Hike, Raft and Explore Bosnia and Montenegro
Summit the highest peak in Bosnia, raft the longest canyon in Europe and hike in Durmitor National Park
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with experienced, English-speaking guideHotels & Riverside Hut
6 nights in a mix of 3-star hotels and a riverside hutMeals
Munch on tasty food throughoutTransfers
To and from the airport and everything in betweenEquipment
All your activity equipmentSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 12 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
What's it like?
Summit Mount Maglic (2386m), Bosnia’s tallest peak, and clamber to the top of Crvena Greda (2117m) in Montenegro
Blast down the white water of the Tara River Canyon – Europe's longest gorge – and explore idyllic national parks
Experience the region’s warm hospitality in the charming city of Trebinje, and indulge in a wine-tasting at a local monastery
Key Information
Day 1
First hike
Driving
Meet your host and fellow adventurers in Dubrovnik and head straight to the Sutjeska National Park. Visit the Valley of Heroes Monument and learn about the history behind these mountains, while passing the green hills and glittering lakes of this stunning national park – the oldest in the region and home to one of the largest colonies of brown bears in the Balkans. Head back down and then on to your accommodation, where a hearty dinner will be waiting.
Day 2
Mount Maglic (2386m)
Hiking
Driving
Begin the day by ascending to the highest point in Bosnia, the 2386m summit of Mount Maglic, using steel cables for the most exposed sections. Enjoy panoramic views from the top and then descend to the scenic Trnovačko Lake and take a welcome break on the shore. Continue down through dense conifer forest to your accommodation for the night in Tjentiste.
Day 3
Raft the Tara River
Rafting
Driving
Test yourself against the waters of the Tara River Canyon – the longest canyon in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take an exhilarating white-knuckle ride down the rapids and then spend the afternoon relaxing, kicking back in the sunshine and swimming in the river.
Day 4
Hike through epic landscapes
Hiking
Driving
Adopt a more relaxed pace today, as you explore the glacial lakes of the Durmitor National Park in Montenegro – including the spectacular Crno (Black) Lake and Zminje (Snake) Lake. Spend some free time in this tranquil setting and then rest your legs as you prepare for tomorrow’s challenge.
Day 5
Climb Crvena Greda (2175m)
Hiking
Set off on a scenic hike to the top of Crvena Greda (2175m). Navigate some rocky sections near the peak itself to enjoy the view of the Durmitor massif from the summit, then head down to Žabljak for a a celebratory drink and a chance to sample the local cuisine, before heading to your accommodation for a well-earned rest.
Day 6
Trebinje and winery tour
Driving
Top five days of adventure with a spot of culture and fine wine in the ancient city of Trebinje. Take a guided tour to experience this delightful little city, do some shopping, grab a coffee and watch the world go by, before visiting the Berak winery. Here, you can sample some of the region’s fantastic wine before heading back to your hotel for a final dinner with your team.
Day 7
Home
Driving
After an exhilarating journey through some of the most spectacular scenery in Bosnia and Montenegro, it’s time to head back home. Enjoy one last breakfast with your crew before heading to the airport to catch your flight home.
Nb. The groups starting on 20th July and 17th August 2024 will experience the itinerary in a different order due to a festival in Tjentiste during the trips: Day 1: After arrival, head straight to Zabljak, Montenegro for your overnight stay. Day 2: As day 4 above (Crno and Zminje Lake hike). Day 3: As day 5 above (Crvena Greda hike). Day 4: As day 3 above (Tara River rafting). Day 5: As day 2 above (Mt Maglic hike). Day 6: As listed above. Day 7: As listed above.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4 – Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
All the food on this trip will be freshly made, local fare. Dishes are typically hearty with plenty of cheese and other dairy products, as well as dried meats, fish, pastries and local fruits and vegetables.
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for – please just request this on your passenger info form.
What is the accommodation like?
Bosnia and Montenegro
Across the adventure, you'll stay in the Tjentiste Valley, Zabljak and Trebinje City in a mixture of 3-star hotels and a quaint pension. Rooms are comfortable with en-suite facilities and WiFi is available.
