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.