At a Glance
Witness and be left in awe of nature’s untamed allure as you encounter striking mountains, gorgeous waterfalls, glacial lakes and even one of Europe’s last primeval forests on this 9-day walking discovery navigating from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Croatia.
Your adventure begins in the city of Trebinje in Bosnia and Herzegovnia, where you’ll journey Sutjeska National Park. Here, unearth the serene Donje Bare Lake and trek through a beech forest to summit Ugljesin Peak for sweeping mountain views. Your inspiring walking adventure continues to the challenging trail of Bosnia’s highest peak, Maglic Mountain at 2386m before walking over the border to Montenegro to marvel at the emerald green waters of Trnovacko Lake. Your journey takes you to the charming capital of Sarajevo where you’ll tap into its fascinating history with ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- Meals: all breakfast, 5x picnic lunch, 4x dinner
- Full porterage throughout
- 8-night accommodation in hotels on a twin share basis
Itinerary
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Making your own way from Dubrovnik Airport, your adventure begins at your hotel in the charming city of Trebinje in Bosnia & Herzegovina. You’ll stay at the quaint Hotel Leotar. Spend time unwinding at its lush open terrace with a glass of local wine or venture to the nearby cities and villages of the Adriatic Coast. Come late afternoon, your leader will conduct a briefing, after which we all savour a delectable welcome dinner in an enchanting setting of a local winery set up in the hills above the town. |
Hotel Leotar, Trebinje 
Dinner  |
Level 2, Approx. 8 km (5 miles), 4-5 hours walking, Elevation gain: 560 m (1837 ft), Elevation loss: 623 m (2044 ft) Before beginning the day’s adventure, we transfer to our hotel in Sutjeska National Park, after which we head out to the peaceful Donje Bare Lake. Be treated to a delicious lunch before navigating the beech forest and open mountainous landscape to the cliff of Ugljesin Peak (1858m) for one of the best scenic views of the Zelengora peaks and the rock face wall of Volujak. We continue on the charming path back to Gornje Bare Lake through the Tovarnica Ridge (1.5 hours) with Bosnia’s highest cliffs a constant companion on the horizon. Then, transfer back to the renovated Hotel Mladost in Tjentiste Valley, our home for the night nestled with the alluring nature of the National Park, whera a well-deserved dinner awaits |
Hotel Mladost, TjentisteBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Level 4, Approx. 15 km (9 miles), 9-10 hours walking, Elevation gain: 1036 m (4285 ft), Elevation loss: 1289 m (4229 ft) Today, you’ll transfer to Lokva Derneciste (approx. 1 hour) and set out to Bosnia’s highest summit, Maglic Mountain (2,386m), through thick forest and open mountainous landscape. The ascent is the most demanding part of today’s walk as it will take about 3-4 hours over well-preserved mountain trails with cliffs. Every step takes us farther above the surrounding cliffs until we reach the summit. Please note that this trek is not suitable for anyone suffering from vertigo. |
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At the summit, savour lunch and stunning vistas over Montenegro, before setting out to our next stop, the emerald waters of Trnovacko Lake. After descending to the lake, we head for Prijevor, where we meet our transfer back to the hotel. |
Hotel Mladost, TjentisteBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
We transfer to the Bosnian capital of Sarajevo, which lies at the heart of the Balkan Peninsula. Upon arrival, embark on a tour of the city's major historic, cultural, and war sites as you tap into its complex and intriguing history. Spend the afternoon delving deeper into the wonders of this diverse and charming city at your own leisure. Marvel at the largest mosque in the community, Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, a perfect representation of Ottoman architecture characterizing the city. Explore the fascinating Jewish museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, situated in the 16th century Old Synagogue. For those in pursue of a a slower pace can retreat to your hotel at Hotel Hecco. Located in the heart of Sarajevo offering prime proximity to the historic centre and gorgeous scenery comprising views over the entire city and the surrounding hills. Unwind in your spacious ensuite rooms before gathering together for another delightful dinner. |
Hotel Hecco, Sarajevo Breakfast, Dinner |
Level 3, Approx. 11 km (7 miles), 5-6 hours walking, Elevation gain: 957 m (3139 ft), Elevation loss: 1228 m (4029 ft) Begin today’s hike in a local picnic place that is half an hour’s drive from Crepoljsko and move toward Bukovik peak (1,534m), the highest point north of Sarajevo. This peak offers some of the best views of the mountains to the south. Moving from our starting point, we embark on a pleasant hike that takes us through meadows and coniferous forests up to Bukovik hut, with expansive views of mountains in the distance and the city in the valley right below us. Spend time relaxing at Bukovik hut before ascending the nearby Bukovik peak and continuing through a charming pine forest to the Skakavac waterfall. The Skakavac waterfall is the largest continually flowing waterfall in Bosnia and Herzegovina at an altitude of 98m. A relaxing lunch break and some tea or coffee welcome us here before we set out through the dense forest to the base of the waterfall. On reaching there, a spectacular view of water, mist and forest awaits us. Then, we navigate the forest to the small lodge, where we end our hike with an ice-cold drink. |
