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Vienna, Austria
Your departure hub. Fly from Vienna International Airport (VIE) — Wizz Air and Ryanair offer cheap direct flights to Skopje (North Macedonia) and Tirana (Albania), often under €30-60 one way. Book well in advance for late July savings. Stay near the airport or city center for an easy early departure.
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Skopje, North Macedonia
The quirky capital is very affordable — meals cost €3-6 and hostels under €15/night. Don't miss the Old Bazaar (Čaršija), one of the oldest and largest in the Balkans, and the Stone Bridge over the Vardar River. Buses to Ohrid depart regularly from the South Bus Station for around €5.
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Ohrid, North Macedonia
A UNESCO gem on the shores of Lake Ohrid — swimming, hiking, and ancient churches await. Explore the Old Town, climb to Samuel's Fortress, and swim at Kaneo Beach for free. Budget accommodation is plentiful; eat grilled trout fresh from the lake for €5-8. From Ohrid, a direct bus to Tirana (Albania) runs daily for about €10-12.
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Tirana, Albania
Albania's colorful capital is one of Europe's cheapest cities — street food like byrek costs under €1. Walk Blloku neighborhood, visit Skanderbeg Square, and explore the free National History Museum. Furgons (shared minibuses) are the cheapest way to travel onward to the coast; a furgon to Shkodër costs around €3-4.
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Shkodër, Albania
A great base for Lake Shkodër (the largest in Southern Europe) and the stunning Rozafa Castle with panoramic views. It's also the gateway to Montenegro — a cheap minibus or shared taxi to Ulcinj or Budva runs daily for €5-10. The city has a relaxed cycling culture; rent a bike cheaply to explore the lakeside.
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Kotor, Montenegro
A walled medieval town on a stunning bay — walking the ancient walls costs €8 but the views are breathtaking. July is peak season so book accommodation early; look for private rooms (sobe) for €20-30/night as a budget option. Buses connect Kotor to Budva (30 min, €2) and Podgorica easily.
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Budva, Montenegro
Montenegro's most popular beach town with a charming Old Town and lively summer atmosphere. Beaches like Mogren are free and walkable from the old city walls. It's busier and slightly pricier in August, so stay slightly outside the center to save money. From Budva, buses run to Podgorica (€5) where you can catch affordable FlixBus or Nomago coaches back toward Vienna via Belgrade or Zagreb.