Current as of: August 31, 2024 - 14:41
Current as of: August 31, 2024 - 14:41
3 out of 7 - Moderate
Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro have been at the crossroads of ancient civilisations for centuries, with a magical mixture of European and Near Eastern culture. The diversity is very clear, from the vibrant cities to the tiny traditional villages. Here we find a unique fusion of traditions, religions and architecture. Outside the towns and cities, the raw natural beauty is breath-taking, with ancient forests, rugged peaks and the beautiful Adriatic coastline where we explore the magnificent Bay of Kotor before making our final stop in the wonderful Croatian city of Dubrovnik.
Highlights
This trip has been rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.
This is a cultural discovery trip with some walking. You don’t need to be an experienced hill walker, just have a good level of fitness. Walks are optional so the trip is suitable for anyone. Travel is by private bus, generally on good roads.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 6
Max group size: 18
Fly to Dubrovnik in Croatia; transfer (approximately three hours) to the beautiful sea-faring town of Kotor. Neatly tucked in one of the largest fjords in southeast Europe, Kotor is a cultural treasure dating from the 12th century and still retains the unique Mediterranean ambiance of the region.
Accommodation: Hotel Porto In (or similar)
We start at Dubrovnik Airport in Croatia before transferring (approximately three hours) to the beautiful sea-faring town of Kotor. Neatly tucked in one of the largest fjords in southeast Europe, Kotor is a cultural treasure dating from the 12th century and still retains the Mediterranean ambience of the region.
Accommodation: Hotel Porto In (or similar)
Today we walk through the old town of Kotor, with its many palaces and churches. These are the main reasons why Kotor was named a Unesco World Heritage site in 1979. Our approximately two-hour walk takes us through spacious squares lined with grand townhouses, known locally as palaces, and various impressive religious buildings. After our tour, we take a short transfer to Perast, a town once owned by the Venetians, which explains the distinctly Italian feel. It is dominated by the 17th-century church of St Nikola, protected by a Venetian fortress and surrounded by beautiful palaces and gardens built by once-famous sea captains of the Adriatic. Here we have lunch overlooking the bay. After, we take a boat ride to the Lady of the Rocks island and visit the chapel. The views of towering cliffs of the Dinaric Alps from the boat are truly impressive, giving us a different perspective of the Montenegrin coastline. We transfer back to our hotel by boat, the best way to enjoy this fabulous setting.
Accommodation: Hotel Porto In (or similar)
We transfer (approximately two hours) to Cetinje for a tour. The town lies at the foot of the Lovcen Mountain and was the ancient capital of Montenegro. Since 1485, it has been the sacred centre of Montenegro; as a result, the city houses more museums and cultural heritage sites than any other in the country. Our tour takes us to some of the main sites in this cultural oasis in the Cetinjsko fields.
From Cetinje, we set off towards the mountainous interior of Montenegro, visiting the holy shrine of St Vasilije high in the shady Ostrog Mountains en route. Few people expect to witness such a marvellous spectacle when they arrive. Intricately carved into the rising rock face, the Ostrog Monastery is considered by many to be the most inspiring Orthodox sacred place in the former Yugoslavia. It has become the largest religious pilgrimage site in the country, with many Orthodox Christians and even Catholics and Muslims paying homage to St Vasilije, the founder of the 17th-century monastery. The day culminates with a drive (approximately three hours) through isolated villages and high mountain passes to the small ski resort of Zabljak, which sits neatly on a plateau at 4,920ft (1,500m), surrounded by beautiful pinewood forests, high alpine mountains and the deep Tara Canyon.
Accommodation: Hotel Zabljak (or similar)
Today we explore the Zabljak Plateau with its numerous lakes and traditional villages. We start with a walk around the largest lake in the area, where the waters reflect the surrounding peaks. Around lunchtime, we transfer to the village of Podgora, which has recently become part of a regional ecovillage network helping to promote tourism in rural communities. A local family provides us with a tasty lunch of traditional Montenegrin mountain food. We also visit and enjoy views from one of the numerous viewpoints above the Unesco-listed Tara Canyon, said to be the deepest canyon in Europe.
