🌊 Balkans Loop — Split → Belgrade · Summer 2026

Why this shape: The only ferries in the region are around the Croatian islands, so you front-load them (Split → Hvar → Vis → Korčula → Dubrovnik, all boat — your #1 mode). Then one genuinely scenic train (Mostar → Sarajevo, Talgo up the Neretva gorge) before the unavoidable buses inland. Two flights total, exactly as you wanted.

Transport reality: there is no usable rail between coastal Croatia, Bosnia and Serbia, and no ferries once you leave the islands. The Dubrovnik→Mostar and Sarajevo→Belgrade legs are buses (~3.5 h and ~7.5–8.5 h). That's the price of this loop.

You've been before: Split & Dubrovnik are 1-night gateways only; Kotor, Bar and Mostar are gold/optional since you've done them — keep Mostar at least as a lunch + train stop because the train starts there.

🚭 Vape rules (all legs clear): Croatia ✅ EU rules, legal (e-liquid ≤20 mg/mL). Bosnia ✅ vapes legal & sold; nicotine-pouch status is grey, so bring your own pouches. Montenegro ✅ legal & sold. Serbia ✅ legal & regulated, Velo pouches sold. No bans, no Qatar/India-style risk. Vapes + spare batteries in CABIN bag only.