Lace up your walking boots for a nine-day escape in the Western Balkans. Journey from Sarajevo to Dubrovnik, walking through the changing landscapes, rich histories and vibrant cultures of Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro along the way. Our leisurely itinerary ticks off mountain villages, coastal charm and everything these Balkan gems have to offer in between.
Breakfast: 8
Dinner: 1
Explore Tour Leader
Minibus
2 nights simple guesthouse
6 nights comfortable hotel
Leisurely
Trip maximum 16 Explore average 11
Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.
Our walking tour of the Balkans starts today in Sarajevo, the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Nestled among forested mountains, Sarajevo captivates visitors with its blend of Ottoman charm and Austro-Hungarian elegance, where lively bazaars, coffeehouses and poignant historic sites create a city of unforgettable contrasts.
Our tour leader will meet us for a welcome meeting in the hotel lobby this evening at 7pm, giving us time to get to the hotel and put our bags down after the flight.
Hotel Hecco (or similar)
Grade: Comfortable Hotel
This morning, we'll set out at 9am and drive to Lukomir Village where our hike begins. The drive will take us through the scenic Bjelasnica mountain range all the way up to Lukomir which is highest and most remote village in Bosnia, sitting at 1,495 metres/4,904 feet above sea level. You'll notice that life here has changed very little over the centuries - it's a real insight into the true Bosnia.
From Lukomir, we hike up to the Obalj summit, which offers sweeping views of the Rakitnica canyon and its surrounding peaks. At the end of our walk, we'll drive back to Sarajevo where we'll arrive at around 6pm. The evening is then free for you to explore the city solo.
Today's 8 kilometre/5 mile hike is expected to take around 3-4 hours with a total ascent and descent of 410 metres/1,377 feet. The terrain is mainly Alpine meadows, low bushes and vegetation.
We'll set off at 9am this morning, taking the short walk through town to the Sarajevo cable car. The cable car takes us all the way up to Mount Trebevic (the site of the 1984 Winter Olympics) in just 10 minutes and this is where today's walk begins.
Our circular trail will give us beautiful views right over Sarajevo and across the Dinaric Alps. At the end of our walk, we'll head back down in the cable car and walk back to our hotel. This afternoon, we'll drive to our next stop - Mitrovac in Serbia's beautiful Tara National Park - crossing the Vardiste/Kotroman border along the way. We aim to arrive at our hotel at around 6pm.
Today's 4.5 kilometre/ 2.8 mile hike is expected to take around 2 hours with a total ascent and descent of 250 metres/ 820 feet.
Mitrovacki Konak Guesthouse (or similar)
Grade: Simple Guesthouse
This morning, we'll meet at 9am and drive to today's starting point in the Tara National Park. The park is home to some of the most astounding viewpoints in the Balkans and we'll tick off its crowning jewel, Banjska Stena. This incredible viewpoint looks out over the lapis lazuli waters and the park's sprawling forested peaks.
Our hike is short but rewarding, leading us to a dramatic cliff above the Drina canyon, with views of Bosnia on the other side. We'll hike through dense evergreen and beech forest, partly on a single-track trail and partly along an unpaved forest road. In the afternoon, we'll drive into Sjenica town on the Pester Plateau - one of the largest plateaus in this part of the world.
Today's 6 kilometre/ 3.7 mile hike is expected to take around 2 hours with a total ascent of 20 metres/ 66 feet and descent of 90 metres/295 feet
Hotel Lane (or similar)
This morning, we'll drive to the Uvac Nature Reserve to hike one of Serbia's most stunning natural reserves. The reserve is famous for its dramatic waterways and also as a sanctuary for the endangered griffon vulture.
After a short transfer, we'll hike to Molitva, a viewpoint perched above the river canyon where we'll get post-card perfect views of an incredible network of meanders enclosed by a mountainous landscape. We'll be walking along karst terrain with low vegetation and along the side of the canyon with a view of the river.
After our walk, we'll drive over to Montenegro stopping at the Circovika watermill near Pljevlja - the journey will take around two-and-a-half hours. We'll then continue to Zabljak, which will take around another hour.
Today's 5.5 kilometre/3.4 mile hike is expected to take 2 hours with an ascent of 130 metres/426 feet and a descent of 280 metres/918 feet.
Hotel Gorske Oci (or similar)
Our hike today starts from our hotel. We'll walk through the town to the entrance of the Durmitor National Park where we'll begin our hike up to Lake Jablan, the highest lake in the national park at 1,791 metres/5,875 feet. The hike takes us through a dense evergreen forest and through alpine meadows. The hike today is longer, so we'll take it at our own pace and have plenty of opportunities to stop along the way and soak up the beautiful nature surrounding us. We'll walk all the way back to the hotel to finish the day at around 5pm.
Today's 14 kilometre/ 8.7 mile hike is expected to take 5 hours with an ascent and descent of 490 metres/1608 feet
Our hike today starts from our hotel as we head to see some of the most iconic glacial lakes in the Durmitor National Park; Crno, Zminje and Barno. Surrounded by pine woods and mountain silence, these lakes offer a peaceful walking experience in pristine nature. The hike today is longer, so we'll take it at our own pace and have plenty of opportunities to stop along the way and admire our surroundings.
In the afternoon, we'll drive towards Monastery Ostrog where we'll spend a night in a guesthouse near the monastery.
Today's 14 kilometre/8.7 mile hike is expected to take 4 hours with an ascent and descent of 200 metres/656 feet.
Old House Kontic (or similar)
On the final full day of our tour, we'll set out at 9am with a five-minute transfer to the Lower Ostrog Monastery. From the Lower Monastery, we begin a peaceful walk to the Upper Monastery. The trail winds through forest and follows the path traditionally taken by pilgrims. At the top, we'll visit the Upper Monastery, carved directly into the rock and offering panoramic views over the Bjelopavlici plain. It's a place of deep spiritual significance for Orthodox Christians as well as visitors of all backgrounds.
