If you have ten days for the Balkans, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro form one of the most logical combinations. Similar ten-day routes are among the most frequently recommended itineraries for first-time visitors to this part of Europe.
The trip can begin in Split, where you can spend two days on the old town, Diocletian's Palace and the Mediterranean atmosphere. On day three head for Mostar; the drive from Dalmatia into Herzegovina alone brings a completely different landscape.
The most important thing is not to spend half your holiday in the car.
Spend at least one night in Mostar so you can experience the town after the daytime crowds have gone.
The next day you can visit Blagaj, Počitelj and the wineries of Herzegovina. Then continue to Sarajevo and set aside at least two days for the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sarajevo is not a city to rush through, because its greatest value lies in the stories that connect different periods of history. After Sarajevo, the road leads to Dubrovnik.
There, spend one day on the historic centre and another on the sea, the nearby islands or simply the slower Mediterranean rhythm.
Save the last two days for Montenegro. The drive to the Bay of Kotor is itself one of the most beautiful scenes of the whole trip. Kotor and Perast combine nicely in one day, while the other can be used for a drive around the bay or a trip inland.
A route like this offers an excellent balance of culture, history, sea, food and nature.
The most important thing is not to spend half your holiday in the car.
That is why three countries in ten days is a much better option than trying to see the whole of the Balkans.
A journey should leave time for experiences, not just for photos.
