Hiking the Via Dinarica in Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina
Hiking the Via Dinarica in Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina
Hiking the Via Dinarica in Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina
8 Days Starting in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina and ending in Podgorica, Montenegro
Visiting: Sarajevo, Sutjeska National Park, Maglić, Tara River, Piva River Canyon, Durmitor National Park, Podgorica
Tour operator:
Tour code:
604
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 10
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Hiking the Via Dinarica in Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina (BiH) is an eight day small group tour, taking you through two national parks: Sutjeska in BiH and Durmitor in Montenegro. By day three of this trip, you are summiting Mount Maglic (2,386m), the highest in BiH. You get to celebrate this on a day of white water rafting the next day. There are plenty of opportunities for dips in Montengro’s Durmitor National Park too, such as at Skrka Lakes on your hike up to Skrka Pass (2,112m). Or in Zeleni Vir Lake en route to Bobotov Kuk (2,523m), Montenegro’s highest mountain
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival In Sarajevo
Location: Sarajevo
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Sarajevo
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrive in Sarajevo, the capital city of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Our driver collects you from the airport and takes you to your accommodation. In the afternoon, there is the opportunity to learn about Sarajevo’s complex history through a guided tour of the major historical and cultural sights of the city (included). In the evening, meet for a welcome dinner and group briefing.
Day 2 : Transfer To Sutjeska National Park And Hike To Jagodino Lake And Kuk Summit 7Km
Location: Sutjeska National Park
Accommodation Name: Hotel Mladost or similar in Tjentište (Sutjeska National Park, Bosnia-Herzegovina)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning, transfer to Sutjeska National Park (approximately 2hrs). After arriving at our hotel in the Tjentiste Valley, start the hike from Papin Do Hut to Jagodino Lake. From the lake, continue over open terrain to the summit of Kuk (1,817m), right on the Montenegro border, offering panoramic views of Zelengora Mountain and the Volujak rock face. The descent follows a partial return route, taking just over an hour, with the stunning slopes of Lebrsnik and Volujak in the distance. After a lunch break near the hut, transfer through the Sutjeska River canyon back to the hotel for dinner (approx. 30 minutes). Before dinner, we take a short 10-15 minute walk to visit the Partisan Memorial of Sutjeska, honouring those who died during the Battle of Sutjeska in WWII. Walking for the day: 7km, 3-4h, ?450m ?450m
Day 3 : Lokva Dernecište – Maglic – Prijevor 15Km
Location: Maglić
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Tjentište
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The day begins with a transfer to Lokva Dernecište (approximately 1h). From here, head through woodland and across open mountainous terrain towards Maglic (2,386m), Bosnia-Herzegovina’s highest mountain. The ascent itself takes approximately four hours and the route follows fairly well-maintained mountain trails along steep cliffs. This section is by far the most demanding part of the tour, and please note that the route is exposed, so it is not recommended to anyone suffering from vertigo. Upon reaching the summit, stop for lunch and take in the views over Montenegro and Trnovacko Lake. Begin your descent towards the lake and head to the village of Prijevor, where you are transferred back to your accommodation in Tjentište. Walking for the day: 15km, 8-9h, ?1,300m ?1300m
Day 4 : Tara River Rafting
Location: Tara River
Accommodation Name: wooden bungalows at Tara River
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The famous Tara River follows the natural border between Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro and offers some of the best rafting experiences in Europe, with level II-IV rapids. A transfer takes you into Montenegro, to the starting point of the rafting trip (45mins), which is led by a professional guide. The Tara Canyon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is the deepest canyon in Europe, and the second deepest in the world. After the day of rafting, have an early dinner on the banks of the Tara River, once again back in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Your accommodation for the evening is in simple wooden bungalows next to the river.
Day 5 : Sokolina Plateau
Location: Piva River Canyon
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Sokolina
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A short transfer takes you from the rafting camp to Mratinje Dam, a 220m dam located in Piva River Canyon in Montenegro. Follow the trail, gradually ascending towards Sokolina Plateau. Walk across the plateau, ending the walk at your accommodation, located at the edge of Tara Canyon with views of Durmitor massif and the Tara River.
