The Dinaric Alps cross the Balkans with a total length of 650 km. Starting in the north from Slovenia and the Julian Alps, they descend to Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro, ending on the Adriatic Sea coast in Albania. Unlike the popular Alps of central Europe, the Dinarics are still out of reach for the hiking tourist masses and remain an authentic journey through time, offering unique images to anyone who gets close to them. The mountain range is thought to contain the largest limestone massifs in Europe as erosion has created a plethora of wild peaks, dolines and rivers, such as the Tara River in Durmitor National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that runs through the gorge of the same name, which in places reaches a depth of 1,300 metres. Many visitors come here every year to raft the icy waters or hike one of the many trails.
Starting from the heart of the Dinaric Alps in Bosnia and Herzegovina and historic Sarajevo, we'll explore by hiking a 50km stretch of the via Dinarica trail, climbing Bosnia's highest peak at 2,386 metres and rafting the Tara River. From there, we will cross into Montenegro where we will explore crystal clear alpine lakes and climb Montenegro's highest peak at 2,523 metres, returning from Podgorica airport.
This programme is aimed at people who wish to explore a different side of the Balkans by hiking. with good physical condition. You will need good physical condition as the programme includes daily hikes of 10-15 km.
Highlights
Hiking in the most beautiful natural landscapes of Bosnia and Montenegro such as Durmitor National Park and the alpine lakes Trnovacko & Susicko.
Climbing the highest peaks of Bosnia and Montenegro
Rafting on the Tara River
Getting to know the cities of Sarajevo and Podgorica
The journey begins with a flight to the country's capital, the historic Sarajevo, which has been a crossroads of various cultures. In the afternoon, together with a local guide, we will explore the old town starting with a walk along the Milijacka River.
Accommodation in double rooms at the 4* Sana Hotel in the heart of the old town in double rooms with private bathroom and breakfast.
Today we will travel by road to Tjentiste, in the Sutjeska National Park where we will start the hiking route via Dinarica. At noon we will climb to Lake Jagodino and Kuk peak at 1,817 meters to enjoy the view of the nearby Zelengora and Volujak mountains. After a picnic lunch near the Papin Do shelter, we will descend to the hotel and from there we will go to the Sutjeska monument, dedicated to the World War II battle of the same name. Accommodation in the heart of the national park at the 3* Mladost Hotel in double rooms with private bathrooms. Breakfast, lunch, dinner included.
Sarajevo - Tjentiste : 100 km, 2 hours drive.
Hiking 10km, 5 hours, +475m, -475m
Today we will climb Bosnia's highest peak, Mount Maglić at 2,386 meters with a 4-hour ascent. From there we will continue to the beautiful lake Trnovacko before descending to Prijevor from where we will return by road to Tjentiste. Accommodation at the 3* Mladost Hotel in double rooms with private bathrooms. Breakfast, lunch, dinner included.
Prijevor - Tjentiste : 1 hour, 70 km by car
Hiking 15 km, 9 hours, +1350 m, -1300m
The Tara River is located in the homonymous gorge which in some places reaches 1300 meters deep and is considered one of the best and cleanest rivers in Europe for rafting. Today's 4-hour route in a green natural environment with II-IV grade passes will offer us moments of adventure and powerful images. Accommodation in wooden cabins for 2 - 4 persons with shared bathrooms at the Highlander camp next to the river. Breakfast, lunch, dinner included.
Tjentiste - Highlander camp : 40 km, 1 hour drive
After a short transfer to the border with Montenegro and the Mratinje dam, we will resume our hike to the Sokolina plateau which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. From there we will continue to the mouth of the Tara Gorge to reach today's accommodation, a traditional farmhouse in a secluded location, where we will stay "family style" in shared rooms with 3-4 beds per room.
