We patterned our trip with Topdeck Travel's Balkan Itinerary but removed some places we did not want to see, and added a few more stops we are interested in. We are also inspired by Souvenir Chronicles about driving around the Balkans by car and they were very nice to answer our initial questions about driving a rental car around this area. 

When I started searching about this trip like - how the roads are, especially driving thru Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, appropriate visas, border crossings and checkpoints or other important parts of the road trip we wanted to know, there's only a few blogs that discusses it in detail how is it really like driving this region. Below is our Balkan road trip map, I deleted some of the stops we did, but only pinned the major cities of the countries we've had the pleasure of driving. We did the Balkans for at least 18 days and added Budapest and Krakow at the beginning and end of the trip (total of 25 days). 

Our Balkan Itinerary

We love the freedom of the open road, makes anything seem possible. Yes, a lot of possibilities could happen, right? It can go both ways. We were concerned about driving to and around Bosnia and Herzegovina, we didn't really know what to expect and we were actually surprised. Belgrade to Sarajevo is around 5 hours drive. As we bid farewell to Serbia, we are greeted with beautiful landscapes left and right, as we drive towards the little towns. The area is very rural with small pockets of population and it was quite a lush place. This route was quite wild because of the non-stop curves hillside, but on the bright side, it was a scenic drive all throughout.  We couldn't ask for anything more, what's a road trip without great views? So we really got what we wished for. Traveling deeper by driving around the country is the way to see the Balkans. 

Brock while driving asked me, "Who goes to Bosnia on vacation?" I answered, "Us, because we are the crazy ones." This was our mini rental car that will accompany us along our great Balkan adventure. 

And so, we arrived Sarajevo, tired but very surprised. See our next post about Sarajevo. 

Categories: Europe, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Balkan Road Trip

A visit to Belgrade is not complete without seeing the impressive Kalemagdaan Citadel that serves like a crown to the city, since its situated up the hill. It offers a nice view of the Sava River that connects three capitals. This site has seen many battles in the past and has been rebuilt over and over again. 

We walked our way down the citadel and passed by the busy pedestrian boulevard Knez Mihailova. On this street, you can find Delijiska Cesma Fountain. It is an important part of the city and served as an important meeting place in the past.  

After our tiring walk up and down the hill. we decided to pick up our car to go around Belgrade and feel the other parts of the city. Our first stop was St. Sava Church, it is the biggest Orthodox Church in Europe. Currently, the inside of the church is still being fixed. 

Outside Belgrade, we visited Ada Ciganlija, an artificial island on the Sava. Locals go here during summertime to relax, unwind and enjoy the sun. It is estimated to have at least 250,000 people per day. 

After our afternoon stroll by the water, we decided to visit House of Flowers where Tito's mausoleum is. Tito was the first Prime Minister of former Yugoslavia. The mausoleum also showcases some of Tito's old military clothes, old office equipments, elaborate batons that was given to him during his regime as well as gifts from political leaders all over the world. 

After a long days worth of sightseeing, we decided to go back to our hotel and have a quick rest before heading out to dinner. You never really explored Belgrade, if you haven't discovered a kafana. A kafana is an open and relaxed place where people meet, get a drink and grab something to eat. This your typical neighborhood bistro. Around the city, there is a lot of kafanas that will pop up your way with its own unique charm. It was actually pretty neat - small space, al fresco dining - what's not to like?  Kafanas are prevalent in the former Yugoslavian territories. 

Visiting off-the-beaten path destination in Europe is quite exciting - the Balkans is as edgy as you think it is. Belgrade - you can love it or hate it. That's what our impression about this gritty city. Let's just say, forget what you think you've heard and read about Belgrade, just drop by say hello and let the city surprise you. You might probably love it.