9D8N Bosnian Winter Holiday (Winter with Funky Tours)

9D8N Bosnian Winter Holiday (Winter with Funky Tours)

Would you dare spending winter holidays in Bosnia and Herzegovina? Would you dare to break the usual routine and instead of famous and heavily expensive European winter destinations, visit one completely, new but equally good, unexplored, safe and totally cheap?

We shall combine winter activities such as snowshoeing, snow-powder hiking or regular winter skiing with most famous cultural and leisure destinations in Bosnia & Herzegovina.

In this amazing 9D8N itinerary, we have created the optimum mix of culture and outdoor experiences in Bosnia and Herzegovina. All activities are suitable for anyone with normal, medium fitness.

The package is based on 4* accommodation /double/ twin room occupancy in combination with snow-covered lodges for one night. For single travellers we will provide single, non sharing rooms.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival to Sarajevo

Stop At: Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Sarajevo Canton, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Transfer from Sarajevo International Airport to your accommodation. Local Bosnian Dinner & Bosnian Cultural Program.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Dinner: Traditional Bosnian dinner at our Bosnian room and enjoying traditional Bosnian Sevdah Music.
Accommodation included: Overnight at 4* Hotel in city centre of Sarajevo

Day 2: Sarajevo Walking Tour & Siege of Sarajevo Tour

Stop At: Bascarsija, Sarajevo 71000 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Tour will focus on the old part and city centre of Sarajevo, covering Sarajevo’s detailed history, with sampling some of the most famous local products.


Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Sniper Alley, Sarajevo Bosnia and Herzegovina
First stop of the day is ex Hotel Holiday Inn and story about infamous Sarajevo Sniper Alley. Built for the Sarajevo 1984 Winter Olympics, today called Hotel Holiday, during the Siege used to be home to various foreign journalists and reporters who were reporting on Bosnian war and Siege of Sarajevo. Short walk along the infamous Sniper Alley and few interesting stories related to this place are planned in.
Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Sarajevo War Tunnel, Tuneli 1 Ilidža - Donji Kotorac, Sarajevo 71210 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Next stop of the day will be War Tunnel Museum – Tunnel of Hope, which was the major “blood vessel” for heavily sieged and destroyed city. At the Tunnel we shall see a short movie about the War in Sarajevo and Tunnel, followed by going through the Tunnel itself.

At the exhibition part of the museum we will have the opportunity to see many interesting exhibits directly connected with the Siege of Sarajevo.

The trip to the tunnel and all the way in the tunnel is covered with a true first person experience of classy guide, survivor of the Siege of Sarajevo, who is always willing to answer question (no matter what they are). We will learn about the origins of the War on Balkans and Death of Yugoslavia, the dreams Serbian leaders have had, and how they succeeded to seduce large number of Serbian nationalists throughout the whole Balkans, and made them go to war.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Trebević, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina
After the Tunnel we head toward the mountain Trebević which, by vast majority of its length, was a first line during the Siege and place of many battles on many battlefields.

At the site we have the opportunity to see where the real destruction appeared, such as Zlatište, Osmice, Trebević Vidikovac and many other destroyed facilities and sites.

Moreover, we will see the remains of bunkers, minefields, military tank caterpillar traces, tranches, bullets and grenade shrapnels and many many other interesting sites of destruction, which today, at the present time, haven’t yet being repaired or restored. They just stand there like two decades later, the war haven’t even ended yet.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Sarajevo Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track, Apelova Cesta, Sarajevo Bosnia and Herzegovina
Sarajevo Bobsleigh, originally built for the 1984 Sarajevo Winter Olympics, is one of the main highlights of the tour. Once there, we can admire Yugoslavian brutalist architecture, and learn more about the unfortunate events which took place at this location during the Siege of Sarajevo, since it used to stand on one of the main front lines. However, Bobsled is today featured at the top of the Worlds most beautiful abandoned places lists. It holds amazing amount of various graffiti by artists from all around the World, and you have a chance to see them all.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Jewish Cemetery Sarajevo, Gabrielle Moreno Locatelli, Sarajevo 71000 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Upon return to the city, last stop of the day will be Jewish Cemetery, known for its historical importance as it is one of the largest Jewish cemeteries in Europe. However, during the Siege of Sarajevo it was the main front line and sniper nest of the Republic of Srpska army, overlooking the infamous Sniper Alley.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: The Yellow Fortress, Sarajevo 71000 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Last stop is made on the Yellow bastion – built in the early 18th century, the fort above the old town of Sarajevo and Bosnian Army military cemetery of Kovači was made for purpose of defence of the city during the Ottoman era. Today serves as great viewpoint above Sarajevo and offers insight into better understanding of Siege of Sarajevo.
Duration: 20 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Breakfast in hotel
Accommodation included: Overnight at 4* hotel in city centre of Sarajevo

Day 3: Bjelašnica Snowshoeing

Stop At: Bjelasnica, Bjelasnica, Republika Srpska
We will start with 9 AM pick from hotel and drive towards amazing Olympic Mt. Bjelasnica.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Selo Umoljani, Umoljani, Trnovo 71220 Bosnia and Herzegovina
First day of incredible winter fun. Time to explore Bjelašnica Olympic mountain, and visit some local semi-nomad village and snowshoeing experience.