Hiking 11 km, 5 hours, +900 m, - 450m
We continue with a day of great contrasts and hiking in different landscapes, from forest trails to rocky terrains. Starting from Susica shelter we will approach Susicko lake and end up at Skrka shelter where we will have lunch. Here, those who can bear it can take a dip in the icy waters of the alpine lake of the same name before descending to the Dobri do valley and the village of Žabljak where we will spend the night at the Zlatni bor hotel in double rooms with private bathrooms and breakfast. Breakfast is included.
Hiking 12km, 6 hours, +1050m, - 550m
Dobri Do - Zabljak : 30' drive
On the last day of our hiking exploration of the Dinaric Alps and to celebrate, we will climb the highest peak of Montenegro, Vobotov Kuk at 2,523 metres. Starting in the morning with a short transfer to Sedlo Pass at 1,900 metres, we will climb the lush green slopes of Surutka to the 14 scalloped massif, a landmark of Durmitor. We will then ascend to the glacial lake Zeleni Vir, from where the final ascent to Bobotov Kuk peak will take place. Overnight at the Zlatni bor hotel in double rooms with private bathroom and breakfast. Breakfast is included.
Zabljak - Sedlo Pass : 30' drive
Hiking 9km, 6 hours, +880m, -1050m
Departure to Podgorica airport for the flight back to Athens. Flights are not included, you can choose the return flight or stay longer if you wish. Breakfast is included.
Zabljak - Podgorica airport : 130 km, 3 hours
To reserve a seat you will need to book and pay a deposit of €500 via our "Book Now" page. Payment of the trip must be completed 60 days prior to departure to the following accounts
ALPHA BANK
Name : OUTDOORS TRAINING IKE
IBAN:GR1001407960796002002013550
When depositing the money, please note in the REASON field your name and the name of the trip BOSNIA MAYROVUNION and the departure date
In case of cancellation of participation, the following cancellation fees apply:
A passport with an expiry date at least 6 months after the date of exit is required to enter the country?
10 - 14 persons
Until places are sold out, please consult the relevant section of the cancellation policy.
Although there are no mandatory vaccines for entry into the country, before you travel, contact the Travel Medicine Office for instructions according to the destination
Travel insurance is not included in the cost of the trip. We recommend you to
contact our partner agency Add Value to suggest an insurance that covers various unexpected situations, e.g. injury requiring transportation and hospitalization, loss of a flight, theft or damage to personal belongings and documents, and even coverage for total cancellation of the trip under certain conditions.
The climate of the country during the implementation period is autumnal, with temperatures ranging from 15o C to 5o C. In some of the mountainous areas the temperature will drop significantly at night and some warm clothes will be needed (fleece or vest, long trousers, windbreaker). More information can be found here
The euro is accepted and ATMs are available almost everywhere to withdraw.
In several places during the hike there will be no coverage. It is recommended that you contact your provider for packages covering Bosnia and Montenegro.
The accommodation in Sarajevo, Sutjeska National Park and Zabljak, the accommodation will be in hotels in double rooms with bathroom and breakfast. At the Tara River (1 night), accommodation will be in wooden houses for 2 - 4 persons with shared bathrooms at the Highlander camp next to the river. In Sokolina (1 night), accommodation will be in a traditional farmhouse with basic facilities in a secluded location, where we will stay "family" in shared rooms with 2 - 8 beds per room
Breakfast is included daily, and some lunches and dinners are included. Lunches will be picnics and will include bread, cheese, cold cuts, vegetables, fruit, bars, etc. Dinners are only included where there are no other options in isolated locations. Bring canteens for 3 litres of water, it is drinkable
Transportation is by private air-conditioned vehicle. Air tickets are not included, the cost of which will be determined at the time of issue.
Tipping is an optional extra that is usually skipped even by happy travellers. However, such a gesture is an essential reward to the local support team which makes the trip possible under difficult circumstances by providing all the amenities of accommodation and food. As an indication, the amount of €50 per person for the local guide and €20/person for the local guide is suggested.
Flights are not included in the cost of the trip. When the minimum number of participants for the trip is reached, an offer for individual tickets will be sent to you through our office.
Price from €1450
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