About this experience
If you are not visiting Montenegro for the first time and want to explore the Balkans, I recommend taking a day trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina. I will be your guide in the country of sun, mountains, and vineyards. We will visit the Serbian town of Trebinje, the Herzegovina-Gracanica monastery, the Tvrdoš Orthodox monastery known for producing the best wine, stop by the dervish tekke in Blagaj, and admire the beauty of Old Mostar.
What to expect
Trebinje
This is the sunniest city in the country, with a Mediterranean climate and architecture typical of the Adriatic coast. There is no sea here, but there are many vineyards, the Herzegovina Gracanica Orthodox church, and the once largest cafe in Yugoslavia - "Under the Plane Trees". We will take a stroll through the old town, taste delicious ice cream or meat burek, and enjoy a bird's eye view of Trebinje, where a copy of the Kosovo church stands. Outside the city, we will stop for photos at the water mills that irrigate the vineyards.
Tvrdoš Monastery
Located 5 km from Trebinje, the main Orthodox sanctuary of Herzegovina is the Tvrdoš Monastery with a huge winery. Surrounding the monastery are fruit orchards, apiaries, vineyards, the Trebišnjica river, and a stunning church. If desired, you can taste or buy wine, honey, and church souvenirs.
Blagaj Dervish Tekke
Nestled on a 200-meter cliff above the strong source of the Buna river, charming houses in the shade of trees can be found. It is both a monastery and home for the dervishes. In the mid-15th century, a duke who ruled Herzegovina lived in the town of Blagaj (the region took his title). After the Ottoman conquest of the lands, a dervish tekke - wandering monks' lodge appeared here. Today, it attracts many people practicing Islam. The tekke is open as a museum, with a souvenir shop and restaurants along the banks of the Buna river. You will also be amazed by the waterfall and picturesque nature.
Mostar
A city of three religions, divided after the war into two parts by the Neretva river between Catholics and Muslims. However, its old part has long been restored, including the Old Bridge. Mostar once again attracts tourists from around the world with its incredible beauty of medieval architecture, the color of the turbulent river, cliff divers, and delicious Bosnian food. Here you will feel the mix of East and West, compare the city to Istanbul, and be delighted by local souvenirs, decorations, and sweets.
Organizational Details
- My work as a guide is included in the price: you pick me up in Budva with your transport.
- If you are without transport and it is necessary, for an additional fee, I can arrange a car (transfer + driver's expenses: 1-3 persons - 170 €, 4-6 persons - 230 €). Please inquire about the transfer cost from other cities in correspondence.
- The excursion can start from other cities in Montenegro (this implies a transfer: if your place of stay is not on the route, for an additional fee, I can pick you up and drop you off with stops for photos at viewpoints and scenic spots. If you need to be picked up along the route, there are no additional charges for the transfer. Please specify your place/city of stay in advance for transfer calculation.)
- By prior arrangement, you can add the museum city of Počitelj and the stunning Kravice waterfalls (please inquire about the cost).
- Additional expenses: lunch at a restaurant and snacks, purchase of souvenirs and treats at the market, entrance to the Dervishes' house - 3 €/person.
