The Balkans have a special place in my heart after road tripping through the northern part of Croatia a few years ago. I’ve been dreaming of going to Dubrovnik for quite some time ever since. The filming location of Game of Thrones is home to hoards of tourists in the summer months. This is, in part, thanks to the loads of cruise ships that stop here every year and the rising popularity of GOT.

Per usual I like to find something to worry about, and I was nervous that it wouldn’t live up to all the hype because we were visiting in December. Fortunately, I can confirm that this myth has been busted. Kotor, Dubrovnik, Budva, and Bosnia are all well worth the trip in the cold, winter months. 

    • Brian and I took the lesser known road of getting to Croatia by flying into Podgorica, Montenegro. Here we rented a car and headed to the coastal cities of Budva and Kotor. If you do rent a car, make sure to grab a sticker for the boarder crossing if you plan to head into Croatia or Bosnia. 

    I had my heart set on seeing as much of Dubrovnik as I could in two days and wanted to get there straight away. Like clockwork when we travel, Brian conveniently changed our entire route I had so diligently mapped out. While I stubbornly never want to admit Brian was right (yet again), I was so glad we made the stops in Budva and Kotor. I was happily blown away with how charming the Old Town’s of Montenegro were. In fact, I’d go as far as to say it was my favorite part of the trip.

    • Kotor has hints of Venice and Greece on every corner and is located inside a bay surrounded by mountains. If the castle walls don’t do it for you, then stroll alongside the turquoise blue waters  or climb up the side of a mountain via castle walls. In the winter months, you have so much of these cities to yourself with no traffic and stunning views.

    • The drive from Kotor to Dubrovnik just might be one of the most scenic drives we’ve taken to date. What was only an hour and 45 minute drive, took us 2 & 30 because of all the stopping. Every twist and turn we were hopping out of the car. To be fair, we just purchased a film camera, and we were both itching (fighting over) to take as many photos the 36 image film strip would allow. 

    Alas, we finally made it to Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik’s patio bar just in time for golden hour. It was New Year’s Eve and so we were feeling a bit indulgent with our Prosecco and charcuterie board. The sun set over King’s Landing in the most magical way turning the sky every shade of the rainbow. 

    • The next 24 hours were spent dancing to house music inside the castle walls, watching fireworks over the harbor, and a few too many chocolate croissants (because 2020 resolutions start tomorrow duh). We ate, drank and explored until our little hearts and feet were content. 

    • The winter months make it easy to explore every inch of these cities in just 48 hours. And honestly, if I were to go back in the summer, I’d imagine I’d just want to be on a boat or an island drowning myself in wine and sunscreen. 

    PS: we drove through Bosnia on our way back and it was BEAUTIFUL. If you love the feel of small, quaint villages amidst massive mountains, this is for you. 

    Places to Eat

    Cognito Coffee

    Prora

    Dubravka 1836

    Dalmantino

    Astoria Beach Budva

    Buza Bar

    Hotel Excelsior Bar

    Places to See

    Budva Old Town

    Ladder of Kotor

    Kotor Fotress

    Lovrijenac

    Pile Gate

    Castle Walls