The Balkans
 

We were planning on flying from Chicago into Paris then flying on to Belgrade. Plan was to spend 3 nights or so in Belgrade then go to Saravejo for 3 or so nights then return to Belgrade - back to Paris and see a bit of France before returning to Chicago. We are about to discontinue this effort. Alto quite experienced European travelers there seems to be NO way of getting to Saravejo and back without a LOT of hassle. Our Internet search seems to reveal that it is risky to drive - public bus and minivan takes a LONG time getting there and back and train travel is not an option. So we have turned to Fodor as a LAST effort to resolve prior to discontinuing these plans. ANY help whatsoever would be kindly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Kind regards,

Richard and Mary
Chicago

I don't know about the transportation options between Belgrade and Sarajevo, although rome2rio.com shows a bus.

If you find a way that works, I certainly wouldn't go back through Belgrade and back through Paris -- fly open jaw (into Paris and out of somewhere in the Balkans or vice versa) and search for your flights using the "multi-city" search option -- open jaw is rarely much more expensive than round trip, and saves you the time and money of backtracking.

If you do find a way to make it to delightful Sarajevo, consider adding on a day or two in Mostar.

Good luck!

Just curious what you’ve seen on the internet that indicated it is risky to drive. I’ve driven in Bosnia before and did not think that it was terrible. Granted it was not the route of Belgrade to Sarajevo. However my husband and I are thinking of driving this exact route several months from now, so again, I’m wondering what you saw on the Internet that is turning you off to this choice. Have you driven in Europe before?

Have driven in Europe 22 times; but mostly Western Europe where normal conditions include good roads and, for the most part considerate drivers.

My reaction (concern) was caused by several Internet postings and advice from friends from Serbia and Bosnia. I think being a flatlander from Chicago makes them think that we are going to drive off a mountain????

Further inquiry has resulted in a reversal on my part - we will travel Chicago to Belgrade - Spend 3 nights, van to Saravejo - stay 3 nights, rent a car from my friends at AutoEurope - go to Mostar and other parts of Bosnia for 3 nights, back to Saravejo - fly to Paris and spend 5-6 days of France???? travel .

Beauty of travel by car can be expressed in one word: flexibility.

Thank you for the courtesy of posting.

Sorry I’m late to the thread. Our son made the trip from Belgrade to Sarajevo two years ago. He thought he was going in a van with other passengers. A Toyota Corolla showed up. He was the only passenger. He founds some of the roads dangerous, but mostly he found drivers, including his, to be awful.

I still have all his texts from that ride (they were memorable) and he is here if you have any questions.

I 100% agree with you that the greatest advantage of car travel is the flexibility. Sometimes we think we’re crazy for going that route when there are other less expensive and sometimes easier options, but we love it. I hope you have fun and please give us an update after the trip if you can!