Bosnia & Herzegovina Adventure Itinerary

Starting in

Sarajevo, Bosnia And Herzegovina

Physical Difficulty

2 / 5

Breakfasts included

7

Lunches included

1

Dinners included

3

Ending in

Sarajevo, Bosnia And Herzegovina

Accommodation

Hotel (5 nights), Guesthouse ( 2 nights)

Transport

Public bus , Private vehicle , 4X4 Jeep

Nature, history and culture collide across Bosnia and Herzegovina on this round-trip eight-day exploration from Sarajevo. So recently touched by upheaval, the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina are eager to share their history and customs with you – through good food and local stories. Spot wild horses in the mountains, step inside a preserved bunker that remained a national secret for decades, go hiking to the mountain village of Lukomir and tuck into home-made cheeses, pies and boreks.

Day 1: Sarajevo

Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Your adventure begins in Sarajevo, the capital and largest city that sits on the Miljacka River, surrounded by the Dinaric Alps. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you’ll meet your leader and fellow travellers. After, head into the surrounding hills for a cooking demonstration and welcome dinner with your local hosts, Mersiha and Mustafa in their home overlooking the city. Learn how to make burek (Bosnian pita), then enjoy a hearty, home-made meal of dolma (stuffed vegetables) while Mersiha and Mustafa share stories about their lives, Bosnian cuisine and the city they call home.

Day 2: Jajce

Hop aboard the public bus to Jajce, arriving about midday with time to grab some lunch. Then, take a walking tour with a local guide. Jajce is the birthplace of Yugoslavia, so you’ll visit the AVNOJ Museum to learn about Jajce and Bosnia in the 20th century. On the way, stop by the 22-m-tall Pliva Waterfall in the centre of town. This small town dates back to ancient times and maintains a mix of cultures and religions. Tonight, you have free time to explore at your own pace – maybe go and see the incredible views from the top of the town at the local 14th-century fortress.

Day 3: Mostar

Head south via private transfer towards Mostar, stopping in Livno along the way. When you arrive in Livno, head up to the base of Cincar Mountain in 4WDs to take in the views of the Dinaric Alps before venturing off-road in search of the 400 wild horses that call these foothills home. After, carry on to Mostar, famed for its iconic Stari Most, which stands as a symbol of reconciliation and international cooperation and hosts a diving competition in the summer months. Learn all about this historic city on a guided walking tour before settling into your hotel for the night.

Day 4: Mostar

Spend the day exploring the nature, history and treats of the Herzegovina region – the southern part of the country. Stop at Blagaj Tekke – a dervish monastery perched above the Buna River at the base of a towering cliff. Explore the sacred site and museum, wandering through Ottoman architecture and colourful rooms. Next, stop in Stolac and pop into Mehmedbasica Kuca (a historic house) for a slice of smokvara (traditional fig cake) before embarking on a short hike to Kravica Waterfall. Go for a dip in the waterfall, then head back to Mostar, where you’ll have a free evening to explore at leisure.

Day 5: Konjic

Fuel up for the day with a Bosnian coffee demonstration in a local, traditional coffeehouse that uses beans freshly roasted on-site. Travel to the nearby town of Konjic, known for its military history. Tour the Armijska Ratna Komanda ARK D-0 (Tito’s Bunker) – an impressive nuclear shelter and command centre built in 1953 to house the head of the Yugoslavian army and up to 350 military staff. The nearly 7000-sq-m, 100-room underground facility went largely unscathed during the Yugoslav Wars and today stands as a unique monument to the former Yugoslavia. Your knowledgeable local guide will share stories and insights into life in the Yugoslav era. From there, settle into your countryside accommodation. Get a sense of remote life with a stroll along the riverside path before tucking into a home-cooked, organic dinner back at the guesthouse.

Day 6: Lukomir - Umoljani

This morning, enjoy a homemade breakfast with regional specialties like prosciutto or cream-filled donuts. Then, drive to Umoljani. When you arrive, you'll embark on a circular hike to the mountain village of Lukomir, near the Bjelasnica Mountain. Home to some incredible hiking trails and myths of dragons, Lukomir is the highest and most remote village in the country, with a population of only 15! Today's hike is along the most beautiful route in the area, along a path that winds up and down the rolling mountains. When you arrive in the village, you'll be treated to some homemade cheese in one of the village households, followed by some freshly baked meat pies. Mingle with the locals, explore the tiny village, then make your way back to Umoljani for the night.

