Bosnia & Herzegovina Essence

Adventure tour

Bosnia & Herzegovina Essence

Hiking – Food & Wine Experience
6 days adventure

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Why Book With Us?

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  • 3 Experiences3 Exp

  • March - NovemberMar - Nov

  • 6 Meals Inclusions

  • Relaxed

  • Sarajevo

  • Sarajevo

  • 4*/5* hotels

  • Small Group

  • 2 UNESCO Sites

Introduction

If you had to choose only one country to represent the Balkans, Bosnia & Herzegovina would undoubtedly be the best choice! Its glorious, mainly undiscovered nature is characterized by rugged Dinaric Mountains, small but beautiful access to the Adriatic coastline, idyllic and fertile valleys, and pristine rivers and lakes.

The rich cultural heritage stems from a blend of ethnic and religious diversity dating back to ancient times. The tapestry of its turbulent history, the memorable flavors of traditional cuisine, and the warm hospitality of the locals collectively contribute to an incredible experience.

  • Find out why Sarajevo is known as "Little Jerusa- lem"
  • Go through one-of-a-kind experience on your hike up to Lukomir, village with a 600-year-long tradition
  • Enjoy traditional coffee at mosque’s yard with the stunning view of Old Bridge in Mostar
  • Seize the day and taste the authentic sorts of wine and learn first-handed all about the life at Tvrdoš monastery
Itinerary

Day 1Arrive Sarajevo

Upon your arrival in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, you will be welcomed by your guide and escorted to your hotel.

Set among the hills, along the Miljacka River, Sarajevo has quite a picturesque outline that already gives a hint of the splendour of mixed traditions. Some say that name, coming from the Persian word for palace or mansion, already has set its destiny of natural and cultural abundance. It would be impossible to point out one crucial thing about this incredible city. There is a lot of everything here: sounds, smiles, flavors and rituals. Try to embrace the genuine hospitality of locals and make sure you enjoy the traditional cuisine of Bosnian capital.

Overnight: Sarajevo.

Standard package: Hotel Old Town 4* | Holiday 4* | Colors Inn 4* or similar
Superior package: Hotel Courtyard by Marriot 4* superior | President 4* superior | Swissotel 5* or similar

Day 2Sarajevo Food Experience Walking tour - Springs of Bosnia River & Tunnel of Hope

4 h

Dive into Sarajevo Food Experience Walking tour that will please both your mind and stomach. With a concept of combining history and cuisine, the past will look more alive and the gastronomy will get a deeper meaning!

Storytelling starts with eclectic Vijećnica (City Hall), originally dated from the end of the 19th century and reopened in 2014, and anecdotes about “Inat- house” (spite house) or Šeher-Ćehaja Bridge. The very heart of the downtown, Baščaršija with authentic souqs and crafts shops from the Ottoman era, and the fascinating Gazi Husrev-bey mosque follows. Once distinctly multicultural Sarajevo today can be seen in traces: examples are the Museum of the Jews, the Orthodox Church from the 16th century and Catholic cathedral of Sacred heart.

Tour starts on a river and ends above it, on the most known bridge – Latin bridge, where the successor to the Austro-Hungarian throne Franz Ferdinand was shot, consequently causing the First World War. Among the highlights, quite number of places, significant for locals, and different food shops will bring you a chance to feel a true pulse of the city. The best examples are small, family-run gastro points with expertise in a unique traditional specialty. You will have a chance to taste: authentic meat pie known as ‘burek’, the most famous Bosnian delicacy ‘ćevapi’ in homemade bread and the most gorgeous looking and tasting sweet called ‘tufahija’. You will also enjoy “domestic coffee” and a slightly forgotten refreshing drink called ‘boza’. To this already colorful painting of Sarajevo, final touch is a visit to the Bezistan, a lively bazaar (a market from the 16th century) with a great variety of fragrances, colours, fabrics… The tour continues to the Sarajevo Airport zone where the “Tunnel of Hope” is located – it is a war tunnel built during the siege of Sarajevo in 1993. Just like the old, medieval tunnels, its main purpose also was to connect the city under siege with the free territory, but eventually, it became the symbol of hope. For the end of the day, take a final spin to Sarajevo’s green oasis, The Springs of Bosnia River. This remarkable area around the spring of the river, to which this country owes a part of its name, is turned into a beautiful park. Several small islands and verdant plains with small waterfalls are connected with old-time wooden bridges. If you feel like getting the full experience of this little paradise, get on a horse carriage ride through the beautiful oak valley.

