We had an amazing time. Our tour leader, Fatima, was absolutely wonderful. Our driver, Samir (sp?) is the most chilled man in Bosnia and an excellent driver on all those narrow windy roads. Our group gelled really well and we had lots of fun together. The tour had a good balance of city highlights, combined with rural villages and getting out into nature for short refreshing walks and swims. We had some excellent homemade traditional food as well as great restaurants, especially Babylon in Mostar where we had a great view of the bridge and Red Bull bridge diving competition. And another restaurant set on the banks of a river. We learned a great deal about the complicated history of the Balkan countries as well as current political situations. Bosnia, Montenegro and Croatia are all phenomenally beautiful countries. But Bosnia in particular blew me away with its gorgeous mountains, rivers, lake, waterfalls and warm, genuine people. A feast for the eye and soul.
The holiday visited areas of Europe where many people would not think of visiting, they are missing stunning scenery,interesting history and the chance to eat fantastic pastries atop a mountain, the best we have ever eaten.
My 8th and, quite simply, THE best trip I have done with this tour company (and that's saying something!) We had history, from both the first World War and the more recent conflict in the 1990's. We had culture. We had some hikes through beautiful locations. We had the vibrant cities of Sarajevo (now on my list as one of my favourite's) and Dubrovnik. We had the Eastern feel of Istanbul in Mostar. We visited Churches, Monastery's and a Mosque. We had great food and even better wine and beer from the Balkans!! The prices were really cheap too. Great hotels, especially in Zabljac and Dubrovnik. Weather was in the early 30's and that was May/June. The local people were friendly and most had good English.