(10 euros/night); also run by the sweetest familythe mother kept bringing me complimentary homemade food, and took me on a trip to the iconic Blagaj Tekija! These countries are on different currenciesCroatia, while a member of the EU, is on the kuna. If you want to stretch your legs and feel your feet on solid ground, you have to explore the historic town! If you stay in a hotel, the tax (1 euro/night) should be included. I can be a pretty solitary person when I travel, but it was easy to make friends and connect with locals. Theyre apparently very friendly in general, and dont mind a tummy rub or even being picked up. These islands are truly spectacular, boasting charming architecture and characteristic landscapes which are certainly not to be missed. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Theyre apparently very friendly in general, and dont mind a tummy rub or even being picked up. Have you ever visited any of these spots? Where to eat: Poljana, a state-owned restaurant that was surprisingly affordable, and had vegan options! I wouldve loved to stop for a meal in one, though I suppose its probably a tourist trap. calculated on 1037 reviews, This website uses cookies --- I understand and accept. If the weather is good, you can visit nearby islands, lie out on one of the beaches, or hike in the hills overlooking the city. The beauty of this old town is breathtaking - the ancient city walls tell a story as you stroll alongside them. Hop off the boat to go and explore the quaint town, stroll along the cliffs where on a clear day you have spectacular views ofDubrovnik. The church is only open at Mass, so I just came to see the roof. I really had no shortage of company on this trip, even as a solo traveler. Be aware of your privilege as a tourist, and know that not everyone is excited about tourism. Most of them are stray, but people will give them food, so many look well-nourished. There are a couple essentials youll need for a trip to these countries, if youre coming from outside the EU. I was worried about noise, but apparently it quiets down a lot at night (at least in April). It may be difficult to find tasty and filling food as a vegan. 4. I flew into Zagreb, Croatia from Paris, and ended my trip in Kotor, Montenegro, which made it easy to fly out of Dubrovnik, Croatia (the airport is only 1.5 hours away). Privacy policy. For any shopaholics, you will be in your element with gorgeous silk production and embroidery, which is a local tradition and makes an unbeatable souvenir. This is especially true if you stay in a family-run room rental on Booking.com, which are very common in Eastern Europe. Input your search keywords and press Enter. Here, you will feel completely relaxed on the long summer evenings on your boat, or if you are looking for more action, discover the local town and soak up the atmosphere. Where to stay: near the main bus station, or closer to the Old Town. If you want to visit the underground part, you have to pay (I didnt go, so I cant tell you if it would be worth it). Where to stay: Full View Apartment (10 euros/night); also run by the sweetest familythe mother kept bringing me complimentary homemade food, and took me on a trip to the iconic Blagaj Tekija! I also really liked eating donuts in Cavtat, a fishing town near the airport. Put your feet up and plug your iPod in to cruise along in complete peace and tranquility. Note that I went as a solo female traveler, but this itinerary would work for families, groups of friends, and couples too. Montenegro and Croatia are two of our most recommended destinations for a crewed catamaran charter. (especially for the Azores). Race Review: Paris Marathon 2019 + Breaking 4 Hours! Destinations in the Adriatic Sea: Dubrovnik | Split | Trogir | Montenegro | Slovenia, 7 Day Croatia and Montenegro Crewed Catamaran Itinerary. Here, youll find pristine turquoise waters, awe-inspiring waterfalls, and endless nature trails. After a peaceful night's sleep, head ashore in Dubrovnik to discover this Venetian town. This unspoilt island is covered in luscious forest and is raved about for its two lakes, perfect for meandering around sunset. I also was able to make some traveler friends, whether they were staying in the same Airbnb, waiting at the same bus stop and going to the same place, or going on the same tour. I really wanted to buy a lamp and tea set, but they were a little too bulky and fragile for my luggage haha. Where to eat: Green Point, a vegan cafe with great juices and breakfast sandwiches. complete guide for driving in the Balkans, 2 Weeks in Europe 10 Excellent Itinerary Ideas, 14 Spectacular Stops on the LA to San Francisco Drive, How to Dress Like a European The Ultimate Packing List for Europe, One Day in L.A. How to See the Best of Los Angeles in a Day, How to See Los Angeles in 3 Days the Perfect Itinerary. Plitvice Lakes is a Croatian National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set sail in the afternoon to test the waters on your catamaran and feel at ease with your crew. Feel free to join me for the ride. I got around primarily by bus, though I also caught a ride with other tourists once and took a taxi to and from airports. Stop for lunch at Restaurant 360 where you will find elegance and the finest cuisine with traditional Mediterranean flavours, complimented by an impressive wine cellar. Get in the midst of it all with a cold glass of wine and watch the world go by. Several of the key worldwide chartering events of the year. You can also easily reach the stunning waterfalls in Plitvice Lakes by bus. After the Bosnian War in 1994 (when Bosnia & Herzegovina declared independence from Yugoslavia), locals took the used ammunition and turned it into pens, sculptures, and other souvenirs. This museum exhibits objects and short stories from real broken relationships around the world. The veggie plate is AMAZING and very generous. The main grounds are free and are well-integrated into the city, so I passed by several times. Locals generally speak English and are very friendly and willing to help. Souvenir shops overrun the old town, so youll definitely have a ton of options. Zagreb is a great starting point for a trip to Croatia: the city is well-connected by tram, theres plenty of shops and restaurants, and its home to the unique Museum of Broken Relationships. Stari Most is probably the best-known landmark in Mostar. Prices also definitely got more expensive here. Mostar was my favorite stop on my Eastern Europe tripit felt like I was no longer in Europe, especially with the Turkish lamps in souvenir stalls, the mosques in the town, and the Turkish desserts like baklava. Granted, I didnt really go out at night, so that may color my perspective. Zagreb is the capital and largest city of Croatia at a population of 803,900. I stayed in an Airbnb, but wouldnt recommend it for its location. Theyre luckily right next to each other, which made getting around easier. You can also pay to walk around the city walls.

