High five!
You’ve decided on a trip to Eastern Europe, which says a lot about you. You are a curious adventurer at heart who likes something different and prefers the road less taken. You probably don’t enjoy crowds, but you’re a sucker for genuine hospitality, good food, local culture and unique traditions. And that’s why you are here looking for your perfect itinerary for Eastern Europe.
This region has some of the most captivating big cities, timeless villages, best art museums, beaches, mountains, lakes, food, history, culture, nightlife – you name it – on the continent, all at a fraction of the cost of that in Western Europe.
To help you plot your perfect road-less-taken-trip, we put together the best itinerary for Eastern Europe in 7 or 10 days. With only a week or ten days in Eastern Europe, it’s best to focus on a particular region, or even see only one country, rather than trying to squeeze in too much.
Have the luxury of time? You can easily mix and match these Eastern European itineraries and puzzle together the ultimate two or three-week trip.
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If you have 7 Days in Eastern Europe
One week in Eastern Europe is not too short. Choose two or three cities and enjoy them to the fullest, rather than jumping around too much that will just leave you feeling exhausted.
Russian Capitals by Train
- Route: St Petersburg-Moscow
- Planned by: Yours Truly
- Extend with: Baltic Capitals
Russia is perhaps the most exciting and exotic destination to visit in Eastern Europe. (Well, not now in 2025!! Visiting Russian now is taboo and definitely frowned upon – but not impossible)
Mother Russia has recently influenced the entire region’s psyche and culture. Whether you’re looking for Soviet nostalgia, incredible art and architecture, nightlife or modern Europe, Russia delivers.
With only one week in Russia, split your time between Moscow and St Petersburg. With more time, either explore more of Russia or pop over to the Baltics to extend your Eastern Europe trip.
Days 1-4 Moscow
Forget what you think you know of Moscow from spy movies and watching CNN. Moscow is an incredible city with so much to see and do. It’s safe, clean and very affordable. You can easily spend a whole week in Moscow and not get bored.
Must-Do in Moscow
- See St Basils Cathedral, GUM Department Store and Lenin’s Mausoleum in the Red Square
- Visit the Kremlin – the heart of Russia
- Let the Moscow Metro blow your mind
- Have a fancy business lunch at Cafe Pushkin
- Transport back to the USSR at VDNKh Park
- Go to infinity and beyond at the Cosmonautics Memorial
- Shop at Izmailovo Flea Market
Days 5-7 St Petersburg
A comfortable overnight train will bring you to the Cultural Capital of Russia, St Petersburg. Known as the Venice of the North, St Petes is a stunner and one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Top Things to do in St Petersburg
- Admire the incredible art of the Hermitage (Winter Palace)
- Ride the Metro from one extravagant station to the next
- Take a cruise along the Neva River and canals
- Eat pyshki (Russian donuts)
- Stroll along Nevsky Prospekt
- See the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, Kazan Cathedral and St Issac’s Cathedral
- Revisit the USSR at the House of the Soviets
- Take a trip to the fountains and gardens of Peterhof (Summer Palace)
The Baltic Capitals: Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania
- Route: Tallinn-Riga-Vilnius
- Planned by: Becki from Meet Me In Departures
- Extend with: Russian Capitals / Poland to Lithuania via Belarus
The Baltic States are relatively newcomers to the tourism industry. Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania were under Soviet rule until 1991, which meant life was very restricted. But that’s all behind them now. Praise be!
In recent years, the Baltic States have moved up the ranks of the must-visit destinations in Europe. In particular, the three capitals, Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius, all have historic city centres with UNESCO Heritage Status.
You could easily spend several weeks exploring this region with its stunning, untouched countryside and lesser-discovered towns. However, you could see the highlights in a 7-day trip to get a good flavour of the region.
Days 1-3: Tallinn
Estonia’s capital, Tallinn, is undisputedly the most beautiful of the Baltic capitals. There are many things to do in Tallinn, including an abundance of Soviet relics and some of the most photogenic cityscapes in the Baltics.
