Lasta Travel - Catalogue 2016 - Travel South with the swallows by Lasta Travel

TRAVEL SOUTH with the swallows

GROUP TRAVELS

Via Dinarica... more than just a trail

www.viadinarica.com

www.zanat.org

The Story of Zanat told by the Niksic family Named â&#x20AC;&#x153;a rising starâ&#x20AC;? in the design world by the Wallpaper magazine, Zanat is a new and unusually innovative designer furniture brand founded upon a century-old family tradition of heirloom-quality furniture making, known for its handcarving techniques currently in the process of being enlisted onto the UNESCO World Intangible Heritage List. Currently working with some of the leading Scandinavian designers and architects of our time as well as designers from our own Balkan region, Zanat is reinventing its handicraft to produce exceptionally innovative modern furniture that has been bestowed with several international design awards. At the same time, Zanat continues to produce reproductions of the heirloom traditional furniture pieces.

TRAVEL SOUTH with the swallows Index Bosnia and Herzegovina:

All the Rivers Run → 6 • Sarajevo → 10 • Mostar → 12 • Trebinje → 14 • Sutjeska National Park → 16 • Hutovo Blato Nature Park → 18 • Neum → 20 • Highland Herzegovina on the Emereald Neretva → 22 • Stolac → 24 • Čitluk → 26 • Međugorje → 26 • Blagaj → 28 • Počitelj → 30 • Jahorina → 32 • Banja Luka → 34 • Bihać → 36 • Jajce → 38 • The Forgotten Kingdom → 40

Serbia:

The Song amongst the Peoples → 76 • Belgrade → 80 • Novi Sad → 84

Group Travels → 86

Sarajevo - Herzegovina (8 days) → 88 • From the Capital Sarajevo to Neum on the Coast (8 days) → 90 • The south coast and hinterland (8 days) → 92 • Herzegovina countryside tour (8 days) → 94 • Bosnia: The Kings & Visiers (8 days) → 96 • Herzegovina & Dalmatia (8 days) → 98 • Between the Mediterranean and the Orient (8 days) → 100 • Sarajevo, Herzegovina and Dalmatia (8

Croatia: The Best of the Mediterranean

and More than That → 42 • Zagreb → 46 • Zagorje, the hidden gem of Croatia → 48 • Slavonia → 50 • Istria → 54 • Opatija → 56 • Zadar → 58 • Šibenik → 60 • Trogir → 62 • Split → 64 • Omiš → 66 • Makarska → 68 • Brač/Povlja → 70 • Dubrovnik → 72 • Plitvice Lakes National Park → 74 • days) → 102 • The Colours of the Mediterranean (8 days) → 104 • From the heart of Dalmatia (8 days) → 106 • The Three countries (8 days) → 108 • Slavonian Echoes of Tradition (5 days) → 110 • The Unforgetable Belgrade (5 days) → 112 • The Little Kingdom of Montenegro (8 days) → 114

Partners → 116

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Lasta Travel: Helena, Mia, Saša, Ana i Zlatko (photo Mate Zemljić)

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Welcome! W

hen establishing Lasta Travel in Mostar in late 2010, I believed I did have something to offer to tourism industry and tourism market in general. I believed the market and future visitors would recognize the love with which I created travel tours and the zeal with which I present every bit of our programmes. Then I believed, and now I believe even more, that it is our mission to enable our guests and visitors to experience, for a moment at least, the heritage and eventful histories of this whole Region. Today, Lasta Travel team continues to offer new and exciting travels in the region where we operate. Our travel leaders and guides on our tour programmes are our greatest asset, and the knowledge we have is our greatest resource. My original idea has turned into a travel laboratory where we design trips which I myself have an urge to go to. We create travel tours through history, through villages and mediaeval towns, modern cities and metropoles, along the Adriatic coast and through the inland regions of the Balkans. On our travels you can explore vineyards and wine cellars, different cuisines and tastes, learn about popular traditions, gastronomy, different languages, music… We invite you to indulge in our charm and hospitality, one of our family values that we hold dear.

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Mostar, December, 2015 Zlatko Papac

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All the Rivers Run

Bosnia and H

Herzegovina

One of the most widely read and translated writers of the last century, Argentinian J.L. Borges, wrote down: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;A man sets out to draw the world. As the years go by, he peoples a space with images of provinces, kingdoms, mountains, bays, ships, islands, fishes, rooms, instruments, stars, horses, and individuals. A short time before he dies, he discovers that the patient labyrinth of lines traces the lineaments of his own face.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Bosnia and Herzegovina:

All the Rivers Run O

Previous page — Sarajevo City Hall at night. One of the best known symbols of Sarajevo, built according to the model of Kemal II’s mosque in Cairo. • The Trebižat river changes its name eight times throughout its 51-km course. The Kravica Waterfalls in spring. photo Ljudevit Blagec • Žitomislić Monastery from 15th century photo Hans Salari

ne of the most widely read and translated writers of the last century, Argentinian J.L. Borges, wrote down: ‘A man sets out to draw the world. As the years go by, he peoples a space with images of provinces, kingdoms, mountains, bays, ships, islands, fishes, rooms, instruments, stars, horses, and individuals. A short time before he dies, he discovers that the patient labyrinth of lines traces the lineaments of his own face.’ Bosnia and Herzegovina, obviously, cannot draw its selfportrait, but if it could magically do so, it seems that the main contours of its face would be the rivers: In the north, the Sava river forms the border with Croatia, in the east, the Drina river flows along the border with Serbia, the Una river flows in the west, and the Neretva and Trebišnjica make their way south. The Bosna, Vrbas and Sana rivers pulsate through the central part of the country along with dozens of small rivers. If you are in Bosnia and Herzegovina in spring, when rivers rise, you will understand why it is good to be right there, at the place most commonly referred to as the crossroads, or the meeting point of the East and the West, the scene of the past clashes of great powers, the alternating rulers, kings, sultans, emperors, in the country that got a new face near the end of a millennium. That face is full of scars, but immensely authentic: In Bosnia, you can find so many places to fall in love with, in Herzegovina, even more. If you are interested in mediaeval history, you will find a network of royal citadels and fortified towns, of which a myth would be made in some of the major cultures boasting much more extensive cultural heritage. Nevertheless, one thing is certain - the town of Jajce, the towers and forts of Srebrenik and Bobovac will arouse the curiosity of any inquisitive traveller. The sacral heritage history, with its traces at the sights of Plehan to the north, Fojnica in the central part and Popovo Polje in the south, reveals a continuing interference of religions, with unities and differences intertwined, and a distinctive phenomenon among them. It is the bogomilism, an authentic church movement that developed on the concepts of dualism and made the heaviest influence in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The necropoli of tombstones and traces of the mediaeval life bear witness to the authentic dualist movement that was flourishing before the arrival of the Ottomans, at the same time as in the other parts of Europe. With the arrival of the Ottoman Empire the country got a new attire: the spectacular architecture of the great architect Sinan (“da Vinci of the East” - as he is dubbed in some of the documents) and his pupils left behind large a number of outstanding monuments: the Bridge on the Drina in Višegrad, the Old Bridge in Mostar, the Gazi Husrev-bey Mosque in Sarajevo, the walled town of Počitelj, etc. In historical terms, five centuries is indeed such a great amount of time. Yet, the arrival of the Austro-Hungarian Empire made another deep imprint on BiH and Sarajevo in particular. It was in Sarajevo (it’s another paradox, isn’t it) where the fall of the last big European Empire was triggered in 1914, with a gun that shook the world and sparked the crisis leading to World War I. The year 2014 marks a century since the assassination in Sarajevo. Those who are not keen on seeing the layers of history can enjoy in the idyllic landscapes on the mountains Bjelašnica and Treskavica, look into crystal-clear water of Ramsko or Boračko Lake, enjoy in the lush green vegetation of karst valleys, look at the delta of the Neretva river and its myriad backwaters running to the Adriatic Sea or discover a unique aquatorium and bird reserve in Hutovo Blato nature park, which expands and disappears for thousands of years. It is no wonder, then, that the rivers of Bosnia and Herzegovina flow in all directions: Some of them run to the Black Sea, some to the Mediterranean. Bosnia and Herzegovina is the heart of southeast Europe and it beats for you (too). You are so welcome to come and see the country that survived many trying times and always rose like a Phoenix in spite of the centuries long efforts to impose borders on it. After all, borders can be determined by nature only. Between the Mediterranean Sea and the Continent, between the man and horizon, the sky and land, no borders exist. So, come to Bosnia and Herzegovina and see it firsthand. It is well worth a visit.

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Bosnia and Herzegovina:

Sarajevo

arajevo is the harbor of hospitality where foreigners too feel at home. The capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the largest cultural, economic and traffic centre, Sarajevo is the city of four main world religions. The mosques, the catholic and orthodox churches and the synagogue are all within walking distance of each other. Walking through Sarajevo is like embarking on a spectacular walk through a rich and turbulent history. This city is associated with the beginning of World War I; it is the symbol of suffering during a devastating 1425-day long siege. Sarajevo is the city of art, music and culture that boasts the world known Sarajevo Film Festival and a living memory of the finest Winter Olympic Games in the last century, which Sarajevo hosted in 1984. Baščaršija and the Ottoman-style cobbled bazaar streets are lined with vibrant cafes and wooden shop fronts selling handicrafts, copperware, trinkets, cakes… Sarajevo is the city of rich gastronomic offer, best known for its ćevapčići sausages and sour cream in a bread wrap. The city is surrounded by the hills and mountains ideal for winter and mountain tourism. Nowadays, Sarajevo is the fastest growing city in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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• Sarajevo skyline. • Baščaršija at night, the Sebilj - a pseudoOttoman-style wooden fountain.

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Bosnia and Herzegovina:

Mostar S

ituated on the Neretva river banks that are spanned by the famous Old Bridge, Mostar has always vowed visitors from all over the world. The Bridge, originally built in 1566, and the Old City of Mostar have been the UNESCO world heritage site since 2005. The Old Bridge area epitomizes the city’s kaleidoscope of cultures and ideas with its preOttoman, Eastern Ottoman, Mediterranean and Western European architectural features. Mostar is known for its pleasant Mediterranean climate and the light. “When you spend a night in Mostar, it is not the sound that wakes you up in the morning, but the light’, Ivo Andrić, a Nobel prize winner, once wrote.

Being one of the most beautiful cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mostar is the largest cultural, economic and university capital of Herzegovina. It is a blend of different religions and rich cultural heritage that make up a unique city culture. It is here where one can still hear the voice of muezzin and the bells of the catholic and orthodox church ringing out across the streets, where memories of the Sephardi Jews’ music have not faded away either. Mostar boasts a long wine making tradition. The Austro-Hungarians established here the first wine-making facility still in 1866, which was the year of the golden era of wine production. In the late 19th century, the Herzegovinian wine Žilavka won 22 awards at the fairs in Vienna, Barcelona, Paris and London.

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• Mostar, Old Bridge does not belong to any particular architectural style or period, being one of a kind in the world. • Tourists at Kujundžiluk (Old Bazaar) Photo Helena Skorupan L a s t a T r a v e l • T R AV E L S O U T H W I T H T H E S WA L L O W S • G r o u p T r a v e l s •

Bosnia and Herzegovina:

Trebinje

rebinje is the southernmost town in Bosnia and Herzegovina and among those with the most sun year round. It is only 28 km away from Dubrovnik. Owing to its rich history and cultural heritage, the pleasant climate and proximity of the Adriatic coast, along with its laid back life style, Trebinje is becoming a very popular summer destination. The most beautiful part of Trebinje is its central square shaded with plane trees, with the Oriental-Mediterranean style features. The square hosts a traditional market place in the open, where local farmers sell locally grown fruits and vegetables, delicious domestic cheese and honey. It is lined with cafes and restaurants, the parks and a promenade. Trebinje is famous for its wine production. Nowadays, Trebinje is home to more than 30 wineries, among which the winery in the Tvrdoš Orthodox Monastery, where wine is produced according to a recipe kept for more than 400 years.

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• Trebinje, Orthodox Church of the Holy Mother of God Photo Hans Salari • Trebinje is the southernmost town in Bosnia and Herzegovina Photo Tourist Organisation of Trebinje

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Bosnia and Herzegovina:

Sutjeska National Park

Experience wilderness and intact nature! The Sutjeska National Park is a home to the best preserved and largest primeval forest in the heart of Europe, with some areas totally inaccessible to people. At Perućica one can feel the real wilderness and see the complexity of the unique and most diverse eco system in the region, where any human intervention is strictly prohibited. The Sutjeska National Park has been listed under category II of the International Union for Conservation of Nature since 2000, with a number of monuments from the recent and ancient past standing within the National Park’s peripheral area.

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• Sutjeska National Park, Trnovačko Lake Photo Adnan Bubalo/ Via Dinarica • Tjentište, Monument to Fallen Soldiers of World War II Photo Hans Salari

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Bosnia and Herzegovina:

Hutovo Blato Nature Park

utovo Blato is one of the largest wintering grounds for birds in Europe. It is a unique nature park and bird reserve at the south of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This unique sub-Mediterranean marshland of exceptional importance and beauty is a home to 235 bird species, 44 fish species, of which 900 endemic, with 800 hectares of area covered by marsh plants. Hutovo blato is an ideal place for bird watching, nature lovers and families with children as it abounds with freshwater fish, wild duck, geese, coots, hawks, pheasants and wild horses.

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• Hutovo Blato Nature Park, Trupica Photo Ljudevit Blagec • Boat ride throughout the channels Photo Helena Skorupan

Bosnia and Herzegovina:

Neum

eum is the only seaside town in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The climate is Mediterranean with long and warm summers. Neum is among the coastline towns with most sunny days, which, apart from swimming and basking in the sun, makes Neum a climatic health resort, where one can enjoy the fresh coastal air, walk by the sea and do water sports. What makes Neum unique in its own way is the domestic atmosphere and tranquility created by the seclusion of bay surrounded by the peninsula. Apart from the hotel facilities and good food (fish and shells of good quality), the clear and calm blue sea, guests are offered bus and boat trips to the neighbouring tourist destinations. (Dubrovnik, Mostar, Međugorje, Hutovo blato).

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• Neum, the only B&H town on the Adriatic coast Photo Adnan Bubalo • Neum, Grand Hotel beach Photo Grand Hotel Neum

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Bosnia and Herzegovina:

Upper Herzegovina on the Emerald Neretva

he highland alpine meadows and forests, the crystal-green river that meanders through steep gorges, and spectacular lakes are the amazing landscapes surrounding the towns of Konjic and Jablanica. Konjic, a town on the Neretva river, is one of the oldest towns in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is surrounded by wooded mountains, among which the beautiful Boračko Lake is sited. This typical oriental style old town is known for its long woodcarving tradition, nominated for the inscription on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Boračko Lake is a mountain lake, pleasant for swimming, rest and relaxation, while the mountains surrounding Konjic are excellent for hiking, camping, rafting, kayaking, mountain biking and village tourism. Jablanica is a town nestled at the foot of the Prenj and Čvrsnica mountains, which are ideal for sport fishing and mountaineering. The Neretva river that carves its way here is a paradise for kayakers and those who love climbing up the steep cliffs. Jablanicko Lake is rich with trout, bass and carp. Jablanica is home to the memorial museum ‘The Battle of Neretva’ (World War II) which has been visited by more than 3 million visitors since 1978, when it was opened. Not least, Jablanica is famous for jagnjetina ( lamb on a spit), prepared in many restaurants sited along the M17, from Jablanica to Mostar, which has become its trademark.

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• Konjic, Stara Ćuprija/Old Bridge Photo Hans Salari • The hard -working masters from Konjic have preserved the tradition and created along with the world known designers the most distinctive brand of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the world. Photo Almin Zrno

Bosnia and Herzegovina:

Stolac

ith the pleasant landscape, both Mediterranean and Oriental style features, Stolac is known as a gathering place of artists, ideal for enjoyable walks by the Bregava river. The amenities of Stolac have attracted people since prehistoric times: the Badanj Cave near Stolac was a Paleolithic settlement, the ancient fortress of Daorson (3700 B.C.) used to be guarded by Illyrian warriors, the unique necropolis of tombstones at Radimlja, Boljuni, Rotimlja and Vidoštak speak clearly of the rich cultural context from which they have survived to this day. Stolac is an ideal place for walking and tasting figs and pomegranades that grow in many places along the streets of the town.

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• Radimlja necropolis is, by its artistic features, one of the most important necropoles of tombstones in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Photo Miro Raguž • Inat Ćuprija (The Bridge of Defiance) Photo Zdenko Raguž

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Bosnia and Herzegovina:

Čitluk and Međugorje

itluk is the cradle of Herzegovinian wines - the drink of laughter and singing, people say. Having found an ideal ground in Herzegovina’s karst, among clusters of grapes that ripen in the san-bathed vineyards, the autochthonous wine varieties Žilavka and Blatina are cultivated. Although being known for its long wine-making tradition and tobacco growing, the Municipality of Čitluk has begun to flourish since 1981 with the development of religious tourism in nearby Međugorje. Međugorje is located 25 km southwest of Mostar. Since 1981, it has become a popular site of religious pilgrimage due to reports of apparitions of the Virgin Mary to six local Catholic children. Međugorje has grown to become one of the largest Catholic shrines in the world, attracting thousands of pilgrims a year, (in the first 30 years 1981-2011, more than 30 million). Pilgrims from all over the world come here to find their inner peace, consolation and strength to cope with their daily problems trough praying and fasting. The most significant places of praying in Medugorje are Križevac hill, the Appearance Hill (Podbrdo) and the Church of St.James. The International Youth Festival ‘Mladifest’ , which is held on August 1-6 every year, brings together nearly 50 000 young people united in joint prayers.

