At a Glance
Encounter rich traditions, stunning architecture, and nature’s unrivalled allure on this 11-day cultural discovery walk into the Balkans. Traverse 3 countries from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Montenegro and delve deep into its unique cultures.
Your adventure begins in Dubrovnik before a 3 hour transfer to the gorgeous sea town of Kotor in Montenegro. Delve into the wonders of the city of Kotor and behold the elements that qualify it for UNESCO’s list. Explore the town of Perast and get a feel of its Italian atmosphere, and transfer to Cetinje for an exploration into the city. Witness the wonder that is the Ostrog Monastery and explore and enjoy the intricacies of Zabljak. Transfer to the Piva Gorge and embark on a scenic walk along the banks of the exquisite river before ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- Travel by private air-conditioned minibus
- All breakfast, 2x lunch, and 1x dinner
- 10 nights accommodation in hotels on a twin share basis
Itinerary
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Begin in Dubrovnik Airport in Croatia before transferring (approx. 3 hours) to the charming sea-faring town of Kotor in Montenegro. Nicely situated in one of South East Europe’s largest fjords, Kotor is a cultural gem dating from the 12th Century and still retains the Mediterranean character of the region. Our home in Kotor for the next two days is Hotel Porto In, situated in the quiet area of Kotor and is an easy walking distance from the Old Town. Settle in, relax and prepare your mind and body for the adventure ahead. Come evening, we gather together for a delicious dinner. |
Hotel Porto In, Kotor 
Breakfast, Dinner |
Today’s adventure starts with a visit to Kotor’s 4.5km long fortification walls featuring its churches and palaces. These majorly account for the inclusion in 1979 of Kotor on UNESCO'S list of natural and cultural heritage sites. We take a walk through some of Kotor's spacious squares, decorated with townhouses locally known as palaces and several spectacular religious buildings. Embark on a short transfer to Perast, a town previously owned by the Venetians, explaining the distinctly Italian aura. Perast's view is dominated by the 17th Century church of St Nikola, secured by a Venetian fortress and enclosed by gorgeous palaces and gardens once built by the famed sea captains of the Adriatic. Here, we eat lunch accompanied by views of the bay. After lunch, venture on a serene boat ride to the 'Lady of the Rocks' island and visit the chapel. Marvel at a fresh perspective of the Montenegrin coastline offering views of the towering peaks of the Dinaric Alps from the boat. Cruise back to the hotel by boat, the best way to truly enjoy this breathtaking setting. In the evening, explore one of the oldest settlements on the Montenegrin coast, Buvda. It is known for arguably having the best nightlife in the entire area. |
Hotel Porto In, KotorBreakfast |
Today, transfer to the town of Cetinje for an exploration of the city. Cetinje is the ancient capital of Montenegro and is located at the foot of Lovcen Mountain. Since 1485, Centinje has been the sacred centre of Montenegro, making it house more museums and cultural heritage sites than any other city in Montenegro. Uncover some of the main areas in this unfrequented cultural oasis in the Cetinjsko fields. From Cetinje, head towards Montenegro's gigantic interior en route visiting the holy shrine of St.Vasilije in the shaded Ostrog Mountains. Sophistically carved into the rising rock face, many people consider the Ostrog Monastery to be the most inspiring Orthodox sacred place in the former Yugoslavia. The monastery is the largest pilgrimage site in the country, with many Orthodox Christians, Catholics and Muslims paying homage to St. Vasilije, the founder of the 17th Century monastery. We bring the day to an end with a drive through isolated villages and high mountain passes to the small ski resort of Zabljak. Zabljak is nicely seated on a plateau at 1500m, encircled by lovely pinewood forests, high alpine mountains, and the deep Tara Canyon. Conveniently located in Zabljak's centre and surrounded by the breathtaking scenery that features 23 mountains and 18 lakes is Hotel Zabljak, our lovely home for the next two days. |
Hotel Zabljak, Zabljak Breakfast |
We dedicate today to exploring the Zabljak Plateau with its many lakes and traditional villages. Begin with a walk around the region's largest lake, a charming spot with sparkling waters mirroring the surrounding cliffs. We transfer to Podgora village around lunchtime. The village recently became part of a regional ecovillage network helping to promote tourism in rural communities. For lunch a local family provides us with delectable traditional Montenegrin mountain food. We also visit and enjoy vistas from one of the many viewpoints above Tara Canyon, which is considered the deepest European Canyon and as such is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage list. |
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Transfer back to Zabljak and spend the afternoon doing as little or as much as you please. Enjoy a scenic walk, go for a rejuvenating dip in the lake, or drink a glass of local wine or beer in one of Zabljak's cafes. |
Hotel Zabljak, ZabljakBreakfast |
Transfer to the border between Montenegro and Bosnia, approximately 2-3 hours, through Durmitor's interior with its striking cliffs, secluded mountain lakes and deep canyons. The mountain roads are narrow, and we encounter the occasional shepherd with his sheep moving up to the higher grassy pastures of Durmitor. This seasonal migration has been happening for centuries and is already part of Montenegrin culture and tradition. We navigate through the Piva Gorge down to Scepan Polje, the border crossing into Bosnia and Herzegovina, stopping where possible to soak in views of this wild and isolated part of Bosnia. Before lunch, we go for a walk along the Piva River to an old suspension bridge, which has been the only connection between the two river banks for a long time. The water here is remarkably pure and provides a great setting pure and provides a great setting for photos. After a mouth-watering lunch above the Piva River, continue through an empty and mountainous part of east Bosnia & Herzegovina to Sarajevo. After the day's adventure, retire to Hotel Cosmopolit situated a few minutes drive from Miljacka River and the charming Bascarsija quarter. Its location is perfect for a relaxing walk to the river, or you could stay in and enjoy its amenities. |
Hotel Cosmopolit, SarajevoBreakfast |
