Active Tour – Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina

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  • 13 days
  • Small group
  • March - October
  • Hiking – Rafting – Food & Wine Experience

What to Expect

While Europe is a popular destination, Serbia is a hidden gem to discover. It has beautiful nature, rich culture, strong traditions, and warm hospitality. A visit to the heart of the Balkans shows why Serbia is known as the crossroads of Southeast and Central Europe, and it leaves a lasting feeling that makes you want to return.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is where East and West meet in the most captivating way. Dramatic landscapes, rich traditions, and genuine hospitality create a journey full of authentic moments. From the iconic Stari Most to peaceful river valleys and delicious local flavors, every step offers a blend of beauty and culture that stays with you long after you leave.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Absorb the stunning panoramic view from the Banjska Stena viewpoint in Tara National Park
  • Walk across the bridge over the Drina, described by Nobel Prize–winning writer Ivo Andrić in his novel
  • Visit the dazzling oriental tekija on the shores of the emerald-green Buna River

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive Belgrade

Belgrade, the Serbian capital and one of Europe’s oldest cities, welcomes you with an open heart. Adventurous and proud, it invites you to explore its remarkable historical and cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife, and richly flavorful cuisine. Located at the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers, Belgrade is a multifaceted city with much to uncover. During your transfer, our guide will introduce you to the city and provide all the essential information for your first day.

Overnight: Belgrade

Day 2: Taste & Bike Belgrade Experience Tour

You can’t truly understand Serbian culture until you experience its everyday rhythm. That’s why the Taste & Bike Belgrade Experience® begins with a local ritual – a morning coffee in Dorćol, Belgrade’s oldest yet trendiest quarter. Ready for the day, you’ll visit a beloved family bakery and then explore Bajloni, one of the city’s oldest green markets, infused with the scents and spirit of rural Serbia. This walking part also includes a classic 80’s-style pastry shop, where traditional Balkan sweets blend Serbian, Oriental, and European influences.

After a flavorful morning, it’s time to bike! Starting by the Sava River, you’ll cycle toward New Belgrade and Zemun, two distinct faces of the city. Cross Branko’s Bridge into New Belgrade and feel its dynamic mix of wide boulevards, modern buildings, and the impressive Palace of Serbia. The tour continues to bohemian Zemun on the Danube, known for its fish restaurants and Central European charm visible from the Millennial Tower. A fresh breeze, views of Great War Island, and the Sava–Danube confluence accompany your ride back along the quay.

Overnight: Belgrade

Day 3: Northern Serbia Highlights

Fruška Gora National Park hiking – S. Karlovci with wine tasting – City of Novi Sad

Heading north, you’ll see how Fruška Gora Mountain rises above the flat, colorful fields of the Vojvodina region. You’ll visit the Novo Hopovo monastery, one of 17 Serbian Orthodox monasteries hidden on the mountain. Built in the 15th century, it was once an important center of learning where Dositej Obradović lived and worked.

Next comes the more active part of the tour. A two-and-a-half-hour hike with several great viewpoints gives you a full feel of peaceful Fruška Gora. After the hike, you’ll continue to Sremski Karlovci. With the Patriarchy Palace, St. Nicholas Church, and Serbia’s first modern gymnasium from 1791, the town truly earns its “museum town” nickname. It’s also known for wine, so this is a perfect place to visit a traditional winery and taste a local variety.

Colorful facades with kibic-fenster windows, a cannonball in a wall, street musicians, and cozy passages will let you know you’ve reached Novi Sad and its lively center. As the 2022 European Capital of Culture, this multicultural city offers many sights that make it easy to fall in love with.

Overnight: Belgrade

Day 4: Vivid Western Serbia

Drina river – Tara National Park hiking – Wooden Town – Zlatibor Mountain

The next three days bring an exciting adventure through Western Serbia, one of the country’s most vibrant regions. You will be surrounded by stunning nature, great food, and warm, welcoming people. The route follows the beautiful Drina River and passes the famous House on the Drina, a small log cabin perched on a river rock, making it a perfect spot for photos.

After driving through landscapes with incredible views, a short hike will take you to Banjska Stena in Tara National Park. This viewpoint offers an exceptional panorama of the Drina River, Perućac Lake, and Eastern Bosnia. A quick lunch break will recharge you before visiting the charming ethno-village Drvengrad (Wooden Town), created by film director Emir Kusturica. Built mostly from natural wood, it feels like a movie set come to life.

