Hike the less-frequented Dinaric Alps with MTS, the first North American adventure travel company to open its doors to Bosnia

In 2007, MTS was proud to be the first American adventure travel company to open the door to active travel in Bosnia and Montenegro, and we have wowed our guests ever since. It is rare to find a destination that offers such diverse beauty and harmony and yet is so infrequently traveled as the Dinaric Alps. This range of stunning limestone peaks harbors lush, verdant valleys, primeval forests, clear rivers, and pristine lakes. You’ll visit Sarajevo and hike in Bosnia and Herzegovina, following rugged trails through pristine conifer forests and emerald-green lakes into Sutjeska National Park. You’ll experience Bosnia’s highest peak, Maglic, (7,828’) and then cross into Montenegro, home of the Durmitor National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you’ll raft the sparkling Tara River!  From the summit of Montenegro’s highest peak, Bobotov Kuk (8,277’) you’ll get expansive views—all the way to the Adriatic, if the day is clear. You see, this is anything but your run-of-the-mill vacation destination—this is a voyage that creates explorers.

Activities

7 days moderate-strenuous hiking, 1 day easy whitewater rafting, 1 day cultural touring

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Join MTS, who the New York Times referred to as “the vanguard of American tour companies…” for this off-the-beaten-path destination
• Enjoy breathtaking views while hiking among the great limestone peaks of the Dinaric Alps and rafting the crystal-clear Tara River
• Explore Bosnia’s Sarajevo, the crossroads of ancient civilizations and the center of old Ottoman life
• Get a feel for the local culture in traditional villages in Montenegro and discover the natural beauty Durmitor National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Learn about the recent turbulent history of these lands—from WWI to the breakup of the former Yugoslavia

Duration: 10 days Start Location: Sarajevo End Location: Sarajevo

BRIEF Itinerary

• Day 1 : Sarajevo

  Arrive in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovia, and transfer to hotel for lunch and tour of the major city sites.

• Day 2 : Remote Highland Villages of Lukomir and Umoljani

  Hike in the Bjelasnica mountains with unbeatable views of surrounding valleys and mountains. Hug a ridge trail above Rakitnica River Canyon and discover the country's most isolated mountain village, Lukomir.

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  Day 3 : Sutjeska National Park

  Trek past gem-like glacier lakes and dark forests in Sutjeska National Park with sheer 4,000-foot drops to valleys of jagged rock, and views above of some of Bosnia's highest peaks.

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  Day 4 : Sutjeska National Park and Maglic, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Highest Peak

  Climb to Bosnia's high point-Maglic peak (7,828') in Sutjeska National Park-and then take a refreshing splash in emerald green Trnovacko Lake.

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  Day 5 : Sutjeska River and Valley – On to Montenegro

  Stroll through the Sutjeska River valley to enter Montenegro via its "back door" at Poljana Pass. Descend through the canyon to lakes Veliko ("Big") and Malo ("Small").

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  Day 6 : Durmitor National Park and Crno and Barno Lakes

  Explore Durmitor National Park, a World Heritage Site and home to Europe's largest gorge. Visit three glacial lakes (called "mountain eyes" by the locals), including Crno, Durmitor's largest.

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  Day 7 : Durmitor National Park and the Beautiful Limestone Peaks

  Climb stunning Prutas Peak-named for its fascinating oblique "prutovi" (wands)-whose top provides some of the best views in Durmitor.

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  Day 8 : Durmitor National Park and Bobotov Kuk, Montenegro’s Highest Peak

  Summit Bobotov Kuk (8,277'), Montenegro's highest peak-views to the Adriatic Sea on a clear day! En route, circle Zupci ("Teeth"), a magnificent massif with 14 sharp rocky fangs.

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  Day 9 : Return to Sarajevo

  Scenic drive back to Sarajevo, through the Piva River's deep canyon. We'll stop for some of Europe's best whitewater rafting, on the Tara River, with class II-IV rapids.

• Day 10 : Depart

  Depart Sarajevo.

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  Hotel Ada

  Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

  In the heart of the old city, a 5 minutes walk from Bašcaršija will take you to Ada Hotel, a new hotel with a beautiful view of Sarajevo. Ada Hotel offers comfort, peace and intimacy of home. If you are in Sarajevo for business or tourism, you will enjoy comfort of the hotel and kindness of staff.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

• Samer Hajric

  Samer is originally from Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; and lived through the Siege of Sarajevo. Sarajevo continues to be his home to this day. He is a Certified mountain guide by Mountaineering Union of Bosnia and Herzegovina and UIAA standards (Official International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation, partner of International Olympic Committee), and has a degree in Sociology. He has been guiding this trip for MTS since 2007. Samer says, “In year 2000 was my first touch with magical world of the mountains. My passion for the mountains and the rigours of the outdoors, combined with the warm-heartedness of the local people, left an indelible impression on me. It will be my great pleasure to show you this part of the world and area which takes special place in my heart – the Dinaric Alps."

• Lorenc Konaj

  Having jumped into the outdoors at the age of seven - and never gotten out of it, Lorenc became more than passionate about (and fell in love with) the natural environment and pristine wilderness in what was then known as Yugoslavia. He soon discovered his other joy in life, that of sharing the beauty of the region with all those visiting his little corner of the globe - a place rich in culture, history and gorgeous nature. Lorenc is a Certified Mountain Guide and Ranger for the BiH Mountain Association, and a member of a Mountain Rescue Team, and has been leading MTS trips for Bosnia and Herzegovina for since 2007. When not leading trips, Lorenc is responsible for the development of new outdoor adventure itineraries, and training tour leaders and mountain guides in Bosnia. His other interests include transcendental meditation, nutrition and the environment, and he received his degree from the Maharishi European Research University, Switzerland in the Science of Creative Intelligence.

photo credits: ©Anne Wood