BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA, 6-15 MAY, 2025

BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA
MAY 6-15, 2025

with Luka Esenko & Jeremy Woodhouse
(10 days/9 nights), maximum group size 6-8


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Bosnia and Herzegovina, nestled in the heart of the Balkans, boasts a rich tapestry of culture and nature that captivates visitors from around the globe. Its cultural heritage is a mosaic of influences from the East and the West, reflecting centuries of diverse interactions.

The country's architecture showcases a blend of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Slavic influences, evident in its mosques, churches, and medieval fortresses. Sarajevo, the capital, is a living testament to this cultural fusion, where minarets, cathedrals, and synagogues stand side by side.

Bosnia's natural beauty is equally enchanting. Towering mountains, pristine rivers, and lush forests offer endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. The majestic peaks of the Dinaric Alps provide breathtaking vistas, while the emerald waters of the Neretva and Una rivers invite travelers to explore their scenic valleys.

In addition to its stunning landscapes, Bosnia is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the historic town of Mostar with its iconic bridge, and the picturesque village of Počitelj.

Hospitality is deeply ingrained in Bosnian culture, with locals welcoming visitors with open arms and treating them to traditional Bosnian cuisine, which features hearty dishes like cevapi (grilled minced meat), burek (flaky pastry filled with meat or cheese), and baklava (sweet pastry).


Itinerary 

(NB. Hotels may change due to availability for the same or better standard)

DAY 1: 6 May—Arrival in Sarajevo
Arrive at Sarajevo Airport and transfer to the hotel in the historic part of the city. In the evening, enjoy a photo walk around the old Ottoman quarter known as Baščaršija. We can start with photography, capturing old mosques, bazaar streets, and the iconic Sebilj Fountain. Conclude the day with a welcome dinner at a traditional restaurant.


DAY 2: 7 May—Sarajevo and Mt Bjelašnica
Today, we begin our day with sunrise photography overlooking the city of Sarajevo. The cityscape, dotted with minarets, bell towers, and modern skyscrapers, is bathed in the morning sun. After some leisure time, we will depart for Mt. Bjelašnica, specifically to Lukomir village – one of the most authentic mountain shepherd villages in the Balkans. Here, we'll photograph ancient tombstones known as Stećci, traditional stone houses, and shepherds tending to their daily life in the mountains.

O/N Hotel Old Town

DAY 3: 8 May—Sarajevo – Travnik - Livno
Today, we leave Sarajevo behind and head into central Bosnia-Herzegovina. Our first stop is the historic town of Travnik, known as the birthplace of Ivo Andrić, a Yugoslav Nobel Prize winner for literature, and its marvelous painted mosque. We will spend a significant amount of time here exploring the old town and visiting the mosque. If we're lucky, we may be guided by the local Hodža. Later, we continue our journey towards the town of Livno, where hundreds of wild horses roam the vast plains of Mt. Krug.


DAY 4: 9 May—Livno and Wild Horses
Today, we have the opportunity to experience a very different aspect of Bosnia-Herzegovina: the vast and barren landscapes of Mt. Krug and its most famous inhabitants, the wild horses. These horses were set free by local farmers generations ago when traditional farming methods were abandoned, and horses were no longer needed. Now, large herds of these magnificent animals can be photographed against the stunning backdrop of wild mountains. We will drive up in off-road vehicles, the only way to get close to them, for our photography session.

O/N Motel BTG

DAY 5: 10 May—Livno – Mostar
It's time to hit the road again. Today, we travel to Mostar, one of the most picturesque towns in the
Balkans. Our hotel is located in the old town, immediately near the famous Ottoman bridge! We have the entire afternoon and evening to explore and photograph the unique architecture, the bridge, and
mosques. We can capture photos of jumpers leaping from the bridge into the ice-cold Neretva River,
some 80 feet below! The day will be capped off with a traditional Bosnian dinner and blue hour
photography of the bridge.


DAY 6: 11 May—Mostar and Blagaj
We'll start the day with a sunrise photo shoot around the Bridge and the old town of Mostar. After
breakfast, we'll head to the nearby town of Blagaj to visit the source of the Buna River. This place is truly magical, with the river bursting out of the rock, creating a perfect subject for photography. An old Ottoman Tekija stands nearby, enhancing the scene. The crystal-clear river is so pure that one can drink directly from it. After lunch, we have the option to visit nearby attractions such as the town of Počitelj or the Kravice Waterfalls. Alternatively, we can return to Mostar to climb the minaret for elevated city views.

