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A Balkan Road Less Traveled

11 Days / 10 Nights

Sarajevo, Mostar, Kotor, Tirana

Travel and LeisureFodorsUSA TodayNew York TimesNational GeographicWashington PostVogue

This sample 11-day (10 night) itinerary includes Bosnia, Montenegro, and Albania. You'll start at cosmopolitan Sarajevo, the former "Jerusalem of the Balkans" now known for its long 1990s siege and diverse architecture. Heading south, you'll stop by Mostar, where a UNESCO-listed arch bridge connects the city's two halves, bridging the gaps between East and West, and helping you visit its Ottoman past. Next up is UNESCO-protected Kotor, located on Europe's southernmost fjord. Following the coast for a while then heading inland, you'll come to Tirana, with its unique atmosphere and surrounding mountains. This tour of the central Balkans is easily combined with visits to the more famous neighbors at either end, like Croatia and Greece. All of our tours are custom, and this is just a sample meant to give an idea of what our trips are like, and the opportunities our destinations provide.

One of our team members in the region will be available to you leading up to and during your trip to answer any questions and arrange local services. You will receive access to your Guest Page, with its information on the best these destinations have to offer, including things to see and do, and other inside tips from restaurant recommendations to tipping advice. Upon arrival, we will provide you with a local SIM that you can use to reach your local JayWay contact (who you will meet in person) throughout your trip. In all of our destinations, we offer a variety of memorable 3-5 star accommodation options, including boutique hotels, charming B&Bs, and spacious apartments. With our firsthand experience, we can ensure they are all clean, comfortable, and centrally located, with local ambience.

Route for Sarajevo, Mostar, Kotor, Tirana tour

3 Nights in Sarajevo

3 Nights in Sarajevo

4 days in Sarajevo
4 days in Sarajevo

3 Nights in Sarajevo

A cosmopolitan city, Sarajevo's sheer religious and cultural diversity earned it the nickname "Jerusalem of the Balkans." While the prosperity that brought it the 1984 Winter Olympics has since faded, the city remains unique. Nestled among endless hills and towering mountains, it feels isolated yet central, quaint yet cosmopolitan. The Old Town, known as Bascarsija, with cobblestone streets, mosques and bazaars that betray its Ottoman heritage. There’s a vibrant combination of cultures here, which has had wonderful effects on the eclectic cuisine, the incredibly welcoming locals and the impressive architecture. And within that mix is the city’s dramatic and often volatile history. History is alive in Sarajevo, and you’ll find reminders of past triumphs and tragedies as you explore this lovely city. No visit is complete without a feast of the local meat specialties from the grill, including the mouthwatering Cevapcici. Explore the city’s unique history at the Tunnel of Hope, constructed between March and June of 1993 during the Siege of Sarajevo in the midst of the Bosnian War, the longest modern siege of a capital city. These days it’s an evocative museum. You’ll also want to visit the ruins of the Olympic Games in the hills outside the city. It’s haunting and beautiful to see the abandoned ski jump and luge tracks.

A cosmopolitan city, Sarajevo's sheer religious and cultural diversity earned it the nickname "Jerusalem of the Balkans." While the prosperity that brought it the 1984 Winter Olympics has since faded, the city remains unique. Nestled among endless hills and towering mountains, it feels isolated yet central, quaint yet cosmopolitan. The Old Town, known as Bascarsija, with cobblestone streets, mosques and bazaars that betray its Ottoman heritage. There’s a vibrant combination of cultures here, which has had wonderful effects on the eclectic cuisine, the incredibly welcoming locals and the impressive architecture. And within that mix is the city’s dramatic and often volatile history. History is alive in Sarajevo, and you’ll find reminders of past triumphs and tragedies as you explore this lovely city. No visit is complete without a feast of the local meat specialties from the grill, including the mouthwatering Cevapcici. Explore the city’s unique history at the Tunnel of Hope, constructed between March and June of 1993 during the Siege of Sarajevo in the midst of the Bosnian War, the longest modern siege of a capital city. These days it’s an evocative museum. You’ll also want to visit the ruins of the Olympic Games in the hills outside the city. It’s haunting and beautiful to see the abandoned ski jump and luge tracks.

