Bosnia and Herzegovina Three Rivers Adventure

Whitewater rafting in Bosnia and Herzegovina may not be on your bucket list (yet), but here are three reasons why it should be: The Tara, Neretva and Vrbas Rivers. The O.A.R.S. Three Rivers Adventure will take you on an unforgettable whitewater adventure as you run all of them over the course of several days. We start our trip on the Tara, or the “Grand Canyon” of the Balkans. Then it’s on to the Neretva, the “Nile of Herzegovina” for its emerald color and wild ambiance. Finally, we descend the Vrbas River, rated one of the most beautiful whitewater rivers in the world and host to the 2009 World Rafting Championships. Here in Bosnia, you not only find the best rafting in Europe, but also the indescribable charm of its people and cities. As we switch gears for the second half of the trip and explore the streets and sites of Sarajevo—Banja Luka, Jajce and Mostar—guests also get the chance to intimately experience the country’s rich cultural past and deep-rooted history. Considered one of Europe’s last hidden secrets, our Bosnia and Herzegovina adventure is not to be missed.

The Heart-shaped Land

Geographically located in the heart of Europe, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s land mass also resembles the shape of a heart. Showing that they have big hearts too, this is a country where the people pride themselves on hospitality and go a long way to make their guests feel at home. Expect to be treated like family by the locals who have shown warm hospitality to travelers and strangers throughout history. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, nature has also been bighearted, giving it splendid mountain ranges, countless freshwater streams and rivers, deep gorges, magnificent waterfalls and even one of the last primeval forests in Europe, called Perucica. And the best part? Much of this wilderness is untouched and yours to discover.

Bosnia: Year Round Adventure Center of Eastern Europe

Bosnia and Herzegovina offers an enormous diversity of geological forms and in the last 10 years its natural treasures have become increasingly noticed, paving way for a new adventure industry to be born. The country, with its newly created Adventure Tourism Association, has been focused on developing new services catered specifically to adventurers and is now able to welcome guests who enjoy whitewater rafting, hiking, mountain biking, climbing, caving, skiing and more. In the summer, visitors can make their way to Sutjeska National Park, home to the country’s highest peak Maglic. At over 2,386 meters this climb is challenging even for ambitious hikers. Mountain biking is also starting to gain popularity in the park on the rocky trails through the grasslands of Zelengora Mountain. And proving that adventure is a year-round possibility in Bosnia, in the winter, skiers will find three to four months of good snow southeast of Sarajevo at Johorina. With its endless possibilities for an active trip in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the country plans on seducing visitors in with their tagline, “Brave Enough?” So, are you?

The Capital: Sarajevo

A cultural and architectural feast for visitors, Sarajevo is the political and cultural capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Muslims, Jews, Orthodox Christians and Catholics once lived here in harmony, and for this reason Sarajevo has often been called the "Jerusalem of Europe." A walk down its cobbled streets is a journey through its past. And although war stricken in the 1990’s, Sarajevo has not only been rebuilt, but had a remarkable recovery. Vibrant with cafes, music, art and world-class cultural events, it is one of Europe's loveliest and most interesting cities. While hustle and bustle isn’t lacking in the country’s capital, Sarajevo still manages to pull off the charm of a big village surrounded by hills and mountains in the distance. It’s a city that’s easily covered by foot and all the better as you’re lured into artisan workshops, cozy bars, and interesting shops. Sarajevo is the hub of our O.A.R.S. Three River Adventure and guests will have plenty of opportunity to explore.