7 Fast Paced Days Touring the Balkan Peninsula
This is the exact trip that we did in May 2024. It is very fast paced and if that is not your kind of trip then either add some more days on (if you're fortunate enough) or take out some of the destinations and activities on this itinerary that doesn't appeal so much to you. We are pleased we did it in 7 days and do not regret it one bit.
Language: Croatian, Montenegrin, Bosnian
Population: 3.86 million (Croatia), 617,000 (Montenegro), 3.16 million (Bosnia)
Currency: Euro € (Croatia & Montenegro), Marks (Bosnia)
Average price of a coffee: €3 (Croatia), €2 (Montenegro), €1,50 (Bosnia)
ITINERARY
Day 1: Trogir & Split, Croatia
Day 2: Split + Island, Croatia
Day 3: Dubrovnik, Croatia
Day 4: Herceg Novi & Kotor, Montenegro
Day 5: Budva, Montenegro
Day 6: Trebinje & Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Day 7: Fly home
HOW TO USE THE MAP
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Visiting three countries can sound like a lot of moving around in seven days but the stunning scenery and viewpoints meant we didn’t even notice we were driving at times. In honesty, it was a lot but it was well within our tolerance. It was a wonderful 7 days and we do not regret anything. Knowing us, with more time, we would've added on Albania. We also only recommend that you do this trip in April, May or late September or October. This is a very popular holiday choice and many tourists will spoil the experience for you.
Your trip starts at Split Airport, Croatia. Pick up your rental car quickly as your first stop is in 10 minutes time!
Day 1 - Trogir & Split
From Split airport, take the 10-15 minute drive into Trogir. Trogir is a quaint little town with some tourists and is a perfect place to get a taste for Croatia before heading into Split. We grabbed some lunch here on the harbour and had a walk around before driving 30 minutes into Split to find our AirBnB.
Settle into your hotel/AirBnB and take a walk around the old town of Split. There are many tourists so there is a lot going on. Check out our food and drink guide for our recommendations.
Day 2 - Split & Island of Choice
Visit an island of your choice.
We booked a ferry onto the island of Brač which is conveniently one of the closest islands to Split. You can ferry over to Vis (where Mamma Mia 2 was filmed) or any other island of your choice. The booking process is quite confusing and not easy to find but the company you need to book with is Jadrolinija. Book at least a week in advance to avoid disappointment.
We decided to go to Brač as we wanted to hike up Vidova Gora, the highest mountain in the Adriatic sea. We ended up driving up by mistake and we were quite pleased about it in the end - it was a hot day!
In Split, we suggest you visit: Old Town, Diocletian's Palace, Fortress Klis, and the markets.
BRAČ, CROATIA
VIDOVA GORA, BRAČ
Day 3 - Dubrovnik
Take the 3.5 hour journey down to Dubrovnik. Driving down to Dubrovnik is mostly motorway and you will need some coins to pay the toll. The toll cost us almost €7 in May 2024, so have some change handy! Payments via card are not possible.
Once you’re in Dubrovnik, it is a must to climb The Walls (this price has skyrocketed to €35 pp but is still worth it) and explore the Old Town. You can also buy a Croatia Pass which allows you entry into another attraction, so explore that option too to save some euros.
DUBROVNIK, CROATIA
Day 4 - Montenegro
This is the best day - you’re driving into Montenegro! In order to pass the border you must have a passport and a VISA (if applicable) and a green card for your car which your airport rental company should provide you. Not to put you off but there have been some issues reported on Google reviews of police insisting for money when crossing. As of May 2024, it does not cost to cross this border but to make everything easy for yourself make sure you are adequately clothed (not topless) and the car is in good condition. There is no reason for them to deny you entry if you follow the rules. We had absolutely zero problems crossing, the only thing was that the Montenegrin police only dealt with West and not Emmy even though she was driving.
Set your satnav to Herceg Novi, the first stop of the day. You can explore the walls which is an awesome experience and the fortress which was discounted if you bought a wall ticket. The price as of May 2024 was less than €10 each for both attractions.
After the day here, head to Kotor and stay the night. The drive here is absolutely stunning and you will pass Our Lady the Rocks, so be prepared to stop many times for some photos.
In Kotor, there is lots to do. You can explore the walls and hike up the ladder, go up to Lovcen National Park in the cable car (weather dependent) and stroll through Kotor's Old Town.
Today is your oyster, you can explore more of Kotor or take a boat trip out to see Our Lady the Rocks (a church on the water) and admire the scenery. If the weather is nice, you can detour up in the car to Lovcen National Park and do some hiking. We wished we had the opportunity to do this but unfortunately we had rented quite a small car and there was no way the one litre was chugging up all the inclines.
OUR LADY THE ROCKS, MONTENEGRO
Day 5 - Montenegro
On your last full day in Montenegro, you can either stay in Kotor for another night if you’re not so keen on constantly changing locations and sleeping beds but a trip to Budva is a must. We stayed the night in Budva and didn’t regret it but you can adventure here for the day as it is a thirty minute drive which will save you thirty minutes tomorrow on your commute to Bosnia.
Start the day by driving out to Sveti Stefan. It is a small man made island that used to host a five star hotel (which is now closed due to local outcry) and take some great pictures. Right next to it there are some beaches which if you’re blessed with a hot day are totally worth chilling out for the rest of the afternoon. Milocer beach is a mere 10 minute walk away and just round the corner you have an even quieter beach named Queen's beach. For us, it was overcast so we headed straight into Budva.
In Budva, you can go and see the famous Dancing Girl statue and explore the old town. It is a great place for some dinner and drinks on the beach promenade as well as a nightclub visit.
SVETI STEFAN, MONTENEGRO
Day 6 - Bosnia & Herzegovina
If you’re anything like us, you’re heartbroken that it is now time to say goodbye to the beautiful Montenegro. You’re headed to Tribenje in the Srpska region of Bosnia and Herzegovina about a 1 hour and 50 minute drive from Kotor. You can cross the Kamenari-Lepetane ferry to shave off a good few minutes for €5. You will want to pass through Sitnica border crossing.
Explore Trebinje, have some lunch and then set your Satnavs to Mostar, part of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Here you can browse the old town and of course Mostar bridge as well as some of the local museums about the Yugoslav war. Bosnia is a really interesting place, the history is long and complex and over half of the population follow the Islamic faith. In Mostar multiple times per day you can hear the call to prayer from both sides of the bridge.
A few hour short trip to Kravica Waterfall is well worth a visit too.
Day 7 - Home time
Time to go home! For those with more time, head off to your next stop.
To note:
Check your home country’s rules as to whether you need an International Driver's Permit or not. Some countries you don’t need them and some you do. Remember you are driving across borders so check each and every country.
Let us know how you found this trip!