Where to stay in Tallinn: Hotel Telegraaf
Best things to do in Tallinn:
- Go on a walking tour of Medieval Tallinn
- Walk along the city walls & lookout points
- Visit the Kiek in de Kok tower
- Explore the eerie Bastion passages
- For Soviet history, visit the KGB prison and headquarters
Days 4-5: Riga
Dubbed the Paris of the North, Riga is Tallinn’s slightly grittier little sister. Latvia’s capital has an impressive historical city centre and a sublime Art Nouveau district—the world’s largest collection of Art Nouveau architecture.
Where to stay in Riga: Redstone Apartments
Best things to do in Riga:
- Admire the St Peters Church & Tower
- Explore the Art Noveau district.
- Enjoy the Baltic Sea beach of Jurmala, just a 30-minute train ride from the centre.
Days 6-7: Vilnius
Vilnius also boasts UNESCO Heritage status, just like the capitals of Estonia and Latvia. Although this is another medieval town, Baroque-style architecture is much more emphasised. It also has a fantastically quirky autonomous district of Uzupis and a buzzing street art scene.
Where to stay in Vilnius: Hotel Vilnia
Best things to do in Vilnius:
- Explore the historic centre, particularly Vilnius University (one of the most beautiful buildings in the city)
- Explore Uzupis and the street art
- Take a day trip out to Trakai Castle
The Best of Bosnia & Herzegovina in a Week
- Route: Sarajevo-Konjic-Mostar
- Planned by: Ellis from Backpack Adventures
- Extend with: Budapest & Prague
Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) is a country of green mountains, deep blue rivers, and spectacular waterfalls. Despite everything it has to offer, its natural beauty is still relatively unexplored, and B&H remains an off-the-beaten-path destination.
B&H has always been at the crossroads between East and West, resulting in a turbulent history. You can still find the ancient Ottoman bazaars and bridges alongside trendy cafes and restaurants in the cities. Bosnian cuisine is delicious and reflects the different cultural influences that make B&H such a diverse country to visit.
Days 1-3 Sarajevo
Sarajevo is Bosnia’s charming capital, also known as the Jerusalem of Europe. Beautiful mosques stand alongside Catholic cathedrals and Orthodox churches. There are also plenty of museums about the city’s more recent past. The Under Siege War Tour is an excellent introduction to understanding the city better.
Where to stay in Sarajevo: Apartments Diva
Must-Sees in Sarajevo
- Bascarsija: the old Ottoman centre
- The yellow fortress for spectacular views over the city
- Sacred Heart Cathedral: biggest Catholic church in Bosnia
- Galerija 11/07/1995 about Srebrenica
- Tunnel Museum
- Markale Market
- Trebevic mountain
Day 4 Konjic
Konjic is a small town between Sarajevo and Mostar. The old Ottoman bridge is one of the most beautiful in B&H, but the main reason to visit Konjic is to go rafting on the Neretva River or visit Tito’s secret bunker.
Where to stay in Konjic: Green River
Top attractions in Konjic
- Konjic Old town
- Konjic bridge
- Tito’s bunker
- Neretva river
Days 5-7 Mostar
Mostar, located next to the Neretva River, is one of the most beautiful towns in Bosnia. Its ancient Ottoman centre, including the iconic bridge, was heavily damaged during the Bosnian War. Everything was beautifully renovated to its former glory.
Mostar itself is a small city surrounded by scenic mountains and stunning historic villages, offering plenty of day trip options.
Where to stay in Mostar: Pansion Villa Nur
Don’t Miss These in Mostar
- Mostar bridge
- Mostar Old town
- Blagaj monastery
- Kravice waterfalls
- Ancient town of Pocitelj
Czechia Roadtrip: City & Countryside
- Route: Prague-Cesky Krumlov-Brno
- Planned by: Maartje from The Orange Backpack
- Extend with: Poland Road Trip / Budapest
- Recommended Car Rental: Discover Cars
Czechia is one of the most underrated road trip destinations in Europe. There is much more to visit than just Prague, and a road trip around Czechia is the best way to do so. Expect fairytale castles, charming villages and stunning countryside.
