Over six unforgettable weeks, we journeyed through the Balkans by bus, exploring vibrant cities, stunning coastlines, and hidden mountain gems. Along the way, we discovered countless incredible experiences — and in this post, we’re sharing the absolute best activities from our adventure. To make our travel smooth and stress-free, we used Busbud and trip.com to book all our intercity rides and find the best bus companies operating between each destination.
Slovenia (7 days)
Ljubljana (2 Nights)
Explore the charming capital city: stroll the cobbled streets of the Old Town, visit the iconic Triple Bridge and Ljubljana Castle for panoramic views.
Relax in Tivoli Park or grab coffee by the Ljubljanica River.
Optional Day Trip: Head to the stunning Škocjan Caves (UNESCO-listed) or the dramatic Predjama Castle, both within 1.5 hours of the city.
Lake Bled (2 Nights)
Take a bus or drive to Lake Bled (approx. 1 hour).
Visit Bled Castle, rent a rowboat or paddleboard to reach Bled Island, and try the famous Bled Cream Cake.
On Day 4, hike through the scenic Vintgar Gorge (1–2 hours), then relax with a lakeside picnic or short hike to the Mala Osojnica viewpoint
Soča Valley (3 nights)
Begin your trip with a drive from Lake Bled to the stunning Soča Valley, known for its emerald river, alpine landscapes, and outdoor adventure. Stay in one of the valley’s charming towns like Kobarid or Bovec, where you can enjoy excellent local cuisine, including a memorable meal at the renowned Hiša Franko. Spend your time immersed in nature, from rafting on the Soča River to hiking to alpine lakes and waterfalls. Explore historic sites like the Kobarid Museum and natural wonders such as the Tolmin Gorge and the confluence of the Soča and Tolminka rivers. After three days of adventure and relaxation, return to Lake Bled for the end of your journey.
Croatia
Plitvice Lakes (1 day)
Begin your journey with a scenic drive from Ljubljana to Croatia’s stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park (around 3.5 hours). Spend the afternoon exploring the park’s famous wooden boardwalks, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear lakes. Enjoy a peaceful boat ride across the lower lakes before settling in for the night at a nearby guesthouse or lodge.
Plitvice (1 day)
Drive south to the coastal city of Zadar (approx. 2 hours). In the afternoon, wander the charming Old Town, visit the Sea Organ and the Greeting to the Sun installation. As the sun begins to set, join a guided sea kayaking tour along Zadar’s dramatic coastline—perfect for catching one of the most beautiful sunsets on the Adriatic.
Split (2 days)
Depart Zadar and make a stop at Krka National Park (about 1.5 hours away) to swim in the river near the Skradin waterfalls—a refreshing experience surrounded by lush greenery. Continue on to Split (another hour’s drive), where you can explore Diocletian’s Palace and the lively waterfront
promenade before relaxing at Bačvice Beach.
Dedicate a day to a speedboat island-hopping tour from Split, with stops at the famous Blue Cave on Biševo, the chic island of Hvar, and the scenic Pakleni Islands. Swim in hidden coves, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and even try cliff jumping at Stiniva Cove. Return to Split in the evening or opt to stay overnight on Hvar for a taste of the nightlife.
Makarska (2 days)
Drive down the beautiful Makarska Riviera (around 1.5 hours). Once in Makarska, rent a jet ski or paddleboard to explore the Adriatic from a new angle. For those looking for land-based adventure, take a short hike up to the Biokovo Skywalk for sweeping views over the coast. Enjoy a laid-back evening by the beach or at a seaside restaurant.
Continue your journey south, taking a detour through the Pelješac Peninsula, known for its vineyards, oysters, and water sports. If time allows, stop in Viganj for windsurfing or try fresh oysters in Ston. Arrive in Dubrovnik by late afternoon and kick off your visit with sunset drinks at Buza Bar, a unique cliffside spot overlooking the sea.
Dubrovnik (2 days)
Spend your final day exploring Dubrovnik from the water. Join a sea kayaking tour that takes you around the Old Town walls and to Lokrum Island, with stops for snorkeling and swimming in hidden sea caves. Later, take the cable car up Mount Srđ for panoramic views of the city and coastline, and finish the trip with a farewell dinner in the Old Town’s historic center.
Bosnia and Hertzegovia
Sarajevo (4 days)
Mostar & Surroundings (4 days)
Arrive in Mostar by bus from Dubrovnik and begin your visit with a walk through the Old Town, stopping at the Stari Most (Old Bridge) to watch local divers leap into the Neretva River. Explore the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque for views from the minaret, and check out the War Photo Exhibition to gain deeper context on the city’s more recent past.
