Cultural holiday in the Balkans
This mountainous region on the very edge of Europe is one of the most intriguing places on the continent, a place that has seen much turmoil and change throughout history but which has now emerged from a brutal recent past with much to entice the traveller.
Look beyond the clichéd stereotypes on our two week trip through four countries – Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro. Countries with distinct personalities and endowed with a wealth of cultural, historic and natural attractions.
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.
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Day I
Sarajevo – Arrive in Sarajevo and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore or relax. Overnight in hotel.
Day II
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 in hotel.
Day III
Lukomir and 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 in hotel.
Day IV
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 in hotel.
Day V
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 in hotel.
Day VI
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 in hotel.
Day VII
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 in hotel.
Day VIII
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 in hotel.
Day IX
Ostrog, Lovcen and 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 in hotel.
Day X
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 in hotel.
Day XI
Kotor and 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 in hotel.
Day XII
Pocitelj and 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 in hotel.
Day XIII
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 in hotel.
Day XIV
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 in hotel.
Day XV
Sarajevo – Transfer to the airport where your tour ends
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