In your free time we highly recommend you not to miss Sarajevo brewery museum where along the great beer you can enjoy number of urban legends from its over 150-year long history.

Overnight: Sarajevo.

Standard package: Hotel Old Town 4* | Holiday 4* | Colors Inn 4* or similar
Superior package: Hotel Courtyard by Marriot 4* superior | President 4* superior | Swissotel 5* or similar

Day 3Lukomir Village: Hike the highest and most isolated village in Bosnia

15,1 km

5:30 h

790 m

The picturesque ride through Bjelašnica Olympic Mountain will take you to Umoljani village known by the UNESCO World Heritage site – Dolovo Stećci Medieval Tombstone Graveyards. Umoljani village is right where our hiking adventure begins, with a goal to reach Lukomir village, the highest and most isolated village in Bosnia and Herzegovina, located at 1.500 meteres of altitude.

On your way to Lukomir you will reach Gradina, a small settlement primarily used by the locals as a base (camp) for summer pastures. As hike continues upwards, spectacular panoramic view of Studeni potok (Cold Stream) and its valley spreads around. At the end of the three-hour-hike the reward is expecting you: conquering the peak Obalj (1.896 metres high). Once at the top, you will experience an extraordinary view of the peaks of the mountains Bjelašnica, Treskavica and Visočica, as well as the Rakitnica River Canyon and many faraway villages.

After a short refreshment, your hike continues down to Lukomir, an exceptional village with a 600-year-long tradition, an unforgettable and one of a kind experience. Don’t miss the great opportunity to learn about their own tradition, cooking methods, and clothing that have remained intact in this village from the medieval ages. A true treat will be meeting the locals and learning first-hand about the difficulty, but also simplicity of life in the mountains. Savour a traditionally prepared lunch and coffee (included), and take some fantastic photos of the medieval stone-made mountain houses.

After the lunch break, you will hike back through one of the least discovered canyons in Europe, the canyon of the Rakitnica River. As you hike through the canyon, 800 metres deep and, in some places, only 1 metre wide, you will be amazed by the rare sight of virgin nature in its full glory. The hiking route leads all the way to the starting point so the circle for this day is closed. With body and mind full of impressions, take a seat and relax on your way back to Sarajevo.

Overnight: Sarajevo.

Standard package: Hotel Old Town 4* | Holiday 4* | Colors Inn 4* or similar
Superior package: Hotel Courtyard by Marriot 4* superior | President 4* superior | Swissotel 5* or similar

Day 4The Essence of Herzegovina: Sarajevo – UNESCO’s Blagaj – City of Mostar

6 h

After exploring Bosnia, it is time to get to know Herzegovina! The first stop is Blagaj (a site on the UNESCO Tentative List), an old town from the 15th century where the Kosač noble family ruled. The
dervish’s house in Blagaj is considered to be the crib of Islam of today’s Bosnia and Herzegovina, settled in a fairy-tale scenery, beneath the cliffs, on the shores of the emerald green river Buna. Later on, head to one of the most beautiful cities of the Balkan Peninsula, Mostar.

The central point of the walking tour is the symbol of the city, Balkan TOP 10 and the most photographed sight in the country – the Old Bridge (a UNESCO protected landmark). Use your free time to blend in with the locals on the busy cobbled streets of old town, climb to the top of Koški Mehmed Pasha Mosque tower or simply enjoy a homemade coffee at its courtyard, check out the Crooked Bridge and the old tanner’s quarter Tabhana. An absolute must is to taste traditional meals on the banks of the crystal clear Neretva River, with an amazing view of the bridge rising above.

Overnight: Mostar.

Standard package: Hotel & Spa Eden 4* | Kriva Ćuprija 4* or similar
Superior package: Hotel Mepas 5* | Mostar 4* superior or similar

Day 5The Essence of Herzegovina: Medieval Počitelj village – Tvrdoš Monastery – Trebinje town

5 h

Getting the full picture of Herzegovina heritage requires moving forward in the direction of Trebinje. On the route is the medieval village Počitelj, protected by UNESCO thanks to its authentic oriental architecture. Fortified town of Počitelj was built by Bosnian king Stefan Tvrtko I in 1383, but it was never really confirmed. The town’s significance has varied throughout history and two most important periods were during the 8 years of the rule of Hungarians and 2 centuries of Ottomans’ rule. If you are lucky enough, you will have a chance to meet some of the locals, chat with them and be treated with some of homemade delicacies.