Use Mostar as a base for short day trips.First, visit Blagaj, just 20 minutes away, home to a stunning Dervish monastery (tekija) built into a cliff beside the Buna River spring. Next, head south to Kravica Waterfalls, a beautiful spot for swimming, relaxing, or a picnic. On the way back, stop at Počitelj, a charming hillside village with Ottoman architecture and views of the Neretva Valley. Return to Mostar for a relaxed final evening.
For those interested in water activities, try a short rafting or kayaking tour on the Neretva River (seasonal, with local operators offering half-day options). Wrap up your trip with a riverside dinner in Mostar and one last stroll through its atmospheric bazaar.
Sarajevo (4 days)
Explore the cultural and historical layers of Sarajevo over the next few days. Visit the Baščaršija bazaar, Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, Latin Bridge, and Museum of Sarajevo 1878–1918 to trace the city’s Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian roots. Learn about more recent history at the Tunnel of Hope Museum, a key site from the siege during the 1990s.
For nature and relaxation, take a short trip to Vrelo Bosne, a lush spring-fed park perfect for walking, biking, or a horse-drawn carriage ride. You can also ride the Trebević cable car for panoramic views and explore the abandoned Olympic bobsled track. In the evenings, enjoy local music or people-watching in the cafes along Ferhadija Street or watch the sunset from the Yellow Fortress.
Montenegro
Durmitor National Park (Žabljak) (2 days)
Begin your journey by traveling from Sarajevo to Žabljak, the gateway to Durmitor National Park. You’ll first take a morning bus from Sarajevo to Podgorica (around 4.5–5 hours, €15), then transfer to Nikšić (1.5 hours), and finally catch a local bus to Žabljak (2 hours). While the schedule can vary, buses to Nikšić and Žabljak are generally available throughout the day, especially in summer, check locally for current times or consider booking through a hostel.
Once in Žabljak, spend two days exploring the rugged highlands of Durmitor.
Visit Crno Jezero (Black Lake), go hiking along marked trails, and if you’re up for an adrenaline rush, try white-water rafting on the Tara River, Europe’s deepest canyon. In the evenings, relax in the peaceful alpine setting with hearty Montenegrin meals at a mountain lodge.
Budva (via Nikšić & Podgorica) (2 days)
On day three, make your way to the coast by reversing your bus route: Žabljak to Nikšić, then to Podgorica, and finally onward to Budva. The full journey takes around 6–7 hours by bus, depending on connections (expect €15–20 total for all legs). Once in Budva, unwind by the Adriatic Sea. Over the next day and a half, enjoy the sun and sand on Slovenska Beach or explore quieter beaches like Mogren and Jaz. Spend time wandering through Budva’s Old Town (Stari Grad), a walled city filled with narrow stone alleys, charming cafes, and historical landmarks like the Citadel. If you’re in the mood for nightlife, Budva is Montenegro’s party capital, with bars and clubs along the waterfront that come alive after dark.
Kotor & the Bay (2 days)
From Budva, take a short bus ride to Kotor (1 hour, €2–3, with departures roughly every 30–60 minutes). Base yourself in or near Kotor’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, a medieval maze of cobbled lanes, squares, and churches. Hike the Kotor Fortress trail (over 1,300 steps!) for one of the most breathtaking views in the Balkans. Over these final days, explore the Bay of Kotor region in more depth—take a boat tour to Our Lady of the Rocks, a picturesque man-made island church, or visit the elegant town of Perast, just 20 minutes from Kotor by bus or boat. If time allows, you can even do a short hike to Vrmac Ridge for panoramic views of the bay.
Albania
Budva → Shkodër (3 days)
Travel from Budva to Shkodër, Albania (approx. 3.5–4 hours), crossing the border at Hani i Hotit. Spend the afternoon exploring Rozafa Castle and the city’s charming pedestrian zone. Visit the Marubi Photography Museum or enjoy a traditional Albanian dinner in the lively old town.
Sarandë & the Albanian Riviera (4 days)
Spend four days based in Sarandë, using it as a hub to explore southern Albania’s highlights. Visit the stunning Butrint National Park and swim at nearby Ksamil beaches, known for their turquoise waters and island views. Take a short trip inland to the Blue Eye Spring, then watch the sunset from Lekursi Castle above the city. Enjoy local seafood and coffee along the Sarandë promenade, and consider day trips north to quieter beaches near Himarë or Dhermi for more coastal beauty. On your final day, relax at the beach or catch the ferry to Corfu, Greece, just across the water.
if you would like to continue your travels to Greek Ionian Islands from here (only 45 minutes away by ferry) see our travel itinerary for the Greek ionian islands here
Ready to book your flight to the Balkans?