The best of Via Dinarica’s Mediterranean & Inland Route:
Eight-day Hiking Adventure Through Croatia & Bosnia and Herzegovina
Explore the Via Dinarica through Croatia and Bosnia, an area that is largely yet to be discovered by hikers. If they only knew what was waiting for them! On this adventure, you’ll find a playground for active travellers. Spectacular limestone peaks, the beautiful Adriatic coast, glacier lakes, amazing views, colourful wildflowers, medieval villages, and a gracious culture and people.
Come explore Nature Parks Dinara & Blidinje; visit Sarajevo, Bosnia’s capital city and a fascinating mix of European and Eastern culture; and hike Bjelasnica, one of four mountains around the city that hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics.
Quotes from Travelers
I don’t often write reviews but this time I felt the need to!! This was the best holiday I’ve been on in a while, I loved every minute of it and I could have stayed longer.
Excellent trip. Varied walks and lovely scenery-very caring guides.
A brilliant holiday that surpassed my expectations. Bosnia is a hidden gem, with amazing mountain scenery, beautiful towns and cities and some fascinating recent history. Seeing different faiths and their shared existence was particularly interesting.
Trip Highlights
- Hike in the great limestone Dinaric Alps – undiscovered by tourists
- Ascend the highest peak of Croatia, Sinjal (1,831m)
- Visit traditional villages in Bosnia, where residents still live “the old way”
- Explore Mostar and Sarajevo, the crossroads of ancient civilizations
Itinerary – 8 Days
Day 1 – Arrival: Split
Day 2 – Hike at Canyon of Krupa river
Day 3 – Hike to Badanj peak (1,281m) and Brezovac mountain hut
Day 4 – Ascent of Sinjal peak (1,831m), the highest peak of Croatia at Dinara mountain & transfer to Mostar
Day 5 – Blidinje Nature Park and Hike to Vilinac peak (2,118m)
Day 6 – Hajducka vrata Hike with a descent to Diva Grabovica valley
Day 7 – Umoljani to Lukomir Highland Villages circular hike
Day 8 – Sarajevo Departure, transfer to Sarajevo International Airport
Detailed Description
Day 1 – Arrival: Split
Arrival to 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 and overnight in hotel.
Dinner / Hotel Skradinski buk, Skradin, Croatia
Day 2 – Hike at Canyon of Krupa river
Morning transfer to the area of river Krupa. Hiking from the village of Ravni Golubic into the canyon of this karstic river beauty, 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 109m long bridge made in stone, connecting the 2 banks of Krupa river.
The bridge was built at the end of 18th century and presents a masterpiece of a stone building, as well as holds interesting legends around it – if you wish to hear more, come and hike the Via Dinarica with us!
We’ll have a picnic lunch and a possibility of a refreshing swim in Krupa river. Hike back to Ravni Golubic by a different trail and transfer back to Skradin. Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Easy to Moderate walk / 3-4hrs walk / 300Δh / 9km
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Hotel Skradinski buk, Skradin, Croatia
Day 3 – Hike to Badanj peak (1,281m) and Brezovac mountain hut
Transfer to Guge village and Mirkovici plain, below Badanj peak. Start of our 2-day hiking adventure on Dinara. Dinara is the highest mountain in Croatia. Although it does not protrude with remarkable height – it does not exceed 2,000m, with its configuration and length represents one of the most impressive mountains in Croatia.
Today we ascend to a minor but equally interesting Badanj peak 1,281m, for some nice views of Dinara mountain and the valleys below. In the afternoon we arrive at 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 multi-bed rooms, with shared toilets.
– Moderate to Challenging walk / 4-5hrs walk / 550Δh / 8Km
– Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Mountain Hut Brezovac, Dinara Mountain, Croatia
Day 4 – Ascent of Sinjal peak (1,831m), the highest peak of Croatia & transfer to Mostar
In the morning we start our ascent to the highest peak of Croatia – Sinjal peak (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. Hiking 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.
– Challenging walk / 6-7hrs walk / 800Δh / 14Km
– Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Hotel Almira, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Day 5 Blidinje Nature Park and Hike to Vilinac peak (2,118m)
We start our Bosnian Via Dinarica adventure with a transfer to Blidinje Nature Park, from where we will start hiking over Cvrsnica mountain. Today’s goal is Veliki Vilinac peak (2,118m). The first bit of trail takes us through beech forests and a gentle ascent. As the elevation rises we come above the tree line and the “sleepy giant”: Cvrsnica Mountain. From the top of Vilinac we will see the surrounding peaks, a 360-degree panorama. The hut is located 15 minutes away, where we spend our first night in the mountains.
