Lasta Travel - Catalogue 2016 - Travel South with the swallows

TRAVEL SOUTH with the swallows

GROUP TRAVELS

Via Dinarica...more than just a trail

www.viadinarica.com

Named “a rising star” in the design world by the Wallpaper magazine, Zanat is a new and unusually innovative designer furniture brand founded upon a century-old family tradition of heirloom-quality furniture making, known for its hand-carving techniques currently in the process of being enlisted onto the UNESCO World Intangible Heritage List. Currently working with some of the leading Scandinavian designers and architects of our time as well as designers from our own Balkan region, Zanat is reinventing its handicraft to produce exceptionally innovative modern furniture that has been be-stowed with several international design awards. At the same time, Zanat continues to produce reproductions of the heir-loom traditional furniture pieces.

www.zanat.org

The Story of Zanat told by the Niksic family

L a s t a T r a v e l • T R A V E L S O U T H W I T H T H E S W A L L O W S • G r o u p T r a v e l s • 5

Bosnia and Herzegovina: All the Rivers Run → 6

TRAVEL SOUTH with the swallows Index• Sarajevo → 10 • Mostar → 12 • Trebinje → 14 • Sutjeska National Park → 16 • Hutovo Blato Nature Park → 18 • Neum → 20 • High-land Herzegovina on the Emereald Neretva → 22 • Stolac → 24 • Čitluk → 26 • Međugorje → 26 • Blagaj → 28 • Počitelj → 30 • Jahorina → 32 • Banja Luka → 34 • Bihać → 36 • Jajce → 38 • The Forgotten Kingdom → 40

Croatia: The Best of the Mediterranean and More than That → 42• Zagreb → 46 • Zagorje, the hidden gem of Croatia → 48 • Slavonia → 50 • Istria → 54 • Opatija → 56 • Zadar → 58 • Šibenik → 60 • Trogir → 62 • Split → 64 • Omiš → 66 • Makarska → 68 • Brač/Povlja → 70 • Dubrovnik → 72 • Plitvice Lakes National Park → 74 •

Serbia: The Song amongst the Peoples → 76• Belgrade → 80 • Novi Sad → 84

Group Travels → 86

Partners → 116

Sarajevo - Herzegovina (8 days) → 88 • From the Capital Sarajevo to Neum on the Coast (8 days) → 90 • The south coast and hinterland (8 days) → 92 • Herzegovina countryside tour (8 days) → 94 • Bosnia: The Kings & Visiers (8 days) → 96 • Herzegovina & Dalmatia (8 days) → 98 • Be-tween the Mediterranean and the Orient (8 days) → 100 • Sarajevo, Herzegovina and Dalmatia (8

days) → 102 • The Colours of the Mediterranean (8 days) → 104 • From the heart of Dalmatia (8 days) → 106 • The Three countries (8 days) → 108 • Slavonian Echoes of Tradition (5 days) → 110 • The Unforgetable Belgrade (5 days) → 112 • The Little Kingdom of Montenegro (8 days) → 114

6 • L a s t a T r a v e l • T R A V E L S O U T H W I T H T H E S W A L L O W S • G r o u p T r a v e l s

Lasta Travel: Helena, Mia, Saša, Ana i Zlatko (photo Mate Zemljić)


When establishing Lasta Travel in Mostar in late 2010, I believed I did have something to offer to tourism in-

dustry and tourism market in general. I believed the market and future visitors would recognize the love with which I cre-ated travel tours and the zeal with which I present every bit of our programmes. Then I believed, and now I believe even more, that it is our mission to enable our guests and visitors to experience, for a moment at least, the heritage and eventful histories of this whole Region.

Today, Lasta Travel team continues to offer new and exciting travels in the region where we operate. Our travel leaders and guides on our tour programmes are our greatest asset, and the knowledge we have is our greatest resource. My original idea has turned into a travel laboratory where we design trips which I myself have an urge to go to.

We create travel tours through history, through villages and mediaeval towns, modern cities and metropoles, along the Adriatic coast and through the inland regions of the Balkans. On our travels you can explore vineyards and wine cellars, different cuisines and tastes, learn about popular traditions, gastronomy, different languages, music…

We invite you to indulge in our charm and hospitality, one of our family values that we hold dear. •Mostar, December, 2015

Zlatko Papac

Welcome!

All the Rivers Run

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina

One of the most widely read and translated writers of the last century, Argentinian J.L. Borges, wrote down: ‘A man sets out to draw the world. As the years go by, he peoples a space with images of provinces, kingdoms, mountains, bays, ships, islands, fishes, rooms, instruments, stars, horses, and individuals. A short time before he dies, he dis-covers that the patient labyrinth of lines traces the lineaments of his own face.’


One of the most widely read and translated writers of the last century, Argentinian J.L. Borges, wrote down: ‘A man

sets out to draw the world. As the years go by, he peoples a space with images of provinces, kingdoms, mountains, bays, ships, islands, fishes, rooms, instruments, stars, horses, and in-dividuals. A short time before he dies, he discovers that the pa-tient labyrinth of lines traces the lineaments of his own face.’

Bosnia and Herzegovina, obviously, cannot draw its self-portrait, but if it could magically do so, it seems that the main contours of its face would be the rivers: In the north, the Sava river forms the border with Croatia, in the east, the Drina river flows along the border with Serbia, the Una river flows in the west, and the Neretva and Trebišnjica make their way south. The Bosna, Vrbas and Sana rivers pulsate through the central part of the country along with dozens of small rivers.

If you are in Bosnia and Herzegovina in spring, when rivers rise, you will understand why it is good to be right there, at the place most commonly referred to as the crossroads, or the meeting point of the East and the West, the scene of the past clashes of great powers, the alternating rulers, kings, sultans, emperors, in the country that got a new face near the end of a millennium.

That face is full of scars, but immensely authentic: In Bosnia, you can find so many places to fall in love with, in Herze-govina, even more. If you are interested in mediaeval history, you will find a network of royal citadels and fortified towns, of which a myth would be made in some of the major cul-tures boasting much more extensive cultural heritage. Nev-ertheless, one thing is certain - the town of Jajce, the towers and forts of Srebrenik and Bobovac will arouse the curiosity of any inquisitive traveller.

The sacral heritage history, with its traces at the sights of Ple-han to the north, Fojnica in the central part and Popovo Polje in the south, reveals a continuing interference of religions, with unities and differences intertwined, and a distinctive phenomenon among them. It is the bogomilism, an authentic church movement that developed on the concepts of dualism and made the heaviest influence in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The necropoli of tombstones and traces of the mediaeval life bear witness to the authentic dualist movement that was flourishing before the arrival of the Ottomans, at the same time as in the other parts of Europe.

With the arrival of the Ottoman Empire the country got a new attire: the spectacular architecture of the great architect Sinan (“da Vinci of the East” - as he is dubbed in some of the docu-ments) and his pupils left behind large a number of outstand-ing monuments: the Bridge on the Drina in Višegrad, the Old Bridge in Mostar, the Gazi Husrev-bey Mosque in Sarajevo, the walled town of Počitelj, etc. In historical terms, five centuries is indeed such a great amount of time. Yet, the arrival of the Austro-Hungarian Empire made another deep imprint on BiH and Sarajevo in particular. It was in Sarajevo (it’s another para-dox, isn’t it) where the fall of the last big European Empire was triggered in 1914, with a gun that shook the world and sparked the crisis leading to World War I. The year 2014 marks a cen-tury since the assassination in Sarajevo.

Those who are not keen on seeing the layers of history can en-joy in the idyllic landscapes on the mountains Bjelašnica and Treskavica, look into crystal-clear water of Ramsko or Boračko Lake, enjoy in the lush green vegetation of karst valleys, look at the delta of the Neretva river and its myriad backwaters run-ning to the Adriatic Sea or discover a unique aquatorium and bird reserve in Hutovo Blato nature park, which expands and disappears for thousands of years.

It is no wonder, then, that the rivers of Bosnia and Herze-govina flow in all directions: Some of them run to the Black Sea, some to the Mediterranean.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is the heart of southeast Europe and it beats for you (too). You are so welcome to come and see the country that survived many trying times and always rose like a Phoenix in spite of the centuries long efforts to impose bor-ders on it. After all, borders can be determined by nature only.

Between the Mediterranean Sea and the Continent, between the man and horizon, the sky and land, no borders exist.

So, come to Bosnia and Herzegovina and see it firsthand. It is well worth a visit. •

All the Rivers RunBosnia and Herzegovina:

Previous page — Sarajevo City Hall at night. One of the best known symbols of Sarajevo, built according to the mod-el of Kemal II’s mosque in Cairo. • The Trebižat river changes its name eight times throughout its 51-km course.The Kravica Waterfalls in spring. photo Ljudevit Blagec • Žitomislić Monastery from 15th century photo Hans Salari

Bosnia and Herzegovina:

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is the harbor of hospitality where foreigners too feel at home. The capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina and

the largest cultural, economic and traffic centre, Sarajevo is the city of four main world religions. The mosques, the catholic and orthodox churches and the synagogue are all within walking distance of each other. Walking through Sarajevo is like embarking on a spectacular walk through a rich and turbulent history. This city is associated with the beginning of World War I; it is the symbol of suffering dur-ing a devastating 1425-day long siege.

Sarajevo is the city of art, music and culture that boasts the world known Sarajevo Film Festival and a living memory of the finest Winter Olympic Games in the last century, which Sarajevo hosted in 1984. Baščaršija and the Ottoman-style cobbled bazaar streets are lined with vibrant cafes and wooden shop fronts selling handicrafts, copperware, trinkets, cakes… Sarajevo is the city of rich gastronomic offer, best known for its ćevapčići sausages and sour cream in a bread wrap. The city is surrounded by the hills and mountains ideal for winter and mountain tourism. Nowadays, Sarajevo is the fastest growing city in Bosnia and Herzegovina. •• Sarajevo skyline. • Baščaršija at night, the Sebilj - a pseudo-Ottoman-style wooden fountain.



MostarSituated on the Neretva river banks that are spanned by

the famous Old Bridge, Mostar has always vowed visitors from all over the world. The Bridge, originally built in 1566, and the Old City of Mostar have been the UNESCO world heritage site since 2005. The Old Bridge area epitomizes the city’s kaleidoscope of cultures and ideas with its pre-Ottoman, Eastern Ottoman, Mediterranean and Western European architectural features.

Mostar is known for its pleasant Mediterranean climate and the light. “When you spend a night in Mostar, it is not the sound that wakes you up in the morning, but the light’, Ivo Andrić, a Nobel prize winner, once wrote.

Being one of the most beautiful cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mostar is the largest cultural, economic and university capital of Herzegovina. It is a blend of different religions and rich cultural heritage that make up a unique city culture. It is here where one can still hear the voice of muezzin and the bells of the catholic and orthodox church ringing out across the streets, where memories of the Sephardi Jews’ music have not faded away either.

Mostar boasts a long wine making tradition. The Austro-Hungar-ians established here the first wine-making facility still in 1866, which was the year of the golden era of wine production. In the late 19th century, the Herzegovinian wine Žilavka won 22 awards at the fairs in Vienna, Barcelona, Paris and London. •


• Mostar, Old Bridge does not belong to any particular archi-tectural style or period, being one of a kind in the world. • Tourists at Kujundžiluk (Old Bazaar) Photo Helena Skorupan

Trebinje

Trebinje is the southernmost town in Bosnia and Herze-govina and among those with the most sun year round.

It is only 28 km away from Dubrovnik. Owing to its rich his-tory and cultural heritage, the pleasant climate and proxim-ity of the Adriatic coast, along with its laid back life style, Trebinje is becoming a very popular summer destination.

The most beautiful part of Trebinje is its central square shaded with plane trees, with the Oriental-Mediterranean style features. The square hosts a traditional market place in the open, where local farmers sell locally grown fruits and vegetables, delicious domestic cheese and honey. It is lined with cafes and restaurants, the parks and a promenade.

Trebinje is famous for its wine production. Nowadays, Trebin-je is home to more than 30 wineries, among which the winery in the Tvrdoš Orthodox Monastery, where wine is produced according to a recipe kept for more than 400 years. •


• Trebinje, Orthodox Church of the Holy Mother of God Photo Hans Salari • Trebinje is the southernmost town in Bosnia and Herzegovina Photo Tourist Organisation of Trebinje


Sutjeska National Park

Experience wilderness and intact nature! The Sutjeska National Park is a home to the best preserved and largest primeval forest in the heart of Europe, with some areas to-tally inaccessible to people. At Perućica one can feel the real wilderness and see the complexity of the unique and most diverse eco system in the region, where any human inter-vention is strictly prohibited.

The Sutjeska National Park has been listed under category II of the International Union for Conservation of Nature since 2000, with a number of monuments from the recent and ancient past standing within the National Park’s peripheral area. •


• Sutjeska National Park, Trnovačko Lake Photo Adnan Bubalo/ Via Dinarica • Tjentište, Monument to Fallen Soldiers of World War II Photo Hans Salari



Hutovo Blato Nature Park

Hutovo Blato is one of the largest wintering grounds for birds in Europe. It is a unique nature park and

bird reserve at the south of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This unique sub-Mediterranean marshland of exceptional im-portance and beauty is a home to 235 bird species, 44 fish species, of which 900 endemic, with 800 hectares of area covered by marsh plants. Hutovo blato is an ideal place for bird watching, nature lovers and families with children as it abounds with freshwater fish, wild duck, geese, coots, hawks, pheasants and wild horses. •


• Hutovo Blato Nature Park, Trupica Photo Ljudevit Blagec •Boat ride throughout the channels Photo Helena Skorupan

Neum

Neum is the only seaside town in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The climate is Mediterranean with long and warm sum-

mers. Neum is among the coastline towns with most sunny days, which, apart from swimming and basking in the sun, makes Neum a climatic health resort, where one can enjoy the fresh coastal air, walk by the sea and do water sports.

What makes Neum unique in its own way is the domestic atmosphere and tranquility created by the seclusion of bay surrounded by the peninsula.

Apart from the hotel facilities and good food (fish and shells of good quality), the clear and calm blue sea, guests are of-fered bus and boat trips to the neighbouring tourist destina-tions. (Dubrovnik, Mostar, Međugorje, Hutovo blato). •


• Neum, the only B&H town on the Adriatic coast Photo Adnan Bubalo • Neum, Grand Hotel beach Photo Grand Hotel Neum




Upper Herzegovina onthe Emerald Neretva

The highland alpine meadows and forests, the crystal-green river that meanders through steep gorges, and spectacular lakes are the amazing landscapes surrounding the towns

of Konjic and Jablanica.

Konjic, a town on the Neretva river, is one of the oldest towns in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is surrounded by wooded mountains, among which the beautiful Boračko Lake is sited. This typical oriental style old town is known for its long woodcarving tradition, nominated for the inscription on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Boračko Lake is a mountain lake, pleasant for swimming, rest and relaxation, while the mountains surrounding Konjic are excellent for hiking, camping, rafting, kayaking, moun-tain biking and village tourism.

Jablanica is a town nestled at the foot of the Prenj and Čvrsnica mountains, which are ideal for sport fishing and mountaineering. The Neretva river that carves its way here is a paradise for kayakers and those who love climbing up the steep cliffs. Jablanicko Lake is rich with trout, bass and carp.

Jablanica is home to the memorial museum ‘The Battle of Neretva’ (World War II) which has been visited by more than 3 million visitors since 1978, when it was opened.

Not least, Jablanica is famous for jagnjetina ( lamb on a spit), prepared in many restaurants sited along the M17, from Jablanica to Mostar, which has become its trademark. •• Konjic, Stara Ćuprija/Old Bridge Photo Hans Salari • The hard -working masters from Konjic have preserved the tradition and created along with the world known designers the most dis-tinctive brand of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the world. Photo Almin Zrno


Stolac

With the pleasant landscape, both Mediterranean and Oriental style features, Stolac is known as a gathering

place of artists, ideal for enjoyable walks by the Bregava river.

The amenities of Stolac have attracted people since prehis-toric times: the Badanj Cave near Stolac was a Paleolithic settlement, the ancient fortress of Daorson (3700 B.C.) used to be guarded by Illyrian warriors, the unique necropolis of tombstones at Radimlja, Boljuni, Rotimlja and Vidoštak speak clearly of the rich cultural context from which they have survived to this day. Stolac is an ideal place for walk-ing and tasting figs and pomegranades that grow in many places along the streets of the town. •• Radimlja necropolis is, by its artistic features, one of the most important necropoles of tombstones in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Photo Miro Raguž • Inat Ćuprija (The Bridge of De-fiance) Photo Zdenko Raguž




Čitluk and Međugorje

Čitluk is the cradle of Herzegovinian wines - the drink of laughter and singing, people say. Having found an ideal ground in Herzegovina’s karst, among clusters

of grapes that ripen in the san-bathed vineyards, the autochthonous wine varieties Žilavka and Blatina are cultivated.