Near the Tara River, you'll stay in small chalet style bungalows which accommodate 2-3 people per room and have shared facilities.
This trip has been rated as Challenging
You'll need a reasonable level of fitness for this trip. You will need to be able to swim and you'll also be hiking for up to 8-10hrs/16km on day 2, albeit at a relaxed pace to make sure you save some energy for the final push for the summit. You'll be hiking next to some steep drops at times with a cable to hold onto (although you won't be clipped on) so sure-footedness and a head for heights is necessary. There are also a couple of short steep sections of scrambling towards Mount Maglic's summit. Hiking Mount Maglic on day 2 is the most challenging day on this trip. You'll be hiking next to some steep drops at times with a cable to hold onto (although you won't be clipped on) so sure-footedness and a head for heights is necessary. There are also a couple of short steep sections of scrambling towards Mount Maglic's summit.
Summer is the best time to visit Bosnia and Montenegro, with daytime temperatures ranging from 24 - 30 degrees Celsius, but cooling down in the evening and at night. Several days on this adventure are spent at higher altitudes where the temperature can be cooler, ideal for hiking. The weather can be wet at any time of year, so it's worth packing waterproof clothing.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Dubrovnik Airport, Croatia
13:30
Ends
Dubrovnik Airport, Croatia
11:30
Transfers
Your adventure begins at Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) where you will meet your host and fellow adventurers in the arrivals area at 13:30. Please schedule your flight to arrive more than 30 minutes before this time.
At the end of the trip you will be dropped back at Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) at 11:30, so you're free to catch any flight departing after 12:30. Alternatively, you can always stay on and explore Dubrovnik further. There are regular airport shuttle buses to and from Dubrovnik Airport and the city centre for those that are arriving early or staying on after the trip.
If you are unable to get the group transfer from the airport, you'll need to either hire a car or book a taxi to get to the start point in Mostar (2.5 hour drive).
Travel options
There are regular flights to Dubrovnik from airports across the UK and Europe.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What's included?
- All your activity equipment
What do I need to bring?
- Hiking trousers
- Hiking shoes
- Waterproof jacket
- Breathable quick-drying clothing
- Sun protection (glasses, hat, sunscreen)
- Warm clothes
- Backpack (30L minimum to hold water, some snacks, a spare shirt, suscreen, maybe a rain jacket just in case)
- Shorts
- Energy bars
- Walking poles (optional)
Additional Post-Trip Night Double Room (BB) in Trebinje
Payable Before Departure
Additional Post-Trip Night Double Room (BB) in Trebinje
… Per Night
Additional Post-Trip Night Single Room (BB) in Trebinje
Payable Before Departure
Additional Post-Trip Night Single Room (BB) in Trebinje
… Per Night
Additional Pre-Trip Night Single Room (HB) in Mladost
Payable Before Departure
Additional Pre-Trip Night Single Room (HB) in Mladost
… Per Night
Additional Pre-Trip Night Twin/Double Room (HB) in Mladost
Payable Before Departure
Additional Pre-Trip Night Twin/Double Room (HB) in Mladost
… Per Night
Optional Private Room Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade
…
Private Arrival Transfer
Payable Before Departure
Private Arrival Transfer
…
Private Departure Transfer
Payable Before Departure
Private Departure Transfer
…
Unspoilt scenery, fantastic wine
My second MBA trip and won’t be my last. Well-organised and a lot of fun. I’m fairly fit but don’t regularly hike and this trip was challenging at times (Mount Maglic was difficult) but the other hikes I’d consider easy to moderate. Our guide, Sead, knew the routes well and prepared us each evening for the following day. The hikes themselves show the best of Bosnia and Montenegro’s landscapes - absolutely stunning scenery.
There is more free time than the itinerary describes and a lot of driving - we were lucky in that it was a small group so plenty of room in the van.