Day 1

Day 1 - Arrival in Sarajevo

Welcome to Bosnia and Herzegovina! You will be met at the airport in Sarajevo and driven to your centrally located accommodation. Duration of the drive is about 30 minutes.

Baščaršija, the City's Heart

Suggestion to explore on your own

Baščaršija is Sarajevo's old bazaar and the historical and cultural center of the city. If you want to experience the bazaar at its best, we suggest taking a stroll through the bazaar to Bravadžiluk Street. Once home to the city's locksmiths, this street is now Baščaršija's gastronmic paradise, home to many of Sarajevo's most famous eateries.

Bascarsija, the City's Heart

Day 2

Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Sarajevo

Meeting of Cultures Private Walking Tour

Meeting of Cultures Private Walking Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

This sightseeing tour of Sarajevo's Old Town includes all of the most important sights, including the Latin Bridge, the Museum of Sarajevo, the Emperor's Mosque, the House of Defiance, the City Hall, the Old Orthodox Church, the Morica Guesthouse, the Jewish Synagogue, and much more. Led by an experienced local guide, you will come to a better understanding of the history of the city and its contemporary layout.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 2 hours

Sarajevo's Best Museums

Suggestion to explore on your own

Each museum in Sarajevo reflects the history and lives of locals in very different circumstances, and each one will significantly help you understand this unique city and determined citizens. Museums centered around the fighting in the 90s are exceptionally emotional and include the War Tunnel (the sole source of aid and weapons during the Siege of Sarajevo), Gallery 11/07/95 (named for the date of the Srebrenica Massacre), and especially the War Childhood Museum. If you're interested in more distant history, seek out Svrzo's House (a traditional Bosnian house) and the National Museum. We also recommend visiting the Jewish Museum, to learn about the very complicated and interesting history of Bosnia's long-lived Jewish community.

Sarajevo's Best Museums
Traditional Bosnian Dinner with a Local Family Small Group Tour

Traditional Bosnian Dinner with a Local Family Small Group Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

You'll enjoy a delicious historical adventure through the cuisine and culture of Bosnia and Herzegovina at this unique and traditional Bosnian dinner. You'll have several courses of traditional cuisine and get to learn more about the local culture as you dine. At the end of the meal your guide will show you a lovely panoramic view over the entire city!


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 3 hours

Day 3

Day 3 - Your Second Full Day in Sarajevo

Jajce and Travnik Small Group Tour

Jajce and Travnik Small Group Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

This excursion takes you west to the city of Travnik, which for years served as the capital of the Bosnian Eyalet and home to the novelist and Noble Laureate Ivo Andric, whose home you will explore. The tour also brings you to a medieval fortress located in the Old Town before continuing on to Jajce, which was once the seat of power for Mediaeval Bosnia. Close to the stunning Pliva waterfall, Jajce is also just a stone’s throw from the beautiful Veliko Plivsko Lake, complete with centuries old wooden watermills, and now a national monument.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 11 hours

Day 4

Day 4 - Traveling to Mostar by Private Transfer

You're departing Sarajevo today, but you're not leaving Bosnia just yet. Your next stop is Mostar, the location of the historic, and now UNESCO-listed Old Bridge, famously reconstructed after the war. A driver will pick you up from your accommodations in the morning and take you for a scenic 2.5 hour drive.

Please note that this is a non guided transfer with a local English-speaking driver.

