Itinerary Expand all Fly to Sarajevo; transfer to hotel. Fly to Sarajevo, Bosnia's capital and transfer to hotel. Pansion Kandilj or similar, Sarajevo Day 1 Start Sarajevo. The trip begins at our hotel in Bosnia's capital.Pansion Kandilj or similar, Sarajevo Day 2 Transfer 1.5 hours to Umoljani Village on the Olympic mountain of Bjelasnica. Snowshoe to Visocica Mountain and Crveni Kuk Peak (1733m). Transfer 1.5 hours to Umoljani Village on the Olympic mountain of Bjelasnica. Winding through Bjelasnica's back roads we'll reach the Rakitnica River and cross over towards Visocica Mountain. Tucked in the hills just above the ridged walls of this mountain sits Sinanovici Village (1,250m). The walk up will take us through beech forest and then open rocky terrain up to the summit of Crveni Kuk Peak (1,733m). You will be rewarded with far reaching views of the highest mountains in Bosnia & Herzegovina, as well as those in neighbouring Montenegro. We overnight in Umoljani. Pansion Umoljani or similar, Bjelasnica Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 3 Snowshoeing around the villages of Umoljani and Gradina, including the cascades of Studeni Potok, Rakitnica Canyon and Saruk Peak (1828m). This morning we start snowshoeing directly from our pension around the villages of Umoljani and Gradina. From the traditional style Bosnian mosque in the village of Umoljani we'll trek to the watermills and beautiful source used for centuries as energy to grind wheat into flour. We hug the ridge until Rakitnica Canyon opens up before us. After 45 minutes of an uphill through thick snow we reach the Cascades of Studeni Potok. Here, at certain times of the year, the stream falls in numerous cascades into Rakitnica River, more than 300 metres below. Following the stream up we hit Studeno Polje (Field) and the serpentine formations of Studeni Potok (Stream). Here we'll have a super view of Obalj and the long flat valley of Studeno Polje (Fields). The shepherd’s summer village of Gradina is just up the road and and from here we will slowly ascend today’s peak, Saruk (1,828m) where we will take our lunch break. From here we will return through the “back door” to Umoljani Village for a welcoming homemade dinner. Pansion Umoljani or similar, Bjelasnica Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 4 Ascend to a spectacular ridge with views across to Montenegro, continue to Babin Do ski resort. Leaving Umoljani Village we snowshoe toward Babin Do, the main ski resort on this mountain. An ascent to the saddle right above Stirna Lokva offers extraordinary views of the mountains of Treskavica and Visocica and on a clear day the towering mountains on the Montenegrin border are often visible. On the way to Stirna Lokva we enjoy a picnic lunch and a hot tea or coffee. We then take the eastern ridge to the open valley on the opposite side of Belasnica's highest peak, arriving at the Babin Do ski resort. Here we will stay at a newly built hotel (close to the ski runs) with an indoor swimming pool and an option to use the sauna.Hotel Bjelasnica or similar, Bjelasnica Ski Resort Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 5 Walk through spruce and fir forest to a mountain hut on Igman Mountain, see two 1984 Olympic sites. Overnight in Sarajevo. A beautiful spruce and fir forest trail takes us towards a wonderful mountain hut, hidden deep in the thick forests of Igman Mountain. As we walk, we will pass next to two Olympic sites, the first one is Veliko polje (Big field), the place where Cross country skiing took a place in 1984. After approximately 3 hours, we reach the mountain hut of Hrasnicki stan, having a well deserved lunch, rest and refill our water bottles with fresh spring water. After a pleasant break we continue our forest snowshoe walk to Malo polje (Small field), where the Ski jumping event happened, which is also our final destination for today. A short 30 minute transfer will take us to our accommodation in the Old Town. Pansion Kandilj or similar, Sarajevo Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 6 Free day to explore the fascinating city of Sarajevo, or for an optional visit to the city of Mostar with its famous old bridge. Today is a free day to explore the fascinating city of Sarajevo or take an optional trip to Mostar. Sarajevo is where influences from the East & West merge to create an exotic and cosmopolitan city that is worth discovering. During the early 1900's, it was in Sarajevo where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assisinated sparking the outbreak of World War I and the fall of the Austo-Hungarian Empire. During the 1990's the city was besieged and on the edge of destruction due to the Balkan War conflict. The city has witnessed many remarkable and tragic