With plenty of new impressions, you will end the day on Zlatibor Mountain, Serbia’s historic health resort established in the late 19th century.

Overnight: Zlatibor Mountain

Day 5: Zlatibor Rhapsody®

Tornik Hill with cable car and hiking – Sirogojno Old Village – Stopića Cave

After a traditional mountain breakfast, you’re ready for the Zlatibor Rhapsody®. Board the Zlatibor Gold Gondola and enjoy sweeping views from Tornik, the mountain’s highest peak. Take in the lush meadows, the calm Ribničko Lake, and be sure to capture some great photos. The hike down Tornik highlights the true beauty of Zlatibor, with its hills, colorful flowers, and sheep grazing across wide pastures. The hike down Tornik reveals the beauty of Zlatibor, with its hills, colorful flowers, and sheep grazing across wide pastures.

Skipping local delicacies would be a sin, so we will visit a family-run restaurant where every piece of furniture carries six generations of heritage. You will choose between fresh trout, homemade pastries and pies, and a variety of local dairy and meat products.

With full stomachs, the second part of the tour is more relaxed. We will visit the Stopića Cave, a river cave known for its large natural tubs and impressive formations. A short drive brings you to Sirogojno Old Village, famous for its open-air museum and woolen Sirogojno sweaters. Here you will explore traditional mountain homes and learn about local architecture, family life, and customs.

Overnight: Zlatibor Mountain

Day 6: Uvac Lake meandering and hiking

Višegrad stop – Sarajevo

This day is all about breathtaking views and unforgettable photos. You’ll explore the Uvac Special Nature Reserve, home to the unreal meanders of the Uvac River. A boat ride reveals how this canyon was carved over centuries, with river bends reaching up to 270 degrees. A short climb to the Ledeni viewpoint offers a powerful look over this winding river maze. Uvac is also home to Europe’s largest population of Griffon Vultures, impressive birds with a wingspan of about three meters. After the ride, enjoy a picnic lunch with local specialties like cheese, kajmak, prosciutto, and buckwheat dishes.

After a morning surrounded by stunning scenery, continue toward one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s true cultural gems — the town of Višegrad. Forever linked to Nobel Prize–winning author Ivo Andrić and his masterpiece The Bridge on the Drina, this small town carries an immense historical legacy. Its UNESCO-listed Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge, arching gracefully over the emerald Drina River, stands as Višegrad’s defining landmark and a symbol of centuries of shifting empires.

Today, Višegrad is an essential stop on any Balkan route, enriched by Andrićgrad — a stone-built cultural complex created by film director Emir Kusturica. This unique site pays homage to Andrić’s literary world and the town’s layered history, offering an atmospheric blend of architecture, stories, and heritage.

Overnight: Sarajevo

Day 7: Sarajevo Food Experience Walking tour®

Springs of Bosnia River & Tunnel of Hope

Our Sarajevo exploration starts at Vječna Vatra (Eternal Flame), a memorial dedicated to the city’s liberators during WWII. From there, we will delve deeper in the cultural and historical treasures of the capital while savouring its gastronomic delights. This unique tour engages all your senses – sight, sound, and taste – offering an extraordinary experience that truly captures the essence of Sarajevo.

Start your Sarajevo tour with none other than a taste of the city‘s culinary crown jewel – the famous burek. Enjoy this savoury pastry at a local bakery before we continue through the vibrant Ferhadiya pedestrian zone and visit the stunning Sacred Heart Cathedral and 16th century Orthodox Church. Discover how Sarajevo‘s diverse Orthodox, Catholic, and Islamic cultures influence its rich traditions and heritage. Our journey continues to Baščaršija, the heart of Sarajevo‘s old town, where you‘ll try some of the best ćevapi around, a minced meat dish which the entire Balkan swears by. In the city centre area, experience the local tradition of coffee, a key part of Sarajevo‘s daily life. We‘ll also visit iconic sites like the Vjećnica (City Hall) and Latin Bridge, and explore the 16th century Bezistan market complex, the Gazi Husrev-beg mosque, and the Sahat Tower, wrapping the entire tale of this soulful city. End this unforgettable experience with a taste of heavenly baklava and savour the true essence of Sarajevo‘s history and cuisine.

The tour continues to the Sarajevo Airport area to visit the “Tunnel of Hope,” built in 1993 during the siege to connect the city with free territory, a lasting symbol of resilience. End the day at the serene Springs of the Bosna River, a lush park of islands, streams, waterfalls, and wooden bridges. For a complete experience, you can take a horse-carriage ride through the quiet oak valley.