Hotel Hecco, Sarajevo Breakfast, Lunch |
Level 2, Approx. 9 km (6 miles), 4-5 hours walking, Elevation gain: 717 m (2352 ft), Elevation loss: 553 m (1814 ft) Today we have a full day walk in the Bjelasnica Mountains, home of the 1984 Winter Olympics, climbing Obalj peak (1,896m) and dropping by Lukomir, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s highest village at 1,469m. Journey on foot from the traditional style Bosnian Mosque in the village of Umoljani, a village which has served as a base for summer pastures for the locals. From here, we hike toward Obalj ridge, where we slowly rise above Studeni potok (Studeni stream). The vistas will start to open in front of us. With the mountains to the south, Treskavica and Visocica offer us awe-inspiring scenes. Getting to the slopes of Obaji, we continue and progress to the peak itself. From the summit, we see Lukomir village below where we descend from the top. Lukomir is Bosnia’s highest village at an altitude of 1,469m with its ancient stecci (mediaeval tombstones), where villagers still follow a traditional shepherd's way of life. On the village’s edge, you can catch a spectacular view of Rakitnica canyon, Obalj and Visocica. After a simple but luscious homemade late lunch, we head back to the hotel in Sarajevo. |
Hotel Hecco, SarajevoBreakfast, Lunch |
Level 2, Approx. 8 km (5 miles), 4-5 hours walking, Elevation gain: 507 m (1663 ft), Elevation loss: 510 m (1673 ft) Today presents us with the options of rafting deep into the Neretva Canyon or walking a stunning ridge overlooking the Neretva and Rakitnica Canyon. The Neretva River is a Herzegovinian gem, flowing over 200km from its source into the Adriatic sea. The water is typically calm from Spring to Autumn, and the trip gives you enough time to enjoy the canyon and its peculiar flora and fauna. Based on the season, there may be 2-4 rapids. The trip lasts 3-4 hours and costs approximately EUR 45 per person (paid locally). If you prefer to keep walking, we keep going to the isolated hills around Kasici village for an ethereal canyon walk above the Neretva River. We cross the suspension bridge and descend to meet the magnificent river itself where the rapids rush into the mouth of the relatively unexplored Rakitnica Canyon. The scenery here is nothing short of heart-stopping. After crossing another bridge at the mouth of the canyon, we can decide to rest in the caves or beaches. We head back through Konjic to meet up with those that chose rafting. At the end of the day we continue our journey to Mostar. On arrival at Mostar, we head to Hotel Kapetanovina, our home for the night. The hotel is located close to Mostar's main attraction, the Old Bridge, rated among one of the most beautiful bridges in the world. |
Hotel Kapetanovina, MostarBreakfast, Lunch |
We dedicate the morning to exploring Mostar, the former oriental centre of Herzegovina, seated on the Neretva River. This city was all over the news when it split during the conflict in the early 1990s. Though the scars of war remain, Mostar has once again become a warm and lively place with exceptional architecture. |
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We set out to Dubrovnik from Mostar, arriving at approximately 5 pm. Once we get there, we have all the time to tour the city. Dubrovnik is our final destination and the perfect way to end our week of trekking. This exceptional walled town is situated at the southernmost tip of Croatia. Formerly a thriving trading centre, Dubrovnik is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it continues to do an excellent job of preserving the Old Town and rich cultural life, which magnetises visitors every year. Your home for tonight is Hotel Zagreb, a splendid oasis featuring neo-classical and ArtDeco designs set in a small garden by a pedestrian way that leads down to a peacful beach. |
Hotel Zagreb, DubrovnikBreakfast |
Savour a relaxing breakfast, a perfect time to reflect on your incredible journey before you bid farewell and make your own arrangements for your onward travel. Alternatively, airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
NoneBreakfastDates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure point is Trebinje, Bosnia & Herzegovina
- The finish point is Dubrovnik, Croatia
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Trebinje. The nearest major airport is Dubrovnik Airport which has international and domestic flights from Dubrovnik, Croatia and is 42 km from the center of Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Another major airport is Tivat Airport (which has international flights from Tivat, Montenegro and is 71 km from Trebinje.