events and today its restored historic centre houses welcoming cafés and an electic mix of architecture; Ottoman, Yugoslav and Austro- Hungarian buildings. Spending a day checking out the main sights or wandering around Sarajevo's streets discovering its rich cultural tapestry is a perfect complement to a week of winter adventure. If you are wishing to explore further afield, there is an option to visit to the city of Mostar with its famous old bridge. Mostar was founded in the 15th century and well worth a visit. The architecture is a combination of Turkish ingenuity and Herzegovinian and Dalmatian workmanship. Many people will have heard a great deal about this city, which was split during the conflict in the early 1990's. You will still see the scars of war, but these days Mostar is a warm and bustling place with a fascinating history.Pansion Kandilj or similar, Sarajevo Meals included: Breakfast Day 7 To Trebevic peak (1629m) for spectacular views of the surrounding area. Today we snowshoe on Trebevic Olympic Mountain, a popular route that provides views back over Sarajevo on a clear day. We take the back road to Jahorina via Vraca to Brus, where we park our vehicle and start our 500 metre ascent to the peak of Trebevic (1,629 metres). Our walk takes us along a long and winding mountain trail. Although we will be traveling most of the way through pine and spruce covered forests you will be treated occasionally to beautiful views of surrounding mountains.From the summit there are wonderful views of the surrounding towns and villages, as well as mountains of Romanija, Maglić, Volujak, Zelengora, Lelija, Treskavica, Visočica, Prenj, Čvrsnica, including our previous two destinations Olympic Mountains Bjelašnica & Igman. We descend via an alternative shorter trail to the mountain hut where we take a break for some hot tea, cocoa or even a cold beer.Pansion Kandilj or similar, Sarajevo Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Transfer to Sarajevo airport; fly to London. Transfer to Sarajevo airport; fly to London. Meals included: Breakfast Day 8 End Sarajevo. Our trip ends in Sarajevo after breakfast. Should you wish to spend more time in the city please enquire about post tour nights. Meals included: Breakfast
Hotel & Pensions Over the week, we spend a total of four nights in the friendly and traditional Pansion Kandilj, located next to the Old town of Sarajevo, where all rooms are en suite and the pension offers free Wi-Fi. We stay two nights in a traditional mountain chalet in the village of Umoljani, which has central heating throughout. Twin/double rooms are available and all have en suite bathroom facilities. Our final night in the mountains is in the newly opened Hotel Bjelasnica, a stylish mountain hotel in the Babin Do ski resort offering free Wi-Fi and an indoor pool and wellness centre. Single supplements are available on request. Please note that this is only for 5 nights as single rooms are not available in the mountain chalet in the village of Umoljani.
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Reviewed March 2019 Cris Bonomy Trip: Snowshoeing & Winter Walking on Bosnia’s Olympic Mountains Review It did what it said on the tin. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Bosnian Cusine and coffee. I had no idea of the extent of the legacy of the Ottoman Period and was favourably impressed. The 2 night stay in Umoljani. The closest to the 'real' Bosnia that was being promoted. What did you think of your group leader? Very good Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be aware of what you might be letting yourself in for. Is there anything else you would like to add? Spend more time in villages such as Umoljani and less in Sarajevo Miss out the ski centre village of Babin Do. The state of the buildings was something of an embarrassment although the interior of the hotel and service was fine.
Reviewed February 2019 Claire Willis Trip: Snowshoeing & Winter Walking on Bosnia’s Olympic Mountains Brilliant Trip A fantastic trip. What a joy for a non-skier to be so high up in snow covered mountains. I loved Sarajevo and the Bosnian people. A great activity trip with the opportunity to find out more about the tragic history of Sarajevo. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? I loved being at one with the varied snowy landscapes. Most days we barely saw anybody else on the mountains. The walk in the fir forests of Igman mountain was pretty special, aided by great weather & soft snow. What did you think of your group leader? Samer was an excellent guide, ably aided by Benjamin. They could not have been more supportive or better. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? No experience needed. Expect to fall over, but in soft snow!