In your free time, we highly recommend the Sarajevo Brewery Museum, where great beer pairs with fascinating legends from more than 150 years of history.

Overnight: Sarajevo

Day 8: Lukomir Village

Hike the highest and most isolated village in Bosnia

Your day begins with a scenic drive across Bjelašnica Olympic Mountain toward Umoljani, home to the UNESCO-listed Dolovo Stećci medieval tombstones. From here, your hike starts with the goal of reaching Lukomir, the highest and most remote village in Bosnia and Herzegovina at 1,500 meters. The trail first leads to Gradina, a small seasonal settlement used for summer pastures, before opening into breathtaking views of Studeni Potok and its valley. After about three hours, you’ll reach the Obalj peak (1,896 m) and enjoy an extraordinary panorama of Bjelašnica, Treskavica, Visočica, the Rakitnica Canyon, and distant mountain villages.

From the peak, continue down to Lukomir, a remarkable village with six centuries of preserved tradition. Here, you’ll meet locals who still cook, dress, and live much as their ancestors did, offering a rare glimpse into true mountain life. Enjoy a traditional lunch and coffee (included), and capture fantastic photos of its stone houses and dramatic surroundings. After the break, hike through the wild and little-known Rakitnica Canyon, 800 meters deep and, at points, only one meter wide, an unforgettable display of untouched nature. The trail loops back to the starting point, completing the circle. With your mind full of impressions, sit back and relax on the drive to Sarajevo.

Overnight: Sarajevo

Day 9: NP Sutjeska with Perućica Rainforest & Trnovačko Lake

Another day of Bosnia’s breathtaking nature awaits. About 100 km from Sarajevo lies Sutjeska National Park, one of the country’s oldest and wildest protected areas. After a short walk, you’ll enter the Perućica rainforest, one of the last two remaining primeval forests in Europe, dating back 11,000 years. Parts of it are completely unreachable, and some trees rise over 50 meters high, making it a true natural treasure. Your first rest stop is the Dragoš Sedlo viewpoint (1,242 m), where you’ll admire Skakavac Waterfall plunging 80 meters down steep cliffs. Continue to the Prijevor plateau for sweeping views of the surrounding mountains: Maglić, Zelengora, and Volujak. Towering above them is Maglić (2,386 m), Bosnia and Herzegovina’s highest peak.

From Prijevor, the trail leads across the Montenegrin border to today’s highlight, Trnovačko Lake. Set at 1,517 meters, this crystal-clear glacial lake is famous for its striking heart shape and is one of Zelengora’s beautiful “mountain eyes.” Your adventure is complete with a well-deserved picnic of homemade regional specialties in this peaceful mountain setting. After a relaxed 1.5-hour hike back, continue to a rafting camp on the Drina River. Over dinner, unwind, savor the day’s memories, and prepare for tomorrow’s rafting experience.

Overnight: Rafting camp

Day 10: UNESCO’s Tara River Canyon with rafting

You’ve likely heard that the Tara River is called the “Tear of Europe” for its exceptional purity – you can drink from it at any point along its course. Its canyon plunges 1,300 meters deep, making it the deepest in Europe and the second deepest in the world after the Colorado River. Since 1977, the Tara Canyon has been protected by UNESCO as one of the world’s most significant natural heritage sites.

Enjoy an exhilarating 22 km rafting adventure through emerald-green and turquoise waters, surrounded by vibrant, untouched nature. Expert, highly trained guides will accompany you from Montenegro to Bosnia and Herzegovina, ensuring both safety and fun. If the weather is kind, end the day by the fire, sharing stories with warm and welcoming locals.

Overnight: Rafting camp

Day 11: The Essence of Herzegovina

Sutjeska Memorial Park – UNESCO’s Blagaj – City of Mostar

After exploring Bosnia, it’s time to discover Herzegovina. Your first stop is near Tjentište, the Valley of Heroes, where you’ll visit the Sutjeska Memorial Park. This is the site of one of the most significant WWII battles on Yugoslav territory, known as the Battle of Sutjeska or Operation Schwarz. The monumental Brutalist structure commemorates the Partisan resistance and keeps its legacy alive.