As a small group we were unable to do the Tvros wine tasting so went to a local family run one instead which was nice but different to what was expected. We took ourselves to another vineyard after to make more of an afternoon to try others.
Food wise, we didn’t go hungry. All restaurants provided options (meat / fish heavy) and there are plenty of opportunities to get snacks.
Overall I had a great time, if you’re looking for a half active half chilled trip in unspoilt Europe it’s perfect!
excellent trip
Excellent adventure with a great group to experience everything with.
ou absolutely need to do this trip! And if you get Hamza as your guide, you will have the best time. Bosnia & Herzegovina is an incredibly beautiful country which deserves our tourism, as is Montenegro. The nature is breathtaking.
This is far from doing 'a big walk' - but if you're fit and you enjoy challenging hikes with some scrambling and some heights, alongside some downtime in nature, this trip is for you. The scenery and surroundings are stunning, everyone was really friendly, there's a fair bit of driving most days to get to the next place but the minivan is really comfy and the drivers are excellent. The rafting is great fun but the raft camp with its communal area and big firepit right by the bar is even better - we enjoyed many bottles of Nikšićko beer whilst playing Uno on our afternoon off - great for group bonding!
If you love animals, there are resident strays at every place you'll stay and they are really friendly and all well-fed and looked after by the hosts.
You'll be really well fed on this trip! There's so much food at breakfast, lunch and dinner. I'm vegan, and I ate so well, every host went out of their way to cater for me, which I'm so grateful for.
A huge thanks has to go to Hamza, our guide. He is an extremely professional leader, but manages to do this whilst also feeling just like 'one of the group.'
You won't regret doing this trip - get it booked!
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Enjoyed the challenge of hiking and rafting was really fun. Accommodation was generally comfortable. Our guide Petar was really great and motivated us. Kit list was accurate. Food very meat heavy which is regional. Enjoyed it, nature beautiful!
We lucked out on this trip with a fantastic group, a fantastic host and perfect weather! Almost all of us were in our 30s and the trip provides lots of evening flexibility to either do your own thing or hang out with the group. Most of our accomodations had good common areas for this! The hikes were very challenging but everyone made it to both peaks thanks to some great motivation from Petar who was a fantastic host! The hiking infrastructure in Bosnia and Montenegro is not super developed with things like toilets so be prepared to pee in the wild more than you are used to! Otherwise every detail was well taken care of and the food was amazing - I’m pescatarian and was very well fed throughout!
Amazing trip! Great host
My second MBA trip and it was absolutely fantastic! Mount Maglic is tough and you do need a good level of fitness, but there are also some more relaxing days. The white water rafting is enormous fun, albeit freezing cold. Both Bosnia and Montenegro are fantastic countries to visit with some amazing scenery. We had the most fantastic group dynamic on this trip, as well as a fantastic local guide (Petar) and driver (Milan) both of whom were very knowledgeable and did an amazing job. I really can’t recommend this trip enough. Plus the local wine is incredible, as you discover on the final full day…
I had a fantastic MBA Bosnia/ Montenegro trip. The host was great. The big hikes were fantastic with stunning scenery. White water rafting was really fun. A great bunch of people from all over the world. Would definitely recommend.
A really fun and very pretty trip, the mountains and the canyon are great places to visit. The host Hamza was incredible. I got to explore places I would never have found on my own. These nations have incredibly beautiful landscapes.
Good adventure, make sure to bring the right kit!
You must go on this trip now! The photos do not do it justice as to how peaceful this trip is. First trip with MBA but it will not be my last
A generally mellow trip, don't expect to be very active the whole time. There's a balance between activity and just relaxing. A lot of dinners with the group, so maybe pack some nice evening clothes so you're not the only one showing up in workout clothes!
The trip as a whole was fantastic. The highlight for me that was summiting Bobatov Kuk in Montenegro. It's a lot higher than the mountains in the UK and looking up at it made it look like an impossible task. One thing to mention is the local guide, Hamza. What a guy! I think this trip was made so much more adventerous, fun and interesting with him as our guide.
Great trip!
