Journeys: Discover Montenegro and Bosnia

Arrive at any time. Please make your own way to the joining hotel.


Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Enjoy a National Geographic Expedition Leader-led orientation walk around Dubrovnik and get to know this Croatian city.Activity - Today, the adventure begins. Be sure to arrive in time to meet your group. After introductions, your National Geographic Expedition Leader will review the details of your trip.Accommodation - Hotel Adria Dubrovnik

Cross the border to Montenegro to the stunning bayside town of Perast. Enjoy a boat cruise to the island of Our Lady of the Rocks. In the National Geographic article “How to plan your pilgrimage to Montenegro‘s sacred spaces“ writer Kimberley J. Graham writes that the church is adorned with more than 2,500 silver plaques donated by sailors who credit the Madonna for their safe return from the sea. Explore the church and treasury before transferring back to Perast for a short walk to the old town and free time to wander the narrow streets and admire the abandoned baroque palaces. Continue onward and soak up the sparkling Bay of Kotor, designated a World Heritage Site for its terraced waterfront landscape and medieval architecture.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle to Kotor via Perast.Activity - Journey by boat through the stunning Bay of Kotor to a man-made island home to the Church of Our Lady of the Rocks, built atop sunken ships and stones. The 17th-century church acts as a treasure trove of Baroque art and silver, amongst a dramatic landscape of rugged mountains plunging into the Adriatic.Free_time - Take time with your National Geographic Expedition Leqader to explore Perast's old town, known for Baroque palaces and churches that line the waterfront.Accommodation - Hotel Porto In

Join your tour leader on a walk to the local market this morning, then enjoy a free day to explore. Discover the Mediterranean spirit of Kotor, surrounded by fortifications built by the Republic of Venice. Consider hiking up the medieval steps of the fortress for panoramic views of the city and harbour. Or opt to experience mud therapy at a local spa to test the natural healing properties of the area's sand. Choose to visit the Risan Roman mosaics, go sea kayaking or if relaxing is more your style, the beaches of Herceg Novi offer a great escape.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Join your National Geographic Expedition Leader for a market walk this morning to explore regional specialties and artisan products.Free_time - The day is yours to do as much or as little as you choose.Accommodation - Hotel Porto In

Set off to the Kovacevic Family Botanical Garden this morning; home to a diverse collection of approximately 127 species of trees, shrubs, and various other flora – the first protected natural monument of its kind. Walk the grounds before transferring to the Dabovic Winery for a tour and tasting. Whet your palate with sips of wine and brandy paired with local specialties to truly immerse yourself in the local Montenegro culture before crossing the border to Bosnia and Herzegovina, en route to Trebinje. Upon arrival, visit the Hercegovačka Gračanica Temple for spectacular views of the city.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Explore the meticulously tended paths that reveal a remarkable collection of native and foreign plants, a testament to one family's decades-long dedication to preserving the land's botanical heritage.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Step into the warm embrace of the Dabović family, who welcome you with a taste of their Montenegrin hospitality—freshly baked pastries and honey. Tour the cellar where you'll learn the secrets behind their revered wine and brandy production, then the experience culminates with a tasting paired with a curated spread of local delicacies that reflect the soul of the region.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - From its perch high above Trebinje, the Hercegovačka Gračanica Monastery offers a stunning view of the city and the Trebišnjica River. Enjoy the scenery from this elevated vantage point.Accommodation - Hotel Integra

Today is an indulgence of local flavours, regional specialties. Begin with a tour of the local Green Market; take in the colourful stalls and sample the fragrant fruits, vegetables, meats, and cheeses. Next, head to a female-operated apiary to learn about all things honey and the history of this 5-generation-run farm. After, continue to another local farm specializing in the art of cheese making. Learn about cheese production, sample the products and join the family for an authentic farm-to-table lunch.Head back to Trebinje for an evening on your own.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Explore the local organic market where you'll meet cheese and meat vendors and try their specialties. Then, move to the outdoor stalls to taste seasonal fruits and vegetables from small farms. You'll also meet local women who collect wild medicinal plants and make traditional teas.Activity - Climb aboard a private bus and set off to a local, family run apiary. Meet your guide and learn of the 5 generations of women who've built the farm into what it is today. Suit up in protective gear should you wish, and see how they manage the hives. After, discover the honey and related products, learn more about the family history and enjoy the farm.Activity - Join our guide at a local farm that has specialized in cheese making over more than 5 generations. Today the farm is moving beyond just sustenance farming and joining the slow food movement to build awareness about organic food production. Here you'll visit the farm to witness the cheese production before enjoying lunch with the family, outside overlooking the farm. Cheese and meat made on site, fruits and vegetables grown on the farm, and homemade bread - it doesn't get more farm to table than that.Accommodation - Hotel Integra

Set off for ancient Stolac–one of the oldest cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Visit the town centre and stop at the UNESCO-listed medieval Necropolis tombstones of Stecaka. Continue onward to Blagaj for a short orientation walk around town, then enjoy a free afternoon. Perhaps hike to the Blagaj Fortress or if you're looking for something a little different, visit the Dervish Monastery.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Visit Stolac's town centre and witness the "divided school," which reflects the town's unique history. Next, visit the Necropolis tomb stones of Stecaka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These medieval tombstones are a significant part of Bosnia and Herzegovina's cultural heritage.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Free_time - Enjoy a free afternoon in Buna. Hike to the Blagaj Fortress or visit the Dervish Monastery to experience the local culture.Accommodation - Hotel Buna

Enjoy a scenic drive to Mostar for a stroll around the ancient town and pay a visit to the famed Stari Most (Old Bridge), considered a symbol of the city's resilience. This reconstructed Ottoman-style bridge was first built in the 17th century and then meticulously rebuilt after its destruction during the Bosnian War. Later, continue to impressive Sarajevo, a city steeped in history and culture. Head out for an evening food tour, exploring tiny alleys, local restaurants and markets and indulge in delicious Bosnian flavours.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Visit the city's symbol; a beautiful, reconstructed Ottoman-style bridge. The bridge was constructed in the 1600s and was meticulously rebuilt after its destruction during the war. It's a reminder of the tenacity of the Bosnians and is a gorgeous sight to behold. Wait at the bottom for daredevils to dive into the icy river below.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Immerse yourself in the culture by sampling traditional Bosnian flavours. Learn about the rich history while exploring important landmarks, tiny alleys, local restaurants, and hawker markets with a local expert. Discover the city beyond the tourist attractions and fill your belly; what could be better?Accommodation - Hotel Colors Inn Sarajevo

Learn about the four-year-long Siege of Sarajevo from a local expert who lived through this devastating period. Gain more insights at the Tunnel of Hope and War Tunnel Museum, and view bunkers, minefields, and trenches at Trebević Mountain, the site of several battles. After, take advantage of some free time to experience the site on your own before an optional farewell dinner.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - At nearly four years (1992-96) the Siege of Sarajevo is the longest siege of a capital city in modern warfare. Learn about this devastating period from a local expert who lived through the Bosnian War and is willing to share personal stories of this time. Visit the Tunnel of Hope and War Tunnel Museum, and gain perspective on what it was like to live in a 20th century city under siege. Then visit Trebević Mountain, the site of several battles, to view bunkers, minefields, and trenches. One of the most interesting parts about this experience is the opportunity it gives viewers to learn how a city and its people can move beyond serious conflict and once more find peace living together.Free_time - Explore this fascinating city at your own pace.Accommodation - Hotel Colors Inn Sarajevo

Depart at any time.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Not ready to leave? Your Expedition Leader can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.