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 & transfer to Mostar
Day 5 – Diva Grabovica Valley and King’s Old Hunting Trail Hike
Day 6 – Umoljani to Lukomir Highland Villages circular hike
Day 7 – Hike to Vito (1,960m) & most elegant ridge in Central Dinaric Alps
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 of its emerald waters as well as the intense green banks of the river. We will also get a chance to admire the Kudin bridge (most), a 109m long bridge made in stone, connecting the 2 banks of the Krupa River.
The bridge was built at the end of the 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 the possibility of a refreshing swim in the 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 Diva Grabovica Valley & King’s Old Hunting Trail Hike
After a morning in charming Mostar, we take a short drive (45mins) to Diva Grabovica, nestled in the Cvrsnica Mountains. The landscape here is dramatic with deep gullies formed by the tributaries of the Neretva River and today we’ll follow the historic trails of King Karadjordjevic.
Today’s walk starts in the valley of the Diva Grabovica and takes us through rich forests of beech to the Zljeb viewpoint. In this charming hamlet, we’ll enjoy lunch as we look out over the most dramatic rock faces in the Balkan Peninsula. We’re still in the area of the Neretva River which in areas has created wetlands areas that are under the Ramsar Convention.
In the afternoon we’ll descend to the valley before transferring (2 hours) to our mountain accommodation in Umoljani. We are now in the Bjelasnica Mountains which are our base for two nights. Life here is simple and part of the overall incredible experience is we get to step back in time and slow down.
– Moderate walk / 4-5hrs walk / 700Δh / 8Km
– Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Mountain Hut Vilinac, Cvrsnica mountain, Bosnia
Day 6 – Umoljani to Lukomir Highland Villages circular hike
Full-day walk on the Bjelašnica Massif (home of the 1984 Winter Olympics). We will visit Lukomir, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s highest village (1,469 m). After breakfast, we start walking directly from our guesthouse. From here we will start ascending toward Obalj ridge and slowly we will rise above Studeni Potok. The views will start to open in front of us. Mountains Treskavica and Visocica will offer us fantastic and breathtaking scenes. Once when we catch the ridge of Obalj we will slowly continue by the ridge which is very wide so no fear for anybody. From the peak, we’ll see Lukomir village below us where we will descend from the top.
Lukomir is Bosnia’s highest village at 1,469 meters, with its ancient stećci (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 to a rare view of Rakitnica, Obalj, and Visočica. You have arrived at the end of the world. After the visit and homemade lunch in Lukomir, on the way back, we hike along Obalj’s side. All along, you will be treated by sweet and cool breezes coming off of Visocica and Treskavica. En route, we’ll find quite a few sources where we can drink our fill.
Close to Umoljani, we will pass cascades of Studeni Potok, at certain times of the year, the stream falls 400 meters into the Rakitnica canyon below.
Winding our way through the field, 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 where we stay for the second night at our friendly guesthouse.
– Challenging walk / 6-7hrs walk / 550Δh / 16Km
– Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Pension Umoljani, Bjelasnica Mountain, Bosnia
Day 7 – Hike to Vito (1,960m) summit & most elegant ridge in Central Dinaric Alps
Today is our final day in the mountains before we head to the capital. After a short 15-minute transfer, we will find ourselves in the heart of the Visocica Mountain which is home to the peak of Vito (1,960m) which is one of the highlights of Via Dinarica White Trail. The whole area is home to the beautiful stone of karst stone with water sources and underground rivers as high as 1,700m. During springtime, the area is dotted with lakes which dry out as summer approaches but reappear in the autumn!
After leaving the village we hike up through open meadows and lush beech forest until the summit of Vito (1,960m) where the views are spectacular. Romantic and incredibly beautiful we’ll take time to enjoy lunch and the all-important summit photos. In the afternoon we descend to our vehicle and transfer (1 hour) to the capital of Sarajevo where we spend the night. Staying here ensures we see the city lit up at night and experience Sarajevo in the evening.
– Challenging walk / 5-6hrs walk / 800Δh / 11Km
– 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
6 – 14 members: 1,560 EUR
Single supplement: 145 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: 6 nights in a Twin/Double room with ensuite bathroom; 1 night in shared accommodation with shared facilities at Brezovac Mountain Hut
– 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 the 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. But in this wild natural environment, the mountain huts will seem like a four-star hotel!
In Mostar and Sarajevo, we stay at friendly family-run Pensions, Almira & Kandilj. Both places are newly built family-run guesthouses, 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.
We will stay two nights, in a traditional family-run mountain chalet in the village of Umoljani, at Pension Umoljani, which is heated by a wood-burning stove. The rooms in Umoljani village are private with small and simple ensuite facilities, with Wi-Fi and the most tasty homemade food in the entire area.
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.
