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Best of Bosnia & Herzegovina

7 nights 3 Departures Available

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Emerald mountain peaks, Ottoman-era cities, medieval fortresses and lake-studded landscapes come together in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but this hidden pearl is still something of a secret

Overview

Once part of Yugoslavia, this picturesque Balkan land offers an intriguing fusion of cultures, with East-meets-West influences harking back to its Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian past. On this eight-day tour, you’ll discover some of the country’s most captivating highlights, with a local guide on hand to provide insight into its rich – at times tragic – history.

You’ll start in the postcard-pretty town of Trebinje, before heading to the mountain peaks of Sutjeska National Park; from here, explore capital Sarajevo and its traditional Turkish quarter, before learning more about the devastating civil war of the early 1990s.

Venture to the city of Zenica, famous for its steel heritage and Ottoman meets Austro-Hungarian architecture, then explore the village of Vranduk, known for its hilltop fortress. Continue on to the atmospheric town of Travnik – once the capital of Ottoman Bosnia – and embark on a guided tour of Jajce, where medieval walls encircle the spectacular Pliva Waterfall.

Pay a visit to Pliva Lakes, a mesmerising landscape of crystal-clear waters and emerald hills; and visit the holy site of Blagaj Tekke, a secluded monastery tucked away at the bottom of a towering cliff. End your trip in Mostar, where you’ll have time to explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town, home of the famous Ottoman bridge, Stari Most.

Along the way, pass dramatic mountain peaks and bottle-green pine forests, winding rivers and quaint, centuries-old villages, and get a glimpse into the warm, welcoming hospitality of this this truly off-the-beaten-track place.

Highlights

  • Wander along Trebišnjica River
  • Explore Sarajevo
  • Discover medieval Jajce
  • Walk accross Mostar Bridge
  • Visit Blagaj Tekke
  • Enjoy Bosnian hospitality

Itinerary

Day 1 - Fly to Dubrovnik and transfer to Trebinje

Fly from London to Dubrovnik, where you’ll be met at the airport by your guide. Transfer to the picturesque town of Trebinje. An 18th-century trading centre surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, the town is known for its historic mills, which line its namesake river. Check in to the 4-star Hotel Central Park for the night, before heading out for a welcome dinner.
(D)

Day 2 - Travel to Sarajevo for a guided tour

Travel to capital Sarajevo today. Stop en route at Sutjeska National Park – the country’s biggest national park and the home of its highest mountain, Mount Maglić. Emerald peaks, crystalline rivers and primeval forest characterise the landscape here; it was also the site of the World War II Battle of Sutjeska. Visit the memorial monument to learn more about its history, before continuing on to Sarajevo for two nights at the 4-star Courtyard by Marriott. Later, head out to explore the city on a guided tour. You’ll begin in the old Turkish quarter of Baščaršija, glimpsing local craftspeople at work, before heading over to the Latin Bridge – the site of Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s assassination in 1914. In the evening, visit a traditional restaurant in the Baščaršija area for a taste of authentic Bosnian hospitality.
(B, D)

Day 3 - Enjoy the city cable car to Mount Trebević

Take a ride on the Sarajevo cable car this morning, travelling from the old town to Mount Trebević. Enjoy lunch with panoramic views of Sarajevo and the valley, before heading off on a short walk through the woodlands, surrounded by fragrant conifer and pine trees. Later on, visit the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum, just outside the city, for an insight into life during the Bosnian conflict. Learn how the city operated during four years of siege, before a free afternoon to explore at leisure.
(B)

Day 4 - Visit Zenica and the local village of Vranduk

This morning, venture to the city of Zenica. Set on the Bosna River around an hour from Sarajevo, the city has long been known for its steel heritage, and is home to a unique blend of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian and modern architecture. Visit the nearby village of Vranduk to see its medieval hilltop fortress – where you can try your hand at archery – before returning to Zenica. Take a short walk to Smetovi, a scenic hiking area offering sweeping views over the surrounding valley, before checking in to the 4-star Hotel Dubrovnik for the night.
(B, L) 

