Compare Walking in Bosnia & Herzegovina by Exodus Travels vs Tasting menu of Croatia by Audley Travel
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 9 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 2,430 | $ 11,360 |
| Price Per Day | $ 270 | $ 947 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | All breakfasts, five picnic lunches and four dinners are included on this trip. Typical meals: Breakfast 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. Breakfast in Sutjeska will be a choice of a warm or cold set meal. In Sarajevo, Mostar and Dubrovnik there will be a choice between a hot and cold buffet. Lunches will be picnics including bread, cheese, sausage, meat and vegetarian pâté, salad, chocolate bars, cookies, trail mix, and coffee/tea. Evening meals in Sutjeska are three courses and include soup, a selection of traditionally prepared meat, vegetables, and a dessert. Typical Bosnian cuisine consists of ingredients such as tomatoes, potatoes, onions, garlic, peppers, cucumbers, mushrooms, spinach, courgette, 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 also common in this region. Croatian and Montenegrin cuisine both share similarities to Bosnian cuisine but are also heavily influenced by Greek and Italian food. Vegetarian and special dietary requirements can be catered for, but options are limited throughout Bosnia & Herzegovina – please inform your sales representative of any specific requirements upon booking. | N/A |
| Description |
Remote, wild, untapped by mass tourism, Bosnia & Herzegovina is only just attracting the attention of the hiking community. Those lucky few who visit, however, return with tales of an untouched paradise, practically unheard of in Europe. This walking trip includes the essentials: ascending Maglić, the highest mountain in Bosnia; hiking a section of the Via Dinarica, which our local team played a key role in creating and developing; and exploring Sutjeska National Park. There’s plenty of cultural intrigue too, with sightseeing in the history-soaked cities of Sarajevo, Mostar, and Dubrovnik in Croatia.Explore the hiking trails of Europe’s best-kept secret before the word gets out |
From medieval walled cities and forested national parks to sleepy islands and secluded coves, Croatia offers a wide range of places to visit, each influenced by its past Roman, Venetian, Napoleonic and Viennese rulers. |
Day 1 Start Trebinje
The trip begins late afternoon in Trebinje, Bosnia & Herzegovina. After a main briefing with your leader, we enjoy a welcome dinner in a local winery in the hills above the town. Accommodation: Hotel Leotar (or similar)
Day 2 Transfer to Sutjeska National Park. Walk to Jagodina lake; hike to the lonely summit of Kuk
In the morning, we transfer to Sutjeska National Park (approximately 1hr 30min). Before we reach our hotel in the Tjentiste Valley, we will hike from Papin Do Hut to Jagodino Lake. From the lake, we continue over open mountainous terrain to the summit of Kuk (5,960ft/1,817m), right on the border with Montenegro, for panoramic views of the Zelengora mountain and the rockface wall of Volujak. We descend partially the same way down, a bit more than an hour, with the Lebrsnik and Volujak slopes as constant companions on the horizon. After the lunch break close to the hut, we take a transfer to the Park Valley, through the Sutjeska River canyon, down to the hotel for a well-deserved dinner (approximately 30 minutes). In the afternoon, before dinner, we take a 10 to 15-minute stroll from the hotel to visit the Partisan Memorial of Sutjeska. This giant, angular sculpture pays tribute to the thousands of Partisan soldiers who died during the Battle of Sutjeska in the Second World War. Accommodation: Hotel Mladost (or similar)
Day 3 Join the Via Dinarica; ascend Maglić; walk to Trnovacko Lake in Montenegro
Today is particularly special as we transfer to Lokva Derneciste (approximately one hour) and join the Via Dinarica, a 1,245mi (2,000km) long hiking route connecting all six republics of the former Yugoslavia. Our local team played a key role in bringing it to existence, including mapping ideal routes for sections of the trail and assisting local NGOs with securing funding, and it has since been named one of the best hiking trails in Europe by National Geographic. Our route takes us to the summit of Maglić, the highest mountain in Bosnia at 9,304ft (2,386m), a journey of approximately three to four hours over fairly well-maintained trails passing steep cliffs. This is, by far, the most demanding part of today’s trek but each step takes us further above the surrounding peaks until we reach the top. The summit provides an ideal spot for our picnic lunch with stretching views over Montenegro and the emerald-green waters of Trnovacko Lake, our next stop. After descending to the waters in the afternoon, we head for Prijevor where we meet our transfer to our hotel (approximately 50 minutes). Accommodation: Hotel Mladost (or similar)
Day 4 Transfer to Sarajevo; city tour and free time explore
