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Balkans Itinerary

The Balkans are a diverse region in Southeast Europe, with stunning cities and spectacular nature. Traveling in the Balkans can be a bit challenging, but it’s also extremely rewarding. So go one stop further with our Balkans itinerary and discover a whole new side of Europe.

You can travel the Balkans with a Eurail Global Pass. The train will get you to most places, but some stops in this itinerary can only be reached by bus. Bus tickets in the Balkans are generally low-priced, so don't let it stop you from having a full Balkan experience!

Itinerary in short

 

Click here or on the map to view this route in our Trip Planner

Cities visited in this trip:

  1. Zagreb, Croatia

  2. Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina  

  3. Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina

  4. Dubrovnik, Croatia

  5. Kotor, Montenegro

  6. Belgrade, Serbia

Zagreb, Croatia

Zagreb is a great place to start your Balkan adventure. It has an inviting city center, with many cosy bars and restaurants. Check out the magnificent tilework on St. Mark's Church and get your daily supply of fruit and veggies at Dolac Market. For something truly original, visit the Tragicomical Museum of Broken Relationships.


For the best view of Zagreb, climb up to Lotrscak Tower, a defensive fortification from the 13th century. If you're up for a walk, make your way to nearby Mirogoj, one of the most beautiful cemeteries in all of Europe.

The colorful Church of St. Mark in Zagreb

From Zagreb to Sarajevo

Travel time:

10h20m

Transfer:

0

  • Zagreb, Croatia

    Zagreb Glavni Kolod

  • 10h 20m
  • Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina

    Sarajevo

Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina

Sarajevo is a city that will amaze and delight you. It's nicknamed the Jerusalem of Europe, due to its history of ethnic and religious diversity. Walk through the Bascarsija bazaar to see the lasting influence of the Ottoman Empire. Turn a corner to find the majestic Vijecnica, Sarajevo’s old city hall and library. It was greatly damaged in the Bosnian war, but repaired and reopened in 2014.


During the Bosnian war, Sarajevo suffered through the longest siege in modern history. Check out the Sarajevo Tunnel that was used for getting supplies into the city and look around for Sarajevo Roses – mortar shell holes in the concrete that have been filled with red resin as a memorial.

The Sebilj fountain in Sarajevo's bazaar

From Sarajevo to Mostar

Travel time:

2h40m

Transfer:

0

  • Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina

    Sarajevo

  • 2h 40m
  • Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina

    Mostar

Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina

The city of Mostar is famous for and named after the Stari Most, its Ottoman bridge from the 16th century. One of the country's most recognisable landmarks, the old bridge was destroyed in the Croat-Bosniak War, but reconstructed with many of the original stones. In July, watch divers leap from the bridge in the annual Stari Most diving competition.


The bridge and the Old Town around it are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When you’re done exploring Mostar, take a day trip to the nearby Kravice Waterfalls. This beautiful spot is the perfect place to go for a swim on a hot summer’s day.

The Old Bridge in Mostar

From Mostar to Dubrovnik

Travel time:

4h0m

Transfer:

0

  • Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina

    Mostar

  • 4h 0m
  • Dubrovnik, Croatia

    Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It lies on the Adriatic Sea and is bursting with monuments, like the Renaissance Rector’s Palace and the impressive Minčeta Tower. The city’s most characteristic features are the splendid Walls of Dubrovnik that run over 1.2 miles (2 km) around the Old City.


If Dubrovnik looks familiar to you, it's probably because it's a major filming location for the hit series Game of Thrones! This has only increased tourism, so expect Dubrovnik to be packed in summer. For some peace and quiet, you can visit the lush island of Lokrum and its botanical gardens. Lokrum is located just off the coast of Dubrovnik and is inhabited exclusively by peacocks.

Dubrovnik can only be reached by bus. From Mostar, this should take you no longer than 4 hours.
View on Dubrovnik's Old Town

From Dubrovnik to Kotor

Travel time:

2h0m

Transfer:

0

  • Dubrovnik, Croatia

    Dubrovnik

  • 2h 0m
  • Kotor, Montenegro

    Kotor

Kotor, Montenegro

From Dubrovnik, travel by bus to the Montenegrin town of Kotor, with its impressive Venetian fortifications. Climb all the way up to the Castle of San Giovanni for an amazing view of Kotor Bay. Equally beautiful is nearby Budva, a 2,500-year-old town that’s known for both its medieval Old Town and as the undisputed party capital of Montenegro.


Traveling in Montenegro is mostly done by bus. The country’s trains start running at Bar, another coastal town with plenty of beaches. Here, you can catch a train up to the capital city, Podgorica, and to Belgrade in Serbia. The journey from Bar to Belgrade is quite long, so we recommend you travel this route by night train.

View on Kotor Bay from the Venetian fortress

From Kotor to Belgrade

Travel time:

12h44m

Transfer:

1

  • Kotor, Montenegro

    Kotor

  • 1h 44m
  • Bar, Montenegro

    Bar

  • 11h 0m
  • Belgrade, Serbia

    Belgrade

Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade, meaning white city, is Serbia's capital and largest city. Look beyond its rough edges to find an abundance of beauty. Visit the historic Belgrade Fortress in Kalemegdan Park for an amazing view of the Sava and Danube rivers. Make sure to check out the huge Church of St. Sava and visit the National Museum to find the largest art collection in Serbia.


If you’re looking for a night out, visit one of Belgrade’s splavovi, clubs and bars on rafts in the Sava River. On a summer day, go out of the city and have a swim at Ada Ciganlija, Belgrade’s beach island.

The Church of St. Sava by night

Experience the Balkans with a Eurail Global Pass!
 

Go the last mile

avis-car-rental-girl-looking-out-of-car-window

Found yourself at the end of the line, but not at your destination? When public transportation ends, it's time to take matters into your own hands: rent a car for the last miles!

 

Eurailers get up to a 15% discount on all Avis retail prices. 

 

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