12-Day Self-Drive Road Trip in Croatia, Montenegro, and Albania With Itinerary from Split to Dubrovnik, Budva, Tirana, Durrës, and Podgorica

On day 2, you will wake up in Split with an entire day of wonders ahead of you! You still have 1 night left in Split before it’s time to get back on the road and continue your European tour across Croatia, Montenegro, and Albania.

At the top of the list of things to do today is to explore Bacvice, a neighborhood that captures the true essence of Split. Take your time to uncover its best sides and enjoy its proximity to many of the area’s best attractions.

Experience Beach Bar History, a frequently visited bar in the city.

After a day of exploration and awe-inspiring sights, it’s time to replenish your strength. Make the most of this stop on your multi-country road trip across Croatia, Montenegro, and Albania by rewarding yourself with a taste of Split’s local cuisine.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Babylon, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, DeListes restaurant Split is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Bokeria Kitchen & Wine. As an establishment that consistently gains high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Split tonight.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Caffe Bar Mythos. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Caffe Bar Legis, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Caffe Bar Tik provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

As the night falls in Split, take a moment to savor the experiences of the day. Wash away your fatigue with a drink, or lie back and relax at your hotel, and look forward to another thrilling day of your multi-country journey across Europe.

Wake up to day 4 of your extraordinary road trip through Croatia, Montenegro, and Albania. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Bosanka in Croatia. With 1 night left in Dubrovnik, seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Bosanka, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Dubrovnik to Bosanka may take around 8 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Bosanka, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Lokrum is an often recommended nature reserve we recommend visiting today. Discover its mesmerizing features before continuing your self-guided tour.

Next, stop by Fort Revelin, an UNESCO world heritage-listed castle.

In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Dubrovnik’s regional flavors and culminate your day with a toast. We’ve curated a guide to the city’s culinary and nightlife hotspots to enhance your experience during your multi-country vacation in Croatia, Montenegro, and Albania.

Savor the flavors at Taverna Loggia, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Restaurant Maskeron beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Magellan, Restaurant & Caffe Bar. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Dubrovnik tonight.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Caffe & Night Bar Amor, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Celtic Bar Belfast Dubrovnik, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Seven Sins likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

Savor the moment and raise a toast to yet another amazing day of your vacation in Croatia, Montenegro, and Albania! Enjoy your evening in Dubrovnik to the fullest!

On day 5 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in Croatia, Montenegro, and Albania, you’ll soak in the magnificence Budva in Montenegro. When you’re not exploring the city and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Budva, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

When you’ve had your share of Dubrovnik, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Budva, Montenegro. Your travel time is around 2 hours 25 min.

Our first attraction recommendation in Budva is Mogren 2 Beach, an increasingly popular beach that draws attention for its eye-catching features.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Sveti Stefan, Montenegro. This car ride takes around 24 min.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Sveti Stefan and explore the mesmerizing features.

After a long day of driving and exploring, you’ll check in at a top-recommended hotel in Budva of your choice.

As the day slows down and turns into evening, indulge your taste buds at one of the top-rated restaurants in Budva. After a delicious dinner, experience the local nightlife or unwind at one of the city’s most popular bars.

Make sure to reserve a table at Caffe Fiorino Budva, an iconic dining spot in Budva. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Konoba Bocun, a popular restaurant in Budva. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Kužina, a hidden gem nestled in Budva. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Blue Cat Art Cafe after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Old Town Pub Budva, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Mañana Budva also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Go to bed happy and look forward to a good night’s sleep as soon as your head hits the pillow. Your European tour continues tomorrow!

On day 6 of your European tour in Croatia, Montenegro, and Albania, you’ll start and end your day in Kotor, but spend most of the time exploring beyond the town, including Kotor in Montenegro. Budva remains your base for 1 night more.

Kotor’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Budva behind. This drive usually takes around 34 min. Kotor welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the town's best attractions, visit Kampana Tower, an often recommended monument that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey. Next, head to Kotor and admire its eye-catching features.

Set your GPS to Perast and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 18 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Perast beckons with new experiences!

Spend your afternoon discovering Perast Beach, a curiosity-inducing beach known for its idyllic features. Next, continue your sightseeing at Our Lady Of The Rocks, a beloved church.

Before this day of your vacation comes to a close, treat your palate to a taste of Montenegro's delectable cuisine at one of Budva's best restaurants. After a nice meal, enjoy the local nightlife or unwind with a drink or two in the city’s most recommended bars.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Restaurant Konoba Demizana, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Zeleni Gaj is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at L&M. As an establishment that consistently gains high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Budva tonight.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Kasper Bar, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Plazni Bar is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Beer & Bike Club is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

Spend the evening looking over your itinerary for tomorrow and reminisce about what you’ve seen and done so far on your European road trip adventure. New experiences await!

Dive into day 7 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Croatia, Montenegro, and Albania. Today's main destinations are Tirana in Albania, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Tirana. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

Set your GPS to Tirana, Albania and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 3 hours 27 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Tirana beckons with new experiences!

When you're ready for some sights, head to Grand Park Of Tirana, an up-and-coming park in Tirana. Explore its eye-catching features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Rinia Park. This frequently visited park is a top recommendation in the area.

After an exciting day of sightseeing, it’s time to check in at your accommodation in Tirana. This is not only a place to sleep but your home away from home, offering a warm welcome after a long day on the road.

As the sun sets, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Tirana. Check out our recommendations on where to wine and dine while seeing this marvelous destination in Albania in a new light.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Delicatezze di mare da Aldo - Ristorante di pesce a Tirana, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Hotel Boutique Kotoni offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, il Gusto Ristorante is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Tirana.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Observator Wine And Piano Bar is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Radio Bar Tirana, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Colonial Cocktails Academy Tirana. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Relax, recharge, and look forward to what tomorrow holds. The opportunities are endless with a European self-drive tour!

On day 10 of your multi-country road trip across Croatia, Montenegro, and Albania, you'll get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places to see in Podgorica in Montenegro. In the evening, you’ll end up in Podgorica, where you will stay for 1 night.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Durrës and set your GPS to Podgorica, Montenegro. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 2 hours 54 min. Upon reaching Podgorica, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Spend your afternoon discovering Old Ribnica River Bridge, a frequently visited historical landmark known for its enchanting features. Next, continue your sightseeing at Millennium Bridge, an often recommended monument.

After a long day of discovery, it's time to settle in at a top-rated hotel in Podgorica. Indulge in well-deserved rest and rejuvenation, preparing for the continued adventure that lies ahead.

If you're eager to sample culinary delights during your multi-country road trip in Croatia, Montenegro, and Albania, you'll be excited to head out for dinner and get a taste of the local cuisine in Podgorica.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Forum, a top-rated dining spot in Podgorica. If you're in the mood for something new, try Grill Beli, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Masala Art. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Podgorica.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Welder Pub, known for its lively atmosphere. Kokotov Rep is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, München Bierhaus | Pub München offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Take in the ambiance of Podgorica as this day slowly comes to an end. Whether you’re going bar hopping or you decide on a quiet night at your hotel, you have another exciting day of your multi-country road trip to look forward to!