We transfer to the Bosnian capital of Sarajevo (approximately two hours), at the heart of the Balkan Peninsula. On arrival, we take a tour of the major historic, cultural and war sites in the city, helping us to piece together its complex and intriguing past. The afternoon is then free to explore this varied and beautiful capital city. Accommodation: Hotel Hecco (or similar)
Day 5 Trebevic Hike, Olympic mountain in Sarajevo’s courtyard & bobsled track
Today we explore Trebevic, another Olympic mountain and a great area so close to city hustle & bustle and yet so far away from daily life in Sarajevo. We take the back road to Jahorina via Vraca to Brus, where after a 20-minute drive we park our vehicle and start our 650-meter ascent to the peak of Trebević (5,344ft/1,629m). Our walk takes us along a long and winding mountain trail. Although we will be hiking partially through pine and spruce-covered forests, enjoying the complete silence, you will be treated occasionally to beautiful views of Sarajevo below us and the mountains we visit the day after. We arrive at the top where you will stand and see Sarajevo, as you had no chance before. Having been soaked in the sights we descend via an alternative, somewhat shorter trail down the western ridge. We will make a break and celebration drink at one of the local mountain huts nearby with magnificent views. We end the day with a visit to the concrete remains of the Sarajevo Olympic bobsled track, today fully covered with graffiti of local artists. We then have a short transfer back to Sarajevo (approximately 15 to 20 minutes). Accommodation: Hotel Hecco (or similar)
Day 6 Full-day hike to Lukomir village and summit of Obalj
Today we take a transfer in the morning (approximately one hour) and have a full-day walk in the Bjelasnica Mountains, home of the 1984 Winter Olympics, ascending Obalj peak (6,220ft/1,896m) and visiting Lukomir, the highest village in Bosnia & Herzegovina at 4,820ft (1,469m). From the traditional Bosnian Mosque in the village of Umoljani, we walk to Gradina, a village used for centuries as a base for summer pastures. From here, we start ascending toward Obalj ridge and slowly we rise above Studeni potok (Studeni stream) with views opening in front of us. With mountains to the south, Treskavica and Visocica offer us fantastic scenes. Once we reach the slopes of Obalj, we slowly continue to the summit. From here, we see Lukomir village below, home to ancient stecci (medieval tombstones), and where villagers still follow a traditional agricultural life. On the edge of the village, there is a fabulous view of Rakitnica canyon, Obalj and Visocica. After a simple but tasty homemade late lunch, we transfer back to the hotel in Sarajevo (approximately 1hr 30min). Accommodation: Hotel Hecco (or similar)
Day 7 Half-day walk through the beautiful Rakitnica Canyon, or optional rafting along the Neretva River; transfer to Mostar
Today we transfer to Konjic (approximately one hour) where we have the option to go rafting deep into the Neretva Canyon or walk a beautiful ridge overlooking the Neretva and Rakitnica Canyon. The Neretva River is the jewel of Herzegovina, flowing more than 124mi (200km) to the Adriatic Sea. Better yet, the upper canyon hosts some of the most beautiful rafting opportunities in Europe. The water is usually calm from spring to autumn, and the trip provides ample opportunity to enjoy the canyon and the unique flora and fauna. Depending on the season, we can tackle Class II to IV rapids. The trip lasts for three to four hours and costs approximately €45 per person (paid locally). If you prefer to keep on trekking, we continue to the isolated hills around Kasici village for a magical canyon walk above the same river. After crossing a suspension bridge, we descend to meet the spectacular river itself where the rapids rush into the mouth of the relatively unexplored Rakitnica Canyon. The scenery here is truly breath-taking. After crossing another bridge at the mouth of the canyon, we can rest either in one of the caves or on the numerous beaches. We return via Konjic to meet with those who opted for the rafting. At the end of the day, we continue our journey to Mostar (approximately one hour). Accommodation: Hotel Kapetanovina (or similar)
Day 8 Morning in Mostar, visit iconic Old Bridge; afternoon transfer to Dubrovnik
We spend the morning exploring Mostar, including a visit to the Old Bridge, which was rebuilt after it collapsed during the conflict of the early 1990s. This city on the Neretva River was regularly in the news during this period and we can still see the scars of war. These days, however, Mostar is once again a warm and bustling place with a fascinating history and architecture. We leave the city in the afternoon and head for Dubrovnik, Croatia, our final destination and a great way to end a week of trekking. The transfer takes approximately 2hr 30min. On arrival at around 5pm, we have free time to explore. The perfectly preserved old town is a Unesco World Heritage site with fortresses, palaces and city walls to admire. Accommodation: Hotel Komodor (or similar)
Day 9 End Dubrovnik
The trip ends this morning after breakfast. If you wish to spend more time in this beautiful Croatian city, please ask your sales representative about post-tour nights. The transfer to the airport takes approximately 30 minutes.
