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We start in Dubrovnik Airport in Croatia before transferring (approx. 3 hours) to the beautiful sea-faring town of Kotor. Neatly tucked away in one of South East Europe's largest fjords, Kotor is a cultural treasure dating from the 12th Century and still retains the Mediterranean ambience of the region. *Hotel Porto In or similar*
Today we visit Kotor's 4.5km long fortification walls and its many churches and palaces. These are the main reasons why in 1979 Kotor was included on UNESCO's list of natural and cultural heritage sites. Our approx. 2 hour walk will take you through some of Kotor's 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, a fact which explains the distinctly Italian feel. The panorama of Perast is dominated by the 17th Century church of St Nikola, protected by a Venetian fortress and surrounded by beautiful palaces and gardens once built by the famous sea captains of the Adriatic. Here we have lunch overlooking the bay. Following lunch, 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 really enjoy this fabulous setting. In the evening we will visit Budva, one of the oldest settlements on the Montenegrin coast with perhaps the best nightlife of the entire area. * Hotel Porto In or similar*
We transfer (approx. 2 hour) to Cetinje for a city tour. The town of Cetinje lies at the foot of Lovcen Mountain and was the ancient capital of Montenegro. Since 1485 Cetinje has been the sacred centre of Montenegro, and as a result, the city houses more museums and cultural heritage sites than any other city in Montenegro. Our tour will take us to some of the main sites in this lonely cultural oasis in the Cetinjsko fields. From Cetinje, we set off towards Montenegro's mountainous interior, en route visiting the holy shrine of St.Vasilije high up in the shady Ostrog Mountains. 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. The monastery 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 (approx. 3 hours) through isolated villages and high mountain passes to the small ski resort of Zabljak. Zabljak sits neatly on a plateau at 1500m, surrounded by beautiful pinewood forests, high alpine mountains, and the deep Tara Canyon. *Hotel Zabljak or similar*
Today we explore the Zabljak Plateau with its numerous lakes and traditional villages. We start with a walk around the area's largest lake, a beautiful spot with crystal clear waters reflecting the surrounding peaks. Around lunchtime we transfer to the village of Podgora. The village 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 will also visit and enjoy views from one of the numerous viewpoints above Tara Canyon, which is considered to be the deepest European Canyon and as such is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage list. 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 one of Zabljak's cafés. *Hotel Zabljak or similar*
Transfer (approx. 2-3 hours) to the border between Montenegro and Bosnia, via Durmitor's interior with its impressive peaks, isolated mountain lakes and deep canyons. The mountain roads are narrow and we will 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 and tradition, even today. We wind our way out of the Piva Gorge down to Scepan Polje, the border crossing into Bosnia & Herzegovina, stopping where possible to enjoy the views in this wild and uninhabited part of Bosnia. Before lunch, 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 river banks. The water here is wonderfully pure and offers a great setting for a photo. After lunch above the Piva River, we continue through an empty and mountainous part of east Bosnia & Herzegovina to Sarajevo. *Hotel Cosmopolit 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 over 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 Winter Olympics in 1984, 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 to piece together its complex history. Our day involves a walking tour of the main sites, and a visit to the famous Sarajevo Tunnel Museum. The tunnel provided the citizens of Sarajevo with a lifeline during Sarajevo's 1400 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. *Hotel Cosmopolit** or similar*
We transfer (approx. 2 hours) to Lukomir, Bosnia's highest village at 1469 metres, with its ancient 'stecci' (mediaeval 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 such as electricity and running water. 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 some 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. *Hotel Cosmopolit **or similar*
We transfer (approx. 2.5 hours) 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 that was famously split during the conflict of the early 1990s. You will still 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. *Hotel Kapetanovina or similar*
Our first stop today will be Pocitelj. This oriental style town has recently been added to the list of UNESCO world heritage sites and also hosts the longest operating art colony in southeast Europe. The most striking object in Pocitelj is the Sahat Kula, a silo-shaped fort that dominates the skyline from a hill above the town. It used to house watchmen and military guarding against possible invasion from the Neretva Valley. Our next stop will be Kravica Waterfall, a wonderful green oasis in the rocky Herzegovinian landscape. After a short walk and perhaps even a cooling swim we head off for lunch to Blagaj. Blagaj's highlights are the Buna Spring and the adjacent Ottoman house/monastery. The spring here is amazing. It flows out of a 200m cliff wall and single-handedly creates 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 of Bosnia & Herzegovina. Blagaj's Old Town is worth taking a walk through. This lazy Herzegovinan town moves at a slow pace and many of its old structures are reminiscent of Ottoman days. In the vicinity are also old flour mills that the strong Buna River used to power. We spend the late afternoon and evening in Mostar. *Hotel Kapetanovina or similar*
Our journey now takes us back to Dubrovnik via Radimlja with its numerous beautiful mediaeval Christian tombstones, and Trebinje – the southernmost city in Bosnia & Herzegovina. Trebinje has a rich history that dates back to the Middle Ages. Here we will visit a family-owned winery and get a taste of life in old Herzegovina. Here we will venture into the cellars for an intimate taste of the rich, earthy, bold tastes of the red wines. Herzegovina's wines are amongst the newest in the 'second world' wine category. This tradition, however, has been in existence since Roman times. Herzegovina's sunny Mediterranean climate and rich hinterland soils produce the finest wines in southern Europe. After the lunch break we will travel south to our final destination Dubrovnik; a magnificent walled city that lies at the southernmost tip of Croatia. Formerly a prosperous trading centre, Dubrovnik is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its perfectly preserved Old Town and rich cultural life draw many visitors each year. We end the day with free time in Dubrovnik, so you might either go swimming in the warm Adriatic or explore the Old Town on your own and take a walk along the ancient walls of Dubrovnik. *Hotel Komodor or similar*
The trip ends this morning in Dubrovnik after breakfast. 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.