Continue to Blagaj, a 15th-century town once ruled by the Kosača noble family and now on the UNESCO Tentative List. Here, the famous dervish house sits in a fairytale setting beneath towering cliffs, right at the source of the emerald-green Buna River. It is considered the birthplace of Islam in today’s Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Next, head to Mostar, one of the Balkan Peninsula’s most beautiful cities. The highlight of the walking tour is the iconic Old Bridge, a UNESCO-listed landmark and the country’s most photographed sight. Use your free time to wander the lively cobbled streets, climb the Koški Mehmed Pasha Mosque tower for panoramic views, or relax with a homemade coffee in its courtyard. Don’t miss the charming Crooked Bridge, the historic Tabhana tanner’s quarter, or a traditional meal along the crystal-clear Neretva River with a magnificent view of the bridge above.

Overnight: Mostar

Day 12: The Essence of Herzegovina

Medieval Počitelj village – Tvrdoš Monastery – Trebinje town

To fully appreciate Herzegovina’s rich heritage, continue your journey toward Trebinje. Along the way, visit the medieval village of Počitelj, a UNESCO-protected gem known for its authentic oriental architecture. Believed to have been built in 1383 by Bosnian king Stjepan Tvrtko I, Počitelj’s importance shifted over the centuries, shaped first by Hungarian rule, then by two hundred years under the Ottomans. If you’re lucky, you may meet local residents eager to share stories or offer homemade treats.

Your adventure continues south to the 16th-century Serbian Orthodox Monastery of Tvrdoš, dedicated to the Holy Mother of God. A spiritual center of the region, it is also famous for its winemaking tradition. Thanks to the fertile land surrounding the monastery, vineyards have flourished here for centuries. In the stone cellar, dating back to the 15th century, you’ll taste native Herzegovinian wines such as Vranac and Žilavka while hearing stories from the monks who preserve this craft.

The final stop of the day is Trebinje, a picturesque town where cultures intertwine. Stroll through its charming old streets, visit key landmarks, and see the elegant Arslanagića Bridge, an inspiring spot for artists and photographers. Relax in the serene Poet’s Square beneath its century-old trees, a place that has inspired many, including renowned filmmaker Emir Kusturica. End your tour at the hilltop Hercegovačka Gračanica church, where sweeping views over Herzegovina and a spectacular sunset create the perfect finale to your day.

Overnight: Trebinje

Day 13: Departure day

Departure from Sarajevo or any non-listed airport.

PRICING & INCLUSIONS

Price – Shared tour

Forget about crowded buses with 40+ passengers – our shared tours are designed as small-group experiences. With a maximum of 18 travelers (often just 4–6), you’ll still enjoy a personal journey that offers comfort, connection, and the best value for money.

  • ADULT:€ 2,535
  • CHILD (2-12yo):On request

Private Tour

Enjoy the freedom of a private tour, where the vehicle and guide are reserved exclusively for you or your group. With complete flexibility to shape the itinerary at your own pace, this option guarantees comfort, privacy, and the best value for money in terms of a fully personalized experience.

GENERAL INCLUSIONS

Valid both for Standard and Superior package

  • Transportation:Airport arrival transfer; Transportation as per the itinerary with modern, comfortable vehicles tailored to your group size.
  • Entrances and Tickets:Tara NP, Wooden Town, Stopića Cave, Sirogojno Old Village, Uvac Lake Natural Reserve, Springs of Bosnia River, Tunnel of Hope, Sutjeska NP with picnic lunch, Blagaj.
  • Experiences:Taste & Bike Belgrade Experience tour®, Wine tasting in Sremski Karlovci, Zlatibor Gold Gondola ride, Uvac Lake meandering and picnic lunch, Sarajevo Food Experience Walking Tour®, Lukomir Village lunch, Tara River rafting, Wine tasting in Tvrdoš Monastery.
  • Meals:13 x breakfast; Additional meals included in our experiences
  • Additional:Professional English-speaking tour guidance throughout the tour; VAT, accommodation taxes and city taxes; Tour logistics and organization with dedicated service and care; 1 bottle of water (0.5l) daily for each passenger.
  • Accommodation:
  • Standard package:3 BB in Belgrade in Hotel Royal Inn 4* / Hotel Mark 4* / Hotel Amsterdam 4* or similar; 2 BB on Zlatibor Mountain in Hotel Palisad 4* standard / Hotel Mir 4* or similar; 3 BB in Sarajevo in Hotel Old Town 4* / Hotel Holiday 4* / Hotel Colors Inn 4* or similar; 1 FB (full board) and 1 HB (half board) in Rafting Camp near Tara river in authentic log cabins; 1 BB in Mostar in Eden Hotel & Spa 4* / Hotel Kriva Ćuprija 4* or similar; 1 BB in Trebinje in Hotel Central Park 4* / Hotel SL Industry 4* or similar.
  • Superior Package:3 BB in Belgrade in Hotel Saint Ten 5* / Hotel Hyatt Regency 5* / Hotel Hilton 4* superior or similar; 2 BB on Zlatibor Mountain in Hotel Palisad 4* superior / Hotel Buket 4* superior or similar; 3 BB in Sarajevo in Hotel Courtyard by Marriot 4* superior / Hotel President 4* superior / Swissotel 5* or similar; 1 FB (full board) and 1 HB (half board) in Rafting Camp near Tara river in authentic log cabins; 1 BB in Mostar in Hotel Mepas 5* / Hotel Mostar 4* superior or similar; 1 BB in Trebinje in Hotel Central Park 4* / Hotel SL Industry 4* or similar.