- Airport transfers are not included. Joining location starts in your accommodation in Trebinje, Bosnia & Herzegovina making your own arrangements there. Alternatively, airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us.
Bosnia & Herzegovina enjoys a similar climate to most of central Europe – hot summers, cool springs and autumns and cold winters with considerable snowfall. We visit from June to September when temperatures will be generally warm (25-30ºC), but these temperatures will be a little lower in the mountains. Rain can fall at any time of the year, although in mid-summer it is more likely to come as short, sharp thunderstorms. Walking on Maglic and Volujak can be unpredictable and it has been known to hail in August!
The walking level on this trip is rated Level 4 Moderate/Challenging.
Level 1 Leisurely: Experience is not necessary; anyone fit and healthy enough to complete a weekend walk will thrive. Walks are often optional. Trails are seldom flat, so expect a reasonable number of ascents and descents. You normally walk for two to five hours per day; daily ascents will likely be around 985ft to 1,640ft (300m to 500m), perhaps with the odd day around 1,970ft (600m).
Level 3 Moderate: Expect easy, medium-length walks or harder, shorter walks. Some experience is useful, but not essential. Good health and reasonable fitness are important. There will be walks at higher altitudes and some longer, harder days. Generally, though, the underfoot conditions will be fair. A walking day is normally five to seven hours; daily ascents will likely be around 1,640ft to 2,625ft (500m to 800m), perhaps with the odd day around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m).
Level 5 Challenging: Fitness is vital with extended walking in mountainous terrain. You might also experience high altitude, challenging climates and remote locations. Trekking experience is desirable, but not vital if you are confident in your physical condition. Walking days are usually between six and eight hours, although they may be longer for passes or peaks. Daily ascents can be around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m), perhaps with the odd day around 3,610ft to 3,940ft (1,100m to 1,200m).
Level 7 Tough: Trekking experience is essential and preferably at altitude. You need complete confidence in your ability to trek for many days over difficult terrain. You may encounter extreme altitude and weather conditions and may need to use ice axes and crampons. Stamina is essential as walking days last six to nine hours (sometimes more on occasions). Daily ascents will likely be around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m), perhaps with the odd day around 3,610ft to 3,940ft (1,100m to 1,200m).
Split and optional grades: Where a trip falls between two grades, an intermediate or ‘split’ grade is used. For example, Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). Occasionally there are optional ascents available; in this case, the grade will be highlighted.
This itinerary includes 5 daywalks through moderate to difficult terrain, where you will need to carry a day pack. We usually walk between 4-8 hours a day, with a picnic lunch taken on the way. The trails are mostly rocky and uneven and with that often rough and stony underfoot. The daywalks involve steady ascents and descents (maximum 1,000m). The walk on day 3 will be long but worthwhile. There are steep, long drops on sections of this trip, as well as paths that traverse along ridge lines. The daywalk on day 3 is not recommended for clients who suffer from vertigo.
During the trip we travel by air-conditioned minibus. The main roads are in generally good condition, but are very winding in places. At times on the mountain roads the ride is bumpy and slow.
Single supplements are available on request and are subject to availability.
Single supplement from AUD 369
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 90 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 90 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 90 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 90 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. The tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 5 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
