Private Central Dinaric Alps Hiking, Biking & Rafting Adventure 2024

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit Sarajevo, the Jerusalem of the Balkans

• Untouched Mountain settlements, canyons & summits

• Discover the part of Via Dinarica long-distance trail

• Bike over Three mountain ranges - Bjelasnica, Visocica & Prenj
• Raft Neretva River, the green emerald of Herzegovina

Day 1 Sarajevo Arrival

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

Day 2 Hike along the Via Dinarica to Vito Peak (1,960m)

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

Day 3 Cycling the Visocica mountain down to Boracko Lake

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

Day 4 Neretva River Rafting Adventure

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

Day 5 Departure

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