Days 1-2: Prague
Start your Czechia road trip in Prague, the capital of Czechia. It is one of the most popular city-trip destinations in Europe because of its stunning historic centre, filled with cobblestone streets and tourist sights. Pretty much every street is filled with spectacular monuments.
Where to stay in Prague: Residence 44
Best things to do in Prague:
- Visit the main square with its famous clock
- Walk across the Charles Bridge, one of the most iconic landmarks in Europe
- Explore the Prague Castle
- Indulge in a medieval dinner with free-flow drinks
Days 3-5: Cesky Krumlov and Hluboka Castle
Cesky Krumlov is the most beautiful town in Czechia. It is built on a riverbank with the river meandering through the city centre. The historical streets are equally picturesque, offering views of the river or the imposing castle. Near Krumlov is one of the most stunning castles in Europe: the fairytale-like Hluboka Castle, which you should definitely visit.
Where to Saty in Cesky Krumlov: Monastery Garden
Best things to do in Cesky Krumlov:
- See at least one of the many viewpoints
- Explore the Krumlov Castle, including its unique Baroque Theater
- Wander around the picturesque streets
- Visit the beautiful UNESCO village of Holasovice, just outside Cesky Krumlov
Days 6-7: Moravia
Moravia is the wine region of Czechia, and driving around this area brings you to cute towns and rolling green hills. You could base yourself at one of those towns or its capital city Brno, but you might want to tour around the region by spending each night at a different stop.
Where to stay in Brno: Hotel Avion
Best things to do in Moravia:
- Explore its capital Brno for its hipster hotspots and historical centre
- Enjoy the sunset from the viewpoint at Mikulov
- Bike around the Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape and visit the Lednice or Valtice Castle, or perhaps both
Twin-Centre City Break: Hungary & Czechia by Train
- Route: Budapest-Prague
- Planned by: Lavina from Continent Hop
- Extend with: Czechia Road Trip
Europe is one of the best destinations for country-hopping and visiting multiple countries or destinations within just a week. Eastern Europe is no exception.
Budapest and Prague are two of the most beautiful cities in Eastern Europe, and in a week, you can easily have a fantastic twin-centre city break between these two beauties.
Days 1-3: Budapest
Budapest is perfect if you’re looking for an amazing mix of culture, local wine and some of the most delicious food in Europe! The castles and the bridges crossing the Danube are beautiful, especially at night.
Where to stay in Budapest: Stories Boutique Hotel
Best things to do in Budapest
- Visit the Hungarian Parliament building
- Take a sunset cruise on the Danube
- Visit St. Stephen’s Basilica, Fisherman’s Bastion & Buda Castle
- Soak in the numerous thermal baths
- Learn about the history of Hungary’s Jewish people before and after WW11 at the Great Synagogue
Day 4 Budapest – Prague Train
On day 4, travel by train to Czechia. Several high-speed trains run between Budapest and Prague daily. The ride takes just over six hours.
When planning your time in Prague, choosing the right neighbourhood can enhance your experience. For first-time visitors, this guide offers insights into the best areas to stay in Prague, helping you find accommodations that suit your preferences and itinerary.
Day 5-7: Prague
You’ll love Prague for its excellent cheap beer, hearty food, architecture and culture. Prague has been a favourite city among travellers to Eastern Europe, and for good reason. It’s beautiful and offers exceptional value for money.
Where to Stay in Prague: Residence 44
Must Visit Places in Prague
- Prague Castle
- Charles Bridge
- Nuclear bunker in Prague
- Mala Strana neighbourhood
- Check out the various monuments in Prague
- Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul
- Spilberk Castle
- Liberty Square
- The Jewish Quarter
Eastern Europe Itineraries for 10 days
With ten days in Eastern Europe, you can plan to either go farther or deeper. We always recommend slowing down and going deeper. But you’re the captain of your ship, so it’s all up to you.
Overland from Kosovo to North Macedonia
Route: Prizren-Gjakova-Pristina-Skopje-Ohrid
Planned by: Emily from Wander-Lush
North Macedonia and Kosovo might not top everyone’s travel wish list, but as two of the most underrated countries in Eastern Europe, they pair perfectly for an adventurous 10-day overland itinerary. Both promise a mix of beautiful nature, dynamic cities and charming small towns. Short distances and efficient transport connections make getting around a breeze.
