Balkan Adventures
The Balkans are endlessly fascinating – a mix of Ottoman echoes, communist relics, and jaw-dropping scenery. From the cobbled lanes of Sarajevo to the painted mosque of Tetovo and the mountain passes of Montenegro, it’s a region that rewards slow, curious travel.
Whether you arrive by plane, train, bus, or boat, expect warm welcomes, strong coffee, and plenty of surprises along the way.
Below you’ll find my Balkan travel guides, covering real-world routes and local details you won’t find in generic itineraries. More will join soon – there’s always another border to cross in this part of the world and I’m still on ‘catch-up’.
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10 Things to Do in Prizren, Kosovo – Why It Deserves a Spot on Your Balkan Itinerary
Prizren’s cobbled streets, riverside cafés, and mountain backdrop give it an easy charm that’s hard to resist. Compact and full of character, it’s one of those cities that wins you over straight away. In this guide, I’ve included the 10 best things you can do in Prizren, along with practical advice and a map to help you make the most of your visit to this beautiful Balkan city. Planning a…
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Best Day Trips from Bucharest: Castles, Mountains, the Black Sea and Cross Border Adventures
Bucharest might surprise you – behind its traffic and grandeur lies a convenient base for day trips. From fairy-tale castles in the Carpathians to the breezy Black Sea coast, it’s easy to escape the city for a day of history, scenery or total relaxation. There’s some cross border opportunities too if you want to add another country to your itinerary too. Here are my favourite day trips from Bucharest, all…
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23 Best Things to Do in Bucharest – and One I’d Avoid Right Now
In this guide you’ll find all the best things to do in Bucharest, the capital of Romania. It’s a vibrant city with a fascinating history and one of Europe’s most affordable capitals. I’ve included practical information and tips to help you make the most of your trip. Whether you’re drawn to grand avenues, history, a buzzing café scene or simply somewhere to let your hair down, this Balkan capital has…
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Visit the Millennium Cross and Mount Vodno from Skopje by Public Bus
Mount Vodno and the Millennium cross provide a striking backdrop to Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. And a visit to see them both, up close and personal, is an essential part of any trip to the capital. We visited the Millennium Cross by catching a city bus to Sredno Vodno, then taking a cable car to the top, instead of taking one of the popular organised tours. This Guide…
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Visit the Painted Mosque in Tetovo From Skopje by Public Bus
In the foothills of the Šar Mountains, Tetovo’s Painted Mosque dazzles with colour — and it’s an easy bus ride from Skopje, making it one of the most rewarding day trips in North Macedonia
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Best Things to Do in Iași: Discover Romania’s Cultural Gem
In this guide you’ll find a map and a walking route through Iași’s historic centre, plus a few finds further out. Itineraries, food and drink recommendations, and practical tips for your visit are included here too.
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Chisinau to Bucharest Sleeper Train: Europe’s most Unusual Rail Journey
Wood-panelled carriages, a friendly conductor, and a journey back in time – here’s what it’s really like to take the Soviet sleeper to Chișinău
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Best Things to Do in Skopje: Your Comprehensive Travel Guide to Europe’s Most Kitsch Capital
Skopje mixes kitsch statues, Ottoman charm and Balkan buzz. This guide on things to do in Skopje covers the city highlights both in the Ancient City and beyond including the modern facades and statues created as part of Skopje Project 2014
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Visit Meteora: An Unforgettable Trip to Greece’s Cliff-Top Monasteries
First off, this place is jaw dropping. Put it on your bucket list! Meteora means ‘hanging monasteries’ and the monasteries certainly do look like they are suspended from the sky as they perch on the striking rock formations. It’s hard to imagine how the monasteries could have been built hundreds of years ago. Meteora is located in central mainland Greece and is accessible from both Athens and Thessaloniki by train…
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