Croatia, Bosnia & Montenegro

Arrival to Dubrovnik, Croatia. Sightseeing of this Pearl of Adriatic, how it is often called. Then you will take an approximate 2.5 hours transfer to the Town of Kotor, the cultural treasure dating from the 12th Century. The city still retains the unique Mediterranean ambience of the region.

The day will start with visiting Kotor’s 4,5 km long fortification walls and its many places and churches, which are the main reason of the Kotor being included on UNESCO’s list of world’s natural and cultural heritage sites in the year 1979. Along the 2 hours long walk we will pass some of the Kotor’s squares, religious buildings and the fortifications for the glimpse of the city from above. Then we will take a 1.5 hour boat ride to the ‘Lady of Rocks’ and St. George islands in the Bay of Kotor. From the boat, you will get a different perspective of the Montenegrin coastline with the stunningly beautiful view of the towering cliffs of the Dinaric Alps. The bay of Boka with its beauty had fascinated many writers, among others also George Bernard Show and Lord Byron. You will set ashore at the ancient seafaring town Perast, which panorama is dominated by the 17th Century church of St. Nikola, protected by a Venetian fortress and surrounded by palaces and gardens. Later in the evening, we will explore history of Budva, one of the oldest settlements on the Montenegrin coast with probably the best coastal nightlife.

Drive to Cetinje where you will have a city walking tour. The city is located at the foot of the Lovcen Mountain and is the ancient capital of Montenegro. In comparison to any other city in Montenegro, Cetinje has more museums and cultural heritage sites, as a result of being the sacred center since 1485. Later we will set off towards Montenegro’s mountains interior. The final destination is the village of Zabljak in the center of Durmitor National Park, but after visit of Ostrog Monastery which is considered by many to be most inspiring Orthodox sacred place in the former Yugoslavia. It has become the largest religious pilgrimage site in the country, with many Orthodox Christian and even Catholics and Muslims paying homage to St. Vasilje, the founder of the 17th Century monastery. We will drive through isolated villages and high mountains passes to the small ski resort of Zabljak.

Explore the Zabljak Plateau with its traditional villages and numerous lakes. We will walk around the area’s largest lake, which place is covered with many endemic species of flowers and wild herbs. Around lunchtime we will cycle to the village of Podgora which has recently became part of a regional eco village network. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure, maybe enjoying the beautiful highland scenery, swimming, or drinking a glass of local wine or beer on one of Zabljak’s rustic cafes.

Transfer to the border between Montenegro and Bosnia, via Durmitor’s interior. Drive out of the Piva Gorge, down to Scepan Polje, the border crossing into Bosnia& Herzegovina. We will enter the wild and empty part of Bosnia. Before taking a lunch, we will take a short walk to an old bridge, which was once the only connection between the two river banks. Later we will continue our trip to Sarajevo.

Explore city of Sarajevo. Sarajevo is one of the most oriental and culturally diverse cities in Europe; the tour of the major historical, cultural and was sites in the city will help you to piece together its complex and fascinating history. Rest of the day at leisure. TIP: rent a bike and explore some of the 153 cycling routes in Sarajevo and its surrounding.

Visit to the highest Bosnia village at 1469 meters, Lukomir, with its ancient “stecci” (mediaeval tombstones). Here you will experience the traditional way of life with the traditional dress and the occasional turban with fez that are still worn. You will have opportunity to enjoy the rare view of Rakitnica which gives you the feeling of finding the end of the world. You will visit the local villagers; explore the waterfall and amazing Rakitinca Canyon. TIP: there you can try canyoning in the Rakitnica, which is different from classic canyoning.

Transfer to Mostar where you will have a city tour and a visit of a nearby village Blagaj. Mostar was founded in the 15th Century and its architecture is a precious combination of Turkish ingenuity plus Herzegovinian and Dalmatian workmanship. You will have the afternoon and evening for exploring Mostar. The city was split during the conflict in the early 1990s, there are still the scars of war visible, but still, Mostar is once again a warm and bustling place with fascinating history.

Stop at Pocitelj, the unique oriental style town, listed as a UNESCO heritage site. We will visit Sahat Kula, a silo – shaped fort that towers on the top of the hill above the town and was used to house watchmen and military guarding against possible invasion from the Neretva Valley. The next stop will be Kravica waterfall, green oasis in the rocky Herzegovinian landscape. After a short walk or perhaps a cooling swim, we head off for lunch at one of the many vineyards. The wines here are newest in the ‘second world’ wine category, however, the tradition has been in existence since Roman times. In the afternoon we continue to Dubrovnik.

Wholeday wine & culinary trip in Dubrovnik region: Niko Karaman’s winery, Divanovic Flour Mill and Konavovski Dvori – three things which you will remember forever. Niko Karaman’s winery: When you will meet Niko you will quickly realize why he is one of the most renowned Croatian enologists, who is quickly making a name for his small winery based on the sumptuous dry wines and exquisite sweet Prošek. While listening to Niko’s presentation of Prošek production you will enjoy the marvelous taste of his Prošek dessert wine that was announced to be the world’s best desert wine in 2009. Visit of Divanovic flour mill: In companionship of Mr. Ivo Divanovic you will visit a traditional water – mill and learn about the importance of the mills in the history of this area as well as get to see how flour used to be made back in the day. Tour should end in real style and elegance… with lunch in Konavle’s most renowed restaurant Konavoski Dvori. The restaurant is settled in an old mill in the lush green valley of Konavle, among centuries old trees and on the banks of a river stream. The region cuisine is known for excellent smoked ham, olive oil, preserved cheese, young lamb and veal baked under the iron bell, home – baked bread, grilled trout and other specialties – all of which this restaurant is renowned for. After return back to Dubrovnik, free time to relax and prepare for a next day departure.

Departure from Dubrovnik.