The Balkans is Europe's most rewarding multi-destination road trip — medieval walled cities, fjord-like bays, mountain passes, turquoise coves and almost no crowds once you cross into Albania. This two-week itinerary runs from Dubrovnik south through Montenegro and into Albania, finishing in Tirana. It works as a fly-in/fly-out or as part of a longer Adriatic route.
✔ Days 1–3: Dubrovnik (Croatia)
✔ Days 4–5: Kotor & Bay of Kotor (Montenegro)
✔ Days 6–8: Montenegro (Budva, Sveti Stefan, Durmitor)
✔ Days 9–11: Albanian Riviera & Saranda
✔ Days 12–14: Berat, Tirana & departure
Getting Around — Rent a Car
A rental car is essential for this route. Public transport connects the main cities but misses the best coastal roads, mountain passes and Albanian village stops. Rent from Dubrovnik, return in Tirana — most major agencies allow cross-border one-way rentals, though fees apply. Check your policy covers Albania specifically.
→ Compare Car Rental — Dubrovnik to TiranaDays 1–3: Dubrovnik
Day 1 — Old Town & City Walls
Walk Dubrovnik's medieval city walls first thing in the morning (before 9am to beat the crowds and heat). The 2km circuit takes 90 minutes and gives the finest views of the terracotta rooftops and Adriatic below. Afternoon: explore Stradun (the main street), the Franciscan Monastery and the hidden squares and churches of the old town. Evening dinner at a restaurant terrace overlooking the water.
Day 2 — Lokrum Island & Game of Thrones Spots
Ferry to Lokrum Island (10 minutes, runs every 30 minutes in summer) — a peacock-inhabited nature reserve with a botanical garden, ruined Benedictine monastery and rocky swimming coves. Return for afternoon. Walk the Pile Gate area to find the Game of Thrones filming locations — Dubrovnik was King's Landing, and the city is extraordinarily photogenic even without the context.
Day 3 — Elaphiti Islands Cruise
Day trip to the Elaphiti Islands — Koločep, Lopud and Šipan. Lopud has the best beach (Šunj beach, car-free and stunning). A full-day boat tour with multiple island stops, swimming and lunch is the best way to see them. Book ahead — popular in July and August.
Book Dubrovnik Tours
City walls, island cruises and Game of Thrones tours — compare now
View Dubrovnik Tours →Days 4–5: Kotor & Bay of Kotor
Day 4 — Drive to Kotor (2.5 hours)
The coastal drive from Dubrovnik to Kotor is one of Europe's great scenic routes — crossing into Montenegro and following the dramatically steep mountains of the Bay of Kotor. Stop at Perast village (boats to Our Lady of the Rocks island church — beautiful) on the way. Arrive Kotor for the late afternoon. Walk the medieval old town and climb the city walls to the fortress at sunset.
Day 5 — Bay of Kotor & Lovcen
Morning exploring Kotor's extraordinary medieval city — the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, the maze of squares and the incredibly well-preserved Venetian architecture. Afternoon: drive the serpentine road up Mount Lovćen (25 hairpin bends!) to the Lovćen National Park and the Njegoš Mausoleum — the finest panorama in Montenegro, with the entire Bay of Kotor spread below.
Days 6–8: Montenegro Riviera & Mountains
Day 6 — Budva & Sveti Stefan
Drive south to Budva (40 minutes from Kotor) — Montenegro's most developed resort with a compact medieval old town on a peninsula. Then 5km further south to Sveti Stefan — an extraordinary former fishing village on a rocky island, connected to the mainland by a causeway, now a luxury hotel. The view of Sveti Stefan from the road above is one of the most photographed in the Balkans.
Days 7–8 — Durmitor National Park (Optional Mountain Detour)
For those who want mountains: the drive north to Durmitor National Park takes 3 hours but rewards with dramatic glacial lakes, the Tara Canyon (Europe's deepest gorge) and world-class hiking. Žabljak is the base village. This detour adds a night inland but is worth it for the scenery. If skipping, use these days to explore more coastal Montenegro — Ada Bojana beach, Ulcinj's long sandy beach or a boat trip into the Skadar Lake National Park.
Book Montenegro Tours
Bay of Kotor boat trips and national park tours — book in advance
View Montenegro Tours →Days 9–11: Albanian Riviera
Day 9 — Cross into Albania: Shkodër
Drive south from Montenegro across the border into Albania — the crossing takes 30–60 minutes. Drive to Shkodër, Albania's northernmost major city, on the shores of Lake Shkodër. The Rozafa Castle is extraordinary — views over the lake and Adriatic plains that stretch for miles. Excellent lakeside fish restaurants. First taste of Albania's remarkable hospitality and low prices.
Days 10–11 — Albanian Riviera & Saranda
Drive the Albanian Riviera south — one of Europe's most beautiful and least-known coastal roads. Stop at Dhërmir (turquoise cove, crystal water), Himara (small town with an old castle quarter, great seafood) and Borsh (the longest beach in Albania, almost always empty). Arrive Saranda — the southernmost city, overlooking Corfu across the water. Day trips to Butrint (remarkable ancient Roman site, UNESCO listed) and Ksamil (four tiny islands with extraordinary blue water, €5 sunbeds). The best beach in the region.
Days 12–13: Berat
Days 12–13 — The City of a Thousand Windows
Drive north from Saranda to Berat — a UNESCO World Heritage City built on a steep hillside above the Osum River. The Ottoman old town of Mangalem, with its stacked white houses and hundreds of identical windows, is one of the most extraordinary townscapes in Europe. The 13th-century castle at the top contains a village within its walls, several Byzantine churches and a small museum. A night here is essential — the city at dusk, with swallows nesting in the castle walls, is one of the Balkans' great experiences.
Day 14: Tirana & Departure
Final Day — Albania's Colourful Capital
Drive to Tirana (2 hours from Berat). Morning in the colourful Blloku district — the former Communist Party headquarters, now full of cafés, restaurants and designer shops. Skanderbeg Square, the Et'hem Bey Mosque and the BunkArt museum (a vast Cold War bunker converted to an extraordinary art and history museum). Return car at Tirana International Airport (TIA). Direct flights to London, Rome, Zurich, Vienna, Istanbul and many European cities.
2 Weeks Balkans — Budget Guide
This route gets cheaper the further south you go. Dubrovnik is Croatia-priced (expensive). Montenegro is 30–40% cheaper. Albania is 50–60% cheaper than Montenegro. A mid-range daily budget: Dubrovnik €120/day, Montenegro €80/day, Albania €50/day.
Skip the Luggage Hassle
Luggage Forward ships your bags directly between hotels — no dragging suitcases on trains, buses or through cobblestone streets. Book collection from your current hotel and it arrives at the next one before you do.
FAQs
Do I need a visa for Albania?
EU, UK, US, Canadian and Australian citizens do not need a visa for Albania for stays up to 90 days. Check your specific passport requirements before travelling.
Is Albania safe?
Yes — Albania is very safe for tourists. Far safer than its reputation suggests. Albanians are extraordinarily welcoming to visitors.
Can I use the same rental car in all countries?
Most major agencies allow it but charge a cross-border fee and require Albania to be specifically listed on your policy. Confirm this when booking. Budget and Sixt are reliable options for this route.
What currency does Albania use?
Albanian Lek (ALL). Cards work in Tirana and major cities but carry Lek cash for the Riviera, mountains and smaller towns.