Day 1 Zagreb
Zagreb
Your trip begins in the capital city of Zagreb where you’ll be met at the airport by your private driver and escorted to your hotel. Explore the lively city streets contrasting the architecture of the Upper and Lower Towns, soak up the thriving cafe culture, visit a gallery or perhaps dine at the Michelin Star restaurant, Noel, in the evening.
Day 2 Bale
Zagreb , Bale
After a guided walking tour of Zagreb’s historic sites in the morning, a private driver will take you through dense forests and mountains on a three-hour trip to the Istrian Peninsula. You’ll stop in the small medieval hillside town of Bale where you’ll check in for three nights at the Meneghetti Wine Hotel. Spend the afternoon relaxing or sampling some of the hotel’s wines or set out on foot to explore the winding streets of the village.
Day 3 Bale
Bale
Today you’ll sample some of Istria’s most highly regarded products, with stops for an olive oil tasting, truffle hunting and a winery tour where you’ll learn about Croatia’s indigenous grape varietals. You’ll also stop in the scenic hillside town of Grožnjan, a popular base for artists and musicians, and explore the small streets and many galleries.
Day 4 Bale
Bale
In the morning you’ll visit the coastal town of Pula to see the 2,000-year-old Roman arena before continuing to the medieval fishing village of Rovinj for a walking tour of the old town’s steep, cobbled streets. The town is surrounded by water on three sides and it’s easy to find a restaurant for a lunch of fresh seafood as you overlook the waterfront and the bay.
Day 5 Zadar
Bale , Zadar
From the Istrian Peninsula you’ll travel south to the coastal town of Zadar, a journey of almost four hours, to enjoy a walking tour of the historic district, including stops at the old Roman forum and the unusual wave-powered Sea Organ designed by Nikola Bašić in 2005. The town has several highly regarded restaurants to choose from for dinner.
Day 6 Zadar
Zadar
Your private driver will take you to Pag, a nearby island connected to the mainland by a bridge, a journey of about 50 minutes. Best known for its distinctive sheep-milk cheese, Pag is a limestone outcrop surrounded by azure seas. You’ll get to sample the local cheese and learn about its production, have lunch at a local konoba (tavern) for a taste of a traditional lamb roast, and visit a nearby 15th-century town renowned for its lacework, before returning to Zadar.
Day 7 Šibenik
Zadar , Šibenik
From Zadar you’ll head south by car with your private driver for an hour to Krka National Park for a tour of the walking trails and waterfalls. You’ll also take a boat ride to Visovac Island to see its 14th-century Franciscan monastery. From Krka, you’ll continue to the Vizzulin Winery, a family-run operation that offers wine tastings and a homemade meal in their rustic country house. You’ll then check into your hotel in Šibenik.
Day 8 Split
Šibenik , Split
In the morning, you’ll be driven a half hour to Trogir to meet a local chef for a visit to the town’s market. After shopping for ingredients, you’ll head to his hillside studio for an interactive, five-course meal paired with a mix of Croatian wines, learning about Croatian produce and cooking techniques along the way. From Trogir, you’ll make the 40-minute drive south to Split, where you’ll stay for two nights.
Day 9 Split
Split
Walking through Split’s historic core, you’ll be struck by the fusion of ancient and modern in Diocletian’s Palace, a whole city district dating to 400 AD. As you explore with your private guide, you’ll begin to pick out hidden architectural details, learn about the city’s past residents, its buildings’ former uses and the way in which this UNESCO-protected city still functions in modern times.
Day 10 Dubrovnik
Split , Dubrovnik
Leaving Split, your driver will take you along the coast to the Peljesac Peninsula, a journey of about three hours, where you’ll sample wines at two of the region’s most celebrated wineries overlooking the Adriatic and nearby Korčula and Mljet islands. You’ll then visit an oyster farmer in Ston, whose oysters and mussels receive international acclaim due to the rich mineral content of the nearby salt pans. You’ll end the day in Dubrovnik to check into your hotel.
Day 11 Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik
On your final day you’ll enjoy one of Croatia’s most traditional dishes at a local home in the cultural hub of the Konavle Valley. Here, you’ll learn about the peka, a cast-iron dish with a dome-shaped lid which is immersed in burning charcoal to slowly cook the ingredients inside. You’ll see the meal being prepared, sit and eat with your hosts and finish off by tasting homemade rakija (brandy) infused with local herbs and fruits, before returning to Dubrovnik.
Day 12 Return home
Dubrovnik
You’ll be picked up from your hotel by a private driver and taken to the airport in Dubrovnik to begin your journey back home.
