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Bologna, Italy
About 2.5 hours south of Milan, Bologna is Italy's food capital — do not leave without trying tagliatelle al ragù and a mortadella sandwich from the Quadrilatero market. Climb the Torre degli Asinelli for a sweeping rooftop view over the terracotta rooftops. On a rainy day, wander the endless covered porticoes that line almost every street in the city center.
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Ancona, Italy
Around 2.5 hours from Bologna, Ancona sits on the Adriatic coast and is your ferry departure point for Albania. The Passetto beach cliff is a lovely spot for a swim before your overnight crossing. Book the Ancona–Durrës ferry in advance with Adria Ferries or Grandi Navi Veloci — overnight cabins are affordable and practical.
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Durrës, Albania
Your first taste of Albania after the overnight ferry. The ancient Roman amphitheater right in the city center is one of the largest in the Balkans and costs almost nothing to enter. Grab a burek from a local bakery for breakfast and drive south toward your next stop — the road along the coast begins to get scenic quickly.
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Berat, Albania
Known as the City of a Thousand Windows, Berat is a UNESCO-listed Ottoman town set dramatically along the Osum River. Wander through the Mangalem quarter, cross the old stone bridge, and hike up to the medieval castle for panoramic views. Accommodation is extremely affordable — guesthouses in the old town often include a home-cooked breakfast for under 30 euros.
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Gjirokastër, Albania
Another UNESCO gem, Gjirokastër is a stone city perched on a steep hillside with a massive Ottoman fortress looming above. Visit the bazaar, the ethnographic museum, and the eerie Cold War bunker inside the castle. On a rainy day, the covered bazaar and local coffee shops are ideal for shelter — try a glass of raki with locals.
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Sarandë, Albania
This is your week-long beach base on the Albanian Riviera. Sarandë is a relaxed coastal town with crystal-clear Ionian water, a palm-lined promenade, and excellent fresh seafood at very low prices. Day-trip to Butrint National Park (ancient ruins by a lagoon), Ksamil's white-sand island beaches, the Blue Eye spring, and the hilltop village of Lëkurësi for sunset views. Rent an apartment for the week — far better value than hotels, often 30–50 euros per night for a sea-view flat.
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Vlorë, Albania
Driving north from Sarandë along the SH8 coastal road is one of the most scenic drives in the Balkans — allow extra time for stops and viewpoints. Vlorë is a lively port city where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet, visible from the Llogara Pass above. Stop at Drymades or Palasë beach on the way for a swim, and spend the evening along Vlorë's waterfront boulevard.
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Shkodër, Albania
Head north through Albania toward Shkodër, a charming city on the edge of Lake Shkodër — the largest lake in Southern Europe. The Rozafa Castle gives breathtaking views across the lake and mountains, especially at golden hour. Shkodër is also the gateway to the Albanian Alps and the Valbona Valley if you have time for a nature detour.
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Kotor, Montenegro
Just over an hour from Shkodër, Kotor is one of the most dramatic medieval walled towns in the Mediterranean, wedged between steep limestone cliffs and a fjord-like bay. Climb the 1,350 steps up to the fortress of San Giovanni for jaw-dropping views over the Bay of Kotor. The old town is compact and walkable — find affordable guesthouses just outside the walls and explore the bay villages by local boat.
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Dubrovnik, Croatia
Around 2 hours north of Kotor, Dubrovnik is the pearl of the Adriatic — its perfectly preserved medieval walls and marble streets are unforgettable. Walk the full city walls circuit at sunrise before the cruise ship crowds arrive, and swim from the rocks at Buža bar. Park outside the old town (Pile area) to avoid traffic chaos, and consider staying in the Lapad peninsula for much more affordable accommodation.
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Split, Croatia
Three hours up the Dalmatian coast from Dubrovnik, Split is a vibrant city built directly into and around Diocletian's Roman Palace — people actually live and party inside a 1,700-year-old palace. Swim at Bačvice beach (famous for the local picigin ball game), explore the Meštrović Gallery on the sea promontory, and eat grilled fish at the green market. On a rainy day, the underground palace cellars and the City Museum are excellent sheltered options.
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Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
Drive about 2.5 hours inland from Split to one of Europe's most spectacular national parks — a cascade of 16 turquoise lakes connected by waterfalls through forested limestone terrain. Arrive early in the morning or book a late afternoon ticket to avoid peak crowds, and take the full upper and lower lakes circuit. Stay in one of the small family guesthouses in nearby Rastovača or Smoljanac for a quiet, affordable night surrounded by nature.
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Ljubljana, Slovenia
About 2.5 hours from Plitvice, Ljubljana is one of Europe's most underrated and walkable capital cities — its dragon-bridged old town and castle hill are charming without the tourist overload of bigger cities. Cycle along the Ljubljanica River, browse the open-air central market, and head to Metelkova for a unique alternative culture scene in the evening. A day trip to Lake Bled (45 minutes away) is almost obligatory if the weather cooperates.
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Lake Bled, Slovenia
One of the most iconic lake landscapes in Europe, with a fairy-tale island church and a clifftop medieval castle reflected in glacier-green water. Rent a traditional wooden pletna boat to the island, swim in the lake (it's warmer than you'd expect in summer), and hike up to Ojstrica viewpoint for the postcard shot. If the main lake is too crowded, drive 20 minutes to the wilder and quieter Lake Bohinj — just as beautiful, half the tourists.
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Lugano, Switzerland
Your final drive home from Bled to Lugano takes about 3.5 hours through the Julian Alps and over the border — a scenic and satisfying close to the loop. Stop at a motorway Autogrill in Italy for a celebratory espresso and reflect on three incredible weeks on the road. Welcome back to Switzerland — unpacked, sun-tanned, and already planning the next trip.