My Spring trip to the Balkans. I know several RS types have been to most of these stops, so I am open to suggestions. So far just the Ključ hotel is booked, so I am still flexible.
(1) Saturday, May 22, 2027 to Sarajevo, BiH
Air Serbia: 11:25 Budapest to Sarajevo 14:40 (1:10 layover in Belgrade)
Afternoon in Sarajevo. I think my 4th stop in Sarajevo over the years: https://youtu.be/leeOMZMlBGc?si=QpUoIvvLZmfMXHqF I’ve done most of the standard tours. If anyone has ideas or things that they liked, I would love to hear it. Otherwise I just spend the night.
Old Town Hotel. Also, a repeat. Not booked yet so open to ideas. https://www.hoteloldtown.ba.
(2) Sunday, May 23, 2027 to Ključ
Transfer to higher country several hours west of Sarajevo. This stop is for a few days of fly fishing.
Fish in the afternoon. Fishing guide. https://www.fishingbosnia.com/
Hotel Kraljevac. Been many times. Small, simple but in a stunning location with good service and good food. Even if you don’t fish, you would enjoy it. https://www.facebook.com/HotelKraljevac/ AND https://youtu.be/YArkDX4yKWk?si=LsYUINsm_ciC9Dmm AND https://youtu.be/QNpUWXV3RkI?si=RB4cGyUQLecn3L2I
(3) Monday, May 24, 2027 Fishing
Fishing
Hotel Kraljevac
(4) Tuesday, May 25, 2027 Fishing.
Fishing
Hotel Kraljevac
(5) Wednesday, May 26, 2027 to Konjic
Morning transfer to Konjic. Stopped for coffee here last year. Loved it. . I like the “places in-between” when I travel and I have a rather long trip ahead and this breaks it up. https://youtu.be/KvSR7EBfM1E?si=e110vpQS7RvBA0ck
See Tito's Bunker while in town. Thank you Dave
Konak Hotel. This is perfect in my book. Just take a look https://www.alamy.com/the-konak-hotel-along-the-neretva-river-in-konjic-bosnia-and-herzegovina-image561870042.html?imageid=899C9CB9-4292-421E-99D2-47B54C1C89DD&pn=1&searchId=db0c7c002e5bca5d1cda38953363703f&searchtype=0
(6) Thursday, May 27, 2027
Konjic to Trebinje transfer. This is a place a bit higher on the tourist trail and another good stop on my long trip.
The old town looks promising. Here I will find a tour. https://youtu.be/0uPzsw4GxnQ?si=_7FZsYbAHVA6rF4f
Hotel Platani. Looks like a pretty nice place. But not booked yet so if anyone has ideas. https://youtu.be/NcFX_GdK43c?si=2eCKmnpENF1OodeV
(7) Friday, May 28, 2027 Drive on into Montenegro.
Off to Montenegro after lunch probably.
Balabani Local Stay. This is going to become my favorite place to start and end my trips to Montenegro. It absolutely defines getting local: https://www.instagram.com/balabani.local.stay/
HOW??
The private transfers will probably put some folks off. I don’t drive and I like being able to stop wherever I want and see things. Hotels and drivers in this part of the world can average less than 200€ a day which can be the cost of hotel + a metro pass in most of Western Europe. I let Doclea Travel and Tours arrange all the transfers and do all of the bookings. A few of these hotels you have to call or write to book and it’s easier if you speak the language. https://docleatravel.com/
ONWARD
Next is 5 days in Montenegro. I will pick it up in the Montenegro Forum. https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/montenegro/my-spring-trip-to-the-balkans-montenegro-to-albania