O/N Hotel Emen

DAY 7: 12 May—Mostar – Sutjeska NP
After a morning photo shoot and breakfast, we bid farewell to Mostar and head north toward Sutjeska National Park. Our journey will take us across the Nevesinje Plateau, a stark yet beautiful mountain area where traditional shepherds tend their sheep and cows. En-route, we may stop at an ancient Roman arched bridge before arriving in Tjentište, nestled in the heart of Sutjeska National Park. Our day will culminate with a sunset shoot at one of the park’s scenic mountain viewpoints.


DAY 8: 13 May—Sutjeska NP and Zelengora
A full day awaits us to discover the breathtaking mountain vistas of Sutjeska National Park and
Zelengora. We will delve into one of the region's most pristine natural areas, including the Perućica
primeval forest, one of the oldest forests in Europe. Our travels will lead us to multiple vantage points
along the valley of the Sutjeska River. Later in the afternoon, we'll venture to the Zelengora massif,
celebrated for its lush vegetation, traditional shepherd life, and serene mountain lakes. One of these
idyllic lakes will serve as the backdrop for our sunset photo session today.

O/N Hotel Mladost

DAY 9: 14 May—Sutjeska NP – Sarajevo
We have one final opportunity to capture the magnificence of the mountains in the perfect light or to
photograph the majestic Sutjeska monument, a remarkable testament to Socialist architecture from the former Yugoslavia. We'll make our way to Sarajevo by afternoon, where we'll have our last chance to explore the historic Turkish bazaar. The journey concludes with a farewell dinner, where we'll have the chance to reflect on our adventure and the incredible scenes we've immortalized through our lenses.


DAY 10: 15 May—Departure from Sarajevo
If time allows, we can enjoy another morning photography session in the streets of Sarajevo. Afterward, we'll have breakfast followed by a transfer to Sarajevo Airport for your flight home.

END OF TOUR

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Arrival, Departure & Visa

​Arrival & Meeting Place 
The main airport serving Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ). It is also known as Butmir Airport. Located approximately 6 kilometers southwest of Sarajevo city center, it is the primary gateway for international travelers visiting the region. Sarajevo International Airport offers connections to various European destinations as well as some Middle Eastern cities. It serves as an important hub for both business and leisure travel in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

​Departure 
Sarajevo International Airport

Visa
U.S. citizens traveling to Bosnia and Herzegovina for tourism or business purposes do not typically need a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, visa requirements can change, so it's always best to check with the nearest Bosnian embassy or consulate or consult official government sources for the most up-to-date information before traveling. Additionally, entry requirements may vary depending on the purpose of travel and the passport held.


Weather 
In May, Bosnia typically experiences pleasant weather with gradually warming temperatures. Daytime temperatures often range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), although higher elevations may still be cooler. Expect plenty of sunshine and occasional showers, especially in the latter part of the month. It's a great time to explore Bosnia's beautiful landscapes.

Language
The official languages of Bosnia and Herzegovina are Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian, which are all mutually intelligible and largely similar. These languages use the Latin script, although the Cyrillic script is also recognized, especially for Serbian. Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian share a common linguistic heritage but may have differences in vocabulary, pronunciation, and some grammar rules.

​Currency
The currency of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Convertible Mark, abbreviated as BAM. It is pegged to the Euro, with 1 BAM roughly equivalent to 0.51 EUR. The Convertible Mark is commonly denoted by the symbol "KM" or "КМ" (in Cyrillic script).

3 SPOTS OPEN
$5,400

DEPOSIT: $500 
SINGLE: $450

Group size 6-8

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Tour Price Includes

  • Accommodation in specified hotels (9 nights)
  • All meals
  • All entrance fees
  • All transportation as per itinerary
  • Airport transfers
  • Guidance and help with photographic tuition

Tour Price Excludes

  • Arrival/departure flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Tips
  • Pre- and post-tour accommodation

Paying by check

If you would like to pay your deposit and/or balance with a check, please make the check payable to: Pixelchrome, Inc and mail it to:

Nicole Woodhouse
Pixelchrome, Inc, 
605 Rouen Drive, 
McKinney TX 75072

Paying by Wire Transfer

If you would like to pay by Wire Transfer please contact nicole@pixelchrome.com for bank account details.


Dress for the Weather

Important note on weather and clothing: In October, weather can be rather cool in the mountains, so hats and gloves are recommended to ensure your comfort. We may/hope to get some snow, especially in the mountains so warm clothes are recommended.


Equipment Checklist

  • Bring you own laptop computer and storage media
  • Camera body(s)
  • Lenses, 16-35mm, 24-70mm zoom and 70-200mm zoom or similar lenses are very good
  • Light bag for easy hiking with camera bodies and accessories
  • Cleaning kit for cameras and lenses
  • Rain/dust covers for cameras and lenses
  • Charger for batteries
  • Spare batteries
  • Spare Memory cards
  • Memory card reader
  • USB key to exchange images

Also good to have

  • Tripod
  • Good quality polarizing filter