Days 1-2: Prizren
Start your voyage in Prizren, Kosovo’s second-largest city and historic capital. Set on the Bistrica River, Prizren is all charm, with its tranquil waterfront cafes, handsome stone bridges and buzzing bazaar.
Where to stay in Prizren: Prior Hotel
Best things to do in Prizren:
- People-watch in Shadervan Square
- Pop inside the beautiful Sinan Pasha Mosque
- Climb up to Prizren Fortress for a sunset view
- Learn about Kosovar history at the Albanian League of Prizren Museum
- Visit a filigree workshop to see traditional Kosovar silver-smithing in action
Day 3: Gjakova
Located 40 km north-west of Prizren and easily reached by local bus, the town of Gjakova is an absolute gem. Spend a night or two soaking up the laid-back small-town vibes and enjoying local hospitality.
Where to stay in Gjakova: Garden Guesthouse
Best things to do in Gjakova:
- Explore the Çarshia e Madhe, the largest bazaar in Kosovo
- Visit a traditional cradle-makers’ workshop
- See the frescoes at the Hadum Mosque
- Eat Kosovar food at Hani I Haracise, a restored caravanserai
Days 4-5: Pristina
A 1.5-hour bus ride east brings you to Pristina, Kosovo’s biggest city. The youngest capital in Europe, Pristina is cosmopolitan and effortlessly cool, with vibrant food, coffee and nightlife scenes, and enthralling museums.
Where to stay in Pristina: Hotel MANAMI
Best things to do in Pristina:
- Take a selfie at the Newborn Monument, a Kosovo icon
- Drink coffee at Soma Book Station, one of Kosovo’s hippest cafes
- Step back in time at the Ethnographic Museum
- Go inside the National Library of Kosovo, dubbed ‘the world’s ugliest building’
- Take a side trip to Gracanica Monastery, one of the four UNESCO-listed Medieval Monuments in Kosovo
Days 6-7: Skopje
Cross the border to North Macedonia (1.5 hours by bus). Once dubbed Europe’s quirkiest capital city, Skopje pairs an old Ottoman-style bazaar with a modern downtown scattered with grand plazas and lofty statues. A full day is the ideal amount of time to unravel Skopje’s secrets, while several day trips are available if you have more time.
Where to stay in Skopje: Stone Bridge Hotel
Best things to do in Skopje:
- Join the Free Walking Tour for a comprehensive look at the downtown
- Get lost on the winding streets of the Old Bazaar
- Climb the walls at Skopje Fortress
- Hike to the Millennium Cross
- Take a side trip to Tetovo to visit the painted mosque or to Matka Canyon for boating and swimming
- Explore Skopje’s food and drink scene
Days 8-10: Ohrid
End your trip by kicking back lakeside at the one and only Lake Ohrid. The deepest lake in the Balkans offers magnificent scenery, hiking and biking trails, and boat trips. Base yourself in Ohrid, the biggest city on the North Macedonian side of the lake.
Where to stay in Ohrid: Villa Kotlar
Best things to do in Ohrid:
- Take a boat trip across the lake to the Monastery of St. Naum
- Hire a bicycle to cycle around the lake
- Visit the Church of St. John the Theologian, Ohrid’s most famous viewpoint
- Admire the old Ottoman-style houses in Ohrid’s Old Town
After Ohrid, you can either cross the border to Albania to continue your travels or return to Skopje by bus (2.5 hours).
Poland to Lithuania via Belarus
- Route: Warsaw-Brest-Minsk-Vilnius
- Planned by: Iris from Mind of a Hitchhiker
- Extend with: Baltic Capitals / Poland Road Trip
Visiting Belarus isn’t easy as many travellers need a visa to enter. There are also big differences in how long you can stay and leave the country. Always check the up-to-date visa policy of Belarus. Though it sounds like a hassle, visiting Belarus is absolutely worth it.
