Balkan Explorer
Balkan Explorer
Style: TravellerCultural discovery away from the crowdsDuration: 15 days
Type: GroupSmall group tours with a maximum of 12 travellers
Dossier
Mention the Balkans to anyone and it can conjure up a plethora of images - flashpoint of the First World War, the atrocities of the recent civil war, Tito’s Communist dictatorship. Look beyond these clichéd stereotypes on our two week trip through four countries – Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro. We explore the crossroads of cultures, of Christianity meets Islam in fascinating historical cities such as Sarajevo and Belgrade, as well as some of the best landscapes in Europe at Durmitor and Biogradska Gora. Step back into age old traditions in the highlands at Lukomir, with its excellently preserved village where many people still sport a style of dress that has changed little over centuries. Learn about the recent tragic history of the region in old Mostar and explore the medieval walled city of Kotor. But most of all meet the people who live here, be bowled over by their hospitality, and shatter your preconceptions of the Balkans.
Day 1 – Sarajevo
Arrive in Sarajevo and transfer to your
hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore or relax. Overnight Star
Hotel or similar.
Day 2 – Sarajevo
This morning
we take a tour through the old oriental part of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s
capital city, with its beautiful architecture, sweet shops and cafes. We
also visit the Princip Bridge, site of the start of World War I, and
spot various markings on the pavements which are ‘mini-memorials’ to the
sniper victims of the recent war. We also visit the tunnel museum, a
section of the tunnel that was the only way of accessing the city during
the siege of 1992-1995. Later there is free time to explore the city on
your own. Overnight Star Hotel or similar. (BL)
Sarajevo
Sarajevo
is the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is set in a dramatic
location of the Sarajevo Valley with the backdrop of the snow-capped
Dinaric Alps. It is known for its religious diversity with followers of
Islam, Catholicism, Judaism and Orthodoxy all co-existing peacefully for
centuries here. It was an Ottoman stronghold in the 15th Century but
rose to world prominence when the assassination of the Archduke
Ferdinand took place here in 1914 sparking World War I. A more positive
time was when the Winter Olympics of 1984 were held here. However, the
tragic events that overtook the entire former Yugoslavian area in the
90s ensure that its name will forever be associated with the Bosnian War
where Sarajevo became the site of the longest siege in recent history.
Since the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement Sarajevo has slowly
re-emerged as a safe, friendly and welcoming tourist destination with
enough attractions to keep a visitor busy for days.
Day 3 –
Lukomir – Umoljani
Drive to Lukomir, the highest and most
isolated settlement in the country, surrounded by the stunning landscape
of remote uplands. The inhabitants are shepherds, and we spend time
walking around the village with its traditional architecture and
mediaeval tombstones, along the dramatic Rakitnica Canyon and then to
the next village of Umoljani, learning about the traditional rural way
of life. We return to Sarajevo for the night. Overnight Star Hotel or
similar. (B)
Lukomir
At 1,469m Lukomir is the highest
village in Bosnia. It was also the only village spared during the 90s
(many villages were either destroyed or the inhabitants forcibly removed
to other settlements). Lukomir villagers live a traditional way
following a semi-nomadic lifestyle of shepherding and farming, still
wearing the ancient dress of the past. Set in a truly remote location,
high in the mountains overlooking the stunning Rakitnica Canyon, the old
buildings are made from stone with wooden roofs (although electricity
has now come to this ‘end of the road’ village) and on the outskirts of
the village lie a collection of ancient dolmen providing a fitting
addition to this old world mountain community.Rakitnica CanyonLukomir
lies right on the edge of this dramatic canyon, one of the deepest in
the whole of Europe, made even more stunning by the untouched forest and
natural surroundings of the mountains that follow its course. It was
formed by the crystal clear Rakitnica River, one of the biggest
tributaries of the Neretva River which courses its way for 26km from
Bjelsnica Mountain to Sarajevo. The entire length is replete with
endemic flora and fauna including bears, wolves, pine martens and wild
goats and boars.
Day 4 – Belgrade
Today we travel
to Serbia and Belgrade, arriving in the late afternoon. Belgrade is the
largest city in the Balkans, and is an intriguing mix of the traditional
and the modern, with its museums, galleries and lively nightlife.
Overnight Hotel Srbija or similar. (B)
Belgrade
Belgrade
is the capital of Serbia and one of Europe’s oldest cities. Located
where the Danube and Sava Rivers meet, it has also traditionally been a
crossroads of East and West. It was also the capital of the former
Yugoslavia and is generally considered the centre of historical and
modern-day political activity. The architecture is very varied from the
old city centre to the modern buildings of New Belgrade. There are many
parks and also islands, some of which provide a useful if odd city
centre haven for wildlife.