We then transfer back to Zabljak and have the afternoon free to explore, enjoy a scenic walk, go for an invigorating dip in the lake, or perhaps drink a glass of local wine or beer in a cafe.
Accommodation: Hotel Zabljak (or similar)
We transfer (approximately two to three hours) to the Montenegro-Bosnia border, via Durmitor’s interior with its impressive peaks, isolated mountain lakes and deep canyons. The mountain roads are narrow and we meet the occasional shepherd with his sheep moving up to the higher grassy pastures of Durmitor. This seasonal migration has taken place for centuries and is very much part of Montenegrin culture, even today.
We wind out of the Piva Gorge down to Scepan Polje, the border crossing into Bosnia and Herzegovina, stopping where possible to enjoy the views in this wild, uninhabited part of Bosnia. We take a walk along the Piva River to an old suspension bridge, which for a long time was the only connection between the two riverbanks. The water here is wonderfully pure and offers a great setting for a photo. After lunch, we continue through an empty and mountainous part of east Bosnia and Herzegovina to Sarajevo.
Accommodation: Hotel Diamond Rain (or similar)
Today we have a full day exploring Sarajevo on foot and by bus. One of the most culturally diverse cities in Europe, Sarajevo spent more than 400 years under Turkish governorship until the Austro-Hungarians arrived in the late 19th century. Forty years later, the empire collapsed when Archduke Ferdinand was assassinated here, hastening the outbreak of the First World War. The late-20th century saw Sarajevo host the 1984 Winter Olympics, and the long siege of the city during the recent conflict. Our tour of the major historical, cultural and war sites in the city will help you piece together its complex history.
Our day involves a walking tour of the main sites and a visit to the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum. The tunnel provided the Sarajevo citizens a lifeline during Sarajevo’s 1,400 days of isolation and was the only reliable way of supplying goods and electricity to the city as all other supply lines were cut off by the Serbian Army. This is a sobering and fascinating visit.
Accommodation: Hotel Diamond Rain (or similar)
We transfer (approximately two hours) to Lukomir, the highest village in Bosnia at 4,820ft (1,469m), with its ancient stecci (medieval tombstones). Here we get an insight into the traditional way of life. Customary dress and the occasional turban and fez are still worn, going hand in hand with the more contemporary features of everyday life. The village houses here are a powerful image of a simpler time. We then take a walk down towards the Rakitnica Canyon nearby and find excellent viewpoints to admire this majestic scenery. The scale of the mountains coupled with the canyon far below are sights that will live long in the memory. Lunch is taken in the village, prepared by one of the main families still living there and will be traditional and filling. We return to Sarajevo at the end of the day.
Accommodation: Hotel Diamond Rain (or similar)
We transfer (approximately 2hr 30min) to Mostar where we have a whole day to visit this beautiful Herzegovinian city. Mostar was founded in the 15th century and the architecture is a precious combination of Turkish ingenuity and Herzegovinian and Dalmatian workmanship. We spend the morning and afternoon exploring Mostar, a city split during the conflict of the early 1990s. We see the scars of war, but these days Mostar is once again a warm and bustling place with an intriguing history. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the city on your own.
Accommodation: Hotel Kapetanovina (or similar)
Our first stop today will be Pocitelj, another Unesco World Heritage site and host to the longest-operating art colony in southeast Europe. The most striking object in Pocitelj is the Kula, a silo-shaped fort that dominates the skyline from a hill above the town. It once housed watchmen and military guarding against possible invasion from the Neretva Valley. Our next stop is Kravica Waterfall, a green oasis in the rocky Herzegovinian landscape. After a short walk, and perhaps a cooling swim, we head to Blagaj for lunch.
