This road trip follows a journey we made in 2008. The route is planned as a broad loop from Slovakia through Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, southern Italy, Abruzzo, Rome and the Dolomites, then back to Central Europe. You can start in Slovakia, but just as easily from Prague, Vienna, Budapest or elsewhere in Central Europe – simply adjust the first and last legs.
Since our original trip, several road sections in the Balkans and Croatia have improved significantly, with new motorways, the Pelješac Bridge and generally smoother drives. The character of the loop, however, remains the same: a varied journey that, in one trip, links historic towns, the canyons of the Vrbas and Neretva rivers, Mostar, Pelješac, Dubrovnik, a ferry across the Adriatic to Bari, the Gargano coast, a high‑mountain hike in the Gran Sasso massif, Rome, the Vatican and, to finish, the Dolomites with views of Averau, Cinque Torri and the option of climbing Marmolada.
You can do this loop with a dog, although we didn’t take this specific route with one. Traveling with a dog comes with limitations – from the ferry and accommodation to access to sights and demanding mountain sections. We cover the practicalities of traveling with a dog separately at the end of the article.
With smart planning, you can complete the loop at a fairly brisk pace, especially if you treat some stops as brief breaks en route. If you have more time, the route offers countless places to slow down, add an extra day or linger longer. It all comes down to priorities, pace and possibilities.
Who this itinerary is for
This loop suits travelers who want to experience several very different regions on a single trip. It connects cities, sea, mountains, a ferry crossing, canyons and historic sites – not as a checklist, but as a rich, varied journey.
It’s ideal for people who enjoy road travel, old towns, mountain scenery, the sea, ferries and a more active itinerary with hikes.
Suggested trip length
Ideal length: 16 to 18 days
Faster version: 14 to 15 days
Slower version: 18 days or more
If you only have two weeks, trim the urban or mountain stops in particular. With 17 to 18 days you can take your time in Mostar, Dubrovnik, by the sea and in the mountains.
Interested in this destination? Would you like to visit it with your dog? Check the entry requirements directly in BorderCooler®.
Day 1: From Slovakia to Croatia – an evening in Varaždin
On day one, head from Slovakia into Croatia. The goal is Varaždin, a pleasant historic town in the north that works well as a first stop on a Balkans route.
In the evening, stroll the compact center, see the castle and baroque lanes, and sit down for a relaxed dinner. If you’re starting from Prague, Vienna or Budapest, simply adjust this first leg to suit your departure point.
Day 2: Through the Vrbas Canyon, Jajce and the Neretva to Mostar
From Varaždin we drive through Croatia into Bosnia and Herzegovina, all the way to Mostar. It’s a longer drive – realistically allow six to eight hours of driving plus stops. It’s a demanding day, but the route itself makes it worthwhile: the road passes several striking places that turn the drive into one of the most beautiful starts to the whole trip.
First comes the Vrbas River canyon, where the road winds along water and rock. Then stop in Jajce, known for its waterfall right below the historic center. Later the landscape changes along the Neretva – turquoise water, cliffs and a distinctly southern feel gradually lead us to Mostar.
We reach Mostar in the evening and stay two nights, so the city isn’t just a quick roadside stop but a full part of the trip.
Day 3: Mostar – the Old Bridge, the Neretva and a slow day in the city
We devote day three to Mostar. The Old Bridge, stone lanes, the Neretva, and views from both banks – plus the old town’s evening atmosphere – deserve more than a rushed stop.
Walk the center in the early morning before the crowds, then take your time over coffee, side streets and viewpoints. Return to the Old Bridge around dusk, when the light and the city’s mood both shift.
A second night in Mostar lets you experience the city at an easier pace – morning, daytime and evening – not just as a backdrop after a long drive.
Day 4: Počitelj, Pelješac and arrival in Dubrovnik
We continue from Mostar to the Adriatic. First stop: Počitelj, a historic hill town above the Neretva with stone houses, a fortress and views over the valley. It’s a short but memorable stop before returning to the sea.
We then carry on across the Pelješac Peninsula towards Dubrovnik. Treat the peninsula as a scenic drive – ideal for lunch, a quick stop by the sea or a pause among vineyards.
By afternoon we arrive in Dubrovnik. After Mostar, Počitelj and Pelješac, the Bosnia–Croatia leg naturally culminates in one of the Adriatic’s most distinctive cities.
Day 5: Prevlaka and Dubrovnik – a trip to Croatia’s far south and evening in the Old Town
In the morning we head to the Prevlaka Peninsula, a narrow finger of land at Croatia’s southern tip near the Montenegrin border. It’s a less typical stop than Dubrovnik itself, but interesting for its position, views and an end‑of‑the‑road feel.
