Raft, Hike and Canyon in Bosnia

Need To Know

Location

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The Zupa Valley in south-central Bosnia and Herzegovina is a unique place featuring high mountains, large rivers, and a surprisingly mild climate. The area is known for its wild areas and historical towns.

The Neretva River flows from the mountains down to the Adriatic Sea, forming the lifeblood of the Zupa Valley. It is the largest karst river in the Dinaric Alps. The Upper Neretva flows through a dramatic limestone canyon with 600 – 800m high cliff walls. The clear, cold water forms beautiful pools and waterfalls along its length.

The cities of Mostar, Konjic and Blagaj all have fascinating histories. Their architecture has a strong Ottoman influence, including the Stari Most (“Old Bridge”) in Mostar, considered one of the finest examples of Ottoman bridges in the Balkans.

Start point?
You will be met at the Dubrovnik airport on Thursday. Your transfer will meet all flights scheduled to land by 13:00 or earlier. Your host will be in touch before the trip to finalize all details.

Finish point?
Your tour will end at Dubrovnik airport on Sunday. You are free to book any flight that departs after 10:30 am.

Getting there and away?
Dubrovnik is served by regular cheap flights. You can get any flight that suits you, but make sure they fit the times above to take advantage of the included transfers.
We will contact you before you leave to check your arrival and departure plans.
For extra financial protection against unforeseen circumstances, such as erupting Icelandic Volcanoes, we recommend you book your flights using a Credit Card.

What to Expect

Thursday: Arrival and Mostar tour

Arrive at the Dubrovnik airport at 13:00 where your transport will meet you. Drive to the Zupa Valley, stopping on the way to explore Mostar. The charming city is famous for its 16th Century single-arch Ottoman bridge over the Neretva River.

There your transport will leave you in front of the restaurant where you will have dinner that night, so you can have free time for yourself to enjoy sightseeing Mostar’s Old Town. Around 19:30 you will be welcomed by your guide, in front of the aforementioned traditional restaurant serving local, authentic meals.

Afterwards, spend a night in accommodation in Boracko Lake, under a clear, unpolluted starry sky.

3,5 Hours driving, 1 – 2 hours sightseeing

Friday: Castle Hike and Rakitnica River canyoning

In the morning, after breakfast, you’ll drive to the Upper Neretva canyon in the Zupa Valley and begin your hike to a remote 14th Century ruins of a mountaintop castle. A challenging path takes you through forests and up to the final summit where your guide will help you climb to the castle.

Descend through beech forests to the Rakitnica River and spend the rest of the day canyoning through a wild and narrow canyon to a riverside lunch spot.

If we still have a little bit of time and energy, we’ll head to the shores of Boracko Lake, for an afternoon of relaxing and swimming in the lake. Afterwards, arrive at your accommodation in Boracko Lake that evening and rest up for tomorrow’s adventure.

1.5 hours driving, 3 hours walking, 2 – 3 hours of canyoning

Saturday: Rafting the Neretva River and touring Konjic and Blagaj

After breakfast, you’ll head back to the Neretva River for a day of rafting its crystal blue waters. You’ll paddle through peaceful pools and down fun rapids, taking plenty of breaks for swimming, cliff jumping and snacks. Pull out at the town of Konjic for lunch, then tour the Old City and photograph its scenic bridge.

Drive to Blagaj in the afternoon to explore the unique city. Blagaj was built around a remarkable Dervish monastery at the headwaters spring of the Buna River. The city is also home to a medieval fortress and a vulture sanctuary, which you will have option visiting depending on the time available.

Spend a night in charming city of Mostar.

4 – 5 hours rafting, 2,5 hours driving

Sunday: Departure

Enjoy your last breakfast in Bosnia and Herzegovina, then finish the drive to Dubrovnik to catch your flight home.

3.5 hours driving

Note: This itinerary and the duration of the activities are subject to change due to group abilities and preferences, weather conditions and forecasts, special events, etc.

Accommodation

In Mostar, you will stay in a 3-star hotel featuring en-suite double rooms with a TV and fridge, and free wi-fi.

In Boracko lake you will stay, depending on the availability, in apartments or double rooms with en-suite bathroom, balcony and free wi-fi.

Or in a ethno-village featuring private cabins made of stone and wood, en-suite bathrooms, and sweeping green lawns around a pond.

Optional Extras

Make your life easy. Once you have reserved your space, your host can help you arrange the extras you’ll need. Here are some guide prices which can be confirmed with you during booking.