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• Međugorje, the third largest Catholic shrine in Europe Photo Ljudevit Blagec • Udovice Restaurant, Kruševo klapa group Photo Dieter Bergau

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Bosnia and Herzegovina:

Blagaj

his unique jewel of history lies 10 kilometres away from Mostar, on the Buna river. Blagaj is a quaint town from which the present-day Herzegpvina developed in the mid 15th century. The walls of the mediaeval Old Fort of the Land of Hum, perching on the impressive cliffs above the Buna river spring, have a commanding view of the beautiful scenery of the Nertva river. The biggest attraction is the Blagaj Tekke (Dervish Monastery), built by the cliffs of the Buna source around 1520. Tekkes were always sunk deep in the natural environment, to which they were completely open. Many fishfarms and restaurants are sited alongside the Buna river offering both domestic and international dishes.

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• The Buna river flows out of a 200m cliff. Photo Tourist Board HNC • Dervish tekke of Naksibendi order Photo Lennart Ståhl

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Bosnia and Herzegovina:

Počitelj

uilt on a rocky cliff that slopes steeply down to the bank of the Neretva river, 26 km south of Mostar, Počitelj is one of the most picture-perfect architectural ensembles in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Although the town was first mentioned in 1444 in written documents, historians date it back to the end of 14th century. Architecturally, the surviving stone-built parts of the town are a fortified complex, in which two stages of evolution may be observed: mediaeval, and Ottoman. The most iconic buildings are the Gavrankapetanović house, built between 15th and 18th century and the Hadži Alija Mosque from 16th century, which is ‘one of the finest achievements of the classical Ottoman style single-domed mosques in BiH’ according to UNESCO. Počitelj is a national monument of BiH. This site where the stone town meets the astonishing nature has been an inspiration to artists from all over the world.

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• Počitelj, the most beautiful example of the Ottoman-era architecture in Herzegovina. Photo Jan Rennerfelt • Plateau of Hajji Alija Mosque Photo Helena Skorupan

Bosnia and Herzegovina:

Jahorina

ahorina is one of the most beautiful mountains in Bosnia and Herzegovina that boasts a plenty of good ski snow, good climate, 20 km of trails for alpine disciplines and gentle slopes. It is among the most popular ski centres in the region. There are many restaurants at the bottom of the ski trails offering traditional food, with little plateaus for basking in the sun. During the summer and autumn seasons Jahorina is a popular place for many nature lovers who come to pick blueberries, harvest medicinal herbs or for mountain walks. At Jahorina, visitors will find modern ski schools and ski rentals. They can enjoy in alpine skiing, cross country skiing, sledding, night skiing and have lots of entertainment at night.

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• Jahorina, grazing land Photo TO Istočno Sarajevo • Jahorina is ideal for light hiking tours and picking berries. Photo TO Istočno Sarajevo

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Bosnia and Herzegovina:

Banja Luka

anja Luka is the capital of the Republika Srpska and the second largest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Owing to the vicinity of many natural springs with warm mineral water, which were used for their healing benefits still in ancient time, Banja Luka has become a health tourism destination. The beautiful Vrbas river with its surroundings is an ideal setting for a collection of recreation activities such as swimming, kayaking, rafting, sport fishing, etc. The most impressive historical monument in Banja Luka is Kastel fortress with its high walls and towers. The fortress dates back to Roman times, when it served as a military fortress to defend the city and river routes. This fortress was built by the Romans and taken over by the Ottomans. It often hosts outdoor concerts.

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• Castel is believed to be one of the oldest structures in B&H created in 3rd century Photo Mladen Šukalo • Haymaking Photo Mladen Šukalo L a s t a T r a v e l • T R AV E L S O U T H W I T H T H E S WA L L O W S • G r o u p T r a v e l s •

Bosnia and Herzegovina:

Bihać

Located at the foot of the Plješevica and Grmeč mountains, Bihać is an oasis of peace and beauty, rich in springs, streams and rivers, with the mesmerizing Una river, famous for its waterfalls, crystal cascades, and natural scenery. It is widely accepted that people of Bihac love the Una river and have the strongest collective ecological consciousness.

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• The Štrbački Buk Watrfall on the Una river, 21 m high. Photo Ljudevit Blagec • Bihać panorama Photo Ljudevit Blagec

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Bosnia and Herzegovina:

Jajce

ajce is a town of unique history, cultural heritage and natural beauty in northwest Bosnia and Herzegovina. Jajce is known as an ‘open air museum’ with its spectacular waterfall formed by the Pliva river, which in the centre of town cascades 27 m, flowing into the Vrbas river. No other town in Bosnia and Herzegovina has so many cultural layers and architectural styles in such a small place. Among numerous attractions of Jajce are the Pliva watermills, a symbol of wealth and power in the mediaeval Bosnia, where wheat was milled for flour, the Jajce Fortress, a mediaeval fortification and the Bosnian royal residence in the early 15th century, the Temple of the God Mithra, the Catacombs, the AVNOJ Museum that holds a collection of various Partisan documents, photographs and other exhibits from World War II, when Jajce was a key town in the creation of the second Yugoslavia, and many other monuments.

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• The Pliva Waterfall in the centre of Jajce. Photo Adnan Bubalo • Malo Plivsko Lake Photo Samed Žužić

Bosnia and Herzegovina:

The Forgotten Kingdom T

he heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina is home to religious diversities, cultural heritage and mystical architectural pearls sunk into the breathtaking nature. Kraljeva Sutjeska, along with the famous Bobovac fortress, used to be the residence of two Bosnian kings. This exceptional region boasts remarkable cultural heritage, including traditional practices, melodies, performances and legends. The town of Travnik was the Ottoman time vizier’s town and administrative headquarters that managed to preserve its mediaeval character well. Almost wherever you look in Travnik, you will find traces of the eventful history: the old Fort of Travnik, built in the late 14th or the early 15th century, two clock towers, the Sulejmanija/Šarena Mosque with its bright colours on the outside walls, Elči Ibrahim-pasha’s maddrasa from 1706, the town’s first library. Travnik is the birthplace of Ivo Andrić, the Nobel Prize Winner, whose birthhouse is now a museum and restaurant. The charming town of Visoko, named after the mediaeval town of Visoki, was once the centre of the Bosnian Kingdom. Aside from its rich cultural tradition, Visoko is surrounded by beautiful hillsides and offers many possibilities for nature lovers. Visoko is also known for its tradition of leather-making.

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• A street with traditional Bosnian houses in Kreševo Photo Oliver Stanić • Kreševo panorama Photo Oliver Stanić

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The Best of the Mediterranean and More than That

CROATIA

Croatia:

The Best of the Mediterranean and More than That I

t is not an easy task to select for this short overview just a few of so many spectacular spots in Croatia and provide first-time travellers to this (fairy) land of southeast Europe with a single idea of what to do and the places to visit. The picture of Croatia perfectly fits within the frame bearing the slogans ‘the Mediterranean as It Once Was’, or ‘A Little Country Providing a Big Vacation’. You take that picture home, just like the shiny and colourful beach pebbles that will form a mosaic of one of the most charming destinations in south Europe.

man Amphitheatre in Pula or the Cathedral of Trogir are not unique just for being the UNESCO world heritage sites, but for bearing witness to the continuing existence of the civilizations and cultures and touching several styles and epochs.

Croatia’s distinctiveness is not only about the best of the Mediterranean. In Croatia, you can see parts of Europe that developed simultaneously, following different logic and dynamics, and under different influences. The castles and fortifications in the northwest parts of the country – and other parts Croatia’s Adriatic coast, which is indisput- of the country too, Istria in the west and Slaably one of the most beautiful parts of the vonia in the east – illustrate the development Mediterranean, stretches 1177 km from its of an authentic and still not fully discovered northernmost to the southernmost point. European destination that formally joined With 1185 islands lying off its shores, the the family of states under the European Untotal coastline, including both islands ion flag in the summer of 2013. and mainland, measures 6000 km. When Wise men say that, at the end of the day, it Jacques Cousteau, the famous French is the travel that we remember. In that reseafarer, explorer and documentarian, ap- gard, Croatia is an almost ideal spot to start proached the islet of Proizd, near Korčula, in that kind of travel. No matter whether you his boat Calypso, he said: go across the plainland from the Hungarian - It is true. This is the most beautiful part of the Mediterranean.

border, getting an eyeful of the fascinating scenes at the zoological reserve of the The observation of such a connoisseur of Kopački Rit nature park, look for wilderness the world seas has to be respected. But even through the rivers in the hinterland, raftings with such a great knowledge of the secrets over the wild Krka waterfalls or in the valley of nature, there is still much to discover in of the Zrmanja river, or prefer contemplaCroatia. It holds many captivating beauties tion in the Roman settlements, or just want – Dubrovnik, the shining star of Croatia in to reenergize your soul and batteries, there the south, with the islands such as Mljet, is almost no better place than Croatia. Brač and Hvar. The cities like Split and Za- It is enough that you just open your heart. dar hold the remains of the ancient Roman And travel south with Lasta. All other things culture, extend over the Middle Ages and, will be there for you. boasting the elements of Romanesque and Gothic architecture and Mannerism, reach • Previous page — Slavonia, Bećarac (UNESCO heritage) Photo Mario Romulić & Mladto the modern era. The ancient Roman town intangible en Stojčić • Fishermen of the Adriatic Sea Photo of Salona, near Split, the Peristyle, the Ro- Ivo Pervan

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Croatia:

Zagreb

agreb is the capital of Croatia and the largest city. With its charming central European feel, Zagreb has reaffirmed itself as the front door to modern Croatia. The city is located on the southern slopes of the Medvednica mountain, along the Sava river. Historically, Zagreb developed from two settlements on the neighbouring hills, Gradec and Kaptol, which make the urban and historical core of the present-day Zagreb. Kaptol is the site of Zagreb’s biggest attraction – the magnificent neo-Gothich cathedral with two towers dominating the city’s skyline. Kaptol itself is the city’s old political quarter. Perching above the main square is another attraction - the bustling Dolac market, full of the best produce from the Croatian countryside - and the best place to get a taste of Croatia. Zagreb’s streets, which are among its main attractions, are lined with impressive Austro-Hungarian townhouses. The City is full of museums, galleries, theatres, café bars and peaceful parks which make Zagreb a relaxing destination.

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• Zagreb panorama Photo Ivo Pervan • Croatian National Theatre Photo Marko Vrdoljak

Croatia:

Zagorje, the hidden gem of Croatia

agorje is a region north of the capital Zagreb, with a stunning and peaceful countryside, winding country roads and beautiful green hills, where there are no thronging tourist crowds. Zagorje is renowned for its natural springs and its cultural side. Kumrovec is the birth place of the the former Yugoslavia leader, Josip Broz Tito, whose birth house is visited by many admirers of Tito, and tourists from all over the world. Among the attractions of this picturesque village are the Monument to the Croatian Anthem ‘Lijepa naša’, the protected landscapes of Zelenjak surrounded by the wooded slopes of the Sutla river gorge and the Ethnological Museum Old Village Kumrovec, with the preserved authentic village houses dating to the turn of 19the and 20th centuries. Krapina, a gentle town of Zagorje, is world famous for the discovery of remains of Neanderthals that can be seen in the Krapina Neanderthal Museum, located on the Hušnjakovo Hill. The site is protected as the first paleontological national monument in Croatia. Residents of Krapina are very proud of a fortress named Krapina, which used to be possessed by many kings and noblemen. This historical place is one of the cradles of the Croatian culture where many prominent persons were born and lived, one of them being Ljudevit Gaj, one of the leaders of the Croatian national revival.

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• Zumberak in autumn Photo Ivo Pervan • The Krapina Neanderthal Museum Photo The Krapina Neanderthal Museum

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Croatia:

Slavonia

f you bypass Croatia’s claim to fame – its beautiful Adriatic coast and sunny islands – you will realize that there is much more to this country. Heading east, instead, you will find Slavonia, with its history, fine wine, great food, the Danube, friendly welcoming people and, the park. There is really a plenty to see in the land of wine and frog song.

• The Embroideries of Đakovo, traditional folklore festival Photo Mario Romulić i Dražen Stojčić • Ilok, Stari Podrum wine cellar Photo Anders Hall • Slavonian women wearing the traditional folk costumes Photo Croatian National Tourist Board

Kopački Rit nature park, just 10 km north east of Osijek, is one of the largest areas of wetland in Europe. This 23 000 hectare expanse of lakes, reeds, woodlands and pasture was declared a nature reserve in 1976. Kopački Rit is home to at least 293 bird species, with the eagles as undisputable stars. There are also wild boars, deer, otters, beavers and 11 species of amphibians, including rare slamanders. It is an amazing aqueous wonderland that is easily accessible by car, on foot or by bike. Osijek, Vinkovci, Đakovo and Ilok are the heart of Slavonia. The cultural heritage of the ‘Golden land’, as Slavonia is often called due to its vast corn plains and white Graševina vineyards, is a blend of many historical influences often reflected in its gastronomy and folklore. Traditional culture is preserved through folklore festivals including traditional tamburica music and bećarac singing and playing – the type of music inscribed on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

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Slavonia

Osijek is the largest city and the economic and cultural centre of Slavonia. It is a city of wide streets and beautiful parks. Its pride and glory is the neo-gothic Church of St. Peter and Paul, which dates back to the 1890s. Osijek has a tram system dating back to 1884. A must-see on a trip to Osijek is Tvrđa, the 18th century Hapsburg defensive fortress. This preserved baroque military compound contains a number of museums, the Palace of Slavonian General Command (now home to the University of Osijek) as well as restaurants, bars and cafes. The town of Vinkovci, with typical Baroque squares and buildings, is beautifully settled on the left bank of the Bosut river, between the Danube and the Sava. It boasts rich cultural and natural heritage, with the surrounding villages that have preserved their authentic appearance, folk customs, traditions, costumes and joyful songs. Đakovo is famous for its long tradition of horse breeding. The farm of horses was founded in 1506, being one of the oldest in Europe. It has also been breeding the famous Lipizzaner horse since the early 18th century. Ilok is the easternmost part of Croatia. The town museum, well worth visiting, is housed in the restored Odescalchi Palace, which sits in a stunning position overlooking the Danube. Virtually next door to the Palace are the ancient cellars of the Stari Podrum Winery. It sent wine to Queen Elizabeth II on her coronation and remains the only Croatian wine on the royal household’s list). Wine has been produced in this fertile land along the Danube banks for thousands of years. Here, there are many wineries situated among the vines, where production begins literally minutes after the grapes have been picked. There are plantations of Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Franconia and wonderful dry white Grasevina vines. Slavonia is famous for its local cuisine that is extremely good. Given the rural nature of the region, it teems with many fruit and dairy products, but it’s probably best known for hunting and fishing. One of the specialties here is paprika-laden red stew, best-known as goulash. A regular starter or snack is kulen, a tasty paprika-flavoured sausage. In this part of Croatia the abundant natural resources are freshwater species such as catfish, pike, perch, carp and salmon.

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• Kopački rit Nature Park Photo Mario Romulić & Dražen Stojčić • Karanac, Baranjska kuća, A collection of pots Photo Zlatko Papac

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Croatia:

Istria, where the past marries seamlessly with the present I

stria is home to landscapes of rolling green hills, fertile valleys, vineyards and hilltopvillages. Olive groves and vineyards stretch out in every direction, disturbed only by the occasional mountain and sea view. Istria is famous for its gastronomic heritage and wine offerings, which make it an ideal destination for foodie travelers. The seafood, truffles, wild asparagus and a rare breed of Istrian beef called boškarin all stand out, as do myriad regional specialities and award winning olive oils and wines by local small producers.

• View of Rovinj, the church and bell tower of St. Euphemia Photo Ivo Pervan • Poreč, Euphrasian Basilica Photo Ivo Pervan

Pula is the most southern and largest of Istria’s coastal towns with about a quarter of the region’s 220 000 population. Pula’s ancient treasures include an impressive Roman amphitheatre, constructed during Roman Emperor Augustus’ reign (31 B.C. – 14 A.D.) and used until the 5th century for gladiator fights. More than 26,000 spectators could fit inside the arena along the terraced seating. The Arena now plays host to the Pula Film Festival every July. Of dozens of amphitheaters left around Europe and North Africa by Roman engineers, Pula’s is the sixth-largest, and one of the best-preserved anywhere. Poreč is a small historic port on the Istrian peninsula. Its identity as a Roman town is still very much evident to visitors who stroll along its quaint and winding streets. Poreč is home to Istria’s most striking church building, the 6thcentury Euphrasian Basilica, a world heritage site and one of Europe’s finest intact examples of Byzantine art. Rovinj is a seaside town on the Istrian peninsula full of old world charm, culture and history. Amazing sunsets, cobbled streets, narrow lanes, pastel-coloured houses so close to each other, small cafes, lots of little art shops and friendly people give it unique charm. The St. Euphemia’a Basilica is a unique architectural landmark of Rovinj. Legend has it that the martyr’s coffin washed up here in 800 A.D., and her feast day is celebrated every September.

