Sarajevo

Wellcoming the guests at the airport, transfer to the hotel and short tour of area close to hotel.*

*Depending on time arrival

Sarajevo is the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina , geographically it is situated in central part of the country. Sarajevo is Political, cultural and economical center of country, as well as border  Balkan area. Population of Sarajevo is around 450 000 inhabitants, established in 1462 in area of old midlevel settlement .Throughout the history Sarajevo was marked by influence of different cultures. Because of that, Sarajevo is the city in which can be seen preserved architecture form ottoman, Austro-Hungarian and socialists 20th century era.

Sarajevo is surrounded wonderful mountains on which where hosted 14th winter Olympic games.

Today, Sarajevo is modern dynamic, open and welcoming city that will leave long lasting pleasant memories to all its visitors  

Historic trading center of Sarajevo since ottoman period. Represents most attractive part of the city.  Meaning of Baščaršija “main part of downtown “ Wider area of Baščaršija encompass many cultural-historical landmarks, shops with traditional handcraft products, cafe shops  and restaurants that serve traditional cuisine ,bezistan (Ottoman style shopping center)offering different goods.

Begova Mosque

Represents most significant building of Ottoman architecture outside today’s Turkey

Mosque was built in 1532. By very prominent figure of  Bosnian history ,Bosnian governor Gazi Husrev Bey.

This mosque is characterized by monumental size,45 m high minaret, wide courtyard of the mosque. The mosque itself is surrounded by many endowments that where established by Gazi Husref Bey, which are known as Vakufs of Gazi Husref Bey which till this day are functional.

Breake for a lunch

Guest will try trtaditional traditional meal in one of the restaurants in Baščaršija Ćevapi (minced meet wit traditonaly made bread served with onion and white cream a side)or Pie Baščaršiji. This is traditional food by which Sarajevo is famous in whole world.

After lunch departure to Vrelo Bosne (Favorite outing destination for Sarajevans)

Vrelo Bosne

Is situated beneath Igman  mountain, Vrelo Bosne (Source of the river Bosna) is just 15 Km from downtown Sarajevo. Bosnia is one of reara countries in the world that has country and river have same name. Vide area of Vrelo Bosne is composes large natural park with unique ecological protection.

At the very beginning, source of river Bosna is branching out, forming small lakes which are inhabited by Swans. In all directions visitors are surrounded by beautiful sceneries of mountain, forests and glades.

Entrance to this park is very attractive by itself, it leads through 3 Km walnut alley, through which you can ride a carriage pulled by the horses.

In the park itself, there are restaurants and coffee shops.

Return to the hotel and free time            

Guests are free to spend their time on their own

Wholeday trip to the Prokoško lake

Prokoško lake

Represents one of the most attractive touristic destinations. Lake is situated at the mountain Vranica 1660 m above sea level

Return in Sarajevo In hotel         

Guest will refresh and prepare for dinner

Sarajevo             

Dinner in restaurant with panoramic view of Sarajevo

Kod Kibeta or Park prinčeva

Kod Kibeta

Restaurant with excellent selection of traditional meals  with unforgettable panoramic view of the city

or

Park Prinčeva

Restaurant with excellent selection of traditional meals  with unforgettable panoramic view of the city.

Visit to Svrzoʾs house

Svrzoʾs house

House got its name by its owners, wealthy treading family of Svrzo. House was built in 18th century and represents the best preserved  family house from Ottoman period.  House represent a complex  consisting of  man and women part, of the house, special separate part as a guest house (musafirhana)and two large courtyards.

In lower part of the house are kitchen and storage. Complete interior of the house with its decoration and furniture has been preserved in its original shape. Spacious and richly decorated interior ,captures with its richness ,artistic decorations, wood carvings, carpets and authentic dishware.

 As a witness of high living culture, and exceptional sense for personal hygiene, witness shower cabins in almost every room. In This house as nowhere else, one can feel authentic spirit of life  from the  Ottoman period.

Visit to the museum of Alija Izetebegović

This museum is dedicated to the first democratically elected president of independent Bosnia and Herzegovina and one of the greatest Muslim leaders of the 20th century

Alija izetbegović Museum is situated in historic building, fortress from 18th century in old part of Sarajevo In area named Kovači. Alija Izetbegović wasn’t just statesmen and politician, but also worlds thinker and Humanist, whose social role marked nineties of the  last century, and left positive mark not only on  Bosnia and Herzegovina but whole Islamic world.

