1. Bosnia and Herzegovina
Best for: History, nature, and cultural fusion
Flight Time (from UK): ~2.5 to 3 hours
Top Things to Do:
- Walk the iconic Stari Most in Mostar
- Explore Sarajevo’s Old Town (Baščaršija)
- Visit Kravice Waterfalls
- Take a scenic train ride from Sarajevo to Mostar
Food: Cevapi (grilled meat), burek (meat or cheese pie), baklava
Wine: Small but quality wine regions like Herzegovina – try Žilavka (white) and Blatina (red)
Hiking: Sutjeska National Park, Via Dinarica trail
Hotel Prices: £25–£60 per night for mid-range hotels
2. Albania
Best for: Beaches, affordable travel, and hidden ruins
Flight Time: ~3 hours
Top Things to Do:
- Relax on the Albanian Riviera (Ksamil, Dhermi)
- Visit Berat (UNESCO city of a thousand windows)
- Explore ancient Butrint ruins
- Ride the Lake Koman ferry
Food: Grilled lamb, byrek, seafood, qofte (meatballs)
Wine: Indigenous grapes like Shesh i Zi and Kallmet are worth trying
Hiking: Valbona to Theth trail (Albanian Alps)
Hotel Prices: £20–£50 for comfortable stays
3. North Macedonia
Best for: Lakes, Orthodox churches, budget-friendly city breaks
Flight Time: ~3.5 hours
Top Things to Do:
- Visit Lake Ohrid and the monastery of St. Naum
- Explore Skopje’s quirky architecture and Ottoman old bazaar
- Enjoy Matka Canyon kayaking or boat tours
Food: Tavče gravče (bean stew), ajvar (pepper spread), grilled meats
Wine: Tikveš region produces quality reds (Vranec grape)
Hiking: Mavrovo and Galicica National Parks
Hotel Prices: £25–£55 per night
4. Georgia
Best for: Wine, mountains, and vibrant culture
Flight Time: ~5 hours
Top Things to Do:
- Discover Tbilisi’s old town and sulfur baths
- Take a road trip along the Georgian Military Highway
- Visit the ancient cave city Uplistsikhe
- Explore the wine region of Kakheti
Food: Khinkali (dumplings), khachapuri (cheese bread), pkhali
Wine: Birthplace of wine – try Saperavi (red), Rkatsiteli (white)
Hiking: Kazbegi (Stepantsminda), Svaneti region
Hotel Prices: £30–£70 mid-range (cheaper in rural areas)
5. Armenia
Best for: Monasteries, mountains, and off-the-beaten-path travel
Flight Time: ~5 hours
Top Things to Do:
- See Geghard Monastery and Garni Temple
- Visit Lake Sevan and Tatev Monastery (via cable car)
- Wander Yerevan’s pink-hued streets and cafés
Food: Khorovats (BBQ), dolma, lavash bread
Wine: Areni region is known for ancient winemaking traditions
Hiking: Dilijan National Park, Debed Canyon
Hotel Prices: £25–£60 per night