Reviewed February 2019 Jutta Linke Trip: Snowshoeing & Winter Walking on Bosnia’s Olympic Mountains Bosnia Snow shoe hiking Highly recommend. Leaders experienced and nothing was too much trouble. Accomodation, food, hikes all very good. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The challenge and achievement. What did you think of your group leader? Best leaders ever. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Just do it. Is there anything else you would like to add? The scenery was amazing, interaction and supporting the locals and knowledge gained invaluable.
Reviewed March 2018 Fiona Bulmer Trip: Snowshoeing & Winter Walking on Bosnia’s Olympic Mountains A great trip in an interesting corner of Europe This is a very good trip for beginners to snowshoeing. The ascents are not too long or steep but you do get to summits with great views. The holiday is enhanced by the chance to learn about Bosnia, and Sarajevo's recent history with excellent and passionate guides who provide real insights into their country. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Lorenc singing in the mountain chalet after a very wet day on the hills. What did you think of your group leader? Samer was brilliant, well organised, enthusiastic and very knowledgeable. Our second guide, Lorenc was great too with his quirky sense of humour, and they made a great team. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be prepared for wet weather. According to the guide the Exodus trips always bring the rain. The bad days didn't spoil the trip but good waterproofs help.
Reviewed March 2018 Mark Seymour Trip: Snowshoeing & Winter Walking on Bosnia’s Olympic Mountains Excellent trip An excellent trip, and a great chance to try a new activity in a little-visited part of the world. Worth it just to meet and spend time with the trip leader Lorenc, who is an absolute gentleman. He has everything under control from beginning to end and can't do any more to help you or make your experience easier and more memorable. Even when a cancelled flight meant I had to miss the first day of the holiday (totally outwith the control of Exodus or Lorenc's company Green Visions), both companies did everything they could to assist, picked me up from the airport and reunited me with the group. No complaints whatsoever, and I thoroughly recommend the trip. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Breaking steps in the wilderness, and celebrating Lorenc's birthday with cake he had melted chocolate over with a stove he brought to the top of the mountain...legend. What did you think of your group leader? See above. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Don't be daunted by the difficulty rating or snowshoeing itself - it's certainly not easy walking and does take it out of you, but it's more than worth the effort, and if I can quickly get the hang of walking in snowshoes, anyone can!
Reviewed February 2017 Angela Salt Trip: Snowshoeing & Winter Walking on Bosnia’s Olympic Mountains Snowshoeing in Bosnia This is a great trip - exercise, history, culture, food, wine, landscape, guide What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? achieving tops and ends of the walks; the cities of Sarajevo & Mostar; the people What did you think of your group leader? Excellent - Lorenc was experienced, knowledgeable, kind, helpful, one of the best guides it's possible to have I think. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Go on the trip!
Reviewed March 2016 Marcelle Cassar Trip: Snowshoeing & Winter Walking on Bosnia’s Olympic Mountains Marcelle Cassar A memorable and enjoyable holiday, as much for its' educational interest as the activity itself. Living and walking among the recent turbulent history of Sarajevo was fascinating. Hearing events from those who experienced them first hand, delivered with respect and dignity, was very humbling. The landscape we snowshoed through was very picturesque;beech and conifer woods, far reaching vistas of distant mountain ranges, lowland pastures dotted with haystacks.The Bosnain people were very hospitable, friendly and accomodating too. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? There were two. The first was walking through the quiet peace of the conifer woods, snow laden branches almost arching down to the ground with the hazy sunshine casting an ethereal feel to the wood. The tranquility was all the more precious when you realised that once , this very area was a war zone with civilians being targeted by snipers in these very woods. The second was learning of the recent Balkan war while having a conducted tour of Sarajevo by Lorenc,the driver. What did you think of your group leader? Samer was a good group leader. I've led walking holidays myself so know the role. He was informative, positive, decisive in any change of plans/routes required. At all times approachable, friendly and accomodating. He looked after the groups needs before his own. I felt confident of his abilities to keep the group safe and together. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? If you're interested in history, especially of the Balkan area, then reading up about it before you go will make this trip more meaningful. Is there anything else you would like to add? This is a great trip to allow you to experience and support a country emerging from difficult times that has a lot to offer the traveller. It is aiming to establish and progress its tourist industry, and by going on this trip, not only do you have a wonderful walking experience, you are helping people like Samer and Lorenc fulfill their ambitions for their country. I would recommend this trip to any open-minded adventurer.