* 10 nights hotels and pensions, all rooms en suite
* Group normally 6 to 18, plus leader. Min age 16 yrs
* Travel by air-conditioned private minibus
All breakfasts, 2 lunches and 1 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, 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 common in
this region also.
Vegetarian and special diets can be catered for, but options are limited
throughout Bosnia & Herzegovina and Montenegro - please advise of any
specific dietary requirements at time of booking.
* 10 nights hotels and pensions, all rooms en suite
* Group normally 6 to 18, plus leader. Min age 16 yrs
* Travel by air-conditioned private minibus
*This trip is Activity Level 2- Leisurely/Moderate.*
This is a cultural discovery trip with some walking. You don't need to be an
experienced hill walker, just of average fitness. Walks are optional so the
trip is still suitable for anyone. Travel is by private bus, generally on
good roads.
Hotels
Tourism is still developing in this region however with increased tourism has
come increased investment in the infrastructure. There is however a
difference between some of the city hotels available and the more rustic
hotels and pensions in the smaller towns. All accommodation will have en
suite facitilies and free Wi-Fi.
Please be advised that the below accommodation listed in each location are
the standard hotels used. However, there may be some departures where groups
stay at similar hotels of the same standard and quality.
Kotor- Hotel Porto In
Zabljak- Hotel Zabljak
Sarajevo- Hotel Cosmopolit
Mostar- Hotel Kapetanovina
Dubrovnik- Hotel Komodor
Single supplements are available upon request.
All breakfasts, 2 lunches and 1 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, 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 common in
this region also.
Vegetarian and special diets can be catered for, but options are limited
throughout Bosnia & Herzegovina and Montenegro - please advise of any
specific dietary requirements at time of booking.
During the trip we travel by private minibus. The main roads are generally
good, but in the mountains the roads can be winding and you may at times
experience a slow and bumpy ride.
*Travelling flight inclusive from London: 11 days*
The group flight from London is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the
itinerary.
*Flights from London*
We normally use the scheduled services of British Airways for all 2018
departures (depending on availability). As flight timings and
schedules change regularly we recommend you call one of our
specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm up‐to‐date timings.
Please note timings may change at a later date and cannot be
confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure.
*Travelling land only: 11 days starting at Dubrovnik Airport and ending in
Dubrovnik*
It is very important 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 & Montenegro. Final joining instructions
are sent approximately 2 weeks before departure.
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.
Bosnia & 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 (25-30ºC). However these temperatures will be a little
cooler in the mountains. It is here that 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.
* Small sized daypack
* Water bottle
* Waterproof jacket
* Good sturdy shoes or preferably walking boots for the walks
* A warm top or fleece and trousers
* Shorts
* Towel & swimming costume
* Hat & sunblock
At the time of writing the standard weight limit for hold baggage on the
recommended international carrier for this trip is 20kg. We recommend
packing only one piece of checked baggage.
As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage is subject
to change, we suggest you check the airline's website for the latest
information prior to your departure.
Walking poles
We recommend that you allow up to 10 EUR for lunch and 15 EUR for dinner in
Bosnia & Herzegovina and Montenegro, and 25 EUR for dinner in Dubrovnik.
This amount will obviously vary according to where and what you choose to
eat. Although not customary in Bosnia you can leave a 10% tip as a sign of
your appreciation for the waiter.
Although optional, a tip for the leader at the end of the trip is greatly
appreciated. As a guideline we recommend a contribution starting from EUR15
to EUR20 per client per week. It is also customary to leave a tip for the
driver. For your driver we recommend to budget approx. EUR10-EUR15 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.
* Travel insurance
* Visas & vaccinations
* Single supplement
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.