Holidays
in Bosnia and the Balkans - Tour Itineraries
A choice
of 6 different one day walking tours in and around Sarajevo
from £15 per person
Through our local partner we can offer the following
regular weekly trips. We can also tailor-make trips,
if you wish to go on a different day (although the prices
are different) Please do not hesitate to contact us.
Our local partners are dedicated to preserving the natural,
cultural and historical heritage of Bosnia and Herzegovina
and the surrounding region. Their focus is people, water,
forests, eco-tourism, biodiversity, and community development.
SARAJEVO CITY TOUR
- A JOURNEY THROUGH SARAJEVO'S PAST & PRESENT
Date:
Every Saturday and Sunday, but we can also tailor-make
these tours to suit.
Category: Green City Walk
Total Walking Hours: 2
Price: Starting from £15 per person depending
on the size of the group
Departure Place & Time: Inat House/Inat Kuca
across from the National Library / 11:00 AM
Estimated Time of Return: 14:00 PM
What to Bring: City clothes, camera
What is Included: Experienced and knowledgeable
city guide, entrance to all places in the program (where
possible).
Sites to see:
1. Ancient Old Town - Sarajevo's medieval beginnings
2. Olde Towne Hall (National Library) - 1896
3. Jajce Castle (Eugene of Savoy Castle)
4. Alifakovac Cemetery - 1550
5. Kazandziluk Street - old coppersmiths at work
6. Bascarsija (Olde Towne's Main Square)
7. Orthodox Church - 1539
8. Synagogue - 1581
9. Roman Catholic Cathedral - 1889
10. Svrzo House (Turkish Style house of well-known Muslim
family, and an opportunity to have a coffee or tea)
11. The story of Gazi Husref Bey - the founding of a
city
12. Latin Bridge - place of King Ferdinand's assassination
- June 28, 1914
BJELASNICA OLYMPIC
MOUNTAIN HIKE (1-day)
Date: Every Tuesday
Category: Green Hike (low, medium and high difficulty)
Total Walking Hours: from 2 to 7+
Price: £36 per person
Departure Time: 09:00 AM
Estimated Time Of Return: 19:00 PM
What to Bring: Hiking Boots or sturdy walking
shoes, small day-pack, 1 litre of water, rain gear,
fleece, hat, sunscreen and camera.
What is Included: transport from Sarajevo to
location and back, coffee or tea, lunch and snacks,
one or two fully-equipped and experienced guide.
We'll be trekking to Bjelasnica Mountain to our partner's
mountain hut. We'll hike up the opposite side of the
Olympic Ski Slopes, much less traversed by hikers and
nature lovers alike. The hike will take us through a
pine and beech wood forests up to the Gate of Wind where
you will be either pleasantly greeted by a warm, gentle
Bjelasnica breeze or its sharp, piercing south wind.
From here we traverse up to a small Shepherd's hut (at
1,620 meters). The hut is a bit more than an hour from
where we parked the Jeep (1,260 meters).
At this point you can decide if you are up for a steep
55 minute climb to the top of Hranisava (1,953 metres)
with its mountain hut (the highest in Bosnia) or if
you would rather explore Lokvanjsko Glacier Lake. If
we decide to climb Hranisava the view on the summit
are worth the extra effort! You can see views of Central
Bosnia and Herzegovina and their peaks, Bukovik, Ozren,
Trebevic, Igman, Romanija, Treskavica, Visocica, Velez,
Prenj, Cvrsnica, Vran, Bitovnja, Vranica and Vlasic.
From the top we'll continue hiking down to Krosnje (1,660
metres), a traditional summer settlement for shepherds
coming from as far away as Capljina in Herzegovina.
Krosnje, which is at the foot of Krvavac, is a magnificent
peak partially surrounded by 2 to 4 meter high pine
brush "Kleka". Krvavac is rough and demands
respect from man and animal alike. Locals say that it
is the place where wolves and bears descend from during
winter. It is not uncommon to come across bear and wolf
tracks heading towards its thick underbrush.
If on the other hand you prefer an easier trek we suggest
a one and a half hour hike up to Lokvanjsko Lake…a
tiny lake perched high in the mountains surrounded by
high altitude alpine pines. Here we will have lunch
in the quiet surroundings of the pine trees and the
lake. After an hour or so we will take you on a short
trek to Sitnik through the truly beautiful and empty
mountainous terrain of Bjelasnica's interior. The hut
is a lonely reminder of Bosnia's great mountaineering
past. We will return back to Stanari using the "back
way" circling around the lake while being treated
to great views of Hranisava and Krvavac. It'll be a
long 5-hour Green Hike (medium difficulty).
FRANCISCAN MONASTERY
& MEDIEVAL FORTRESS WALK (1-day)
Date: Every Wednesday
Category: Green Walk (medium difficulty)
Total Walking Hours: 3.5
Price (international/local): £36
Departure Time: 09:00 AM
Estimated Time of Return: 18:00 PM
What to Bring: What to Bring: Hiking Boots or
sturdy walking shoes, small day-pack, 1 litre of water,
rain gear, fleece, hat, sunscreen and camera.