Host was amazing - Went out of his way to help us all out. Many pushed themselves on this trip. Really cool to get the highest peaks in both Bosnia and Montenegro done in one trip.
Don't think twice about booking this trip - the scenery is some of the most beautiful I've ever seen and Radomir, our guide, was truly fantastic. A great group of like minded people, challenging but rewarding hikes and lots of opportunities to wild swim. One of the best trips of my life!
I cannot rate this trip highly enough. First and foremost, Hamza our guide deserves a special mention. He was incredible. He ensured we all had what was needed for each day and ensured we all got up and down each mountain safely. He really was fantastic.
The group was also amazing and everybody mucked in with all the activities and just had a laugh the whole time.
Our whole group got up and down both mountains without too much trouble, and there are plenty of opportunities to take it easy the day before each bike hike, so I wouldn’t worry about the trip being “challenging” as it should be doable for most.
The only thing I would do differently is take more cash, and less snacks with me! My case was full of snacks from the UK but as soon as you cross the border into Bosnia you stop off at a supermarket so can just stock up then. Also you are extremely well fed the whole week so being hungry was never an option! Few places take credit card and there are plenty of opportunities to drink lots of alcohol, so if you’re a drinker, you’ll need cash.
Loved the trip. Our guide was amazing.
Great opportunity to meet new people in a safe and fun way
Excellent tour with a great range of activities to keep you occupied
Fun adventure. Check the weather in advance and pack accordingly, when it rains in this region, it really rains!
Excellent tour with a great variety of activities. Really enjoyed it.
Overall excellent trip. We were unfortunate with the weather but the host planned a decent alternative walk the day we couldn’t hike to the summit due to lightning. Stunning scenery . I think Bobotov peak was the highlight for me and swimming In The lake . Great group dynamic and the local host and staff were brilliant . The food was decent for the meat eaters but some of the vegetarian dishes were a bit sad looking . Would be useful to mention the bus duration each day.
This holiday was a ‘much better adventure’ I barely had time to relax with so much going on which is what I loved about this trip. Hard to pick out a highlight, but felt a great sense of achievement reaching the summits of both mountains.
Great trip - the landscape and scenery are beautiful, people super friendly and our guides Damir and Hamza were the best. Made us feel welcome and really made the trip for us. The white water rafting was great fun and both climbing days were great. Good group and great food - great introduction to this part of the world!
An epic week of adventure in a part of Europe we’d never considered before. Spectacular scenery, wonderful guides and a great group of like minded adventurers!
10/10 would recommend. Beautiful country and a great trip. My group wa same up of like minded people who wanted to be challenged and we all helped each other push ourselves.
From start to finish the trip was fantastic and it was hard to leave it all behind. Our guide Rad was super knowledgeable, nothing was ever a bother and he took care of us throughout. A shout out to our driver Pedja for getting us around and over all the border crossings. Accommodation and food was excellent throughout and the daily adventures will live long in the memory - the rafting was a real highlight and Bobotov Kuk will live long in the memory. For a group that had never met before either, we finished the week as pals too. Thanks to MBA for all the admin stuff prior to the visit too. Cheers for everything! x
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 276kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Your overnight luggage will be transported with you in the van each day. During the day, you can leave your bag in your room at the mountain chalet.
In the event of poor weather such as heavy rain, strong winds and/or storms, it is possible that conditions may become unsafe to summit the mountains on this trip. Your guide will assess the weather on the days where summits are planned with your safety in mind. If it becomes necessary to make a change to the planned itinerary, you'll either hike as far as it is safe to, or be offered an alternative hike (which may be less challenging but safer in the conditions). Similarly, while poor weather is less likely to affect the rafting on this trip, if conditions become unsuitable for the activity to go ahead safely, your guide may offer an alternative activity.
Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.
Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.
We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.
Our team of Adventure Hunters create exclusive adventures with highly vetted, specialist hosts. We only work with independent, local in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
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DEPARTURE DATES
Saturday • 17th August 2024
to Friday • 23rd August 2024
