Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria...I know these are not the usual RS hotspots that everyone flocks to and for those on their first trips to Europe that is probably a good thing. After all I agree with him it is important to see the iconic sights.
But if this is your second or third or more trip here consider including the above countries.
I have lived in Europe 3 times, London, Switzerland and Paris over the years and I have traveled a lot of it. But I have been so incredibly impressed by some of the less traveled countries (for Americans surely) that this is my first visit to. We have spent a week in these two countries with a short stop in Dubrovnik.
Montenegro is a stunningly beautiful country where you will find English spoken at almost every turn. It is inexpensive by American and especially European standards. The people are friendly and react with true pleasure if you attempt a few words in their language. We have loved our time here and we have been to a fair share of it. It is small so you can see a lot in a short time. Day before yesterday we drove from Visegrad in Bosnia to Bar in Montenegro. We came via a very small border crossing at Hum. We soon found ourselves in one of the most incredible landscapes either of us has seen on a road that defies description through a canyon of the Piva River (which flows into the Drina).
Our arrival in Montenegro was by the Ferry from Bari Italy and when you wake up to the looming mountains falling right down to the shore that is Montenegro it is a sight for sure.
Then There is Bosnia. A recently war torn country that has recovered remarkably well. We entered from Dubrovnik and headed to Visegrad. This town is famous for two things, each made famous by the other. Ivo Andric won the Nobel prize for literature for his book Bridge On The Drina in 1961 and Visegrad and the bridge have profited ever since. This novel is really the history of this town, the Bridge and the Balkans described through the events that occur on the Bridge built by the Ottomans in the mid 1500’s. If you are coming this way read it!
Visegrad is a small town set among high hills and mountains with the river running through it. Not many Americans make it here...they are diverted by the flashier and less historically and strategically important bridge in Mostar by RS and others. It is a pleasant town, friendly and welcoming and the drive there is amazingly beautiful. There are two nice churches to visit, one historic and one new but both worthwhile. English is rare here...so bring a good phrase book. The Drina is a beautiful river.
We stayed in an AirBnb in Visegrad which was right near the bridge called the Lotika Apartments. It is simple and clean and comfortable and right in the center of everything.
Here in Bar Montenegro we are staying in the Hotel Pharos which is brand new, spotlessly clean with nice rooms with balcony’s overlooking the bay, huge bathrooms with rain showers and fine fixtures. The price is 47 Euros for 2 people.
Today we leave on the scenic Bar to Belgrade train overnight and then proceed on to Sofia. We are looking forward to that. More later on Bulgaria.
Come and see these countries and meet these people...you wont regret it.