Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

We were fortunate to be in the country during the World Cup. Watching how passionate the people were about the game and in particular with Croatia advancing, it was really exciting. Also, when we went to the local farms and homes to learn about their lives and have a most incredible meal of the local region was fantastic.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Evelin Balta is one of a kind. His energy and spirit of youth makes you want to join him in everything he suggested. His passion for the region, its history, the people, and overall positive aspects of each country was inspiring and truly educational. His concern for each and every one of us was very appreciated. He made sure we were prepared for each activity, made sure our meals were to our specification, included everyone in the conversation but also went out of his way to connect personally to each and every member of the group. He is a treasure to the company.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just do it. It is a fascinating part of the world, the food is something to experience, and the people are friendly and very diverse. It is a shining example of how different cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds can all live together in harmony.

Most Inspirational Moment

Our stay in a Sarajevo and a tour of the "Tunnel of Hope" was both horrifying and uplifting at the same time. It was interesting to hear personal stories from our guide who lived through the brutal siege. I now understand much more about how and why this conflict started, the complex politics of the region and ongoing issues that still need to be resolved. Another highlight for me was a trip to a mountain village for a hike and locally prepared lunch. The views were magnificent and it was great to see how the locals lived.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alen Causevic was an excellent leader. Nothing was too much trouble and the whole trip ran very smoothly. He knew all the best restaurants and had plenty of suggestions for things to do in our free time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for a fair bit of sitting in a coach and take car-sickness pills if you are that way inclined! Our first bus was a bit too small for a full group of 18 including driver and guide with luggage having to be squashed into the passenger space. It was very quiet and comfortable though, as one would expect from a Mercedes. The the mountain roads were pretty challenging and a larger vehicle would have struggled to negotiate some of the bends and oncoming traffic. Take some walking boots or trainers and a waterproof jacket.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational was our trip from Sarajevo to Lukomir, Bosnia's highest village at 1469m. From the village we went on a walk to the Rakitnica canyon. The mountains and the canyon are breath taking. After the walk, we had lunch in the village, the lunch was prepared by one of the families who still lives there. Another highlight are the Kravica waterfalls and the swim in the lake. Be aware that the water in the lake is ice cold, but still it is nice to have to opportunity to swim under the waterfalls.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Alen, was fantastic. You couldn't wish for a better one. He knew a lot about the history of the country, and what was going on during the war.

Advice for Potential Travellers

When you arrive in Zagreb, even that you are in transit for your flight to Dubrovnik, you are not allowed to take drinks through, not even bottles that you might have bought in the tax free. The security will take it off you. You have to go through security and passport control again. However the flight from Zagreb to Dubrovnik will wait even if you only have ½ hour between 2 flights, or even if you flight arrived with a delay. So, you don't have to worry about it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to mention, so can't single out just one. All of the above! My walking boots (at least that's what they were supposed to be) decided to fall apart, the beginning of our walk at Lukomir in an area of truly outstanding beauty! So, I stayed behind in one of the villager's houses with another in our party; although disappointed to miss out on the walk, we were privileged to be invited into this home. We watched the women prepare lunch and were given refreshment; more than that - we were warmly embraced by smiles, laughter and kindness - an exceedingly memorable morning.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Where to begin? Alen really was a five stars guide and leader; he kept on 'conjuring out of the hat' in terms of knowledge, stories, insight, jokes! attention to detail, consideration, organisation and... the list could go on. I was very impressed by his skill in managing such a large group - though we were well behaved! And he was plain likeable too.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go with an open mind and come back to spread the word about the fabulous people and places of this region.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Tunnel Of Hope

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was very good.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Watch Out For Pick Pockets In Sarajevo

Most Inspirational Moment

The tunnel at Sarajevo and the story behind it,also the visit to Lukomir,the highest village in Bosnia,and now sadly only permanent home to 8 people.Lovely friendly people and a superb lunch provided by our hostess.From there we did a good walk down to the edge of the Rakitnica Canyon-fine views.The drive to the village was excellent,on an unsurfaced road through remote valleys with just an occasional flock of sheep.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Couldn't be bettered.Very personable,humourous,excellent English,spot on organisation etc,etcHis knowledge of his country was encyclopedic in all aspects.Our driver,Vildad,was also excellent-safe and very competent.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go

Most Inspirational Moment

I really enjoyed our time in Sarajevo learning about its recent history and observing how the city is slowly getting back on its feet.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alen was an excellent leader with near perfect English. He was professional, efficient and knowledgeable. He shared his personal experience of the siege of Sarajevo with us which was very nice of him considering how dreadful it must have been to live through it. He was also good fun with a nice sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It might be preferable to visit this area at a quieter time of year. In late July Mostar and Dubrovnik were particularly crowded with tourists,

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting Sarajevo and understanding the history. its was very moving to see first hand the hardship & how the city is recovering & now living with a mix of cultures. Brilliant! The scenery is just beautiful along with the various old towns built into hill sides. The sea was lovely to swim in & the waterfall great. The lake & river were rather chilly but worth if it you are feeling brave :)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Evelin Balta was the guide on my previous trip the Balkan Discovery too so I was pleased to find him leading this trip. He is very knowledgeable & more than happy to share lots of information about the area. Always offering to help he is the perfect host ensuring we were all ok. He never stopped! Something Ive not seen other guides do was he always kept calling the next stop/hotel/local guide to ensure they were ready for us so that we didn't have any hitches. A great extra touch to ensure our experience in his country was the best it could be. Really appreciated it. Fantastic job Evelin. Thank you.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ensure you have plenty of water for the walking in the heat. For some of the mosque visits shorts had to be covered up so be prepared gents to put on a skirt! These have been some of the best countries I have visited, very accommodating for visitors. English is widely spoken & the range of food available will cover even the fussiest eaters. There is tons to do in your spare time, lots of places to explore or relax having a swim.

Most Inspirational Moment

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Most Inspirational Moment

Many highlights especially the stunning scenery. The visit to the isolated village of Lukomir and the hike to the Ratinica canyon in the area.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Evelin Balta was excellent. He took great care of the group and was always keen to discuss some of the turbulent history of his country(Bosnia) and particularly showed a great passion for the great outdoors. He was always very helpful in deciphering menus and took us to some interesting restaurants.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Stay a few extra days in Dubrovnik. Although we had been there before, we found it was an excellent wind down after the tour, especially by visiting Cavtat and Lokrum Island(by boat) to avoid the cruise boat crowds during the height of the day. We stayed at the Hotel Aquarius, a very pleasant small, family run establishment.