Split captures the right balance between a contemporary European city whilst maintaining its traditions. Bosnia & Herzegovina is on the Bosnian mark, but I got away with using euros in the Old Town, or my card when paying at restaurants. Contrary to what many people may think, the Balkans/Eastern Europe is pretty safe. I would definitely recommend the hike up the city walls, but 8 euros entry is a little pricey. There are cats everywhere. In my Booking.com homestay in Split though, I chatted with my hosts, had dinner with them, and drank coffee with them. Travel Notes & Beyond. I appreciated the step ladders that made getting in and out of the ocean much easier. The views are very worth the climb, and there are cute sunbathing cats along the way. What to do: It was rainy, so I didnt do much; I did hike up Mount Srd, but I dont think its worth the effort, or the cable car price. Many major European cities offer direct flights here (like Paris, where I was flying in from). If youre a Game of Thrones fan, theres plenty GOT-themed tours as this is a filming location. Days 4-6: Visit Split, Croatia (visit nearby islands like Brac) All rights reserved, The Ultimate Balkan Road Trip Itinerary (Slovenia, Croatia & Montenegro), Interview with Stephanie Langlet, from Tribes and Minorities. Rating: 4.9 / 5 The Old Town itself is pretty small though, and there arent a lot of great swimming beaches. This may not be as strict as online forums make it seem, but I definitely was panicking at one point. Ive got a blog friend Ivana http://www.modaodaradosti.blogspot.com who is from Split but she lives in Mostar so I quite often read about places in Herzegovena but it is great to see your thoughts on the places. The Old Town is incredibly quaint, and there are endless souvenir stalls with handmade copper jewelry, copper dishware, hand-embroidered notebooks, colorful lamps, and even functional items made from used bullets (like pens). Locals might ask for donations from tourists before taking the plunge themselves, though. You can take a bus for 25 euros in the high season, or pay 80 euros for a cab. Your email address will not be published. Not like what I had imagined for eastern europe at all. This doesnt cost you any extra , Days 1-3: Fly into Zagreb, Croatia My hosts were very attentive and sweet, a couple of them even welcoming me and taking care of me as if I were part of the family. If you buy a bullet pen, just be sure to put it in your checked luggage, not your carry-on! Check out my Guide to Plitvice Lakes for more info about visiting the park! Kotor is one of the prettiest towns I visited on this triptheres nothing like the misty mountains, turquoise waters, and charming Old Town. Luckily, there are plenty of things to visit nearby, whether by boat or ground transport. If nightlife is your thing, there are several bars and clubs you can visit for drinks, music, and dancing. I'm Lily, and I run races and go places (& blog about it). There is a tourist tax in Montenegro. A luxury crewed catamaran will make your visit to the Adriatic even more enjoyable; it really is the perfect yacht type to sail around these idyllic villages in the summer sun. The water is such a stunning color, and the falls are unreal. Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina (2 nights), Tips for Solo Female Travelers in the Balkans, 10 Day Trips from Dijon, France by Direct Train, 5 Prettiest Day Trips from Nice, France by Train or Bus, 3 Days in Bordeaux, France: Most Instagrammable Places. The Old Town does have a special charm with its white marble buildings (even more impressive than those in Split), winding alleyways, and city walls. Triathlon Training for a Marathon: My Experience. 2021 imperfect idealist. Fort Imperial that will give you a glimpse into Croatias War of Independence. A concept I could totally get behind. Smoking is even more common than it is in Western Europe. I started with the upper lakes (the smaller falls, but still charming) and visited the lower lakes on the second day. Say farewell to Hvar as you set sail north towards the islands of Brac and Salta, where you can enjoy your final lunch on board. Day 14: Fly out of Dubrovnik (there are buses in the high season for 25 euros, or you can split a cab for 80 euros total). Let me know what you thought, or if theres a gem that I missed! The exhibits change regularly, so the museum is always a different experience. While Ive wanted to go to more mainstream destinations for a while, like Portugal and southern Spain, I figured I should hit my less accessible destinations first. I noticed that my Airbnbs tended to be more independent/business oriented, where I didnt interact much with the hosts. The end destination is Mljet but you also have the opportunity to dine in Procure. Be prepared to do some scouting! Both these photos are from the lower lakes near Entrance 1 of the park, the arguably more impressive part. I also try to advocate for the planet & its people. We only spent two days in