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Croatia:

Opatija

Opatija is a picturesque town in the Kvarner region that combines the Belle Epoque architecture of Nice, the grandeur of Vienna and the gorgeous terracottas and yellows of the Italian Riviera. Opatija boasts impressive nature, parks, promenades and beaches that have wowed visitors and tourists from all over the world for years. Tales about love and sorrows, intrigues and artists seeking the inspiration are present in every corner of the Opatija Riviera. Opatija has the reputation of being a destination that offers all-year-round programme of attractive events..

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• Opatija, Slatina - popular bathing beach Photo Croatian National Tourist Board • Opatija Photo Croatian National Tourist Board

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Croatia:

Zadar

adar is the administrative, economic, cultural and political centre of North Dalmatia. It is one of the most popular Croatian tourist destinations, which the London Times describes as the centre of entertainment in the Adriatic, and Guardian as Croatia’s new capital of cool. This breathtaking city with a special flavor offers a plenty of interesting events for everybody. As a city-monument, surrounded by historic ramparts, Zadar is a treasury of the archeological and monumental riches of the ancient, mediaeval and Renaissance period. It was in 1964 when Alfred Hitchcock, on his visit to Zadar, described the sunset here as the most stunning in the world. Many toursists would agree that there is really something magical about the luxurious play of the sea, the disappearing sun and the sky, accompanied by the melody of the world famous Sea Organs and the magic of light produced by the new urban installation Greeting to the Sun.

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• Church of St. Donat at night photo Mario Romulić & Dražen Stojčić • Old City panoramic view Photo Ivo Pervan

Croatia:

Šibenik

ibenik lies in the middle of the Croatian Adriatic Coast, in the picturesque and indented bay around the mouth of the river Krka, one of the most beautiful Karst rivers in Croatia. Šibenik is a town that finely connects the famous past and abundance of natural beauties it is gifted with. The town is dominated by the famous St. James Cathedral, the most important Renaissnce building in Croatia. Šibenik is not famous only for the Cathedral (UNESCO), but also for the largest number of churches in the old city core of all Dalmatian towns. You can see a church standing almost at every corner; many of them have been redesigned as museums, galleries and exhibition spaces. The theatre of Šibenik, built in 1870 upon the initiative of citizens, stands in the middle of town. It is the only theatre building in Croatia whose construction was completely financed by its beneficiaries – the citizens. It is the oldest theatre institution in Croatia which is still functioning.

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• Old City with St. James’ Cathedral Photo Croatian National Tourist Board • Solaris Yacht Marina Photo Solaris Resort

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Croatia:

Trogir

rogir is a charming little town that is set within mediaeval walls in the heart of Dalmatia. It is connected by bridges to the land and the island of Čiovo. The Cathedral of St. Lawrence with Radovan’s portal at the entrance are the town’s showcase. The entire old core of Trogir is protected by UNESCO. Trogir is the right destination for admirers of art works, Renaissance and Barouque architecture, Romanic churches …. Its narrow alleys, restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops and galleries, with many cultural and music events in the open, make the Mediterranean experience unforgettable.

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• Old City panoramic view Photo Damir Fabijanić • Trogir mediaeval fair Photo Zlatko Papac

Croatia:

Split, the liveliest old-timer among all Croatian cities

plit is real and vibrant It so seamlessly weaves its past and present. Being the largest Dalmatian city, the second largest city of Croatia and the third largest passenger seaport in the Mediterranean, Split is also the university and cultural centre with a great theatre scene, thriving alternative scenes, exhibitions, festivals and the administrative centre of the Splitsko-Dalmatinska County. Always buzzing, Split has its own codes, habits and traditions. Its Riva (Eng. pedestrian promenade by the sea) has a sort of institutional importance. Here one can meet and see other people and be seen by others. The City centre is dominated by the ancient Diocletian’s Palace (under UNESCO protection since 1979), unique of its kind in the world. In the fourth century A.D., when the Roman emperor Diocletian retired, he built a vast residence for his golden years here in his native Dalmatia. To this day, the maze of narrow alleys inside the atmospheric old walls — literally Diocletian’s hallways at one point in time — makes up the core of the city. Split is ‘the most sport city in the world’, as its inhabitants like to say (the largest number of internationally successful sportsmen per capita). It has a genuine setting - situated on a peninsula at the foot of Marjan Hill, surrounded by the Kozjak and Mosor Mountains, Split offers the pine tree shadow of the Marjan forest hill, a 15-km long promenade by the sea.

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• Diocletian’s Palace Golden Gate Photo Lennart Ståhl • Peristyle, the central square of the Palace Photo Zlatko Papac

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Croatia:

Omiš

miš is a little town in the heart of Dalmatia, at the mouth of the Cetina river to the Adriatic Sea. The town has a long history, but is mostly associated with the Middle Ages period, when it was a well known pirate stronghold. The pirates of Omiš were attacking and robbing the galleys of the Venetian and Dubrovnik Republic for two centuries. Yet, Omiš and the Cetina canyon with its surroundings have much more history to tell than the past pirate days. The turbulent past and beautiful nature make Omiš an important tourist place. Omiš is a perfect destination for all those who love active holidays (rafting on the Cetina, free climbing, paragliding, diving, sailing, sand volleyball, tennis, etc.) In short, you can enjoy in all land, water and air sports activities.

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• The Cetina estuary to the sea Photo Croatian National Tourist Board • The Radman Mills dock Photo Archive Lasta Travel

Croatia:

Makarska, a beauty at the foot of the Biokovo

akarska is a typical Mediterranean town and the most searched destination in Central Dalmatia. It offers lots of entertainment and good gastronomy. It is best known for its marvelous beaches 11 km long and a promenade lined with palm trees. Makarska is spread across the valley of the Biokovo mountain. Owing to such a natural protection, a special a special micro-climate is created which results in up to 260 sunny days in a year.

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• Makarska panorama Photo Croatian National Tourist Board • Monument to the Tourist by academic sculptor Nikola Šanjek Photo Lennart Ståhl

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Croatia:

Brač – Povlja, a true picture of the Mediterranean as it once was

tiny place of Povlja is tuckled in the Povlja bay, at the island of Brač, one of the most beautiful islands in the Adriatic. Along with the famous Zlatni Rat beach and Brač stone, as trademarks of the island and Croatia, Povlja is one of the most charming places. The atmosphere here is laid back. It has something to offer to everyone who visits it – the bay, long walking paths and cultural heritage, the Dalmatian specialties and sea food, good wine and good music.

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• The Mediteranean as It Once Was Photo Mikaela Olsson Säfvenberg • At the Brač channel Photo Lennart Ståhl

Croatia:

Dubrovnik

ubrovnik is the most famous city on the Croatian coast with a long tradition of the Republic that reached its culmination in the Middle Ages. Since 1979, Dubrovnik has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is a remarkably well-preserved example of a late mediaeval walled city, with many outstanding mediaeval, Renaissance and Baroque monuments, churches, palaces and fountains. The City has always been a cultural metropolis. The exceptional cultural life of Dubrovnik includes exhibitions, concerts, theatre performances, and festivals along with the Dubrovnik Summer Festival as the most important cultural event, with many open air theatre and concert stages. The nature is exceptional too. The beautiful blue depths of the Adriatic with white rock shores, the scent of aromatic herbs and historical gardens make Dubrovnik a true pearl of the Mediterranean.

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• Old City panorama Photo Croatian National Tourist Board • Dubrovnik women wearing the traditional folk costumes Photo Croatian National Tourist Board

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Croatia:

Plitvice Lakes National Park

he oldest park of nature in southeast Europe and, as a visitor wrote down ‘Mother Nature in her loveliest, most scenic guise’. The Plitvice Lakes were declared a national park of Croatia in 1949, and were given world heritage status in 1979. With its verdant forest and tumbling waterfalls, it is one of Croatia’s most famous attractions. The tallest waterfall at the park is Veliki Slap, around 70 m high. The idyllic and picturesque park is the place where nature lives. It has 16 stunning blue-green lakes, which are separated by natural dams of travertine limestone. Visitors enjoy here in hiking along the trails, taking a boat or panoramic train ride and tasting delicious traditional food in one of the restaurants.

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• Plitvice Lakes National Park Photo Damir Fabijanić • Just married Photo Plitvice Lakes National Park

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The Song amongst the Peoples

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Serbia:

The Song amongst the Peoples

he European historical records reveal that the technologically most advanced prehistoric culture in the world existed in the territory of today’s Serbia in the 5th millennium B.C. It bordered on the Carpathians of today’s Romania to the north, its southernmost point was at Thessalonika in Greece, it reached Sophia in Bulgaria to the east, and the rivers Lašva and Usora in Bosnia to the west. The Vinča alphabet comes right from there. Also, the centre of the flourishing culture with the well developed architecture, craftsmanship and trade practices was in Vinča, 14 km away from today’s Serbian capital of Belgrade. Choosing Serbia as a travel destination is like embarking on a trip in search of an exotic place with a multitude of sites associated with all major periods of the world history and culture. Serbia’s natural beauties too are quite out of the ordinary. Going from Homolje in the east - where the fights between dominant tribes took place from 2nd-7th century and later, to the ethno village nestled at the foot of Zlatibor mountain - one of the most popular ski destinations, through the Đerdap gorge in the north - the longest gorge in Europe, with the Danube, ‘the central European river’ flowing through it, to health resorts and spas in the south, one can say that Serbia offers beauty, health and exoticism. Serbia, a poem by Oskar Davičo, a poet and distinguished author of the south Slavic literatures, reads: ‘In the mill, in the clattering quern / I heard all your wishes / and your concerns /hey, Serbia / among songs and among plums / hey, Serbia, among people in the fields/hey, Serbia, among songs, among herds/hey Serbia, the song among the peoples. If you are interested in sacral culture, there are monasteries of the Raška school style, the 13th-century Sopoćani and Studenica, and 14th-century Manasije and Ravanica monasteries of the Morava school style. The conquests and defenses of Serbia left behind the important monuments such as: Kalemegdan, the largest Belgrade park and fort, the fortress in Niš, and

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in Bač, Vojvodina, the home of the Petrovaradin fortress, popularly known as the Gibraltar of the Danube, which is a part of the core urban area of Novi Sad. The culture of what is colloquially called the Central Europe is faithfully depicted in Gardoš, the major historical landmark of Zemun. There are indeed so many spots in Serbia to have good time at: Subotica, whose diversity reminds of the Austro-Hungarian ‘golden’ age or Vranje and Pirot, where wonderful musicians play the essence of music of this region, a magnificent combination of the Occident and Orient. The must sees for those who are interested in exploring the 20th century are the Avala Tower and Mausoleum of one of the most prominent sculptors of the time, Ivan Meštrović. In Serbia, there is a lot to see and do for nature lovers too: the Deliblato Sands nature reserve, Vrnjačka Banja hot mineral water spring, or rafting through the canyon of the Tara river. For gourmets, particularly for non-vegetarians, it seems there is no better place on earth than Serbia. To be honest, there is also a great variety of food stuff ‘under the plum tree’ for those who do not consume any animalderived foods. In Serbia, one can expect anything but feeling bored. Take the opportunity to visit the country and enjoy the beauty of life!

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• Previous page — Belgrade and the Danube at night Photo Dragan Obrić • Zemun, an old boat Photo Dragan Obrić • A detail from the ceiling of the church at Oplenac Photo Zlatko Papac • Monastery… Photo National Tourism Organisation of Serbia

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• Street performer, Knez Mihailova Photo National Tourism Organisation of Serbia • Fisherman on the Danube Photo National Tourism Organisation of Serbia

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Serbia:

Belgrade, the city stacked with a multitude of cultures and styles

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he third largest city of Southeast Europe, after Istanbul and Athens. The capital of Serbia is nestled at the meeting point of the Sava and Danube rivers. It is a multilayered city with various histories. Cassical and cosmopolitan, without being too fancy. Belgrade is still adapting and changing. Its architecture encompasses a wide range of styles – classical, neo-baroque and neo-renaissance, Ottoman architecture in the old part of the city and ‘socialist realism’ architecture. The most famous landmarks of Belgrade: Avala (Belgrade’s hill, picnic grounds), Kalemegdan fortress (the most important cultural and historical complex and the largest park), the bohemian quarter of Skadar-

lija, paved with cobble stones and referred to as the ‘Belgrade Montmarte’, the Cathedral of Saint Sava, House of Flowers (mausoleum where Josip Broz Tito was buried), the Savamala neighbourhood, full of street art about politics and freedom of expression, colourful murals that line old industrial walls and warehouse spaces, which were repurposed into bars and venue spaces. Belgrade’s promenades are always full. Café culture and outdoor establishments thrive on every corner and open square. As Becki Enright, a British award winning travel writer described it, the city is seductive, hospitable, quirky, artsy, laidback, unpredictable, humorous, open, unique! It is where days continuously hum and nights beat until early hours.

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• Belgrade, Knez Mihailova Street Photo National Tourism Organisation of Serbia • Nightlife at the bohemian quarter of Skadarlija Photo National Tourism Organisation of Serbia

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Serbia:

Novi Sad

Novi Sad is the capital of Vojvodina province and Serbia’s second largest city located only 70 km away from Belgrade. The main atrraction of Novi Sad is the Petrovaradin fortress built between 1692 and 1790. Nowadays, it is a home to artists’ studios, a museum and a hotel. EXIT, one of the largest and most popular summer music festivals takes place there, gathering around 250,000 to 350,000 young people every year. The Fortress commands a nice view of Novi Sad especially at dusk when lights on the bridge and across Novi Sad are turned on. The city boasts a large number of historical monuments, charming alleys and streets, beautiful parks and gardens, the beach alongside the Danube. The city center abounds in buildings of different architectural periods, including gothic, baroque, secession and neoclassicism. A stroll down Dunavska Street reveals an old word charm, with lots of interesting shops, eateries and cafes. Many would agree that everything is close at hand in Novi Sad, the pace of life is laid back, the food is rich and delicious.

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• Novi Sad, Liberty Square Photo National Tourism Organisation of Serbia • Morning coffee Photo National Tourism Organisation of Serbia

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GROUP

88 • L a s t a T r a v e l • T R AV E L S O U T H W I T H T H E S WA L L O W S • G r o u p T r a v e l s

TRAVELS L a s t a T r a v e l • T R AV E L S O U T H W I T H T H E S WA L L O W S • G r o u p T r a v e l s •

Lasta Travel • GROUP TRAVEL 1 • 8 days

SARAJEVO–HERZEGOVINA

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL IN SARAJEVO Arrival in Sarajevo. Meet the tour leader at the airport. Transfer to the hotel and check-in. Welcome drink. Dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 2 - SARAJEVO Breakfast at the hotel. The guided tour of Sarajevo is a walk through its exciting history. Free time at Baščaršija,tasting ćevapčići or local specialties of your own choice. Tour of the Sarajevo Tunnel of Hope in the afternoon. Dinner in the pleasant ambience of HS cavernous bar (Sarajevo Brewery, 1864). Sarajevsko light and dark beer served with dinner. Overnight stay at the hotel in Sarajevo.

Join us on our journey through unforgettable landscapes, untouched nature and sleepy towns by crystal-clear rivers. Learn about the rich and often dramatic history, the tradition of diversities , the gastronomy and wines of Herzegovina ,full of the welcoming warmth and sun. So close, yet so exotic. With our local guides you will see the country from inside and learn about its eventful history.

DAY 3 - SARAJEVO – SUTJESKA - TREBINJE Breakfast. We depart to Trebinje. Tour of the Sutjeska National Park and Perućica primeval forest. Sutjeska is an important place of Tito’s Yugoslavia known for the Battle of Sutjeska. Lunch at the NP Hotel. We continue our journey to Trebinje. Arrival in Trebinje, check-in, dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 4 - TREBINJE Breakfast at the hotel. We go on a guided tour of Trebinje, one of the most beautiful towns in BiH. Walk through the 90 • L a s t a T r a v e l • T R AV E L S O U T H W I T H T H E S WA L L O W S • G r o u p T r a v e l s

• Previous page — Radimlja, a mediaeval necropolis – B&H national monument Photo Miro Raguž • Left —Sarajevo, Ashkenazi Synagogue, 1902, the third largest in Europe. • Bottom left — Travel moments Photo Hans Salari

time for lunch. Late in the afternoon we continue our journey along the coast toward Mostar. After leaving the Adriatic coast, our route turns inland, when we follow the Neretva river on the way to Mostar. Check-in, dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Mostar.

Day 6 - Inspiration Herzegovina We start our day by the amazing Buna spring. Today, we visit the Dervish Tekke, Žitomislić Orthodox Monastery and Our Lady’s Shrine in Međugorje. After lunch we enjoy in the sights of Počitelj, the most charming town from the Ottoman era, the Hutovo Blato Nature Park and Kravica Waterfalls. We conclude the day in Udovice Restaurant (1952), where they serve traditional meals and local wine.

