The Balkans by train
Wednesday June 02 2010
My friend and I are flying return to Dubrovnik in August. We hope to take the train from Ploce in Croatia then visit Mostar and Sarajevo in Bosnia, before heading to Budva and Kotor, Montenegro. We hope to visit Tirana in Albania overnight too. We are travelling for 17 days. Can you recommend a route? Ian Plunkett, Dublin
While you can take the train on some parts of a Western Balkans tour, you'll find that rail routes won't always be on your side. Tracks in this region date back to the Austro-Hungarian Empire and tend to radiate out of Vienna to principal cities and ports, rather than linking up the main cities of the former Yugoslavia. For this reason you'll find buses much more useful. In August you may need to book ahead, so make enquiries a day or so in advance.
There's a logical circuit taking in the areas of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, but Tirana is a little more complicated. The best option is to do an out-and-back trip from Ulcinj in Montenegro. You won't be troubled by visas in this part of the world. Balkanology (balkanology.com) can give you plenty more tips and suggestions.
- Tom Hall
Irish Independent