Mostar by Private Transfer
We also offer the following excursions in Sarajevo

East Bosnia UNESCO Heritage Small Group Tour
Moderate10 hours
Fall of Yugoslavia and Sarajevo Siege Small Group Tour
Easy3 hours and 30 minutes
Greatest Winter Olympics Story Small Group Tour
Light4 hours
Tito's Bunker and Konjic Private Day Trip
Light6-7 hours

2 Nights in Mostar

2 Nights in Mostar

3 days in Mostar
3 days in Mostar

2 Nights in Mostar

A quiet little town with architecture impressive enough to bring UNESCO World Heritage status, Mostar's long history is impossible to miss. You’ll find it nestled in a valley amid the mountains of Herzegovina, where the cultures of East and West come together, as evidenced by bazaars, mosques, tea houses and the Turkish House. The most famous landmark here is a beloved Ottoman stone bridge connecting the town's two halves. Mostar was badly damaged during fighting in the 90s, but has been lovingly restored, especially the bridge, which is famous as a springboard for local daredevil divers. Mostar is small but filled with architectural relics and interesting pieces of history. Your best bet will be to take a private tour with a local guide, who will show you all the most incredible sites the city has to offer. There are several museums here that will give you insight into Mostar’s vibrant, volatile past. The city’s location also makes it ideal for different day trips throughout the region, and the mountains provide numerous outdoor activities for nature lovers.

A quiet little town with architecture impressive enough to bring UNESCO World Heritage status, Mostar's long history is impossible to miss. You’ll find it nestled in a valley amid the mountains of Herzegovina, where the cultures of East and West come together, as evidenced by bazaars, mosques, tea houses and the Turkish House. The most famous landmark here is a beloved Ottoman stone bridge connecting the town's two halves. Mostar was badly damaged during fighting in the 90s, but has been lovingly restored, especially the bridge, which is famous as a springboard for local daredevil divers. Mostar is small but filled with architectural relics and interesting pieces of history. Your best bet will be to take a private tour with a local guide, who will show you all the most incredible sites the city has to offer. There are several museums here that will give you insight into Mostar’s vibrant, volatile past. The city’s location also makes it ideal for different day trips throughout the region, and the mountains provide numerous outdoor activities for nature lovers.

Day 4

Day 4 - Arrival in Mostar

Your driver will bring you directly to your accommodation when you arrive in Mostar.

Mostar Private Walking Tour

Mostar Private Walking Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

You'll get to know the real Mostar with a local guide, who will show you all of the sites in this atmospheric destination and will also tell you stories from the vibrant and volatile history of the region. Naturally, you'll cross the famed Old Bridge. There's no better way to see and learn about this unique destination!


Activity Level : Easy
Duration : 1 hour

Day 5

Day 5 - Your First Full Day in Mostar

Herzegovina Wine and Food Half-Day Private Tour

Herzegovina Wine and Food Half-Day Private Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Unlike the rest of the country, Herzegovina has a Mediterranean climate, which makes itself known in many ways, from the local wines and cuisine, to the welcoming locals. On this tour, you'll not only try local wines and learn from their makers, but will visit Pocitelj, a village with perfectly preserved medieval and Ottoman architecture, and Medjugorje, a popular Catholic pilgrimage site.


Activity Level : Easy
Duration : 5 hours

Nocturnal Mostar

Suggestion to explore on your own

For a nice evening, we recommend visiting the restaurants Radobolja or Maslina, where you can start with a nice local dinner and stay for drinks afterwards. Both restaurants also organise live music over the weekends. For younger generations we have a few clubs to recommend that play music until late: Golden, Shankly's, Cube, and Pink Panther.

Nocturnal Mostar

Day 6

Day 6 - Traveling to Kotor by Private Transfer

Today you'll be traveling south to Montenegro's Adriatic jewel, the town of Kotor. Your driver will meet you at your accommodations and take you for quite a scenic drive, through the Bosnian canyons to the Montenegrin mountains. En route, you'll stop at Blagaj Tekke, a Dervish monastery built at a stunning spot, beneath a cliff and between spring and waterfalls. This is a great spot for photography, a bit of exploring, and a snack before you continue on to Kotor. The total duration of this journey is about 4.5-5 hours. Since you’ll be crossing a border on your way, your journey can take a bit longer, depending on border crossing waiting time. 

Please note that this is a non guided transfer with a local English-speaking driver.