Day 6 : Sušica Mountain Hut – Škrka Lakes – Dobri Do
Location: Durmitor National Park
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Zabljak
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today’s hike starts from Sušica Mountain Hut, after a morning transfer (45mins). We then head to Lake Sušicko and Skakala Waterfall crossing rocky, mountainous terrain and forested trails, before arriving at Škrka Mountain Hut and Škrka Lakes. After a break for lunch, there is the opportunity to take a dip in the cold glacial waters. Continue on to Škrcko Ždrijelo Mountain Pass, located at 2,114m. From here, today’s route ends with a descent to the plateau and valley of Dobri Do.
Day 7 : Bobotov Kuk
Location: Durmitor National Park
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Zabljak
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The final day of hiking involves a climb of Bobotov Kuk (2,523m), the highest mountain in the Durmitor massif. After a morning transfer (30mins), today’s route starts relatively high at Sedlo Pass (1,900m), before leading over the grassy slope of Surutka. Head towards Zupci (2,309m), a series of jagged peaks that resemble teeth, as the translation of zupci suggests. Arrive at the glacial lake of Zeleni Vir, the highest lake in Durmitor National Park, from where your steep ascent up Bobotov Kuk begins. On a clear day, the view from the summit extends all the way to the Adriatic Sea. After lunch, begin your descent back towards Zeleni Vir, from where you are transferred to Zabljak.
Day 8 : Departure
Location: Podgorica
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, a transfer takes you to Podgorica Airport (2.5h) for your departure.
What's Included
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Airport Transfer
Our driver collects you from the airport and takes you to your accommodation in Sarajevo.
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Guided Tour in Sarajevo
Opportunity to learn about Sarajevo’s complex history through a guided tour of the major historical and cultural sights of the city.
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Meals
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included throughout the tour.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in Sarajevo, Tjentište, wooden bungalows at Tara River, Sokolina, and Zabljak.
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Tara River Rafting
Rafting trip on the Tara River led by a professional guide.
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Transfers
Transfers are provided between various locations and activities throughout the tour.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional snacks, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all participants.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from the starting and ending points of the tour are not included.
Mode of Transport
Transfers are provided between key locations, including airport pickups, hotel transfers, and transport to hiking and rafting starting points, ensuring a seamless travel experience across Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays in Sarajevo, Tjentište, and Zabljak, with nights spent in hotels and simple wooden bungalows by the Tara River, offering a mix of urban and natural settings throughout the tour.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in a mix of hotels and simple wooden bungalows. Accommodation is provided in Sarajevo, Tjentište, wooden bungalows at Tara River, Sokolina, and Zabljak, offering both urban and natural settings.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included throughout the tour.
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What is the level of difficulty for the hiking activities?
The tour includes various hiking activities, some of which are demanding, such as the ascent of Maglić, which is not recommended for those suffering from vertigo due to exposed routes along steep cliffs.
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Is rafting included in the tour, and what can I expect from it?
Yes, rafting on the Tara River is included. It offers some of the best rafting experiences in Europe with level II-IV rapids, led by a professional guide. The Tara Canyon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the deepest canyon in Europe.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
Transfers are provided between key locations, including airport pickups, hotel transfers, and transport to hiking and rafting starting points, ensuring a seamless travel experience across Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro.
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What are some of the highlights of the hiking routes?
Highlights include hiking to Jagodino Lake and Kuk Summit, climbing Maglić, Bosnia-Herzegovina's highest mountain, and climbing Bobotov Kuk, the highest peak in the Durmitor massif, with views extending to the Adriatic Sea.
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Is there an opportunity to learn about the local culture and history?
Yes, there is a guided tour in Sarajevo where you can learn about the city's complex history through its major historical and cultural sights.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t
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Low Deposit
The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.
Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.