14-Day Balkan Trip: Sarajevo to Dubrovnik, Plitvice, Kotor & Lake Bled
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
14 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers who can handle full travel days with 2–4 hours of walking most days and one active rafting day.
Overview
A 14-day loop from Sarajevo through Bosnia, Croatia, Slovenia and Montenegro that pairs city history with active nature: waterfalls, a 23 km rafting section and short mountain treks. Expect comfortable hotels, guided walks and a steady rhythm of travel that highlights the region’s geological and cultural contrasts.
14-Day Balkan Trip: Sarajevo to Dubrovnik, Plitvice, Kotor & Lake Bled
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The van eases out of Sarajevo before dawn and the city’s minarets recede into a low mountain haze. Over the next two weeks the route will weave between Ottoman bazaars and seaside ramparts, karst rivers and Alpine lakes — a careful sequence of short hikes, city walks and water that keeps the pace lively without feeling rushed. Guides handle the logistics; travelers are left to watch borders blur, languages change and landscapes sharpen.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Border documents ready
You will cross international borders multiple times; keep passport, any visas and COVID or entry paperwork easily accessible.
Layer for mountain-to-coast shifts
Temperatures vary widely between alpine Lukomir and Adriatic afternoons; pack a lightweight shell and insulating mid-layer.
Bring a refillable bottle
Tap water is drinkable in many towns but carry a bottle for long transfers and river-side breaks.
Comfortable shoes for mixed terrain
Trails include wooden boardwalks, cobbled streets and rocky hill paths—sturdy walking shoes with grip are best.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Otters along karst rivers
- Various raptor species over the Dinaric ridgelines
History
The route threads Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian and Yugoslav layers of history, with sites like Mostar’s Old Bridge and Tito’s bunker near Konjic reflecting distinct political eras.
Conservation
Plitvice and Una are protected parks with boardwalks and visitor limits; follow marked trails and avoid feeding wildlife to minimize impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Sarajevo
Recommended Gear
Sturdy walking shoes
Grippy, supportive shoes handle cobbles, boardwalks and short steep ascents like Kotor’s city walls.
Lightweight rain shell
Spring and autumn showers are common; a breathable shell keeps layers dry without overheating.
spring specific
Daypack with hydration sleeve
Carry water, snacks, camera and a light layer for hikes and boat transfers.
summer specific
Swimwear and quick-dry towel
For optional swims in Lake Bled, Adriatic coves or river breaks during rafting.
summer specific