Back from Prevlaka, the afternoon and evening are for Dubrovnik. The Old Town, its walls, stone alleys and sea views are among the Adriatic’s standout moments. They’re at their best later in the day when the light softens.
A second night in Dubrovnik gives this stretch a gentler pace: combine the far‑south excursion with an evening in the Old Town.
Day 6: Ferry Dubrovnik–Bari and the start of the Italian leg
In the morning we take the ferry from Dubrovnik to Bari. The Adriatic crossing neatly opens the Italian part of the trip.
The Dubrovnik–Bari line is seasonal – at the time of writing it runs from early May to the end of October, several times a week. In July and August, book tickets and a car space in advance; sailings do sell out. Pets are allowed. Check the current schedule and tickets directly with Jadrolinija.
On arrival in Bari, there’s no need to hurry on. Check in, take a walk if you have the energy, and leave some of the city for the following day.
Day 7: Bari Vecchia – the old town, harbor and a relaxed day in Puglia
Keep Bari for a gentler city day after the ferry. Bari Vecchia’s lanes, the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, the seaside promenade and simple southern Italian cooking make a good transition between the Balkans and Italy.
There’s no need to overfill the day. A walk through the historic center, good food, the sea and a slower tempo are enough before the next leg.
Day 8: From Bari to the Gargano Peninsula
From Bari we drive to Gargano, back to the sea, southern Italian style. Aim for the area around Spiaggia di Vignanotica, one of the finest beaches on this stretch of coast – white cliffs, headlands and clear water.
Keep this day relaxed. On arrival, go for a swim, walk the shoreline or just slow down after cities and the ferry. Stay two nights near Vignanotica so Gargano isn’t just a brief stop on the way.
Day 9: Spiaggia di Vignanotica and Vieste – Gargano’s most beautiful coast
We spend day nine on Gargano. Save the morning for Spiaggia di Vignanotica, especially if you didn’t have time to enjoy it fully the day before. This is where it makes sense not to follow a strict schedule – sea, cliffs and an easier rhythm are the order of the day.
Later, head to Vieste, one of the area’s prettiest towns. An old town perched on a rocky headland, whitewashed houses, sea views and narrow lanes make Vieste a lovely afternoon or early‑evening outing.
In the evening we return to the Vignanotica area for a second night by the sea.
Day 10: From Gargano to Abruzzo – beneath the Gran Sasso massif
We leave the Gargano coast for the interior, heading toward the Gran Sasso range. Aim for the hamlet of Casale San Nicola, a good base for the high‑mountain section of the itinerary.
No need to plan anything big after arrival. Check in, prepare your gear for the hike and check the weather.
Day 11: Gran Sasso – hike up to Rifugio Carlo Franchetti
We hike up to Rifugio Carlo Franchetti in the Gran Sasso massif. The hut sits in dramatic high‑alpine terrain and makes an excellent base for climbing Corno Grande.
After arrival, take time to rest, have dinner and prepare for the next day. A night in the hut is one of the most mountain‑centric moments of the entire road trip.
Day 12: Corno Grande – climb the highest peak of the Apennines
Day twelve is for the Western Summit of Corno Grande, the highest peak of the Apennines. Leave Rifugio Carlo Franchetti early, depending on weather and conditions.
The route doesn’t require special technical gear – it’s a strenuous mountain hike, not a via ferrata. Be prepared for altitude, changeable weather and proper hiking boots. Adjust the plan to current conditions and your experience.
After the ascent we return to Rifugio Carlo Franchetti and spend a second night at the hut.
Day 13: From Gran Sasso to Rome – descend from the hut and a first evening in the city
In the morning we descend from the hut back to the car and then drive on to Rome. After the mountain section, keep the evening easy: a short walk, a simple dinner and a first feel for the city.
Day 14: Rome in a day – basilicas, antiquity, the Colosseum and the historic center
We devote day fourteen to Rome. Start at the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran (San Giovanni in Laterano) and continue to the Basilica of San Clemente, remarkable for its layers of history.
For Slovak travelers, the tomb of Saint Cyril (Constantine) in the Basilica of San Clemente carries particular meaning. It’s a modest but powerful place that adds a Central European thread to Rome.
Then continue to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, via Piazza di Spagna, the Trevi Fountain, the Altar of the Fatherland and the Vittorio Emanuele II monument up to the Capitoline Hill. If you’ve still got energy, end the day at the Bocca della Verità or the Pantheon.
Rome is intense, so don’t try to see everything from the inside. Choose a few places to explore properly and let the rest be part of a good city walk.
Day 15: The Vatican and the drive north toward the Dolomites
Day fifteen is for the Vatican. Depending on interest and ticket availability, visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums or focus on the square and its surroundings.
After the Vatican, we head north through Italy. The city section gives way to the mountains again. If you have more days, Rome deserves a separate third day.