What is Included: Transport from Sarajevo to
location and back, coffee or tea, lunch and snacks,
one fully-equipped and experienced guide. Please contact
us if you need any equipment.
After a little more than an hour's ride from Sarajevo
we'll pass through the colorful outskirts of the ancient
village of Kraljeva Sutjeska. Rich in natural wonders,
such as the deep riverbed of Bukovica, Bobovac has long
been a mystical oasis which still retains its untainted
and pure mysticism.
We'll begin our trek from the ancient village of Kraljeva
Sutjeska, home of the centuries old Franciscan Monastery,
Sveti Ivo (Saint John's). We'll follow the picturesque
valley of Bukovica Stream. Deeper into the valley we'll
gently ascend on a well maintained trail to the steep
ridge to reach the ruins of the 14th century citadel
"Bobovac", the last residence of the Bosnian
kings Tvrtko II and Tomas. We'll visit the remains of
the ancient fortress situated on a steep limestone rock.
This will be our lunch spot…high in the hills and
well protected.
We'll return from the way we came and veering off in
the village we'll take a short walk to the Franciscan
Monastery that served this area in the middle ages,
well before the Ottoman's conquered this region. It's
a cultural heritage site of BiH and our partner's put
in a special request to open the doors for you on this
afternoon. This is a great area to visit as it offers
cool, refreshing hiking coupled with ancient Bosnian
history.
LUKOMIR VILLAGE WALK
(1 day)
Date: Every Thursday
Category: Green Walk(low difficulty) or Green
Hike (medium difficulty)
Total Walking Hours: 2 or 6+
Price (international/local): £36
Departure Time: 09:00 AM
Estimated Time Of Return: 18:00 PM or 19:00
What to Bring: Hiking Boots or sturdy walking
shoes, small day-pack, 1 litre of water, rain gear,
fleece, hat, sunscreen and camera.
What is Included: transport from Sarajevo to
location and back, coffee or tea, lunch and snacks,
one fully-equipped and experienced guide.
After an hour and a half drive through Bjelasnica's
hinterlands we arrive in Lukomir, Bosnia's highest village
at 1,469 meters, with its ancient stecci (medieval tombstones)
where villagers stick to the old traditions. Traditional
dress, the occasional turban and fez are still worn
and go hand in hand with the more contemporary bliss'
of everyday life, electricity and running water. On
the edge of the village you will be treated by a rare
view of Rakitnica, Obalj and Visocica.
Our hosts have kindly agreed to show us around the
village. A truly unique opportunity to discover from
the villagers, how they live in this beautiful but difficult
environment. After a short walk through the village,
we hike along Obalj's side to the 40 meter Peruce Waterfall.
After cooling ourselves off at Peruce we return to Gornji
(upper) Lukomir (FYI there is also a Donji (lower) Lukomir,
long since abandoned by villagers due to the destructive
effects of avalanches in this region) for a traditional
homemade lunch prepared by our hosts. At the end off
the day you will also be presented with an opportunity
to admire and or purchase local handicraft.
So join us if you want to see how it was and if you
want to understand a bit more about the harsh realities
of living in a Bosnian mountain village cut off from
the outside world during the winter months.
7 WATERMILLS WALK(1-day)
Date: Every Thursday
Category: Green Walk (medium difficulty)
Total Walking Hours: 4
Price (international/local): £37
Departure Time: 09:00 AM
Estimated Time Of Return: 18:00 PM
What to Bring: Hiking Boots or sturdy walking
shoes, small day-pack, 1 litre of water, rain gear,
fleece, hat, sunscreen and camera.
What Is Included: transport from Sarajevo to
location and back, coffee or tea, lunch and snacks,
one fully-equipped and experienced guide.
This hike offers it all, traditional villages, mediaeval
tombstones, old water mills, stunning views of canyon
Rakitnica, a waterfall, and a good long walk. All in
all this is a great hike in the hinterlands of Bjelasnica.
We will use the newly carved out road, taking us past
a great collection of Bosnian Christian mediaeval tombstones
up to the village of Umoljani. From the traditional
styled Bosnian Mosque in the village of Umoljani, we'll
trek to Seven old Mills.
We keep close to the ridge until Rakitnica (this is
the far north end while Kasici is the far south end)
which opens up spectacularly before us. After 5-10 minutes
of going uphill, we'll reach the Cascades of Studeni
Potok. Here, at certain times of the year, the stream
falls 400 meters into the canyon below. Following the
stream up we hit Studeni Fields and the serpent like
prehistoric formations of Studeni Stream. In the valley
we are treated with exquisite views of Obalj, the long
flat valley of Studeni Fields, and the high peaks of
Visocica to the South of us.