On this day we shall visit village of Umoljani and learn about the local traditions and conduct 3/4 hour, medium demanding snowshoeing adventure to region of Cold Creek.

Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Breakfast in hotel
Accommodation included: Overnight at 4* hotel in city centre of Sarajevo

Day 4: Jahorina Olympic Mountain

Stop At: Jahorina, Jahorina, Republika Srpska
Jahorina Olympic Mountain is by far our most modern ski resort, giving us unlimited opportunities for amazing winter activities. Depending on the guests personal ski experience we shall adjust the itinerary for every single person.
Skiing will take full day starting roughly from 8 AM when until 3 PM. You should expect return to Sarajevo around 5 PM.
Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Breakfast in hotel
Accommodation included: Overnight at 4* hotel in city centre of Sarajevo

Day 5: Travnik and Jajce Tour

Pass By: Visoko, Visoko, Zenica-Doboj Canton, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Morning ride will take us through interesting regions of central Bosnia, passing by Visoko town and valley of Bosnian Pyramids (can be arranged as a stop, but due to time limits on this day is recommended in our 2day package), and then along the flows of river Bosna and Lasva and especially beautiful flow and canyon of Vrbas until, nearly three hours later we arrive to Jajce.



Stop At: AVNOJ museum, Jajce 70101 Bosnia and Herzegovina
The 2nd Session of AVNOJ, which was held in Jajce on November 29th 1943 had for it result the foundation of SFR Yugoslavia.

The Jajce-born Yugoslavia was the socialist counterpart of the royal residence from the Middle Ages.

At the same session a document was adopted to mark the completion of the establishment of the state authorities of Yugoslavia. The building was reconstructed in 1947 and 1953. The Museum was founded in 1953. The first permanent collection of the Museum was installed in 18th February 1959.

In the course of the war (1992-1995) the Museum was exposed to significant damage, and its storerooms were plundered.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Fortress of Jajce, Old Town Jajce, Jajce 70101 Bosnia and Herzegovina
The fortress is the main stronghold of the defence system of a medieval town. It was built in the period between the 13th and the first half of the 14th century. The most famous ruler of the medieval town of Jajce was the duke Hrvoje Vukcic Hrvatinic at the turn of the 14th and the 15th centuries.

In the mid 15th century, the royal court moved in to Jajce, when a palace was built within the fortress. A biphora remained in bastion II, where quite possibly a dwelling place of the feudal lord was placed.

At the southern wall of the fortress is "the roaly portal " that was opened some time around 15th century.
Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Catacomb of Jajce, Jajce Bosnia and Herzegovina
Catacombs (underground church, the crypt) in the Jajce is located inside of city walls. Between the late 14th th and early 15th-century, when the town experienced a remarkable political and cultural development, the mighty bosnian duke Hrvoje Vukcic - Hrvatinić gave the order to build catacombs as a place of his last residence and last place of residence Hrvatinića ducal family.

Catacombs (underground church, the crypt) is an underground building carved into the solid rock and is placed 6m under the earth.

Under the decision of the Commission for National Monuments Protection of BiH, the monument is since 2003 proclaimed as national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Pliva Lakes, Jajce Bosnia and Herzegovina
After we have “tasted” Jajce for we go for the Lakes. In the vicinity of Jajce on Pliva river there are two lakes. Only five kilometre away we ll check up out Large and Small Pliva lake.

Whatever you prefer, walking around, kayaking or canoeing (in 1963. World and European Championship in kayaking and canoeing on still waters were held on Pliva lake), laying on the beaches, doing some swimming, even fishing or just photography – everything is only “desire” away

Very interesting part of the Pliva lakes story are Mills at small Pliva lake. Amongst people famously called “Mlinčići”, which once have been main promotional material for postcards and tourist potential of Great Austrian-Hungarian Monarchy. We check them up as well.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Stari Grad, Old Town, Ulica Varos, Travnik Bosnia and Herzegovina
Vizziers town and birthplace of Nobel winning author Ivo Andric famous for its amazingly tasty cheese and cevapi. Place definitely worth of visiting.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Tvrdava Stari grad, Travnik Bosnia and Herzegovina
Old Fort is one of the most beautiful and best preserved medieval fortified buildings in Bosnia on which later historical periods left their distinctive characteristics.
Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Sarena Dzamija, Donja Carsija, Travnik Bosnia and Herzegovina
This is most likely to be the most beautiful mosque in the whole country.
Duration: 15 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Breakfast in hotel
Accommodation included: Overnight at 4* hotel in city centre of Sarajevo

