Balkans Photographic Adventure – Aug 2010
Bosnia and Herzegovina & Montenegro may not be our first choices when planning a trip to the Adriatic region, but their natural beauty is just as splendid as that of the more famous neighbors. This extremely picturesque and colorful photography trip takes us to the heart of the Balkans, often far away from the beaten track. We will experience beautiful cities, such as Sarajevo, Cetinje – the heart of Montenegro, and UNESCO towns of 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. Mountains are starkly contrasted by Lake Skadar, extending all the way to Albania, and Kotor Bay, trapped between high peaks almost like a Scandinavian fjord. The biggest attraction, however, are the people with their genuine hospitality and an excellent cuisine, bringing together the best of the East and the West.
Those with enough space left on their memory cards can travel with us all the way to Dubrovnik, the jewel of the Adriatic, and spend the last three days of this wonderful trip there.
DAY 1: Arrival to Sarajevo
DAY 2-3: Sarajevo and surroundings
DAY 4: Trip to Lukomir village
DAY 5-6: Durmitor National park
DAY 7: Lake Skadar
DAY 8: Cetinje and Lovčen National Park
DAY 9-10: Kotor Bay
DAY 11: Herzegovina and Mostar
DAY 12: Departure from Mostar OR continue to Dubrovnik (Extension)
DAY 12-14: Southern Dalmatia and Dubrovnik
DAY 15: Departure from Dubrovnik
Itinerary and details
DAY 1: Arrival to Sarajevo
Arrival at the Sarajevo airport and transfer to the hotel. Orientation and tour details. We can already start taking photos of the old Turkish quarter Baščaršija and its magnificent old mosques, bazaars and churches. At our welcome dinner we can discuss the itinerary in greater detail and get to know each other.
DAY 2-3: Sarajevo and surroundings
Sarajevo, the only Oriental city in Europe, is permeated by a special atmosphere which fascinates every visitor. In two days we will explore the city, enjoying the countless photo opportunities. Sarajevo has been a meeting point for the East and the West throughout the history, enriching the place with diverse architecture, art and cuisine. Hills encircling the city offer ideal vantage points for panoramic shots at sunrise or sunset. At the end of Day 3 we will head to one of the Olympic mountains, Bjelašnica.
DAY 4: Trip to Lukomir village
Bjelašnica 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 the traditional life preserved to the present day. We will visit one of the highest villages in Europe, Lukomir, where time has stopped. We will learn about the proper Bosnian hospitality and the pastoral living which dictates the pace of life for locals. The afternoon will be spent driving through an incredibly scenic region to Durmitor National Park in the north of Montenegro.
DAY 5-6: Durmitor National park
Durmitor is the highest part of Montenegro with summits reaching over 2000 meters above sea level and one of the least disturbed mountain ranges in Europe. The area is a UNESCO
World Heritage site and includes the deepest canyon in Europe, Tara Canyon. Landscape photographers’ paradise, the region abounds with mountain peaks, mysterious glacial lakes and undisturbed forests, topped off with the traditional life of mountain shepherds. On Day 2 we will head towards Lake Skadar, through scenic valleys and past soaring peaks, ancient ruins and monasteries. Time permitting we will stop by Ostrog monastery perched on a precipitous cliff.
DAY 7: Lake Skadar
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 visit one of the island monasteries. In the afternoon our goal will be Cetinje, Montenegro capital. The road will take us across true wilderness along the river of Rijeka Crnojevića with numerous lookout points above the lake and river. Overnight stay in Cetinje.
DAY 8: Cetinje and Lovčen 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 return we will visit Cetinje again and explore this wonderfully little town with an important role in the Montenegrin history. After sampling local prosciutto and cheese in Njeguši, a tiny village above Kotor Bay, we will wait for the sunset from one of the lookout points above Kotor.
DAY 9-10: Kotor Bay
Kotor Bay is one of the most picturesque bays in the Adriatic Sea. There are numerous preserved medieval towns with 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 Mostar 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, Mostar, a medieval Turkish town made famous for its over 500-year old bridge, is located. The old town is a spectacular place for photographers with friendly merchants on bazaars 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 OR continue to Dubrovnik (Extension)
After breakfast check-out from the hotel. Transfer to nearby airport. End of tour OR see extension.
Extension:
DAY 12-14: Southern Dalmatia and Dubrovnik
We will have two days to explore Dubrovnik and its vicinity. There will be enough time to take photos of the old city center and its streets, which are still permeated with the medieval spirit and the grandeur of the Republic of Dubrovnik. A stroll
around the city walls and defense towers offers great photo ops. It will be possible to visit the nearby islets, ideal for a relaxing break in the gentle sea breeze. In the evenings we can listen to the music played by street performers and indulge in seafood at one of the numerous great restaurants.
DAY 15: Departure from Dubrovnik
After breakfast check-out from the hotel. Transfer to Dubrovnik (or Split) airport. End of tour.
ACCOMMODATION:
We will use hotels at Sarajevo, Kotor and Dubrovnik. At Durmitor NP, Skadar lake, Cetinje and Mostar we will stay at family-owned guest houses and pensions. All places are carefully chosen for its 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 let you know about this kind of situation before you book the tour and discuss what are the options.) For further information on accommodation please contact us.
PRICING DETAILS:
The Tour includes: Accommodation with HB (11 nights) twin/double rooms sharing (singles available upon request), airport transfers and all transportation during the tour, expert photographer guidance (if group is larger than six, two photographers will accompany you), trip to Bjelasnica plateau, Skadar lake boat ride and entrance fees (mosques in Sarajevo and Mostar, Durmitor NP, Lovcen NP, Kotor city walls, Dubrovnik city walls (ext) and city tour (ext)).
The Tour excludes: Airfares, Airport transfers other than Sarajevo, Split, Mostar or Dubrovnik (can be arranged), meals not mentioned in itinerary, drinks, tips, optionals. Single room supplement is 250 EUR (350 EUR – with extension).
