Discover the Balkans with GoTravelDaily

Not many regions can boast renowned national parks like Durmitor and Plitvice Lakes, world-class cities such as Belgrade, or delicious local cuisine like ćevapi and burek—but then, not many regions contain the treasures of the Balkans.

While the Balkans maintain a resilient and dignified appearance, the signs of a tumultuous past serve as reminders that numerous stories await discovery. These narratives are brought to life through experiences powered by Intrepid Travel, helping travelers engage deeply with this fascinating region.

Before traveling to the Balkans, I realized that I lacked knowledge about the former Yugoslavia and the intense conflicts of the ’90s—a point I was eager to remedy. Consequently, I joined an Intrepid Travel tour. This experience was akin to immersing myself in a living, breathing history lesson.

Accompanied by a local Balkan leader, expert guides, and a group of like-minded individuals from around the world, I spent 15 days exploring the Balkans respectfully, with ample free time to enjoy the rich offerings of the region.

Experience a classic Balkan welcome in Osijek

Osijek in Croatia exemplifies Balkan character: genuine hospitality, a resilient spirit, and copious amounts of homemade rakija (grappa). Our guided walk included the site where conflict first erupted, with the personal stories of our guide and the pock-marked buildings around us bringing intense history to life. After working up an appetite, we relished a delightful slow-cooked deer stew at a family-run restaurant.

What to do in Osijek during your free time:

• Try local craft beers at Kušaonica Piva Gajba
• Meet world-famous Lipizzaner stallions at Ergela farm in nearby Đakovo
• Take a day trip to one of Europe’s largest wetlands, Kopački Rit Nature Park

Hit up Belgrade’s offbeat haunts

At first glance, Belgrade might appear as just another gritty cosmopolitan city, mixed with some Nikola Tesla memorabilia. However, this intriguing capital has many highlights waiting to be discovered—if you know where to look. One golden-hour evening, our leader took us to Belgrade’s Zemun municipality, where we enjoyed sweeping views and a delightful Danube riverside seafood dinner. Our search for unique spots continued at a dive bar inspired by Gavrilo Princip, the young man who essentially ignited WWI, followed by some adventurous tour mates visiting Belgrade’s floating nightclubs.

What to do in Belgrade during your free time:

• Enjoy the beach on nearby Ada Ciganlija
• Stop by Marshal Tito’s Mausoleum
• Explore a variety of museums, including the Museum of Yugoslavia and the Military Museum

Witness worlds colliding in Sarajevo

Standing in Sarajevo’s Baščaršija district, with a distant call to prayer resonating while the city buzzes around you, one experiences the contrast of Sarajevo: tragedy and humor, east and west, tradition and modernity. This juxtaposition was a strong theme of our tour—from participating in a Bosnian cooking class with time-honored recipes to sipping local brews at a trendy craft beer bar. A day trip to Mostar included a visit to the iconic Stari Most (‘Old Bridge’) and the graffiti-laden remains of the abandoned bobsled track from the ’84 Olympics, offering a glimpse into the region’s layered history.

What to do in Sarajevo during your free time:

• Attend a local football game
• Understand life during the siege at the Tunnel of Hope Museum
• Enjoy stunning views of the city from the Yellow Fortress

Revel in Montenegro’s natural beauty

Montenegro is widely regarded as one of the world’s most picturesque countries. During our road trip, we passed through the stunning Durmitor National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site characterized by breathtaking mountains, emerald lakes, and deep canyons. After Durmitor, we made our way to Kotor. Unlike other tourists from cruise ships, we enjoyed intimate experiences with this breathtaking mountain-clad port town—hiking the impressive St John’s Fortress, cruising Kotor Bay, and visiting the twin islands of Our Lady of the Rocks and Sveti Djordje.

What to do in Kotor during your free time:

• Shop at Kotor Bazaar
• Sip on a cocktail at the steampunk bar Letrika
• Relax on the nearby beaches of Budva

Get to know the real Dubrovnik

Since the fame of Game of Thrones elevated Dubrovnik to a must-visit destination, Croatia’s Adriatic jewel now sees a constant flow of visitors. Thankfully, our guide revealed ways to dodge the crowds. Our unique experience began at the abandoned Hotel Belvedere, a once-luxurious hotel now left as a haunting reminder of the past due to the war in the ’90s. Following this, we were treated to an enlightening tour of Dubrovnik’s city walls, rounded off with a lovely dinner at a Mediterranean restaurant situated on the outskirts of the old town.

What to do in Dubrovnik during your free time:

• Head to lush Lokrum Island for a refreshing swim
• Take in the panoramic view from Mt Srđ
• Discover powerful imagery from the Balkan conflict at the War Photo Limited museum