Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Overview
Bosnia and Herzegovina is the country in the shape of heart that is in the heart of southeastern Europe. And where that eastern and western civilizations met, sometimes clashed, but more often enriched and reinforced each other through the long and fascinating history. Bosnia-Herzegovina is a long name for a country that measures just over 50,000 km2. Bosnia covers the north and center of the village. Its name probably derives from ‘Bosana’, an old Indo-European word meaning water, which Bosnia has of abundance. The southern region of ancient Hum, ruled by Herceg Stjepan (Duke Stjepan), was later named Herzegovina after the region was conquered by the Ottoman invaders. Perhaps what is most important for the visitor to know today, though, is that Bosnia and Herzegovina is a beautiful country with a wide variety of landscapes, cultures, traditions and people. And as the old cliché says ‘people make the place’ – BiH prides itself on its hospitality and to treat guests as if they were family members. And the family takes to heart. Museums and galleries in Bosnia and Herzegovina are not filled with renaissance or romantic paintings but rather with life forms that represented everyday life. Contemporary art has had a seminal influence in the cultural revolution that took place in the second half of the 20th century. Culture in previous centuries leading this revolution can be visited today as a living museum through the architecture, traditional dress, stone carvings, pottery and jewelry, and sacred places. The culture of Bosnia and Herzegovina will not be found hanging on the walls of a museum, but can be seen in the intricate paintings of the mosques, the beautiful wood of traditional furniture, clothing or the magnificent point of the mountaineer. And ‘this mix of old and new creative forms noting BiH distinguishing it from its European neighbors.
Highlights
Visitors will remember Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) for its deep, unassuming human warmth and for the intriguing East-meets-West atmosphere born of fascinatingly blended Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian histories. Major draw cards are the reincarnated antique centers of Sarajevo and Mostar, where rebuilt historical buildings counterpoint fashionable bars and Wi-Fi–equipped cafes. Many Bosnian towns are lovably small and wrapped around medieval castles.
Fast Facts
The official currency of Bosnia and Herzegovina is Bosnian Mark introduced since 1995 because of the Dayton agreement. The population of Bosnia & Hercegovina is approximately 3.301 million. The official language is Bosnian, Serbian and Croatian.
Good to Know
Bosnia and Herzegovina is nicknamed the “Heart Shaped Land” due to the country’s slight heart shape. Majority of the landscape in Bosnia and Herzegovina is mountainous and comprises of areas of karst. Tuzla city in Bosnia derives its name from the word “tuz”, the Turkish work for salt.
Events
International Sarajevo Winter Festival: This festival began in 1984 and has since grown to become one of the most anticipated events in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Banja Luka Choir Gathering: Held during April or May, this annual gathering has a series of programs that features some of the most angelic voices in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA, CROATIA, SLOVENIA & ITALY 7 NIGHTS / 8 DAYS FROM SARAJEVO TO VENICE
Arrival at Sarajevo International Airport and transfer to Radon Plaza Hotel. Check-in at Radon Plaza Hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at Radon Plaza Hotel in Sarajevo. (D)
American buffet breakfast at hotel in Sarajevo. Start the sightseeing tour of the city by local English speaking guide. At midday in Sarajevo, muezzins call from minarets as church bells echo through the Dinaric Alps. Street cars rumble past hookah smokers and café goers. The city’s charisma is intoxicating. The creative spirit that Sarajevan fought to preserve is very much in evidence these days. Neighborhoods cradled in this valley and ringing the foothills, are fertile entrepreneurial grounds and a testament to the epochs that came before. Cafes, theaters, boutiques and restaurants have sprouted among buildings in myriad styles, including Ottoman, Secessionist, Communist and modern. Locals and visitors alike are rediscovering the surrounding mountains on the slopes that hosted the 1984 Winter Olympic Games. In Sarajevo we will visit the Tunnel of Hope, Gazi Husrev Pasha Mosque, Bascarsija, Latinski Bridge etc. Lunch and dinner will be organized at Halal restaurant in the city. Overnight stay at Radon Plaza hotel in Sarajevo. (B, L, D)
Early morning departure from Sarajevo toward Mostar which is situated in the center of Herzegovina. The year 2004 marked the rededication in Mostar of the historic bridge built by the Ottomans in 1566 and destroyed in 1993. Visit the city sights of Mostar, a city on the Neretva River in Bosnia & Herzegovina. On this day we will see the Old Bazaar, the Turkish House and historical mosques. After a guided tour of town, you will have free time to visit the old craft shops or enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at a Halal restaurant. After lunch depart toward Split. Arrival in Split and have a brief sightseeing tour of the city. We will enjoy a city tour featuring the historic inner city, built around the Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, an UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. See the remnants of Split’s Roman heritage, its Renaissance and Gothic structures, Jupiter’s Temple, the Peristyle, and the Cathedral. Dinner at fish restaurant in the old town. Overnight stay at Radisson Blu Hotel in Split. (B, L, D)
After breakfast, we will head inland and travel to Plitvice Lakes National Park. Upon arrival, have your camera ready and take a walking tour around several of the lower lakes. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of this natural wonder of 16 terraced lakes surrounded by thickly wooded mountains and lush vegetation. Lunch at local restaurant in Plitvice with fish menu. After lunch depart toward Zagreb where we check-in at Hilton Double Tree Hotel. Dinner and overnight at Hilton Double Tree Hotel in Zagreb. (B, L, D)
Start your day with a walking tour of Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. In the morning, we drive toward Zabreb. Once we are there, we will enjoy a city tour featuring the historic Upper Town, St. Mark’s Church, St. Catherine’s Church, the Cathedral, the Parliament, and the Government Palace. After the visit of Zagreb continue toward Bled. Drive toward Beld. A sightseeing tour of Bled features the charming town with the lakeshore and imposing Bled Castle perched on a cliff high above the lake. Drive back to Ljubljana for dinner at traditional Slovenian restaurant. Overnight stay at Plaza Hotel in Lubljana. (B, L, D)
Start your day with a walking tour of Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. Visit the most significant sights of the old city center: the picturesque Central Open Air Market and the Three Bridges (both designed by famous architect Joze Plecnik), Baroque Town Hall, and Robba’s Fountain. After some free time, head west to Postojna, home to one of the largest cave structures in Europe. Tour the fantastic subterranean world by miniature electric train. Afterwards, continue to Venice. Dinner and overnight stay at Concordia Hotel. (B, L, D)
Begin with two nights in timeless Venice, then enjoy a full-day walking tour of this Renaissance city, learning of its history and the tales behind its architectural icons and great works of art: the Doge’s Palace, Rialto Bridge, Saint Mark’s Basilica, and more. Next, immerse yourself in the la dolce vita, and spend 2 days exploring the famous Lake District. This captivatingly setting features royal hideaways, gardens, and stunning vistas. Lunch at fish restaurant in the town and farewell dinner at hotel in the city. Overnight stay at Concordia Hotel. (B, L, D)
In the morning transfer to the airport for your departure flight. (B)