Seven days in the Balkans: five countries, one route

From Skopje to Ohrid, Tirana to Kotor and Sarajevo: a visa-free seven-day Balkan route.

The Balkans combine very different cultures over short distances and are easy for Turkish travellers in terms of both visa and budget. Seeing five countries in seven days may seem intense, but distances are short; journeys between countries rarely exceed three to four hours. Below we share a route recommended by Ufukça guides and some practical tips.

Day-by-day route

Skopje (North Macedonia): Stone Bridge, Old Bazaar, Mustafa Pasha Mosque
Ohrid: Lake Ohrid, Samuel's Fortress and St Naum Monastery
Tirana (Albania): Skanderbeg Square, Et'hem Bey Mosque, Bunk'Art
Montenegro: Lake Skadar and the Bay of Kotor
Kotor Old Town and the Budva Riviera
Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina): Old Bridge, Kravice Waterfalls
Sarajevo: Baščaršija, Latin Bridge, Tunnel Museum

Visa and ID

Turkish citizens can enter all of these countries visa-free; a passport is the safest document for North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Permitted stays range from 30 to 90 days. Insurance is not compulsory but is recommended for emergency medical costs.

Money and budget

North Macedonia uses the denar, Albania the lek, Bosnia the convertible mark and Montenegro the euro. International roaming on mobile lines can be expensive; a local SIM card or eSIM plan saves money. Daily spending (food, transport) is in the range of 40–60 EUR per person.

Food suggestions

Tavče gravče (North Macedonia), byrek (Albania), ćevapi and pita (Bosnia) and seafood in Kotor are regional flavours. Balkan coffee is a cousin of Turkish coffee and is served in a copper pot in Sarajevo.

Transport and accommodation

Driving yourself is possible, but border crossings, parking and mountain roads can be stressful. On organised tours a flight plus comfortable coach removes all this burden. Because Kotor and Ohrid fill up three to four months ahead in the summer, book accommodation early.

When to go

The best time is May – June and September – October; July – August is very crowded and hot on the coast, while the highlands inland are attractive. In winter Sarajevo and Tirana are suitable for city tourism, but the Adriatic coast and mountain passes may be out of service. Planning the route north to south or the reverse shortens the road.

The Ufukça Balkan Dream Tour starts from 31,500 TRY for eight days with flight, comfortable coach and licensed guide included.