DAY 7 - STOLAC – MOSTAR Excursion to Stolac. Tour of the town. Lunch and visit to Radimlja necropolis of tombstones. In the afternoon we have a guided tour of Mostar and conclude the day with joint dinner at the restaurant right beside the Old Bridge, where the view is stunning. Overnight stay at the hotel in Mostar.

DAY 8 - JABLANICA – KONJIC – SARAJEVO, DEPARTURE Breakfast. Depart Mostar. On the way to Sarajevo, we visit the Museum of the Battle of Neretva (World War II) in Jablanica. Lunch in Konjic. Tour of Konjic and visit to the Woodcarving Museum of the Nikšić Family (established in 1927). We depart Konjic and head to Sarajevo Airport. Hotel choices: Sarajevo, Mostar, Trebinje UNESCO WHL: Stari Most (Old Bridge), Mostar Dubrovnik Old City

• Trebinje, Arslanagića (Perovića) Bridge on the Trebišnjica Photo TO Trebinje

town. Lunch (the famous trout) on the bank of the crystalclear Trbišnjica. Free time. In the afternoon, we visit the Tvrdoš Monastery, where the 400-year old wine making recipes are kept and still used. Joint dinner in Stara Hercegovina (Old Herzegovina) Restaurant offering traditional meals. Return to Trebinje and overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 5 TREBINJE – DUBROVNIK – MOSTAR Breakfast at the hotel. We head to Dubrovnik (30 minute drive) where we have a guided tour of the Old City and free

• Dubrovnik, the Old City Skyline Photo Croatian National Tourist Board L a s t a T r a v e l • T R AV E L S O U T H W I T H T H E S WA L L O W S • G r o u p T r a v e l s •

Lasta Travel • GROUP TRAVEL 2 • 8 days

FROM THE CAPITAL SARAJEVO TO NEUM ON THE COAST

• A view from the Mujaga Komadina Bridge

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL IN SARAJEVO

Arrival in Sarajevo. Meet the tour leader at the airport. Transfer to the hotel and check-in. Welcome drink. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 2 - Sarajevo

Breakfast at the hotel. The guided tour of Sarajevo is a walk through its exciting history. Free time at Baščaršija,tasting ćevapčići or local specialties of your own choice. Free time in the afternoon. Dinner in a pleasant ambience of HS cavernous bar (Sarajevo Brewery, 1864). Sarajevsko light and dark beer served with dinner. Overnight stay at the hotel in Sarajevo.

Day 3 - Sarajevo – Jahorina

This day will be about the Austro-Hungarian period and buildings. Lunch on Jahorina (OG 1984) Mountain; light

Embark with us on a journey in which you will be presented the interesting history of this country. We will refer to the events leading to the start of World War I and the assassination in Sarajevo, and try to follow the development and disintegration of country after World War I, until its return to the world focus in the 1990s as an independent state on the Balkans. Today, Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the UN’s youngest members. In this journey you will see the fascinating nature, and feel two climate zones, the moderate continental climate in Bosnia and Mediterranean climate in Herzegovina. This journey connects the capital of Sarajevo with Neum, the only BiH town on the Adriatic coast.

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mountain walk after lunch. Visit to Sarajevo Tunnel of Hope in the afternoon. Dinner in one of Sarajevo’s restaurants. Overnight stay at the hotel in Sarajevo.

Day 4 - Mostar – Neum After breakfast and check-out, we drive along the Neretva canyon. Tour of Mostar and the Old Bridge, built in 1566 (UNESCO WHL). After difficult wartime years at the close of 20th century, Mostar now seems to be one of the most popular and most visited cities in the region. Lunch at the restaurant right beside the Old Bridge, the stunning view. Free time. The journey continues to Neum, the only BH town on the Adriatic coast. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 5 - Free time

The day for rest and activities of your own choice. Possibility to organize extra excursions to nearby places. In the evening, traditional dinner in a family-run farm. Return to the hotel later in the evening.

Day 6 - Trebinje

Trebinje is among a few cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina that can boast such a large number of heritage assets from the Austro-Hungarian period, from the imperial vineyards to the promenade under ancient sycamore trees. Our walk through the town involves talking about a lyric poet and Serb nationalist, Jovan Dučić, the old town from the Ottoman period, the Museum of Herzegovina ….

• Up —Neum, Grand Hotel beach, Photo Grand Hotel Neum • Bottom — Travel moments Photo Helena Skorupan

The walk ends with wine tasting in a wine cellar and lunch by the Trebišnjica. Free time and return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 7 - Dubrovnik

A full-day excursion to Dubrovnik, the southernmost city on the Croatian coast. The Old City has been hiding the mediaeval tales and intrigues within its walls for over 800 years. After guided tour of the city, time is left for your own wandering through its lanes and alleys. Dinner and folklore at the hotel’s national restaurant.

Day 8 - Jablanica – Konjic – Sarajevo, Departure

Breakfast. Depart Neum. On the way to Sarajevo, we visit the Museum of the Battle of Neretva (World War II) in Jablanica. Lunch in Konjic. Tour of Konjic and visit to the Woodcarving Museum of the Nikšić Family (established in 1927). We depart Konjic and head to Sarajevo Airport. • Jablanica, Museum of the National Liberation Struggle Photo Hans Salari

Hotel choices: Mostar, Trebinje, Neum UNESCO WHL: Mostar Old Bridge, Dubrovnik Old City

L a s t a T r a v e l • T R AV E L S O U T H W I T H T H E S WA L L O W S • G r o u p T r a v e l s •

Lasta Travel • GROUP TRAVEL 3 • 8 days

THE SOUTH COAST AND HINTERLAND

We stay in Neum as the main base of our journey, during which we learn about the mediaeval Republic of Ragusa (now Dubrovnik) and Korčula. We visit Cavtat and the peninsula of Pelješac that developed into a wine district with famous wines. In Ston, there is still a tradition of sea salt harvesting, which was the ‘white ‘gold’ of Dubrovnik in the Middle Ages. Legend has it that the legendary explorer Marco Polo was born on the island of Korčula, which we are going to explore too. We will also see first hand whether the tiny town of Num cuts the Republic of Croatia in two parts. • Left — A vineyard on Pelješac • Bottom — Vjetrenica cave, a safe home to the human fish Photo JP Vjetrenica

Day 1: Dubrovnik – Neum

Arrival in Dubrovnik. Meet the tour leader at the airport. Walk through Cavtat as an introduction to the guided tour of Dubrovnik. Lunch and free afternoon time in Dubrovnik. Arrival in the hotel late in the afternoon. Welcome drink. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 2: Hutovo Blato Nature Park

Visit to a little museum in Neum and an old fort at Hutovo blato. Outdoor lunch and tour of an olive grove where we taste olive oil and talk about olive oil production in southern Herzegovina and Dalmatia. Free time in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 3 - Korčula and Pelješac

Early in the morning we head to Korčula. You will immediately get in love wth the town of Korčula that has been encompassed by the magnificent walls since 13th century. There are dozens of churches, the cathedral, the town hall. Here, you will see the finest examples of architecture, from Gothic to Renaissance style. Lunch in town and visit to Marco Polo’s birth house. On the way back we visit the vineyards of Pelješac and taste the white Rukatac and red Plavac Mali. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 4 - Mostar

A full day tour of the central Herzegovina, including a boat ride throughout the channels of the Hutovo Blato Nature Park and visit to the Kravica Waterfalls. Traditional lunch at Udovice restaurant (1952). Tour of Mostar and the Old Bridge, built in 1566 (UNESCO WHL). After difficult wartime years at the close of 20th century, Mostar now seems to be one 94 • L a s t a T r a v e l • T R AV E L S O U T H W I T H T H E S WA L L O W S • G r o u p T r a v e l s

of the most popular and most visited cities in the region. Free time in Mostar and dinner at the restaurant right beside the Bridge. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 5 - Free time

Day 6 - Vjetrenica cave

We make an excursion to Vjetrenica, the most famous and the largest cave in BiH. The cave is a protected geomorphological reserve, 6.700 m long. We are allowed to make a tour of ca. 500 m of this speleological beauty. After the visit and lunch, we go back to the hotel. Free afternoon time for your own activities. Dinner and folklore at the hotel’s national restaurant. • Korčula old town, one of the most beautiful towns of Dalmatia Photo Croatian National Tourist Board

Day 7 - Trebinje

Enjoy a full day visit to Trebinje, the southernmost and sunniest city in BiH. Our walk through the town involves talking about a lyric poet and Serb nationalist, Jovan Dučić, the old town from the Ottoman period, the Museum of Herzegovina. The walk ends with wine tasting in a wine cellar and lunch by the Trebišnjica. Free time and return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 8 - Departure

Breakfast, check-out and transfer to Dubrovnik Airport. Stay at: Grand Hotel Neum**** Neum UNESCO WHL: Mostar Old Bridge, Dubrovnik Old City

• Moreška, a traditional sword dance Photo Croatian National Tourist Board

L a s t a T r a v e l • T R AV E L S O U T H W I T H T H E S WA L L O W S • G r o u p T r a v e l s •

Lasta Travel • GROUP TRAVEL 4 • 8 days

HERZEGOVINA COUNTRYSIDE TOUR In order to bring this beautiful region closer to our guests, we have created a trip in which they are able to experience Herzegovina in the best way. We take you to the places where the traditional cuisine is kept alive in combination with excellent wines of Herzegovina.

• Trebinje, Wine cellar of the Tvrdoš monastery Photo Hans Salari

Day 1 - Trebinje

Arrival in Dubrovnik. Meet the tour leader at the airport. On the way to Trebinje we stop for traditional lunch in the restaurant Stara Hercegovina (Old Herzegovina). Time for rest after check-in at the hotel. A light guided tour of Trebinje. Although being a half-hour drive away from the sea, Trebinje has the Mediterranean feel. Wine tasting in the Anđelić wine cellar. A typical Herzegovinian dinner at a restaurant by the river. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 2 Market place & TvrdoŠ Monastery

After a great homey breakfast, we go to make a tour of the Trebinje market place, where we talk about honey, common spices and herbs. Free time in town. Afternoon visit to Tvrdoš Monastery and wine cellar where they kep a 400year old wine making recipe. Traditional countryside dinner at the restaurant Hercegovačka kuća in the hinterland of Trebinje. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.

Day 3 - Herzegovinan olive oil

Today we go down to Neum, the only BH summer resort on the Adriatic coast. In the bay of Neum we eat Raštika (healthy collard greens) prepared with smoked beef. Then we visit a typical Herzegovinan olive grove and taste olive oil from olive grinder at the Matić Fanily. In the evening,

• A traditional breakfast in Herzegovina Photo Ljudevit Blagec

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• Travel moments Photo Hans Salari • Right — A karst field at the Blidinje Nature Park Photo Ljudevit Blagec

fish dinner with traditional dance typical medicinal herbs from this area. Tea and honey of the Herzegovina coastal area. Overnight tasting. Tasting sack cheese and joint dinner before return to the hotel in Mostar. stay at the hotel in Neum.

Day 4 - Neum Time-off

Free time at the hotel with a sea view. You can swimm and sunbathe in the swimming pool or at the hotel beach. Welness at hand all day long. Dinner on a raft in the bay. Overnight stay at the hotel in Neum.

Day 7 - Dubrave plateau

Breakfast. Check-out of the hotel. On the way to Trebinje we visit the Buna spring and Blagaj Tekke. Our next stop is Počitelj, the most beautiful Ottoman architecture monument in BiH. We conclude this part of the day with wine and champagne tasting Day 5 - Nature Park at Domano Winery in Domanovići, with Hutovo Blato – Mostar Breakfast. Check-out of the hotel. Boat drive traditional lunch. We continue our journey throughout Hutovo Blato NP. Tour of the to Trebinje through Stolac. Light dinner at Kravica waterfalls, 30 m high. Traditional the hotel in Trebinje. lunch at the Udovice Restaurant. Arrival in Day 8 - Departure Mostar. Check-in at the hotel. Guided tour Early morning breakfast and check-out. of Mostar. Oriental dinner at the restaurant Transfer to Dubrovnik Airport. right beside the Old Bridge with a stunning view. Overnight stay at the hotel in Mostar. Hotel choices: Mostar, Trebinje, Neum UNESCO WHL: Day 6 - Blidinje Nature Park Mostar Old Bridge Breakfast. A full day excursion to Blidinje NP. After a walk in nature, we visit a restaurant dubbed The Hajduk Republic of Mijat Tomić. • Boat ride throughout the channels of We talk about homemade herbal teas and Hutovo Blato Photo Helena Skorupan L a s t a T r a v e l • T R AV E L S O U T H W I T H T H E S WA L L O W S • G r o u p T r a v e l s •

Lasta Travel • GROUP TRAVEL 5 • 8 days

BOSNIA: THE KINGS & VISIERS The mediaeval Kingdom of Bosnia reached its peak during the 14th century under the rule of the first Bosnian King Tvrtko, who was crowned in Visoko. Not far from Visoko is Bobovac, from where the last Bosnian King ruled before the arrival of the Ottoman Empire. When the Ottomans arrived, the Kingdom of Bosnia ceased to exist. During the following 400 years, Bosnia was a ‘pashaluk’ ruled by pashas and viziers in the interest of Constantinople. Day 1 - Arrival in Sarajevo Meet the tour leader at the airport. Transfer to the hotel and check-in. Welcome drink. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 2 - Visoko - Kraljeva Sutjeska – Sarajevo A full day excursion. Tour of Visoko, once the central place where Bosnian kings were crowned, today a typical Bosnian town. After a pleasant walk through Visoko, we drive to visit Kraljeva Sutjeska, once the seat of the Bosnian Kotromanić Dynasty. A visit to the museum, Franciscan monastery, the Dusper house and one of the oldest Bosnian mosques which was, as legend has it, built by the Sultan Muhamed II el Fatih in 1463. After lunch, we return to Sarajevo. Free time. Dinner at a typical Sarajevo restaurant.

Day 3 - Sarajevo Breakfast at the hotel. The guided tour of Sarajevo is a walk through its exciting history. Free time at Baščaršija,tasting ćevapčići or local specialties of your own choice. Tour of the Sarajevo Tunnel of Hope in the afternoon.Dinner in a pleasant ambience of HS cavernous bar (Sarajevo Brewery, 1864). Sarajevsko light and dark beer served with dinner. Overnight stay at the hotel in Sarajevo.

Day 4 - Kreševo – Vitez Breakfast. Check-out. We drive to Vitez through Kreševo, where we stop to visit the Franciscan monastery and gallery and talk about the traditional Bosnian architecture. Arrival in Vitez. Check-in and lunch at the hotel ‘s restaurant. Free time for wellness and & spa oasis. Dinner at the nearby ethno-village, overnight stay at the hotel.

• Travnik, the birth house of Ivo Andrić, a winner of the Nobel Prize in literature. Photo bih-x.info

Day 5 - Jajce – Travnik Excursion to Jajce, a town with beautiful architecture, the Pliva Waterfall (27m) and interesting history. Jajce is the town where Yugoslavia was established in 1943, with the republic borders along which the new states were established in the 1990s. After lunch we go to visit Travnik, which used to be the seat of the Bosnian viziers in the period from 1686 to 1850. Visit to the birth house of Ivo Andrić – a Nobel Prize winner in literature in 1961, tour of the Homeland Museum in Travnik and the old town, led by an expert guide. Free time

• Bobovac used to be a seat of the Bosnian rulers and kings until the Ottoman conquest (1463) and the end of the Bosnian independence Photo www.kraljeva-sutjeska.com

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upon return to the hotel. Dinner at the hotel and overnight stay.

Day 6 - Vitez – Mostar

Breakfast. Depart Vitez. On the way to Mostar, we visit the Woodcarving Museum of the Nikšić Family (1927). After guided tour, lunch in Konjic. Our next stop is the Museum of the Battle of Neretva (World War II) in Jablanica. Arrival in the hotel in Mostar in the afternoon. Check-in. Free time, dinner, overnight stay.

most charming town from the Ottoman era, the Hutovo Blato Nature Park and Kravica Waterfalls. We conclude the day at Udovice Restaurant (1952), where traditional meals and local wine are served.

• Jajce, the Pliva Waterfalls (22 m) Photo Adnan Bubalo

Day 8 - Sarajevo – Departure

Breakfast. Check-out. Tour of Mostar. Tour of the Old City and the famous Old Bridge. We visit the Spanish Square and Rondo, the important past and present landmarks. After lunch at the restaurant right beside the Day 7 - Inspiration Bridge, we depart Mostar and drive to SaraHerzegovina jevo. Arrival in Sarajevo, flight back home. We start our day by the amazing Buna Hotel choices: Sarajevo, Mostar, Vitez river springs. Today, we visit the Dervish Tekke, Žitomislić Orthodox Monastery UNESCO WHL: Mostar Old Bridge and Our Lady’s Shrine in Međugorje. After • Kraljeva Sutjeska, Franciscan monastery and lunch we enjoy in the sights of Počitelj, the Parish of St. John Photo www.kraljeva-sutjeska.com L a s t a T r a v e l • T R AV E L S O U T H W I T H T H E S WA L L O W S • G r o u p T r a v e l s •

Lasta Travel • GROUP TRAVEL 6 • 8 days

HERZEGOVINA & DALMATIA

Follow us on our journey through the impressive past of the two neighbouring regions. We are going to visit the fascinating cities of Dalmatia and Herzegovina. The Croatian coast is home to some of the best preserved ancient and mediaeval cities. We take you through the history and environment, the famous landmarks, the past and the present...