In this very attractive museum space, life of this great leader is on display during  the period when he stood as a head of state, which was defending itself against brutal aggression from Serbia and Montenegro from one and Croatia from Other side. Through of exhibits of  various of personal belongings, numerous international prizes as well as archive materials and images, one can grasp the magnitude of  the struggle of Bosnian people for their freedom and  leadership of Alija izetbegović.

Break for lunch Lunch in local restaurant

Visit to shopping mall Sarajevo City Center

 Sarajevo City Center

Largest shopping center in Bosnian and Herzegovina is the most modern architectural building in Sarajevo. It is situated in center of Sarajevo and offers wide variety of commodities and clothing of world’s famous brands, as well as rich gastronomic services with numerous coffee shops, restaurants and sweet shops, Perfect place ,where you can spend large part of your day and if you are coming with kids, Sarajevo City Center with its playroom.

Dinner in Bosnian traditional restaurant Inat kuća

Inat kuća – House of spite

One of the most famous restaurants in Sarajevo, with rich variety of traditional Bosnian food to chose from. Interior of this restaurant is especially attractive decorated in manner of old Bosnian house. This restaurant is related to many legends, and based on of them, restaurant got its name.

Whole day trip: Rafting on Neretva river

(The Best Kept Secret of SFR Yugoslavia, facility D-0, with the code name “Istanbul” and later nicknames “Army’s Reserve Command”, “Atomic War Command” and “Tito’s bunker”, was built in complete secrecy over the course of 26 years – between 1953 and 1979. The construction costs amounted to 4.6 billion US dollars, which would today equal to more than 10 billion US dollars. Located near the town of Konjic in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is known as the third biggest investment of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The core purpose of the Object D-0 ARK was to take in, accommodate and protect Yugoslav President Josip Broz Tito and members of Headquarters of the Supreme Command, the Presidency and the Government of Yugoslavia, and enable their successful management and command over the armed forces in case of country crisis and nuclear warfare.

The Cold War (in which SFRY had a very specific role), was time of fears of a nuclear disaster, but also a time of utopian ideas about world peace and the present time, which is characterized by an apocalyptic scenario of the end of the world. Hence, object D-0 was created to make sure that important persons and intelligence of Yugoslavia would survive that cataclysm.

The construction of the object began in 1953, as decided by the highest-ranking commanders of the former Yugoslav People’s Army. The information about the object was known only to Tito himself, Chief of Federal Secretary of People’s Defense (SSNO), Chief of Headquarters of Yugoslav People’s Army (JNA), Chief of State Security Administration, and Chief of Communications of Federal Secretary of People’s Defense. In 1979 the object was officially handed to the crew of former JNA, which consisted of 16 officers.

The object occupies a space of approximately 6.400 square meters with its lowest point at 280 meters below ground, and is made up of 12 connected blocks in which one may find residential areas, conference rooms, offices, strategic planning rooms, and other areas. The object is divided into 3 major parts: 1. Outer area (above-ground) which consists of 3 buildings resembling weekend cottages to provide camouflage for the three entrances into the object 2. Tunnels which connect the outer and the protected part of the object and which aim to amortize the nuclear strike 3. Protected area of the object where 21 systems were built to technically maintain the object. The capacity of the protected area of the object “ARK” can accommodate 350 persons for an indefinite amount of time and give them protection from a nuclear strike of 25 kilotons, while offering optimal life and work conditions by maintaining the constant air temperature of 21 to 23 Celsius degrees and relative air humidity of 50 to 60 promiles.

Today the facility is  preserveing intact with all its symbols of the social, economical, political and ideological system of Socialist Yugoslavia and  since 2011. when first exibition of contemporary art biennial project happenswith the fact that during the war of the 1990s many monuments in the former Yugoslavia were destroyed, ARK is  a unique exhibition space, a nontraditional artistic setting from both a psychological and intellectual point of view. Therefore since 2011. D-0 ARK is becoming hybrid museum between  military, historical  and contemporay artefacts.

The complete secrecy of D-0 was kept until after the breakup of Yugoslavia – in 1992, when the Yugoslav Peoples’ Army soldiers left the object and handed it over to Territorial Defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and later Army of B&H and Armed Forces of B&H.

However, the veil of secrecy still heavily surrounded the object up until 2000, when guided tours became available only for diplomats in B&H who were given a special permission of the Ministry of Defense of B&H.

Guided tours for general public became available only in 2011, when Ministry of Defense of B&H, in presence of NATO, proclaimed that the object had no military perspective, everything moved by the idea of contemporary art project called “Biennial D-0 ARK Underground” which was implemented for the first time and proclaimed as cultural event of Eurpe by Council od Europe.