– Moderate walk / 4-5hrs walk / 600Δh / 10Km
– Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Mountain Hut Vilinac, Cvrsnica mountain, Bosnia
Day 6 Hajducka vrata Hike with a descent to Diva Grabovica Valley
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 Drinaca peak (2,038m) and Hajducka vrata. Hajducka vrata is a natural arch more than four meters wide. This natural phenomenon is very typical for karst and limestone. There are many natural arches of this kind in this area, but one is the biggest.
From here we will start our descent, more than 1,500m down, into the valley of Diva Grabovica. At the end of the day, we’ll be transferred to Umoljani village at Bjelasnica Mountain, for a well-deserved homemade dinner.
– Challenging walk / 5-6hrs walk / 1,800Δh / 11Km
– Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Pension Umoljani, Bjelasnica Mountain, Bosnia
Day 7 – Umoljani to Lukomir Highland Villages circular hike
This will be a full day walk on the Bjelašnica Massif (home of the 1984 winter Olympics). We will visit Lukomir, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s highest village (1,469m). From the traditional style Bosnian Mosque, in the village of Umoljani, we’ll walk to the seven water mills and the beautiful source used for centuries as energy to grind wheat into flour. We hug the ridge until Rakitnica (this is the far north end while Kasici is the far south end) opens up. After 5-10 minutes, we reach the Cascades of Studeni Potok. Here we’ll have a super view of Obalj and the long flat valley of Studeni Fields. En route, we’ll find quite a few sources where we can drink our fill.
From the Studeni Fields we hike along Obalj’s side, you will be treated by great views and cool breezes coming off of Visocica and Treskavica.
Lukomir is Bosnia’s highest village at 1,469 meters, with its ancient stecci (medieval tombstones) and where villagers stick to the “old way” of doing things. 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 Visocica. You have arrived to the end of the world.
We return via Dugo Polje, a long field flanked by Bjelasnica 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. 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.
– Moderate walk / 6-7hrs walk / 350Δh / 16Km
– Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Pension Kandilj, Sarajevo, Bosnia
Day 8 – Sarajevo Departure, transfer to Sarajevo International Airport
Depending on your departure time, you will have some last-minute shopping opportunities. After, you will be transferred to the Sarajevo International Airport.
– Breakfast
Trip Cost 2025
4 – 14 members: EUR
Single supplement: EUR
-Price is per person, double occupancy
-Single rooms are available on a request basis at certain places
-All travellers will be paired with a same-gender roommate when a roommate is available
-If a roommate is not available, a EUR forced single supplement will be charged
Related Trips
About Via Dinarica Adventures
Via Dinarica Adventures are unique, active itineraries for intrepid travellers that combine spectacular places, cultural interaction, and physical challenges. These expeditions are organized by some of the best Outdoor Adventure Companies in the Western Balkans.
You’ll explore fascinating, off-the-beaten-path places with top guides.
What is Included
– Transportation during the entire trip with 8+1 MiniVan or 20+1 MiniBus (including Airport transfers)
– Fully equipped English-speaking Tour Leader/Guide
– Accommodation: 5 nights in a Twin/Double room with ensuite bathroom; 2 nights in shared accommodation with shared facilities at Brezovac and Vilinac Mountain Huts
– Meals specified in the itinerary
– All fees and taxes for Dinara and Blidinje Nature Parks & VAT
What’s not
– Flights to Split, Croatia & from Sarajevo, Bosnia
– Meals not specified in the itinerary
– International Travel Insurance
– Optional tipping to leader, guides and local staff
– Souvenirs and items of a personal nature (sodas, alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)
– Any items not specifically mentioned in the programme
Air Travel
Airfare is not included in the land cost of our trips. For air reservations, we recommend you contact VMD Adventure Travel directly, either by phone or the Internet.
Payment & Cancellation Policy
Payment of 50% deposit after booking confirmation. The rest of the amount is due four weeks before the trip date.
Cancellation policy:
– Up to four weeks before start date – loss of deposit
– Up to two weeks before start date – loss of 75% of total price
– Two weeks or less – loss of 100% of price
Then Leave the Rest to Us
Before you go, we provide you with extensive pre-departure information, including clothing recommendations, suggested reading lists, up-to-date health advice and other details.
References
Don’t take our word for how great our trips are. We’ll be happy to provide you with references from satisfied past travelers.
Questions?
Feel free to call us on Skype, or use the form here to contact us if you still have any questions or concerns. We’re here to help you.
Note on Itinerary
Although we will do our very best to adhere to the itinerary schedule as listed, it is subject to change for numerous reasons, including weather, beyond our control.
Note on Services
To comply with regional laws and regulations, we sometimes use local suppliers, who provide services that may include transportation, equipment, logistic support, and other services (hotels, restaurants, etc.). We work with service providers, who share our commitment to safety and quality and work closely with them to develop itineraries unique to the Via Dinarica.
