Balkan photography adventure
Highlights of Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro
Quick itinerary
- DAY 1-3: Sarajevo
- DAY 4: Lukomir village
- DAY 5-6: Durmitor NP
- DAY 7: Lake Skadar
- DAY 8: Cetinje and Lovčen NP
- DAY 9-10: Bay of Kotor
- DAY 11-12: Herzegovina and Mostar
Bosnia and Herzegovina & Montenegro may not be the obvious choice when planning a trip to the Adriatic region, but their natural beauty is just as splendid as that of their more famous neighbors. This extremely picturesque and colorful photography tour takes us to the heart of the Balkans, often far from the beaten track. We will experience beautiful cities, such as Sarajevo, Cetinje – at the heart of Montenegro, and UNESCO towns Kotor and Mostar. Nature lovers will be pleased, too, as the mountainous regions of BiH and northern Montenegro are incredibly picturesque and represent one of the least disturbed mountain areas in Europe. In stark contrast is Lake Skadar, extending all the way to Albania, and Kotor Bay, trapped between high peaks almost like a Scandinavian fjord. The biggest attraction, however, is the people with their genuine hospitality and excellent cuisine, bringing together the best of the East and the West.
Detailed itinerary
DAY 1: Arrive Sarajevo
Arrive at Sarajevo airport and transfer to the hotel. Orientation and tour details. We begin our photography tour in the old Turkish quarter, Bascarsija, with its magnificent old mosques, bazaars and churches. At our welcome dinner we will discuss the itinerary in greater detail and get to know each other.
DAY 2: Sarajevo
Sarajevo, the only Oriental city in Europe, is permeated by a special atmosphere which fascinates all visitors. We have a full day to explore the city, enjoying the countless photo opportunities. Sarajevo has been a meeting point for the East and the West throughout history, which has enriched the place with diverse architecture, art and cuisine. Hills encircling the city offer ideal vantage points for panoramic shots at sunrise or sunset.
DAY 3: Bjelasnica and Lukomir village
Bjelasnica is one of the highest regions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a popular ski resort in the winter and a vast pastureland in the summer with traditional life preserved to the present day. We will visit one of the highest villages in Europe, Lukomir, where time has stopped. We will experience true Bosnian hospitality and pastoral living which dictates the pace of life for locals. In the afternoon we will hike through traditional pastures and enjoy stunning views of Rakitnica canyon.
DAY 4-6: Durmitor and Biogradska Gora National Parks
Scenic drive from Bjelasnica plateau to Montenegro. We will drive over the highest mountain road of Durmitor offering incredible views on the mountain peaks and pastures. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage site and includes the deepest canyon in Europe, Tara Canyon. In the afternoon we arrive at Biogradska Gora National Park; a landscape photographer's paradise as the region abounds with mountain peaks, mysterious glacial lakes and undisturbed forests, topped off with the traditional life of mountain shepherds. We will stay in wooden huts that shepherds use for centuries when they bring cattle to mountain pastures each summer. Next day we will take a picturesque hike over gentle rolling mountains to one of the "mountain eyes" - a small crystal clear lake where those who are daring enough can jump in to freshen up! Back at our village, locals will cook a delicious dinner to conclude a perfect day.
DAY 7: Lake Skadar National Park
Lake Skadar is the biggest fresh-water body in the Balkans with one third extending into Albania. It is a nature reserve, a real sanctuary for numerous water birds, and we will have plenty of opportunities to observe them. The place is quite mysterious, too, as it is encircled by many ruins both on land and islands. Orthodox monks live on remote islets on the lake. At sunrise we will take boats to the lake and photograph scenery in the gentle light. Next day our goal will be Cetinje, Montenegro capital. The road will take us across true wilderness along the river of Rijeka Crnojevica with numerous lookout points above the lake and river.
DAY 8: Cetinje and Lovcen National Park
In the morning we will climb Lovčen mountain all the way up to the mausoleum of Njegoš, one of the most popular Montenegrin rulers. From here the Adriatic Sea will reveal itself to us while the views extend practically across the whole country and sometimes even all the way to Italy. On our return we will visit Cetinje again and explore this wonderful little town which played an important role in the Montenegrin history. After sampling local prosciutto and cheese in Njegusi, a tiny village above Kotor Bay, we will wait for the sunset from one of the lookout points above Kotor.
DAY 9-10: Bay of Kotor
The Bay of Kotor is one of the most picturesque bays in the Adriatic Sea. There are numerous preserved medieval towns, the most beautiful being Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The old town offers a plethora of photographic motifs while the most enthusiastic can climb the city walls for spectacular views of the town and surroundings. Driving towards Perast we will see small fishing villages along the bay and take pictures of two tiny islets with a chapel and a monastery.
DAY 11: Herzegovina and Mostar
Herzegovina is the southern part of the country marked by high mountains and the Neretva river. Right on Neretva is Mostar, a medieval Turkish town made famous for its over 500-year old bridge. The old town is a spectacular place for photographers with friendly bazaar merchants and numerous local inns. We will also explore the surrounding area with its many wonderful places, which should remain a secret for now.
DAY 12: Departure from Mostar
After breakfast check-out from the hotel. Transfer to nearby airport. End of tour.
Accommodation
We will use family-owned guest houses, pensions and small hotels. At Bjelasnica plateau we will stay in a mountain hut and at Biogradska Gora NP we will stay in a traditional shepherd huts. All places are carefully chosen for their location, convenience and quality of service. The pricing is based on sharing a twin room, single rooms available at additional charges. (At some places accommodation options are limited and it is not always possible to arrange single room. (We will inform you of this before you book the tour and discuss the options.) For further information on accommodation please contact us.The tour includes
Accommodation with half-board (11 nights) twin/double rooms sharing (singles available upon request), airport transfers and all transportation during the tour, expert photographer guidance (if the group is larger than six, two photographers will accompany you), Skadar lake boat ride and entrance fees (mosque in Sarajevo or Mostar, Durmitor NP, Lovcen NP, Kotor city walls).The tour excludes
Airfares, Airport transfers other than Sarajevo, Split or Mostar (can be arranged), meals not mentioned in itinerary, drinks, tips, optionals.Additional notes
- Single room supplement is 190 EUR.
- This tour is outdoor oriented. We will spend a lot of time outdoors, photographing and hiking. Hikes are of moderate grades and there are also alternatives possible for those who are not keen to do it. Outdoor clothes and sturdy walking shoes are recommended.
- We will spend two nights high in the Montenegrin mountains. The recreated shepherds village caters for tourists only and only has basic infrastructure. Electricity is limited and there are only communal toilet facilities. You will experience unbeatable hospitality, organic food produced locally, unspoiled nature and inspiring starry skies. All our guests that have stayed here agree that this is one of the highlights of the tour.
- Let us know if you would like to arrive early or you want to extend your stay.
- If you suffer from road sickness this tour may not be for you. The roads in Montenegro are very winding and narrow and the average speed is about 40km per hour. Incredible views and scenery make up for this!
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