Raft, Hike and Canyon in Bosnia
Explore the Via Dinarica route through rivers, mountains, canyons and cities with 4 days of adventure in Bosnia's Zupa Valley. 2 days off work.
The Zupa Valley in Bosnia and Herzegovina is ringed in by high peaks and yet has a spring-like Mediterranean climate year-round. Enjoy this piece of paradise with a long weekend of water sports and cultural tours. You’ll climb a castle-topped peak, explore the Rakitnica River canyon, relax around Boracko Lake, and much more. Your hassle-free trip includes:
- 2 nights of accommodation in Boracko lake
- 1 night of accommodation in Mostar
- Rafting the Neretva River
- Mountaintop castle hike
- Canyoning the Rakitnica River
- Sightseeing of Mostar, Konjic and Blagaj
- Professional, local, English-speaking guide
- All meals
- All rafting and climbing equipment
- Round trip airport transfers from Dubrovnik
- All activity transfers
- Tourist taxes
Perfect for: This long weekend is the ideal getaway for active travellers seeking adventure in the remote and beautiful Balkan wilderness.
Need To Know
The following are not included in the tour price:
- Additional charge for a single room
- Travel to/from Dubrovnik
- Accommodation before or after the tour
- Travel insurance
- Drinks
- Personal expenses
- Tips for your guide (optional)
Sure can! A lot of people do, and it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
This trip will run with a maximum of 12.
The food is local, fresh, home-cooked and hearty. Common food items include domestic cheeses and other dairy products, dry meats, fish, freshly baked bread and pastries, and local fruits and veggies.
Absolutely! Just let us know at booking.
A reasonable level of fitness is required for all activities. You need to be able to handle approx. 4 – 5 hours of activity per day. The hiking can be challenging in its last part, but don’t worry, your guide will help you negotiate the final section securely and safely. And he will be with you at all times.
You do not need any rafting or canyoning experience. Your guide will give you full instructions and a safety briefing at the start. Also, be advised that the water can get chilly in the canyon, but you will be provided with wetsuits to keep you warm.
Though blocked from the coast by high mountains, the Neretva Canyon funnels a Mediterranean climate into the Zupa Valley. In the summer, daytime temperatures range from 24 – 30 °C, but it can get cooler at night, so bring layers of clothing to keep you warm during the night, if necessary. Especially during autumn when the temperatures are lower.
Also during the summer days, it can sometimes get over 30 degrees during the day, so be advised to bring some sort of hat and sunscreen protection.
All technical equipment will be provided. Please bring hiking shoes and trousers, breathable t-shirts, sandals, a swimsuit and towel, sun protection, and warm layers for the evenings. Also bring a small backpack to carry personal items throughout the day (water, snacks, shirts to use during activities).
Or for easier viewing, here’s our check list:
- Hiking shoes
- Hiking trousers
- Breathable, quick-drying, sport clothes
- Sandals
- Swimsuit and towel
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sun block)
- Warm layers for evenings
- Backpack
- Shorts
- Energy/protein bars
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Got a question not covered here? Contact the host.
Location
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
Dubrovnik Airport - 13:30
Your adventure begins at Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) with your airport transfer at 13:30. Please schedule your flight to arrive more than 30 minutes before this time, your driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals area.
Finish point
Dubrovnik Airport - 08:30
At the end of your adventure, you will be dropped back at Dubrovnik Airport at 08:30. You’re free to book any flight that departs after 10:30.
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.
Dates & Prices
Prices include
Accommodation · Airport Transfers · Equipment · Guide · Local Transport · Meals As Described · Happiness Guaranteed · 100% Financial Protection
Please note: Flights are NOT included and must be purchased separately.
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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.
| Kit hire | Payable Before Departure |
|---|---|
| Backpack | · · · Per Night |
| Waterproof + Windproof Jacket | · · · Per Night |
| Trekking Poles | · · · |
| Pre/Post trip accommodation | Payable Before Departure |
|---|---|
| Belgrade, Podgorica, Tivat or Mostar Hostel | · · · Per Person, Per Night |
| Belgrade, Podgorica, Tivat or Mostar 3* Hotel B&B | · · · Per Person, Per Night |
| Belgrade - 3* Star Hotel | · · · Per Person, Per Night |
