrovnik |
Day 5 | Head to Montenegro to explore Cetinje’s monastery and national museum | Cultural landmarks tour | Cetinje |
Day 6 | Discover the rugged landscapes of Durmitor National Park on a hike | Hiking | Žabljak |
Day 7 | Reach Skopje, North Macedonia's capital and explore its Stone Bridge and Old Bazaar | City sightseeing | Skopje |
Day 8 | Visit Ohrid and discover Samuil's Fortress and enjoy boat rides on Lake Ohrid | Historical sites and boat tour | Ohrid |
Day 9 | Return to Zagreb and take some time to appreciate local Croatian delicacies | Food tour | Zagreb |
Day 10 | Conclude your Balkans journey in Zagreb |
This 10-day itinerary offers a perfect blend of nature, history, and cultural immersion across the Balkans, including Croatia, Montenegro and North Macedonia. Begin in Zagreb, where the historic Upper Town and lively Tkalčićeva Street introduce Croatia’s charm. Head to Plitvice Lakes National Park to admire its cascading waterfalls and scenic trails before venturing to Split, where the ancient Diocletian's Palace and vibrant Riva promenade bring the Dalmatian coast to life. In Dubrovnik, walk along medieval city walls and soak in breathtaking Adriatic views. Cross into Montenegro, where Cetinje offers rich cultural heritage, while Durmitor National Park showcases rugged landscapes and deep canyons. End your journey in North Macedonia, exploring the dynamic capital of Skopje and the serene beauty of Lake Ohrid, before returning to Zagreb for departure. For more options, consider one of our eco-tours in the Balkans.
Need Help Planning an Itinerary to the Balkans for 10 Days?
Embarking on Balkans 10-day itineraries can be an unparalleled adventure, encompassing history, culture, and stunning landscapes. From exploring ancient towns in Montenegro to savoring the flavors of Croatia, there’s much to discover. Also check out our itineraries for 14 days in the Balkans if you are interested. If you’re searching for a Balkans itinerary that can be tweaked to meet your requirement, check out our tailormade Balkans holiday packages.