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.
Travel Style
National Geographic Journeys
Service Level
Upgraded
Physical Grading
3 - Average
What's Included
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Dabovic Winery, Nudo
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Siege of Sarajevo Tour, Sarajevo
Your Welcome Moment: Arrival Day and Morning Welcome Meeting, Dubrovnik
Your Foodie Moment: Green Market Tour, Trebinje
Your Foodie Moment: Apiary Visit, Trebinje
Your Foodie Moment: Cheese Making Farm and Lunch, Trebinje
Your 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
What are the main highlights of this trip?
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
How large will the group be?
Max 16, Avg 10.
What meals are included in this trip?
8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private vehicle, private boat, walking
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels (8 nts)
Itinerary
Dubrovnik
Arrive at any time. Please make your own way to the joining hotel.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sarajevo
Depart at any time.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your Expedition Leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
