Bosnia & Montenegro

From pristine coastline to red-roofed city; culinary triumph to ancient custom; everything about these Balkan wonders feels like a beautiful secret…

Package includes

All activities mentioned on the itinerary
All breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners & 2 food tastings
Private minibus & speedboat
Arrival airport transfer
Accommodation in twin rooms
Stay in hand-picked 4-star hotels
Experienced Pack Leader with you throughout the trip
Max 16 travellers per group

Flashpackers must provide evidence that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their adventure. Remember, flights aren't included and prices are based on sharing a twin room. If you'd like to upgrade to a single room, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team.

About your trip

Want up-and-coming? You’ve got it. Two unspoilt worlds of terracotta Ottoman cities, mind-altering natural beauty and the warmest locals; falling in love with the Balkans is the easiest thing you’ll ever do.

Because love hits fast when you’re confronted with Bosnia’s poignant post-war resilience, and rich empire-spanning history. And who wouldn’t be a sucker for fairytale castles and the glistening blue waters of Montenegro’s famously chic bays? The very heart of these two countries has remained unchanged for centuries, as has their incredible Balkan cuisine. And isn’t raw authenticity plus delicious food how all good love stories begin?

Hello, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Touch down in Sarajevo, where a private Flash Pack transfer will whisk you to your hotel at the very heart of this culture-rich city
Tonight, get to know your group as a local family serves up a veritable homemade feast – your first taste of authentic Balkan cuisine

Food & graffiti in Sarajevo

Embark on a local-led food tour, sampling classic Bosnian specialities as you wander Sarajevo’s historic streets
Hike to the top of the iconic Trebevic Mountain for breathtaking views. Tour the abandoned, graffiti-covered Olympic bobsled track from 1984 with a local artist, and add your very own graffiti
Take the cable car to ground level and enjoy some free time to explore. From the Tunnel of Hope to the War Childhood Museum, the city is bursting with poignant testaments to Sarajevo’s strength and tenacity that you just can’t miss

An isolated village

Today is all about best-kept-secrets, starting with a jeep safari to Lukomir village – the highest & most isolated village in Bosnia
Upon arrival, you’ll get to explore this mountaintop wonder, before sitting down to a traditional lunch with villagers

Medieval beauty & post-war resilience

Embark on a city tour around stunning Mostar, stopping at the iconic Unesco Stari Most Bridge and a coppersmith workshop where you’ll have the chance to make your own jewellery
Next up: a hike to the top of the medieval Počitelj Fortress, sat within a hilltop settlement of ancient winding cobbled streets and sweeping river views
Tonight, settle down at your picturesque rafting camp on the banks of the blue-hued Drina River, surrounded by forested canyons

Canyon whitewater rafting

Ride the rapids on an exhilarating whitewater rafting trip through the dramatic Tara Canyon; the deepest and most spectacular gorge in Europe
Back at camp, refuel with a delicious lunch and get ready to leave for yet more wild natural beauty
Onwards to Durmitor National Park for a night spent amongst a astounding backdrop of dramatic limestone peaks

Lake hikes & mountain lunch

Enjoy a slow morning before heading out to explore Durmitor National Park with a panoramic hike on Momcilov Grad and to the mirror-still Black Lake, the biggest and most beautiful lake within the national park
Post-hike (and perhaps lake swim?) you’ll stop for lunch, surrounded by mountains, on a local family mountain settlement; indulging in homemade dishes and some well-deserved rakija
After a scenic drive you’ll arrive in the Budva Riviera. Enjoy a free evening to explore Budva, known as the ‘Montenegrin Miami’ for its buzzing shops, restaurants and bars

Montenegro’s coastal beauty

Arrive in the stunning Old Town of Kotor and embark on a local-led walking tour, lapping up this medieval Unesco beauty that brims with culture and charming historic streets
Fully acquainted with this famous city, take some free time to explore. Stop for coffee at one of the many quaint cafes and be sure to shop for exquisite local crafts
This afternoon, climb up 1,350 steps to the top of San Giovanni Fortress. Your reward? Panoramic views across sparkling Kotor Bay. Then, back in Old Town Budva, you’ll have free time to further discover its charms