Day 16: The Dolomites – Passo Falzarego, Averau and Cinque Torri
Day sixteen belongs to the Dolomites. From the Passo Falzarego or Pian Falzarego area, hike toward Forcella Averau and up to Averau.
The ascent of Averau offers superb views of Monte Pelmo, Nuvolau with its rifugio, Ra Gusela and the surrounding Dolomite peaks. After the hike, visit Cinque Torri, home to an open‑air World War I museum.
In the evening, move to a campsite around Malga Ciapela, which will be the base for the Marmolada day.
Day 17: Marmolada – via ferrata ascent via Forcella Marmolada and Lago di Fedaia
This is the most demanding day of the whole road trip. Marmolada (3,343 m) is the highest mountain of the Dolomites – a massif with a glacier, World War I relics and views unmatched in the range. Start early, ideally before eight – afternoon storms are common even in summer.
The primary plan is to climb Marmolada via a via ferrata route from the Forcella Marmolada area (2,885 m). This is not a regular hike. The route may cross snow or glacier, exposed terrain and protected sections that require confident movement in high mountains. Mandatory gear includes sturdy mountain boots, a via ferrata set (lanyard, helmet, gloves), appropriate layers and, depending on conditions, snow or ice equipment. If you don’t feel up to the ascent or lack the gear, you can take the cable car from Malga Ciapela to Punta Rocca (3,265 m) or stay by Lago di Fedaia with a direct view of the glacier.
After the hike, return to the campsite near Malga Ciapela for the final night before heading home.
Day 18: Return from the Dolomites back to Slovakia
Day eighteen is for the journey back to Slovakia or whichever Central European city you started from. After the Dolomites we don’t add another big program – the aim is to close the trip calmly and leave the day mainly for travel.
For a slower version, split the return into two parts and stay overnight in Austria, northern Italy or wherever makes sense based on your starting point.
How to shorten or extend the itinerary
If you only have 14 to 15 days, reduce Mostar to one night and simplify Rome or the Dolomites section.
If you have more than 18 days, add time where a slower pace helps most: in Mostar, around Gargano, in Rome, in Abruzzo or in the Dolomites.
As an optional extension to the Italian leg, consider Matera, Castel del Monte or Trani. Matera is the standout choice – a city of stone Sassi quarters, cave dwellings, rock‑hewn churches and canyon views. If you’d rather avoid a bigger detour, shorter alternatives are Castel del Monte or the port town of Trani. We’d treat this as a bonus day, not part of the core loop.
This road trip with a dog
The route is possible with a dog, but think ahead about which parts will need to be skipped or adjusted.
The Dubrovnik–Bari ferry allows dogs – good news for those driving with a pet.
Croatia is in the EU, but Bosnia and Herzegovina is not. If you’re crossing Bosnia with a dog, you’ll exit the EU and then re‑enter. Before the trip, check your EU Pet Passport, rabies vaccination and any requirements for returning to the EU after time in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Gran Sasso – the ascent of Corno Grande is accessible with a dog since it’s not a via ferrata. The physical demands may be limiting, though – high altitude and a long climb aren’t suitable for every four‑legged companion. Also be aware the hut may not accommodate dogs overnight.
Rome and the Vatican – dogs aren’t allowed inside the Vatican. Many sights in Rome have similar restrictions. Rome with a dog works best as walks, parks and outdoor areas – most historic interiors are off‑limits.
Marmolada and via ferrata sections – these parts of the route can’t be done with a dog. The dog would need to stay with someone in the campsite or follow an alternative plan.
If you’re traveling with a dog, we recommend checking veterinary entry rules for Bosnia and Herzegovina, accommodation policies along the route and in the Dolomites, and reserving the ferry in advance with confirmation that your dog can travel.
Practical planning tips
The best time is outside the peak summer crowds – late spring, early summer or early autumn. The sea is still pleasant, towns and beaches are calmer and planning mountain hikes is easier.
A car is the most practical choice for this loop. For the Dubrovnik–Bari ferry, book tickets in advance, especially if you’re taking a car or a dog. For the mountain hikes in Gran Sasso and the Dolomites, watch the weather and reserve Rifugio Carlo Franchetti ahead of time.
Also budget for tolls, the ferry, city parking, insurance and entry fees for sights.
Summary
This road trip weaves together several very different faces of Southeastern Europe and Italy. We start in Central Europe, cross Croatia and Bosnia to the Adriatic, ferry to Bari, continue along the Gargano coast, into the high Apennines, on to Rome and the Dolomites, then back home.
It’s a journey that mixes river canyons, historic towns, the sea, a ferry crossing, mountains, Roman landmarks and Dolomite panoramas. It isn’t the simplest loop, but with thoughtful planning it can be one of the most varied road trips you can make from Slovakia or the wider Central European region.