Compare Bosnia & Beyond by Exodus Travels vs Adriatic Treasures: Croatia to Venice 2021 by Tauck
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4 | Great
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| Duration | 11 days | 13 days |
| Price From | $ 2,850 | $ 7,990 |
| Price Per Day | $ 259 | $ 615 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
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| Meals Included | 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. | N/A |
| Description |
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.Experience the cultural variety and rugged natural beauty of Bosnia & Herzegovina and Montenegro |
There's a reason why the Adriatic Coast is a must-go travel destination – and on our 13-day journey, you'll find history chronicled in medieval villages, Roman ruins and castle keeps; traditions you can taste at vineyards, markets and bakeries; and art you'll enjoy at workshops and presentations for Tauck guests only – and experience five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. |
Day 1 Start Dubrovnik Airport; drive to Kotor in Montenegro
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)
Day 2 Kotor city tour; boat ride to Gospa od Skrpjela island and Perast town in the Bay of Kotor
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)
Day 3 Transfer to Cetinje for a city tour. Drive to Unesco-listed Durmitor National Park visiting Ostrog Monastery en route
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)
Day 4 Walk around Zabljak Plateau with its lakes and traditional highland villages
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)
Day 5 Transfer to the Piva River on the border with Bosnia; a walk along the banks of this beautiful river; drive to Sarajevo
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)
Day 6 City tour including the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum
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)
Day 7 Drive to Lukomir; walk to canyon
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)
Day 8 Transfer to Mostar for sightseeing and city tour
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)
Day 9 Explore Ottoman town of Pocitelj, Kravica Waterfalls and visit nearby village of Blagaj
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)
Day 10 Transfer to Trebinje, followed by wine tasting; continue to Dubrovnik
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)
Day 11 End Dubrovnik
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.
Day 1 Arrive Dubrovnik
Tour begins: 6:30 PM, Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik. A transfer is included upon your arrival from Dubrovnik Airport to Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik – a historic hotel overlooking the Adriatic Sea, just steps the medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meet a lecturer this evening who shares expert insights, past and present, about the country formerly known as Yugoslavia and the places you’ll explore on this trip, before joining him for an intimate welcome dinner at a popular restaurant, accompanied by a private performance of traditional Croatian a capella "klapa" singing.
MEALS : D
LODGING : Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik
PORTOFCALL : Dubrovnik, Croatia
Day 2 Old Town by land & sea & wine tasting
Rise and shine this morning for a day of cultural delights. Ride a cable car to the top of Srd Hill for dazzling views of Dubrovnik and the surrounding landscapes. Get a closer perspective when you descend for a walking tour through Old Town and visit the Main Square. Dubrovnik’s Old Town is completely surrounded by enormous stone walls that date back to the 10th century; view them from the outside on a boat ride along the walls. Wine tasting is on the menu this afternoon during a visit to a winery where you sample wines made from ancient grapes known as “Malvazija” with the guidance of a renowned viniculture engineer. En route back to your hotel, stop in the village of Gruda to meet an “academic artist” who serves as the keeper of local traditions. During your visit, she will present a step-by-step tutorial on silk making as you are treated to homemade juice and cake typical of this region.
MEALS : B
LODGING : Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik
PORTOFCALL : Dubrovnik, Croatia
Day 3 Kotor & Montenegro
Cross the border into neighboring Montenegro and drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kotor for a walking tour of this historic city (also known today for its large population of cats, a contemporary symbol of the city), and a visit to the Maritime Museum. Continue to the tiny bay-front village of Perast, built by wealthy sea captains during the 17th and 18th centuries. Walk past the town’s stone houses to the pier for a sail to the man-made islet of Our Lady of the Rocks, topped by a lone church and steeped in legends. Back on shore, enjoy views of Montenegro's coast on your return trip to Dubrovnik for dinner at your hotel.
MEALS : B, D
LODGING : Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik
PORTOFCALL : Kotor, Montenegro
Day 4 Orašac Village, Mostar & Split
Depart for Split this morning, driving through Dalmatian landscapes of seaside villages and farmland to the village of Orašac, founded in 1040. A family-hosted visit to a private farm reveals the time-honored steps of producing olive oil the old-fashioned way and includes a morning snack of fresh cow cheese, home-grown vegetables, warm-from-the-oven bread and wine. Drive to Bosnia for a visit to Mostar, known for its old Turkish houses and Old Bridge, Stari Most, after which it is named. Damaged during the 1990s conflict, the Old Bridge, built by the Ottomans in the 16th century and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been rebuilt, as have many of the edifices in the Old Town. A guided walking tour ends with an opportunity for free time to spend as you please (if you wish, visit an old, traditional Turkish house); early afternoon, visit the Museum of Herzegovina, where a resident who lived through the bombings of the 1991-1995 war shares personal stories of survival. Late afternoon, drive to Split for a two-night stay.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Hotel Park (Split)
PORTOFCALL : Split, Croatia
Day 5 Sculpted Art, A Palace & a ferry ride
See the acclaimed collection of works by Croatia’s premier modern sculptor, Ivan Meštrovíc, at the gallery he built as his private residence. Drive to Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Roman emperor Diocletian as his retirement home between the late 3rd and the early 4th centuries using local limestone and Brac marble; the city of Split later grew up around the palace. A walking tour of the vast palace complex includes the palace cellars. Your explorations continue on a ferry ride to Brac Island where you will enjoy a family-style lunch in Donji Humac overlooking the bay. Visit Jaksíc gallery after lunch, going behind the scenes to see the artist’s studio and myriad works of art. A late afternoon ferry brings you back to Split for time at leisure.