Speedboats, lagoons & private blessings

Now for a taste of true glamour: discovering Montenegro’s picture-perfect coastal delights by private speedboat, starting with a visit to the quaint town of Perast, home to pristine Venetian palaces and churches
Core memory moment: this afternoon you’ll hop off your boat at the stunning Monastery of Žanjice, where a solitary monk will offer a private blessing – an experience exclusive to Flash Pack
All too soon it’s time for your farewell Montenegrin feast – one last night in one of the world’s chicest spots

Farewell, Montenegro

Bid farewell to your Flash Pack friends and make your own way to the airport; your Pack Leader will be on hand to help you arrange a local taxi
Arrive home with a wonderful feeling of excitement. Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro have proven that the world still has many secrets and new adventures, while true kindness and joy quietly lives on. Isn’t there something extra special about going off the beaten path?

Where you'll be staying

We often feature these unique hotels on this trip, with final options confirmed a month before departure. We work with these or similar hotels to ensure a stylish and comfortable stay every time.

Hotel Moskva, Budva

A 4-star retreat blending modern luxury with coastal charm, your gorgeous escape couldn’t be better located near both Slovenska Beach and Budva Marina. ‘Chic’ is the word that springs to mind with this one, from its rooms to its spa to its onsite bars. There are plenty of spots to enjoy a bring and forge stronger bonds with new friends, in perfect style.

Trio Lux Resort Rafting Camp

Welcome to serenity. Just a stone’s throw from the roaring Tara River, you’ll wake up in charming alpine lodges and breathe in the impossibly fresh air. And the views? From the pool itself, you’ll look out to the encroaching mountains beyond. An ideal retreat to bookend your thrilling whitewater adventures.

Hotel Kriva Cuprija, Mostar

Set within a 17th-century stone building along the Radobolja River and just a short stroll from the iconic Old Bridge, this boutique hotel features elegantly designed rooms, a renowned restaurant serving local Bosnian cuisine and scenic terraces overlooking the historic city.

Adventure FAQs

Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code

Fly into Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ). As for your departure airport, there are many you can choose from within easy reach of your final stop. These are as follows:

Dubrovnik Ruđer Bošković Airport (DBV), Croatia
Tivat Airport (TIV), Montenegro
Podgorica Airport (TGD), Montenegro
Tirana International Airport (TIA), Albania

What time should my flight arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?

Please try to arrive in Sarajevo before 5pm on Day 1.

What time should my flight depart on the last day?

There are no planned activities on your final day, so you can leave any time you like. Your Pack Leader can help you book transfers the night before if required.

Are airport transfers included?

If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you’ve booked yourself a pre-night at the same hotel the adventure starts from, your airport arrival transfer will be included. Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and in groups depending on flight times, so you may have to wait in the airport for a short while.

However, if you’ve booked alternative pre-trip accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport, you’ll have to arrange your own arrival transfer.

Please also note: in order to secure your place on the private transfer, you’ll need to provide your flight details to our Customer Experience team no later than 30 days prior to your adventure’s departure date. You’ll get automated email reminders about this, but the team won’t be chasing you. That’s why it’s key to get this information over in good time. If the details are provided later than 30 days pre-departure, you’ll have to arrange your own arrival transfer.

Departure transfers are typically not included due to travellers leaving at varying times. That said, your Pack Leader will happily help arrange departure transfers for you if required.

Are tips included?

Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this adventure. Suggested amounts per person are:

Pack Leader: 50 EUR
Drivers: 30 EUR

However, all tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.

Do I need a visa?

Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.

You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:

UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.

Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.

What will the more remote accommodation be like near the Tara River and in Durmitor National Park?

Your accommodation in these spots will be more basic than the other hotels in the itinerary, but the opportunity for total immersion in untouched natural surroundings more than make up for this. The hotel by Tara River offers a swimming pool for guests to enjoy while the accommodation in Durmitor National Park is sat alongside a gorgeous lake – an otherworldly spot to enjoy your morning coffee and breakfast.

What vaccinations and medication will I need?

While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalised medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.

1. Consult with a healthcare professional

We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.

2. Up-to-date medical advice

UK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.
US residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialised health information.
Australian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.

3. Government travel advice

UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.

4. Medication tips

If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.

We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.

Will this itinerary change?

Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.

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