I wish we had this car!
I love a good road trip. There is nothing quite as satisfying as cruising through a country’s winding back roads to really get to know the local landscape, people and discover spots that you would have missed arriving by air. Of course if you have even more time then riding a bike or walking can be even better ways to become intimate with your destinations. But a car provides a level of freedom and flexibility (motorbikes as well!) that allows you to explore extensively but also smell the air and fresh bread baking in the morning.
When we set off on our 9 day Western Balkan road trip we didn’t know what to expect. All we had was a map, a tent, a rough idea of where to go and few hotel bookings that kept us grounded but not constrained. This was by choice as getting lost and having adventures are one of the best experiences in life, not to mention great blog article material 
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Many people back in the US thought we were crazy and that the Balkans are still dangerous. They are not, or at least no more dangerous than NY city and I would argue much safer in many ways. You can cover a lot of ground in 9 days and we were determined to see as much of Croatia’s Dalmatian coast as possible, where we spent the bulk of our time. In the end we traveled over 1,800 km starting in Kosovo and driving through Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Serbia. We ate, drank and danced to the rhythm of the Balkans and arrived home safe, sound and energized. More detailed articles will follow on all of our destinations, but for now here are some of the highlights that should be included in any trip to the area.
Old City of Dubrovnik, Croatia
Undeniably the Jewel in the sparkling Adriatic sea, the old City of Dubrovnik and its massive walls should not be missed.
Magical and funky city of Split
Ignored by travelers until recently the old city of Split is at once Magical and funky. The atmosphere of sitting, eating, drinking and just living life among exposed Roman ruins is not to be missed
Romanesque Portal in Trogir’s Cathedral
This incredible portal into the Cathedral is the first example of nude sculpture in architecture in Croatia. The whole city which sits on a tiny island is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Forest River in Krka National Park
This beautiful park will leave you in awe as you walk and swim between rushing waterfalls and rivers running throughout the surrounding forest.
White Marble History of Zadar
The most northern city on the Dalmatian Coast the old city of Zadar is unique in its white marble roman design and its layers of exposed history.
Natural Beauty of Kornati Islands
150 uninhabited islands await as you cruise through the Adriatic sea. What trip to Croatia can be complete without a trip to the isalnds?
Monastic Magnificence of Ostrog, Montenegro
Founded in the 17th century by St. Basil, this is the most visited pilgrimage site in Montenegro. Clinging to a high cliff a visit here is packed with incredible views and throngs of worshipers praying for the healing miracles associated with the monastery.
Like all good trips this article needs to end as well. But fear not we will bring you on a guided tour of our travels through the Balkans soon enough. For more pictures from our trip visit Todd’s Wanderings Facebook Page for the complete view of this beautiful area.
We’d love to hear your thoughts.
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Todd,
Thanks for all the amazing info! I am planning a 2 week roadtrip hopefully done relatively cheap throughout the Balkans. I was wondering if you could offer some insight for a rough itemerary of the area. I am hoping for a good mix of cities and nature with a lot of randomness thrown in. Your blog is awesome, Thanks for the resource!!
Hey Todd,
just came across your page and like what I see
I am currently planning a trip through the Balkans (&Hungary, Slovenia) and was wondering whether you have some good advice concerning some stunning natural highlights. I am not so much into cities but really into hiking…
Would be great to hear what you have to say.
Cheers,
Patrizia
Hi Patrizia, thanks for stopping by and I’m excited about your trip! I live in Kosovo at the moment and have tons of suggestions
I’m not sure how much time you have but here is my list (some you can find here on my site):
Slovenia- Bled and Bohinj lakes
Croatia-the Dalmatian coatline along with Kirka and Plevica national parks (both stunning parks)
Montenegro-Kotor, then the Mountains near Kolosin
Albania- Velbona valley (most gorgeous mountain area in the Balkans
Kosovo- Dragash
Macedonia- Ochrid Lake is worth a trip
Bulgaria- have been there much but the mountains around Bansko are beautiful
Greece- Climb mount Olympus
Serbia- I have not been, but supposedly a ride along the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal is great.
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Is that Grgur Ninski? It seems like Croats have a statue of him in every city
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Hi Slava, it is Grgur Ninski. I love the magical and strong curves of the statue. Although I’m sure the artist was not intending to have a Harry Potteryesq statue of a Catholic priest
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Todd… I was so close to going to Dubrovnik recently but due to time and other things I had to pass it up… Regret it now a little bit!
Croatia is definitely on my list… Seems like the Laos of Europe
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Hey Aaron,
I loved Dubrovnik and Croatia but it is getting a lot more expensive! Amazing number of UNESCO sites though. I think Montenegro and Albania will be the next big “it” places in the region. Prices are still low there and the beauty and history are amazing.
I am SO jealous – Croatia has been on my short list for SO long. Great photos.
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Thanks Barbara. More photos and articles to come on Croatia. I really loved it there and will definitely be back for a 3rd visit
This is such an interesting part of the world – Dubrovnik, Mostar, Trebinje, Kotor…. so many beautiful and evocative spots. You have some excellent photos here; I esp. like the Montenegro monastery. Look forward to reading more
Thanks Sophie. I’m working on the next post as we speak
Todd,
Nice post and great road trip. The photos are great and I particularly like the pilgramge spot in Montenegro. Can’t wait fo the next road trip.
Jason
I can’t wait either!
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Ahh Magical… !!!
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It was! I am really falling in love with this part of the world.Of course I tend to fall in love with everywhere I live.
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