Itinerary: Exploring the Balkans and Beyond

Our company had granted us a 10-day holiday from March 26, 2025, to April 5, 2025. I decided to take an early leave starting from March 25, giving me a total of 12 days to explore. With my Schengen Visa from Germany still valid, I planned to maximize it by traveling through the Balkans and beyond, enjoying the scenic bus rides and the charm of the countryside.

Download Itinerary and Expenses Breakdown in PDF Format

Overview of the Itinerary

March 25-26: Sarajevo, Bosnia
March 26-28: Budva, Montenegro
March 28: Prishtina, Kosovo
March 28-30: Tirana, Albania
March 30-April 1: Thessaloniki, Greece
April 1: Sofia, Bulgaria
April 2: Bucharest, Romania
April 3: Chisinau, Moldova

Visa Information

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Albania: US Visa. For Albania, they accept if your visa was used. I visited the US in June 2024.
Other countries: Schengen Visa.

Day 1: March 25 – Arrival in Sarajevo, Bosnia

Flight: DMM 02:25 to SAW 06:40 (4h 15m) with Pegasus Airlines (Flight PC613)
Layover: 6 hours in SAW
Flight: SAW 12:40 to SJJ 12:40 (2h) with Pegasus Airlines (Flight PC291)
Flight Fare: SAR 1400 (AED 1372, USD 378)
Accommodation: Waterfall Hostel, SAR 33 (AED 32, USD 9)
Activities: Check-in at the hostel, followed by a half-day city tour of Sarajevo, exploring its rich history and vibrant culture.

Day 2: March 26 – Journey to Budva, Montenegro

Bus: 07:00 Sarajevo to 15:45 Budva (8h 45m) with getbybus
Bus Fare: SAR 140 (AED 137, USD 38)
Accommodation: Freedom Hostel, SAR 171 (AED 167, USD 46)
Activities: Check-in at the hostel and a half-day tour of Budva, known for its stunning beaches and medieval old town.

Day 3: March 27 – Exploring Budva and Kotor

Activities: A full day dedicated to exploring Budva and Kotor, including its beautiful coastline, historic sites, and local cuisine.

Day 4: March 28 – From Budva to Prishtina, Kosovo

Bus: 08:00 Budva to 15:45 Prishtina (7h 45m) with travel.gjirafa.com
Bus Fare: SAR 88 (AED 86, USD 24)
Activities: A brief tour of Prishtina, the capital of Kosovo, exploring its key attractions in a couple of hours.
Bus: 19:00 Prishtina to 00:00 Tirana East Terminal (5h) with travel.gjirafa.com
Bus Fare: SAR 60 (AED 59, USD 16)
Accommodation: Buff Hostel Tirana, SAR 69 (AED 68, USD 19)

Day 5: March 29 – Discovering Tirana, Albania

Activities: A full day to explore Tirana, visiting landmarks such as Skanderbeg Square, the National History Museum, and the colorful Blloku district.

Day 6: March 30 – Traveling to Thessaloniki, Greece

Bus: 04:45 Tirana East to 15:45 Thessaloniki (10h 50m) with travel.gjirafa.com
Bus Fare: SAR 197 (AED 193, USD 53)
Accommodation: Jetpak Alternative Eco Hostel, SAR 162 (AED 159, USD 44)
Activities: Check-in at the hostel and a half-day tour of Thessaloniki, exploring its rich history and vibrant nightlife.

Day 7: March 31 – Full Day in Thessaloniki

Activities: A full day to explore Thessaloniki, including visits to the White Tower, the Archaeological Museum, and the bustling Aristotelous Square.

Day 8: April 1 – Journey to Sofia, Bulgaria

Bus: 01:00 Thessaloniki to 07:00 Sofia (6h) with getbybus
Bus Fare: SAR 46 (AED 45, USD 12)
Activities: A full day to explore Sofia, visiting landmarks such as Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Vitosha Boulevard, and the National Palace of Culture.
Bus: 22:00 Sofia to 05:05 Bucharest (7h) with flixbus
Bus Fare: SAR 62 (AED 60, USD 17)

Day 9: April 2 – Exploring Bucharest, Romania

Activities: A day trip to Dracula’s Castle, Peles Castle, and Brasov Old Town, immersing in Romania’s rich history and folklore.
Bus: 22:00 Bucharest to 06:35 Chisinau (8h 35m) with getbybus
Bus Fare: SAR 95 (AED 93, USD 25)

Day 10: April 3 – Discovering Chisinau, Moldova

Activities: A full day to explore Chisinau, visiting sites such as Stefan cel Mare Park, the National Museum of History, and the Central Market.
Bus: 16:00 Chisinau to Bucharest (9h) with getbybus
Bus Fare: SAR 70 (AED 68, USD 19)

Day 11: April 4 – Return Journey

Flight: OTP Bucharest 04:50 to DXB 10:45 (4h 55m) with flydubai (Flight FZ1710)
Layover: 3h 10m in DXB
Flight: DXB 13:55 to DMM 14:25 (1h 30m) with flydubai (Flight FZ863)
Flight Fare: SAR 1500 (AED 1470, USD 405)

Day 12: April 5 – Rest and Relaxation

Activities: A day to rest and recover from the exciting journey.

Estimated Expenses

Round Trip Tickets: SAR 2900 (AED 2842, USD 783)
Hostels: SAR 435 (AED 426, USD 117)
Global e-Sim: SAR 200 (AED 196, USD 54)
Allowance: SAR 500 (AED 490, USD 135)
Total: SAR 4035 (AED 3954, USD 1089)

Total Distance To Travel

Here are the distances between each destination:

Sarajevo to Budva: 283 km
Budva to Prishtina: 328 km
Prishtina to Tirana: 251 km
Tirana to Thessaloniki: 392 km
Thessaloniki to Sofia: 294 km
Sofia to Bucharest: 357 km
Bucharest to Chisinau: 430 km

Total Distance: 2,335 km

Why Istanbul is Perfect for DIY Travel

Istanbul is an excellent destination for DIY travelers for several reasons:

Rich History and Culture: The city is a treasure trove of historical sites and cultural experiences, from the Hagia Sophia to the bustling Grand Bazaar.
Efficient Public Transportation: Istanbul’s extensive public transportation system, including trams, buses, and ferries, makes it easy to navigate the city on your own.
Affordable Accommodations: There are plenty of budget-friendly accommodations like hostels and guesthouses, making it accessible for all types of travelers.
Diverse Culinary Scene: The city’s vibrant food scene offers a wide range of options, from street food to fine dining, allowing you to explore Turkish cuisine at your own pace.
Friendly Locals: Istanbulites are known for their hospitality and are often willing to help tourists with directions and recommendations.

This travel itinerary promises an unforgettable journey through the Balkans and beyond, filled with rich cultural experiences, stunning landscapes, and memorable adventures. Happy travels! 🌍✈️

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