Day 1 - Split – Mostar

• Split harbour and seaside promenade at summer night Photo Ante Zubović

Arrival in Split. Meet the tour leader at the airport. We drive to a mediaeval town of Trogir (UNESCO WHL). Tour of this picturesque town and lunch at a local restaurant. Drive to Split. Visit to the Diocletian’s Palace with a local guide. Free time for coffee or shopping. We continue our journey to Mostar in the afternoon. Arrival in Mostar, dinner and check-in at the hotel.

Day 2 - Herzegovina Tour

Today we enjoy in nature, gastronomy and wines of Herzegovina! We visit the Dervish Tekke, the mediaeval trading crossroads of Počitelj, the Orthodox Monastery Žitomislić, Hutovo Blato NP, the Kravica Waterfalls, 30-m high. We conclude the day by tasting the brandies and wines of Herzegovina at one of the best restaurants serving traditional and domestic food in this part of Herzegovina. 100 • L a s t a T r a v e l • T R AV E L S O U T H W I T H T H E S WA L L O W S • G r o u p T r a v e l s

Day 3 - Mostar – Trebinje

Not so many cities can boast the Mediterranean ambiance, the combination of different cultures and exciting history in one place. We’ll cross over the famous Old Bridge (UNESCO WHL) spanning the Neretva since 1566 and connecting different cultures and peoples. After lunch at the restaurant right beside the Bridge, we drive to Trebinje. Our next stop is a necropolis of tombstones near Stolac. Check-in at a little family-run motel in Trebinje. Traditional dinner at Stara Hercegovina (Old Herzegovina).

Day 8 - Departure

After breakfast, check-out and travel to the airport to return home. Hotel choices: Mostar, Trebinje, Makarska Riviera UNESCO WHL: Historic City of Trogir, Mostar Old Bridge, Dubrovnik Old City, Split Diocletian’s Palace

• Villa Neretva, Raspjevani Neretvanski gusari Photo Lennart Ståhl • Trogir, in front of the Cathedral of St. Lawrence Photo Jan Rennerfelt

Day 4 - Dubrovnik

Excursion to Dubrovnik. Tour of the Old City with local guide. Free time for lunch, walking through the Old City or drinking cappuchino in one of Dubrovnik’s alleys full of cafes and souvenir shops … Return to Trebinje for wine tasting and dinner by the river. Overnight stay in Trebinje.

Day 5 - The Neretva valley – Makarska Riviera

We leave Herzegovina and travel along the Adriatic coast to the Neretva valley. River boat tour and lunch (In Autumn, we pick tangerines for ourselves). We continue our journey along the coast to the Makarska Riviera. Dinner and overnight stay at one of the hotels on the Makarska Riviera.

Day 6 - Brač, Boat Excursion & Fish Picknick

A half-day boat trip to a small fishing place Povlja on the island of Brač. Free time in Povlja where you can feel the Mediterranean as it once was. Fishpicknick in the boat dock of Povlja. Upon our return to the coast, free afternoon time in Makarska. Dinner of your own choice.

Day 7 - Free time, dinner at Topići

Free time for rest and recreation, or a good book on the beach with a glass of wine. Late in the afternoon we go to a family-run farm Topići. Traditional Dalmatian dinner with Dalmatian music. Return to the hotel and overnight stay. L a s t a T r a v e l • T R AV E L S O U T H W I T H T H E S WA L L O W S • G r o u p T r a v e l s •

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Lasta Travel • GROUP TRAVEL 7 • 8 days

BETWEEN THE MEDITERRANEAN AND THE ORIENT Two countries, two regions

Where does the Mediterranean begin and where does the Orient begin? The answers can be found in a book Mediterranean Breviary by Predrag Matvejević or culinary arts of Goran Raguž. The book by Predrag Matvejević and homemade delicacies prepared by Goran Raguž served as an inspiration for us in creating this journey that offers the best of the Mediterranean and the Orient, which so obviously intertwine throughout Dalmatia and Herzegovina.

Day 1 Trogir – Split – Makarska Riviera

• Mostar, Summer in Kujundžiluk (Old bazaar) Photo Dieter Bergau • Mediterranean fruits Photo Damir Fabijanić

Arrival in Split. Meet the tour leader at the airport. Drive to a mediaeval town of Trogir (UNESCO WHL). Tour of this picturesque town and lunch at a local restaurant. Drive to Split. Visit to the Diocletian’s Palace with a local guide. Free time for coffee or shopping. In the afternoon we continue our journey towards Makarska Riviera. Dinner and overnight stay at one of the hotels on Makarska Riviera.

Day 2 Brač: Boat excursion & Fish picknick

A half-day boat trip to a small fishing place Povlja on the island of Brač. Free time in Povlja to feel the Mediterranean as it once was. Fishpicknick in the boat dock of Povlja. 102 • L a s t a T r a v e l • T R AV E L S O U T H W I T H T H E S WA L L O W S • G r o u p T r a v e l s

Upon our return, free afternoon time in Makarska. Dinner mediaeval necropolis of tombstones on our way from Stolac of your own choice. to Mostar and talk about major religions in Herzegovina. Arrival in Mostar in the afternoon. After the afternoon rest in Day 3 - Omiš – Radman’s Mills the new hotel, we walk with a local guide. Dinner right beside After breakfast we go to a mediaeval pirate-nest, the town of the Old Bridge, return to the hotel and overnight stay. Omiš. Boat ride along the Cetina canyon to Radman’s Mills, where we will eat the traditional Soparnik pie. Return to Day 7 - Inspiration Herzegovina Omiš. Free time in the afternoon. Return to the hotel, dinner Today we enjoy in nature, gastronomy and wines of Herzegovina! We visit the Dervish Tekke, the mediaeval trading and overnight stay. crossroads of Počitelj, the Orthodox Monastery Žitomislić, Day 4 - Free time, Dinner at Topići Hutovo Blato NP, the Kravica Waterfalls, 30-m high. We Free time for rest and recreation, or a good book on the conclude the day by tasting the brandies and wines of Herzebeach with a glass of wine. Late in the afternoon we go to a govina at one of the best restaurants serving traditional and family-run farm Topići. Traditional Dalmatian dinner with domestic food in this part of Herzegovina. Dalmatian music. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.

Day 5 - Dubrovnik & Herzegovina

We leave the hotel and head towards Dubrovnik. Tour of the Old City with a local guide. Free time for lunch, walking through the Old City or drinking cappuchino in one of Dubrovnik’s alleys full of cafes and souvenir shops. Check-in at the hotel in Trebinje, wine-tasting in a wine cellar, and dinner by the river. Overnight stay at the hotel in Trebinje.

Day 6 - Trebinje – The necropolis Radimlja - Mostar

After a guided tour of Trebinje, we travel through the Popovo Polje Valley toward a quaint, little town of Stolac. We visit a

Day 8 - Split, Departure

Early breakfast, check-out and travel to Split Airport for flight back home. Hotel choices: Hotels in Mostar, Trebinje and Makarska Riviera UNESCO WHL: Historic City of Trogir, Mostar Old Bridge, Dubrovnik Old City, Diocletian’s Palace • The Cetina canyon, boat trip to Radman Mills Photo Archive Lasta Travel • An old narrow street in the Historic City of Trogir Photo Dieter Bergau L a s t a T r a v e l • T R AV E L S O U T H W I T H T H E S WA L L O W S • G r o u p T r a v e l s •

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Lasta Travel • GROUP TRAVEL 8 • 8 days

SARAJEVO, HERZEGOVINA AND DALMATIA

We take you on a journey through the fascinating cities and places of Dalmatia and Herzegovina, the end of which is reserved for a true gem of history - Sarajevo. Sarajevo is definitely the marvelous city in many ways. It is famous for its rich history, the assassination in Sarajevo in 1914, its turbulent past in the 1990s, but most of all, it is famous for the hospitality of Sarajevans.

• Sarajevo, Tito Street Photo Tourism Association of Sarajevo Canton • Right — Split, Fruit Square Photo Dieter Bergau

Day 1 - Mostar

Meet the tour leader at the airport. On our way to Mostar we stop for a light dinner. Arrival in Mostar, check-in at the hotel and overnight stay in Mostar.

Day 2 - Inspiration Hercegovina

Day 3 - Mostar – Trebinje

Not so many cities can boast the Mediterranean ambiance, the combination of different cultures and exciting history in one place. We’ll cross over the famous Old Bridge (UNESCO 104 • L a s t a T r a v e l • T R AV E L S O U T H W I T H T H E S WA L L O W S • G r o u p T r a v e l s

WHL) spanning the Neretva since 1566 and connecting different cultures and peoples. After lunch at a restaurant right beside the Bridge, drive to Trebinje. Our next stop is a necropolis of tombstones near Stolac. Check-in at a little family-run motel in Trebinje. Traditional dinner at a restaurant Stara Hercegovina (Old Herzegovina).

our tour along the Neretva canyon toward Sarajevo. Check-in at the hotel, dinner at Sarajevo Brewery (1864) restaurant.

Day 8 - Sarajevo, Departure

• Picking tangerines in the Neretva valley Photo Mai-Britt Säfvenberg • Bottom — Mostar, a detail from Kujundžiluk Photo Helena Skorupan

Breakfast at the hotel. We go on a guided tour of Sarajevo, overview of the turbulent past of the City. Free time at Baščaršija,tasting ćevapčići or local specialties of your own Day 4 - Dubrovnik – Makarska Riviera choice. Tour of the Sarajevo Tunnel of Hope in the afternoon. After a tour of Trebinje we head toward Dubrovnik. Tour of Free time for shopping. Flight back home in the evening. the Old City with a local guide. Free time for lunch, walks by Hotel choices: Hotels in Sarajevo, Mostar, Trebinje, and the walls or a cup of cappuchino in one of the alleays teeming Makarska Riviera with cofes and souvenir shops… In the afternoon we continue UNESCO WHL: Historic City of Trogir, Mostar Old Bridge, our journey along the coastal road toward Makarska Riviera. Dubrovnik Old City, Diocletian’s Palace Check-in, welcome drink and dinner at the hotel.

Day 5: Brač, Makarska & Topići

A half-day boat trip to a small fishing place Povlja on the island of Brač. Free time in Povlja to feel the Mediterranean as it once was. Fishpicknick in the boat dock of Povlja. Upon our return to the coast, free afternoon time in Makarska. Late in the afternoon we go to a family-run farm Topići. Traditional Dalmatian dinner with Dalmatian music. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.

Day 6 - Split & Trogir

Our tour starts with a light walk through the mediaeval town of Trogir and ends with lunch by the sea, on the promenade. Drive to Split. Visit to Diocletian’s Palace with a local guide. Free time for coffee or shopping. In the afternoon we head toward Makarska Riviera. Dinner on your own. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 7 - THE Neretva Valley – Sarajevo

We leave the hotel on Makarska Riviera and travel along the Adriatic coast to the Neretva valley. River boat ride and lunch (In Autumn, we pick tangerines for ourselves). We continue L a s t a T r a v e l • T R AV E L S O U T H W I T H T H E S WA L L O W S • G r o u p T r a v e l s •

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Lasta Travel • GROUP TRAVEL 9 • 8 days

THE COLOURS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN

The Croatian coast is home to some of the most beautiful ancient cities in the world. These well-preserved coastal cities have a captivating medieval atmosphere. There are magnificent Venetian palaces, museums, a wealth of art and architecture. The nature in its loveliest, most scenic guise. During this journey we are going to visit five out of seven UNESCO World Heritage sites in Croatia.

Day 1 - Trogir – Šibenik

Arrival in Split. Meet the tour leader at the airport. Drive to Trogir. Walk through this picturesque town and lunch in a local restaurant. We continue our bus ride to Šibenik. Walking through Šibenik is like walking on the stage, as the whole town is turned toward the sea, like an open-air amphitheatre. Visit to the Cathedral of St. James and the Old Town, which exhibit a unique blend of influences from three culturally different regions of northern Italy, Dalmatia and Tuscany. We continue toward our hotel on the coast. Checkin, dinner, overnight stay at one of the Solaris Resort hotels.

Day 2 - Zadar

Tour of Zadar with a local guide. We learn how Caesar founded a city in this part of the Roman Empire. Through• Brela Photo Hrvoje Serdar • Octopus salad Photo Damir Fabijanić

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• Topići, Sač (veal and lamb with potatoes baked under a special iron lid) Photo Dieter Bergau

out the old city you can see the influence of Rome, Venetia and Italy, which adds charm to modern-day Zadar. Zadar is famous for the first university in Croatia, the filigree street, the Sea Organ, Maraschino, and Greeting to the Sun. Free time for lunch and shopping. Joint dinner at the hotel.

Day 5 - Explore Herzegovina

After breakfast we go to visit Mostar and Herzegovina. This is an inspirational excursion during which we see an extraordinary region hiding the architectural pearls such as the Old Bridge, Počitelj and Derviš Tekke on the Buna spring. In the archaeological museum of a seemingly ordinary Franciscan Monastery we’ll find the artefacts from the Stone Age to 15th century. In Herzegovina we’ll treat ourselves to the delicacies and excellent autochtonous wines of Herzegovina. Dinner at the hotel later in the evening.

Day 3 - Plitvice Lakes National Park

A full day excursion to the Croatian continental region. Plitvice Lakes NP is one of the oldest national parks in Europe. We spend the day walking through the pristine nature , following a series of 16 waterfalls and 16 lakes , which continue to live as the Korana river. We have a boat cruise along the largest lake and train ride through the park. Lunch in one of the surrounding restaurants. Dinner at the hotel later in the evening.

Day 4 - Split – Makarska Riviera

On the way toward the hotel on Makarska Riviera, we stop in Split, where we make a tour of Diocletian’s Palace with a local guide and enjoy in the laid-back atmosphere of Split. Free time for lunch and shopping. Later in the afternoon we arrive in the hotel on Makarska Riviera. Welcome drink and joint dinner at the hotel.

• Travel Moments, Udovice Photo Dieter Bergau

Day 6 - Brač, Makarska & Topići

Day 7 - Dubrovnik

Excursion to Dubrovnik is among the highlights of the journey. Tour of the Old City with a local guide, including the Rector’s Palace – the centre of one of the most powerful trading states in the mediaeval period. The Cathedral holds very precious treasure, and the Franciscan Monastery is home to one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe. Lunch on your own. Free time to explore the city. In the evening, return to the hotel for dinner.

Day 8 - Departure

• Travel Moments, Blagaj Photo Helena Skorupan

Breakfast, check-out. Transfer to Split Airport. Hotel choices: Solaris Resort Šibenik, Makarska Riviera UNESCO WHL: Historic City of Trogir, Cathedral of St James in Šibenik, Mostar Old Bridge, Dubrovnik Old City, Plitvice Lakes National Park. L a s t a T r a v e l • T R AV E L S O U T H W I T H T H E S WA L L O W S • G r o u p T r a v e l s •

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Lasta Travel • GROUP TRAVEL 10 • 8 days

FROM THE HEART OF DALMATIA

Based in Mali Gradac, Croatia, we will show you our favorite spots along the Dalmatian coast, including the neighbouring beautiful Neretva valley and the charming Mostar.

• Travel Moments, Hutovo Blato Photo Dieter Bergau • Upper right — UNESCO WHL: Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar

Day 1 - Dubrovnik

We land at Dubrovnik airport, where we meet the tour leader and proceed to the fascinating city of Dubrovnik (WHL). After a guided tour of the city, there is free time for lunch on your own, for coffee, ice cream, shopping etc. We continue the journey to Gradac and our hotel Marco Polo. Welcome drink and dinner at the hotel.

Day 2 - Trogir – Split

After breakfast we go to Trogir, a real pearl on the Dalmatian coast (UNESCO WHL). We walk through the picturesque town to the restaurant where we have lunch, enjoying in the view of the promenade, harbor and an old watchtower. Drive to Split in the afternoon. Guided tour of the Palace (WHL) built by the Roman emperor Diocletian. Return to the hotel in Gradac around dinner time.

Day 3 - Inspiration Herzegovina

Today we experience the beautiful nature, history, good food and wines of Herzegovina. We begin with a boat trip in Hutovo Blato NP, go to the Kravica waterfalls and continue to a charming, medieval town of Počitelj, with its Ottoman-era architecture. Then we explore the city of Mostar, known for its iconic Old Bridge. Lunch by the Neretva,w ith a spectacular view of the bridge. The day ends with dinner at Udovice Restaurant near Mostar. We visit the wine cellar and taste house wines and grappa, learn how homemade

• Travel Moments, Barba Joško Photo Dieter Bergau

bread is made in a traditional way and enjoy the dinner, typical of this area, in combination with local wines. Arrival in the hotel later in the evening.

