TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit Sarajevo, the Jerusalem of the Balkans
• Scale Maglic (2,386m), the highest peak in Bosnia
• Rafting through the Tara Canyon, Europe’s deepest canyon
• Emerald glacier lakes of Durmitor National Park, UNESCO heritage

Day 1 Sarajevo Arrival

Arrive in Sarajevo, Bosnia. Your trip leader will meet you outside of the customs and immigration area at the airport. He or she will answer questions, brief you on the immediate arrangements, and escort you to our hotel in the old oriental trading quarter of Sarajevo.

In the afternoon there will be an organized tour of the major historical, cultural and war sites in the city that will help you to piece together its complex and fascinating history. In the evening we will enjoy a ‘welcome’ dinner and trip briefing. Our hotel tonight is in the old Ottoman trading quarter of Sarajevo.

Dinner / Pension Kandilj, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Day 2 Sutjeska National Park and Hike to the lonely summit of Kuk (1,817m)

In the morning, leaving Sarajevo behind, we will transfer to Sutjeska National Park. After we reach our hotel in the Tjentiste Valley, we will continue to Papin Do Hut and Jagodino Lake. From the lake, we continue over open mountainous terrain to the summit of Kuk (1,817m), right on the border with Montenegro, for panoramic views of the Zelengora mountain and the rockface wall of Volujak.

We descend partially the same way down, a bit more than an hour, with the Lebrsnik and Volujak slopes as constant companions on the horizon. After the lunch break close to the hut, we take a transfer back to the Park Valley, through the gorgeous Sutjeska River canyon, down to the hotel for a well-deserved dinner (approximately 45 minutes). In the late afternoon, before dinner, we take a 10 to 15-minute stroll from the hotel to visit the Partisan Memorial of Sutjeska. This giant, angular sculpture pays tribute to the thousands of Partisan soldiers who died during the Battle of Sutjeska in the Second World War.

Moderate walk / 3-4hrs walk / 450Δh / 7km
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Hotel Mladost – Tjentiste, Sutjeska National Park, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Day 3 Ascent of Maglic Mountain (2,386m), Bosnia and Herzegovina’s highest peak

We transfer to Lokva Derneciste (approx. 1 hour) and head for Bosnia’s highest peak, Maglić Mountain (2,386m), through the forest and open mountainous terrain. The ascent itself will take approximately four hours over fairly well-maintained mountain trails with steep cliffs and is by far the most demanding part of today’s trek. Please note it is not recommended for anyone suffering from vertigo.

Each step takes us further above the surrounding peaks until we reach the summit. Here we have lunch and enjoy wonderful views over Montenegro and of our next stop, the emerald green waters of Trnovacko Lake. After descending to the lake in the afternoon we head for Prijevor where we meet our transfer to the hotel in Tjentiste.

Challenging walk / 9hrs walk / 700Δh / 14km
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Hotel Mladost – Tjentiste, Sutjeska National Park, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Day 4 Tara Rafting, the deepest canyon in Europe

The Tara is one of the four beautiful whitewater rivers in Bosnia and Herzegovina that offer professionally guided rafting tours. Tara river ranks among Europe’s best for classes II-IV. This Tara River Rafting Tour will pleasantly surprise you with its stunning wilderness and unforgettable landscapes. A jewel amongst the world’s natural heritage spots, the Tara River boasts the deepest canyon in Europe.

The river follows the natural border between Bosnia & Montenegro most of the time. Near the end of the rafting, we enter Bosnia & Herzegovina. The 1,300-meter canyon has created some of the best rafting and kayaking in Europe. We’ll enjoy an early dinner on the Tara River. Tonight we stay at simple wooden bungalows next to the river, enjoying the sound of water and campfire.

II-IV class rapids, 3-4 hours of Rafting 
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Bungalows at Highlander Camp, Tara river, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Day 5 Hike to Crkvicko polje and Sokolina plateau

After a short transfer from Rafting Camp to the Montenegro side and Mratinje dam, which is 220 meters high, which makes it one of the highest in Europe, we’ll start today’s hike. The hike takes us the first bit uphill for about two hours after which we come out on the plateau and continue over it, with a great view of the surrounding mountains.
We end the day on the edge of Tara canyon at the Sokolina Guesthouse, with amazing views of the Durmitor massif and the Tara river we rafted the day before.

Moderate walk / 6-7hrs walk / 600Δh / 19km 
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Sokolina Guesthouse, Durmitor National Park, Montenegro

Day 6 Hiking from Susica hut to Skrka lakes and Skrka mountain pass (2,112m)

Today’s hike continues onwards from Susica Mountain Hut via the Susicko lake and Skakala waterfall, all the way to Skrka Mountain Hut and lakes. Beautiful spot where we will make a lunch break and if you're brave enough enjoy the cold glacier waters dip. From here we continue via Skrka pass at 2,112m and all the way down to Dobri do valley.

Today’s hike is a total of 12km, which takes us from forested trails, over rocky, mountain terrain and finally descending to the plateau of Dobri do. Today we will enjoy some tremendous views, and stunning peaks surrounding us.

Moderate walk / 5-6hrs walk / 950Δh / 12km
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Pension Javorovaca, Zabljak – Durmitor National Park, Montenegro

Day 7 Ascent of Bobotov kuk (2,523m), a Montenegro pride

Our last day of hiking ends with another high point: a climb of Bobotov Kuk (2,523m), Montenegro’s highest peak. Starting relatively high, on Sedlo (1,900m), we hike over the grassy slope of Surutka toward Zupci (“Teeth”), a magnificent massif with 14 sharp rocky “teeth” - a trademark of Durmitor. 

After circling the “teeth,” we arrive at the glacial Zeleni Vir Lake, the highest in Durmitor, and then begin a steep ascent toward Bobotov Kuk. With every step, the views expand, until we reach the top of Bobotov Kuk - and of Montenegro. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Adriatic Sea from this vantage point. 

We enjoy lunch here and then descend back via Zeleni vir. This part of the trip is easy and we hike over grassy meadows, followed by a short ride back to Zabljak for a well-deserved rest.

Challenging walk / 6-7hrs walk / 650Δh / 14km
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Pension Javorovaca, Zabljak – Durmitor National Park, Montenegro

Day 8 Transfer to Podgorica

Transfer to Podgorica Airport (2.5hrs) will be provided for your homeward-bound flight.

Breakfast