From that moment on, the object whose infrastructure is preserved intact with all its symbols of the social, economic, political and ideological system of Socialist Yugoslavia and up-to-date technology of the past, opened its doors to visits from all around the world.

Since 2011, “Tito’s bunker” is a home to the first exhibition of contemporary art biennial project “Biennial D-0 ARK”. After the devastating war in the 1990s in which many monuments in the former Yugoslavia were destroyed, ARK arose as a unique exhibition space and offered a truly nontraditional artistic setting; originally designed as an atomic shelter, an object of great historical significance.  The goal of the Project is to transform a site still officially under military control into a prestigious regional cultural institution at the forefront of emerging artistic trends. The project seeks to preserve cultural heritage and a historical structure, as well as to create artistic value and reestablish broken connections between artists and creative people in the region.).

Return to Sarajevo and free time

Tour of downtown streets in Sarajevo Ferhadija and Titova

Ferhadija and Tito street represents main city streets and favorite touristic destinations. One is connecting in to other and total length of both streets is 1,3 Km Ferhadija street got its name by Ferhat paša Mosque  which is at it beginning  while Titova street got its name by former president of Yugoslavia Josip Broz Tito. Both streets are attractive, with many shops, restaurants and coffee shops.

Visit to the emperor’s mosque (Sultan faith mosque)

The emperor’s mosque (Sultan faith mosque)

Built in period when the Sarajevo was still establishing  city by its founder Isa beg Ishaković, sometime before 1462 and the mosque was dedicated to the sultan Mehmed the II El – Fatih . However the build in its today’s shape dates back to 1565 and represents architecture from classic Ottoman period . This mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in Bosnia . Its courtyard draw attention with its colonnades that surrounds the courtyard, where one can rest and hove a coffee or tea.

Lunch at Morića Han

Morića Han

Built by the end of 16th   or 17th century It represent last remaining old khan in Sarajevo. Its name got by the family that rent it in 19th century. Hans where used as hotels. Today it is a place of coffee shops, restaurants and shops. Building has inside garden with plants and trees where one can rest and try genuine Bosnian coffee as well as visit large shop with handmade Persian carpets.

Museum of Genocide

Dedicated to the largest crimes commited in Europe after the second world War that happened in Bosnian town of Srebrenica in 1995.Genocide against Bosniak civilians were commited by serb solders killing more than 8000 civilians. Throug its exebition, musesum testifies to this horrific crime.

Ghazee Husrev bey - Library

Ghazee Husrev bey – Library is one of the oldest library in Balkan region. It was established in same time when was opened school – Madresa with same name in 1537 established by Ghazee Husrev bey Bosnian governor. Library contains one of the largest collection of manuscripts written in oriental languages. Library also contains museum, in which can be seen most famous manuscripts and Islamic calligraphy paintings, that are kept in this institution as well as other works of art.

Museum of Ghazee Husrev-bey

Is located in historic building of Ghazee Husrev bey  school – Madresa built in  1537 Building represent building from classic period of Ottoman architecture consisting of rooms in which reside students, and other large separate room are where lectures where held. With  in building there is a courtyard with the fountain. Museum is dedicated to the life of Ghazee Husrev bey, his endowments – Wakufs. Museum also has number of valuable showpieces like cloth that was covering grave of Prophet Mohammed PBUH and samples of Prophet’s hear from head and beard.

Dinner in one of Sarajevo′s restaurants 

Trip to Travnik and break on location of national monument Plava Voda (Blue Water)

Travnik



One of the most famous Bosnian cities with rich history and numerous cultural and historic monuments. Travnik is also know as the city of Vezeers, as it was capital of Bosnia in period of second half of 18th and first half of 19th century. In city is preserved several mosques, among which is especially unique Sulejman – pasha mosque dating back to 1815 this mosques is also known as “colorful mosque“ because of rich decoration of its walls. Other uniqueness of this mosque are that in lower part of building is space for renting, which generates revenue for covering running costs of the mosque while the minaret of the mosque is positioned on the left side of the mosque, which is unusual for Bosnian mosques.



Plava Voda (Blue Water)

Represents complex of old buildings and one of the most beutuful sources of water in Bosnia. Blue water with its natural ambient ,old coffeshops and rosturants makes Blue Water ideal place for rest.

Visit to the Šarena džamija -   “Colorful mosque”

Visit to Jajce waterfalls and Pliva lakes – Plivska jezera    Jajce City

Jajce city is also called the city of kings, as it was place from which Bosnian kings roled from in midevel period of the Bosnian history . Jace city is the city with the most beutuful surroung in Bosnia. Jajce was first time mentioned in historyc documents in 1396.