Day 4 - Olive oil and Dalmatian delicacies in Podaca

A relaxing morning on your own in Gradac,swimming and walking. In the afternoon, we head to the village of Podaca to learn about olives, from growing to tasting. There we taste various Dalmatian delicacies before heading back to Gradac. In the evening you can expect a little surprise a la Dalmatia!

Day 5 - You choose today’s programme!

A day off for rest and relaxation for those who wish to do so. You can also choose to book a place and accompany us for either an exclusive wine tour or a half day excursion to Makarska. (see below) We then gather at the hotel at 19:00 to eat dinner together.

OPTIONAL EXCURSION 1: EXCLUSIVE WINE TOUR (AND A LITTLE MORE)

The name says it all! After a short boat ride we reach an old fishing port Trpanj on the peninsula

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of Pelješac. Our adventure for the day starts here, from oyster farming and salt mining on the coast, to the hilly landscape with its vineyards. We visit an oyster farm, where we learn about farming and taste oysters. We also visit three different winemakers and see why wines from Croatia, particularly from Pelješac, are so different from the majority of other wines. We walk along, enjoying in the stunning views of the countryside and the sea. We carry a picnic basket with foodstuff and drinks to one of the finest beaches in Dalmatia, where we spend the afternoon sunbathing and swimming.

Day 7 - The exciting river delta of the Neretva

OPTIONAL EXCURSION 2: MAKARSKA

Day 8: Departure

Makarska is a famous seaside resort , located right at the epicenter of Makarska Riviera. It has a long and beautiful promenade lined with palm trees, full of cafes, bars and restaurants. We go for a guided walk and eat a light lunch together. Free time available before the return trip to Gradac. *Excursion prices are determined on the spot depending on the number of passengers.

Today we travel to the exciting and fertile delta of the Neretva river. The Romans founded the city of Narona here - an important city at the time - 200 years B.C.. Eight hundred years later it was attacked, destroyed and forgotten. The city was rediscovered and excavated in the late 1800s. We visit the Narona’s Archaeological Museum. Then we have a boat ride throughout the channels of the Neretva Delta. The delta has been transformed by the people of this region for centuries. Today it is known as a green jewel of Croatia. The delta is famous for its many tangerine plantations. The lunch consists of brodet - a traditional fish stew, typical of the area. During the afternoon, we return to the hotel. Dinner at the hotel. After breakfast, we travel to Dubrovnik Airport. Stay at: Boutique Hotel Marco Polo**** Gradac UNESCO WHL: Historic City of Trogir, Mostar Old Bridge, Dubrovnik Old City, Diocletian’s Palace

Day 6 - A nice field day and “best night”!

We go for a light hike (about 5 km) up to the Biokovo Nature Park. Our guide Tanja teaches us about animals, insects, flowers, herbs and other things that grow and live in the surrounding area. The walk finishes with a picnic at one of the finest viewpoints in the area. Return to the Gradac hotel, time on your own. In the evening we have the “BEST NIGHT“ gala dinner, the Slow Food dinner (cooked with regional ingredients according to the traditional cooking methods). It is about seven dishes that best illustrate what the house and the region can offer. Each dish includes a number of different wines. Claudia and Igor, a music duet, will sing and play guitar for us for the rest of the evening.

• Ojkanje singing Photo Ivo Pervan L a s t a T r a v e l • T R AV E L S O U T H W I T H T H E S WA L L O W S • G r o u p T r a v e l s •

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Lasta Travel • GROUP TRAVEL 11 • 8 days

THE THREE COUNTRIES

Although we plan to spend most of the time on the Adriatic coast, we are going to visit some places that are distinctively connected with the Adriatic and Mediterranean in general.

Day 1 - Dubrovnik - Neum

Arrival in Dubrovnik. Meet the tour leader at the airport. Tour of Dubrovnik with a local guide and joint lunch. Free time for relaxation in this beautiful city. In the afternoon, we travel along the coast toward our hotel. Welcome drink and dinner.

• Makarska, view of the riva Photo Lennart Ståhl • Travel moments, Žitomislić Photo Helena Skorupan • Dubrovnik, Old City Harbour

Day 2 - Montenegro

Today we are visiting the Montenegrin coast with two Mediterranean pearls - Budva and Kotor. Guided tours and enough free time to explore Montenegro on your own. Lunch in a typical Montenegrin restaurant. On our way back, we have dinner in a typical Herzegovinan restaurant. Return to the hotel later in the evening.

Day 3 - Neum day off

Day 4 - THE Neretva valley – Podgora

We leave Herzegovina and travel along the Adriatic coast toward the Neretva valley. Boat tour along the river and lunch (In Autumn, we pick tangerines for ourselves). We continue along the coast toward Podgora, a beautiful Dalmatian pearl. Welcome drink, dinner and overnight in Medora hotel. 110 • L a s t a T r a v e l • T R AV E L S O U T H W I T H T H E S WA L L O W S • G r o u p T r a v e l s

Day 5 - Mostar

Before our arrival in Mostar we visit the Franciscan Monastery at Humac that holds archaeological artefacts found from the Stone Age to 15thcentury. In Mostar, we begin with lunch at the restaurant right beside the Old Bridge. This spot is the beginning of our tour of the old city, which is a blend of the oriental style and Mediterranean features. On our way back to the coast, we taste local brandies and wines and have dinner at Udovice Restaurant (1952). Overnight stay at the hotel in Podgora.

• Travel moments, Topići Photo Lennart Ståhl • Travel moments, Žitomislić Photo Helena Skorupan

Day 6 - Split & Omiš

Excursion to Split. After the tour of Diocletian’s Palace and free time. Our hosts will recommend us the most popular restaurants in the city, so that we can have lunch on our own. Having free time in Split means enjoying in a laid-back atmosphere of Split. On our way back we will stroll along the streets of Omiš, once the powerful pirate-nest on the Adriatic coast. We drink a shot of espresso in one of the cafes tucked in the mysterious alleays of Omiš. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 7 - Day off & Dinner at Topići

Day 8 - Sarajevo & Departure

Early in the morning we depart for Sarajevo. Drive through the exciting Neretva canyon. We stop in Konjic to visit a family that has been producing hand-carved furniture for almost a century. We arrive in Sarajevo at lunch time. After lunch we explore the city that has been developing the idea of multiculturalism for centuries; today, more than ever before, it stands for this idea in Europe. The architecture is a blend of the Ottoman and Pseudo-Moorish style, with the socialist-era buildings and monuments. Yet, the hospitality and kindness of Sarajevans is something that you will definitely remember forever! Stay at: Grand Hotel Neum**** Neum & Hotel**** Medora (Depadans) Podgora UNESCO WHL: Mostar Old Bridge, Dubrovnik Old City, Split Diocletian’s Palace, Region of Kotor L a s t a T r a v e l • T R AV E L S O U T H W I T H T H E S WA L L O W S • G r o u p T r a v e l s •

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Lasta Travel • GROUP TRAVEL 12 • 5 days

SLAVONIAN ECHOES OF TRADITION The fertile Slavonia or eastern Croatia spreads across the area among the Danube, Drava and Sava rivers. Decorated with wild meadows, farmlands, oak forests, ponds, vineyards, caves, historic manors, churches, castle ruins, Slavonia offers both diversity and tranquility, the magic composed by Slavonians and nature. Day 1 - Ilok

We land at Belgrade Airport, where we meet the tour leader and continue our drive to Slavonia. Alredy in Ilok, you can feel the charm of Slavonia. We walk through Ilok and talk about the long history of the region, including the picturesque palaces that used to belong to the well-off Slavonian families for centuries. After a light lunch, we go to visit wine cellars and taste the wines of Ilok. We conclude the day with an extraordinary welcome dinner.

Day 2 - Darda - Osijek

We visit one of the largest vineyards and wine cellars in this part of Europe. After wine tasting in the wine cellar Belje, we continue toward a typical Slavonian farm, where we will be served a traditional village-type lunch. Tour of Osijek in the afternoon, where we have free time for shopping, coffe, etc. Dinner in the historic hotel Waldinger in the city centre. Arrival in the hotel later in the evening.

• View of Ilok from the Danube bank Photo Ilok Tourist Office • Slavonia, Wheat fields Photo Damir Fabijanić

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Day 3 - Đakovo - Vinkovci

Today we visit a beautiful and historically important cathedral of Đakovo and a Lippizaner horse-farm. After the lunch in Đakovo, we drive to Vinkovci, where we visit the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology. The first exhibition displays the oldest Indo-European calendar Orion (2600 BC) and development of civilization in the Slavonian region. The second is an ethnological exhibition illustrating the life in Slavonia to this day. Dinner and overnight stay in the hotel.

Day 4 - Vukovar

Vukovar – one of the cities most severely damaged during the 1991 war. We visit the Memorial Museum and the Memorial Cemetery of the Victims of Homeland War. In the second half of the day we cruise along the Danube. Lunch on the boat consists of the Slavonian freshwater fish. Dinner at the hotel with a traditional Slavonian tamburitza band.

Day 5 - Belgrade shopping

Breakfast and check-out. Arrival in Belgrade. Free time for shopping and lunch on your own. Transfer to Belgrade Airport in the afternoon. Flight back home. Stay at: Stari Podrumi Hotel Ilok ( Can be easily combined with The Unforgettable Belgrade tour)

• Slavonian kirbaj Photo Ilok Tourist Office • Tamburitza players of Ilok Photo Zlatko Papac

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Lasta Travel • GROUP TRAVEL 13 • 5 days

THE UNFORGETTABLE BELGRADE Join us on a short tour of Belgrade and the surrounding area. We talk about the Serbian war for independence against Turks, Tito’s era, dreams about the Greater Serbia, the era of Slobodan Milošević and 1990s-wars and much more. The journey is seasoned with the flavours of culture and art, traditional Serbian cuisine, wines and music. Belgrade is an excellent host to all tourists and an unforgettable city.

Day 1 - Belgrade

We land at Belgrade Airport where we meet the tour leader and continue our drive to Belgrade. On our way to the hotel we make an orientation tour of Belgrade. Check-in at the hotel. Free time until our gathering for the welcome dinner in the famous bohemian quarter of Skadarlija. Dinner, traditional music, typical of Belgrade nightlife.

• Belgrade Estuary panorama Photo National Tourism Organisation of Serbia • Upper right — Belgrade Old-timer from 1939, still running … Photo Anders Hall

Day 2 - Belgrade

Walking & bus tour of Belgrade. There are at least three major landmarks - the Fortress of Kalemegdan, sited in the beautiful park, testifies to the importance of Belgrade through centuries; the Cathedral of Saint Sava is a spiritual centre not only of Belgrade, but a symbol of the Orthodox Christianity too; Tito’s grave at Dedinje is a part of our talk about Yugoslavia which we remember until the late 1980s. We conclude the first part of the day with a traditional lunch at a restaurant near Kalemegdan, which commands a view of Belgrade. Free afternoon time and dinner on your own in Belgrade downtown. Overnight stay at the hotel.

• Belgrade Fortress, Kalemegdan Photo National Tourism Organisation of Serbia

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Day 3 - Serbian Royal family

A full-day excursion to Oplenac, where we visit the Church of St. George , which is a burial place of the Karađorđević royal family. The neighbouring building, the house of King Peter, is now a museum of the royal family. Not far from Oplenac is a little brewery where we taste beer produced according to original recipes in limited release. Before our return to Belgrade we have a traditional village-type lunch at Tomo’s and Nada’s place (well known ranchers). Dining together at one of Belgrade’s rafts with a view to the Sava estuary to the Danube on one side, and the Kalemegdan fortress on the other side.

Day 4 - Novi Sad

A full-day tour of Novi Sad, the capital of the province of Vojvodina, the second largest city in Serbia. The tour of this pleasant city finishes on Liberty Square which is dominated by the beautiful cathedral of St. Mary. Free time in Novi Sad downdown for shopping and light lunch. We spend the afternoon in Sremski Karlovci , where we visit a farm run by the Živanović family. Here we will taste Bermet wine that was served at the ceremonies at the Royal Court in London in the 1930s. On the way back to Belgrade we visit the famous Petrovaradin fortress, which commands an impressive view of Novi Sad. We finish the day with a traditional dinner at a local farm accompanied by live music.

Day 5 - Departure

Check-out after breakfast. Free time in Belgrade for shopping and lunch on your own. Transfer to Belgrade Airport in the afternoon. Return home. Hotel choices: Belgrade, Novi Sad ( Can be easily combined with Slavonian Echoes of Tradition tour)

• Belgrade Port Photo National Tourism Organisation of Serbia L a s t a T r a v e l • T R AV E L S O U T H W I T H T H E S WA L L O W S • G r o u p T r a v e l s •

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Lasta Travel • GROUP TRAVEL 14 • 8 days

THE LITTLE KINGDOM OF MONTENEGRO

Let us and our Montenegrin friends guide you on a journey through the Montenegrin history, culture and nature. Let the country’s magnificent nature insipire you! Experience the green mountains rising behind the beautiful coastline and enjoy the turquoise shimmering water of the Adriatic. We are going to show you around the best of Montenegro!

Day 1 - Dubrovnik – Bijela

We land at Dubrovnik Airport and proceed to Dubrovnik, the most famous Croatian city, one of the best preserved walled cities in the world (UNESCO WHL). A guided tour of the old city. Lunch and free time. We head to Delfin Hotel in Bijela for check-in and welcome drink. The rest of the day is free for rest and relaxation at the hotel beach with the amenities. Dinner at the hotel.

• Biljarda - Museum of Petar II Petrović Njegoš in Cetinje Photo photo-montenegro.com

Day 2 - Lake Skadar National Park

Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Lake Skadar, located on the border between Montenegro and Albania. Its Montenegrin part has been a national park since 1983. This part of the country is considered to be ‘the heart and soul of Montenegro’. There we will enjoy in the pristine beauty of the lake and its surroundings, and learn about its rich and colourful history. During the lunch we will taste some of the best organic foods and authentic wines of Montenegro. Free time to explore and admire the place on our own. Return and dinner at the hotel.

• The Njegoš Mausoleum at Lovćen Photo photo-montenegro.com

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Day 3 - Montenegro highland

After breakfast at the hotel, we leave towards Cetinje, the royal capital of Montenegro. This town with immense heritage is considered a cradle of Montenegro’s culture and statehood. A guided tour of Cetinje where we learn about its eventful history. Free time. We go to Njeguši for lunch, where we taste the famous Montenegrin prosciutto. Return to Bijela in the afternoon and dinner at the hotel.

Day 4 - Free time

A day for sinking into relaxation on the beach, enjoying in the sun and beautiful sea. We recommend using some of the hotel’s many amenities, especially the spa and sauna,

• Skadar Lake Photo photo-montenegro.com

various points in time, Herceg Novi was ruled by the Bosnian Kingdom, Duke of Herzegovina, the Ottoman Empire, France, Venetia, Russia, Spain, Austrio-Hungary, Italy and Montenegro. On the way from Herzeg Novi to Trebinje, a neigbouring town in Bosnia and Herzegovina, we stop for a traditional Herzegovinian lunch. In Trebinje we have an interesting guided tour and spend some free time. Wine tasting in one of thirty wineries in the town. We conclude this exciting day with dinner by the beautiful Trebišnjica river. Return to Bijela later in the evening.

Day 8 - Departure

The final day is reserved for packing and the moments of relaxation before our transfer to the airport. Departure. Stay at: Hotel Delfin Bijela**** Montenegro UNESCO WHL: Region of Kotor, Dubrovnik Old City. • Skadar Lake Photo photo-montenegro.com

as well as some water-fun activities. Dinner and music/ entertainment at the hotel.

• Kotor Photo photo-montenegro.com

Day 5 - Budva and Kotor

After breakfast at the hotel, we go to visit two of Montenegro’s best known cities – Budva and Kotor. Our first stop, Budva, is one of the oldest settlements on the Montenegrin coast, populated since the Roman era. After a guided tour and lunch, we have free time to explore the city. Afterwards we move on to Kotor, whose old city (UNESCO WHL) is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe. There we have a guided tour of the city, and free time afterwards. We meet up and return to Bijela. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 6 - Boat excursion

We go by boat around the Bay of Kotor. We visit Perast and a small island of Gospa od Škrpjela where we learn about a legend associated with the island and the church. We end the half-day visit with a lunch typical of this part of Montnegro and spend the afternoon in Bijela.

Day 7 - Neighbouring towns

After breakfast at the hotel, we have a guided tour of Herceg Novi, a nearby town with diverse and turbulent history. At L a s t a T r a v e l • T R AV E L S O U T H W I T H T H E S WA L L O W S • G r o u p T r a v e l s •

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PARTNERS

mff.ba

MEDITERRANEANFILMFESTIVAL

Hotel Bristol Mostar

Mostarskog bataljona bb, Mostar Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bristol is a centrally sited hotel, standing next to Tito’s Bridge. It is only a 10-15 minute walk to all major sites and buildings in town: the Old Bridge and the Old City, the railway and bus station, shopping malls, banks, post office. It has 2 restaurants offering local and international cuisine and a coffee shop serving freshly made cakes. The Hotel boasts a spacious terrace with a spectacular view of the Neretva. It provides the ideal accommodation both for business people and tourists. It is convenient for organizing seminars and presentations, cultural events, wedding ceremonies, etc. Airport shuttles can be arranged to the Airport of Mostar, which is just 8 km away.

