Montenegro and Bosnia photography holiday

Arrival at the Sarajevo airport and transfer to the hotel. Orientation and tour details. We can already start taking photos of the old Turkish quarter Bascarsija and its magnificent old mosques, bazaars and churches. At our welcome dinner we can discuss the itinerary in greater detail and get to know each other.

Sarajevo, the only Oriental city in Europe, is permeated by a special atmosphere which fascinates every visitor. Full day to explore the city, enjoying the countless photo opportunities. Sarajevo has been a meeting point for the East and the West throughout the history, enriching the place with diverse architecture, art and cuisine. Hills encircling the city offer ideal vantage points for panoramic shots at sunrise or sunset.

Bjelasnica is one of the highest regions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a popular ski resort in the winter and a vast pastureland in the summer with the traditional life preserved to the present day. We will visit one of the highest villages in Europe, Lukomir, where time has stopped. We will learn about the proper Bosnian hospitality and the pastoral living which dictates the pace of life for locals. In the afternoon we will hike through traditional pastures and enjoy stunning views of Rakitnica canyon.

Scenic drive from Bjelasnica plateau to Montenegro. We will drive over the highest mountain road of Durmitor offering incredible views on the mountain peaks and pastures. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage site and includes the deepest canyon in Europe, Tara Canyon. In the afternoon we arrive to Biogradska Gora National Park; landscape photographers’ paradise, the region abounds with mountain peaks, mysterious glacial lakes and undisturbed forests, topped off with the traditional life of mountain shepherds. We will stay in wooden huts that shepherds use for centuries when they bring cattle to mountain pastures each Summer. Next day we will do a picturesque hike over gentle rolling mountains to one of the “mountain eyes” – small crystal clear lake where brave ones can jump in to freshen up. By the time we get back to our village, locals will cook a delicious dinner to conclude the perfect day!

Lake Skadar is the biggest fresh-water body in the Balkans with one third extending into Albania. It is a nature reserve, a real sanctuary for numerous water birds, and we will have plenty of opportunities to observe them. The place is quite mysterious, too, as it is encircled by many ruins both on land and islands. Orthodox monks live on remote islets on the lake. At sunrise we will take boats to the lake and photograph scenery in the gentle light. Next day our goal will be Cetinje, Montenegro capital. The road will take us across true wilderness along the river of Rijeka Crnojevica with numerous lookout points above the lake and river.

In the morning we will climb Lovcen mountain all the way up to the mausoleum of Njegoš, one of the most popular Montenegrin rulers. From here the Adriatic Sea will reveal itself to us while the views extend practically across the whole country and sometimes even all the way to Italy. On return we will visit Cetinje again and explore this wonderfully little town with an important role in the Montenegrin history. After sampling local prosciutto and cheese in Njegusi, a tiny village above Kotor Bay, we will wait for the sunset from one of the lookout points above Kotor.

Bay of Kotor is one of the most picturesque bays in the Adriatic Sea. There are numerous preserved medieval towns with the most beautiful being Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The old town offers a plethora of photographic motifs while the most enthusiastic can climb the city walls for spectacular views of the town and surroundings. Driving towards Perast we will see small fishing villages along the bay and take pictures of two tiny islets with a chapel and a monastery.

Herzegovina is the southern part of the country marked by high mountains and the Neretva river. Right on Neretva, Mostar, a medieval Turkish town made famous for its over 500-year old bridge, is located. The old town is a spectacular place for photographers with friendly merchants on bazaars and numerous local inns. We will also explore the surrounding area with its many wonderful places, which should remain a secret for now.

After breakfast check-out from the hotel. Transfer to nearby airport. End of tour.