Hiking the Via Dinarica in Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina
Hiking the Via Dinarica in Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina
$2104
Hiking the Via Dinarica in Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina
8 Days Starting in Skradin, Croatia and ending in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina
Visiting: Skradin, Krupa River, Dinara, Mount Sinjal, Blidinje Nature Park, Hajdučka Vrata, Bjelašnica Massif, Sarajevo
Tour operator:
Tour code:
600
Group size:
1 - 10
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina with the "Hiking the Via Dinarica" tour. This adventure begins in the charming town of Skradin, where you will explore the stunning Krupa River Canyon and marvel at the historic Kudin most bridge. Ascend Croatia's highest peak, Mount Sinjal, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Cross into Bosnia-Herzegovina to discover the natural wonders of Blidinje Nature Park and the majestic Mount Vilinac. Experience the unique culture of Bosnia's highland villages, including Lukomir, the country's highest village, where traditional lifestyles meet modern conveniences. Conclude your journey in the vibrant city of Sarajevo, with time for sightseeing and shopping before departure. This tour offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and exhilarating hikes, making it an ideal choice for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival In Skradin
Location: Skradin
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Skradin
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrival in Split airport and transfer to the small and pleasant town of Skradin, on the banks of river Krka. In the evening, while enjoying a drink at one of the town’s terraces, you can often feel the fresh breeze coming down from the mountains in the inner lands. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 2 : Canyon Of Krupa River 9 Km
Location: Krupa River
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Skradin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning transfer to the area of river Krupa. The hike starts from the village of Ravni Golubic into the scenic river canyon, where you will be enjoying views to its emerald waters as well as the intense green banks of the river. We will also get a chance to admire Kudin most, a 109 m long bridge made in stone, connecting the banks of Krupa river. We’ll have a picnic lunch and the possibility of a refreshing swim in the river. Hike back to Ravni Golubic by a different trail and transfer back to Skradin. Dinner at the hotel. Walking for the day: 3-4 hours, 9 km, ↑300 m.
Day 3 : Mount Badanj And Brezovac Mountain Hut 8 Km
Location: Dinara
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in a mountain hut on Dinara Mountain
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer to Guge village and Mirkovici plain, below Mount Badanj. Start of our 2-day hiking adventure on Dinara. Dinara is the highest mountain in Croatia. Although it doesn’t boast with remarkable height – it does not exceed 2,000m, its configuration and length make it one of the most impressive mountains in Croatia. Today we ascend to a minor but equally interesting Mount Badanj (1,281m), for some nice views of the Dinara mountain and the valleys below. In the afternoon we arrive at the Brezovac mountain hut, where we will spend the night enjoying the fresh air and silence of the mountain, accompanied by some local products which we will have for dinner. Overnight in dorm rooms, with shared facilities. Walking for the day: 4-5 hours, 8 km, ↑550 m.
Day 4 : Mount Sinjal And Drive To Mostar
Location: Mount Sinjal
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Mostar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning we start our ascent to the highest peak of Croatia – Mount Sinjal (or Dinara, 1,831m). The first part of the ascent follows an old military gravel road climbing up the mountain. We then move away from the road and start ascending towards the peak on a rocky and relatively steep path. At the top, we can enjoy some beautiful views to Perucko lake basin, Troglav mountain on the border with Bosnia and the mountains of Sibenik and Knin region. After the peak, we start our descent towards Glavas village on the eastern slopes of Dinara mountain. On the way down we pass grassy terrain combined with rock and very little shade, which gives open views to all sides. We enjoy passing over Levurdovac pasture and Podcrvkica plateau, further down to the huge amphitheatre of Pekasova Draga valley, passing an old fort that used to guard the eastern access to Dinara mountain, in the time of Ottoman conquests. The hike ends in Glavas village, where we are picked up by our bus and transferred to Mostar, in Bosnia & Herzegovina, where we continue with the second part of our Via Dinarica Croatia and Bosnia program. Dinner and overnight in Mostar.
Day 5 : Blidinje Nature Park And Mount Vilinac
Location: Blidinje Nature Park
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in a mountain hut on Čvrsnica mountain
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We start the Bosnian part of our Via Dinarica adventure with a transfer to Blidinje Nature Park, from where we will start hiking over Čvrsnica mountain. Today’s goal is Mount Vilinac (2,118 m). The first bit of the trail takes us through a beech forest and a gentle ascent. As the elevation rises we come above the tree line and the “sleepy giant”: Čvrsnica Mountain. From the top of Vilinac, we will see the surrounding peaks, a 360-degree panorama. The hut where we spend our first night in the Bosnian mountains is located 15 minutes away.