The Blagaj highlights are the Buna Spring and the adjacent Ottoman house/monastery. The spring here is amazing. It flows out of a 655ft (200m) cliff wall to form the Buna River. Unsurprisingly, the Ottoman sultan was impressed and ordered a tekija to be built right next to it. This 16th-century house/monastery was built for the Dervish cults and is still one of the most mystical places in all Bosnia and Herzegovina. Also in the vicinity are old flour mills that the strong Buna River used to power. We spend the late afternoon and evening in Mostar.
Accommodation: Hotel Kapetanovina (or similar)
Our journey now takes us back to Dubrovnik via Radimlja with its numerous beautiful medieval Christian tombstones, and Trebinje, the southernmost city in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Trebinje has a rich history dating to the Middle Ages. Here we visit a family-owned winery and get a taste of life in old Herzegovina, venturing into the cellars to sample the rich, earthy, bold tastes of the red wines.
The wines of Herzegovina are among the newest in the second world wine category. This tradition, however, has been in existence since Roman times. The sunny Mediterranean climate and rich hinterland soils here produce some of the finest wines in southern Europe.
Then, we travel south to our final destination: Dubrovnik, a magnificent walled city at the southernmost tip of Croatia. Formerly a prosperous trading centre, Dubrovnik is now a Unesco World Heritage site, and the perfectly preserved Old Town and rich cultural life draw many visitors each year. We end the day with free time, so you can swim in the warm Adriatic or explore the Old Town solo and take a walk along the ancient city walls.
Accommodation: Hotel Komodor (or similar)
Transfer to Dubrovnik Airport; fly to London.
You may however wish to extend your stay in the Croatian capital to further explore its cobbled streets or enjoy the beautiful coastline. Should you wish to do so please ask a member of the sales team about our post-tour nights.
The trip ends this morning in Dubrovnik after breakfast. You may wish to extend your stay in the Croatian capital to further explore its cobbled streets or enjoy the beautiful coastline. Should you wish to do so, please ask your sales representative about our post-tour nights.
We spend 10 nights in hotels, most of which are well located for our adventures. Below are the usual accommodations used; however, there may be some departures where groups stay at similar hotels of the same standard and quality.
Kotor: Hotel Porto In (nights 1-2)
Just a two-minute walk from the Unesco-listed old town, this 17-room hotel is ideally located for our time in Kotor. There’s also a small beach 655ft (200m) from the front door. The hotel itself has a 50-seat restaurant and bar, serving a mix of national and international cuisines.
Zabljak: Hotel Zabljak (nights 3-4)
A grand, angular design and modern Scandi-style rooms make Hotel Zabljak stand out. But it’s the mountain views that may be the lasting memory. For an additional cost, there’s access to a wellness centre with a gym and hot tub.
Sarajevo: Hotel Cosmopolit (nights 5-7)
In the heart of the city, Hotel Cosmopolit is well located for our adventure, just a short walk from the Miljacka river. It’s a bright, modern property often praised for its cleanliness and welcoming staff.
Mostar: Hotel Kapetanovina (nights 8-9)
Our two-night stay at Kapetanovina means we’re only a three-minute walk from the star attraction in town: the Old Bridge of Mostar. The rooms are modern and have a colour scheme inspired by the Neretva River.
Dubrovnik: Hotel Komodor (night 10)
Our final night is spent at Hotel Komodor, a three-star beachside property. It has 113 rooms, which are split between the main building and an annex. There’s a terrace with a pool and sun loungers too, plus the seaside promenade is just a five-minute walk away.
Worth knowing
Single supplement from £ 295
All breakfasts, two lunches and one dinner are included.
Breakfast will usually be either hot and cold buffets or a choice of set meals. Breakfast in Bosnia and across the Balkans usually consists of bread and pastries, dairy products such as yoghurt and cheese, cereal, eggs cooked in a variety of ways, smoked meats, honey, tea and coffee, milk and juices.