Although being known for its long wine-making tradition and tobacco growing, the Municipality of Čitluk has begun to flourish since 1981 with the development of reli-gious tourism in nearby Međugorje.

Međugorje is located 25 km southwest of Mostar. Since 1981, it has become a popular site of religious pilgrimage due to reports of apparitions of the Virgin Mary to six local Catholic children. Međugorje has grown to become one of the largest Catholic shrines in the world, attracting thousands of pilgrims a year, (in the first 30 years 1981-2011, more than 30 million).

Pilgrims from all over the world come here to find their inner peace, consolation and strength to cope with their daily problems trough praying and fasting. The most sig-nificant places of praying in Medugorje are Križevac hill, the Appearance Hill (Pod-brdo) and the Church of St.James.

The International Youth Festival ‘Mladifest’ , which is held on August 1-6 every year, brings together nearly 50 000 young people united in joint prayers. •• Međugorje, the third largest Catholic shrine in Europe Photo Ljudevit Blagec • Udovice Restaurant, Kruševo klapa group Photo Dieter Bergau



Blagaj

This unique jewel of history lies 10 kilometres away from Mostar, on the Buna river. Blagaj is a quaint town from

which the present-day Herzegpvina developed in the mid 15th century. The walls of the mediaeval Old Fort of the Land of Hum, perching on the impressive cliffs above the Buna river spring, have a commanding view of the beautiful scenery of the Nertva river.

The biggest attraction is the Blagaj Tekke (Dervish Mon-astery), built by the cliffs of the Buna source around 1520. Tekkes were always sunk deep in the natural environment, to which they were completely open. Many fishfarms and restaurants are sited alongside the Buna river offering both domestic and international dishes. •

• The Buna river f lows out of a 200m cliff. Photo Tourist Board HNC • Dervish tekke of Naksibendi order Photo Lennart Ståhl




Počitelj

Built on a rocky cliff that slopes steeply down to the bank of the Neretva river, 26 km south of Mostar,

Počitelj is one of the most picture-perfect architectural ensembles in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Although the town was first mentioned in 1444 in written documents, his-torians date it back to the end of 14th century. Architec-turally, the surviving stone-built parts of the town are a fortified complex, in which two stages of evolution may be observed: mediaeval, and Ottoman.

The most iconic buildings are the Gavrankapetanović house, built between 15th and 18th century and the Hadži Alija Mosque from 16th century, which is ‘one of the finest achievements of the classical Ottoman style single-domed mosques in BiH’ according to UNESCO.

Počitelj is a national monument of BiH. This site where the stone town meets the astonishing nature has been an inspi-ration to artists from all over the world. •• Počitelj, the most beautiful example of the Ottoman-era ar-chitecture in Herzegovina. Photo Jan Rennerfelt • Plateau of Hajji Alija Mosque Photo Helena Skorupan


Jahorina

Jahorina is one of the most beautiful mountains in Bosnia and Herzegovina that boasts a plenty of good ski snow,

good climate, 20 km of trails for alpine disciplines and gentle slopes. It is among the most popular ski centres in the region.

There are many restaurants at the bottom of the ski trails offering traditional food, with little plateaus for bask-ing in the sun. During the summer and autumn seasons Jahorina is a popular place for many nature lovers who come to pick blueberries, harvest medicinal herbs or for mountain walks. At Jahorina, visitors will find modern ski schools and ski rentals. They can enjoy in alpine skiing, cross country skiing, sledding, night skiing and have lots of entertainment at night. •• Jahorina, grazing land Photo TO Istočno Sarajevo • Jahorina is ideal for light hiking tours and picking berries. Photo TO Istočno Sarajevo





Banja Luka

Banja Luka is the capital of the Republika Srpska and the second largest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Owing to the vicinity of many natural springs with warm mineral

water, which were used for their healing benefits still in ancient time, Banja Luka has become a health tourism destination. The beautiful Vrbas river with its surroundings is an ideal setting for a collection of recreation activities such as swimming, kayaking, rafting, sport fishing, etc.

The most impressive historical monument in Banja Luka is Kastel fortress with its high walls and towers. The fortress dates back to Roman times, when it served as a military fortress to defend the city and river routes. This fortress was built by the Romans and taken over by the Ottomans. It often hosts outdoor concerts. •• Castel is believed to be one of the oldest structures in B&H created in 3rd century Photo Mladen Šukalo • Haymaking Photo Mladen Šukalo



Bihać

Located at the foot of the Plješevica and Grmeč mountains, Bihać is an oasis of peace and beauty, rich in springs, streams and rivers, with the mesmerizing Una river, famous for its waterfalls, crystal cascades, and natural scenery. It is widely accepted that people of Bihac love the Una river and have the strongest collective ecological consciousness. •• The Štrbački Buk Watrfall on the Una river, 21 m high. Photo Ljudevit Blagec • Bihać panorama Photo Ljudevit Blagec



Jajce

Jajce is a town of unique history, cultural heritage and natural beauty in northwest Bosnia and Herzegovina. Jajce is known as an ‘open air museum’ with its spectacular waterfall

formed by the Pliva river, which in the centre of town cascades 27 m, flowing into the Vrbas river. No other town in Bosnia and Herzegovina has so many cultural layers and architectural styles in such a small place. Among numerous attractions of Jajce are the Pliva watermills, a symbol of wealth and power in the mediaeval Bosnia, where wheat was milled for flour, the Jajce Fortress, a mediaeval fortification and the Bosnian royal residence in the early 15th cen-tury, the Temple of the God Mithra, the Catacombs, the AVNOJ Museum that holds a collection of various Partisan documents, photographs and other exhibits from World War II, when Jajce was a key town in the creation of the second Yugoslavia, and many other monuments. •• The Pliva Waterfall in the centre of Jajce. Photo Adnan Bubalo • Malo Plivsko Lake Photo Samed Žužić


The Forgotten Kingdom

The heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina is home to religious diversities, cultural heritage and mystical architectural

pearls sunk into the breathtaking nature.

Kraljeva Sutjeska, along with the famous Bobovac fortress, used to be the residence of two Bosnian kings. This excep-tional region boasts remarkable cultural heritage, including traditional practices, melodies, performances and legends.

The town of Travnik was the Ottoman time vizier’s town and administrative headquarters that managed to preserve its mediaeval character well. Almost wherever you look in Travnik, you will find traces of the eventful history: the old Fort of Travnik, built in the late 14th or the early 15th centu-ry, two clock towers, the Sulejmanija/Šarena Mosque with its bright colours on the outside walls, Elči Ibrahim-pasha’s maddrasa from 1706, the town’s first library. Travnik is the birthplace of Ivo Andrić, the Nobel Prize Winner, whose birthhouse is now a museum and restaurant.

The charming town of Visoko, named after the mediaeval town of Visoki, was once the centre of the Bosnian King-dom. Aside from its rich cultural tradition, Visoko is sur-rounded by beautiful hillsides and offers many possibili-ties for nature lovers. Visoko is also known for its tradition of leather-making. •

• A street with traditional Bosnian houses in Kreševo Photo Oliver Stanić • Kreševo panorama Photo Oliver Stanić


The Best of the Mediterra-nean and More than That

CROATIA


Croatia:

The Best of the Mediterranean and More than That

It is not an easy task to select for this short overview just a few of so many spectacu-

lar spots in Croatia and provide first-time travellers to this (fairy) land of southeast Europe with a single idea of what to do and the places to visit. The picture of Croatia per-fectly fits within the frame bearing the slo-gans ‘the Mediterranean as It Once Was’, or ‘A Little Country Providing a Big Vacation’. You take that picture home, just like the shiny and colourful beach pebbles that will form a mosaic of one of the most charming destinations in south Europe.

Croatia’s Adriatic coast, which is indisput-ably one of the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean, stretches 1177 km from its northernmost to the southernmost point. With 1185 islands lying off its shores, the total coastline, including both islands and mainland, measures 6000 km. When Jacques Cousteau, the famous French seafarer, explorer and documentarian, ap-proached the islet of Proizd, near Korčula, in his boat Calypso, he said:

- It is true. This is the most beautiful part of the Mediterranean.

The observation of such a connoisseur of the world seas has to be respected. But even with such a great knowledge of the secrets of nature, there is still much to discover in Croatia. It holds many captivating beauties – Dubrovnik, the shining star of Croatia in the south, with the islands such as Mljet, Brač and Hvar. The cities like Split and Za-dar hold the remains of the ancient Roman culture, extend over the Middle Ages and, boasting the elements of Romanesque and Gothic architecture and Mannerism, reach to the modern era. The ancient Roman town of Salona, near Split, the Peristyle, the Ro-

man Amphitheatre in Pula or the Cathedral of Trogir are not unique just for being the UNESCO world heritage sites, but for bear-ing witness to the continuing existence of the civilizations and cultures and touching several styles and epochs.

Croatia’s distinctiveness is not only about the best of the Mediterranean. In Croatia, you can see parts of Europe that developed simultaneously, following different logic and dynamics, and under different influences. The castles and fortifications in the north-west parts of the country – and other parts of the country too, Istria in the west and Sla-vonia in the east – illustrate the development of an authentic and still not fully discovered European destination that formally joined the family of states under the European Un-ion flag in the summer of 2013.

Wise men say that, at the end of the day, it is the travel that we remember. In that re-gard, Croatia is an almost ideal spot to start that kind of travel. No matter whether you go across the plainland from the Hungarian border, getting an eyeful of the fascinat-ing scenes at the zoological reserve of the Kopački Rit nature park, look for wilderness through the rivers in the hinterland, raftings over the wild Krka waterfalls or in the valley of the Zrmanja river, or prefer contempla-tion in the Roman settlements, or just want to reenergize your soul and batteries, there is almost no better place than Croatia.

It is enough that you just open your heart. And travel south with Lasta. All other things will be there for you. •• Previous page — Slavonia, Bećarac (UNESCO intangible heritage) Photo Mario Romulić & Mlad-en Stojčić • Fishermen of the Adriatic Sea Photo Ivo Pervan



Zagreb

Zagreb is the capital of Croatia and the largest city. With its charming central European feel, Zagreb has reaffirmed itself as the front door to modern Croatia. The city is located

on the southern slopes of the Medvednica mountain, along the Sava river.

Historically, Zagreb developed from two settlements on the neighbouring hills, Gradec and Kaptol, which make the urban and historical core of the present-day Zagreb. Kaptol is the site of Zagreb’s biggest attraction – the magnificent neo-Gothich cathedral with two towers dominating the city’s skyline. Kaptol itself is the city’s old political quarter. Perching above the main square is another attraction - the bustling Dolac market, full of the best produce from the Croatian countryside - and the best place to get a taste of Croatia. Zagreb’s streets, which are among its main attractions, are lined with impressive Austro-Hungarian town-houses. The City is full of museums, galleries, theatres, café bars and peaceful parks which make Zagreb a relaxing destination. •

Croatia:

• Zagreb panorama Photo Ivo Pervan • Croatian National Theatre Photo Marko Vrdoljak


Croatia:

Zagorje, the hidden gem of Croatia

Zagorje is a region north of the capital Zagreb, with a stunning and peaceful countryside, winding country

roads and beautiful green hills, where there are no throng-ing tourist crowds. Zagorje is renowned for its natural springs and its cultural side.

Kumrovec is the birth place of the the former Yugoslavia leader, Josip Broz Tito, whose birth house is visited by many admirers of Tito, and tourists from all over the world.

Among the attractions of this picturesque village are the Monument to the Croatian Anthem ‘Lijepa naša’, the pro-tected landscapes of Zelenjak surrounded by the wooded slopes of the Sutla river gorge and the Ethnological Museum Old Village Kumrovec, with the preserved authentic village houses dating to the turn of 19the and 20th centuries.

Krapina, a gentle town of Zagorje, is world famous for the discovery of remains of Neanderthals that can be seen in the Krapina Neanderthal Museum, located on the Hušnjakovo Hill. The site is protected as the first paleontological national monument in Croatia.

Residents of Krapina are very proud of a fortress named Krapina, which used to be possessed by many kings and noblemen. This historical place is one of the cradles of the Croatian culture where many prominent persons were born and lived, one of them being Ljudevit Gaj, one of the leaders of the Croatian national revival. •• Zumberak in autumn Photo Ivo Pervan • The Krapina Nean-derthal Museum Photo The Krapina Neanderthal Museum



Croatia:

Slavonia

If you bypass Croatia’s claim to fame – its beautiful Adri-atic coast and sunny islands – you will realize that there

is much more to this country. Heading east, instead, you will find Slavonia, with its history, fine wine, great food, the Dan-ube, friendly welcoming people and, the park. There is really a plenty to see in the land of wine and frog song.

Kopački Rit nature park, just 10 km north east of Osijek, is one of the largest areas of wetland in Europe. This 23 000 hectare expanse of lakes, reeds, woodlands and pasture was declared a nature reserve in 1976. Kopački Rit is home to at least 293 bird species, with the eagles as undisputable stars. There are also wild boars, deer, otters, beavers and 11 species of amphibians, including rare slamanders. It is an amazing aqueous wonderland that is easily accessible by car, on foot or by bike.

Osijek, Vinkovci, Đakovo and Ilok are the heart of Slavonia. The cultural heritage of the ‘Golden land’, as Slavonia is of-ten called due to its vast corn plains and white Graševina vineyards, is a blend of many historical influences often reflected in its gastronomy and folklore. Traditional cul-ture is preserved through folklore festivals including tra-ditional tamburica music and bećarac singing and play-ing – the type of music inscribed on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

• The Embroideries of Đakovo, traditional folk-lore festival Photo Mario Romulić i Dražen Stojčić • Ilok, Stari Podrum wine cellar Photo Anders Hall • Slavonian women wear-ing the traditional folk costumes Photo Croatian National Tourist Board

Osijek is the largest city and the economic and cultural cen-tre of Slavonia. It is a city of wide streets and beautiful parks. Its pride and glory is the neo-gothic Church of St. Peter and Paul, which dates back to the 1890s. Osijek has a tram system dating back to 1884. A must-see on a trip to Osijek is Tvrđa, the 18th century Hapsburg defensive fortress. This preserved baroque military compound contains a number of museums, the Palace of Slavonian General Command (now home to the University of Osijek) as well as restaurants, bars and cafes.

The town of Vinkovci, with typical Baroque squares and buildings, is beautifully settled on the left bank of the Bo-sut river, between the Danube and the Sava. It boasts rich cultural and natural heritage, with the surrounding villages that have preserved their authentic appearance, folk cus-toms, traditions, costumes and joyful songs.

Đakovo is famous for its long tradition of horse breeding. The farm of horses was founded in 1506, being one of the oldest in Europe. It has also been breeding the famous Lipiz-zaner horse since the early 18th century.

Ilok is the easternmost part of Croatia. The town museum, well worth visiting, is housed in the restored Odescalchi Pal-ace, which sits in a stunning position overlooking the Dan-ube. Virtually next door to the Palace are the ancient cellars of the Stari Podrum Winery. It sent wine to Queen Elizabeth II on her coronation and remains the only Croatian wine on the royal household’s list).

Wine has been produced in this fertile land along the Danube banks for thousands of years. Here, there are many wineries situated among the vines, where production begins literally minutes after the grapes have been picked. There are plan-tations of Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Franconia and wonderful dry white Grasevina vines.

Slavonia is famous for its local cuisine that is extremely good. Given the rural nature of the region, it teems with many fruit and dairy products, but it’s probably best known for hunt-ing and fishing. One of the specialties here is paprika-laden red stew, best-known as goulash. A regular starter or snack is kulen, a tasty paprika-flavoured sausage. In this part of Croatia the abundant natural resources are freshwater spe-cies such as catfish, pike, perch, carp and salmon. •

Slavonia


• Kopački rit Nature Park Photo Mario Romulić & Dražen Stojčić • Karanac, Baran-jska kuća, A collection of pots Photo Zlatko Papac


Istria, where the past marries seamlessly with the present

Istria is home to landscapes of rolling green hills, fertile valleys, vineyards and hilltopvillages. Olive groves and

vineyards stretch out in every direction, disturbed only by the occasional mountain and sea view. Istria is famous for its gastronomic heritage and wine offerings, which make it an ideal destination for foodie travelers. The seafood, truf-fles, wild asparagus and a rare breed of Istrian beef called boškarin all stand out, as do myriad regional specialities and award winning olive oils and wines by local small pro-ducers.