In Center of Jajce city there are many national monuments 14 to be precise. All of this makes uniqe mix of  antic cristian medivle monuments and thse from ottoman period condense in small area. Old city is surrounded by walls with remaints of watchtowers . Jajce is a city in which is preserverd several very valuable residentainl buildings from Ottoman era, as well as Esma sultneya mosque

Pliva Waterfalls - Plivski vodopad

Only waterfall in Europe, that is situated in center of the city.  It is 22 m high and it is regarded as 12th most beautiful waterfalls in the world . Beauty of the waterfall attracts tourist from all over the world . Waterfall can be observed from close distance as all access walking paths are built beneath it

Pliva Lakes - Plivska jezera

 Pliva lake is situated very close to Jajce city . Large lake is 3,3 Km long  while small lake is around 1 Km long. Between large and small lake is unique attraction where are old water mills which are listed as national treasure. Lakes are surrounded by mountains and thick vegetation. Sightseeing of large lake is possible by electric boats. On the banks of the lakes are picnic area, restaurants and places for rest 

Departure to Bihać  and overnight stay

One of the oldest Bosnian cities . It was first time mentione in written documents  in 1260 Situated on furthers western part of the country with close to 40 000 inhibtatous Bihać city is situated on the banks of unique Una river ,most beutuful river in the Europ. Bihać is unversty city with several valuable historic buildings, among which is Fethiya mosque that was converted from churc to mosque in 16th century, and on place that once stood bell tower, minaret was erected in 19th century. 

Visit to Štrbački buk waterfalls

Štrbački buk waterfalls

Are part of Una river and are part of national park. One of the most beautiful waterfalls candidate for  UNESCO World heritage sites. Waterfall is 24 meters high, downstream, not far away are other smaller waterfalls with its fascinating beauty and natural surroundings.

Rest at u Ethno Village  Natura Art          

Ethno Village  Natura Art

Ideal place for relaxtaion beside the Una river. Village is situaeted close to Bihać and it offers difreant recreational.

On the way back to Sarajevo break at the Semešnica river.   

       

Semešnica river is close to city of Donji Vakuf and it is tributary to greate Bosnian river Vrbas. Semešnica is 18 Km long and it is protected area. Semešnica river is famouse habitat for Beavers. We advise visit to eco Village Semešnica situeted in most beutufle part of this river,wonderful Valley with many Rapids and small waterfalls Eco village greate local food ,there you can see different kingds of animals :Ponys,Donekeys,ducks,Swans .

Perfect place for rest.

Visit to war tunnel

The war tunnel

Situeted in part of Sarajevo known as Butmir, close to airport. Museuum was built at the entrence of the entrance of the tunnel, that was only connection  from 92-95 of Sarajevo with outside world leading under the airstrip. Tunnel was used for communication of people, food and medicine delivery as well as weapons that was used for defending of Sarajevo.

In museum can be seen authentic video presentation that tells the story of how tunnel was built, authentic items that were used for the tunnel construction. Small part of the tunnel is open for public, and one can have taste of it.

Whole day trip to the mountains Igman and  Bjelašnica 

Igman and  Bjelašnica

One hour drive from Sarajevo  Igman and Bjelašnica reperesnt well known mountains. Igman and Bjelašnica are olympic mountains where competitons were held during 14th winter olipyic games. Bjelašnica is one of the heighest mountains in Bosnia with its highest peak 2067 meter above sea level,while Igman is 1502 meter above sea level. Both mountains are know by its wast areas densly covered with forest ,water springs and Idyllic hills . Both mountains are atractive for mountainers and hikhers with their pleasant climate during summer .

On Bjelašnica you will find excellent hotels and restaurants ,walking-hiking paths.

On Igman mountain you should visit mosque built in 1993  during the war by the soldiers. Mosque was completely built out of timber.

Mosque symbolizes the resistance of Bosnian people ,against Serb aggression and struggle for preservation of their religion.

Mountain Igman is known as a very cold mountain. Lowest temperature recorded on this mountain was   - 43 °C below zero in winter 1963

Lunch

Lunch at the local restaurant

Visit to “The war mosque” on the Igman Mountain

Return to the hotel and free evening time

Guests can spend evening on their own

Guests are free to spent whole day on their own and rest (Advise guests where to go for shopping in Sarajevo)

Whole day trip and visit to complex of “The Bosnian pyramids”  in Visoko

Visoko

Pictureless small city  near Sarajevo.