Days 1-2: Warsaw
Start your journey in Warsaw. The capital of Poland is a beautiful city and a good prep for the former Soviet states.
Stay at: Flaner Hotel
Best Things to do in Warsaw
- Visit the viewing platform of the Stalinesque Palace of Culture and Science
- Stuff yourself with pierogi on a terrace in a colourful plaza
- Visit the Warsaw Ghetto
Days 3-4: Brest & Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park
Next, head to Belarus. The Brest border crossing is the best, and the city is very worth visiting. Either stay in Brest for a day or two (Hotel Pod Debami is a nice place), visit the Brest Hero-Fortress. Or head north to Kamianiuki, where you can visit the Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park. There you can enjoy:
- Cycling through one of Europe’s last primaeval forests
- Spotting the European bison (if lucky)
- Enjoy typical Belarusian cuisine, such as khaladnik, draniki, and kalduny
Days 5-8 Minsk
Once your lungs have reset, head to the capital city Minsk for four days.
- Enjoy a European capital city that’s not overrun with tourists and is very clean
- Ride the Ferris wheel in Gorky Park (or the Minsk Metro)
- Marvel at the diverse architecture: National Library of Belarus, KGB building, various brutalist architecture, and Khrushchyovka (i.e. ‘Commie Blocks’)
Days 9-10 Vilnius
It’s time to leave Belarus and head to Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, for two days. Stay at Hotel Vilnia and don’t miss these in Vilnius:
- City vistas from the Vilnius TV Tower
- Half-day trips to Trakai Island Castle
- Recognizing the self-declared Republic of Užupis (an artsy neighbourhood)
Poland Road Trip
- Route: Krakow-Kolobrzeg-Gdansk-Warsaw
Planned by: Zoe from Together In Transit
Extend with: Poland to Lithuania via Belarus / Baltic Capitals /Prague & Budapest
Poland is hard to beat if you want to go on a 10-day road trip in Eastern Europe. There’s something for everyone, from gorgeous historical cities to beautiful nature reserves. A road trip in Poland is affordable with a rental car and local hotels, making it an easy yet rewarding destination for all travellers.
Days 1-3 Krakow
Start your 10-day Poland road trip adventure in Krakow, where you can explore the lovely city with the largest medieval squares in Europe. Krakow is home to a fire-breathing dragon at the castle, which is great to discover on a free walking tour on your first day.
Where to stay in Krakow: Hotel 32
Best Things to do in Krakow
- Explore the local history of the Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica and the Clock Tower, which you can also climb for some views
- Visit the Wawel Hill, the first UNESCO site in the world
- Visit Auschwitz-Birkenau on a day trip
- Enjoy many local restaurants and bars throughout the city
Days 3-4 Kolobrzeg
Head to the beach for a few days of relaxation at your next stop in the city of Kolobrzeg. Here along the coast, you can enjoy some beach weather and relax. Book yourself into the stunning (adults-only) Hotel Hanseatic, just a short walk from the beach. Besides beach time, you can also:
- Explore the 17th century lighthouse
- Visit the Polish Army Museum
Days 4-7 Gdansk
For days four to seven, go from Kolobrzeg via Gdnyia and Sopot to Gdansk. All three locations are linked, but it’s best to stay in Gdansk. Gdansk is a beautiful canal city, also known as the Venice of the North.
Where to stay in Gdansk: Apartamenty Michel
Best Things to do in Gdansk
- Visit the Olivia Star Observation Deck
- Enjoy a local boat tour
- Stroll and shop in the car-free city centre
- Get tipsy on Poland’s national drink
Days 7-10 Warsaw
As the capital of Poland, Warsaw is a must-see and the perfect end (or start) to your Poland road trip. Warsaw offers excellent historical and cultural attractions, as well as modern malls and boutiques.
Where to stay in Warsaw: Flaner Hotel
Don’t Miss These in Warsaw
Attend a Chopin piano concert in the Royal Castle
Visit the university botanical gardens
Explore the Royal Łazienki Park and residence
Enjoy 360 views at the Palace of Culture and Science
Which Itinerary for Eastern Europe did you Choose?
Let us know which trip you decided on or which one should be on the list.