Pula is the most southern and largest of Istria’s coastal towns with about a quarter of the region’s 220 000 popula-tion. Pula’s ancient treasures include an impressive Roman amphitheatre, constructed during Roman Emperor Augus-tus’ reign (31 B.C. – 14 A.D.) and used until the 5th century for gladiator fights. More than 26,000 spectators could fit inside the arena along the terraced seating. The Arena now plays host to the Pula Film Festival every July. Of dozens of amphitheaters left around Europe and North Africa by Roman engineers, Pula’s is the sixth-largest, and one of the best-preserved anywhere.

Poreč is a small historic port on the Istrian peninsula. Its identity as a Roman town is still very much evident to visi-tors who stroll along its quaint and winding streets. Poreč is home to Istria’s most striking church building, the 6th-century Euphrasian Basilica, a world heritage site and one of Europe’s finest intact examples of Byzantine art.

Rovinj is a seaside town on the Istrian peninsula full of old world charm, culture and history. Amazing sunsets, cob-bled streets, narrow lanes, pastel-coloured houses so close to each other, small cafes, lots of little art shops and friendly people give it unique charm. The St. Euphemia’a Basilica is a unique architectural landmark of Rovinj. Legend has it that the martyr’s coffin washed up here in 800 A.D., and her feast day is celebrated every September. •

Croatia:

• View of Rovinj, the church and bell tower of St. Euphe-mia Photo Ivo Pervan • Poreč, Euphra-sian Basilica Photo Ivo Pervan


Opatija

Opatija is a picturesque town in the Kvarner region that combines the Belle Epoque architecture of Nice, the gran-deur of Vienna and the gorgeous terracottas and yellows of the Italian Riviera. Opatija boasts impressive nature, parks, promenades and beaches that have wowed visitors and tourists from all over the world for years.

Tales about love and sorrows, intrigues and artists seeking the inspiration are present in every corner of the Opatija Rivi-era. Opatija has the reputation of being a destination that of-fers all-year-round programme of attractive events.. •

Croatia:

• Opatija, Slatina - popular bathing beach Photo Croatian Na-tional Tourist Board • Opatija Photo Croatian National Tourist Board



Zadar

Zadar is the administrative, economic, cultural and polit-ical centre of North Dalmatia. It is one of the most popu-

lar Croatian tourist destinations, which the London Times describes as the centre of entertainment in the Adriatic, and Guardian as Croatia’s new capital of cool. This breathtaking city with a special flavor offers a plenty of interesting events for everybody. As a city-monument, surrounded by historic ramparts, Zadar is a treasury of the archeological and mon-umental riches of the ancient, mediaeval and Renaissance period. It was in 1964 when Alfred Hitchcock, on his visit to Zadar, described the sunset here as the most stunning in the world. Many toursists would agree that there is really some-thing magical about the luxurious play of the sea, the disap-pearing sun and the sky, accompanied by the melody of the world famous Sea Organs and the magic of light produced by the new urban installation Greeting to the Sun. •

Croatia:

• Church of St. Donat at night photo Mario Romulić & Dražen Stojčić • Old City panoramic view Photo Ivo Pervan

Šibenik

Šibenik lies in the middle of the Croatian Adriatic Coast, in the picturesque and indented bay around the mouth

of the river Krka, one of the most beautiful Karst rivers in Croatia. Šibenik is a town that finely connects the famous past and abundance of natural beauties it is gifted with. The town is dominated by the famous St. James Cathedral, the most important Renaissnce building in Croatia. Šibenik is not famous only for the Cathedral (UNESCO), but also for the largest number of churches in the old city core of all Dalma-tian towns. You can see a church standing almost at every corner; many of them have been redesigned as museums, galleries and exhibition spaces.

The theatre of Šibenik, built in 1870 upon the initiative of citizens, stands in the middle of town. It is the only theatre building in Croatia whose construction was completely fi-nanced by its beneficiaries – the citizens. It is the oldest the-atre institution in Croatia which is still functioning. •

Croatia:

• Old City with St. James’ Cathedral Photo Croatian National Tour-ist Board • Solaris Yacht Marina Photo Solaris Resort



Trogir

Trogir is a charming little town that is set within mediaeval walls in the heart of Dalmatia. It is connected by bridges to

the land and the island of Čiovo. The Cathedral of St. Lawrence with Radovan’s portal at the entrance are the town’s showcase. The entire old core of Trogir is protected by UNESCO. Trogir is the right destination for admirers of art works, Renaissance and Barouque architecture, Romanic churches …. Its narrow alleys, restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops and galleries, with many cultural and music events in the open, make the Medi-terranean experience unforgettable. •

Croatia:

• Old City panoramic view Photo Damir Fabijanić • Trogir me-diaeval fair Photo Zlatko Papac

Split, the liveliest old-timer among all Croatian cities

Split is real and vibrant It so seamlessly weaves its past and present. Being the largest Dalmatian city, the second largest city of Croatia and the third largest

passenger seaport in the Mediterranean, Split is also the university and cultural centre with a great theatre scene, thriving alternative scenes, exhibitions, festivals and the administrative centre of the Splitsko-Dalmatinska County. Always buzzing, Split has its own codes, habits and traditions. Its Riva (Eng. pedestrian promenade by the sea) has a sort of institutional importance. Here one can meet and see other people and be seen by others. The City centre is dominated by the ancient Diocletian’s Palace (under UNESCO protection since 1979), unique of its kind in the world. In the fourth century A.D., when the Roman emperor Diocletian retired, he built a vast residence for his golden years here in his native Dalmatia. To this day, the maze of narrow alleys inside the atmospheric old walls — literally Diocletian’s hallways at one point in time — makes up the core of the city. Split is ‘the most sport city in the world’, as its inhabitants like to say (the largest number of internationally successful sportsmen per capita). It has a genuine setting - situated on a peninsula at the foot of Marjan Hill, surrounded by the Kozjak and Mosor Mountains, Split offers the pine tree shadow of the Marjan forest hill, a 15-km long promenade by the sea. •

Croatia:

• Diocletian’s Palace Golden Gate Photo Lennart Ståhl • Peristyle, the central square of the Palace Photo Zlatko Papac



Omiš

Omiš is a little town in the heart of Dalmatia, at the mouth of the Cetina river to the Adriatic Sea. The town

has a long history, but is mostly associated with the Middle Ages period, when it was a well known pirate stronghold. The pirates of Omiš were attacking and robbing the galleys of the Venetian and Dubrovnik Republic for two centuries.

Yet, Omiš and the Cetina canyon with its surroundings have much more history to tell than the past pirate days. The turbulent past and beautiful nature make Omiš an important tourist place.

Omiš is a perfect destination for all those who love active holidays (rafting on the Cetina, free climbing, paragliding, diving, sailing, sand volleyball, tennis, etc.) In short, you can enjoy in all land, water and air sports activities. •

Croatia:

• The Cetina estuary to the sea Photo Croatian National Tourist Board • The Radman Mills dock Photo Archive Lasta Travel

Makarska, a beauty at the foot of the Biokovo

Makarska is a typical Mediterranean town and the most searched destination in Central Dalmatia. It offers lots

of entertainment and good gastronomy. It is best known for its marvelous beaches 11 km long and a promenade lined with palm trees. Makarska is spread across the valley of the Biokovo mountain. Owing to such a natural protection, a special a special micro-climate is created which results in up to 260 sunny days in a year. •

Croatia:

• Makarska panorama Photo Croatian National Tourist Board • Monument to the Tourist by academic sculptor Nikola Šanjek Photo Lennart Ståhl



Brač – Povlja, a true picture of the Mediter-ranean as it once was

A tiny place of Povlja is tuckled in the Povlja bay, at the island of Brač, one of the most beautiful islands in the

Adriatic. Along with the famous Zlatni Rat beach and Brač stone, as trademarks of the island and Croatia, Povlja is one of the most charming places. The atmosphere here is laid back. It has something to offer to everyone who visits it – the bay, long walking paths and cultural heritage, the Dalmatian spe-cialties and sea food, good wine and good music. •

Croatia:

• The Mediteranean as It Once Was Photo Mikaela Olsson Säfven-berg • At the Brač channel Photo Lennart Ståhl

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is the most famous city on the Croatian coast with a long tradition of the Republic that reached its

culmination in the Middle Ages. Since 1979, Dubrovnik has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is a remarkably well-preserved example of a late mediaeval walled city, with many outstanding mediaeval, Renaissance and Baroque monuments, churches, palaces and fountains. The City has always been a cultural metropolis. The excep-tional cultural life of Dubrovnik includes exhibitions, con-certs, theatre performances, and festivals along with the Dubrovnik Summer Festival as the most important cultural event, with many open air theatre and concert stages. The nature is exceptional too. The beautiful blue depths of the Adriatic with white rock shores, the scent of aromatic herbs and historical gardens make Dubrovnik a true pearl of the Mediterranean. •

Croatia:

• Old City panorama Photo Croatian National Tourist Board • Du-brovnik women wearing the traditional folk costumes Photo Croatian National Tourist Board



Plitvice Lakes National Park

The oldest park of nature in southeast Europe and, as a visitor wrote down ‘Mother Nature in her loveliest, most

scenic guise’. The Plitvice Lakes were declared a national park of Croatia in 1949, and were given world heritage status in 1979. With its verdant forest and tumbling waterfalls, it is one of Croatia’s most famous attractions. The tallest water-fall at the park is Veliki Slap, around 70 m high.

The idyllic and picturesque park is the place where na-ture lives. It has 16 stunning blue-green lakes, which are separated by natural dams of travertine limestone. Visitors enjoy here in hiking along the trails, taking a boat or pano-ramic train ride and tasting delicious traditional food in one of the restaurants. •

Croatia:

• Plitvice Lakes National Park Photo Damir Fabijanić • Just married Photo Plitvice Lakes National Park



The Song amongst the Peoples

SERBIA


Serbia:

The Song amongst the Peoples

The European historical records reveal that the technologically most advanced prehis-toric culture in the world existed in the territory of today’s Serbia in the 5th millen-

nium B.C. It bordered on the Carpathians of today’s Romania to the north, its southern-most point was at Thessalonika in Greece, it reached Sophia in Bulgaria to the east, and the rivers Lašva and Usora in Bosnia to the west. The Vinča alphabet comes right from there. Also, the centre of the flourishing culture with the well developed architecture, craftsmanship and trade practices was in Vinča, 14 km away from today’s Serbian capital of Belgrade. Choos-ing Serbia as a travel destination is like embarking on a trip in search of an exotic place with a multitude of sites associated with all major periods of the world history and culture. Serbia’s natural beauties too are quite out of the ordinary.

Going from Homolje in the east - where the fights between dominant tribes took place from 2nd-7th century and later, to the ethno village nestled at the foot of Zlatibor mountain - one of the most popular ski destinations, through the Đerdap gorge in the north - the longest gorge in Europe, with the Danube, ‘the central European river’ flowing through it, to health resorts and spas in the south, one can say that Serbia offers beauty, health and exoticism. Ser-bia, a poem by Oskar Davičo, a poet and distinguished author of the south Slavic literatures, reads: ‘In the mill, in the clattering quern / I heard all your wishes / and your concerns /hey, Serbia / among songs and among plums / hey, Serbia, among people in the fields/hey, Serbia, among songs, among herds/hey Serbia, the song among the peoples.

If you are interested in sacral culture, there are monasteries of the Raška school style, the 13th-century Sopoćani and Studenica, and 14th-century Manasije and Ravanica monaster-ies of the Morava school style. The conquests and defenses of Serbia left behind the important monuments such as: Kalemegdan, the largest Belgrade park and fort, the fortress in Niš, and


in Bač, Vojvodina, the home of the Petrovaradin fortress, popularly known as the Gibraltar of the Danube, which is a part of the core urban area of Novi Sad. The culture of what is colloquially called the Central Europe is faithfully depicted in Gardoš, the major historical landmark of Zemun.

There are indeed so many spots in Serbia to have good time at: Subotica, whose diversity reminds of the Austro-Hungar-ian ‘golden’ age or Vranje and Pirot, where wonderful musi-cians play the essence of music of this region, a magnificent combination of the Occident and Orient. The must sees for those who are interested in exploring the 20th century are the Avala Tower and Mausoleum of one of the most promi-nent sculptors of the time, Ivan Meštrović.

In Serbia, there is a lot to see and do for nature lovers too: the Deliblato Sands nature reserve, Vrnjačka Banja hot mineral water spring, or rafting through the canyon of the Tara river. For gourmets, particularly for non-vegetarians, it seems there is no better place on earth than Serbia. To be honest, there is also a great variety of food stuff ‘under the plum tree’ for those who do not consume any animal-derived foods. In Serbia, one can expect anything but feel-ing bored. Take the opportunity to visit the country and enjoy the beauty of life! •

• Previous page — Belgrade and the Danube at night Photo Dra-gan Obrić • Zemun, an old boat Photo Dragan Obrić • A detail from the ceiling of the church at Oplenac Photo Zlatko Papac • Monastery… Photo National Tourism Organisation of Serbia


• Street performer, Knez Mihailova Photo National Tourism Or-ganisation of Serbia • Fisherman on the Danube Photo National Tourism Organisation of Serbia

Belgrade, the city stacked with a multitude of cultures and styles

Serbia:


Belgrade, the city stacked with a multitude of cultures and styles

The third largest city of Southeast Europe, after Istan-bul and Athens. The capital of Serbia is nestled at the

meeting point of the Sava and Danube rivers. It is a multi-layered city with various histories. Cassical and cosmo-politan, without being too fancy. Belgrade is still adapting and changing. Its architecture encompasses a wide range of styles – classical, neo-baroque and neo-renaissance, Ot-toman architecture in the old part of the city and ‘socialist realism’ architecture. The most famous landmarks of Bel-grade: Avala (Belgrade’s hill, picnic grounds), Kalemegdan fortress (the most important cultural and historical com-plex and the largest park), the bohemian quarter of Skadar-


lija, paved with cobble stones and referred to as the ‘Belgrade Montmarte’, the Cathedral of Saint Sava, House of Flowers (mausoleum where Josip Broz Tito was buried), the Savamala neighbourhood, full of street art about politics and freedom of expression, colourful murals that line old industrial walls and warehouse spaces, which were repurposed into bars and ven-ue spaces. Belgrade’s promenades are always full. Café culture and outdoor establishments thrive on every corner and open square. As Becki Enright, a British award winning travel writer described it, the city is seductive, hospitable, quirky, artsy, laid-back, unpredictable, humorous, open, unique! It is where days continuously hum and nights beat until early hours. • • Belgrade, Knez Mihailova Street Photo National Tourism Organisation of Serbia • Nightlife

at the bohemian quarter of Skadarlija Photo National Tourism Organisation of Serbia

Novi Sad

Novi Sad is the capital of Vojvodina province and Serbia’s second largest city located only 70 km away from Belgrade.

The main atrraction of Novi Sad is the Petrovaradin fortress built between 1692 and 1790. Nowadays, it is a home to art-ists’ studios, a museum and a hotel. EXIT, one of the larg-est and most popular summer music festivals takes place there, gathering around 250,000 to 350,000 young people every year. The Fortress commands a nice view of Novi Sad especially at dusk when lights on the bridge and across Novi Sad are turned on. The city boasts a large number of his-torical monuments, charming alleys and streets, beautiful parks and gardens, the beach alongside the Danube. The city center abounds in buildings of different architectural peri-ods, including gothic, baroque, secession and neoclassicism. A stroll down Dunavska Street reveals an old word charm, with lots of interesting shops, eateries and cafes. Many would agree that everything is close at hand in Novi Sad, the pace of life is laid back, the food is rich and delicious. •

Serbia:

• Novi Sad, Liberty Square Photo National Tourism Organisation of Serbia • Morning coffee Photo National Tourism Organisation of Serbia



GROUP TRAVELS


GROUP TRAVELS


Lasta Travel • GROUP TRAVEL 1 • 8 days

Join us on our journey through unforgettable land-scapes, untouched nature and sleepy towns by crystal-clear rivers. Learn about the rich and often dramatic history, the tradition of diversities , the gastronomy and wines of Herzegovina ,full of the welcoming warmth and sun. So close, yet so exotic. With our local guides you will see the country from inside and learn about its eventful history.

SARAJEVO – HERZEGOVINA

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL IN SARAJEVO Arrival in Sarajevo. Meet the tour leader at the airport. Transfer to the hotel and check-in. Welcome drink. Dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 2 - SARAJEVOBreakfast at the hotel. The guided tour of Sarajevo is a walk through its exciting history. Free time at Baščaršija,tasting ćevapčići or local specialties of your own choice. Tour of the Sarajevo Tunnel of Hope in the afternoon. Dinner in the pleasant ambience of HS cavernous bar (Sarajevo Brewery, 1864). Sarajevsko light and dark beer served with dinner. Overnight stay at the hotel in Sarajevo.