Day 5 – Belgrade
We
explore Belgrade today, taking in the temple of St Sava, the parliament
buildings and Republic Square. We then head to Kalemegdan Fortress, the
oldest part of Belgrade, where we explore on foot. This afternoon we
take a cruise on the Danube to see more of the city’s sights, before
some free time to explore the city on your own. Overnight Hotel Srbija
or similar. (B)
Day 6 – Zlatibor
Continue to
Zlatibor, an area of valleys and forests where we spend time walking
around the local villages and enjoying the stunning scenery. Overnight
Mona Hotel or similar. (B)
Zlatibor
Zlatibor is one of
the most beautiful natural areas of Serbia. A combination of fir-covered
mountains and green prairies it reaches 1,500m in places, interspersed
with sparkling clean rivers and alpine lakes. Foxes, hares and wild
boars abound over carpets of wild flowers and herbs.
Day 7 –
Biogradska Gora National Park
Today we cross into Montenegro – a
hidden gem in the heart of Europe where nature rules. Biogradska Gora is
an isolated area of forests and mountains which surround nine glacial
lakes, known as ‘mountain eyes’. We take a short walk around the park’s
only low-lying lake, and then have the opportunity to swim in its
crystal clear waters. Later we continue to Kolasin where we spend the
night. Overnight Cilje Hotel or similar. (B)
Biogradska Gora
National Park
This National Park is the smallest and oldest of
Montenegro’s four parks and contains an incredible amount of diverse
flora and fauna. It contains ancient forests, glacial lakes (lying at
altitudes of over 1,800m) and huge massifs of geological and scientific
interest with its highest peak reaching over 2,000m. Mountaineering and
skiing are popular pastimes here as are the slightly gentler pastimes of
fishing and berry-picking. Shepherds still reside in the park and it is
not unusual to come across a cabin and enjoy the local hospitality.The
National Park is located in between the rivers Lim and Tara, in the
central section of Mt. Bjelasica, and within the park is one of the
three last ancient forests of Europe. This basin has been a protected
area since 1878 when it became the so-called King's Reserve - a gift to
the then King Nikola. Even then the idea of the imperative of preserving
Mt Biograd was alive. And it really has remained almost untouched - a
shining example of the idea of Montenegro as an ecological state. On the
edges of the forest in the pasture lands and villages, there are many
log cabins, water mills and shepherds huts - examples of local national
architecture as well as archeological sites. Place names too (such as
Sjerogoste, Kraljevo Oko, Ganovaca etc) are witness to the long history
of this area, and also of its unchanging nature over the years.
Day
8 – Durmitor National Park
Explore Durmitor National Park
with its breathtaking scenery of mountains, forests, lakes and high
pastures. This area is inhabited by many species of birds and animals,
and we may see eagles, white-headed vultures, foxes, deer or chamois, a
type of mountain goat. Overnight Jezera Hotel or similar. (B)
Durmitor
National Park
This park is a stunningly beautiful example of past
glacial activity. It is traversed by rivers, underground streams and the
Tara River Canyon which is one of the deepest in Europe. Its lush
forests harbour sparkling lakes, high plateau and endemic flora. It has
been protected by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve and is highly regarded
by mountaineers as it contains many Himalayan-like features including
massive rock faces and mountain walls. Durmitor is the second highest
mountain in the Dinaric Alps and its jagged lines create an
unforgettable impression when viewed from below at the Skrcka Lakes
Valley. Its highest peak, Bobotov Kuk (2,523m), is known as the ‘Lord of
Durmitor’ and dominates the entire country. The park contains 18 glacial
lakes over 1,500m, each one different and each one a startling emerald
green in colour.
Day 9 – Ostrog – Lovcen – Cetinje
Visit
the Ostrog monastery, with chapels set in a sheer rock face and linked
by beautifully decorated caves, passages and stairways, before heading
to Lovcen National Park. We end our day in Cetinje, an important
historical centre dating from the 15th century and the cultural and
spiritual heart of Montenegro. Overnight Grand Hotel Cetinje or similar.
(B)
Ostrog Monastery
Ostrog monastery stands on a hill
between Danilovgrad and Niksic. The monastery was built by Vladika
St.Vasilije of Zahumlje and Herzegovina, one of the four Montenegrin
saints, in the 17th century. His relics are kept in the Monastery. The
relics of St.Vasilije and the monastery are believed to have healing
power. The monastery is a major sanctuary and a favorite visiting place
for Orthodox Christians. The monastery has two churches. The Upper
Church, built in a cave, was constructed in 1665. The wall paintings in
the Upper Church, from the same period, are attributed to the artist
Radul. The Lower Church dates from the 18th century. Among its
treasures, the Church owns a prayer book (Mineon) from 1732 and
decorated candlesticks from 1779.