Carry on with the adventure driving towards the southof Herzegovina to the medieval Serbian Orthodox Monastery Tvrdoš, dedicated to the Rising of the Holy Mother of God. Built at the beginning of the 16th century today it still represents the center of Orthodox Christianity of the region. Thanks to the high-quality soil and flat terrain large vineyards have been grown ever since which is why the monastery it is also known for its wine, carefully preserved in the old stone basement dating back to the 15th century. Here, you will have the exceptional opportunity to enjoy the authentic wine varieties (native to this region) of Vranac and Žilavka, as well as hear the incredible stories of the monks who take care of the winemaking process. The next destination of the day is Trebinje, a picturesque town with a wonderful blend of different cultures. Take a stroll through the narrow streets of the old town, and see the most important sights of charming Trebinje. The Arslanagića Bridge, a dream for artists and photographers alike, takes visitors 400 years back in time. Make your way to the so called ‘Poet’s Square’ and take a seat under the 115-year-old trees, the symbol of the town. Feel the unique energy of this beautiful townplace, where Emir Kusturica, the world-famous movie director, made one of his last movies, with Monica Belluci in the leading role.

The highlight of Trebinje sightseeing must be a visit to the Hercegovačka Gračanica church, set on top of the hill above the town. The beautiful view of the sunset over Herzegovina is a perfect way to end the day.

Overnight: Trebinje.

Standard package: Hotel Central Park 4* | SL Industry 4* or similar
Superior package: Hotel Mepas 5* | Mostar 4* superior or similar

Day 6Departure day

Departure from Sarajevo or any non-listed airport.

If you would like to book pre or post tour accomodation, you can do that during  check out process
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Inclusions

Countries visited

Bosnia & Herzegovina

Accommodation

Standard package:

  • 3 BB in Sarajevo in Hotel Old Town 4* | Holiday 4* | Colors Inn 4* or similar
  • 1 FB (full board) and 1 HB (half board) in Rafting Camp near Tara river in authentic log cabins

Superior package:

  • 3 BB in Sarajevo in Hotel Courtyard by Marriot 4* superior | President 4* superior | Swissotel 5* or similar
  • 1 FB (full board) and 1 HB (half board) in Rafting Camp near Tara river in authentic log cabins

Meals

  • 6 Meals Included

Entrances

  • Springs of Bosnia River
  • Tunnel of Hope
  • Blagaj

Experiences

  • Sarajevo Food Experience Walking Tour
  • Lukomir Village lunch
  • Wine tasting in Tvrdoš Monastery

Transportation

  • Airport arrival and departure transfers
  • Transportation throughout the tour according to the itinerary

Additional

  • Professional tour guidance throughout the tour
  • VAT, accommodation taxes and city taxes
  • Tour logistics and organization by a licensed local agency

I'm a solo traveller, is there a single supplement?

If you are travelling alone, not as part of a joint private tour, and want to book an exclusive private tour (guide & vehicle) with accommodation in a single room, please send us a request via enquiry form on the right side, and we will get back to you imediately with an offer for your Adventure tour.

Do you require a visa for this holiday?

Due to the various number of nationalities of our customers it is hard to unify information regarding Visa requirements. It is the responsibility of the passengers to get acquainted with visa requirements of all the countries they are travelling to or will be in transit. Make sure to get all the information from government’s foreign travel advisories, relevant authorities or contact us for help.

Can you explain the Activity level - Relaxed marked above?

On our tours marked RELAXED you will be spending 2 to 3 hours walking or cycling throughout cities, during sightseeing or hiking down the well-maintained tracks, with no steep ascents or descents. With free time in the afternoon and including Local Experiences such as typical food and wine tasting, boat rides etc. they offer great opportunity to meet, explore and experience new destinations. These tours (level of activity) do not require previous experience and are ideal for travellers who enjoy active holiday but are not in a great shape.

What is cancellation policy?

CANCELLATION BY THE GUEST

In case of cancellation by the guest, refund policy will be applied by the terms stated in the list below. The guest is obligated to send official written cancellation notice. Given refund policy will be applied from the time of receiving the notification in writing. The shown refund amount represents a percentage of the total tour price.

For cancellation up to 60 days before departure – 100% refund.
For cancellation from 59 days till 46 days before departure – 90% refund.
For cancellation from 45 days till 31 days before departure – 80% refund.
For cancellation from 30 days till 16 days before departure – 70% refund.
For cancellation from 15 days till 8 days before departure – 50% refund.
For cancellation from 7 days till the day of departure – 0% refund.

Beside all standard reasons, cancellation policy will also apply if tour participant cancel the tour with a reason that includes medical ground, visa issues, jury service etc.

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