DAY 3 - SARAJEVO – SUTJESKA - TREBINJE Breakfast. We depart to Trebinje. Tour of the Sutjeska National Park and Perućica primeval forest. Sutjeska is an important place of Tito’s Yugoslavia known for the Battle of Sutjeska. Lunch at the NP Hotel. We continue our journey to Trebinje. Arrival in Trebinje, check-in, dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 4 - TREBINJE Breakfast at the hotel. We go on a guided tour of Trebinje, one of the most beautiful towns in BiH. Walk through the


town. Lunch (the famous trout) on the bank of the crystal-clear Trbišnjica. Free time.

In the afternoon, we visit the Tvrdoš Monastery, where the 400-year old wine making recipes are kept and still used. Joint dinner in Stara Hercegovina (Old Herzegovina) Res-taurant offering traditional meals. Return to Trebinje and overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 5 TREBINJE – DUBROVNIK – MOSTAR Breakfast at the hotel. We head to Dubrovnik (30 minute drive) where we have a guided tour of the Old City and free • Dubrovnik, the Old City Skyline Photo Croatian National Tourist Board

time for lunch. Late in the afternoon we continue our journey along the coast toward Mos-tar. After leaving the Adriatic coast, our route turns inland, when we follow the Neretva river on the way to Mostar. Check-in, dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Mostar.

DAY 6 - INSPIRATION HERZEGOVINA We start our day by the amazing Buna spring. Today, we visit the Dervish Tekke, Žitomislić Orthodox Monastery and Our Lady’s Shrine in Međugorje. After lunch we enjoy in the sights of Počitelj, the most charming town from the Ottoman era, the Hutovo Blato Nature Park and Kravica Waterfalls. We conclude the day in Udovice Restaurant (1952), where they serve traditional meals and local wine.

DAY 7 - STOLAC – MOSTARExcursion to Stolac. Tour of the town. Lunch and visit to Radimlja necropolis of tomb-stones. In the afternoon we have a guided tour of Mostar and conclude the day with joint dinner at the restaurant right beside the Old Bridge, where the view is stunning. Over-night stay at the hotel in Mostar.

DAY 8 - JABLANICA – KONJIC – SARAJEVO, DEPARTURE Breakfast. Depart Mostar. On the way to Sarajevo, we visit the Museum of the Battle of Neretva (World War II) in Jablanica. Lunch in Konjic. Tour of Konjic and visit to the Woodcarving Museum of the Nikšić Family (established in 1927). We depart Konjic and head to Sarajevo Airport.

Hotel choices: Sarajevo, Mostar, TrebinjeUNESCO WHL: Stari Most (Old Bridge), Mostar Dubrovnik Old City

• Previous page — Radimlja, a mediaeval necropolis – B&H na-tional monument Photo Miro Raguž • Left —Sarajevo, Ashkena-zi Synagogue, 1902, the third largest in Europe. • Bottom left — Travel moments Photo Hans Salari

• Trebinje, Arslanagića (Perovića) Bridge on the Trebišnjica Photo TO Trebinje



Embark with us on a journey in which you will be presented the interesting history of this country. We will refer to the events leading to the start of World War I and the assassination in Sarajevo, and try to follow the development and disintegration of coun-try after World War I, until its return to the world fo-cus in the 1990s as an independent state on the Bal-kans. Today, Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the UN’s youngest members. In this journey you will see the fascinating nature, and feel two climate zones, the moderate continental climate in Bosnia and Mediterranean climate in Herzegovina. This journey connects the capital of Sarajevo with Neum, the only BiH town on the Adriatic coast.

FROM THE CAPITAL SARAJEVO TO NEUM ON THE COAST

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL IN SARAJEVOArrival in Sarajevo. Meet the tour leader at the airport. Transfer to the hotel and check-in. Welcome drink. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 2 - SARAJEVO Breakfast at the hotel. The guided tour of Sarajevo is a walk through its exciting history. Free time at Baščaršija,tasting ćevapčići or local specialties of your own choice. Free time in the afternoon. Dinner in a pleasant ambience of HS cavernous bar (Sarajevo Brewery, 1864). Sarajevsko light and dark beer served with dinner. Overnight stay at the hotel in Sarajevo.

DAY 3 - SARAJEVO – JAHORINA This day will be about the Austro-Hungarian period and buildings. Lunch on Jahorina (OG 1984) Mountain; light

• A view from the Mujaga Komadina Bridge


mountain walk after lunch. Visit to Sarajevo Tunnel of Hope in the afternoon. Dinner in one of Sarajevo’s restaurants. Overnight stay at the hotel in Sarajevo.

DAY 4 - MOSTAR – NEUM After breakfast and check-out, we drive along the Neretva canyon. Tour of Mostar and the Old Bridge, built in 1566 (UNESCO WHL). After difficult wartime years at the close of 20th century, Mostar now seems to be one of the most popu-lar and most visited cities in the region. Lunch at the restau-rant right beside the Old Bridge, the stunning view. Free time. The journey continues to Neum, the only BH town on the Adriatic coast. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 5 - FREE TIMEThe day for rest and activities of your own choice. Possibility to organize extra excursions to nearby places. In the evening, traditional dinner in a family-run farm. Return to the hotel later in the evening.

DAY 6 - TREBINJETrebinje is among a few cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina that can boast such a large number of heritage assets from the Austro-Hungarian period, from the imperial vineyards to the promenade under ancient sycamore trees. Our walk through the town involves talking about a lyric poet and Serb nationalist, Jovan Dučić, the old town from the Otto-man period, the Museum of Herzegovina ….

• Jablanica, Museum of the National Liberation Struggle Photo Hans Salari

• Up —Neum, Grand Hotel beach, Photo Grand Hotel Neum • Bottom — Travel moments Photo Helena Skorupan

The walk ends with wine tasting in a wine cellar and lunch by the Trebišnjica. Free time and return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 7 - DUBROVNIK A full-day excursion to Dubrovnik, the southernmost city on the Croatian coast. The Old City has been hiding the mediaeval tales and intrigues within its walls for over 800 years. After guided tour of the city, time is left for your own wandering through its lanes and alleys. Dinner and folklore at the ho-tel’s national restaurant.

DAY 8 - JABLANICA – KONJIC – SARAJEVO, DEPARTUREBreakfast. Depart Neum. On the way to Sarajevo, we visit the Museum of the Battle of Neretva (World War II) in Jablanica. Lunch in Konjic. Tour of Konjic and visit to the Woodcarving Museum of the Nikšić Family (estab-lished in 1927). We depart Konjic and head to Sarajevo Airport.

Hotel choices: Mostar, Trebinje, NeumUNESCO WHL: Mostar Old Bridge, Dubrovnik Old City

• Left — A vineyard on Pelješac • Bottom — Vjetrenica cave, a safe home to the human fish Photo JP Vjetrenica


We stay in Neum as the main base of our journey, during which we learn about the medi-aeval Republic of Ragusa (now Dubrovnik) and Korčula. We visit Cavtat and the peninsula of Pelješac that developed into a wine district with famous wines. In Ston, there is still a tradition of sea salt harvesting, which was the ‘white ‘gold’ of Dubrovnik in the Middle Ages. Legend has it that the legendary explorer Mar-co Polo was born on the island of Korčula, which we are go-ing to explore too. We will also see first hand whether the tiny town of Num cuts the Republic of Croatia in two parts.

THE SOUTH COAST AND HINTERLAND

DAY 1: DUBROVNIK – NEUMArrival in Dubrovnik. Meet the tour leader at the airport. Walk through Cavtat as an introduction to the guided tour of Dubrovnik. Lunch and free afternoon time in Dubrovnik. Arrival in the hotel late in the afternoon. Welcome drink. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 2: HUTOVO BLATO NATURE PARKVisit to a little museum in Neum and an old fort at Hutovo blato. Outdoor lunch and tour of an olive grove where we taste olive oil and talk about olive oil production in southern Herzegovina and Dalmatia. Free time in the afternoon. Din-ner and overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 3 - KORČULA AND PELJEŠAC Early in the morning we head to Korčula. You will imme-diately get in love wth the town of Korčula that has been encompassed by the magnificent walls since 13th century. There are dozens of churches, the cathedral, the town hall. Here, you will see the finest examples of architecture, from Gothic to Renaissance style. Lunch in town and visit to Mar-co Polo’s birth house. On the way back we visit the vineyards of Pelješac and taste the white Rukatac and red Plavac Mali. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 4 - MOSTARA full day tour of the central Herzegovina, including a boat ride throughout the channels of the Hutovo Blato Nature Park and visit to the Kravica Waterfalls. Traditional lunch at Udovice restaurant (1952). Tour of Mostar and the Old Bridge, built in 1566 (UNESCO WHL). After difficult wartime years at the close of 20th century, Mostar now seems to be one


• Korčula old town, one of the most beautiful towns of Dalmatia Photo Croatian National Tourist Board


• Moreška, a traditional sword dance Photo Croatian National Tourist Board

of the most popular and most visited cit-ies in the region. Free time in Mostar and dinner at the restaurant right beside the Bridge. Overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 5 - FREE TIME The day for rest and activities of your own choice. Possibility to organize extra ex-cursions to nearby places. In the evening, traditional dinner in a family-run farm. Return to the hotel later in the evening.

DAY 6 - VJETRENICA CAVE We make an excursion to Vjetrenica, the most famous and the largest cave in BiH. The cave is a protected geomorphological reserve, 6.700 m long. We are allowed to make a tour of ca. 500 m of this speleo-logical beauty. After the visit and lunch, we go back to the hotel. Free afternoon time for your own activities. Dinner and folklore at the hotel’s national restaurant.

DAY 7 - TREBINJE Enjoy a full day visit to Trebinje, the southernmost and sunniest city in BiH. Our walk through the town involves talk-ing about a lyric poet and Serb nationalist, Jovan Dučić, the old town from the Otto-man period, the Museum of Herzegovina. The walk ends with wine tasting in a wine cellar and lunch by the Trebišnjica.Free time and return to the hotel for din-ner and overnight stay.

DAY 8 - DEPARTUREBreakfast, check-out and transfer to Du-brovnik Airport. Stay at: Grand Hotel Neum**** NeumUNESCO WHL: Mostar Old Bridge, Du-brovnik Old City

• A traditional breakfast in Herzegovina Photo Ljudevit Blagec


In order to bring this beautiful region closer to our guests, we have created a trip in which they are able to experience Herzegovina in the best way. We take you to the places where the traditional cuisine is kept alive in combination with ex-cellent wines of Herzegovina.

HERZEGOVINA COUNTRYSIDE TOUR

DAY 1 - TREBINJE Arrival in Dubrovnik. Meet the tour leader at the airport. On the way to Trebinje we stop for traditional lunch in the res-taurant Stara Hercegovina (Old Herzegovina). Time for rest after check-in at the hotel. A light guided tour of Trebinje. Although being a half-hour drive away from the sea, Trebin-je has the Mediterranean feel. Wine tasting in the Anđelić wine cellar. A typical Herzegovinian dinner at a restaurant by the river. Overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 2 MARKET PLACE & TVRDOŠ MONASTERYAfter a great homey breakfast, we go to make a tour of the Trebinje market place, where we talk about honey, com-mon spices and herbs. Free time in town. Afternoon visit to Tvrdoš Monastery and wine cellar where they kep a 400-year old wine making recipe. Traditional countryside din-ner at the restaurant Hercegovačka kuća in the hinterland of Trebinje. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.

DAY 3 - HERZEGOVINAN OLIVE OILToday we go down to Neum, the only BH summer resort on the Adriatic coast. In the bay of Neum we eat Raštika (healthy collard greens) prepared with smoked beef. Then we visit a typical Herzegovinan olive grove and taste olive oil from olive grinder at the Matić Fanily. In the evening,

• Trebinje, Wine cellar of the Tvrdoš monastery Photo Hans Salari



fish dinner with traditional dance typical of the Herzegovina coastal area. Overnight stay at the hotel in Neum.

DAY 4 - NEUM TIME-OFF Free time at the hotel with a sea view. You can swimm and sunbathe in the swimming pool or at the hotel beach. Welness at hand all day long. Dinner on a raft in the bay. Overnight stay at the hotel in Neum.

DAY 5 - NATURE PARK HUTOVO BLATO – MOSTARBreakfast. Check-out of the hotel. Boat drive throughout Hutovo Blato NP. Tour of the Kravica waterfalls, 30 m high. Traditional lunch at the Udovice Restaurant. Arrival in Mostar. Check-in at the hotel. Guided tour of Mostar. Oriental dinner at the restaurant right beside the Old Bridge with a stunning view. Overnight stay at the hotel in Mostar.

DAY 6 - BLIDINJE NATURE PARK Breakfast. A full day excursion to Blidinje NP. After a walk in nature, we visit a restaurant dubbed The Hajduk Republic of Mijat Tomić. We talk about homemade herbal teas and

medicinal herbs from this area. Tea and honey tasting. Tasting sack cheese and joint dinner before return to the hotel in Mostar.

DAY 7 - DUBRAVE PLATEAUBreakfast. Check-out of the hotel. On the way to Trebinje we visit the Buna spring and Blagaj Tekke. Our next stop is Počitelj, the most beautiful Ottoman architecture monument in BiH. We conclude this part of the day with wine and champagne tasting at Domano Winery in Domanovići, with traditional lunch. We continue our journey to Trebinje through Stolac. Light dinner at the hotel in Trebinje.

DAY 8 - DEPARTURE Early morning breakfast and check-out. Transfer to Dubrovnik Airport. Hotel choices: Mostar, Trebinje, Neum UNESCO WHL: Mostar Old Bridge

• Travel moments Photo Hans Salari • Right — A karst field at the Blidinje Nature Park Photo Ljudevit Blagec

• Boat ride throughout the channels of Hutovo Blato Photo Helena Skorupan

• Bobovac used to be a seat of the Bosnian rulers and kings until the Ottoman conquest (1463) and the end of the Bosnian independence Photo www.kraljeva-sutjeska.com


The mediaeval Kingdom of Bosnia reached its peak during the 14th century under the rule of the first Bosnian King Tvrtko, who was crowned in Visoko. Not far from Visoko is Bobovac, from where the last Bosnian King ruled before the arrival of the Ottoman Empire. When the Ottomans arrived, the Kingdom of Bosnia ceased to exist. During the following 400 years, Bosnia was a ‘pashaluk’ ruled by pashas and viziers in the interest of Constantinople.

BOSNIA: THE KINGS & VISIERS

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL IN SARAJEVO Meet the tour leader at the airport. Transfer to the hotel and check-in. Welcome drink. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 2 - VISOKO - KRALJEVA SUTJESKA – SARAJEVOA full day excursion. Tour of Visoko, once the central place where Bosnian kings were crowned, today a typical Bosnian town. After a pleasant walk through Visoko, we drive to visit Kraljeva Sutjeska, once the seat of the Bosnian Kotromanić Dynasty. A visit to the museum, Franciscan monastery, the Dusper house and one of the oldest Bosnian mosques which was, as legend has it, built by the Sultan Muhamed II el Fatih in 1463. After lunch, we return to Sarajevo. Free time. Dinner at a typical Sarajevo restaurant.

DAY 3 - SARAJEVOBreakfast at the hotel. The guided tour of Sarajevo is a walk through its exciting history. Free time at Baščaršija,tasting ćevapčići or local specialties of your own choice. Tour of the Sarajevo Tunnel of Hope in the afternoon.Dinner in a pleasant ambience of HS cavernous bar (Sarajevo Brewery, 1864). Sarajevsko light and dark beer served with dinner. Overnight stay at the hotel in Sarajevo.

DAY 4 - KREŠEVO – VITEZ Breakfast. Check-out. We drive to Vitez through Kreševo, where we stop to visit the Franciscan monastery and gal-lery and talk about the traditional Bosnian architecture. Ar-rival in Vitez. Check-in and lunch at the hotel ‘s restaurant. Free time for wellness and & spa oasis. Dinner at the nearby ethno-village, overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 5 - JAJCE – TRAVNIK Excursion to Jajce, a town with beautiful architecture, the Pliva Waterfall (27m) and interesting history. Jajce is the town where Yugoslavia was established in 1943, with the re-public borders along which the new states were established in the 1990s. After lunch we go to visit Travnik, which used to be the seat of the Bosnian viziers in the period from 1686 to 1850. Visit to the birth house of Ivo Andrić – a Nobel Prize winner in literature in 1961, tour of the Homeland Museum in Travnik and the old town, led by an expert guide. Free time


• Travnik, the birth house of Ivo Andrić, a winner of the Nobel Prize in literature. Photo bih-x.info


upon return to the hotel. Dinner at the hotel and overnight stay.