Day 6 : Hajdučka Vrata And Diva Grabovica Valley
Location: Hajdučka Vrata
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in a mountain hut on Visocica mountain
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sunrises are the most beautiful in the mountains, and sunrise from Vilinac Hut is definitely one of the best in Bosnia. After breakfast, we will hike east to Mount Drinaca (2,038 m) and Hajdučka vrata, a natural arch more than four meters wide. This natural phenomenon is very typical for karst and limestone rocks. There are many natural arches of this kind in this area, but this one is the biggest. From here we will start our descent, more than 1,500 m down, into the valley of Diva Grabovica. At the end of the day, we’ll be transferred to Tusila village at Visocica Mountain, for a well-deserved homemade dinner.
Day 7 : Highland Villages Of Umoljani And Lukomir
Location: Bjelašnica Massif
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Sarajevo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Full day walk on the Bjelašnica Massif (home of the 1984 winter Olympics). From the traditional style Bosnian Mosque in the village of Umoljani, we’ll walk to the seven water mills and the beautiful water source used for centuries for grinding wheat into flour. We follow the ridge until Rakitnica opens up. After 5-10 minutes, we reach the Cascades of Studeni Potok. Here we’ll have a view of Obalj and the long flat valley of Studeni Fields. En route, we’ll find quite a few sources where we can refill our bottles. From the Studeni Fields, we hike along Obalj’s side, you will be treated by sweet views and cool breezes coming off of Visočica and Treskavica.
We soon reach Lukomir, Bosnia’s highest village at 1,469 meters, known for the ancient stećci (medieval tombstones) and the authentic lifestyle of the locals. Traditional dress, the occasional turban, and fez are still worn and go hand in hand with the more contemporary rhythm of everyday life: electricity and running water. On the edge of the village, you will be treated by a rare view of Rakitnica, Obalj, and Visočica. You have arrived at the end of the world. We return via Dugo Polje, a long field flanked by Bjelašnica and Obalj. The trail is well maintained by people from the various villages around. Winding our way through Crveni Klanac we arrive at Gradina, a summer village just above Umoljani. Chances are we will see many villagers around collecting their summer harvest. From the village, we walk down to Umoljani from where we’ll be transferred to Sarajevo for our final evening of this journey.
Day 8 : Departure From Sarajevo
Location: Sarajevo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depending on your departure time, you will have some time for some gift shops and quick sightseeing, before being transferred to Sarajevo Airport.
What's Included
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Meals
The tour includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner on most days.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in Skradin, mountain huts, Mostar, and Sarajevo.
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Transfers
Transfers are included from Split airport to Skradin, between hiking locations, and to Sarajevo Airport.
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Guided Hiking
Guided hiking tours are included throughout the itinerary.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional activities are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all participants.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from the starting and ending points are not included.
Mode of Transport
Transfers are provided from Split airport to Skradin, and between hiking locations, including a bus transfer from Glavas village to Mostar and from Umoljani to Sarajevo.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays in Skradin and Mostar, with nights spent in mountain huts on Dinara and Cvrsnica mountains, offering shared facilities and a cozy atmosphere amidst stunning natural surroundings.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
During the tour, you will stay in a variety of accommodations including hotels in towns like Skradin and Mostar, as well as mountain huts on Dinara and Čvrsnica mountains. The mountain huts offer dormitory-style rooms with shared facilities.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, meals are included throughout the tour. You will be provided with breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day, featuring local products and traditional dishes.
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What is the level of physical activity involved in this tour?
The tour involves a significant amount of hiking, with daily walks ranging from 3 to 10 hours and distances from 8 to 16 kilometers. The hikes include ascents and descents on mountainous terrain, so a good level of physical fitness is required.
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Will there be opportunities for swimming during the tour?
Yes, there is an opportunity for a refreshing swim in the Krupa River on the second day of the tour.
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What are some of the highlights of the hiking routes on this tour?
Highlights include hiking through the scenic Krupa River canyon, ascending Mount Sinjal, the highest peak in Croatia, exploring the natural arch Hajdučka vrata, and visiting Bosnia's highest village, Lukomir, known for its medieval tombstones and traditional lifestyle.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t
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Low Deposit
The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.
Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.