Day 7: Sarajevo

This morning you'll drive to Sarajevo – the heart of the country. After checking into the hotel, set out into the city for a guided walking tour. You’ll visit the shop of Bosnia’s sole female coppersmith, Nermina Alic, who learned the trade from her father and continues the family business today, using traditional methods to handcraft coffeepots, candleholders and plates. Wander among the shops and stalls of Bascarscija – the historic bazaar in the city’s cultural centre. Tonight, maybe head out for a farewell dinner and top your adventure off with a slice of Sarajevska baklava.

Day 8: Sarajevo

Your expedition comes to an end after breakfast today in Sarajevo. If you'd like to extend your adventure, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

Essential Trip Information

Joining point

Hotel Boss, Alifakovac 42 71000 Sarajevo, BiH , Sarajevo, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA, Phone: +38 7 33 869 656

Finish point

Hotel Boss, Alifakovac 42 71000 Sarajevo, BiH , Sarajevo, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA, Phone: +38 7 33 869 656

Important information

1. A Single Supplement to have your own room is available to book on this trip.

Emergency contact

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.

For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us

In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below:





If you have booked an arrival transfer, and you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find to the driver, please contact the transfer operator directly on the number listed in the joining point instructions in the section above.

Intrepid's Local Operator: +49 8024 4679 540

Is this trip right for you

This itinerary requires a good level of fitness due to exploring towns on foot and hiking.

You'll occasionally use public transport on this trip, providing for a truly authentic travel experience. You will need to manage your own luggage on and off vehicles, so we recommend that you pack light.

Most of the accommodation on this trip is in hotels, however, we also spend two nights at a countryside guesthouse where accommodation is also in twin-share rooms. Many travellers find this experience offers a rewarding, authentic slice of rural hospitality.

Why we love it

Share a meal hosted by locals Mustafa and Mersiha in their kitchen overlooking the city of Sarajevo., Go off-road in search of wild horses in the foothills of Mount Cincar – your expert local leaders and guides know all the best spots to look., Explore the historic and off-the-beaten-path town of Jajce – the birthplace of Yugoslavia and home to centuries-old architecture and a fairytale waterfall., Step inside Josip Tito’s bunker – a massive and well-preserved underground nuclear shelter from the Yugoslav era that just recently opened to visitors., Meet Sarajevo’s only female coppersmith while wandering the cobblestone walkways of the city’s historic cultural centre.

Group leader

All Intrepid group trips in Europe are accompanied by one of our local European group leaders. ’Local’ in this context means a leader who is European or lives in Europe. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader takes care of logistics, will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.

At Intrepid we also aim to support local guides in the individual cities or locations we travel to. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend an optional local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Safety

TRAVEL ADVISORIES & ALERTS
We recommend that you check your government's foreign travel advisory for the latest information about the destination before you travel. You will also need to ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Links to travel advisories and any current travel alerts for our trips can be found here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts

PERSONAL SAFETY
Ensure you have a secure method of carrying your passport, phone, credit cards and cash while travelling such as a money belt. Leave all other high value items, including jewellery, at home Use safety deposit boxes at hotels to store your valuables when available and ensure your luggage is lockable. Be aware of the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft. Exercise caution when walking at night, don’t walk alone and stick to well-lit streets wherever possible. Be vigilant on public transport and look out for your fellow travellers. Take precautions such as carrying your bag in front of you and never leaving personal items unattended.

LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS
Intrepid welcomes all LGBTQIA+ customers on our trips, however we operate in parts of the world that are less accepting. We support LGBTQIA+ customers to travel to these destinations and are committed to ensuring they face no discrimination on any part of the trip we control. We recommend you visit Equaldex (https://www.equaldex.com/) and your government's foreign travel advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers when choosing your trip., https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines, PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY
While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing., SCAMS
Common scams operating in Europe include ploys to get you fined on the metro without a validated ticket. Ensure that you always travel with a validated ticket (have your ticket stamped). Another common scam is used by children who distract you with a map or a newspaper and while you are attending to them, steal your valuables. You may also come across players offering you to participate in the so-called "shell game". This is a scam and you will most certainly lose your money., SEAT BELTS:
Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts.

Visas

PASSPORT
You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.

We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.

VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

Last modified (date)

Information not available.

Validity

Validity: 01 Jan 2025 to 31 Dec 2025

Additional Information

Health

GENERAL HEALTH
All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements.

