Balkans (bulgaria, Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Bsh, Kosovo)

The Balkans are a treasure trove of history, culture, and stunning natural beauty. Here’s a 19-day itinerary that balances your love for parks, history, and early morning activities. Let’s dive in!

Day 1: Sofia, Bulgaria

• Morning: Arrive in Sofia. Start your day with a visit to the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. The early morning light makes for stunning photos!
• Midday: Explore Vitosha Boulevard for lunch and some shopping.
• Afternoon: Visit the National Historical Museum to dive into Bulgaria's rich history.
• Evening: Stroll through Borisova Gradina, Sofia’s oldest park, before dinner.

Day 2: Rila Monastery & Plovdiv

• Morning: Early drive to Rila Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Explore the stunning architecture and serene surroundings.
• Midday: Head to Plovdiv for lunch.
• Afternoon: Explore the Old Town of Plovdiv, including the Roman Theatre and the Ethnographic Museum.
• Evening: Relax in Tsar Simeon Garden before dinner.

Day 3: Plovdiv to Koprivshtitsa

• Morning: Depart for Koprivshtitsa, a charming town known for its colorful houses and history.
• Midday: Visit the House-Museum of Todor Kableshkov and enjoy lunch at a local eatery.
• Afternoon: Explore the town’s historical sites, including the Museum of the Bulgarian Revival.
• Evening: Return to Plovdiv for the night.

Day 4: Plovdiv to Skopje, North Macedonia

• Morning: Depart for Skopje. Arrive and visit the Stone Bridge and Macedonia Square.
• Midday: Lunch at a local restaurant.
• Afternoon: Explore the Old Bazaar and visit the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle.
• Evening: Stroll through City Park before dinner.

Day 5: Skopje to Ohrid

• Morning: Drive to Ohrid. Visit the Church of St. John at Kaneo for breathtaking views.
• Midday: Lunch by the lake.
• Afternoon: Explore the Ohrid Fortress and the ancient Theater of Ohrid.
• Evening: Relax at Ohrid Lake and enjoy the sunset.

Day 6: Ohrid

• Morning: Take a boat trip on Ohrid Lake to visit St. Naum Monastery.
• Midday: Enjoy lunch at a lakeside restaurant.
• Afternoon: Visit the National Park Galichica for hiking and stunning views.
• Evening: Return to Ohrid for dinner.

Day 7: Ohrid to Tirana, Albania

• Morning: Depart for Tirana. Visit the Skanderbeg Square upon arrival.
• Midday: Lunch at a local café.
• Afternoon: Explore the National History Museum and the Et'hem Bey Mosque.
• Evening: Stroll through Grand Park (Parku i Madh) before dinner.

Day 8: Tirana to Berat

• Morning: Drive to Berat, known as the "City of a Thousand Windows."
• Midday: Visit the Berat Castle and enjoy lunch with a view.
• Afternoon: Explore the Onufri National Museum.
• Evening: Walk along the Osum River before dinner.

Day 9: Berat to Shkoder

• Morning: Depart for Shkoder. Visit the Rozafa Castle for panoramic views.
• Midday: Lunch in the city center.
• Afternoon: Explore the Marubi National Museum of Photography.
• Evening: Relax at Shkoder Lake.

Day 10: Shkoder to Kotor, Montenegro

• Morning: Drive to Kotor. Explore the Old Town upon arrival.
• Midday: Lunch at a local restaurant.
• Afternoon: Hike up to Kotor Fortress for stunning views of the bay.
• Evening: Stroll along the waterfront before dinner.

Day 11: Kotor to Durmitor National Park

• Morning: Depart for Durmitor National Park. Enjoy the scenic drive.
• Midday: Arrive and have lunch in Žabljak.
• Afternoon: Explore the park with a hike to Black Lake.
• Evening: Enjoy a cozy dinner in Žabljak.

Day 12: Durmitor National Park

• Morning: Early morning hike in Durmitor. Consider the Tara Canyon for breathtaking views.
• Midday: Picnic lunch in the park.
• Afternoon: Continue exploring the park or try some adventure sports like rafting.
• Evening: Relax and enjoy the mountain air.

Day 13: Durmitor to Dubrovnik, Croatia

• Morning: Depart for Dubrovnik. Arrive and explore the Old Town.
• Midday: Lunch at a café in the Old Town.
• Afternoon: Walk the city walls for stunning views of the Adriatic.
• Evening: Stroll through Banje Beach before dinner.

Day 14: Dubrovnik

• Morning: Take a cable car to Mount Srđ for panoramic views.
• Midday: Lunch in the Old Town.
• Afternoon: Visit Fort Lovrijenac and the Rector's Palace.
• Evening: Relax in Gradac Park.

Day 15: Dubrovnik to Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Morning: Drive to Mostar. Visit the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge).
• Midday: Lunch at a riverside café.
• Afternoon: Explore the Old Bazaar and the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque.
• Evening: Stroll along the Neretva River.

Day 16: Mostar to Sarajevo

• Morning: Depart for Sarajevo. Visit the Baščaršija (Old Bazaar) upon arrival.
• Midday: Lunch at a traditional restaurant.
• Afternoon: Explore the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque and the Tunnel Museum.
• Evening: Relax in Wilson's Promenade.

Day 17: Sarajevo to Pristina, Kosovo

• Morning: Drive to Pristina. Visit the Newborn Monument.
• Midday: Lunch at a local café.
• Afternoon: Explore the Imperial Mosque and the Kosovo Museum.
• Evening: Stroll through Germia Park.

Day 18: Pristina to Skopje

• Morning: Depart for Skopje. Visit the Millennium Cross on Mount Vodno.
• Midday: Lunch in the city.
• Afternoon: Explore the Museum of Contemporary Art.
• Evening: Relax in City Park.

Day 19: Departure from Skopje

• Morning: Last-minute shopping or a visit to any missed sites.
• Midday: Enjoy a farewell lunch.
• Afternoon: Depart for your flight home.

This itinerary offers a blend of history, culture, and nature, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the beautiful parks and green spaces throughout the Balkans. Enjoy your adventure! 🌍✈️