We take the whole day to explore the wonders of Sarajevo on foot and by bus. This city being one of the most culturally diverse in Europe, spent over 400 years under Turkish governorship until the Austro-Hungarians arrived in the late 19th-century. After forty years, the empire collapsed when Archduke Ferdinand was killed there, contributing to the outbreak of the First World War. The late 20th-century featured Sarajevo hosting the Winter Olympics in 1984 and the city's siege during the recent conflict. Our tour covers the major historical, vulture and war sites, which will help you understand its complicated history. Explore the main sites and a visit to the famed Sarajevo Tunnel Museum. The tunnel was a lifeline for the citizens of Sarajevo during their 1400 days of isolation. It 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. |
Hotel Cosmopolit, SarajevoBreakfast |
Today is for Bosnia's highest village, Lukomir, standing at 1469 metres with its ancient 'stecci' (mediaeval tombstones). Here, gain insight into the traditional way of life. People still wear customary dresses and the occasional turbans and fez, complementing it with more contemporary features of everyday life such as electricity and running water. The village houses here represent simpler times. We walk down towards the Rakitnica Canyon close by and find some spectacular viewpoints to admire this magnificent scenery. The sight of the mountains' dimension and the canyon below is one that will stick in your memory. In the village, we savour a filling and traditional lunch prepared by one of the main families still living there. At the end of the day, we return to Sarajevo. |
Hotel Cosmopolit, SarajevoBreakfast, Lunch |
This morning, we transfer to Mostar where we use the day to unveil the charming Herzegovinian city. Mostar's architecture was founded in the 15th century and is a combination of Turkish ingenuity and Herzegovinian and Dalmatian workmanship. We spend the morning and afternoon exploring Mostar, a city that was split during the conflict of the early 1990s. The scars of war remain, but Mostar is currently that warm and bustling place with an intriguing history. You have the rest of the day to explore the city on your own. You’ll stay at the charming Hotel Kapetanovina, situated close to Mostar's main attraction, the Old Bridge and Old Bazaar. |
Hotel Kapetanovina, MostarBreakfast |
The oriental-style town of Pocitelj is our first stop today. Pocitelj hosts the longest-functioning art colony in southeast Europe and was recently added to the list of UNESCO world heritage sites. The most distinctive object in Pocitelj is the Sahat Kula, a silo-shaped fort that occupies the skyline from a hill above the town. It was previously used to house watchmen and military guarding against possible invasion from ten Neretva Valley. |
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Our next stop is Kravice Waterfall, a stunning lush oasis in the craggy Herzegovinian terrain. Following a short walk and perhaps even a cooling swim, we set out to Blagaj for lunch. The Buna Spring and the adjacent Ottoman monastery are the highlights of Blagaj. The spring here is spectacular. Flowing out of a 200m cliff wall, it single-handedly creates the Buna River. The Ottoman sultan, being impressed, ordered that a Tekija be built right next to it. This 16th Century monastery was built for the Dervish cults and is one of the most mystical places in Bosnia and Herzegovina. You want to take a walk through Blagaj's Old Town. This leisurely Herzegovinan town moves at a slow pace, and many of its old buildings remind you of the Ottoman days. In this region, you will also encounter old flour mills that power the Buna River. We spend the rest of the afternoon and evening in Mostar. |
Hotel Kapetanovina, MostarBreakfast |
Today's journey takes us back to Dubrovnik through Radimlja with its many charming mediaeval Christian tombstones and Trebinje (the southernmost city in Bosnia and Herzegovina). Here, we visit the cellars for an intimate taste of the exquisite, earthy, bold red wines. Despite the tradition being in existence since Roman times, Herzegovina's wines are the newest in the 'second world' wine category. Its sunny Mediterranean climate and fertile hinterland soils give rise to the production of the finest wines in southern Europe. After eating lunch, we travel south to our final destination, a spectacular walled city that lies at the southernmost tip of Croatia, Dubrovnik. A former thriving trading centre, Dubrovnik now maintains its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its prosperous cultural life draws many visitors every year. |
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You have free time for the rest of the day in Dubrovnik, which you could spend touring the Old Town, walking along the ancient walls of Dubrovnik or swimming in the warm Adriatic. Amazingly, today's accommodation, the quaint Hotel Komodor, is located just 50 metres from the beach. |
Hotel Komodor, DubrovnikBreakfast |
Savour a relaxing breakfast and one last refreshing dip by the pool, 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 and finish point is Dubrovnik, Croatia
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Dubrovnik. The nearest major airport is Dubrovnik Airport which has international and domestic flights and is 21 km from the center of Dubrovnik. Another major airport is Tivat Airport which has international flights from Tivat, Montenegro and is 72 km from Dubrovnik.
- Airport transfers are only included for those on scheduled group flights. Joining location starts at Dubrovnik Airport. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the arrival time of the group flight. 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. Alternatively, airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us.
Bosnia and 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 (25C-30C/77F-86F). However, it will be a little cooler in the mountains. It is here 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
The walking level on this trip is rated Level 2 Leisurely/Moderate.
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 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 suitable for anyone. Travel is by private bus, generally on good roads, but mountain roads can be winding and you may at times experience a slow and bumpy ride.
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.
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 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 tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement of 6 is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour 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.
In the genuine spirit of expedition travel, we encourage exploration and adventure offering flexibility in challenging environments. This itinerary is only a guide and is subject to change due to weather, sea and other conditions beyond our control.
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.