Day 6: Vlašić Mountain Hiking or Snowshoeing

Stop At: Vlasic Mountain, Kresevo Bosnia and Herzegovina
Vlašić is one of the most beautiful mountains of central Bosnia, offering wide range of snow possibilities. On this day we can opt for easy walks around the mountain or amazing uphill hiking. At all times we shall have our snowshoeing gear with us, so all options are available.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Blidinje Nature Park, Blidinje Nature Park, West Herzegovina Canton, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
The lake itself lies between Vran and Čvrsnica mountains, at the bottom of Dugo polje and at a height of 1184 metres above sea level. Given its surreal natural beauty, Blidinje Lake perfectly complements the landscape of Blidinje Nature Park.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Breakfast in hotel
• Lunch: Picnic Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at lodge by the lake.

Day 7: Blidinje Lake Adventure & Transfer to Mostar

Stop At: Blidinje Nature Park, Blidinje Nature Park, West Herzegovina Canton, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
In the morning we shall do some easy hiking around the Blidinje lake nature park, followed with relaxed walks around the Vran mountain.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Mostar, Mostar, Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Afternoon transfer to Mostar with hotel check in and nice and easy exploring of the old town.
Duration: 15 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: 4* hotel in city centre of Mostar

Day 8: Mostar and Herzegovina

Stop At: Old Bridge (Stari Most), Mostar Bosnia and Herzegovina
The main attraction of the day is Mostar and Old Bridge and Old Town which are covered in 2 hours walking tour. In Mostar we shall visit local museum and cover the history of the region.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Kravice Falls, Neretva valley, Studenci 88300 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Situated near Ljubuški, Trebižat river with its travertine sedimentations is today offering us unique and breathtaking attraction - Kravica waterfalls. Height range from 26-28 meters and water amphitheater of 120 meters below, plus surrounding nature of Kravica waterfalls altogether fall into unique geological monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Pocitelj, Pocitelj, Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Stunningly nested above Neretva river, visit to Počitelj (“Počivati” – Bos.”to rest in peace”), easy uphill, one hour long walking activity, accompanied with a stories of town’s development and strategic importance during its 600+ year long written history and visit to most important sites such as Hajji Alija Mosque, Clock Tower and Gavrankapetanovic tower, IS A MUST, for anyone passing through or near Herzegovina region.

Unique, medieval, Ottoman era glorified, present day Ottoman-Mediterranean style designed fortress – town Počitelj, is one of the very few urban ensembles in Bosnia and Herzegovina preserved in their integrity to the present times.

In the end of the walk we take some time for locally grown fresh lemonade or Bosnian coffee if you prefer.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Blagaj, Blagaj, Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Blagaj town is home to Buna river spring – Europe’s most beautiful, most powerful, clean and drinkable karst river spring, settled beneath few hundred meters high rock. Water comes out of quite large but stunningly deep cave, which springs amazing 43 cubic meters of water per second. Can you imagine this?

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Blagaj tekija, Blagaj village Localita Blagaj, Blagaj 88201 Bosnia and Herzegovina
ust next to the spring, under the rock, is home to Blagaj Tekke – Dervish house, dating most likely pre or early Ottoman era from early 16th century, as unique sacral-residential example of Islamic architecture in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Visiting this complex and learning more about Dervish life in Herzegovina as important part of our history is, MUST DO.

For Muslim travellers “Tekija” is place where prayers are hosted 5 times a day and can be attended if wanted.


Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Jablanica, Jablanica, Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Short stop at Jablanica where we learn WW2 story of “Neretva Battle” and “sniff” into the way how our greatest delicacy, famous roasted lamb on the spit is made.

Views of Jablaničko lake and regions of Prenj mountain are simply breathtaking and will make you wanna stop and breathe those in.
Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Konjic, Konjic, Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Unique, prehistorically inhabited, famous for 17th century 6-arch Old Bridge, looming over turquoise Neretva river, usually very sunny place, is day’s perfect start. Standing at WW2’s last day, during the Nazi withdrawal, destroyed bridge, we learn the story of the “monument to human stupidity”, mystery of Tito’s Bunker, famousness of white water rafting at upper Neretva region and glacier Boracko Lake, and few other stories before we continue our way.
Duration: 20 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at 4* hotel in city centre of Sarajevo

Day 9: Sarajevo Free Time & Airport Transfer

Stop At: Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Sarajevo Canton, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Free time in Sarajevo until airport transfer for your departure.

In case your transfer is in the later afternoon, we can combine it with some half day tours in Sarajevo.
Duration: 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.