Adriatic Highlights 2025 - Hostess Roundup Jenn Boyd

Nestled between Western and Eastern Europe, the Balkans blend the most desirable aspects of both regions. Sisterhood set out on a road trip from Slovenia to Croatia to Bosnia and onto Montenegro. Although these countries share a significant portion of their history, each has its own distinct characteristics. We traversed the stunning Adriatic coastline, distinguished by its crystal-clear waters, we visited ancient fortress cities with red-tiled roofs, we saw where the Game of Thrones film were shot and we passed through magnificent diverse landscapes. The sisters visited Lake Bled, featuring a castle situated atop a hill, we walked Lake Bohinji, Slovenia's largest lake, and we explored the Postojna caves, the world's largest karst monument, where we encountered the 'Olm,' or baby dragons. We wandered through the UNESCO World Heritage Plitvice Lakes and strolled through beautiful beech forests to Lovcen National Park in Montenegro, featuring the world's highest mausoleum. 

We then discovered Mostar and Sarajevo in Bosnia, a melting pot of cultures and civilisations where East meets West and a land shaped by a dramatic and cruel war from 1992-1995. Its countless mosque turrets as well as orthodox and catholic church towers – representing the Bosniak Muslim and the Serb and Croat communities. We wandered the cobbled streets of the Old Town in what felt like a mini-Istanbul with its fascinating Ottoman architecture, and then we turned the corner and were admiring the neoclassical buildings from the Austro-Hungarian era. Each destination left the sisters in awe, marvelling at the incredible history that surrounded them. To say the least, the Balkans gave us a fascinating experience that broadened our knowledge. 

The sisters tried the local cuisine, which featured winery visits, garden-to-table experiences, and plenty of local restaurants. The culinary experiences blended Ottoman, Mediterranean, and Central European influences. The sisters tried popular dishes including grilled meats like ćevapi and Pljeskavica, savory pastries like burek, and hearty slow cooked stews, cream pies and baklavaa all enhanced by local wines and at the end of most dinners the fire water spirit known as Rakija.

Our road trip was the perfect way to explore these fascinating countries and the locals treated us to their warm hospitality, delicious food, and incredible sights. Thankyou sisters until next time.