10 day sightseeing trip - where would you go on a budget?

[myhobbyisouting]

Hi,

A friend has had a tough few years and I know she wants to travel a bit. I am considering arranging things so I can get away with her for around 10 days in the next year or so (assuming covid restrictions are lifted at some point).

I'm thinking of a bit of an adventure, possibly with some train travel (backpacking style for 40 somethings and not in hostels but budget hotels would be fine).

My question is where would you go on a budget of 1-2k each?

What country are you in, and do you want to stay in it?

I'd go to Croatia. You could get guesthouse accommodation for about 60-100 euros per night so half that each. You could fly to Split and travel by foot ferry to some of the islands, possibly Hvar and Korcula, there's loads so have a good google. You could then get a bus down to Dubrovnik or to Pula. You could also fit in a road trip to Plitvice National Park.

Or fly to Dubrovnik and cross the border into Montenegro and spend some time in Kotor and on the lake (Perast is stunning). Either continue south in Montenegro or go back to Dubrovnik and visit some islands from there.

There's literally hundreds of options in Croatia and it's all stunning and easy to travel by hire car, boat or bus (not sure about train).

Fabulous @instanthistoryy thank you! Croatia would be amazing. I've been to pula but many many years ago before it was Croatia! I will check out those suggestions.

@Georgyporky sorry, important point. We are in the UK, but no, would prefer overseas travel for this trip

Slovenia. One of the most beautiful countries I have ever visited. A few days in Ljubljana, visit Postojna caves (I’ve seen a lot of caves but none as impressive as that!) and Predjama castle in a day trip, spend a couple of nights in Piran on the coast, then head to the mountains and visit places like Lake Jasna before finishing off in Bled.

Not sure about train connections in the country (although it’s so environmentally friendly I bet they’re good) but driving was unbelievably easy and the roads not at all busy in the height of summer (except around Piran).

I also love Croatia but Slovenia felt like mini break after mini break as everywhere is so different.

We do quite a few city to city train journeys and I love this kind of holiday, staying 2/3 days in each destination before moving on. I inter-railed across Europe for 2 months as a teenager and there is a real romance for me in a train holiday and watching the changing landscapes go by.

If it was me, I’d probably go for a top to toe Italy option or Spain,flying into one airport and out the other and staying at air bnbs (just helps keep food costs down if you can self cater). The train trip I’ve enjoyed most in recent years was to Sicily - the journeys aren’t the quickest but it’s do-able and the cities were beautiful.

Lots of practical stuff to take into consideration (luggage that’ll fit on storage racks, not suitcases, keeping your money on you etc) but I think you’d have a great time!

Thank you. Now I have too many ideas because I want to do them all. Off to do some research!

We will be fine with the luggage etc as I'm very organised and love planning

Greek island hopping would be my first choice
www.donthibernate.co.uk/winter-weekend-in-cyprus/

Spain / Portugal along the less touristy areas?

I did 14days along the Garden Route in South Africa. The flights were the expensive parts (£600) but nice private en-suite rooms in a hostel were only about £10each.
We used Baz Bus for transport.

Or Italy. We did a week in air b&bs in Naples and Rome, visiting Pompeii, Herculaneum, Vesuvius, Colosseum etc. Would have loved some more time to see a bit more of the area, maybe a few days in Sorrento on the coast.