Typical Bosnian cuisine consists of ingredients such as tomatoes, potatoes, onions, garlic, peppers, cucumbers, mushrooms, spinach, beans and dairy products such as milk, cheese, pavlaka (sour cream) and kajmak (similar to clotted cream). Meat dishes usually consist of beef and lamb and specialities include cevapi, burek, dolma (stuffed vegetables with meat) and goulash. Desserts often have an Eastern influence with baklava being very popular. The alcoholic drink rakija, made from apples or plums, is common in this region also.
Vegetarian and special diets can be catered for, but options are limited throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro. Please advise of any specific dietary requirements at time of booking.
We travel by private minibus. The main roads are generally good, but mountain roads can be winding and you may at times experience a slow and bumpy ride.
Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro enjoy a similar climate to most of Central Europe: hot summers, cool springs and autumns, and cold winters with considerable snowfall. We visit from July to August, when temperatures will be generally warm (25C-30C/77F-86F). However, it will be a little cooler in the mountains. It is here we are right in the middle of the Central Dinaric Alps, a rough and unpredictable place where Mediterranean and Continental Alpine climates vie for supremacy. The result is an extremely unstable climate even in summer. Rain can fall at any time of the year, although in mid-summer it is more likely to come as short, sharp thunderstorms.
Start hotel: Hotel Porto In, Njegoševa 211, Kotor 85330, Montenegro
Phone: +382 (0) 32 326 300
Airport: Dubrovnik Airport (DBV)
The start hotel is approximately three hours’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves.
Please note: It is very important that all clients meet at Dubrovnik Airport and take the group transfer to our start hotel in Kotor. This is due to local border regulations between Bosnia, Croatia and Montenegro. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or for further information on joining this trip.
There’s a group departure transfer to Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Dubrovnik
Location end: Dubrovnik
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight, even if Exodus has booked it.
If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be able to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the arrival time of the group flight ‐ please check the group flight details 2 weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense.
Please note for this particular trip it is very important for all clients to meet at Dubrovnik airport and take the group transfer to our start hotel in Kotor. This is due to local border regulations between Bosnia, Croatia and Montenegro.
Trek through Bosnia’s emerging cultural corridor by Exodus Travels
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Croatia. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/croatia
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/croatia
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/croatia/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Croatia.html
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Montenegro. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) and tuberculosis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Ticks are known to be present in this region and can carry lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis and other diseases. Please take care to protect yourself. You can read more about ticks here.
Bosnia & Herzegovina's time zone: Europe/Sarajevo (UTC +02:00)
Croatia's time zone: Europe/Zagreb (UTC +02:00)
Montenegro's time zone: Europe/Podgorica (UTC +02:00)
Bosnia & Herzegovina's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Croatia's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Montenegro's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Bosnia & Herzegovina's currency: Convertible mark (BAM)
Croatia's currency: Euros (EUR)
Montenegro's currency: Euro (EUR)
ATMs and banks are available throughout the trip. You can use credit cards in many shops and restaurants in Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia.
We recommend you allow up to €15 for lunch and €20 for dinner in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, and €30 for dinner in Dubrovnik. This amount will vary according to where and what you choose to eat. Although not customary in Bosnia, you can leave a 10 percent tip as a sign of your appreciation for the waiter.
The bus into Dubrovnik town centre is not included. Please allow €8 (€2 per journey). The Dubrovnik Card is a cost-effective way to explore the city and if you purchase one of these you can travel on the buses for free. The card also gives you discounts at some local attractions and restaurants. Visit www.dubrovnikcard.com for more details. Your leader can assist you in getting one of these either at your hotel or at Pile Gate.
Although optional, a tip for the leader at the end of the trip is greatly appreciated. As a guideline, we recommend a contribution of €20-€30 per client per week. It is also customary to leave a tip for the driver. For your driver, we recommend to budget approximately €10-€15 per person.
Most groups prefer to present the money to the leader at the end of the trip with two separate envelopes (one for the leader and one for the driver).
This is completely at your own discretion and to be used as a guideline only.
We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.