The Zupa Valley in Bosnia and Herzegovina is ringed in by high peaks and yet has a spring-like Mediterranean climate year round. Enjoy this piece of paradise with a long weekend of water sports and cultural tours. You’ll climb a castle-topped peak, explore the Rakitnica River canyon, relax around Baracko Lake, and much more.
Perfect for:
This long weekend is the ideal getaway for active travelers seeking adventure in the remote and beautiful Balkan wilderness.
Itinerary
Thursday: Arrival and Mostar tour
Arrive at the Dubrovnik airport at 13:00 where your transport will meet you. Drive to the Zupa Valley, stopping on the way to explore Mostar. The charming city is famous for its 16th Century single-arch Ottoman bridge over the Neretva River.
There your transport will leave you in front of the restaurant where you will have dinner that night, so you can have free time for yourself to enjoy sightseeing Mostar’s Old Town. Around 19:30 you will be welcomed by your guide, in front of the aforementioned traditional restaurant serving local, authentic meals.
Afterwards, spend a night in accommodation in Boracko Lake, under a clear, unpolluted starry sky.
3,5 Hours driving, 1 – 2 hours sightseeing
Friday: Castle Hike and Rakitnica River canyoning
In the morning, after breakfast, you’ll drive to the Upper Neretva canyon in the Zupa Valley and begin your hike to a remote 14th Century ruins of a mountaintop castle. A challenging path takes you through forests and up to the final summit where your guide will help you climb to the castle.
Descend through beech forests to the Rakitnica River and spend the rest of the day canyoning through a wild and narrow canyon to a riverside lunch spot.
If we still have a little bit of time and energy, we’ll head to the shores of Boracko Lake, for an afternoon of relaxing and swimming in the lake. Afterwards, arrive at your accommodation in Boracko Lake that evening and rest up for tomorrow’s adventure.
1.5 hours driving, 3 hours walking, 2 – 3 hours of canyoning
Saturday: Rafting the Neretva River and touring Konjic and Blagaj
After breakfast, you’ll head back to the Neretva River for a day of rafting its crystal blue waters. You’ll paddle through peaceful pools and down fun rapids, taking plenty of breaks for swimming, cliff jumping and snacks. Pull out at the town of Konjic for lunch, then tour the Old City and photograph its scenic bridge.
Drive to Blagaj in the afternoon to explore the unique city. Blagaj was built around a remarkable Dervish monastery at the headwaters spring of the Buna River. The city is also home to a medieval fortress and a vulture sanctuary, which you will have option visiting depending on the time available.
Spend a night in charming city of Mostar.
4 – 5 hours rafting, 2,5 hours driving
Sunday: Departure
Enjoy your last breakfast in Bosnia and Herzegovina, then finish the drive to Dubrovnik to catch your flight home.
3.5 hours driving
Note: This itinerary and the duration of the activities are subject to change due to group abilities and preferences, weather conditions and forecasts, special events, etc.
