Day 1 – Arrival 

Transfer to your accommodation in Sarajevo and meet the rest of the grouup for welcome drinks.

Overnight in Sarajevo.

Day 2 – Sutjeska National Park

We’ll depart after breakfast and dive straight in to this epic scenery we’ve promised you as we drive deep into Sutjeska National Park (two hours, 30 mins) and walk to the alluring Trnovačko Lake, considered the most beautiful lake in the region. Our hike starts in Prijevor, one of the most untouched areas of the park. Along the way we’ll see the Skakavac waterfall at Perućica forest, one of Europe’s last remaining primeval forests.

It’s a 90-minute hike to Trnovačko Lake, a heart-shaped lake nestled below Mount Maglić, Bosnia’s highest peak (although we’re technically in Montenegro). After a delicious picnic lunch and some free time for swimming, we hike back to Prijevor where we’ll drive to our accommodation, a camp by the glorious Tara river. On the way, we’ll stop at the famous Partisan Memorial at Tjentište to learn a bit about the partisan battles of World War II.

Group dinner and overnight in Sutjeska National Park.

Hiking distance: 9km. Grade: moderate.

Day 3 – Hiking to Gornje and Donje Bare

Today we explore more of Sujeska National Park as we head to Zelengora, the “green mountain” and hike the trail from Borovno Brdo to Gornje Bare. It’s a relatively easy hike along a winding tail through the forests as we ascend. Your reward is far-reaching views across the pristine lake and surrounding hills at the  top.

After snapping some photos, we’ll press on to Donje Bare lake. This part of the hike is slightly more challenging but the effort is worth it for a more secluded spot and arguably even prettier lake to gaze at while you catch your breath.

We end the day with a quick but steep ascent to the Borić Viewpoint before heading back for a well deserved dinner and good night’s sleep.

Group dinner and overnight in Stolac.

Hiking distance: 10km. Grade: moderate.

Day 4 – Istup waterfall hike and visit Mostar and Blagaj

After a short transfer to our start point, we hike an easy, 30-minute trail to the Radimlja river canyon. Once there, we step into the water and continue our hike there for 20 minutes (depending on water levels) passing through the “Bosnian jungle” by waterfalls and little pools too tempting not to stop for a dip.

After roughly one and a half hours, we’ll arrive at the glorious Istup Waterfall where we’ll take a picnic lunch and a swim before returning along the same path. On the way back to Stolac, we will stop to take in some historical sites – the ancient walls of the once capital Daorson, Mostar, and (if time) Blagaj.

There is nothing planned for this evening to allow you to explore Stolac as you please. We’ll give you some restaurant recommendations for dinner.

Overnight in Stolac.

Hiking distance: 7km. Grade: easy/moderate.

Day 5 – Hike on Čvrsnica Mountain with Outlaw’s Gate viewpoint 

We start early to climb one of the highest and most beautiful peaks in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Veliki Vilinac (2,228m), part of Čvrsnica mountain and a must-see for anyone who loves highland mountain ranges.

The initial ascent is a bit of a calf burner, but the surroundings make it worthwhile. It’s a crescendo, if you will, to the natural wander that is Hajdučka Vrata (the Outlaw’s Gate), a rock formation that resembles a gate, located at 2,000m above sea level. To locals, it symbolises the unbreakable spirit of the people of this region who have always found a way to overcome any challenges.

From here, we will head to the mountain hut nearby (1,960m) where some warm hospitality and a fresh plate of pura, a delicious traditional dish made out of cornflour, awaits. We’ll return the same way and transfer by car is to the nearby Boračko lake, an oasis of nature for the night.

Group dinner and overnight at Boračko Lake.

Hiking distance: 10km. Grade: challenging.

Day 6 – Chill day at Boračko Lake and visit Tito’s Cold War Bunker

No hiking today. We enjoy a late start and some chill time at the lake after our mammoth hike yesterday. This is the perfect spot to kick back and relax, or maybe enjoy a swim in that all too tempting water.

After lunch, we’ll take an excursion to Tito’s Cold War bunker at a nearby village. Prepare to be amazed by this 6,500m² Bond villain-like hideaway behind what appears to be an ordinary house. We will wander around and enjoy a myriad of contemporary art on display in there today while hearing the stories of Yugoslavia, Cold War fanaticism and the communist paranoia.

Group dinner and overnight at Boračko Lake.

Day 7 – Visočica jeep safari and hike to Lukomir village & Obalj Peak

Today is an easier day of mixed adventures with a jeep safari and a hike as we make our way to Sarajevo along the old road.

The first part takes us over Visocica mountain to the village of Umoljani. We leave the cars to admire the historic mosque and hear the local stories before setting off on our hike to Obalj peak, and below it Lukomir, Bosnia’s highest village. We’ll ascend roughly 600m in around 3.5 hours, all the while soaking up yet more incredible scenery. The prize piece at the top is the view of Rakitnica Canyon, Bosnia’s longest canyon, and the surrounding mountains.

After some rest and a picnic, we hike down to Lukomir, meaning “harbour of peace” in the local dialect. We’ll meet some of the locals and learn about the 600-year-old traditions they keep alive today while sipping on some of the best Bosnian coffee in the country, in our opinion. We’ll also visit the Stećci tombstones.

Our return to Umoljani is a pleasant, mostly flat hike along the upper edge of the wildly untouched Rakitnica Canyon.

We’ll then drive one hour, 15 minutes to Sarajevo, our final destination.

Dinner and overnight in Sarajevo.

Hiking distance: 16km. Grade: moderate

Day 8 – Explore Sarajevo (if time allows) and departure

If you’re on a late flight, there’s an optional Sarajevo walking tour for three hours and the rest of the day is free to explore Sarajevo independently, armed with our insider tips.

Transfer to Sarajevo airport (other destinations incur an extra transfer charge).

Prices include all accommodation, transfers, meals and guided excursions.

Airport transfers from/to Sarajevo are included. Transfers to other airports come at an additional cost.

This is a group holiday that can also be tailor-made on request.

Travelling solo and want your own room? Single supplement: £140

Book by 15th March and get a £100pp discount – quote code UBSPRING100!

Please note, accommodation is clean, characterful and basic – in more remote areas, do not expect luxury! If for any reason an accommodation is not available, we will reserve an alternative of equal standard.

GUEST HOUSE HALVAT, SARAJEVO

GUEST HOUSE LALOVIĆ, SUTJESKA NP

MEHMEDBASICA KUĆA, STOLAC

HERCEGOVINA LODGE, BORAČKO JEZERO