Journeys: Discover Montenegro and Bosnia

Journeys: Discover Montenegro and Bosnia

• Trip code: 4P8X005
• Dauer: 9
• Stil: National Geographic Journeys

From the mountain peaks of the Dinaric Alps to the sparkling shores of the Adriatic, the Western Balkans are a feast for the senses. Cruise to the legendary islet of Our Lady of the Rocks, wander botanical gardens bursting with life, and explore the flavours of the region through food tours, cheese making, and honey tasting. Along the way, uncover centuries-old stories carved into ancient necropolises and meet the passionate locals keeping traditions alive. This is the Western Balkans — vibrant, resilient, and unforgettable.

Übersicht

Accommodation

Hotels (8 nts)

Checklist

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Smart Dress:
• Smart outfit (For evenings out)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Group Leader

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides

Group Size Notes

Max 16, Avg 10

Highlights

Stroll through the lush Kovacevic Family Botanical Gardens surrounded by native flora, Visit a vibrant organic market and savour the scents of local produce and baked goods, Learn the craft of cheese making and beekeeping with experts at a countryside apiary, Join a local guide on a walking food tour through Sarajevo to taste regional specialties

Introduction

From the mountain peaks of the Dinaric Alps to the sparkling shores of the Adriatic, the Western Balkans are a feast for the senses. Cruise to the legendary islet of Our Lady of the Rocks, wander botanical gardens bursting with life, and explore the flavours of the region through food tours, cheese making, and honey tasting. Along the way, uncover centuries-old stories carved into ancient necropolises and meet the passionate locals keeping traditions alive. This is the Western Balkans — vibrant, resilient, and unforgettable

Meals Included

8 Frühstück, 1 Mittagessen, 1 Abendessen

Meal Budget

Plane USD280-365 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Kotor
- Museum Maritimun in Kotor (4EUR pro Person)
- Besichtigung der Stadt Kotor (Gratis)
- Seekajakfahren (20EUR pro Person)
- Wanderung auf die Festung Sveti Ivan

Sarajevo
- Besuch der Lateinerbrücke (Gratis)

Start / Finish

Dubrovnik nach Sarajevo

Transport

Private vehicle, private boat, walking

What's Included

Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Dabovic Winery, Nudo
Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: „Belagerung von Sarajevo“-Tour, Sarajevo
Dein Welcome-Moment: Tag der Anreise und Begrüßungstreffen am Vormittag
Dein Foodie-Moment: Green Market Tour, Trebinje
Dein Foodie-Moment: Apiary Visit, Trebinje
Dein Foodie-Moment: Cheese Making Farm and Lunch, Trebinje
Dein Foodie-Moment: Sarajevo Food Tour, Sarajevo. Boat cruise to Our Lady of the Rocks, Kotor orientation walk, Winery tour and tasting, Hercegovačka Gračanica Temple views, UNESCO Necropolis tomb stone visit, Stari Most visit, All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Minimum Age

Um ohne Begleitperson mit G Adventures zu reisen, musst du mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Das Mindestalter für Kinder in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten (über 21) beträgt 12 Jahre

Itinerary

Day 1 Dubrovnik

Arrive at any time. Please make your own way to the joining hotel

Day 2 Dubrovnik/Kotor

Cross the border to Montenegro to the stunning bayside town of Perast. Enjoy a boat cruise to the island of Our Lady of the Rocks. In the National Geographic article “How to plan your pilgrimage to Montenegro‘s sacred spaces“ writer Kimberley J. Graham writes that the church is adorned with more than 2,500 silver plaques donated by sailors who credit the Madonna for their safe return from the sea. Explore the church and treasury before transferring back to Perast for a short walk to the old town and free time to wander the narrow streets and admire the abandoned baroque palaces. Continue onward and soak up the sparkling Bay of Kotor, designated a World Heritage Site for its terraced waterfront landscape and medieval architecture

Day 3 Kotor

Join your tour leader on a walk to the local market this morning, then enjoy a free day to explore. Discover the Mediterranean spirit of Kotor, surrounded by fortifications built by the Republic of Venice. Consider hiking up the medieval steps of the fortress for panoramic views of the city and harbour. Or opt to experience mud therapy at a local spa to test the natural healing properties of the area’s sand. Choose to visit the Risan Roman mosaics, go sea kayaking or if relaxing is more your style, the beaches of Herceg Novi offer a great escape

Day 4 Kotor/Trebinje

Set off to the Kovacevic Family Botanical Garden this morning; home to a diverse collection of approximately 127 species of trees, shrubs, and various other flora – the first protected natural monument of its kind. Walk the grounds before transferring to the Dabovic Winery for a tour and tasting. Whet your palate with sips of wine and brandy paired with local specialties to truly immerse yourself in the local Montenegro culture before crossing the border to Bosnia and Herzegovina, en route to Trebinje. Upon arrival, visit the Hercegovačka Gračanica Temple for spectacular views of the city

Day 5 Trebinje

Today is an indulgence of local flavours, regional specialties. Begin with a tour of the local Green Market; take in the colourful stalls and sample the fragrant fruits, vegetables, meats, and cheeses. Next, head to a female-operated apiary to learn about all things honey and the history of this 5-generation-run farm. After, continue to another local farm specializing in the art of cheese making. Learn about cheese production, sample the products and join the family for an authentic farm-to-table lunch.Head back to Trebinje for an evening on your own

Day 6 Trebinje/Buna

Set off for ancient Stolac–one of the oldest cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Visit the town centre and stop at the UNESCO-listed medieval Necropolis tombstones of Stecaka. Continue onward to Blagaj for a short orientation walk around town, then enjoy a free afternoon. Perhaps hike to the Blagaj Fortress or if you’re looking for something a little different, visit the Dervish Monastery

Day 7 Buna/Sarajevo

Enjoy a scenic drive to Mostar for a stroll around the ancient town and pay a visit to the famed Stari Most (Old Bridge), considered a symbol of the city’s resilience. This reconstructed Ottoman-style bridge was first built in the 17th century and then meticulously rebuilt after its destruction during the Bosnian War. Later, continue to impressive Sarajevo, a city steeped in history and culture. Head out for an evening food tour, exploring tiny alleys, local restaurants and markets and indulge in delicious Bosnian flavours

Day 8 Sarajevo

Learn about the four-year-long Siege of Sarajevo from a local expert who lived through this devastating period. Gain more insights at the Tunnel of Hope and War Tunnel Museum, and view bunkers, minefields, and trenches at Trebević Mountain, the site of several battles. After, take advantage of some free time to experience the site on your own before an optional farewell dinner

Day 9 Sarajevo

Depart at any time

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Dubrovnik

Day 2 Dubrovnik/Kotor

Day 3 Kotor

Day 4 Kotor/Trebinje

Day 5 Trebinje

Day 6 Trebinje/Buna

Day 7 Buna/Sarajevo

Day 8 Sarajevo

Day 9 Sarajevo