ADVENTURE WITH HIGHLAND VILLAGES, FAST CYCLING DESCENTS AND RAFTING THROUGH DEEP CANYONS
A great combination of hiking, biking on Bjelašnica and Visočica Mountain ranges and rafting through the Neretva Canyon. Come with us to Bjelašnica’s hidden highland villages, and enjoy a rare view of the emerald of Herzegovina flowing over 100 kilometres from its source into the Adriatic Sea. Expect deep canyon walls, endemic flora and fauna, and a wild and pristine ambience that only the Neretva can provide.
You should be reasonably fit for this one and it requires some biking experience!
DEPARTURE DATE
Visit Sarajevo, the Jerusalem of the Balkans
Untouched Mountain settlements, canyons & summits
Discover the part of Via Dinarica long-distance trail
Bosnia and Herzegovina with its fascinating history, delicious cuisine, vibrant cities, primeval forests, rich cultures and warm welcome is an exciting destination for a walking and cultural holiday in the heart of the Balkans.
Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Sarajevo Old Town. You will have time in the afternoon to familiarize yourself with this magnificent city, which summarizes and connects the best from Eastern and Western cultures. Stroll past with your local guide Benjo, the location of Franz Ferdinand's assassination, the City Hall, Baščaršija bazaar, and much more, including some of the best Sarajevo nightlife spots.
Accommodation: Hotel Kandilj, Sarajevo
Meals: n/a
After breakfast, the adventure starts with a transfer to Bjelasnica and the village of Umoljani (1,200m), where our accommodation is. We are now in the heart of the Dinaric Alps & Via Dinarica long-distance trail, which is home to the peak of Vito (1,960m), one of the most attractive ones in this section of Via Dinarica White Trail. The whole area is home to the beautiful stone of karst stone with water sources and underground rivers as high as 1,700m.
During springtime, the area is dotted with lakes which dry out as summer approaches but reappear in the autumn! Starting the hike from the nearby village of Tusila (some 15-minute transfer), we ascend up through open meadows and lush beech forest until the summit of Vito (1,960m) where the views are spectacular. Romantic and incredibly beautiful we'll take time to enjoy lunch and the all-important summit photos. In the afternoon we circularly descend the ridge, to our vehicle with a short transfer back to Umoljani village for a well-deserved dinner.
Accommodation: Pension Umoljani, Umoljani village
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Full-day biking in the Bjelašnica and Visočica mountains down to Boračko Lake, over two mountain passes on a recently paved road, with magnificent views of Prenj and its peaks.
The gentle asphalt road starts directly from your accommodation downhill. As th first part gets easy, it will give way to a more challenging and steep road on a stretch between the Bjelašnica and Visočica Massifs through the heart of the Visočica Range. However, as is often the case in the Balkans, lessons here come at human speed—and specifically when you stop.
You pass medieval tombstones, monuments of Bosnia’s mediaeval history, and a reminder of what once was a Kingdom stretching all the way to the Dalmatian coast. Passing by the village of Luka we recommend you stop for a coffee break at one of the roadside cafes. People have been welcoming travellers here since the time of the Crusades. “Bosnians are known as friendly people, and eager to talk to others about Bosnian beauty and history and to hear from visitors about their habits and history.
The highlight is an amazing downhill ride to the valley on the other side of Visocica Mountain and Neretva River.
At the end of the day, we have one last short climb before reaching Boračko Lake. Take a refreshing swim in the lake as a reward. As family traditions dictate here in Bosnia and Herzegovina, get ready to be treated to an abundant meal of delicious local delicacies, and warm hosts ready to interrogate you about your accomplishments of today.
Accommodation: Boracko Lake Apartments, Boracko Lake
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We end our three-day activity Adventure with rafting deep down into the Neretva Canyon.
The Neretva River is the emerald of Herzegovina, flowing over 100 kilometres from its source into the Adriatic Sea. In the upper canyon is some of the most beautiful rafting in Europe. The water is calm during the summer months, and the trip provides ample opportunity to enjoy the canyon and its unique flora and fauna. Depending on the season, there will be class II-IV rapids. The trip lasts for approximately 4 hours with breaks for swimming and a snack. Lunch will be provided at the end of the day overlooking the Neretva River and Konjic Old Bridge. Late afternoon transfer back to Sarajevo.
Accommodation: Hotel Kandilj, Sarajevo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Depending on your flight time, you’ll maybe have some last-minute shopping or exploration of Sarajevo Old Town, before the transfer to Sarajevo International Airport (30 minutes).
Meals: Breakfast
What’s Included: Airport transfers, Transportation from Sarajevo to activities location and back, Accommodation (Hotel in Sarajevo, Mountain chalet at Umoljani Village and Boracko Lake), Support vehicle for transport of gear & luggage to Boracko Lake (during biking day), Meals as stated (breakfast 4x, lunch 3x & dinner 2x), One/two fully equipped and experienced mountain hiking, biking and rafting guides, Rental of Specialized Rockhopper Comp 2016/2019 Mountain bikes (with helmets & water bottles), Rafting with all safety gear & VAT.
NOT Included: Flights to the destination & back, Meals not noted on the itinerary, International insurance, Optional tipping to the leader and local staff, Souvenirs and items of a personal nature (sodas, alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.).
What to bring: Hiking boots recommended/Sturdy walking shoes, hat, shorts, sunglasses, sun cream, 1,5 liter of water, personal hygiene kit, fleece/jumper, rain gear, change of clothes (e.g. dry socks, T-shirt & underwear, trousers), 20 to 30 liter backpack.
For Biking sneakers, for Rafting sandals for in the water, towel & swimming costume.