Seeking Advice for a 4-Week Balkans Trip Starting in Split
 

Hello everyone,



I'm planning a 4-week trip to the Balkans starting in;

Split then move on to

Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Blagaj, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Kotor, Montenegro

Budva, Montenegro

Tirana, Albania

Berat, Albania

Ohrid, North Macedonia

Skopje, North Macedonia



and I’m looking for some advice to make the most of my journey. Our interests include history, architecture, food, wine, and relaxation. Here are a few specific questions I have:

1. Itinerary Suggestions: Any places that we missed in the Balkans that we should add or omit?
2. Transportation: We are planning on hiring a car. Any reasons why we shouldn't?
3. Hire Car Companies: Recommendations and things to watch out for?
4. Accommodations: Can anyone recommend budget-friendly accommodations in any of our destinations?
5. Top Attractions: What are the top historical sites and museums in these cities? Are there any lesser-known attractions worth visiting?
6. Local Cuisine: What are the must-try dishes in these regions? Can anyone recommend good local restaurants or food markets?
7. Wine and Drinks: Are there any recommended wine tours or tasting events in these regions? What local wines should I try?
8. Safety and Scams: Are there any common scams or safety issues to be aware of in these countries?
9. Weather and Packing: What’s the weather like in these regions in September? What should I pack?

Any tips or recommendations would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance for your help.

ad 2) if you rent your car in Croatia and get off in Macedonia, you will pay a fortune as this car must be brought back from Skopje to Split.
ad 9) the first half of September is usually warm along the coast; people g still to the beach there.
The mountains in the hinterland can get colder, especially the nights. The second half of September can (but must not) be very rainy.Weather is just unpredictable in September.
ad 5) historical sites:
medieval Split incl. ancient Hadrians Palace
medieval Trogir
Mostar
medieval Korcula
walled city of Dubrovnik
fortress of Kotor
Palace and mausoleum of the king of Montenegro at Cetinje
Stari Bar
Skhoder
Fortress of Kruja
Historical museum of Durres
Apollonia
medieval city center and ancient site of Bitola
ad 5) landscapes
Koercula Isalnd
Dubrovnik area
Bay of Kotor
Lovcen Pass
Sveti Stefan Peninsula
Lake Skadar
Koman river cruise
Lake Ohrid an Sveti Naum
ad 4) September is no longer high season. Affordable accommodation shouldn't be a problem.

In Dubrovnik, I recommend War Photo Limited for history of the wars during the 1990's that caused the breakup of Yugoslavia.

In Split, we loved visiting Hvar for a day. Also enjoyed the Ethnographic Museum.

Recommend visiting Plitvice Lakes NP.