MEALS : B, L
LODGING : Hotel Park (Split)
PORTOFCALL : Split, Croatia
Day 6 Krka National Park & Fly to Zagreb
Take a scenic drive to Krka National Park to see its spectacular waterfalls and inherent natural beauty. From there, board a boat and sail to Skradin for a visit to ROCA, the House of Dalmatian Smoked Ham, a talk with a farmer and a wedding-style lunch featuring traditional culinary specialties and entertainment. Fly to Zagreb this afternoon for a two-night stay in Croatia's capital city; enjoy dinner at your leisure at your hotel tonight.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Esplanade Zagreb Hotel
PORTOFCALL : Zagreb, Croatia
Day 7 Discover Zagreb & meet Croatia's former Tourism Minister
Strategically located at the crossroads where western and eastern Europe meet, Croatia’s capital city of Zagreb is a blend of old and new, informed by wars and steeped in culture. Start off your day by meeting Croatia's former Minister of Tourism for a discussion on current affairs before setting out to explore Zagreb on foot, the best way to experience this fascinating city. Join our local guides for a walking tour that includes the neo-Gothic Cathedral, a cheese tasting at the fresh market, the main square and a funicular ride to the Upper Town, where you will have lunch at a local restaurant. The rest of the day and evening are yours to spend as you please, pursuing what interests you most in Zagreb.
MEALS : B, L
LODGING : Esplanade Zagreb Hotel
PORTOFCALL : Zagreb, Croatia
Day 8 Trakošćan Castle & Ljubljana
One of the most impressive castles in Croatia, Trakošćan Castle dates back to the 13th century and reflects myriad architectural styles and restorations over its 800+-year history. Costumed knights and ladies-in-waiting welcome you to the castle for a tour and lunch inside the Knights’ Hall, open exclusively for Tauck guests only. Your final destination today is Ljubljana, Slovenia, where your high-rise city-center hotel overlooks the heart of the city. Take a walking tour of Slovenia's capital before enjoying a taste of local culture during dinner at a popular local restaurant.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : InterContinental Ljublijana
PORTOFCALL : Ljubljana, Slovenia
Day 9 Tauck Treats at Ljubljana Castle
Ride a funicular up to Ljubljana Castle this morning; savor panoramic city views and tastings of local cookies, teran liqueur and honey. Drive next to a gingerbread-making workshop in a country village to see how these beloved decorated pastries have been made for centuries, with a tasting of course! Lunch is followed by a visit to 1,000 year-old Bled Castle that includes a live printing demonstration, a talk with the cellar master about the castle’s famous wines and entrance to the upper courtyard museum to learn about the history of Bled. Return to Ljubljana to spend the rest of the day and evening as you wish.
MEALS : B, L
LODGING : InterContinental Ljublijana
PORTOFCALL : Ljubljana, Slovenia
Day 10 Postojna Caves & a truffle farm
We've arranged an exclusive early morning visit to a subterranean world of caverns, halls and passages some two million years in the making when you explore the surprise-filled Postojna Caves from aboard a private electric train and on a guided walk. Head off for another Tauck Exclusive experience at a family-owned truffle farm, where you'll learn about the truffle-hunting process, meet the dogs who sniff out this underground delicacy, and enjoy a tasting followed by a light lunch. Continue on from Slovenia back into Croatia to Savudrija on the Istrian Peninsula for a two-night stay.
MEALS : B, D
LODGING : Grand Park Hotel Rovinj
Day 11 Pula, Olive Oil & a Beer-Pairing dinner
En route to Pula at the southern tip of the Istrian peninsula, stop at a family-run olive oil farm in Vodnjan, renowned for producing one of the top 15 olive oils in the world, for a tasting tour. Arrive in Pula and visit its great amphitheatre, constructed between 27 BC – 68 AD, much of it still standing and still used today. Enjoy lunch at your leisure in the fishing village of Rovinj before returning to the hotel. Dinner tonight is a special affair at San Servolo brewery and includes a guided tour of the production process, expert insights by the beer master, and a beer-pairing dinner featuring six beers and six courses, presided over by a professional beer sommelier. To top off a great evening, a guitar player will entertain with a repertoire of traditional Istrian songs.
MEALS : B, D
LODGING : Grand Park Hotel Rovinj
PORTOFCALL : Rovinj, Croatia
Day 12 Explore Venice & the Doge’s Palace
Travel from Croatia to Venice, Italy, today, arriving in the “City of Canals” midday for a walking tour and a visit to the Doge’s Palace. We invite you to join us this evening for a farewell dinner at the Michelin-starred restaurant in your historic hotel, just steps away from Piazza San Marco.
MEALS : B, D
LODGING : Hotel Metropole
PORTOFCALL : Venice, Italy
Day 13 Journey Home
Tour ends: Venice. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Hotel Metropole to Venice’s Marco Polo Airport. Allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in.
MEALS : B
PORTOFCALL : Venice, Italy