Visoko is city with beautiful nature.  Once the capital of medieval Bosnia,and the spiritual centre of the long-suppressed Bosnian Church.

In town can be seen several mosques that are national monuments.

Bosnian pyramids

However, the biggest attraction of city  today,  is complex of large pyramids,  according to claims of people from local foundation that works on excavation of the pyramid as they claim that the age of pyramids are close to 30 000 years. The highest so called “The pyramid of Sun” is 220 meters high which is much larger than the Great Pyramid of Giza aka Pyramid of Cheops in Egypt whose height is 147 meters.

Beside the pyramid of Sun close to it are Pyramid of Moon as well as several others around it on which excavation didn’t start.

Mostly these objects are covered with dense vegetation and soil, certain parts of the pyramids  are uncovered where can be seen large stone blocks from which the Pyramid is built.

Very interesting can be the visit to prehistoric tunnels under the pyramid, that most likely lead to its center . So far few hundred meters of these tunnels are discovered and open for visitors .

Return to Sarajevo

Guests are free for the rest of evening

Departure to Mostar and city tour

Mostar

Mostar is one of the most beautiful cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is some two hour drive from Sarajevo ,situated at the bank of Neretva river, one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe. Mostar is famous by old part of city and its well known Old bridge that connects two banks of the city .

Bridge was built in 16th century and represents most successful projects of ottoman architecture in Balkans.

Beside mosque we should also mention mosque of Koski Mehmed paša and Karađoz –Bey mosque.

Whole are of Old town of Mostar is listed as UNESCO world heritage .

Lunch in Blagaj

Blagaj

Small place in outskirts of Mostar, close to famous spring of  Buna river, one of the most beutful and largest springs  in Europe.

Beside the spring itself is well known and biggest attraction in Buna, sufi teky built in 16th centuryIt was built in traditional Bosnian  architecture and it is open to the visitors.Within of place that once was Teky is coffee shop with wonderful view at the Buna spring.

Wide are around Buna provides one with examples of traditional  residential architecture, mosques from Ottoman period , old stone made bridge.Also visitors can enjoy in excellent food in local restaurants serving traditional dishes, among which we recommend to try trout prepared in a local way.



Return of Mostar for overnight at the hotel

 Visit to Počitelj city

Počitelj

Not that far away from Mostar  is another old city called Počitelj, whose whole area is listed as national heritage. Počitelj dates back from medieval period, however its real development and urbanization starts in Ottoman period when elements of oriental and Mediterranean stone architecture started flourishing.

Among structures that should be emphasizes are cites walls with its watchtowers, Šišman Ibrahim paša Mosque or Hadži Aly mosque built in   16th  century ,old clock tower, medresas, hamam and very important example  of traditional  residential architecture. Old city is open for visitors and enjoyment in “stone symphony ”.

Visit to Kravice waterfalls

Kravice waterfalls

Most attractive waterfalls in Bosnia and Herzegovina is near Ljubuškog on the Trebižat river.

Width of waterfalls is 120 meters and high close to 28 meters forming beneath it small flowing lake. Spectacular scenery will leave every visitor breathless, and that is not strange why people from all over the world are coming and visiting this waterfall.

Visit to Vjetrenica cave

Vjetrenica cave

One of the most fascinating and largest caves in Europe and the first in the world by its biodiversity with close to  200 different animal spices.

Cave is a part of protected eco system of immense value.Length of cave channel is 7014 meters, from which is 1800 meters opened for visitors, average inside temperature throughout the year is 11 °C Inside cave there are 4 four water streams and several small lakes. Cave is very rich with stalactites

On the way back to Sarajevo stop for rest in local restaurant. We propouse wisit to Restaurant Prenj near Jablanica

Restaurant with rich offer of local dishes, among most famous ,lamb on  the spit.

Restaurant is just next to the Neretva river, amazing natural ambient, ideal place for travelers to take a rest.

Restaurant also has masjed (Prayer room ) 

Arrival in Sarajevo – hotel

Guests are free for the rest of evening  

Park of nature Bijambare

Only one hour drive from Sarajevo is fascinating natural reservoir in which is complex of eight caves, among which  most famous and one of the biggest in Bosnian is Bijambare cave with its  trails and lighting is open for public. Length of the cave is near 420 meters with three large halls.

Interior of the cave will not leave its visitors listless.

Close to cave there are protected forests that can be seen while riding a tourist train.

Inside this natural park there is a restaurant a coffee shop

Return to Sarajevo - hotel

Guests are free

Guests are free to spend whole day as they wish or to rest.

Departure of the guests  Gests are packing and getting ready for transfer to the airport.