From Studeni potok we hike up to the traditional village
of Gradina, used by shepherds during the summer from
Umoljani, Hadzici and Pazaric. It is here that on a
beautiful day Bjelasnica mountain reveals itself in
its entire splendor. White flowing mountain tops with
the still functioning Observatory and weather station
greet us from far away. On our way back down to Umoljani
and the car we'll see an ancient geological rock formation
- the Dragon of Umoljani.
RAKITNICA CANYON
& NERETVA RIVER WALK (1-day)
Date: Every Friday
Category: Green Walk (medium difficulty)
Total Walking Hours: 3.5 to 4
Price (international/local): £39
Departure Time: 08:00 AM
Estimated Time Of Return: 19:00 PM
What to Bring: Hiking Boots or sturdy walking
shoes, small day-pack, 1 litre of water, rain gear,
fleece, hat, sunscreen and camera.
What is Included: Transport from Sarajevo to
location and back, coffee or tea, lunch and snacks,
one fully-equipped and experienced guide.
This is the magical canyon walk along the Neretva and
into mystical Rakitnica. We'll begin at Boracko Lake
in the Konjic area. We must cross a suspension bridge
that can be quite nerve-racking but our partners have
crossed it many times! After the crossing we head into
Kasici village located on the hilly ridge above the
Neretva. At the graveyard we'll head downward to the
Neretva and meet the Emerald of Herzegovina. Here the
river runs wild with no dams to slow her pace.
We'll follow the gushing waters one kilometre to the
mouth of the Rakitnica Canyon….BiH's most unexplored
canyon. We'll cross another bridge at the mouth and
either rest in the caves above this beautiful meeting
point, or outside where the Rakitnica and The Neretva
rivers silently meet. From here you can see the Prenj
and Crnja Mountains. We head back via the higher ridge
that will offer us fantastic views of the Neretva below
and the protective ridge around Ostro in the Canyon
of Rakitnica.
Extras!
Walking Categories: In order to match your interest
and level of fitness the right walk and activity our
partners have developed three different categories;
Walk (easy & medium), Hike (easy, medium & difficult),
and Adventure. Please contact us for more information
about whether the trip is suitable for you!
GREEN WALK is an easy walk. If you like to wander
around in nature without exhausting yourself, green
walks are just the thing for you. No long strenuous
climbs, nor steep descents (300m maximum). We will bring
you to areas that are easily accessible, safe, fun and
beautiful. Each green walk takes you about 2 hours (easy)
and 3 hours (medium) of total walking. No special equipment
is needed other than a pair of sturdy shoes and a day-pack.
GREEN HIKES are trips involving a range of terrain.
Those participating need to be in good health and enjoy
walking 4 to 6 hours a day. It is not rare that you
ascend and descend over 1,000 meters through difficult
terrain under Bosnia's blistering summer and autumn
sun. The hikes are demanding, but in return you will
see a part of Bosnia few have seen. An easy hike could
either be a fairly easy medium duration walk, or a harder
shorter walk. A medium hike on the other hand is a hard
medium duration walk, and you should be prepared to
walk between 5 - 6 hours.
GREEN ADVENTURES are special trips that we recommend
to only the experienced outdoor enthusiasts. Green adventures
are just as much about being in nature as about pushing
ourselves to the limit. For any trek at this level,
fitness is most important. Walking days are usually
between 6 to 8 hours, although there maybe some longer
days
Our partners have
issued some guidelines which we hope you will follow
and respect.
1. The guide is just that, your guide. He or
she makes the decisions on where to go and not to go
and what to do and not to do. Please respect your guide's
wishes!
2. Under no circumstances will rubbish be left
on the trails or at campsite. All non- biodegradable
material must be carried out. Paper may be burned by
your guide with a 'safe' fire.
3. Cigarette butts get put in your pocket or
in a bag NOT on the ground or in the water.
4. Rummaging through abandoned villages or homes
is strictly forbidden!
5. Free climbing on rock faces can be very dangerous.
Falling rock fragments can injure you or someone with
you. Ask your guide about rock climbing and use good
judgment.
6. Trails are meant to be walked on, please follow
the trail and avoid unnecessary off-trail diversions
(they may cause erosion or harm plant life).
7. You are required to follow the group for the
duration of the trip. You may not go off on solo excursions.
8. No weapons other than fishing or camping knives
are allowed.
9. You must inform our local agent if you have
any health problems, conditions, or allergies. Based
on this information we can adjust the tour to accommodate
you.
10. Do not approach or touch any wildlife you
may encounter, enjoy their beauty and carry on.
11. If you feel ill, dizzy, overheated - PLEASE
- let your guide know. We will stop and take proper
steps. Do not feel you are disrupting the rest of the
group, your health and safety are first and foremost.
12. Have a good time. RELAX. Enjoy the
nature and breath in the fresh air and forget about
the stress of everyday life!
Should
you wish to inquire about these one day walking tours,
or require more information about tailor-making a tour
of the Balkans - please contact our specialist:
Jurate@regent-holidays.co.uk
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