Kotor by Private Transfer with a Stop at Blagaj Tekke

2 Nights in Kotor

2 Nights in Kotor

3 days in Kotor
3 days in Kotor

2 Nights in Kotor

The southernmost fjord in all of Europe and the deepest in the Adriatic Sea, Kotor is truly a hidden gem. This is a spectacular, visually stunning destination where steep black mountains edge up against the sea. The city is on the UNESCO World Heritage list, mostly for its perfectly preserved Old Town and its walls, with architecture from the Middle Ages. The combination of picture-perfect natural scenery with incredible ancient architecture is dramatic to say the least, and makes a wonderful setting for a unique holiday. The churches and fortresses are some of the most spectacular structures, but that’s just the beginning of things to do in this city of friendly locals, rich history and delicious cuisine. After touring the city with a local, who will help you make your way through the winding streets to see the most impressive sites, we recommend you take the opportunity to get different points of view on Kotor. For a little exercise, hike up the hills surrounding the city for a breathtaking view over the rooftops to the sea. And speaking of the sea, the seafood here is delicious and incredibly fresh. You can get together with a local mussel farmer on a private pier to learn more about this craft before sitting down to a huge plate of mussels and wine. There are also numerous options for swimming, kayaking and fishing in the beautiful and calms waters of the Bay of Kotor.

The southernmost fjord in all of Europe and the deepest in the Adriatic Sea, Kotor is truly a hidden gem. This is a spectacular, visually stunning destination where steep black mountains edge up against the sea. The city is on the UNESCO World Heritage list, mostly for its perfectly preserved Old Town and its walls, with architecture from the Middle Ages. The combination of picture-perfect natural scenery with incredible ancient architecture is dramatic to say the least, and makes a wonderful setting for a unique holiday. The churches and fortresses are some of the most spectacular structures, but that’s just the beginning of things to do in this city of friendly locals, rich history and delicious cuisine. After touring the city with a local, who will help you make your way through the winding streets to see the most impressive sites, we recommend you take the opportunity to get different points of view on Kotor. For a little exercise, hike up the hills surrounding the city for a breathtaking view over the rooftops to the sea. And speaking of the sea, the seafood here is delicious and incredibly fresh. You can get together with a local mussel farmer on a private pier to learn more about this craft before sitting down to a huge plate of mussels and wine. There are also numerous options for swimming, kayaking and fishing in the beautiful and calms waters of the Bay of Kotor.

Day 6

Day 6 - Arrival in Kotor

When you arrive and meet your driver, he will bring you directly to your Kotor accommodation.

Evenings in Kotor

Suggestion to explore on your own

Kotor is a charming and vibrant town, so enjoy its scenic coast with an easy walk around its center. If you'd like to stretch your legs a bit more, walk down the 2.5 mile promenade to Dobrota, a cute village that is officially a separate town, but is de facto part of Kotor.

Evenings in Kotor

Day 7

Day 7 - Your First Full Day in Kotor

Medieval Montenegro Private Tour

Medieval Montenegro Private Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

This comprehensive tour will give you a chance to see some of the most amazing villages and towns in the region. Budva, Cetinje, Njegusi village and Kotor are all interesting in their own right, and touring them with an expert guide is the best way to learn about their medieval history and architecture. Your guide knows the history of each of these places and will tell you stories of the rich and volatile past of the region while you cruise through the countryside and explore the cities on foot, getting a local's point of view.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 7 hours

All About the Mussels Group Tour

All about the Mussels

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

Since it’s right on the sea, Montenegro is known for its remarkably fresh seafood. Today we recommend getting a taste of this local delicacy, and specifically their incredible mussels. Head to one of the seaside restaurant for the freshest meal, or join a group and learn all about mussels while visiting some of the most important sights around Kotor as well.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 3 hours

Day 8

Day 8 - Traveling to Tirana by Private Car

Today you'll enjoy a coastal drive as you head to your next overnight destination, Tirana. Along the way, you will stop at Ulcinj, the southernmost town in Montenegro with something of an Albanian flavor. Here you'll have the chance to explore the stunning Old Town and fortress, before crossing the border and continuing on to the Albanian capital. The duration of the journey is around 6 hours total, but since you’ll be crossing a border on your way, your journey can take a bit longer, depending on border crossing waiting times. 

Please note that this is a non guided transfer with a local English-speaking driver.