DAY 6 - VITEZ – MOSTAR Breakfast. Depart Vitez. On the way to Mos-tar, we visit the Woodcarving Museum of the Nikšić Family (1927). After guided tour, lunch in Konjic. Our next stop is the Museum of the Battle of Neretva (World War II) in Jablanica. Arrival in the hotel in Mostar in the afternoon. Check-in. Free time, dinner, overnight stay.

DAY 7 - INSPIRATION HERZEGOVINA We start our day by the amazing Buna river springs. Today, we visit the Dervish Tekke, Žitomislić Orthodox Monastery and Our Lady’s Shrine in Međugorje. After lunch we enjoy in the sights of Počitelj, the

most charming town from the Ottoman era, the Hutovo Blato Nature Park and Kravica Waterfalls. We conclude the day at Udovice Restaurant (1952), where tradi-tional meals and local wine are served.

DAY 8 - SARAJEVO – DEPARTURE Breakfast. Check-out. Tour of Mostar. Tour of the Old City and the famous Old Bridge. We visit the Spanish Square and Rondo, the important past and present landmarks. Af-ter lunch at the restaurant right beside the Bridge, we depart Mostar and drive to Sara-jevo. Arrival in Sarajevo, flight back home.Hotel choices: Sarajevo, Mostar, Vitez UNESCO WHL: Mostar Old Bridge

• Kraljeva Sutjeska, Franciscan monastery and Parish of St. John Photo www.kraljeva-sutjeska.com

• Jajce, the Pliva Waterfalls (22 m) Photo Adnan Bubalo


Follow us on our journey through the impressive past of the two neighbouring regions. We are going to visit the fascinating cities of Dalmatia and Herzegovina. The Croatian coast is home to some of the best preserved ancient and mediaeval cities. We take you through the history and environment, the famous landmarks, the past and the present...

HERZEGOVINA & DALMATIA

DAY 1 - SPLIT – MOSTAR Arrival in Split. Meet the tour leader at the airport. We drive to a mediaeval town of Trogir (UNESCO WHL). Tour of this picturesque town and lunch at a local restaurant. Drive to Split. Visit to the Diocletian’s Palace with a local guide. Free time for coffee or shopping. We continue our journey to Mostar in the afternoon. Arrival in Mostar, dinner and check-in at the hotel.

DAY 2 - HERZEGOVINA TOURToday we enjoy in nature, gastronomy and wines of Herze-govina! We visit the Dervish Tekke, the mediaeval trading crossroads of Počitelj, the Orthodox Monastery Žitomislić, Hutovo Blato NP, the Kravica Waterfalls, 30-m high. We conclude the day by tasting the brandies and wines of Herze-govina at one of the best restaurants serving traditional and domestic food in this part of Herzegovina.


• Split harbour and seaside promenade at summer night Photo Ante Zubović


DAY 3 - MOSTAR – TREBINJENot so many cities can boast the Mediterranean ambiance, the combination of different cultures and exciting history in one place. We’ll cross over the famous Old Bridge (UNESCO WHL) spanning the Neretva since 1566 and connecting dif-ferent cultures and peoples. After lunch at the restaurant right beside the Bridge, we drive to Trebinje. Our next stop is a necropolis of tombstones near Stolac. Check-in at a lit-tle family-run motel in Trebinje. Traditional dinner at Stara Hercegovina (Old Herzegovina).

DAY 4 - DUBROVNIK Excursion to Dubrovnik. Tour of the Old City with local guide. Free time for lunch, walking through the Old City or drinking cappuchino in one of Dubrovnik’s alleys full of ca-fes and souvenir shops … Return to Trebinje for wine tasting and dinner by the river. Overnight stay in Trebinje.

DAY 5 - THE NERETVA VALLEY – MAKARSKA RIVIERAWe leave Herzegovina and travel along the Adriatic coast to the Neretva valley. River boat tour and lunch (In Autumn, we pick tangerines for ourselves). We continue our journey along the coast to the Makarska Riviera. Dinner and over-night stay at one of the hotels on the Makarska Riviera.

DAY 6 - BRAČ, BOAT ExCURSION & FISH PICKNICK A half-day boat trip to a small fishing place Povlja on the island of Brač. Free time in Povlja where you can feel the Mediterranean as it once was. Fishpicknick in the boat dock of Povlja. Upon our return to the coast, free afternoon time in Makarska. Dinner of your own choice.

DAY 7 - FREE TIME, DINNER AT TOPIćIFree time for rest and recreation, or a good book on the beach with a glass of wine. Late in the afternoon we go to a family-run farm Topići. Traditional Dalmatian dinner with Dalmatian music. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.

DAY 8 - DEPARTUREAfter breakfast, check-out and travel to the airport to return home.Hotel choices: Mostar, Trebinje, Makarska RivieraUNESCO WHL: Historic City of Tro-gir, Mostar Old Bridge, Dubrovnik Old City, Split Diocletian’s Palace

• Villa Neretva, Raspjevani Neretvanski gusari Photo Lennart Ståhl • Trogir, in front of the Cathe-dral of St. Lawrence Photo Jan Rennerfelt


Where does the Mediterranean begin and where does the Orient begin? The answers can be found in a book Mediterranean Breviary by Predrag Matvejević or culinary arts of Goran Raguž. The book by Predrag Matvejević and homemade delicacies prepared by Goran Raguž served as an inspiration for us in creating this journey that offers the best of the Mediterranean and the Orient, which so obviously intertwine throughout Dalmatia and Herzegovina.

BETWEEN THE MEDITERRANEAN AND THE ORIENT Two countries, two regions

DAY 1 TROGIR – SPLIT – MAKARSKA RIVIERAArrival in Split. Meet the tour leader at the airport. Drive to a mediaeval town of Trogir (UNESCO WHL). Tour of this pic-turesque town and lunch at a local restaurant. Drive to Split. Visit to the Diocletian’s Palace with a local guide. Free time for coffee or shopping. In the afternoon we continue our journey towards Makarska Riviera. Dinner and overnight stay at one of the hotels on Makarska Riviera.

DAY 2 BRAČ: BOAT ExCURSION & FISH PICKNICK A half-day boat trip to a small fishing place Povlja on the island of Brač. Free time in Povlja to feel the Mediterrane-an as it once was. Fishpicknick in the boat dock of Povlja.

• Mostar, Summer in Kujundžiluk (Old bazaar) Photo Dieter Bergau • Mediterranean fruits Photo Damir Fabijanić



Upon our return, free afternoon time in Makarska. Dinner of your own choice.

DAY 3 - OMIŠ – RADMAN’S MILLSAfter breakfast we go to a mediaeval pirate-nest, the town of Omiš. Boat ride along the Cetina canyon to Radman’s Mills, where we will eat the traditional Soparnik pie. Return to Omiš. Free time in the afternoon. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 4 - FREE TIME, DINNER AT TOPIćIFree time for rest and recreation, or a good book on the beach with a glass of wine. Late in the afternoon we go to a family-run farm Topići. Traditional Dalmatian dinner with Dalmatian music. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.

DAY 5 - DUBROVNIK & HERZEGOVINAWe leave the hotel and head towards Dubrovnik. Tour of the Old City with a local guide. Free time for lunch, walk-ing through the Old City or drinking cappuchino in one of Dubrovnik’s alleys full of cafes and souvenir shops. Check-in at the hotel in Trebinje, wine-tasting in a wine cellar, and dinner by the river. Overnight stay at the hotel in Trebinje.

DAY 6 - TREBINJE – THE NECROPOLIS RADIMLJA - MOSTAR After a guided tour of Trebinje, we travel through the Popovo Polje Valley toward a quaint, little town of Stolac. We visit a

• The Cetina canyon, boat trip to Rad-man Mills Photo Archive Lasta Travel • An old narrow street in the Historic City of Tro-gir Photo Dieter Bergau

mediaeval necropolis of tombstones on our way from Stolac to Mostar and talk about major religions in Herzegovina. Ar-rival in Mostar in the afternoon. After the afternoon rest in the new hotel, we walk with a local guide. Dinner right beside the Old Bridge, return to the hotel and overnight stay.

DAY 7 - INSPIRATION HERZEGOVINAToday we enjoy in nature, gastronomy and wines of Herze-govina! We visit the Dervish Tekke, the mediaeval trading crossroads of Počitelj, the Orthodox Monastery Žitomislić, Hutovo Blato NP, the Kravica Waterfalls, 30-m high. We conclude the day by tasting the brandies and wines of Herze-govina at one of the best restaurants serving traditional and domestic food in this part of Herzegovina.

DAY 8 - SPLIT, DEPARTUREEarly breakfast, check-out and travel to Split Airport for flight back home.

Hotel choices: Hotels in Mostar, Trebinje and Makarska RivieraUNESCO WHL: Historic City of Trogir, Mostar Old Bridge, Dubrovnik Old City, Diocletian’s Palace


We take you on a journey through the fascinating cities and places of Dalmatia and Herzegovina, the end of which is reserved for a true gem of history - Sarajevo. Sarajevo is definitely the marvelous city in many ways. It is famous for its rich history, the assas-sination in Sarajevo in 1914, its turbulent past in the 1990s, but most of all, it is famous for the hospitality of Sarajevans.

SARAJEVO, HERZEGOVINA AND DALMATIA

DAY 1 - MOSTAR Meet the tour leader at the airport. On our way to Mostar we stop for a light dinner. Arrival in Mostar, check-in at the hotel and overnight stay in Mostar.

DAY 2 - INSPIRATION HERCEGOVINA Today we enjoy in nature, gastronomy and wines of Herze-govina! We visit the Dervish Tekke, the mediaeval trading crossroads of Počitelj, the Orthodox Monastery Žitomislić, Hutovo Blato NP, the Kravica Waterfalls, 30-m high. We conclude the day by tasting the brandies and wines of Herze-govina at one of the best restaurants serving traditional and domestic food in this part of Herzegovina.

DAY 3 - MOSTAR – TREBINJE Not so many cities can boast the Mediterranean ambiance, the combination of different cultures and exciting history in one place. We’ll cross over the famous Old Bridge (UNESCO


• Sarajevo, Tito Street Photo Tourism Association of Sarajevo Canton • Right — Split, Fruit Square Photo Dieter Bergau


WHL) spanning the Neretva since 1566 and connecting different cultures and peoples. After lunch at a restaurant right beside the Bridge, drive to Trebinje. Our next stop is a necropolis of tombstones near Stolac. Check-in at a little family-run motel in Trebinje. Traditional dinner at a restau-rant Stara Hercegovina (Old Herzegovina).

DAY 4 - DUBROVNIK – MAKARSKA RIVIERA After a tour of Trebinje we head toward Dubrovnik. Tour of the Old City with a local guide. Free time for lunch, walks by the walls or a cup of cappuchino in one of the alleays teeming with cofes and souvenir shops… In the afternoon we continue our journey along the coastal road toward Makarska Riviera. Check-in, welcome drink and dinner at the hotel.

DAY 5: BRAČ, MAKARSKA & TOPIćI A half-day boat trip to a small fishing place Povlja on the is-land of Brač. Free time in Povlja to feel the Mediterranean as it once was. Fishpicknick in the boat dock of Povlja. Upon our return to the coast, free afternoon time in Makarska. Late in the afternoon we go to a family-run farm Topići. Traditional Dalmatian dinner with Dalmatian music. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.

DAY 6 - SPLIT & TROGIR Our tour starts with a light walk through the mediaeval town of Trogir and ends with lunch by the sea, on the promenade. Drive to Split. Visit to Diocletian’s Palace with a local guide. Free time for coffee or shopping. In the after-noon we head toward Makarska Riviera. Dinner on your own. Overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 7 - THE NERETVA VALLEY – SARAJEVO We leave the hotel on Makarska Riviera and travel along the Adriatic coast to the Neretva valley. River boat ride and lunch (In Autumn, we pick tangerines for ourselves). We continue

• Picking tangerines in the Neretva valley Photo Mai-Britt Säfvenberg • Bottom — Mostar, a detail from Kujundžiluk Photo Helena Skorupan

our tour along the Neretva canyon toward Sarajevo. Check-in at the hotel, dinner at Sarajevo Brewery (1864) restaurant.

DAY 8 - SARAJEVO, DEPARTURE Breakfast at the hotel. We go on a guided tour of Sarajevo, overview of the turbulent past of the City. Free time at Baščaršija,tasting ćevapčići or local specialties of your own choice. Tour of the Sarajevo Tunnel of Hope in the afternoon.Free time for shopping. Flight back home in the evening. Hotel choices: Hotels in Sarajevo, Mostar, Trebinje, and Makarska Riviera UNESCO WHL: Historic City of Trogir, Mostar Old Bridge, Dubrovnik Old City, Diocletian’s Palace


The Croatian coast is home to some of the most beautiful ancient cities in the world. These well-preserved coastal cities have a captivating medieval atmosphere. There are magnifi-cent Venetian palaces, museums, a wealth of art and architecture. The nature in its loveli-est, most scenic guise. During this journey we are going to visit five out of seven UNESCO World Heritage sites in Croatia.

THE COLOURS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN

DAY 1 - TROGIR – ŠIBENIKArrival in Split. Meet the tour leader at the airport. Drive to Trogir. Walk through this picturesque town and lunch in a local restaurant. We continue our bus ride to Šibenik. Walking through Šibenik is like walking on the stage, as the whole town is turned toward the sea, like an open-air amphitheatre. Visit to the Cathedral of St. James and the Old Town, which exhibit a unique blend of influences from three culturally different regions of northern Italy, Dalmatia and Tuscany. We continue toward our hotel on the coast. Check-in, dinner, overnight stay at one of the Solaris Resort hotels.

DAY 2 - ZADARTour of Zadar with a local guide. We learn how Caesar founded a city in this part of the Roman Empire. Through-

• Brela Photo Hrvoje Serdar • Octopus salad Photo Damir Fabijanić



out the old city you can see the influence of Rome, Venetia and Italy, which adds charm to modern-day Zadar. Zadar is famous for the first university in Croatia, the filigree street, the Sea Organ, Maraschino, and Greeting to the Sun. Free time for lunch and shopping. Joint dinner at the hotel.

DAY 3 - PLITVICE LAKES NATIONAL PARKA full day excursion to the Croatian continental region. Plitvice Lakes NP is one of the oldest national parks in Europe. We spend the day walking through the pristine nature , following a series of 16 waterfalls and 16 lakes , which continue to live as the Korana river. We have a boat cruise along the largest lake and train ride through the park. Lunch in one of the surround-ing restaurants. Dinner at the hotel later in the evening.

DAY 4 - SPLIT – MAKARSKA RIVIERAOn the way toward the hotel on Makarska Riviera, we stop in Split, where we make a tour of Diocletian’s Palace with a local guide and enjoy in the laid-back atmosphere of Split. Free time for lunch and shopping. Later in the afternoon we arrive in the hotel on Makarska Riviera. Welcome drink and joint dinner at the hotel.

• Travel Moments, Udovice Photo Dieter Bergau

• Travel Moments, Blagaj Photo Helena Skorupan

• Topići, Sač (veal and lamb with potatoes baked under a special iron lid) Photo Dieter Bergau

DAY 5 - ExPLORE HERZEGOVINA After breakfast we go to visit Mostar and Herzegovina. This is an inspirational excursion during which we see an extraordinary region hiding the architectural pearls such as the Old Bridge, Počitelj and Derviš Tekke on the Buna spring. In the archaeological museum of a seemingly ordinary Franciscan Monastery we’ll find the artefacts from the Stone Age to 15th century. In Herzegovina we’ll treat ourselves to the delicacies and excellent autochtonous wines of Herzegovina. Dinner at the hotel later in the evening.

DAY 6 - BRAČ, MAKARSKA & TOPIćI A half-day boat trip to a small fishing place Povlja on the island of Brač. Free time in Pov-lja to feel the Mediterranean as it once was. Fishpicknick in the boat dock of Povlja. Upon our return to the coast, free afternoon time in Makarska. Late in the afternoon we go to a family-run farm Topići. Traditional Dalmatian dinner with Dalmatian music. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.

DAY 7 - DUBROVNIKExcursion to Dubrovnik is among the highlights of the journey. Tour of the Old City with a local guide, including the Rector’s Palace – the centre of one of the most powerful trading states in the mediaeval period. The Cathedral holds very precious treasure, and the Francis-can Monastery is home to one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe. Lunch on your own. Free time to explore the city. In the evening, return to the hotel for dinner.

DAY 8 - DEPARTURE Breakfast, check-out. Transfer to Split Airport. Hotel choices: Solaris Resort Šibenik, Makarska Riviera UNESCO WHL: Historic City of Trogir, Cathedral of St James in Šibenik, Mostar Old Bridge, Dubrovnik Old City, Plitvice Lakes National Park.


Based in Mali Gradac, Croatia, we will show you our favorite spots along the Dalmatian coast, including the neighbouring beautiful Neretva val-ley and the charming Mostar.

