The Balkans

In my previous post, I shared a photo of a signpost with "Italy" pointing to the sea.

That is the Adriatic sea, and I was in Kotor, Montenegro.

 Yes, Italy is just across the water! And Kotor is located on the stunning Dalmatian Coast running parallel to Italy.

Our group photo—all 20 of us (17 from Malaysia and 3 from Singapore).

Bled Castle, Slovenia

We journeyed through the heart of the Balkans, weaving in and out of four countries (Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro) along the stunning Dalmatian Coast.

Our adventure started in Zagreb, Croatia's vibrant capital, before venturing into Slovenia. Lake Bled captivated me with its serene, fairytale-like island and castle, and Ljubljana charmed with its picturesque riverside cafes and green spaces.

Returning to Croatia, we were swept away by the charm of Rovinj with its narrow, winding streets and stunning coastal views, and Pula, where the Roman amphitheater stands proudly as one of the best-preserved in the world. Opatija offered a touch of old-world elegance with its grand villas and beautiful seaside promenade, while Plitvice Lakes was a mesmerizing paradise of turquoise lakes and cascading waterfalls, each turn unveiling another breathtaking view.

Continuing down the coast, we explored Zadar and its unique sea organ, where waves compose nature’s music, then enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere of Split with its ancient Diocletian's Palace and bustling waterfront. Omis provided a thrilling contrast with its rugged landscape, riverside adventures, and medieval fortresses perched high above the city.

Crossing into Bosnia and Herzegovina, we visited Mostar with its iconic Stari Most bridge arching gracefully over the Neretva River. The city’s rich, multicultural history and the sights and sounds of its lively bazaars were unforgettable.

Back in Croatia, we reached Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic." Walking its impressive medieval walls and gazing over the shimmering Adriatic Sea, I understood why this city has become a beloved highlight of any Balkan tour.

Finally, we ended our journey in Montenegro’s Kotor, nestled between dramatic mountains and a fjord-like bay. Kotor’s well-preserved medieval Old Town, lined with cobblestone streets, historic churches, and charming squares, was the perfect finale to this extraordinary adventure through the Balkans.

I'll be sharing more photos and stories from my travels in upcoming posts, so stay tuned for a closer look at the stunning places we explored and the memories we made along the way.

DALMATIAN COAST FUN FACTS

This coastal area stretches from the island of Rab in the north, off the coast of Croatia to the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro in the south, encompassing both rugged mainland and a chain of beautiful islands like Hvar, Brač, Korčula, and Vis.

The Dalmatian Coast is characterized by a rugged limestone landscape, and when seen from above or from the sea, you can notice dark patches of vegetation contrasting with lighter rocky areas. This patchy appearance, with dark and light areas spread across the landscape, is thought to have inspired the naming of the Dalmatian dog breed, famous for its black or liver-colored spots on a white coat. The breed likely has origins in the region, and this unique coastal landscape gave rise to the dog’s distinctive name and appearance.

The Dalmatian breed has a long history of being used as a carriage dog, a guard dog, and even as a companion to firefighters in more recent times. But its name is a nod to its roots in the Dalmatian region, where it shares a spotted appearance with the landscape that inspired its name!