Tirana by Private Transfer with a Stop in Ulcinj
We also offer the following excursions in Kotor

Bay of Kotor Private Half-Day Speedboat Tour
Light4 hours
Bay of Kotor and Blue Cave Private Full-Day Speedboat Tour
Light8 hours
Best of Montenegro Private Tour
Strenuous10 hours
Cooking Class Private Tour
Easy3-4 hours

3 Nights in Tirana

3 Nights in Tirana

4 days in Tirana
4 days in Tirana

3 Nights in Tirana

Tirana is a unique destination that combines opposites. It feels both ancient and modern, quaint and cosmopolitan, fast-paced, yet laidback. There are wonderful restaurants here, beautiful nature in the surrounding countryside, and a rich cultural life that will keep you entertained all day and night. The Blloku neighborhood is one of the city’s most vibrant, with excellent bars, restaurants and cafes. The Old Town, meanwhile, has an eclectic mix of historic architecture. This is a lovely destination that still feels untouched, so you’ll really be able to make the city yours. Besides exploring the unique urban atmosphere, there are several fantastic day trips to enjoy. Driving to the city of Berat is always fun, as you can stop at a winery along the way to sample some of the tasty local vintages, then check out an impressive castle. The Albanian Riviera is also relatively close by, and here you can relax along the shore and get in touch with the life of local fishermen. The nearby Dajti Mountain is also an impressive destination, with incredible views over the city and beyond. From outdoor adventures to delectable gastronomy and historic architecture, Tirana really has something for everyone.

Tirana is a unique destination that combines opposites. It feels both ancient and modern, quaint and cosmopolitan, fast-paced, yet laidback. There are wonderful restaurants here, beautiful nature in the surrounding countryside, and a rich cultural life that will keep you entertained all day and night. The Blloku neighborhood is one of the city’s most vibrant, with excellent bars, restaurants and cafes. The Old Town, meanwhile, has an eclectic mix of historic architecture. This is a lovely destination that still feels untouched, so you’ll really be able to make the city yours. Besides exploring the unique urban atmosphere, there are several fantastic day trips to enjoy. Driving to the city of Berat is always fun, as you can stop at a winery along the way to sample some of the tasty local vintages, then check out an impressive castle. The Albanian Riviera is also relatively close by, and here you can relax along the shore and get in touch with the life of local fishermen. The nearby Dajti Mountain is also an impressive destination, with incredible views over the city and beyond. From outdoor adventures to delectable gastronomy and historic architecture, Tirana really has something for everyone.

Day 8

Day 8 - Arrival in Tirana

Once in Tirana, your private driver will bring you directly to your centrally located accommodation.

Tirana by Night

Suggestion to explore on your own

Tirana is a lovely city, night and day, as it's filled with countless coffee shops, bars, and restaurants. You can spend time in Grand Park, or experience the busy bars and restaurants of the Blloku area, inside Tirana Castle, or behind the Pyramid situated on the main Boulevard. The city's center also offers many smaller local restaurants, offering popular dishes at good rates.

Tirana by Night

Day 9

Day 9 - Your First Full Day in Tirana

Tirana Like a Local - Half Day Private Tour

Styles of Tirana

Included in your vacation package price.

If you'd like to get properly acquainted with Tirana, the best way is to spend a day with a local, starting with a brief walking tour of the city covering all the main sights, including the Mosque of Ethem Bey, the Clock Tower, Skanderbeg square, The Martyr's Cemetery, Grand Park and various government buildings. The tour concludes in the former Communist Party elite’s residential area, Blokku. This is now a buzzing district packed with modern bars, restaurants and pubs.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 4 hours

Eat Your Way

Suggestion to explore on your own

Tirana has a wealth of tasty restaurants and cool cafes where you can taste local delicacies and cosmopolitan cuisine from around the world. If you’re looking for a unique place to enjoy a hearty meal or a drink, check out the Blloku neighborhood. Here you’ll find the city’s most interesting places, where young in-the-know locals congregate and you’re always sure to see something interesting. It’s hard to go wrong here, and it’s not a huge neighborhood, so you’d do well to wander around a bit to choose where you’d like to enjoy your afternoon or evening.