FROM THE HEART OF DALMATIA

DAY 1 - DUBROVNIK We land at Dubrovnik airport, where we meet the tour lead-er and proceed to the fascinating city of Dubrovnik (WHL). After a guided tour of the city, there is free time for lunch on your own, for coffee, ice cream, shopping etc. We continue the journey to Gradac and our hotel Marco Polo. Welcome drink and dinner at the hotel.

DAY 2 - TROGIR – SPLIT After breakfast we go to Trogir, a real pearl on the Dalmatian coast (UNESCO WHL). We walk through the picturesque town to the restaurant where we have lunch, enjoying in the view of the promenade, harbor and an old watchtower. Drive to Split in the afternoon. Guided tour of the Palace (WHL) built by the Roman emperor Diocletian. Return to the hotel in Gradac around dinner time.

DAY 3 - INSPIRATION HERZEGOVINA Today we experience the beautiful nature, history, good food and wines of Herzegovina. We begin with a boat trip in Hutovo Blato NP, go to the Kravica waterfalls and con-tinue to a charming, medieval town of Počitelj, with its Ot-toman-era architecture. Then we explore the city of Mostar, known for its iconic Old Bridge. Lunch by the Neretva,with a spectacular view of the bridge. The day ends with dinner at Udovice Restaurant near Mostar. We visit the wine cellar and taste house wines and grappa, learn how homemade

• Travel Moments, Hutovo Blato Photo Dieter Bergau • Upper right — UNESCO WHL: Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar

• Travel Moments, Barba Joško Photo Dieter Bergau


bread is made in a traditional way and enjoy the dinner, typical of this area, in combination with local wines. Arrival in the hotel later in the evening.

DAY 4 - OLIVE OIL AND DALMATIAN DELICACIES IN PODACA A relaxing morning on your own in Gradac,swimming and walking. In the afternoon, we head to the village of Podaca to learn about olives, from growing to tasting. There we taste various Dalmatian delicacies before heading back to Gradac. In the evening you can expect a little surprise a la Dalmatia!

DAY 5 - YOU CHOOSE TODAY’S PROGRAMME! A day off for rest and relaxation for those who wish to do so. You can also choose to book a place and accompany us for either an exclusive wine tour or a half day excursion to Makar-ska. (see below) We then gather at the hotel at 19:00 to eat dinner together.

OPTIONAL EXCURSION 1: EXCLUSIVE WINE TOUR (AND A LITTLE MORE) The name says it all! After a short boat ride we reach an old fishing port Trpanj on the peninsula


of Pelješac. Our adventure for the day starts here, from oyster farming and salt mining on the coast, to the hilly landscape with its vineyards. We visit an oyster farm, where we learn about farming and taste oysters. We also visit three different winemakers and see why wines from Croatia, particularly from Pelješac, are so different from the majority of other wines. We walk along, enjoying in the stunning views of the coun-tryside and the sea. We carry a picnic basket with foodstuff and drinks to one of the finest beaches in Dalmatia, where we spend the afternoon sunbathing and swimming.

OPTIONAL EXCURSION 2: MAKARSKA Makarska is a famous seaside resort , located right at the epi-center of Makarska Riviera. It has a long and beautiful prome-nade lined with palm trees, full of cafes, bars and restaurants.We go for a guided walk and eat a light lunch together. Free time available before the return trip to Gradac. *Excursion prices are determined on the spot depending on the number of passengers.

DAY 6 - A NICE FIELD DAY AND “BEST NIGHT”!We go for a light hike (about 5 km) up to the Biokovo Nature Park. Our guide Tanja teaches us about animals, insects, flowers, herbs and other things that grow and live in the surrounding area. The walk finishes with a picnic at one of the finest viewpoints in the area. Return to the Gradac hotel, time on your own. In the evening we have the “BEST NIGHT“ gala dinner, the Slow Food dinner (cooked with regional in-gredients according to the traditional cooking methods). It is about seven dishes that best illustrate what the house and the region can offer. Each dish includes a number of differ-ent wines. Claudia and Igor, a music duet, will sing and play guitar for us for the rest of the evening. • Ojkanje singing Photo Ivo Pervan

DAY 7 - THE ExCITING RIVER DELTA OF THE NERETVA Today we travel to the exciting and fertile delta of the Neretva river. The Romans founded the city of Narona here - an important city at the time - 200 years B.C.. Eight hundred years later it was attacked, destroyed and forgotten. The city was rediscovered and excavated in the late 1800s. We visit the Narona’s Archaeological Museum. Then we have a boat ride throughout the channels of the Neretva Delta. The delta has been transformed by the people of this region for centuries. Today it is known as a green jewel of Croatia. The delta is famous for its many tangerine plantations.The lunch consists of brodet - a traditional fish stew, typical of the area. During the after-noon, we return to the hotel. Dinner at the hotel.

DAY 8: DEPARTUREAfter breakfast, we travel to Dubrovnik Airport. Stay at: Boutique Hotel Marco Polo**** Gradac UNESCO WHL: Historic City of Trogir, Mostar Old Bridge, Dubrovnik Old City, Diocletian’s Palace


Although we plan to spend most of the time on the Adriatic coast, we are going to visit some places that are distinctively connected with the Adriatic and Mediterranean in general.

THE THREE COUNTRIES

DAY 1 - DUBROVNIK - NEUM Arrival in Dubrovnik. Meet the tour leader at the airport. Tour of Dubrovnik with a local guide and joint lunch. Free time for relaxation in this beautiful city. In the afternoon, we travel along the coast toward our hotel. Welcome drink and dinner.

DAY 2 - MONTENEGROToday we are visiting the Montenegrin coast with two Mediterranean pearls - Budva and Kotor. Guided tours and enough free time to explore Montenegro on your own. Lunch in a typical Montenegrin restaurant. On our way back, we have dinner in a typical Herzegovinan restaurant. Return to the hotel later in the evening.

DAY 3 - NEUM DAY OFFFree time at the hotel with a sea view. You can swimm and sunbathe in the swimming pool or at the hotel beach. Wel-ness at hand all day long. Dinner on a raft in the bay. Over-night stay at the hotel in Neum.

DAY 4 - THE NERETVA VALLEY – PODGORAWe leave Herzegovina and travel along the Adriatic coast to-ward the Neretva valley. Boat tour along the river and lunch (In Autumn, we pick tangerines for ourselves). We continue along the coast toward Podgora, a beautiful Dalmatian pearl. Welcome drink, dinner and overnight in Medora hotel.

• Makarska, view of the riva Photo Lennart Ståhl • Travel moments, Žitomislić Photo Helena Skorupan • Dubrovnik, Old City Harbour



DAY 5 - MOSTARBefore our arrival in Mostar we visit the Franciscan Mon-astery at Humac that holds archaeological artefacts found from the Stone Age to 15thcentury. In Mostar, we begin with lunch at the restaurant right beside the Old Bridge. This spot is the beginning of our tour of the old city, which is a blend of the oriental style and Mediterranean features. On our way back to the coast, we taste local brandies and wines and have dinner at Udovice Restaurant (1952). Overnight stay at the hotel in Podgora.

DAY 6 - SPLIT & OMIŠ Excursion to Split. After the tour of Diocletian’s Palace and free time. Our hosts will recommend us the most popular restaurants in the city, so that we can have lunch on our own. Having free time in Split means enjoying in a laid-back atmosphere of Split. On our way back we will stroll along the streets of Omiš, once the powerful pirate-nest on the Adriatic coast. We drink a shot of espresso in one of the cafes tucked in the mysterious alleays of Omiš. Dinner at the hotel.

DAY 7 - DAY OFF & DINNER AT TOPIćIFree time for rest and recreation, or a good book on the beach with a glass of wine. Late in the afternoon we go to a family-run farm Topići. Traditional Dalmatian dinner with Dalmatian music. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.

DAY 8 - SARAJEVO & DEPARTUREEarly in the morning we depart for Sarajevo. Drive through the exciting Neretva canyon. We stop in Konjic to visit a family that has been producing hand-carved furniture for almost a century. We arrive in Sarajevo at lunch time. After lunch we ex-plore the city that has been developing the idea of multicultur-alism for centuries; today, more than ever before, it stands for this idea in Europe. The architecture is a blend of the Ottoman and Pseudo-Moorish style, with the socialist-era buildings and monuments. Yet, the hospitality and kindness of Sarajevans is something that you will definitely remember forever! Stay at: Grand Hotel Neum**** Neum & Hotel**** Medora (Depadans) PodgoraUNESCO WHL: Mostar Old Bridge, Dubrovnik Old City, Split Diocletian’s Palace, Region of Kotor

• Travel moments, Topići Photo Lennart Ståhl • Travel moments, Žitomislić Photo Helena Skorupan


The fertile Slavonia or eastern Croatia spreads across the area among the Danube, Drava and Sava rivers. Decorated with wild meadows, farmlands, oak forests, ponds, vineyards, caves, historic manors, churches, castle ruins, Slavonia offers both diversity and tranquility, the magic composed by Slavonians and nature.

SLAVONIAN ECHOES OF TRADITION

DAY 1 - ILOKWe land at Belgrade Airport, where we meet the tour leader and continue our drive to Slavonia. Alredy in Ilok, you can feel the charm of Slavonia. We walk through Ilok and talk about the long history of the region, including the pictur-esque palaces that used to belong to the well-off Slavonian families for centuries. After a light lunch, we go to visit wine cellars and taste the wines of Ilok. We conclude the day with an extraordinary welcome dinner.

DAY 2 - DARDA - OSIJEK We visit one of the largest vineyards and wine cellars in this part of Europe. After wine tasting in the wine cellar Belje, we continue toward a typical Slavonian farm, where we will be served a traditional village-type lunch. Tour of Osijek in the afternoon, where we have free time for shopping, coffe, etc. Dinner in the historic hotel Waldinger in the city centre. Arrival in the hotel later in the evening.

• View of Ilok from the Danube bank Photo Ilok Tourist Office • Slavonia, Wheat fields Photo Damir Fabijanić



DAY 3 - ĐAKOVO - VINKOVCI Today we visit a beautiful and historically important cathe-dral of Đakovo and a Lippizaner horse-farm. After the lunch in Đakovo, we drive to Vinkovci, where we visit the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology. The first exhibition displays the oldest Indo-European calendar Orion (2600 BC) and de-velopment of civilization in the Slavonian region. The second is an ethnological exhibition illustrating the life in Slavonia to this day. Dinner and overnight stay in the hotel.

DAY 4 - VUKOVARVukovar – one of the cities most severely damaged dur-ing the 1991 war. We visit the Memorial Museum and the Memorial Cemetery of the Victims of Homeland War. In the second half of the day we cruise along the Danube. Lunch on the boat consists of the Slavonian freshwater fish. Dinner at the hotel with a traditional Slavonian tamburitza band.

DAY 5 - BELGRADE SHOPPINGBreakfast and check-out. Arrival in Belgrade. Free time for shopping and lunch on your own. Transfer to Belgrade Air-port in the afternoon. Flight back home.Stay at: Stari Podrumi Hotel Ilok (* Can be easily combined with The Unforgettable Belgrade tour)

• Slavonian kirbaj Photo Ilok Tourist Office • Tambu-ritza players of Ilok Photo Zlatko Papac


Join us on a short tour of Belgrade and the surrounding area. We talk about the Serbian war for independence against Turks, Tito’s era, dreams about the Greater Serbia, the era of Slobodan Milošević and 1990s-wars and much more. The journey is seasoned with the flavours of culture and art, traditional Serbian cuisine, wines and music. Belgrade is an excellent host to all tourists and an unforgettable city.

THE UNFORGETTABLE BELGRADE

DAY 1 - BELGRADE We land at Belgrade Airport where we meet the tour leader and continue our drive to Belgrade. On our way to the hotel we make an orientation tour of Belgrade. Check-in at the hotel. Free time until our gathering for the welcome dinner in the famous bohemian quarter of Skadarlija. Dinner, tra-ditional music, typical of Belgrade nightlife.

DAY 2 - BELGRADE Walking & bus tour of Belgrade. There are at least three major landmarks - the Fortress of Kalemegdan, sited in the beautiful park, testifies to the importance of Belgrade through centuries; the Cathedral of Saint Sava is a spiritual centre not only of Belgrade, but a symbol of the Orthodox Christianity too; Tito’s grave at Dedinje is a part of our talk about Yugoslavia which we remember until the late 1980s. We conclude the first part of the day with a traditional lunch at a restaurant near Kalemegdan, which commands a view of Belgrade. Free afternoon time and dinner on your own in Belgrade downtown. Overnight stay at the hotel.


• Belgrade Estuary panorama Photo National Tourism Organisation of Serbia • Upper right — Bel-grade Old-timer from 1939, still running … Photo Anders Hall

• Belgrade Fortress, Kalemegdan Photo National Tourism Organisation of Serbia


DAY 3 - SERBIAN ROYAL FAMILY A full-day excursion to Oplenac, where we visit the Church of St. George , which is a burial place of the Karađorđević royal family. The neighbouring building, the house of King Peter, is now a museum of the royal family. Not far from Oplenac is a little brewery where we taste beer produced according to original recipes in limited release. Before our return to Belgrade we have a traditional village-type lunch at Tomo’s and Nada’s place (well known ranchers). Dining together at one of Belgrade’s rafts with a view to the Sava estuary to the Danube on one side, and the Kalemegdan fortress on the other side.

DAY 4 - NOVI SADA full-day tour of Novi Sad, the capital of the province of Vojvodina, the second largest city in Serbia. The tour of this pleasant city finishes on Liberty Square which is dominated by the beautiful cathedral of St. Mary. Free time in Novi Sad downdown for shopping and light lunch. We spend the after-noon in Sremski Karlovci , where we visit a farm run by the Živanović family. Here we will taste Bermet wine that was served at the ceremonies at the Royal Court in London in the 1930s. On the way back to Belgrade we visit the famous Petrovaradin fortress, which commands an impressive view of Novi Sad. We finish the day with a traditional dinner at a local farm accompanied by live music.

DAY 5 - DEPARTURECheck-out after breakfast. Free time in Belgrade for shop-ping and lunch on your own. Transfer to Belgrade Airport in the afternoon. Return home. Hotel choices: Belgrade, Novi Sad (* Can be easily com-bined with Slavonian Echoes of Tradition tour)

• Belgrade Port Photo National Tourism Organisation of Serbia


Let us and our Montenegrin friends guide you on a journey through the Montenegrin his-tory, culture and nature. Let the country’s magnificent nature insipire you! Experience the green mountains rising behind the beautiful coastline and enjoy the turquoise shimmer-ing water of the Adriatic. We are going to show you around the best of Montenegro!

THE LITTLE KINGDOM OF MONTENEGRO

DAY 1 - DUBROVNIK – BIJELA We land at Dubrovnik Airport and proceed to Dubrovnik, the most famous Croatian city, one of the best preserved walled cities in the world (UNESCO WHL). A guided tour of the old city. Lunch and free time. We head to Delfin Ho-tel in Bijela for check-in and welcome drink. The rest of the day is free for rest and relaxation at the hotel beach with the amenities. Dinner at the hotel.

DAY 2 - LAKE SKADAR NATIONAL PARKBreakfast at the hotel and drive to Lake Skadar, located on the border between Montenegro and Albania. Its Montenegrin part has been a national park since 1983. This part of the country is considered to be ‘the heart and soul of Montenegro’. There we will enjoy in the pristine beauty of the lake and its surroundings, and learn about its rich and colourful history. During the lunch we will taste some of the best organic foods and authentic wines of Montenegro. Free time to explore and admire the place on our own. Return and dinner at the hotel.


• The Njegoš Mausoleum at Lovćen Photo photo-montenegro.com

• Biljarda - Museum of Petar II Petrović - Njegoš in Cetinje Photo photo-montenegro.com


DAY 3 - MONTENEGRO HIGHLAND After breakfast at the hotel, we leave towards Cetinje, the royal capital of Montenegro. This town with immense her-itage is considered a cradle of Montenegro’s culture and statehood. A guided tour of Cetinje where we learn about its eventful history. Free time. We go to Njeguši for lunch, where we taste the famous Montenegrin prosciutto. Return to Bijela in the afternoon and dinner at the hotel.

DAY 4 - FREE TIME A day for sinking into relaxation on the beach, enjoying in the sun and beautiful sea. We recommend using some of the hotel’s many amenities, especially the spa and sauna,

• Skadar Lake Photo photo-montenegro.com

• Kotor Photo photo-montenegro.com

• Skadar Lake Photo photo-montenegro.com

as well as some water-fun activities. Dinner and music/entertainment at the hotel.

