Dramatic limestone peaks, clear blue-green river waters, and picturesque mountain villages

It's rare to find a region that offers such diverse beauty and harmony and yet is so rarely traveled as the Dinaric Alps, a range of stunning limestone peaks harboring lush valleys, primeval forests, clear rivers, and pristine lakes. Running through the former Yugoslavia's Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovnia (BiH), this range parallels the Adriatic Sea's rugged east coast. On this special trip, you will see some of Europe's most spectacular landscapes, and experience its fascinating culture, off-limits for years due to the political turmoil of this once war-torn region. Following rugged trails, you'll tour Bosnia's Sutjeska National Park and later Montenegro's Durmitor National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and have the chance to summit the highest peak of each country! Along the way, you'll see World War II battle sites and explore historical sites in the capital city of Sarajevo. It is particularly exciting to be pioneering an emerging destination, and Mountain Travel Sobek was the first American adventure travel company to visit this region since the Balkan conflict. Be among the first travelers to the spectacular peaks and sprawling wilderness of the Dinaric Alps-an uncommon opportunity!

Activities

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

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit traditional villages in Montenegro and explore Bosnia’s Sarajevo, the crossroads of ancient civilizations and the center of old Ottoman life
• Enjoy breathtaking views from the highest peaks in both Montenegro and in Bosnia & Herzegovina!
• Hike in the great limestone Dinaric Alps—undiscovered by tourists—and raft the crystal clear Tara River – known for it’s emerald color
• Visit traditional village of Lukomir, where residents still live “the old way”

2010 Prices
$2,995 (6-14 members)
$3,495 (3-5 members)
$500 single supplement

Duration: 10 days Start Location: Sarajevo End Location: Sarajevo Best time to go: July - August

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.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  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").

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 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

  FROM: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
  CURRENTLY LIVES: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
  GUIDES: Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montengro: A Hiker’s Paradise
  CERTIFICATION: Certified mountain guide by Mountaineering Union of Bosnia and Herzegovina and UIAA standards (Official International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation, partner of International Olympic Committee.)
  EDUCATION: Sociology
  YEARS GUIDING MTS CLIENTS: 9 Years professional guiding, 3 with MTS
  ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
  QUOTE: “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

  Trip Leader/Mountain Guide
  Having jumped into the outdoors at the age of seven - and never gotten out of it :) I became more than passionate and fell in love with the natural environment and pristine wilderness in what was then know as Yugoslavia. I soon discovered my other joy in life, that of sharing the beauty of the region, with all those,visiting this little corner of the globe. A place so fortunate and rich in culture, history and gorgeous nature. I am a certified Mountain Guide and Ranger for the BiH Mountain Association and a member of a Mountain Rescue Team.
  I'm leading MTS trips for Bosnia and Herzegovina for last 2 years.
  When not leading trips I am also responsible for the development of new outdoor adventure itineraries and training of tour leaders and mountain guides. My other interests are transcendental meditation, nutrition and the environment. I received my degree from the Maharishi European Research University, Switzerland in the Science of Creative Intelligence.
  

photo credits: ©Anne Wood