Eat Your Way

Day 10

Day 10 - Your Second Full Day in Tirana

Kruja and Durres Private Day Trip & Meeting with a Local Craftsman

Kruja and Durres Private Day Trip & Meeting with a Local Craftsman

Included in your vacation package price.

An ancient, hilltop town, Krujë is a must-see for those staying in Tirana. The restored old bazaar is packed with authentic handmade goods, including carpets, which you can watch being made on a loom. On this tour, you will also meet with a local lady who still makes rugs and carpets the traditional way. Inside the walls of Kruja Castle, you will visit an ethnographic museum in an Ottoman tower house and the Bektashi Sufi Shrine, where you can learn more about how people have lived here for centuries. After Kruja, you'll visit the city of Durres where you can enjoy lunch with a scenic view of the sea, followed by a visit to one of the largest Roman amphitheaters, which saw gladiatorial combat. For an extra fee, you can meet one of the Sworn Virgins, women who are sworn to celibacy and are treated as men in Albania's traditionally patriarchal villages.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 8-9 hours

Day 11

Day 11 - Departure Day

We will arrange for a transfer to Tirana's Mother Teresa airport. Your driver will pick you up from your hotel in central Tirana and get you to the airport in plenty of time for your departing flight. Duration of the drive is about 30 minutes.

We also offer the following excursions in Tirana

Agri-Bunker Private Tour
Light5-7 hours
Agri-Bunkers and Cape of Rodon Beach Private Tour
Light8-9 hours
Berat Private Tour
Moderate6-7 hours
Berat and Apollonia Private Tour
Light8 hours

What's Included

Here are all the services provided as part of your complete vacation package. See what every JayWay trip includes.
Please let us know if you'd like to upgrade any transfers or add any additional tours or excursions to your itinerary.

Sarajevo

3 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Sarajevo Airport Transfer
Meeting of Cultures Private Walking Tour
Traditional Bosnian Dinner with a Local Family Small Group Tour
Jajce and Travnik Small Group Tour
Sarajevo - Mostar Private Transfer

Mostar

2 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Mostar Private Walking Tour
Herzegovina Wine and Food Half-Day Private Tour
Mostar - Kotor Private Transfer with a Blagaj Tekke Stop

Kotor

2 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Medieval Montenegro Private Tour
Kotor - Tirana via Ulcinj Private Transfer

Tirana

3 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Tirana Like a Local - Half Day Private Tour
Kruja and Durres Private Day Trip & Meeting with a Local Craftsman
Tirana Airport Transfer

package excludes:


  • Flights to and from Europe.
  • Tips for Tour Guides, Drivers and Local Reps.
  • Meals (other than breakfast if included in room rate and meals listed as included in food tours and excursions, unless explicitly stated otherwise).
  • Parking fees for your Rental Car (if you are booking one with us) unless otherwise indicated. Some hotels provide free parking facilities.
  • Travel Insurance. See the insurance link on our website
Benefits of Traveling with JayWay

A JayWay vacation is more than the sum of its parts. Our team work tirelessly to ensure your experience is memorable for all the right reasons. Your trip is personalized to maximize your enjoyment. You're taken care of every step of the way.

A Travel Advisor who speaks your language

We will make sure that all your requirements and interests are taken into account in preparing your itinerary.

A totally tailored itinerary for your vacation

Your trip is customized for you by  an experienced trip planner and an expert on the region.

A choice of hand-picked hotels and excursions

We've personally inspected and tested all the hotels and local tour providers we work with to ensure quality.

Detailed pre-trip preparation to make the most of every day

Your Europe-based Tour Manager will be in touch by email and phone a month before you arrive to finalize timings.

On-trip Concierge Service to smooth out any bumps in the road

Your tour manager is at your service throughout your journey. We'll provide a local SIM so you can stay connected.

Personalized Guest Page to make sure you're not missing out

Packed with detailed information and recommendations curated by locals on the best things to do, see and eat.
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