DAY 5 - BUDVA AND KOTOR After breakfast at the hotel, we go to visit two of Montene-gro’s best known cities – Budva and Kotor. Our first stop, Budva, is one of the oldest settlements on the Montenegrin coast, populated since the Roman era. After a guided tour and lunch, we have free time to explore the city. Afterwards we move on to Kotor, whose old city (UNESCO WHL) is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe. There we have a guided tour of the city, and free time afterwards. We meet up and return to Bijela. Dinner at the hotel.

DAY 6 - BOAT ExCURSION We go by boat around the Bay of Kotor. We visit Perast and a small island of Gospa od Škrpjela where we learn about a legend associated with the island and the church. We end the half-day visit with a lunch typical of this part of Montne-gro and spend the afternoon in Bijela.

DAY 7 - NEIGHBOURING TOWNS After breakfast at the hotel, we have a guided tour of Herceg Novi, a nearby town with diverse and turbulent history. At

various points in time, Herceg Novi was ruled by the Bos-nian Kingdom, Duke of Herzegovina, the Ottoman Empire, France, Venetia, Russia, Spain, Austrio-Hungary, Italy and Montenegro. On the way from Herzeg Novi to Trebinje, a neigbouring town in Bosnia and Herzegovina, we stop for a traditional Herzegovinian lunch. In Trebinje we have an interesting guided tour and spend some free time. Wine tasting in one of thirty wineries in the town. We conclude this exciting day with dinner by the beautiful Trebišnjica river. Return to Bijela later in the evening.

DAY 8 - DEPARTURE The final day is reserved for packing and the moments of relaxation before our transfer to the airport. Departure.

Stay at: Hotel Delfin Bijela**** Montenegro UNESCO WHL: Region of Kotor, Dubrovnik Old City.

PARTNERS

PARTNERS

MEDITERRANEANFILMFESTIVALmff.ba


Bristol is a centrally sited hotel, standing next to Tito’s Bridge. It is only a 10-15 minute walk to all major sites and buildings in town: the Old Bridge and the Old City, the railway and bus station, shopping malls, banks, post office. It has 2 restaurants offering local and international cuisine and a coffee shop serv-ing freshly made cakes. The Hotel boasts a spacious terrace with a spectacular view of the Neretva. It provides the ideal accommodation both for business people and tourists. It is convenient for organizing seminars and presentations, cul-tural events, wedding ceremonies, etc. Airport shuttles can be arranged to the Airport of Mostar, which is just 8 km away.

Hotel Brotnjo is situated in ČItluk, only 3 km from the big Marian Shrine of Međugorje and 20 km from Mostar, the city of the UNESCO-protected Old Bridge. The Hotel has a restaurant, pizzeria, banquet hall, two congress halls, Herzegovina tavern, two garden terraces, cafe bar, spa and wellness, an indoor pool, soccer field built by UEFA standards, parking space and other facilities. Each room is superbly furnished, with A/C, mini bar, telephone, LCD , free Wi-Fi available. The swimming pool and fitness cen-tre are free of charge to all hotel guests. The hotel is fully air-conditioned.

Hotel Bristol Mostar

Hotel Brotnjo Čitluk

FACTSCity Centre 0 m AC Yes

Bar, restaurant Yes Elevator Yes

Currency exchange Yes Wi-Fi Free

Meeting/banquet facilities Yes Safety box Yes

Languages spoken Ita. Eng., Ger., Parking Free

FACTSTown Centre 0 m AC Yes


Currency exchange, Yes Wi-Fi Free


Languages spoken Italian, Eng-lish, German Parking Free

Mostarskog bataljona bb, Mostar Bosnia and Herzegovina

Kralja Tomislava 2, Čitluk Bosnia and Herzegovina

+ 387 36 640 036 + 387 36 640 038 [email protected] www.hotelbrotnjo.com

+ 387 36 500 100 +387 36 500 502 [email protected] www.bristol.ba


Renovated in 2013, Grand Hotel Neum is the largest hotel on the Neum Riviera. All rooms overlook the sea and free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the property. All rooms are air-conditioned and offer an LCD satellite TV and a minibar. Each room has a private bathroom equipped with a hairdryer.

The hotel has a conference hall and cinema hall. Its well-ness and spa centre includes whirlpools, infrared saunas, Turkish baths, sun beds and a fitness centre. A wide range of massage and beauty treatments are available, as well as a children’s pool.

The Hotel is sited about 1 km from the centre of Neum, some 40 km from Međugorje and 60 km from Dubrovnik.

Marco Polo is a boutique-style, family-run hotel situated on the sea front, in the very centre of a picturesque town of Gradac on the Makarska Riviera. The hotel has 25 luxuriously equipped rooms, some of them with balcony, sea side view. The Hotel won the Adrian 2009 prize as the Best Small Hotel in Croatia and was also awarded the Best Boutique Hotel 2008 prize in Croatia. The Hotel’s à la carte restaurant Nicolo Polo offers Dalmatian cuisine. During peak season the hotel organ-izes theme nights with live music performances, gala dinners and tapas nights.

The Hotel’s relax centre features a big gym, sauna, hot tub, a relaxation room, 2 sun terraces with a great view and an out-door swimming pool.

Grand Hotel Neum

Boutique Hotel Marco Polo

FACTSTown Centre 1 km AC Yes



Meeting/banquet facilities, Yes Safety box Yes

Languages spokenItalian, English, German, Rus-sian, Polish

Parking Free





Languages spoken Swedish, Eng-lish, German Parking Free

Zagrebačka 2, Neum Bosnia and Herzegovina

Obala 15, Gradac Croatia

+ 385 21 695 060 + 385 21 697 502 [email protected] www.hotel-marcopolo.com

+ 387 36 880 222 + 387 36 880 077 [email protected] www.hotel-neum.com


Completely renovated in 2015, the Pavilions of Hotel Medora Auri are nestled at the foot of the Biokovo Mountain, enjoying a beachfront lo-cation and overlooking the Adriatic Sea. The rooms are elegantly dec-orated, with a furnished balcony. Rich buffet style meals are available in the hotel restaurant. Guests can enjoy a refreshing drink on the terrace or on the pebble beach, located right at the hotel’s doorstep.

Wellness & fitness with indoor pool, solarium and various beauty treatments are available in the main building.

There is a variety of sport activities to enjoy in the immediate area sur-rounding the Medora Auri, such as outdoor tennis, Jet Ski, parasailing, banana ride or diving. The hospitality desk offering a full range of ex-cursions to nearby tourist attractions is at guests’ disposal as well.

Located in the village of Poljice, in the heart of the Jaho-rina Mountain, Hotel Snješko boasts airy and light rooms, equipped with wooden furniture, warm duvets, a TV and free Wi-Fi. Each room has a private bathroom. An extensive breakfast buffet is served in the modern dining room with a fireplace. The breakfast and dinner buffets at Snješko include various local and international dishes.

The Hotel has a 24-hour reception and friendly staff who can arrange babysitting and organize transport to the bus sta-tion and Sarajevo Airport, 30 km away.

Hotel Medora Auri Pavilions

Hotel Snješko Jahorina


Bar, restaurant Yes Elevator -

Currency exchange, - Wi-Fi Free

Meeting/banquet facilities, - Safety box Yes

Languages spoken English Parking Free

FACTSTown Centre - AC -

Bar, restaurant Yes Elevator -

Currency exchange, Yes Wi-Fi -

Meeting/banquet facilities - Safety box Yes


Branimirova Obala 117, Podgora, Croatia

Jahorina bb, Pale Bosnia and Herzegovina

+387 63 718 648 +387 57 270 011 [email protected] www.hotelsnjesko.ba

+385 21 601 745 +385 21 625 311 [email protected] www.medorahotels.com


Hotel Mepas is sited in the central part of Mostar. Each room in the Hotel has a TV, air conditioning and a minibar. Extras in all rooms include a seating area, satellite channels and pay-per-view channels. Free Wi-Fi access is available. Featuring both a shower and a bathtub, the bathrooms come with a hairdryer and bathrobes.

Hotel Mepas has a restaurant and a fitness centre. Other facili-ties include a congress centre, a tour desk and luggage storage. The hotel also offers free access to an indoor pool, a spa and well-ness centre. Free parking is provided to all guests of the hotel.

Hotel Mepas is located 1.5 km from the Old Bridge of Mostar and the Old Bazaar - Kujundžiluk.

This modern, luxurious hotel, located right on the shore, boasts a fantas-tic view of the sea and town. The Hotel facilities include a couple of sa-lons, two restaurants and a cafe, a sun terrace and outdoor swimming pool. The Hotel boasts modern, luxuriously furnished double rooms with swimming pool view. It also has luxurious seaview rooms with French windows. All rooms have a parquet floor, telephone, satellite TV, Wi-Fi internet, minibar and safe. Bathrooms have a shower /bath tub, toilette, hair drier.

The Plateaus and a small pebble beach have deck chairs, sun loung-ers and beach umbrellas for rent. The swimming pool has chairs and umbrellas included in the price. The Hotel consists of 4 floors, 49 rooms, wellness centre, sauna, beauty salon, mini club for children, little confer-ence hall, etc.

Hotel Mepas Mostar

Hotel Osejava Makarska





Languages spoken Italian, English, German Parking Free






Kneza Višeslava b.b. Mostar Bosnia and Herzegovina

Šetalište Fra. Jure Radića b.b. Makarska, Croatia

+ 385 21 604 300 + 385 21 604 301 [email protected] www.osejava.com

+387 36 382 000 +387 36 382 010 [email protected] www.mepas-hotel.ba


Wine Hotel Cesarica is located in a peaceful surrounding in Međugorje, just 200 meters from the St. James’s Church. The rooms are air-conditioned, with Wi-Fi. The restaurant of the Hotel, with capacity of 120 seats, offers a wide selection of local and international dishes. Guests can also enjoy the ex-ceptional taste of wine from the family wine cellar, marked with centuries long tradition. The front desk, open 24 hours a day, can help to arrange guided tours of the nearby vineyards or other towns. The Apparition Hill is 1.5 km from the hotel.

The hotel features a small prayer room too.

Hotel Villa Milas Mostar

Wine Hotel Cesarica Međugorje






Franjevačka 3, Mostar Bosnia and Herzegovina

Krcine bb, Međugorje Bosnia and Herzegovina

+387 63 434 399 +387 36 651 792 [email protected] www.hotel-cesarica.com

+387 36 316 381 +387 36 316 385 [email protected] www.villa-milas.com

Villa Milas is sited across from the Franciscan Monastery and Church of Saint Peter and Paul, 200 m from the Old City and a 5 minute walk to the famous Old Bridge.

The rooms are urban and comfortable and create home atmos-phere with their high quality furniture, lightness and clarity. Each room has a modern, spacious and completely equipped bathroom. The hotel is suitable both for business people and tourists. The hotel has a restaurant in the basement with a nice selection of wines.





Languages spoken Italian, English, German, French Parking Free


Located in a quiet part of the town, by the Trebišnjica river, within walking distance of Trebinje’s old town, Motel Aćimović has 26 rooms, a café bar and cake shop, a spacious terrace with quiet and pleasant ambiance. 20 parking places are available in the underground garage of the Hotel.

The rooms are comfortable and tastefully furnished, with In-ternet access, AC, mini bar, sat TV. Breakfast is served every morning and included in the room rate. The UNESCO-protect-ed Old City of Dubrovnik is within a 28-km radius.

Located in the village of Mosko, on the way to Dubrovnik, Motel Konak Mosko offers air-conditioned accommodation with free Wi-Fi and cable TV. The motel has a bar and an à la carte restau-rant. The rooms are clean and comfortable The private bathroom comes with a shower and hairdryer.

Free private parking is available on site. Motel Konak Mosko is 10 km from the Old Town of Trebinje and the Herzegovina Museum. The property’s stone house is decorated in the authentic Herzegovi-na style used as a restaurant that serves traditional specialties.

Motel Aćimović Trebinje

Motel Konak Mosko




Meeting/banquet facilities - Safety box Yes







Rastoci bb, Trebinje Bosnia and Herzegovina

Mosko bb, Trebinje Bosnia and Herzegovina

+ 387 59 481-288 + 387 59 260 555 [email protected] www.hotelacimovic.com

+ 387 65 520 297 + 387 59 260 555 [email protected] www.hotelacimovic.com


Hotel Bosnia is located in the centre of Sarajevo, just 50 meters from the Eternal Flame Monument. The rooms are elegantly furnished, AC, with free Wi-Fi, free parking and LCD cable TV, including a private bathroom equipped with a hairdryer.

The restaurant has a terrace and serves various international specialties. A minibar is provided in all rooms, but you can re-lax with a drink at the hotel bar as well. The lively Baščaršija historic district is 800 meters from Hotel Bosnia. The city’s Main Bus and Train Station are 2 km away.Sarajevo Airport and the Tunnel of Hope are within a 12 km radius from the hotel. The ski areas on the mountains of Igman, Bjelašnica and Jahorina can all be reached within 35 km.

Hotel City Mostar

Hotel Bosnia Sarajevo





Languages spokenEnglish, Span-ish, German, Hungarian

Parking Free

Vukovarska bb, Mostar Bosnia and Herzegovina

Kulovica 9, Sarajevo Bosnia and Herzegovina

+387 33 567 010 +387 33 444-572 [email protected] www.bosniahotels.com

+ 387 36 349 090 + 387 36 349 091 [email protected] www.city-hotel.ba

Located in the residential area of Mostar, Hotel City offers modernly furnished rooms that overlook the town. All rooms are air-conditioned and feature a flat-screen TV, a minibar and safe. Private bathrooms are equipped with a shower and hair-dryer. Free Wi-Fi and free garage parking are available. There is a restaurant in the same building, with shops, bars and rent-a-car service.

The historic sites such as the UNESCO-protected Old Bridge and the Old City are 5 minutes by car from the Hotel. Mostar Airport is 10 km away and shuttle service can be organized.





Languages spoken

English, Span-ish, Italian, Ger-man, Slovenian, Slovak

Parking Free


Hotel Gadja Baška Voda Stjepana Radića 13, Baška Voda, Croatia

+385 21 695 690 +385 21 695 691 [email protected] www.hotelgadja.com

Hotel Gadja is only 180 meters away from the beautiful pebble beaches and the crystal clear sea. It is an ideal place for any-body who wants to enjoy in peaceful surroundings of beauti-ful Dalmatia. Hotel Gadja consists of 48 rooms and 2 apart-ments nicely set among pine trees.

The amenities and services offered at this Baska Voda accom-modation include 24hr room service, elevator, restaurant, ho-tel/airport transfer, tours, business center, pets allowed.

For a more enjoyable stay, guests can take advantage of a vari-ety of recreational facilities, including water sports.



Currency exchange, - Wi-Fi Free

Meeting/banquet facilities, - Safety box Yes


Putujte uvijek prvom klasom!Always take the first class!

www.gumax.ba


Mex Cantina Bona Fide is a restaurant in the heart of Dubrovnik, 4th street to the right from Stradun. At Mex Cantina you can choose from a variety of Italian and Mexican dishes including pizza, pasta, risotto, tortillas, nachos, burritos, enchiladas...

Restaurant Fellini has been located in the heart of Sarajevo since 1934. At the location right in the city centre, this restau-rant serves exquisite Italian dishes with a great selection of lo-cal and international wines. It has a nice outdoor terrace that is a perfect spot for dining during summer months.

Mex Cantina Bonafide

Restaurant Fellini

Cuisine: Mexican & Italian

Capacity: 100 seats terrace

Opening Hours: 09.00 – 24.00

Cuisine: Italian, International

Capacity: 80 seats inside + 50 seats terrace

Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 08.00 – 23.00 / Sunday closed

Čubranovićeva 8, Dubrovnik, Croatia

Branilaca Sarajeva 5, Sarajevo Bosnia and Herzegovina

+387 33 210 494 +387 33 210 494 [email protected] http://www.restoranfellini.ba

+385 95 885 27 92 +385 91 569 80 83 [email protected] www.restaurantsdubrovnik.com

DUBROVNIK

SARAJEVO


For some it is the best restaurant on the harbor front of Trogir that offers tasty food, friendly serv-ice and pleasant atmosphere. The location is excel-lent, but the food is the reason to come. The meals typically offered include pizza, pasta, risotto and other delicacies prepared from fresh locally grown ingredients and the fruits of the Adriatic.

Restaurant Labirint

Pizzeria Mirkec

Cuisine: Oriental and International



Cuisine: Mediterranean, Italian, International

Capacity: 54 seats inside + 30 seats terrace + 90 seats on the

seafront


Kujundžiluk bb, Mostar Bosnia and Herzegovina

Budislavićeva 15, Trogir, Croatia

+385 91 537 16 00 +385 21 883 042 [email protected] www.pizzeria-mirkec.hr

+387 36 550 129 +387 36 500 502 [email protected] www.bristol.ba/labirint.html

If you are looking for a breathtaking view of the Old Bridge and the surrounding scenery, look no further. Sited in the heart of the Old City, with its terrace overlooking the lovely Neretva river and the Old Bridge, Labirint restaurant serves a good variety of local dishes. The inner part of the res-taurant is divided into two floors and decorated in oriental style. The atmosphere is pleasant and the service is good.