Lovcen National Park
Situated
in the south-western part of the country Lovcen is both a park and a
mountain, rising from the Adriatic to heights of 1,657m. It straddles
the border between sea and mainland thus creating a fascinating
micro-climate for different biological systems. The mountain’s slopes
are scarred with jagged fissures and the summit contains the mausoleum
of Peter II Petrovic Njegos, a prince and poet, and one of the best
loved figures in Montenegrin history.
Day 10 – Kotor
Visit
the former palace of King Nikola, now Montenegro’s National Museum
before heading to Kotor, whose lovely mediaeval walled city has been
recognized as a world heritage site by UNESCO. We take a guided tour of
some of the city’s key sights, including the Sveti Ivan fortress.
Overnight Hotel Galia or similar. (B)
Kotor
Kotor is
located in one of the most beautiful bays in Montenegro. It is a city of
traders and sailors dating from 12th Century. Charming squares are
criss-crossed by narrow streets packed full of ancient churches
including the Cathedral of St Tryphon. The famous city walls extend over
4km and are topped by the fortress of Saint Ivan. Beneath the imposing
craggy cliffs that lay behind the town lie an endless selection of
lively cafes, bars and restaurants creating a Mediterranean resort-feel
to this amiable city.
Day 11 – Kotor - Dubrovnik
This
morning we take a cruise around some of the islands in Kotor bay. Later
we head to Dubrovnik, one of the most attractive cities in the region,
where we have time to explore. Overnight Asterie Hotel or similar. (B)
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik
has long played an important role in the region and has changed hands
many times – throughout history it has been an independent city state,
and been part of the Byzantine, Hapsburg and Hungarian empires before
being incorporated into Yugoslavia after the First World War. The old
city of Dubrovnik, given World Heritage status by UNESCO, exudes these
influences with fantastic Renaissance architecture manifested in
buildings such as the Sponza Palace, dating back to the 15th century.
The city is surrounded by defensive walls and towers, built to protect
it from seaborne attack, and its streets contain numerous buildings of
interest – churches, monasteries and cathedrals built in Gothic,
Renaissance or Baroque styles combining to create an enchanting medieval
atmosphere.
Day 12 – Pocitelj - Mostar
Cross the
border back into Bosnia-Herzegovina and visit the village of Pocitelj,
an old Turkish settlement with many interesting monuments - damaged
during the war but rapidly being restored to its former splendour. We
then travel to Mostar, where we explore on a walking tour through the
old Turkish town. Overnight Ero Hotel or similar. (B)
Mostar
Mostar
was once one of the most celebrated tourist destinations in former
Yugoslavia until the events of the Bosnian War overtook the city. The
famous bridge held out during the nine month siege, being seen as a
symbol of resistance to not only the inhabitants but also to the whole
of the Bosnian Serbs. The sight of its final destruction struck a chord
with every onlooker. Now, proudly rebuilt, it has helped the city regain
its rightful position as a justifiable attraction – from both inland
visitors and also for the cruise ships which stop at Dubrovnik on the
nearby Croatian coast. Divers still leap daily into the depths below and
the streets leading up to the single arch are packed with intriguing
shops (some selling ‘bullet pens!) and lively cafes. The atmosphere here
is relaxed, friendly and vibrant although it is not hard to wander off
the main drag and stumble across war-torn buildings and crumbling ruins
of once proud mansion houses. A constant reminder of the country’s
troubled past.
Day 13 – Blagaj
Morning trip to
Blagaj, with its charming Ottoman architecture and cliff top fortress.
In the afternoon we return to Mostar, where the rest of the day is free
to explore this charming town on your own. Overnight Ero Hotel or
similar. (B)
Blagaj
Blagaj is the spot where an
underground karst river flows out of a 200m cliff wall to create the
Buna River. The Ottoman sultan built a monastery (tekija) here in 1520
for the Whirling Dervish cults with elements of Ottoman architecture and
Mediterranean style. Today Blagaj is still an idyllic location in which
to enjoy a Turkish coffee overlooking the green waters of the Buna and
its surrounding forests.
Day 14 – Sarajevo
Head
back to the capital, arriving around lunchtime. The afternoon is free to
wander the streets of Sarajevo and take in anything that you’ve not yet
seen. Overnight Star Hotel or similar. (B)
Day 15 – Sarajevo
Tour
ends. (B)
Tour style: Traveller
Inclusions:
Arrival
and departure transfers
All accommodation on twin share basis
Services
of English speaking guide / tour leader
Meals as listed (B –
Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner)
Entrance fees for sites
listed as part of the itinerary
Excluded:
International
flights
Any airport taxes
Travel Insurance
VisasDrinks
Please
note that you should also read the Country Notes in association with
this itinerary for practical information about your trip and the
destination you will be visiting.The itinerary and supplementary
information has been compiled with care and provided in good faith.
However it may be subject to change, and does not form part of a
contract between the client and Undiscovered Destinations.