Day 5 - Travel to Travnik before continuing to Jajce

Head to the historic town of Travnik today. Set on the idyllic Lašva River, this was the capital of the Ottoman Empire’s Bosnian province in the 17th and 18th centuries. Explore its labyrinthine streets, lined with Ottoman-era architecture, and glimpse the medieval Travnik Castle. Afterwards, continue on to the town of Jajce, and check in to 3-star Hotel Plivsko Jezero.
(B, L)

Day 6 - Enjoy the highlights of Jajce and visit Pliva Lakes

Enjoy a guided tour of Jajce this morning. Built in the 14th century as the capital of the medieval Kingdom of Bosnia, this historic town is home to medieval walls and a well-preserved fortress. It’s also considered the birthplace of socialist Yugoslavia. Explore the town’s atmospheric streets and glimpse the spectacular Pliva Waterfall, whose sheet of white water cascades into a jade pool below. Afterwards, visit Pliva Lakes, where old wooden windmills, once used by local farmers, flank crystal-clear waters and lush, rolling hills. In the afternoon, travel to Mostar, the country’s cultural capital. Check in for a two-night stay at the 4-star City Hotel.
(B)

Day 7 - Explore Mostar before visiting local towns and villages

After breakfast, embark on a tour of Mostar. Explore its UNESCO-listed Old Bridge Area and surrounding Old Town, where artisan craft stalls lead up to its famous Ottoman bridge, Stari Most. Afterwards, visit the town of Pocitelj. This well-preserved town is dominated by its fortress, and the climb up offers impressive views of the surrounding countryside. Continue on to Blagaj, a charming riverside village. Here you’ll visit the serene, holy site of Tekke – a 15th-century dervish monastery set at the foot of a dramatic cliff, surrounded by breath-taking scenery. Return to Mostar in the late afternoon and enjoy dinner as you toast the end of your trip.
(B, D) 

Day 8 - Fly home from Dubrovnik

Transfer to Dubrovnik airport today for your flight home.
(B)

Notes:

This is a full itinerary with many visits on foot including some uneven surfaces and
inclines.

For September the dinner on Day 1 is being replaced by lunch on Day 8 owing to flight schedule.

Accommodation

Here is a list of the accommodation you can stay in for this tour. Occasionally we use alternative hotels, or have a choice of hotels to choose from which will be detailed when booking.

Hotel Central Park, Trebinje, Bosnia And Herzegovina, Exterior

Hotel Central Park - Trebinje

A comfortable 4-star hotel in a building from the 19th century, close to the centre of Trebinje. Breakfast room, coffee bar and WiFi (free). 42 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.

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Courtyard By Marriott, Sarajevo, Bosnia And Herzegovina, Exterior

Courtyard by Marriott - Sarajevo

A modern 4-star hotel next to Miljacka River. The scenic Baščaršija area is close. Restaurant, bar, gym and WiFi (free). 131 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-fridge, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.

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Dubrovnik Hotel, Zenica, Bosnia And Herzegovina, Exterior

Hotel Dubrovnik - Zenica

A comfortable 4-star hotel in the centre of Zenica. Restaurant, bar and WiFi (free). 34 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.

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Hotel Plivsko Jezero, Jajce, Bosnia And Herzegovina, Exterior

Hotel Plivsko Jezero - Jajce

A traditional 3-star hotel, close to Pliva Lake. Restaurant, bar and WiFi (free). 34 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.

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City Hotel, Mostar, Bosnia And Herzegovina, Seating

City Hotel - Mostar

A stylish, modern 4-star hotel in a residential area of Mostar. Restaurant, bar, gym and WiFi (free). 80 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.

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- Travel Guides -

You can find out more about the county on the travel guide.

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Dates and prices

4 Jun 25,17 Sep 25
and 1 more

7 nights

From £1475 pp

per person incl flight
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