FACTS City Centre Bar, restaurant Currency exchange Meeting/banquet facilities Languages spoken

+ 387 36 500 100

+387 36 500 502

info@bristol.ba

Hotel Brotnjo Čitluk

0m Yes Yes Yes Ita. Eng., Ger.,

AC Elevator Wi-Fi Safety box Parking

Yes Yes Free Yes Free

www.bristol.ba

Kralja Tomislava 2, Čitluk Bosnia and Herzegovina

Hotel Brotnjo is situated in ČItluk, only 3 km from the big Marian Shrine of Međugorje and 20 km from Mostar, the city of the UNESCO-protected Old Bridge. The Hotel has a restaurant, pizzeria, banquet hall, two congress halls, Herzegovina tavern, two garden terraces, cafe bar, spa and wellness, an indoor pool, soccer field built by UEFA standards, parking space and other facilities. Each room is superbly furnished, with A/C, mini bar, telephone, LCD , free Wi-Fi available. The swimming pool and fitness centre are free of charge to all hotel guests. The hotel is fully air-conditioned.

FACTS Town Centre Bar, restaurant Currency exchange, Meeting/banquet facilities Languages spoken

0m Yes Yes Yes Italian, English, German

+ 387 36 640 036

AC Elevator Wi-Fi Safety box

Yes Yes Free Yes

Parking

Free

+ 387 36 640 038

info@hotelbrotnjo.com

www.hotelbrotnjo.com

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Grand Hotel Neum

Zagrebačka 2, Neum Bosnia and Herzegovina

Renovated in 2013, Grand Hotel Neum is the largest hotel on the Neum Riviera. All rooms overlook the sea and free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the property. All rooms are airconditioned and offer an LCD satellite TV and a minibar. Each room has a private bathroom equipped with a hairdryer. The hotel has a conference hall and cinema hall. Its wellness and spa centre includes whirlpools, infrared saunas, Turkish baths, sun beds and a fitness centre. A wide range of massage and beauty treatments are available, as well as a children’s pool. The Hotel is sited about 1 km from the centre of Neum, some 40 km from Međugorje and 60 km from Dubrovnik. FACTS Town Centre Bar, restaurant Currency exchange, Meeting/banquet facilities, Languages spoken

+ 387 36 880 222

+ 387 36 880 077

prodaja@hotel-neum.com

Boutique Hotel Marco Polo

1 km Yes Yes Yes Italian, English, German, Russian, Polish

AC Elevator Wi-Fi Safety box

Yes Yes Free Yes

Parking

Free

www.hotel-neum.com

Obala 15, Gradac Croatia

Marco Polo is a boutique-style, family-run hotel situated on the sea front, in the very centre of a picturesque town of Gradac on the Makarska Riviera. The hotel has 25 luxuriously equipped rooms, some of them with balcony, sea side view. The Hotel won the Adrian 2009 prize as the Best Small Hotel in Croatia and was also awarded the Best Boutique Hotel 2008 prize in Croatia. The Hotel’s à la carte restaurant Nicolo Polo offers Dalmatian cuisine. During peak season the hotel organizes theme nights with live music performances, gala dinners and tapas nights. The Hotel’s relax centre features a big gym, sauna, hot tub, a relaxation room, 2 sun terraces with a great view and an outdoor swimming pool. FACTS Town Centre Bar, restaurant Currency exchange, Meeting/banquet facilities Languages spoken

0m Yes Yes Yes Swedish, English, German

+ 385 21 695 060

AC Elevator Wi-Fi Safety box

Yes Yes Free Yes

Parking

Free

+ 385 21 697 502

info@marco-polo.com

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www.hotel-marcopolo.com

Hotel Medora Auri Pavilions

Branimirova Obala 117, Podgora, Croatia

Completely renovated in 2015, the Pavilions of Hotel Medora Auri are nestled at the foot of the Biokovo Mountain, enjoying a beachfront location and overlooking the Adriatic Sea. The rooms are elegantly decorated, with a furnished balcony. Rich buffet style meals are available in the hotel restaurant. Guests can enjoy a refreshing drink on the terrace or on the pebble beach, located right at the hotel’s doorstep. Wellness & fitness with indoor pool, solarium and various beauty treatments are available in the main building. There is a variety of sport activities to enjoy in the immediate area surrounding the Medora Auri, such as outdoor tennis, Jet Ski, parasailing, banana ride or diving. The hospitality desk offering a full range of excursions to nearby tourist attractions is at guests’ disposal as well. FACTS Town Centre Bar, restaurant Currency exchange, Meeting/banquet facilities, Languages spoken

+385 21 601 745

+385 21 625 311

info@medorahotels.com

Hotel Snješko Jahorina

500 m Yes English

AC Elevator Wi-Fi Safety box Parking

Yes Free Yes Free

www.medorahotels.com

Jahorina bb, Pale Bosnia and Herzegovina

Located in the village of Poljice, in the heart of the Jahorina Mountain, Hotel Snješko boasts airy and light rooms, equipped with wooden furniture, warm duvets, a TV and free Wi-Fi. Each room has a private bathroom. An extensive breakfast buffet is served in the modern dining room with a fireplace. The breakfast and dinner buffets at Snješko include various local and international dishes. The Hotel has a 24-hour reception and friendly staff who can arrange babysitting and organize transport to the bus station and Sarajevo Airport, 30 km away.

FACTS Town Centre Bar, restaurant Currency exchange, Meeting/banquet facilities Languages spoken

Yes Yes English

+387 63 718 648

AC Elevator Wi-Fi Safety box Parking

Yes Free

+387 57 270 011

info@hotelsnjesko.ba

www.hotelsnjesko.ba

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Hotel Mepas Mostar

Kneza Višeslava b.b. Mostar Bosnia and Herzegovina

Hotel Mepas is sited in the central part of Mostar. Each room in the Hotel has a TV, air conditioning and a minibar. Extras in all rooms include a seating area, satellite channels and payper-view channels. Free Wi-Fi access is available. Featuring both a shower and a bathtub, the bathrooms come with a hairdryer and bathrobes. Hotel Mepas has a restaurant and a fitness centre. Other facilities include a congress centre, a tour desk and luggage storage. The hotel also offers free access to an indoor pool, a spa and wellness centre. Free parking is provided to all guests of the hotel. Hotel Mepas is located 1.5 km from the Old Bridge of Mostar and the Old Bazaar - Kujundžiluk. FACTS Town Centre Bar, restaurant Currency exchange Meeting/banquet facilities Languages spoken

+387 36 382 000

+387 36 382 010

info@mepas-hotel.ba

Hotel Osejava Makarska

1 km Yes Yes Yes Italian, English, German

AC Elevator Wi-Fi Safety box

Yes Yes Free Yes

Parking

Free

www.mepas-hotel.ba

Šetalište Fra. Jure Radića b.b. Makarska, Croatia

This modern, luxurious hotel, located right on the shore, boasts a fantastic view of the sea and town. The Hotel facilities include a couple of salons, two restaurants and a cafe, a sun terrace and outdoor swimming pool. The Hotel boasts modern, luxuriously furnished double rooms with swimming pool view. It also has luxurious seaview rooms with French windows. All rooms have a parquet floor, telephone, satellite TV, Wi-Fi internet, minibar and safe. Bathrooms have a shower /bath tub, toilette, hair drier. The Plateaus and a small pebble beach have deck chairs, sun loungers and beach umbrellas for rent. The swimming pool has chairs and umbrellas included in the price. The Hotel consists of 4 floors, 49 rooms, wellness centre, sauna, beauty salon, mini club for children, little conference hall, etc. FACTS Town Centre Bar, restaurant Currency exchange Meeting/banquet facilities Languages spoken

+ 385 21 604 300

1 km Yes Yes Yes Italian, English, German

AC Elevator Wi-Fi Safety box

Yes Yes Free Yes

Parking

Free

+ 385 21 604 301

info@osejava.com

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www.osejava.com

Hotel Villa Milas Mostar

Franjevačka 3, Mostar Bosnia and Herzegovina

Villa Milas is sited across from the Franciscan Monastery and Church of Saint Peter and Paul, 200 m from the Old City and a 5 minute walk to the famous Old Bridge. The rooms are urban and comfortable and create home atmosphere with their high quality furniture, lightness and clarity. Each room has a modern, spacious and completely equipped bathroom. The hotel is suitable both for business people and tourists. The hotel has a restaurant in the basement with a nice selection of wines.

FACTS Town Centre Bar, restaurant Currency exchange Meeting/banquet facilities Languages spoken

+387 36 316 381

+387 36 316 385

info@villa-milas.com

Wine Hotel Cesarica Međugorje

200 m Yes Yes Yes Italian, English, German, French

AC Elevator Wi-Fi Safety box

Yes Yes Free Yes

Parking

Free

www.villa-milas.com

Krcine bb, Međugorje Bosnia and Herzegovina

Wine Hotel Cesarica is located in a peaceful surrounding in Međugorje, just 200 meters from the St. James’s Church. The rooms are air-conditioned, with Wi-Fi. The restaurant of the Hotel, with capacity of 120 seats, offers a wide selection of local and international dishes. Guests can also enjoy the exceptional taste of wine from the family wine cellar, marked with centuries long tradition. The front desk, open 24 hours a day, can help to arrange guided tours of the nearby vineyards or other towns. The Apparition Hill is 1.5 km from the hotel. The hotel features a small prayer room too.

FACTS Town Centre Bar, restaurant Currency exchange Meeting/banquet facilities Languages spoken

200 m Yes Yes Yes Italian, English, German

+387 63 434 399

AC Elevator Wi-Fi Safety box

Yes Yes Free Yes

Parking

Free

+387 36 651 792

hotel.cesarica@gmail.com

www.hotel-cesarica.com

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Motel Aćimović Trebinje

Rastoci bb, Trebinje Bosnia and Herzegovina

Located in a quiet part of the town, by the Trebišnjica river, within walking distance of Trebinje’s old town, Motel Aćimović has 26 rooms, a café bar and cake shop, a spacious terrace with quiet and pleasant ambiance. 20 parking places are available in the underground garage of the Hotel. The rooms are comfortable and tastefully furnished, with Internet access, AC, mini bar, sat TV. Breakfast is served every morning and included in the room rate. The UNESCO-protected Old City of Dubrovnik is within a 28-km radius.

FACTS Town Centre Bar, restaurant Currency exchange Meeting/banquet facilities Languages spoken

+ 387 65 520 297

+ 387 59 260 555

acimovicmotel@yahoo.com

Motel Konak Mosko

800 m Yes Yes English

AC Elevator Wi-Fi Safety box Parking

www.hotelacimovic.com

Mosko bb, Trebinje Bosnia and Herzegovina

Located in the village of Mosko, on the way to Dubrovnik, Motel Konak Mosko offers air-conditioned accommodation with free Wi-Fi and cable TV. The motel has a bar and an à la carte restaurant. The rooms are clean and comfortable The private bathroom comes with a shower and hairdryer. Free private parking is available on site. Motel Konak Mosko is 10 km from the Old Town of Trebinje and the Herzegovina Museum. The property’s stone house is decorated in the authentic Herzegovina style used as a restaurant that serves traditional specialties.

FACTS Town Centre Bar, restaurant Currency exchange Meeting/banquet facilities Languages spoken

+ 387 59 481-288

10 km Yes Yes Yes English

AC Elevator Wi-Fi Safety box Parking

Yes Yes Free Yes Free

+ 387 59 260 555

acimovicmotel@yahoo.com

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www.hotelacimovic.com

Yes Yes Free Yes Free

Hotel City Mostar

Vukovarska bb, Mostar Bosnia and Herzegovina

Located in the residential area of Mostar, Hotel City offers modernly furnished rooms that overlook the town. All rooms are air-conditioned and feature a flat-screen TV, a minibar and safe. Private bathrooms are equipped with a shower and hairdryer. Free Wi-Fi and free garage parking are available. There is a restaurant in the same building, with shops, bars and renta-car service. The historic sites such as the UNESCO-protected Old Bridge and the Old City are 5 minutes by car from the Hotel. Mostar Airport is 10 km away and shuttle service can be organized. FACTS Town Centre Bar, restaurant Currency exchange Meeting/banquet facilities Languages spoken

+ 387 36 349 090

+ 387 36 349 091

info@city-hotel.ba

Hotel Bosnia Sarajevo

3 km Yes Yes Yes English, Spanish, Italian, German, Slovenian, Slovak

AC Elevator Wi-Fi Safety box

Yes Yes Free Yes

Parking

Free

www.city-hotel.ba

Kulovica 9, Sarajevo Bosnia and Herzegovina

Hotel Bosnia is located in the centre of Sarajevo, just 50 meters from the Eternal Flame Monument. The rooms are elegantly furnished, AC, with free Wi-Fi, free parking and LCD cable TV, including a private bathroom equipped with a hairdryer. The restaurant has a terrace and serves various international specialties. A minibar is provided in all rooms, but you can relax with a drink at the hotel bar as well. The lively Baščaršija historic district is 800 meters from Hotel Bosnia. The city’s Main Bus and Train Station are 2 km away.Sarajevo Airport and the Tunnel of Hope are within a 12 km radius from the hotel. The ski areas on the mountains of Igman, Bjelašnica and Jahorina can all be reached within 35 km. FACTS Town Centre Bar, restaurant Currency exchange Meeting/banquet facilities Languages spoken

800 m Yes Yes Yes English, Spanish, German, Hungarian

+387 33 567 010

AC Elevator Wi-Fi Safety box

Yes Yes Free Yes

Parking

Free

+387 33 444-572

info@bosniahotels.com

www.bosniahotels.com

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Hotel Gadja Baška Voda

Stjepana Radića 13, Baška Voda, Croatia

Hotel Gadja is only 180 meters away from the beautiful pebble beaches and the crystal clear sea. It is an ideal place for anybody who wants to enjoy in peaceful surroundings of beautiful Dalmatia. Hotel Gadja consists of 48 rooms and 2 apartments nicely set among pine trees. The amenities and services offered at this Baska Voda accommodation include 24hr room service, elevator, restaurant, hotel/airport transfer, tours, business center, pets allowed. For a more enjoyable stay, guests can take advantage of a variety of recreational facilities, including water sports.

FACTS Town Centre Bar, restaurant Currency exchange, Meeting/banquet facilities, Languages spoken

+385 21 695 690

+385 21 695 691

hotel.gadja@st.htnet.hr

500 m Yes English

AC Elevator Wi-Fi Safety box Parking

Yes Yes Free Yes Free

www.hotelgadja.com

Putujte uvijek prvom klasom! Always take the first class!

www.gumax.ba

Mex Cantina Bonafide

Čubranovićeva 8, Dubrovnik, Croatia

DUBROVNIK

Mex Cantina Bona Fide is a restaurant in the heart of Dubrovnik, 4th street to the right from Stradun. At Mex Cantina you can choose from a variety of Italian and Mexican dishes including pizza, pasta, risotto, tortillas, nachos, burritos, enchiladas...

Cuisine: Capacity: Opening Hours: +385 95 885 27 92

+385 91 569 80 83

nikolakastelan@yahoo.com

Restaurant Fellini

Mexican & Italian 100 seats terrace 09.00 – 24.00

www.restaurantsdubrovnik.com

Branilaca Sarajeva 5, Sarajevo Bosnia and Herzegovina

SARAJEVO

Restaurant Fellini has been located in the heart of Sarajevo since 1934. At the location right in the city centre, this restaurant serves exquisite Italian dishes with a great selection of local and international wines. It has a nice outdoor terrace that is a perfect spot for dining during summer months.

Cuisine: Capacity: Opening Hours:

Italian, International 80 seats inside + 50 seats terrace Monday – Saturday: 08.00 – 23.00 / Sunday closed

+387 33 210 494

visnjiczaim@yahoo.com

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http://www.restoranfellini.ba

Restaurant Labirint

Kujundžiluk bb, Mostar Bosnia and Herzegovina

MOSTAR

If you are looking for a breathtaking view of the Old Bridge and the surrounding scenery, look no further. Sited in the heart of the Old City, with its terrace overlooking the lovely Neretva river and the Old Bridge, Labirint restaurant serves a good variety of local dishes. The inner part of the restaurant is divided into two floors and decorated in oriental style. The atmosphere is pleasant and the service is good.

Cuisine: Capacity: Opening Hours: +387 36 550 129

+387 36 500 502

labirint@bristol.ba

Pizzeria Mirkec

Oriental and International 85 seats inside + 140 seats terrace 09.00 – 23.00

www.bristol.ba/labirint.html

Budislavićeva 15, Trogir, Croatia

TROGIR

For some it is the best restaurant on the harbor front of Trogir that offers tasty food, friendly service and pleasant atmosphere. The location is excellent, but the food is the reason to come. The meals typically offered include pizza, pasta, risotto and other delicacies prepared from fresh locally grown ingredients and the fruits of the Adriatic.

