Balkans 3

February 2019

Start by city-hopping through four of the capitals: Ljubljana in Slovenia, Zagreb in Croatia, Belgrade in Serbia and Sarajevo in Bosnia. While the first two are cute, mid-sized, Central European cities, Sarajevo's fascinating cultural fusion lets you know that you're on the East side, while Belgrade is a hub of history, culture and late-night hedonism. Stop to take a look at the famous bridge in Mostar on your way to the ancient walled city of Dubrovnik, then hop across the Croatia–Montenegro border to its 'mini me' Kotor. From here you can take an extraordinary drive via Budva, Podgorica, the breathtaking Morača Canyon and through the mountains to historic Prizren in Kosovo. Continue on to North Macedonia, and spend a night amid the old-world architecture of Ohrid on the shores of the eponymous lake. Cross into Albania to experience the wild colours of the vibrant capital, Tirana.