ABOUT YOUR TRAVEL IN CROATIA AND BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA (BiH)
Accommodations
Hotel Skradinski buk in Skradin is located in central part of this small town. The hotel has an enjoyable terrace, where you will be able to enjoy a coffee or a glass of wine, while feeling the fresh air breeze from Dinara.
After spending two nights in a comfortable hotel, we go back to nature and get a chance for a night high up in the mountains, staying in the very simple and small Brezovac Mountain Hut, in shared rooms and with limited facilities. Hut is located at beautiful forested area at 1,050m above sea level.
In Mostar and Sarajevo, we stay at friendly family-run Pensions, Almira & Kandilj. Both places are newly built family-run guesthouse, fully adapted to the modern way of life while allowing guests to experience the traditional Bosnian atmosphere. All rooms are air-conditioned, equipped with TV, direct phone line, broadband internet, bathroom and toilet.
Mountain Huts in Bosnia (similar as in Croatia) are usually quite basic with shared sleeping rooms. They are generally well-kept, clean and heated; some even have electricity and hot water, but they are still mountain huts offering no luxury and little privacy. You’ll sleep in shared rooms with bunk beds that you may be forced to share. But in this wild natural environment, the mountain huts will seem like a four-star hotel!
Meals
We provide breakfast on all days except day 1.
A picnic lunch is included on days 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7. Lunches during the hikes will be picnic style, including bread, cheese, sausage, meat and vegetarian pate, salad, chocolate bars, cookies, trail mix, and coffee/tea. Lunches in Sarajevo and Mostar are in local restaurants offering a wide range of traditional and Western dishes.
Dinners in Skradin, Mostar & Sarajevo are in local restaurants known for their good food and great location. Dinner is a la carte but does not include beverages.
At Umoljani village we’ll have the opportunity to try village cuisine with various homemade meals. At mountain huts, dinners will be prepared by your own guides, but every member of the group can participate in meal preparation.
Vegetarian and special diets will be catered to, but options are limited throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina – please inform us of any specific requirements upon booking.
Transportation
We use comfortable Opel Vivaro (8+1) or IVECO / VW Minivans (20+1) with A/C, depending on the size of the group.
Isn’t There a War in Bosnia?
No. Bosnia & Herzegovina (BiH) has recently celebrated 20 years of peace. The disintegration of the old Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia led to armed conflict in the region. On November 20, 1995, peace was signed between the various parties involved, and fighting ceased. Since then, the countries infrastructure has been largely reconstructed and tourists are returning to the country in ever-increasing numbers, making tourism the fastest-growing economic sector.
Is Bosnia Safe?
Despite the memory of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s violent past, BiH is actually one of the safest places in Europe. Violent crime is virtually non-existent. Walking the streets of any town or city at any time of day or night is a relatively safe bet. For women, it is not unsafe to walk at night, even late, on your own.
Most of BiH’s roads are double-lane and quite curvy due to the mountainous terrain. Road maintenance is getting better, but don’t let a pot-hole surprise you.
The main concerns for travelers in BiH are pick-pockets on tramways in Sarajevo. The pick-pockets can be avoided with simple precautions and awareness. On trams in Sarajevo, keep your purse close to you, and carry your wallet in your front pocket.
Activity Levels
Easy
Trips rated EASY typically have 1-3 hours of activity per day, with hikes/walks less than five kilometers on mostly flat terrain at altitudes of up to 900 meters.
Easy to Moderate
Trips rated as EASY to MODERATE are designed for travellers seeking both EASY and MODERATE trip activity levels. Trips rated EASY to MODERATE typically have easier rated walks/hikes with options for more moderate activity levels on some days.
Moderate
Trips rated MODERATE typically have 3-6 hours of activity per day, with hikes up to 15 kilometers on rolling or mountainous terrain with some steep ascents/descents and uneven trails at altitudes of up to 1,900 meters.
Moderate to Challenging
Trips rated as MODERATE to CHALLENGING are designed for travellers seeking both MODERATE and CHALLENGING trip activity levels. Trips rated MODERATE to CHALLENGING typically have moderate-rated walks/hikes with options for more strenuous activity levels on some days.
Challenging
Trips rated CHALLENGING typically have 5-8 hours of activity per day, with hikes up to 15-20 kilometers on mountainous, exposed terrain with steep ascents/descents and uneven trails at altitudes of up to 2,700 meters.
Ultimate Challenge
Designed for very fit and experienced hikers. Trips rated ULTIMATE CHALLENGE typically have 10 or more hours of activity per day, hiking 20 or more kilometers on remote, mountainous, exposed terrain with steep ascents/descents, and uneven trails at altitudes of up to 2,700 meters.