When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. 

Food and dietary requirements

While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There's no obligation to do this though.

BREAKFASTS
There are some continental breakfasts included on this trip which may simply include bread/toast or pastries, butter, jam, coffee/tea/juice (or similar).

VEGETARIANS
Vegetarians might find the menu selection in Europe less varied than they would see at home. Vegetarianism is not as common in this region and generally the choices are basic, involving vegetables, soups, salads, bread, cheese, fruit, yoghurt, eggs etc. Vegans and those on gluten-free diets may find this region very challenging and may need to supplement meals with their own supplies from supermarkets and markets. Wherever possible we will cater for dietary needs for any included meals, but there may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own.

Money matters

SPENDING MONEY
When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling.

The local currency in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Convertible Marka (BAM).

TIPPING
Tipping can be an appropriate way to recognise great service when travelling. While it may not be customary in your home country, it is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many of our destinations and is greatly appreciated by the people who take care of you during your travels. It is always best to avoid tipping with coins, very small denomination notes, or dirty and ripped notes, as this can be regarded as an insult rather than the goodwill gesture it is intended to be.

We recommend budgeting approximately EUR 10-20 per person per week to tip local service providers for activities included in this trip, in local currencies. This doesn’t include a tip for your leader.

YOUR GROUP LEADER OR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE
You may consider tipping your group leader or local representative for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline, 4-7 USD or EUR per person per day (in a currency relevant to your destination), can be used. Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your group leader or local representative on your trip.

CONTINGENCY FUNDS
We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

What to take

PACKING
On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips. You can find Intrepid's Ultimate Packing List on our website. It should be used as a guide only and isn't intended to be a complete packing list.

, https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list, TRAVELLING ON LOCAL TRANSPORT
It's important that your bags can be locked, as on local transport it may be necessary that your luggage gets stowed separately (and unattended). The smaller your bag the better for you and other passengers. To ensure maximum comfort, try to pack small and light., WATER BOTTLE
Please bring your own water bottle to refill. Although it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when travelling, please use the water dispensers which are provided on some of our vehicles and at some of our accommodation. When unable to avoid bottled water, it is better to buy the largest available and distribute it into your smaller bottle for the day. Some travellers like to bring a bottle with its own filtration system or water purification tablets. If you are walking or trekking as part of your trip, you will need to carry at least 2 litres of water with you.

Climate and seasonal

Information not available.

A couple of rules

Intrepid won't tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams or local communities.

To ensure the wellbeing of everyone on the trip, decisions made by your group leader are final.

Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip.

Any behaviour that prevents your leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines may result in Intrepid denying your booking or removing you from the trip.

If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your group leader immediately. Alternatively, you can contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact Information section of this Essential Trip Information.

Accommodation notes

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.

Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

Transport notes

TRANSPORT IN EUROPE
Half the fun of travel is the travelling itself, that's why we like to travel the local way – whether that means mingling with commuters on a local train, watching the scenery roll by from the window of a long distance bus, arriving on a high speed train in the city centre of your next destination, or navigating each city's public transport system. In Europe, you are guaranteed to travel by genuine local public transport wherever possible, which puts you right in the centre of the action.

PUBLIC BUSES
This trip covers some distances by public buses. Buses in the Balkans can range from high standard coaches with reclining seats and air-conditioning to older and more basic vehicles for shorter distances.

PRIVATE VEHICLES
Some sections of this trip are travelled by private transport. Our vehicles are locally sourced, comfortable and mostly air conditioned, which makes travelling enjoyable. On some days we will be covering long distances, which will make these days feel longer, however spectacular views and interesting stops along the way make up for it.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative.

If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.

For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise.

For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below:


https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

Your fellow travellers

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure.

SOLO TRAVELLERS
On our trips, rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender, as per the gender marker on each of their passports.

We also offer an optional single supplement on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. This only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will always be on a single-room basis.

On a small selection of trips some accommodation will be open-gender and multishare, such as a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam. Please review the Accommodation section of the Essential Trip Information for details about your trip.

LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS
We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. If your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

Itinerary disclaimer

ITINERARY CHANGES
Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns.


OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist.

Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

MUSEUM VISITS & OPENING TIMES
Many sites, attractions and museums are closed on Mondays (and sometimes Tuesdays). We recommend checking the opening times of anywhere you're interested to visit and making reservations where required/possible.