At the end of our walk, we'll transfer back to the lower Ostrog Monastery and continue our journey to Trebinje, our stop for the night. We aim to arrive around 5pm.
Today's 2.5 kilometre/1.5 mile hike is expected to take 90 minutes with an ascent and descent of 250 metres/820 feet.
Hotel Leotar (or similar)
There are no planned activities today. Departing Trebinje, we'll drive to Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) (a one-hour journey) where our trip ends. We aim to arrive at the airport at around 10am. The earliest your flight can depart is 12pm.
Total distance : 54.5 kilometres
With only 20 kilometres of coastline on the Adriatic Sea, Bosnia and Herzegovina has a continental climate for the most part, with cold winters and warm summers. There is a chance of sporadic rain in spring and autumn, though generally it is in the form of short showers. Thunderstorms can occur in summer, generally helping to cool the air. In spring to autumn the temperatures are normally in the low to mid 20's (in °C). Much of the country is mountainous or hilly, rising to a height of 2,386 metres and winter snow lies for long periods in the higher regions. Mostar is set back from the coastline on a plain, which has a hotter Mediterranean climate with temperatures averaging in the mid to high 20's (in °C) in spring and autumn and July and August in the low 30's (in °C) - although sometimes temperatures here can get up as high as 40°C.
+1
2 Pin Round
Islam (mainly Sunni) and Christian (mainly Serbian Orthodox)
Bosnian, Serbian and Croatian
The Croatian Adriatic has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm, dry, sunny summers. There is a chance of sporadic rain in spring and autumn, though generally it is in the form of short showers. Thunderstorms can occur in summer, generally helping to cool the air. Hvar Island gets the most sunshine in summer with 10-12 hours each day, followed by Split, Korcula Island and Dubrovnik with around 7-8 hours. Temperatures from May to October are generally in the low to mid 70's (in °F), but can reach into the 30's (in °C) in July and August. Trip itineraries with boat cruises can occasionally be disrupted due to bad weather.
Roman Catholic
Croatian
Montenegro's coastline has a Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild winters, whereas the more mountainous inland areas have a sub-alpine climate with warm summers and very cold winters with frequent snowfall. There is a chance of sporadic rain in spring and autumn in the coastal areas, though generally this is in the form of short showers. In the mountains rainfall tends to be more frequent including around the Bay of Kotor. Temperatures from May to October are generally in the low to mid 20's (in °C), but can reach into the 30's (in °C) in July and August.
Christian (mainly Serbian Orthodox)
Montenegrin
Serbia has a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. There is a chance of sporadic rain in spring and autumn, though generally it is in the form of short showers. Thunderstorms can occur in summer, generally helping to cool the air. Temperatures from May to October are generally in the low to mid 20's (in °C), but can reach into the 30's (in °C) in July and August - although sometimes warm air currents from Africa can reach here and push the temperatures as high as 40°C.
Serbian
Bring light and comfortable clothing that can be layered according to the temperature. Long walking trousers or leggings are essential for the hikes, to avoid scratches from the rough scrub around narrow trails. Early and late season it can become cooler at night, so bring some warmer layers. Tops made from wicking materials which keep you drier and are also recommended as a base layer. A waterproof jacket is essential at all times in case of rain and wind.
We recommend you bring walking boots with ankle support - leather or fabric are both fine. Make sure that your boots are worn-in and comfortable before the start of the trip. Also trainers or sandals for relaxing and general wear. We suggest that on international flights you either carry your walking boots in your hand luggage or wear them - should your luggage be lost or delayed, your own boots are the one thing that will be irreplaceable.
20Kg
Bring one main piece of luggage and a 20-30 litre day sack is recommended. You will need to carry what you need for the day which may include a raincoat, jumper, camera, sun-cream, water and picnic lunch. On hot days you will carry fewer clothes but more drinking water.
- Sunglasses - Sun cream - Insect repellent - Camera - Walking poles are recommended (if you usually use them) - Personal toiletries - Personal first aid kit - on each walk a first aid kit is carried but you should have your own blister kit, supply of plasters, aspirin and other essentials. - Reusable water bottle (minimum 1 litre) - Get 15% discount on a Water-to-Go bottle
Throughout our tour of the Balkans, we'll be staying in simple guesthouses and comfortable hotels. These have been chosen for their location and authenticity. It's worth noting that standards may differ from those at home and accommodation might be on the basic side. That being said, they're all clean and spacious, and offer a warm welcome. On Days 3 and 7 we'll stay at the Mitrovacki Konak Guesthouse and Guesthouse Kontik, these are simple guesthouses where rooms may share a bathroom. There are two rooms per apartment with a bathroom in each apartment. Hotel breakfasts in the Balkans are generally basic consisting of a continental buffet with a few hot items, yoghurt and fresh fruits.
Balkan cuisine focuses heavily on meat and dairy. Vegetarians will find some options, but they might be simple and repetitive. Vegans should expect limited choices - mainly salads and basic vegetable dishes.
Can you drink the water? It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day.
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page. If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page. The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.
Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Croatia: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Montenegro: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Serbia: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office. You should confirm all visa related questions with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.
Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both. The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.
Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.
If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking. For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here
It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom. Read more information about what travel insurance is required.
Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.
You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.
We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.
On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.
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Nothing compulsory, but we recommend being up-to-date with your routine vaccination courses and boosters as recommended in the UK including protection against measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis A, typhoid and polio. Tick-borne encephalitis protection is recommended by some medical sources at certain times of the year. Ticks are most active between spring and late autumn. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.