Bosnia

Walking the Olympic Mountains of Bosnia

Trip code: W07BH 5 (1 reviews)

Self-guided walking

7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 2
Moderate

Flights
available

18.0Kg CO2e

Headwater
Navigation App

SUMMARY

  • Explore Bosnia's Olympic mountains, rich in history and scenic beauty
  • Delve into Sarajevo's history, including the Latin Bridge where World War I began
  • Savour traditional Balkan cuisine, including cevapi and rakija

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • All breakfasts, 3 packed lunches & 2 dinners
  • Briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Headwater navigation app
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • All car transfers as per the itinerary

TRIP DESCRIPTION

Embark on a captivating journey through Bosnia's Olympic mountains, where nature's splendour meets a rich tapestry of history and culture. This walking holiday is perfect for adventurers, history enthusiasts, and food lovers, offering a unique blend of scenic beauty, cultural immersion, and culinary delights.

Begin your adventure at Igman, host of the 1984 Winter Olympics. Igman's lush landscapes and serene vistas provide a perfect start. Next, venture to the enchanting village of Umoljani, one of Bosnia's oldest villages, steeped in legend and surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery.

Enjoy a rest day in Sarajevo, Bosnia's vibrant capital. Delve into history at the historic Latin Bridge, pivotal in triggering World War I. Wander the captivating Baščaršija bazaar, immersing in the city's rich tapestry. Consider a scenic train journey to Mostar, renowned as one of the most picturesque rides in Europe, to marvel at its iconic Stari Most bridge and Old City.

Continue your journey with a walk on Trebević Olympic Mountain, where history and nature blend seamlessly. Don't miss the eerie yet fascinating abandoned bobsleigh track, a relic of Sarajevo's 1984 Winter Olympics.

Explore Bosnia's culinary delights, such as cevapi (grilled minced meat sausages) and burek (flaky pastry with various fillings). Enjoy them with rakija, a traditional fruit brandy. This cherished custom adds a unique touch to every meal, promising a gastronomic journey celebrating Bosnia's diverse cultural influences.

This 7-day night walking holiday through Bosnia's Olympic mountains is a perfect blend of adventure, history, and culinary exploration. It's an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Balkans, where every step unveils a new story and every meal tells a tale.

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DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Arrive in Sarajevo

Arrive in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

You stay at Diamond Rain Boutique Hotel.

hotel details

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Diamond Rain Boutique Hotel, Sarajevo

Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Safe


Diamond Rain Boutique Hotel offers stylish accommodations with a shared lounge, a terrace, and a restaurant, complemented by free private parking and WiFi. This 4-star hotel, located in the heart of Sarajevo's Old Town near Baščaršija and the cable car, features an indoor pool, sauna, 24-hour front desk, tour desk, and luggage storage.

Day 2: Mount Igman (10km/6.2mi)

A quick transfer will take you to Olympic Mount Igman. From there, today's route heads towards Bjelašnica Ski Resort. This area was used for many skiing events during the 1984 Winter Olympics.

You stay at Hotel Han Bjelašnica.

hotel details

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Hotel Han, Bjelašnica

Cash machine
Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV


Hotel Han, a 4-star establishment, is conveniently located next to the Bjelašnica ski area. It offers elegant rooms with LCD satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, video-surveilled parking, and a restaurant with a large terrace. The hotel also features a mosque, ski storage with lockers, and traditional regional cuisine.

Day 3: Bjelašnica Plateau (11km/6.8mi)

Today's route crosses the Bjelašnica Plateau, hike around the Opservatorija Peak (2,067m), named for its meteorological observatory. Established in 1878 during Austro-Hungarian rule, it was the Balkans' first. Continue to Umoljani village to end today's walk.

You stay at Pansion Umoljani.

hotel details

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Umoljani Pansion, Umoljani

Hairdryer
WiFi
TV


Umoljani Pension offers cosy, traditional, and simple accommodation in the tiny village of Umoljani. Located on Bjelašnica Mountain, it features an à la carte restaurant with stunning mountain views and an on-site bar with a terrace. Rooms are basic, with a wardrobe and private bathroom, while a separate chalet provides a simple living room, flat-screen TV, and kitchenette. A shared lounge and luggage and ski storage are also available.

Day 4: Umoljani Circular Walk (16km/9.9mi)

Today's Umoljani circular walk begins at the hotel, ascending to Gradina and Obalj ridge with stunning views of Treskavica and Visočica. Visit Lukomir, Bosnia's highest village, and descend past Peruce Waterfall, Studeni Potok cascades, and historic watermills before returning to Umoljani.

Day 5: Rest day in Sarajevo

Today is a rest day in Sarajevo, perfect for exploring the city's rich history and culture. Start with a visit to the historic Latin Bridge, where Archduke Franz Ferdinand's assassination triggered World War I. Explore Baščaršija, the old bazaar and city's historical centre, where the 15th-century foundations laid the groundwork for Sarajevo's vibrant cultural scene. For history enthusiasts, visit the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum to learn about the city's resilience during the 1990s war, and Galerija 11/07/95, dedicated to the Srebrenica massacre. For stunning views, head to Avaz Twist Tower. Relax with a walk along the Miljacka River or in Veliki Park before enjoying a traditional Bosnian meal.

You stay at Diamond Rain Boutique Hotel.

hotel details



Diamond Rain Boutique Hotel, Sarajevo

Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Safe


Diamond Rain Boutique Hotel offers stylish accommodations with a shared lounge, a terrace, and a restaurant, complemented by free private parking and WiFi. This 4-star hotel, located in the heart of Sarajevo's Old Town near Baščaršija and the cable car, features an indoor pool, sauna, 24-hour front desk, tour desk, and luggage storage.

Day 6: Trebević Olympic Mountain (10km/6.2mi)

Today's Trebević Olympic Mountain walk begins with a scenic cable car ride to the summit. Choose between shorter and longer walks, exploring the mountain’s beauty. Visit the eerie, abandoned bobsleigh track from the 1984 Winter Olympics. Return to Sarajevo via the cable car.

Day 7: Optional Trip to Mostar

Rest in Sarajevo or take a scenic train ride to Mostar, one of Europe's most beautiful routes. In Mostar, marvel at the iconic Stari Most bridge spanning the Neretva River, a symbol of resilience and beauty. Wander through the picturesque Old City's narrow streets, lined with historic Ottoman-era buildings and vibrant markets. Visit the historic Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque for stunning views of Mostar from its minaret, encapsulating centuries of cultural heritage.

Day 8: Depart from Sarajevo

Depart from Sarajevo.

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These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £128.

We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.

TRAVEL DETAILS

If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Sarajevo airport. We can provide transfers from the airport, please contact us for details and prices.

We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.

Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.

OPTIONAL UPGRADES
  • Flights from London or any available regional airport*
  • Airport parking and airport hotels
  • Priority at Security and Fast Track
  • Airport lounge access
  • Priority boarding and extra leg-room seats
  • Business/club/first class fares

Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.

REVIEWS

Luke was incredibly helpful when I was deciding where to visit: he listened carefully, understood the brief and made some carefully considered options - including some which were outside of our initial ideas.. one of which we ended up taking. I also like the wide selection of destinations for self-guided walking.

Mrs Hope, 7 Sep 2024

 


Self-guided walking

7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 2
Moderate

Flights
available

18.0Kg CO2e

Headwater
Navigation App

7 nights from £1089

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE

Call: 01606 720199

 

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