Mediterranean, Italian, International 54 seats inside + 30 seats Capacity: terrace + 90 seats on the seafront Opening Hours: 10.00 – 24.00 Cuisine:

+385 91 537 16 00

+385 21 883 042

info@pizzeria-mirkec.hr

www.pizzeria-mirkec.hr

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Wine Restaurant Romanca

Konjusi bb, Mostar Bosnia and Herzegovina

Mostar

Romanca restaurant and wine bar are located ten minutes by car from Mostar, surrounded by vineyards, olives and orchards. It is a place to promote, taste and enjoy the wines of Čitluk Winery. The restaurant offers a great variety of top-rate traditional Herzegovinian specialties and international dishes made of locally grown food. With prior notice, the restaurant offers complete service for group lunches, group wine tasting, and various celebrations.

Cuisine: Capacity: Opening Hours: +387 63 327 193

+387 36 350 331

romanca@hercegovinavino.ba

Restaurant Stara Hercegovina

Oriental and International 250 seats inside + 180 seats terrace 09.00 – 23.00 www.hercegovinavino.com

Tuli, Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina

TREBINJE

Located on the way to Herceg Novi, around five kilometers from Trebinje, Stara Hercegovina Restaurant stands to remind of the old-time (stara) Hercegovina. The white-stone building is typical of this area. Many old utensils and tools can be seen inside the building and a huge tree in the middle of the room. The restaurant was built around it, offering traditional Herzegovinan dishes including steaks and specialties such as roasted veal under baking lid and delightful bread.

Cuisine: Capacity: Opening Hours:

Mediterranean/Herzegovinian 50 seats inside + 120 seats outside 09.00 – 23.00

+ 387 65 669 707

+387 65 778 584

restoranstarahercegovina@ yahoo.com

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www.starahercegovina.com

Studenac Tavern

Milentija Perovića, Trebinje Bosnia and Herzegovina

TREBINJE

Studenac is best known for its excellent location on the Trebišnjica, ten minutes by car from the centre of Trebinje. They also have a small hotel with 25 beds available. The tavern is made in the original Herzegovinian style and it is suitable for all kinds of gatherings (birthdays, business lunches, etc ...). The tavern’s cuisine is based exclusively on local products, the traditional Herzegovinian dishes, fish specialties and food from the grill.

Cuisine: Capacity: Opening Hours: +387 59 482 627

+387 59 281 581

motelstudenac@gmail.com

Restaurant Udovice

Mediterranean/ Herzegovinian 50 seats inside + 120 seats outside 09.00 – 23.00

www.motelstudenac.com

Sretnice bb, Kruševo Bosnia and Herzegovina

SRETNICE – KRUŠEVO

Udovice (Eng. widows) stands out for its gastronomic offer and home cooking. Located about 10 km from Mostar, the restaurant has a long tradition that started in 1950s, when two widows, with no means to support themselves, came up with an idea to prepare food for field laborers. Since then, the traditional Herzegovinian dishes have been prepared in this house. Udovice is best known for its mouth-watering roasted lamb with potatoes, including local cheese and corn and whole wheat bread. There is a wine cellar too. The Restaurant has 120 seats, parking and playground for children.

Cuisine: Capacity: Opening Hours:

Mediterranean / Herzegovinian 120 seats inside + 100 seats terrace 09.00 – 23.00

+ 387 36 486 389

+387 36 486 103

restoran@udovice.ba

www.udovice.ba

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Panorama Tavern

Topići 23, Baška Voda, Croatia

TOPIĆI

Commanding an amazing view of the coastline and Makarska Riviera, Panorama Tavern offers the best selection of traditional Dalmatian meals and seafood. The friendly staff of the Tavern and sounds of traditional music will make the best atmosphere which guests will remember forever.

Cuisine: Capacity: Opening Hours: +385 98 770 848

—

• Selling fish at Makarska riva Photo Mikaela Olsson Säfvenberg

branko.stanicic3@st.t-com.hr

—

Mediterranean 70 seats inside + 120 seats terrace 11.00 – 23.00

AG Winery, Međugorje

Put za Križevac bb, Međugorje Bosnia and Herzegovina

Winemaker: Grgo Vasilj

This family-owned wine cellar was founded 150 years ago. With the same amount of love that is put in land cultivation, the fermentation of the young must is always carefully observed, barrels thoroughly arranged, the right temperature set up… The process is quite unique – choosing the best from the land, and producing the best quality in the barrels! The vineyard area is 20 000 m2 and the tasting room seating capacity is 50 seats.

Wines: Žilavka, Blatina, Blatina Barrique, Rose, along with a rich selection of brandies (grape, honey, walnut, herb - flavoured brandy). Vineyard area: 20 000m2 Tasting room capacity: 35 seats Accomodation: Wine Hotel Cesarica- 42 rooms/100 beds +387 36 651 210

—

avasilj@gmail.com

Wine Cellar Andrija, Paoča

www.ag-travel.org

Paoča, Čitluk Bosnia and Herzegovina

Winemaker: Miroslav Ćorić

The Ćorić family, who run this winery, have a 350 year long tradition in producing high quality wines. The vineyards in Paoča, where the winery is located, are a perfect home for two of the Herzegovina’s famous wine sorts, Žilavka (white) and Blatina (red). It is here that these sorts have found ideal conditions for thriving: lots of sun, quality soil as well as hands of dedicated people who work these vineyards.

Wines Andrija: High quality wines - Žilavka, Blatina, Žilavka Barique, Rose Barique, Blatina Barique Quality wines - Žilavka, Blatina, Rose Other products: wine liqueur Andrija, grapevine brandy Andrija Vineyard area: 800 000m2 Tasting room capacity: 60 seats Accommodation: …rooms or apartments/ 20 beds +387 63 332 162

+387 36 644 102

podrumiandrija95@gmail.com

www.podrumiandrija.com

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REKLAMA VJETRENICA

VJETRENICA IS A KARST CAVE ON THE WESTERN EDGE OF POPOVO POLJE AND BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA’S LARGEST UNDERGROUND CAVE SYSTEM www.vjetrenica.ba

Anđelić Winery

Gorica bb, Trebinje Bosnia and Herzegovina

Winemaker: Dragan Anđelić On the most southern part of the Herzegovina wine road, on the shores of Europe’s largest underground river Trebišnjica. The Anđelić family wine cellar is located at the southern most point of the Herzegovina wine road. For more than a century, the Anđelić family has been engaged in viticulture and grape processing. Their great-grandfathers made wines and brandies of recognizable quality. The family produces around 150 000 liters annualy.

Wines: Žilavka, Vranac, Lira, Žirado, Tribun, Mičevac barrique. Vineyard area: 350 000 m² Tasting room capacity: 60 seats Accomodation: Motel Anđelić 50 beds +387 65 940 055

+387 65 881 343

office@podrum-andjelic.com

Zadro Winery

www.podrum-andjelic.com

Domanovići bb, Domanovići Bosnia and Herzegovina

Winemaker: Ivan Zadro

Zadro wine cellar was completely renovated in 1997, and the winery was built at the same time. It features high-end wine producing equipment. The winery produces high quality Žilavka sparkling wines, the first sparkling wine in BiH. Zadro cellar also has the biggest wooden barrel in BiH with a capacity of 16230 l. The Cellar can seat up to 85 guests.

Wines: High quality wines- Žilavka, Blatina, Blatina barrique, Cabernet sauvignon, Cabernet barrique, Vranac & Rose – 0,75l. Quality wines - Doman & Dubravka, Sparkling wine Domano. Other products: Herb-favored brandy & Grapevine brandy. Vineyard area: 1 200 000 m2 Tasting room capacity: 85 inside + 85 outside + 387 36 822 301

+ 387 36 822 303

info@vinazadro.com

www.vinazadro.com

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Trade Coco

Međugorje bb, Čitluk Bosnia and Herzegovina

MEĐUGORJE

Although founded in 1994, the company has been in the passenger transport business since 2009. Trade Coco now has five buses and two van. The team of top qualified and licensed drivers are the basis of the company’s quality and growth.

BUSINESS ACTIVITIES Passenger transport Rentacar +387 36 651 677

+387 63 320 677

nikola.karacic@tel.net.ba

Walk With Me

www.cocotours.ba

Vožda Karađorđa 9, Trebinje Bosnia and Herzegovina

TREBINJE

Walk with Me offers modest, honest and direct contact with nature. The trips are tailor made for any parties interested in a dayhike or more. Walk with Me caters to novices and pros alike, with easy to rugged tours to choose from. Walk with Me hikes usually focus on the Bijela Gora hiking area which leads past the impressive hilltop fortifications of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy that guarded almost the entire road infrastructure in Bosnia and Herzegovina. WwM outdoor centre is the perfect nature getaway and the base for meals or overnighting under the stars.

BUSINESS ACTIVITIES Hikes Tours Camping +387 65 645 224

+387 66 158 756

sindakunic@yahoo.com

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www.walkwithme.ba

Agrotourism Marića Gaj

Marića strana 289, Ružići-Grude, Bosnia & Hercegovina

GRUDE

Set in a traditional house in Ružići, 30 km from Međugorje, this restored stone home offers the quality village accommodation. All accommodation units are AC, have an LCD TV, a kitchenette and a private bathroom.The property has a restaurant, an outdoor pool, sauna, volleyball court and provides free Wi-Fi and parking. The award-winning on-site restaurant serves local and international specialties made from fresh locally grown food. This family owned establishment has a wine cellar and an olive grove and offers walking, horse riding and mountain biking.

FACTS Town Centre Restaurant Bar Shop Swimming pool

+387 39 674 079

+387 63 437 099

Hercegovina Lodges

info@agroturizam-herce govina.com

Yes Yes Yes

AC Elevator Wi-Fi Safety box Parking

Yes Free Yes Free

www.agroturizam-herce govina.com

Boračko jezero bb, Konjic, Bosnia and Herzegovina

BORAČKO LAKE

Located in Jezero, near Boračko Lake, 47 km from Sarajevo, Herzegovina Lodges is a great place to enjoy in peace, nature and food. Herzegovina Lodges offers accommodation of a different style. Each unit has a private bathroom. There is a kitchen in some of the units, equipped with a dishwasher, oven, and refrigerator. Herzegovina Lodges has a beautiful terrace where guests can enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant. A range of activities can be pursued in the area, such as fishing and canoeing. The area is popular for snorkeling and cycling too. This property provides water sports facilities, there is a possibility to play table tennis, with bike hire and car hire available. Mostar is 29 km away from Herzegovina Lodges. The nearest airport is Mostar International Airport. FACTS Town Centre Restaurant Bar Shop Swimming pool

Yes Yes -

+387 36 288 236

AC Elevator Wi-Fi Safety box Parking

Yes Free Free

+387 62 254 464

elgo@herzegovina-lodges.com

www.herzegovina-lodges.com

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M/B Marin

Bratuš 30, Baška Voda, Croatia

BAŠKA VODA

Motor boat “Marin “ will take you on an unforgettable trip to Povlja, a lovely little place on the north-east side of the island of Brač. The boat can accommodate up to 50 passengers. Wine and fresh fish are served in one of the most beautiful bays on the island of Brač!

BUSINESS ACTIVITIES Excursions Local cuisine +385 21 621 394

+385 98 979 55 74

info@apartmani-marin.com

Hotel Villa Neretva

www.apartmani-marin.com

Splitska 14, Krvavac II Metković, Croatia

METKOVIĆ

Located in Opuzen, only 30 meters from the Neretva river, Hotel Villa Neretva offers accommodation and fine dining. The rooms are comfortable and equipped with TV and free Wi-Fi. The hotel’s restaurant has been on the list of top 100 Croatian restaurants and top 20 Dalmatian restaurants for years. It serves international meals, national cuisine and local specialties, including eel and frog specialties. Villa Neretva has a bar, restaurant and free garage parking. The Hotel can organise photo safaris along the river, as well as various kayak events and tangerine picking activities. The whole area is famous for its tangerine orchards.

FACTS Town Centre Restaurant Bar Shop Swimming pool

+385 20 672 200

Yes Yes -

AC Elevator Wi-Fi Safety box Parking

Yes Free Free

+385 20 672 201

info@hotel-villa-neretva.com

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www. hotel-villa-neretva.com

Mostar Youth Theatre

Trg Republike 1, Mostar Bosnia and Herzegovina

Mostar

Mostar Youth Theatre is one of the leading youth arts organisations in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was founded in 1974 as the first youth theatre in Mostar. Since then, they have been educating young people and nurturing their passion for theatre. Mostar Youth Theatre will take you on a journey through time with all your senses. You will be passing over a dangerous suspension bridge over the Neretva river, dancing traditional Kolo, tasting and smelling history…

+387 36 551 124

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mteatarm@bih.net.ba

Vjetrenica Cave

mostartm.weebly.com

Trg don Ivana Musića 1, Ravno Bosnia and Herzegovina

RAVNO

Vjetrenica is a karst cave on the western edge of Popovo Polje and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s largest underground cave system. The name Vjetrenica means ‘wind cave’ because of the cool air blowing out from its entrance, making it an ideal place to cool off in the summer heat. There are several lakes inside it. The largest is Veliko Jezero, over 180 m long. Some of the cave’s chamber rooms are large, while some tunnels are barely passable. There are over 100 different species, 92 being troglobites or life forms which live in the caves eco systems and have adapted to life without light. The cave system, which is now under nomination for UNESCO listing, features ancient cave drawings of bears and leopards estimated to be over 10,000 years old. Since 1952, the cave is a protected natural monument; since 1965 it is in the category of special geological reserves. Total channel lenght: 7.014meters. Total tour paths: 1,800m The basic direction of the cave channels: south-southeast (towards the sea). Wind power during the summer days: 15 meters per second. +387 36 891 034

+387 36 891 034

Average annual temperature: 11,6°C. Arranged for tourism purposes: before 1940. Extensively arranged and electrified: 1964 in a length of 1050 m, including a pedestrian path with a grand total of 1800 m. info@vjetrenica.ba

www.vjetrenica.ba

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Guma X, Car rental

Bišće Polje bb, Mostar Bosnia and Herzegovina

MOSTAR

GUMA X is a part of GUMA M Ltd., a reputable commercial service company, the leader in the country’s domestic market in car and tire sale and car maintenance. GUMA X provides professional car hire services.

BUSINESS ACTIVITIES Rent-a-car +387 36 337 275

+387 63 391 222

mostar@gumax.ba

Zanat

www.gumax.ba

Varda 2, Konjic Bosnia and Herzegovina

Showroom & History Museum Craftsmanship is the essence of our company’s identity. Our very name, Zanat, is Bosnian for “craft”, and the artistry and skill that it implies is also vital for fulfilling our mission of Universal Sustainability. There are many reasons why we still sketch new designs directly on wood surfaces, manually chiseling and cutting the grain to bring the drawings to life, but we would be lying if we didn’t include the sheer fun of woodcarving, and a certain emotional attachment to the hand-carving techniques used by four generations of our family on the list as well. The number of textures, patterns and aesthetic styles that can be created by using these techniques is infinite, limited only by the imagination of the artist-creator.

+387 36 727 299

+387 36 725 753

info@zanat.org

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www.zanat.org

Tourist organization of Trebinje TOURIST ORGANIZATION OF TREBINJE • 89101 TREBINJE• Preobraženska St. bb • Republic of Srpska • BiH Tel.: ++387 (0) 59 273 120 • Tel./fax: ++387 (0) 59 273 122 • e-mail: tourist_trebinje@yahoo.com• www.trebinjeturizam.com

www.lasta.ba (photo Ivan Kelava)

Notice

This magazine is made possible by the support of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The contents of this magazine are the sole responsibility of the publisher and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Publisher: Lasta Travel doo Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina Editor: Zlatko Papac, Design: SMART/ Raguž & Barbarić design doo Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Creative Director: Miro Raguž, Art Director: Stjepan Barbarić, Scriptwriters: Nina Sivrić, Barbara Rozić, Ana Lovrić, Saša Rosić-Milinković, Ahmed Burić. The photographs provided by courtesy of: Croatian National Tourist Board, Tourist Board of Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, National Tourism Organisation of Serbia, Tourist Organisation of Belgrade, Tourist Organisation of Istočno Sarajevo, Tourist Organisation of Trebinje, Tourist Organization of Banja Luka, Jajce Tourist Board, Kreševo Tourist Board, SMART Mostar, Translator: Ženja Kasumović Papac, Print: Fram-Ziral doo Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, For Print: Mario Bracić Mostar (BIH) December 2015/January 2016. Number of copies: 2000

Mostar Airport Ltd. • Ortijes bb, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina Tel/Fax: +387 36 350 212 • Tel/Fax: +387 36 350 992 E-mail: info@mostar-airport.ba • www.mostar-airport.ba

LASTA TRAVEL doo Mostar, Bosna and Herzegovina • address: BA-88000 Mostar, Kralja Petra Krešimira IV 1 • phone: (+387 36) 332 011 • fax: (+387 36) 332 013 • www.lasta.ba • e-mail: travel@lasta.ba • bank account: 1995320051 896503 (Sparkasse Bank dd BiH), iban: BA391995320051896503 (swift/bic: ABSBBA22) • vat nr: 227695020006