Reviewed March 2016 John Morrison Trip: Snowshoeing & Winter Walking on Bosnia’s Olympic Mountains Snowshoeing in Bosnia Totally different place to go. History fascinating, some recent, some much older. Good walks, even if not always enough snow for the snowshoes. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Reaching 2 peaks Saruk and Trebevik What did you think of your group leader? Excellent safe guide. Lots of history as he lived through the siege of Sarajevo. Good support from Lorenc as driver/second guide Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Plenty of ATMs in Sarajevo, so you don't need to carry loads of Euros, Drinks etc are cheap, so you don'rt need a lot of cash
Reviewed March 2016 Colin Simms Trip: Snowshoeing & Winter Walking on Bosnia’s Olympic Mountains Snowshoeing in Bosnia The trip proved to be a great mix of peaks & passes, history & culture and food & fun. While the lack of snow switched the trip from snowshoeing to winter hiking, it meant an unrestricted schedule visiting all areas on the itinerary and more, enjoy stunning views and exploring some hidden gems. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Probably between the panoramic views as far as Montenegro from Crveni Kuk Peak on day 2, the lunch in the mountain hut midweek, and the final day hiking through fresh snow to the top of Trebevic with Lorenc’s description of the views of Sarajevo the clouds hid from us. What did you think of your group leader? Lorenc was a star, covering multiple roles across the week (mountain leader/city guide/history teacher/trekking troubadour/translator/troubleshooter) switching effortlessly between them. He made sure we got the most from our short time in BiH. Samer and Mustafa, who ably assisted with logistics across the week, also deserve credit. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? If you're looking for a mix of mountains, history and culture in a relaxed, comfortable and welcoming atmosphere, this is a good trip to try. Come with an open mind, sense of humour and a healthy appetite and go with the flow and you'll have a great trip.
Reviewed March 2016 Michelle Elliot Trip: Snowshoeing & Winter Walking on Bosnia’s Olympic Mountains Snowshoeing in Bosnia The trip became Hiking in Bosnia due to the lack of snow, though we all carried the snowshoes, optimistically, on the first day. On account of this, we were able to walk further and higher on some days, as well as appreciate the delicate beauty of new spring flowers underfoot. The mountains, whether snow covered or dry, provide a rugged backdrop to a nation that is working to create a new future from a complicated past. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Each day seemed to bring its own "this is the best day" moments! The picnic lunch at Crveni Kruk with a panoramic view of surrounding peaks. The warm hospitality of the pension at the village of Umoljani and walking with the local cats/dogs as a full moon rose in the clear sky. Discovering pockets of snow perfect for a toboggan run. Freshly fallen snow creating a Narnia-esque hiking experience. Eating a delicious meal by a wood burning stove in a cozy mountain hut. Walking in the footsteps of recent and extended history in Sarajevo and Mostar. The goal of "snowshoeing" faded quickly with the opportunity to really get immersed in all the facets that the hiking permitted. What did you think of your group leader? We were in capable, experienced, professional hands with Lorenc as our group leader, and with the supporting team of Samer and Mustafa. The knowledge, respect and passion Lorenc has for the mountains - history, flora, fauna - was always framed by his attention to the safety and enjoyment of the group. With weather being the uncontrolled variable, he continued to offer us diverse, rich experiences and perspectives - culture, music, stories, humour, cuisine and play in the snow whenever we encountered it. He also continually demonstrated a curiosity and interest in the stories of each of the group members. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? The packing list is a great reference (particularly gaiters, for snow or mud). Be sure to also bring an open mind, a flexible outlook, and a tolerance for outdoor adventures being "weather dependent." And a foam sit-pad is not only nice for picnic lunches but it makes a brilliant sled in a pinch. If you have any dietary needs/concerns, be sure to make this known at the time of booking. Gluten free was accommodated with delicious alternatives - I extend my thanks once again for that, I never went hungry! Is there anything else you would like to add? The words on their t-shirt said it all - "Have you ever heard a boring person say 'let's go to Bosnia?'"
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