A note from Richard:
So, I've explored the world a bit over the years, but one place, of late, has snatched my breath away; quickened the blood; dusted my soul: Bosnia.
The Bosnia we know from images of the war—the bombed and bullet-ridden buildings, the scars from the 1,200-day siege of Sarajevo—has kept from view a Bosnia we don’t know, a place where nature has been bighearted with its gifts. The country hosts one of the two greatest tracks of primeval forests in Europe, unmatched biodiversity, daunting mountain faces yet to be climbed, deep gorges yet to be traversed, wild rivers with water so pure you can cup your hand to drink, some of the highest concentrations of wildlife, and perhaps the last highland tribes of semi-nomadic people on the continent. In many ways, Bosnia today has what the rest of the world has lost.
We’ve been exploring Bosnia for the last couple of years—George Wendt, the founder of
O.A.R.S., and I rafted there last summer—and what we discovered was a stitch of river stretches so unspoiled, so stunning, so exquisite and exciting, that we could not resist returning.
So, we’ve put together twin itineraries for the last sigh of August, when the land glows its best, and we're inviting friends to join in this extraordinary passage.
We’re calling this delight “Three Rivers,” as the essence of the week-long adventure is a ride down a trio of the most beautiful rivers in Europe, the Neretva, the Tara and the Vrbas, staying at cozy lodges each night, and immersing in the bright and welcoming culture between.
This is a trip for adventurers of all stripes, but also for families of all ages, as there is a parallel itinerary, staying at the same lodges, but featuring museums, marketplaces, spas, cultural sites, and activities for kids.
And this is a rare first, never before offered or operated, designed from the bottom up by George Wendt, Laura Hubber of the BBC, Walker Bangs and me.
Once more, at this magical inflection point in time, Bosnia is one of the most economical yet value-rich places on earth…
Join us on this journey across a wonderland that transcends tides, into the heart of an uncommon culture, through this unequaled environment, a buoyant patria called Bosnia.
Dates: August 25 – September 1 (excluding travel time between the U.S. and Sarajevo)
The cost: $2990 per person based on double occupancy
Space is limited.
To join this adventure, contact:
Carrie Aronson
O.A.R.S. Private & Charter Trips Manager
Email - carriea@oars.com
Phone - 1.800.346.6277 ext. 4786 / 1.209.753.4786 (direct line)
Bosnia: Three Rivers—
Overview
This unique itinerary combines a cultural look at Bosnia and Herzegovina with three separate days of rafting in perhaps the most beautiful landscape south of heaven, including the deepest gorge in Europe, lodging each night in comfortable accommodations and alternative activities for landlubbers.
Bosnia: Three Rivers – itinerary at a glance:
- Thursday, August 25 - Arrival to Sarajevo, met on arrival and transferred to accommodation—welcome dinner.
- Friday, August 26 - Grand tour of Sarajevo—enjoy one of Europe's loveliest and most interesting cities—the true crossroads where East meets West. Overnight in Sarajevo.
- Saturday, August 27 – Rafting the Tara River—considered one of the four most beautiful whitewater rivers in Bosnia and Herzegovina with its stunning wilderness and unforgettable landscapes. Overnight in Sarajevo.
- Sunday, August 28 – Rafting the Neretva River. The Neretva River is the emerald of Herzegovina flowing over 100 kilometers from its source into the Adriatic Sea. Participants can expect deep canyon walls, endemic flora and fauna, and a wild and pristine ambiance that only the Neretva can provide. Overnight in Mostar.
- Monday, August 29 - Tour of Mostar—the cultural and political capital of Herzegovina.The tour includes the quaint Ottoman old quarter which is a living tribute to the ingenuity and beauty of Ottoman architecture. Overnight in Banja Luka.
- Tuesday, August 30 – Rafting the Vrbas River—a fast mountain river crossing two spectacular canyons: Canyon Tijesno and Canyon Podmilacje. Overnight in Banja Luka.
- Wednesday, August 31 - After breakfast, return to Sarajevo—lunch in Travnik en route—and overnight in Sarajevo.
- Thursday, September 1 – Depart Sarajevo for home.