Dubrovnik as we spent 3 days on Sipan- an island off the coast of Dubrovnik- I recommend visiting these islands- it was fun! Where to stay: Cosy Rooms in the Center of Split (24 euros/night); run by the sweetest family. After all, Portugal is much closer to the US than Croatia, and sometimes flying from Boston to Portugal is faster than flying from Paris! These links go to Amazon if youre planning to shop there anyways, but I also want to encourage you to buy from small, local shops, if you can. Where to eat: Food House, a restaurant off the main pedestrian street with vegan options. This may not be as strict as online forums make it seem, but I definitely was panicking at one point. If youre going in a group, I would recommend renting a car, as the buses can be long and uncomfortable on the winding roads. The photos ofCroatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Montenegro seemed stunning, so I decided to visit all three countries while I was in the area. Continue your sail towards the main town of Hvar where you will be spending the night. If you do take the bus, know that you have to pay extra for any luggage stored underneath the bus (around 7 kunas or 1 euro per item). Plitvice Lakes is well-suited to all kinds of travelers, whether solo, couples, families, friendseven dogs are allowed! The city is a typical medieval Dalmatian town with towers and red roofed houses, so saunter between the small streets and alleyways to truly experience the welcoming ambience. The city is famous for its coral rooftops and white marble buildings, with ruins from as far back as the Roman Empire. Where to eat: Was not particularly impressed by any of the food I ate. This is one of the more iconic spots in the city, as the tiled roof is very eye-catching. As an English lectrice in France, I got a two-week Easter break, where I jetted off to the Balkans in Eastern Europe for the first time. Mljet is a spectacular hotspot especially for any guests interested in wine, olives and a speciacily local goats cheese, as they are the traditional and renowned food on the islands. This was the last stop on my trip, and it was convenient since Kotor is only 1.5 hours from the Dubrovnik Airport. Find your favourite spot to lounge on your catamaran, as you set sail to the stunning island of Korcula before stopping for lunch in a secluded bay of your choice. I was not particularly impressed by most of the food I had, and it may be partially because a lot of traditional food is meat- or cheese-based. Enjoy the morning sail to Cavtat, feeling the wind in the sails as you bathe on the trampoline under the sun. Split is the second-largest city in Croatia, with around 250,000 inhabitants.

Heres the 2-week Balkans itinerary that I took, based on the loads of research I did before my trip. My hosts were very attentive and sweet, a couple of them even welcoming me and taking care of me as if I were part of the family. Drift along the cliff towards Herceg Novi and weather permitting stay on Mamula Island. Here is where I document my (mis)adventures and try to offer some helpful advice. What to do: hike/walk (no swimming, as its a UNESCO World Heritage Site) Today you will enjoy a whole day of delightful sailing! True to its name, you will dine with a 360-degree view of the harbour where you can admire the colourful fishing boats. While its not the most charming of Croatian cities (its more modern), there are still lovely corners, and prices arent as inflated as those in popular tourist destinations like Split and Dubrovnik. People may even smoke in their apartments, so be sure to ask your hosts about their rules if youre sensitive to cigarette smoke. Adrenaline junkies might take a dip in the river by diving from the bridge, though its generally seen as an unsafe jump. This island is not only one of the greenest but also is home to a myriad of vineyards, olive groves and quiet coves. Most of them are stray, but people will give them food, so many look well-nourished. Enjoy a fresh breakfast on the aft deck, absorbing the stunning views and hearing nothing but nature! That said, I did encounter one teenager in Montenegro who told me and an Irish friend Id made to get out and that living in the Balkans was miserable compared to visiting. Where to stay: I stayed in an Airbnb 1 mile from the Old Town, but Id also recommend staying closer to the Old Town. And when I looked lost in Split, an elderly man asked if I needed help. It was both sobering and inspiring to see the reuse of such harmful objects in everyday items. Word has it that you can try some gentle bargaining with the sellers, though I didnt realize until I left. You can spend the evening in the main town of Korcula, which is an unmissable destination on your catamaran charter. What to do: hike the city walls, speedboat tour to Our Lady of the Rocks (church on a tiny island) + Blue Cave + Perast (nearby town), day trip to Budva (beach town) What to do: Diocletians Palace, Marjan Park, Green Market, Bacvice Beach