NOTICES

  • If you arrive in Belgrade a few days before the tour, you can book extra nights at the same hotel through us. If you are departing from Sarajevo a few days after the tour ends, you can book additional nights with us. Departure transfer to the listed airport is included. Private transfers to other airports are available on request. Please check the available options with your local expert.
  • Tips and porterage services are not included in price
  • Final choice of the hotels depends on current availability. The tour organiser reserves the right to change the hotel due to availability reasons but guarantees the same category, service quality and similar location of the accommodation unit
  • Minimum number of passengers needed for guaranteed tour departure: 1
  • Minimum age requirement for our tours: 12 years old
  • The tour organiser reserves the right to change the itinerary of the tour due to unexpected slow-moving traffic at international borders. These changes will not affect the basic itinerary
  • It is the responsibility of the passengers to get acquainted with visa requirements of all the countries they are travelling to or will be in transit
  • General Travel Conditions issued by Tour Operator d.o.o. and reconciled with YUTA standards are valid for this programme

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

What is EXPERIENCE MORE?

EXPERIENCE MORE  is at the core of our travel philosophy, elevating each tour beyond the ordinary. These carefully curated moments enrich our itineraries, offering deeper insights and unique perspectives of every destination. From exclusive cultural encounters to hidden local gems, EXPERIENCE MORE ensures each journey is unforgettable and engaging.

Some of our experiences included in the tour:

  • Taste & Bike Belgrade Experience tour®
  • Wine tasting in Sremski Karlovci
  • Zlatibor Gold Gondola ride
  • Uvac Lake meandering and picnic lunch
  • Sarajevo Food Experience Walking Tour®
  • Lukomir Village lunch
  • Tara River rafting
  • Wine tasting in Tvrdoš Monastery

I'm a solo traveller, is there a single supplement?

Yes, there is a single supplement – if you’re travelling alone and you’d like to join our guaranteed departures, just select the single room option during the booking process. The system will automatically add the single supplement to your total price.

Are airport transfers included in this tour?

Airport arrival transfer is included in this tour. However, as most of our clients decide to extend their trip within their own organisation, transfer to the airport at the end of the tour is not included in the overall price. If you would like us to organise a departure transfer on their behalf, you are welcome to book the departure transfer during the checkout process, or simply contact us.

Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

Yes, we will easily arrange additional overnights upon your request. If you are looking to book only one additional night before, or after the tour, you are welcome to choose the option during the checkout process. If you are arriving few days before the tour departure or you would like to extend your stay after the tour end, get in touch with our agents, and they will help you with booking your pre or post tour accommodation at the same hotel as the one that is already booked for your stay.

What is cancellation policy?

CANCELLATION BY THE GUEST

In case of cancellation by the guest, refund policy will be applied by the terms stated in the list below. The guest is obligated to send official written cancellation notice. Given refund policy will be applied from the time of receiving the notification in writing. The shown refund amount represents a percentage of the total tour price.

For cancellation up to 60 days before departure – 100% refund.
For cancellation from 59 days till 46 days before departure – 90% refund.
For cancellation from 45 days till 31 days before departure – 80% refund.
For cancellation from 30 days till 16 days before departure – 70% refund.
For cancellation from 15 days till 8 days before departure – 50% refund.
For cancellation from 7 days till the day of departure – 0% refund.

Beside all standard reasons, cancellation policy will also apply if tour participant cancel the tour with a reason that includes medical ground, visa issues, jury service etc.

Is there a minimum age requirement to join your tours?

To ensure the best experience for all guests, our tours are suitable for participants aged 12 and older. For families with younger children, we rather offer some of our excellent private family tours, tailored to provide an experience that kids genuinely enjoy.

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