Your New Must Do Balkans Tour
Image by Захари Минчев from Pixabay
There is one huge misconception a lot of people have regarding the Balkans.
This, of course, is the belief that all the countries of that region are extremely poor and not worth considering when it comes to great vacation destinations.
However, any person who has visited the Balkan peninsula knows very well that the region is full of unique cultures, countries, and beautiful places worth everyone’s while.
Firstly, this region has a really rich history. When it comes to geographical features, the region is quite diverse. And, culture, well, it really is something else.
All of these praises, of course, mean nothing if there are no real bits of evidence to support them.
Hence, take a look at a few places you should include in your next Balkans tour.
Lake Bled (Slovenia)
I have visited Bled more than once in my life. And, even though I really like Slovenia, in general, this place really left a strong impression.
Lake Bled is, what some may call, a real-life fairy tale of a place. This deep blue lake that emerges from the Alps has a cozy church on an island located in the middle of it.
Additionally, there is a gothic castle standing on a 130-meter cliff that overlooks the lake.
These two sights, alone, are enough to make you wonder if you are still in our world. Or, maybe you have crossed into the fairy-tale one.
The country takes great care of this place. There is a nice path that goes around the lake. So, if you are curious enough, there is no way that you will not be able to enjoy this mesmerizing place to the fullest.
And, if you’d like to get closer to the church, you can even rent a rowboat and go there.
Visoki Dečani (Serbia)
Image by Michael Schwinge from Pixabay
Serbia is a truly unique country that is often ignored by tourists from West Europe.
And, those who have heard of Serbia really only know something about Belgrade (the capital city) and its buzzing nightlife.
However, that certainly isn’t all there is to Serbia. On the contrary, in the country’s southern province of Kosovo and Metohija lies proper heaven for all history lovers.
One place that is simply magical is called Visoki Dečani. This is a monastery belonging to the Serbian Orthodox Church.
It actually is the biggest Orthodox church in the Balkans, and it surely is worth a visit.
The history of the region is complicated due to a number of reasons. But, there is no real reason why you should stay away from witnessing the stunning frescos of Visoki Dečani.
The interior of the church is amazing. And, exactly this interior of the church presents a huge part of Serbian medieval art.
The scenes depicted are the ones from the Bible. However, there are also various historical figures (Serbian noblemen) and a variety of Orthodox saints.
Do know that you will need your passport ready before you enter the administrative region of Kosovo and Metohija due to the ongoing dispute and illegal seizure of the institutions (there is little to no presence of Serbian authorities).
Durmitor National Park (Montenegro)
Image by Benas M. from Pixabay
Montenegro is mainly known for its stunning coastline. And, yes, the country has many stunning beaches where one can enjoy the wonders of the Adriatic sea.
However, not many foreigners know much about the part of the country that is covered in the mountains.
It might be safe to say that Durmitor is the hotspot of mountain tourism in the country.
First of all, the mountain range is absolutely gorgeous. Secondly, when it comes to activities, there is something for everyone.
Many lakes that make the landscape awesome, many hiking trails, zip-lining points, and untouched nature make Durmitor a proper gem.
Should you visit, definitely check out the Tara River Canyon. This Canyon, actually, is the second biggest in the world, just behind the Grand Canyon.
If you love a good adrenaline burst, you should definitely zip-line through the canyon. And, why not try it? After all, you will have tons of great videos and photos to post on Instagram.
The Neretva River (Bosnia)
Bosnia and Herzegovina may statistically be one of the poorest countries in Europe, but you will see that numbers mean nothing once you visit the country.
And, yes, you should pay a visit to the mainstream tourist destinations such as Sarajevo, Mostar, and Jahorina. However, if you want to really experience something special that not many people have seen, you should visit the Neretva River.
The Neretva River is known as the coldest river in the world. The average temperature during the summer months stands only at about 11 to 13 degrees Celsius!
Yes, this river may be cold, but it is absolutely gorgeous. You can’t really discern whether the blue or green shades are prettier.
If you love a bit of adventure every time you travel somewhere, definitely try whitewater rafting down the Neretva River.
This will not only be fun, but you will also have a chance to see shady canyons with huge rocky cliffs and even a couple of small waterfalls.
Sofia (Bulgaria)
Did you know that Sofia is one of the most beautiful European capitals?
Well, to be honest, you probably have heard some rumors, but you probably haven’t visited.
So, once you book a flight to Sofia, make sure to include a few sights on your bucket list for Bulgaria’s capital.
A must, in my opinion, is a visit to the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This cathedral is one of the most beautiful Orthodox Christian buildings in the world!
It can host up to 5,000 people at a time. And, you will like the fact that it’s free to visit it. You can go inside and roam the glorious edifice as much as you want. However, the hosts charge money for taking pictures inside.
Just don’t try to sneak a photo or two. They aren’t joking with this rule.
Another must-visit in Sofia is the Vitosha Boulevard pedestrian zone.
This boulevard is brimming with great restaurants, cafes, and even some high-quality pubs. So, if you are a nightlife lover, it’s definitely worth paying a visit to.
Check out the ‘Hambara’ bar! You can thank me later. Knock once if the door is closed.
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