From Milan to the Balkans: 13 Days of European Wonder

Richard Ho

Duomo Catherdral, Milan

There are trips you take—and then there are journeys that stay with you long after your suitcase is unpacked. My recent 13-day adventure through Italy and the Balkans was the latter: a beautiful mosaic of cultures, cities, stories, and unforgettable moments.

Milan: Where Style Meets Substance

We kicked off in Milan, the world’s fashion capital. The first sight of the Duomo di Milano, rising with Gothic grandeur, was breathtaking. Just steps away, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II beckoned with its opulent boutiques and timeless charm.

Milan is where you dress a little better, sip your espresso a little slower, and fall in love with Italian elegance.

Lake Garda & Venice: Italy’s Serene and Surreal

We paused at Lake Garda for sweeping lake views before sailing into Venice—and it truly felt like entering a painting.

Highlights in Venice:

• Cruising past historic buildings on a private boat

• Exploring St. Mark’s Square and its majestic basilica

• Wandering cobblestone alleys as gondolas drifted by

By evening, we were on our way to Ljubljana, Slovenia, and ended the night in Zagreb, Croatia.

Croatia & Bosnia: Natural Wonders and Deep History

Plitvice Lakes National Park (Optional)

If you love nature, don’t miss this. Waterfalls, wooden walkways, and turquoise lakes that sparkle under the sun.

Afterward, we crossed into Bosnia and Herzegovina and overnighted in Bihac.

Day Trip through Bosnia:

• Jajce Watermills: Serene and scenic

• Travnik Fortress: Full of Ottoman charm

• Sarajevo Old Town: Alive with stories of resilience

In Sarajevo, a visit to the Tunnel of Hope revealed powerful insights into the city’s wartime survival.

Mostar, Blagaj & Trebinje: The Soul of Bosnia

Mostar’s iconic Stari Most bridge was a sight I’ll never forget—both stunning and symbolic. Nearby, the peaceful monastery at Blagaj sat quietly by a crystal-clear spring. We ended the day in Trebinje, a town as tranquil as it is charming.

Montenegro to Albania: Coastlines, Culture and Fashion

We spent the day discovering:

• The medieval walls of Dubrovnik

• Kotor’s winding old town

• A spontaneous leather fashion show in Budva

By nightfall, we were in Shkoder, Albania.

North Macedonia: Lakeside Beauty and Painted Mosques

In Ohrid, we took an optional boat ride across the glassy lake—surrounded by churches and fishing boats, it felt like time stood still.

Then came Tetovo’s Šarena Mosque, one of the most colorfully painted buildings I’ve ever seen, followed by an evening in Skopje, a capital city full of statues, stories, and surprises.

Sofia & Istanbul: Where East Meets West

Our stop in Sofia included the Lion Monument and filming locations from Bollywood’s Dilwale. But Istanbul was a finale like no other.

Must-See in Istanbul:

• The awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia

• The iconic Blue Mosque

• The vibrant chaos of the Grand Bazaar

• A boat cruise along the Bosphorus

Istanbul was a breathtaking end to an unforgettable trip.

Final Thoughts: A Journey That Stays With You

This wasn’t just a trip—it was a tapestry of culture, history, architecture, and people. I returned home changed, humbled, and inspired.

If you're dreaming of exploring Europe beyond the usual tourist trail, this Milan-to-Balkans route is pure magic.