MOSTAR

TROGIR


Romanca restaurant and wine bar are located ten minutes by car from Mostar, surrounded by vineyards, olives and or-chards. It is a place to promote, taste and enjoy the wines of Čitluk Winery. The restaurant offers a great variety of top-rate traditional Herzegovinian specialties and international dishes made of locally grown food. With prior notice, the restaurant offers complete service for group lunches, group wine tasting, and various celebrations.

Located on the way to Herceg Novi, around five kilometers from Trebinje, Stara Hercegovina Restaurant stands to remind of the old-time (stara) Hercegovina. The white-stone build-ing is typical of this area. Many old utensils and tools can be seen inside the building and a huge tree in the middle of the room. The restaurant was built around it, offering traditional Herzegovinan dishes including steaks and specialties such as roasted veal under baking lid and delightful bread.

Wine Restaurant Romanca

Restaurant Stara Hercegovina

Cuisine: Oriental and International



Cuisine: Mediterranean/Herzegovinian

Capacity: 50 seats inside + 120 seats outside


Konjusi bb, MostarBosnia and Herzegovina

Tuli, Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina

+ 387 65 669 707 +387 65 778 584 [email protected] www.starahercegovina.com

+387 63 327 193 +387 36 350 331 [email protected] www.hercegovinavino.com

MOSTAR

TREBINJE


Udovice (Eng. widows) stands out for its gastronomic offer and home cooking. Located about 10 km from Mostar, the restau-rant has a long tradition that started in 1950s, when two wid-ows, with no means to support themselves, came up with an idea to prepare food for field laborers. Since then, the traditional Herzegovinian dishes have been prepared in this house. Udovice is best known for its mouth-watering roasted lamb with pota-toes, including local cheese and corn and whole wheat bread. There is a wine cellar too. The Restaurant has 120 seats, parking and playground for children.

Studenac Tavern

Restaurant Udovice

Cuisine: Mediterranean/ Herzegovinian

Capacity: 50 seats inside + 120 seats outside


Cuisine: Mediterranean / Herzegovinian



Milentija Perovića, TrebinjeBosnia and Herzegovina

Sretnice bb, KruševoBosnia and Herzegovina

+ 387 36 486 389 +387 36 486 103 [email protected] www.udovice.ba

+387 59 482 627 +387 59 281 581 [email protected] www.motelstudenac.com

Studenac is best known for its excellent location on the Trebišnjica, ten minutes by car from the centre of Trebinje. They also have a small hotel with 25 beds available. The tavern is made in the original Herzego-vinian style and it is suitable for all kinds of gather-ings (birthdays, business lunches, etc ...). The tavern’s cuisine is based exclusively on local products, the traditional Herzegovinian dishes, fish specialties and food from the grill.

TREBINJE

SRETNICE – KRUŠEVO

Panorama Tavern

Cuisine: Mediterranean



Topići 23, Baška Voda, Croatia

+385 98 770 848 — [email protected] —

Commanding an amazing view of the coastline and Makarska Riviera, Panorama Tavern offers the best selection of traditional Dalmatian meals and seafood. The friendly staff of the Tavern and sounds of traditional music will make the best atmosphere which guests will remember forever.

TOPIĆI

• Selling fish at Makarska riva Photo Mikaela Olsson Säfvenberg


This family-owned wine cellar was founded 150 years ago. With the same amount of love that is put in land cultivation, the fermentation of the young must is always carefully ob-served, barrels thoroughly arranged, the right temperature set up… The process is quite unique – choosing the best from the land, and producing the best quality in the barrels! The vine-yard area is 20 000 m2 and the tasting room seating capacity is 50 seats.

The Ćorić family, who run this winery, have a 350 year long tradition in producing high quality wines. The vineyards in Paoča, where the winery is located, are a perfect home for two of the Herzegovina’s famous wine sorts, Žilavka (white) and Blatina (red). It is here that these sorts have found ideal condi-tions for thriving: lots of sun, quality soil as well as hands of dedicated people who work these vineyards.

AG Winery, Međugorje

Wine Cellar Andrija, Paoča

Put za Križevac bb, Međugorje Bosnia and Herzegovina

Paoča, Čitluk Bosnia and Herzegovina

+387 63 332 162 +387 36 644 102 [email protected] www.podrumiandrija.com

+387 36 651 210 — [email protected] www.ag-travel.org

WiNEmakEr: GRGO VASILJ

WiNEmakEr: MIROSLAV ĆORIĆ

Wines: Žilavka, Blatina, Blatina Barrique, Rose, along with a rich selection of brandies (grape, honey, walnut, herb - fla-voured brandy).

Vineyard area: 20 000m2

Tasting room capacity: 35 seats

accomodation: Wine Hotel Cesarica- 42 rooms/100 beds

Wines andrija: High quality wines - Žilavka, Blatina, Žilavka Barique, Rose Barique, Blatina Barique Quality wines - Žilavka, Blatina, RoseOther products: wine liqueur Andrija, grapevine brandy AndrijaVineyard area: 800 000m2Tasting room capacity: 60 seats accommodation: …rooms or apartments/ 20 beds

REKLAMAVJETRENICA

VJETRENICA IS A KARST CAVE ON THE WESTERN EDGE OF POPOVO POLJE AND BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA’S LARGEST UNDERGROUND CAVE SYSTEMwww.vjetrenica.ba


Zadro wine cellar was completely renovated in 1997, and the winery was built at the same time. It features high-end wine producing equipment. The winery produces high quality Žilavka sparkling wines, the first sparkling wine in BiH. Zadro cellar also has the biggest wooden barrel in BiH with a capac-ity of 16230 l. The Cellar can seat up to 85 guests.

Anđelić Winery

Zadro Winery

Gorica bb, Trebinje Bosnia and Herzegovina

Domanovići bb, Domanovići Bosnia and Herzegovina

+ 387 36 822 301 + 387 36 822 303 [email protected] www.vinazadro.com

+387 65 940 055 +387 65 881 343 [email protected] www.podrum-andjelic.com

On the most southern part of the Herzegovina wine road, on the shores of Europe’s largest underground river Trebišnjica. The Anđelić family wine cellar is located at the southern most point of the Herzegovina wine road. For more than a century, the Anđelić family has been engaged in viticulture and grape processing. Their great-grandfathers made wines and bran-dies of recognizable quality. The family produces around 150 000 liters annualy.

WiNEmakEr: DRAGAN ANĐELIĆ

WiNEmakEr: IVAN ZADRO

Wines: Žilavka, Vranac, Lira, Žirado, Tribun, Mičevac barrique.

Vineyard area: 350 000 m²

Tasting room capacity: 60 seats

accomodation: Motel Anđelić 50 beds

Wines: High quality wines- Žilavka, Blatina, Blatina barrique, Cabernet sauvignon, Cabernet barrique, Vranac & Rose – 0,75l. Quality wines - Doman & Dubravka, Sparkling wine Domano. Other products: Herb-favored brandy & Grapevine brandy.Vineyard area: 1 200 000 m2

Tasting room capacity: 85 inside + 85 outside


Although founded in 1994, the company has been in the pas-senger transport business since 2009. Trade Coco now has five buses and two van. The team of top qualified and licensed drivers are the basis of the company’s quality and growth.

Walk with Me offers modest, honest and direct contact with na-ture. The trips are tailor made for any parties interested in a day-hike or more. Walk with Me caters to novices and pros alike, with easy to rugged tours to choose from. Walk with Me hikes usually focus on the Bijela Gora hiking area which leads past the impres-sive hilltop fortifications of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy that guarded almost the entire road infrastructure in Bosnia and Herzegovina. WwM outdoor centre is the perfect nature getaway and the base for meals or overnighting under the stars.

Trade Coco

Walk With Me

BUSINESS ACTIVITIESPassenger transport

Rentacar

BUSINESS ACTIVITIESHikes

Tours

Camping

Međugorje bb, Čitluk Bosnia and Herzegovina

Vožda Karađorđa 9, Trebinje Bosnia and Herzegovina

+387 65 645 224 +387 66 158 756 [email protected] www.walkwithme.ba

MEĐUGORJE

TREBINJE

+387 36 651 677 +387 63 320 677 [email protected] www.cocotours.ba


Located in Jezero, near Boračko Lake, 47 km from Sarajevo, Herze-govina Lodges is a great place to enjoy in peace, nature and food. Herzegovina Lodges offers accommodation of a different style. Each unit has a private bathroom. There is a kitchen in some of the units, equipped with a dishwasher, oven, and refrigerator.

Herzegovina Lodges has a beautiful terrace where guests can enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant. A range of activities can be pursued in the area, such as fishing and canoeing. The area is popular for snorkeling and cycling too. This property pro-vides water sports facilities, there is a possibility to play table tennis, with bike hire and car hire available. Mostar is 29 km away from Herzegovina Lodges. The nearest airport is Mostar International Airport.

Agrotourism Marića Gaj

Hercegovina Lodges

Marića strana 289, Ružići-Grude, Bosnia & Hercegovina

Boračko jezero bb, Konjic, Bosnia and Herzegovina

+387 36 288 236 +387 62 254 464 [email protected] www.herzegovina-lodges.com

+387 39 674 079 +387 63 437 099 info@agroturizam-herce govina.com

www.agroturizam-herce govina.com

Set in a traditional house in Ružići, 30 km from Međugorje, this restored stone home offers the quality village accommo-dation. All accommodation units are AC, have an LCD TV, a kitchenette and a private bathroom.The property has a res-taurant, an outdoor pool, sauna, volleyball court and provides free Wi-Fi and parking. The award-winning on-site restaurant serves local and international specialties made from fresh lo-cally grown food. This family owned establishment has a wine cellar and an olive grove and offers walking, horse riding and mountain biking.

GRUDE

BORAČKO LAKE

FACTSTown Centre - AC Yes

Restaurant Yes Elevator -

Bar Yes Wi-Fi Free

Shop - Safety box Yes

Swimming pool Yes Parking Free



Bar Yes Wi-Fi Free

Shop - Safety box -

Swimming pool - Parking Free


Motor boat “Marin “ will take you on an unforgettable trip to Povlja, a lovely little place on the north-east side of the island of Brač. The boat can accommodate up to 50 passengers. Wine and fresh fish are served in one of the most beautiful bays on the island of Brač!

Located in Opuzen, only 30 meters from the Neretva river, Hotel Villa Neretva offers accommodation and fine dining. The rooms are com-fortable and equipped with TV and free Wi-Fi. The hotel’s restaurant has been on the list of top 100 Croatian restaurants and top 20 Dalma-tian restaurants for years. It serves international meals, national cuisine and local specialties, including eel and frog specialties. Villa Neretva has a bar, restaurant and free garage parking. The Hotel can organise photo safaris along the river, as well as various kayak events and tangerine picking activities. The whole area is famous for its tangerine orchards.

M/B Marin

Hotel Villa Neretva

BUSINESS ACTIVITIESExcursions

Local cuisine

Bratuš 30, Baška Voda, Croatia

Splitska 14, Krvavac IIMetković, Croatia

+385 20 672 200 +385 20 672 201 [email protected] www. hotel-villa-neretva.com

BAŠKA VODA

METKOVIĆ

+385 21 621 394 +385 98 979 55 74 [email protected] www.apartmani-marin.com



Bar Yes Wi-Fi Free

Shop - Safety box -

Swimming pool - Parking Free


Vjetrenica is a karst cave on the western edge of Popovo Polje and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s largest underground cave system. The name Vjetrenica means ‘wind cave’ because of the cool air blow-ing out from its entrance, making it an ideal place to cool off in the summer heat. There are several lakes inside it. The largest is Veliko Jezero, over 180 m long. Some of the cave’s chamber rooms are large, while some tunnels are barely passable. There are over 100 different species, 92 being troglobites or life forms which live in the caves eco systems and have adapted to life without light.

The cave system, which is now under nomination for UNESCO listing, features ancient cave drawings of bears and leopards es-timated to be over 10,000 years old. Since 1952, the cave is a pro-tected natural monument; since 1965 it is in the category of special geological reserves.

Total channel lenght: 7.014meters.Total tour paths: 1,800m The basic direction of the cave channels: south-southeast (towards the sea).Wind power during the summer days: 15 meters per second.

Mostar Youth Theatre

Vjetrenica Cave

Trg Republike 1, Mostar Bosnia and Herzegovina

Trg don Ivana Musića 1, Ravno Bosnia and Herzegovina

+387 36 891 034 +387 36 891 034 [email protected] www.vjetrenica.ba

+387 36 551 124 — [email protected] mostartm.weebly.com

Mostar Youth Theatre is one of the leading youth arts organisa-tions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was founded in 1974 as the first youth theatre in Mostar. Since then, they have been edu-cating young people and nurturing their passion for theatre.

Mostar Youth Theatre will take you on a journey through time with all your senses. You will be passing over a dangerous sus-pension bridge over the Neretva river, dancing traditional Kolo, tasting and smelling history…

MOSTAR

RAVNO

average annual temperature: 11,6°C.arranged for tourism purposes: before 1940.Extensively arranged and electrified: 1964 in a length of 1050 m, including a pedestrian path with a grand total of 1800 m.


GUMA X is a part of GUMA M Ltd., a reputable commercial service com-pany, the leader in the country’s do-mestic market in car and tire sale and car maintenance. GUMA X provides professional car hire services.

Craftsmanship is the essence of our company’s identity. Our very name, Zanat, is Bosnian for “craft”, and the artistry and skill that it implies is also vital for fulfilling our mission of Universal Sustainability. There are many reasons why we still sketch new designs directly on wood surfaces, manually chiseling and cutting the grain to bring the draw-ings to life, but we would be lying if we didn’t include the sheer fun of woodcarving, and a certain emotional attachment to the hand-carving techniques used by four generations of our family on the list as well. The number of textures, patterns and aesthetic styles that can be created by using these techniques is infinite, limited only by the imagination of the artist-creator.

Guma x, Car rental

Zanat

BUSINESS ACTIVITIESRent-a-car

Bišće Polje bb, Mostar Bosnia and Herzegovina

Varda 2, Konjic Bosnia and Herzegovina

+387 36 727 299 +387 36 725 753 [email protected] www.zanat.org

MOSTAR

SHOWROOM & HISTORY MUSEUM

+387 36 337 275 +387 63 391 222 [email protected] www.gumax.ba

Tourist organization of TrebinjeTOURIST ORGANIZATION OF TREBINJE • 89101 TREBINJE• Preobraženska St. bb • Republic of Srpska • BiH Tel.: ++387 (0) 59 273 120 • Tel./fax: ++387 (0) 59 273 122 • e-mail: [email protected]• www.trebinjeturizam.com

www.lasta.ba(photo Ivan Kelava)

Publisher: Lasta Travel doo Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina Editor: Zlatko Papac, Design: SMART/ Raguž & Barbarić design doo Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovi-na, Creative Director: Miro Raguž, Art Director: Stjepan Barbarić, Scriptwriters: Nina Sivrić, Barbara Rozić, Ana Lovrić, Saša Rosić-Milinković, Ahmed Burić. The pho-tographs provided by courtesy of: Croatian National Tourist Board, Tourist Board of Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, National Tourism Organisation of Serbia, Tourist Organisation of Belgrade, Tourist Organisation of Istočno Sarajevo, Tourist Or-ganisation of Trebinje, Tourist Organization of Banja Luka, Jajce Tourist Board, Kreševo Tourist Board, SMART Mostar, Translator: Ženja Kasumović Papac, Print: Fram-Ziral doo Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, For Print: Mario Bracić

This magazine is made possible by the support of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The contents of this magazine are the sole responsibility of the publisher and do not necessarily re-flect the views of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Mostar (BIH) December 2015/January 2016. Number of copies: 2000

Notice

Mostar Airport Ltd. • Ortijes bb, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and HerzegovinaTel/Fax: +387 36 350 212 • Tel/Fax: +387 36 350 992E-mail: [email protected] • www.mostar-airport.ba

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LASTA TRAVEL doo Mostar, Bosna and Herzegovina • address: BA-88000 Mostar, Kralja Petra Krešimira IV 1 • phone:(+387 36) 332 011 • fax: (+387 36) 332 013 • www.lasta.ba • e-mail: [email protected] • bank account: 1995320051896503 (Sparkasse Bank dd BiH), iban: BA391995320051896503 (swift/bic: ABSBBA22) • vat nr: 227695020006

Documents

Lasta Travel - Catalogue 2016 - Travel South with the swallows