Bosnia has been an important part of the Eastern Ottoman
Empire for over 400 years. Travnik and then Sarajavo have
both been capitals of the Ottoman province of Bosnia
which was the strategic and cultural crossroads between
Christian Europe and the Muslim East. We explore the
legacy of 400 years of Turkish rule and its rich islamic
heritage including Mosques, the Turkish Bridge in Mostar,
the Blagaj Dervish monastery, and unique Ilahije music.
Empire for over 400 years. Travnik and then Sarajavo have
both been capitals of the Ottoman province of Bosnia
which was the strategic and cultural crossroads between
Christian Europe and the Muslim East. We explore the
legacy of 400 years of Turkish rule and its rich islamic
heritage including Mosques, the Turkish Bridge in Mostar,
the Blagaj Dervish monastery, and unique Ilahije music.
Day 4
This morning we take a 2 hour bus drive south to Mostar famous for
its 400 year old Turkish Bridge Stari Most which was savagely
destroyed during the Bosnian War but painstakingly rebuilt to original.
We also visit the Mostar City Museum which tells the story of the
bridge and the city during the recent war. There is also a second Bridge
Museum housed inside one of the bridge towers. Later we visit one of
Mostars three Turkish Houses which illustrate a turkish lifestyle during
the Ottoman times. We also take a short drive to Blagaj a Dervish
Monastery and Islamic Shrine and free time to explore the cobbled
streets of Mostar before taking the evening bus back to Sarajevo.
This morning we take a 2 hour bus drive south to Mostar famous for
its 400 year old Turkish Bridge Stari Most which was savagely
destroyed during the Bosnian War but painstakingly rebuilt to original.
We also visit the Mostar City Museum which tells the story of the
bridge and the city during the recent war. There is also a second Bridge
Museum housed inside one of the bridge towers. Later we visit one of
Mostars three Turkish Houses which illustrate a turkish lifestyle during
the Ottoman times. We also take a short drive to Blagaj a Dervish
Monastery and Islamic Shrine and free time to explore the cobbled
streets of Mostar before taking the evening bus back to Sarajevo.
Day 5
Today we take a 2 hour drive north by
local bus to the town of Travnik
which was once the Turkish Provincial
Capital of Bosnia and described as the
'Istanbul of the East'. We spend a few
hours walking tour in the old town
and visit among others the Sarena
Dzamija (coloured mosque) and the
medieval fortress before our bus
drive back to Sarajevo
Today we take a 2 hour drive north by
local bus to the town of Travnik
which was once the Turkish Provincial
Capital of Bosnia and described as the
'Istanbul of the East'. We spend a few
hours walking tour in the old town
and visit among others the Sarena
Dzamija (coloured mosque) and the
medieval fortress before our bus
drive back to Sarajevo
Day 6
Another full day in Sarajevo, we first take the tram to the east end of
Ilidza to visit the War Tunnel Museum, the story of Sarajevo during
the siege of 1992-95. We then walk along a tree lined route to the
mouth of the river bosna before taking a carriage ride for the walk
back. Next stop is the National Museum of Bosnia Hercegovina for
a short cultural and historical perspective of the region. Opposite is
the Holiday Inn Hotel from where the Bosnian war first broke out
and later became the infamous 'sniper alley'. There is time to expore
the influence of Austrian rule in Bosnia when the Turks left in the
Museum of Bosnia 1878-1914, as well as the site where Archduke
Ferdinand was assassinated causing the start of WWI. We also
ascend to the national cemetery where there is a memorial to wartime
Bosnian President Alija Izetbegovic as well as a museum in his
name. Finally we ascend to the medieval fortress of Vratnik for a
breathtaking view of Sarajevo by nightfall.
Another full day in Sarajevo, we first take the tram to the east end of
Ilidza to visit the War Tunnel Museum, the story of Sarajevo during
the siege of 1992-95. We then walk along a tree lined route to the
mouth of the river bosna before taking a carriage ride for the walk
back. Next stop is the National Museum of Bosnia Hercegovina for
a short cultural and historical perspective of the region. Opposite is
the Holiday Inn Hotel from where the Bosnian war first broke out
and later became the infamous 'sniper alley'. There is time to expore
the influence of Austrian rule in Bosnia when the Turks left in the
Museum of Bosnia 1878-1914, as well as the site where Archduke
Ferdinand was assassinated causing the start of WWI. We also
ascend to the national cemetery where there is a memorial to wartime
Bosnian President Alija Izetbegovic as well as a museum in his
name. Finally we ascend to the medieval fortress of Vratnik for a
breathtaking view of Sarajevo by nightfall.
Day 3
We begin our first full day in Sarajevo back in the Bascarsija Turkish
quarter. From the famous Sebilj Fountain landmark of Sarajevo we walk
towards the Old Orthodox Church to visit the original Serbian Church of
Sarajevo. We then ascend the steps of Sarajevo a few short blocks to the
Svrzo House a former Turkish Governers Mansion. We return to visit the
Jewish Museum of Sarajevo depicting Jewish life and also home to the
Haggadah which was written and rescued from Islamic Spain. After
passing by the Eternal Flame a tribute to the tragic losses in Sarajevo
during the recent wars we visit the New Orthodox Church the much
grander Serbian religious centre. We head back to the Medressa a Turkish
religious school opposite the Beg Mosque and then visit the Bruza
Bezistan a museum of Turkish society and Islamic religious life in Turkish
Sarajevo. There is also time to visit the Emporers Mosque with the
remaining free time to wander Sarajevo's bazaars. Why not try some
Cevapci a famous Bosnian grilled lamb dish with fresh baked bread.
We begin our first full day in Sarajevo back in the Bascarsija Turkish
quarter. From the famous Sebilj Fountain landmark of Sarajevo we walk
towards the Old Orthodox Church to visit the original Serbian Church of
Sarajevo. We then ascend the steps of Sarajevo a few short blocks to the
Svrzo House a former Turkish Governers Mansion. We return to visit the
Jewish Museum of Sarajevo depicting Jewish life and also home to the
Haggadah which was written and rescued from Islamic Spain. After
passing by the Eternal Flame a tribute to the tragic losses in Sarajevo
during the recent wars we visit the New Orthodox Church the much
grander Serbian religious centre. We head back to the Medressa a Turkish
religious school opposite the Beg Mosque and then visit the Bruza
Bezistan a museum of Turkish society and Islamic religious life in Turkish
Sarajevo. There is also time to visit the Emporers Mosque with the
remaining free time to wander Sarajevo's bazaars. Why not try some
Cevapci a famous Bosnian grilled lamb dish with fresh baked bread.
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brought to you by ImagineHolidays.ca
We are pleased to offer an exciting 7 day tour of Bosnia
including Sarajevo, Mostar, and Travnik
including Sarajevo, Mostar, and Travnik
Our tour consists of a small intimate group of 6-12 people maximum leaving from Toronto with
mix of relaxed backpack style and guided tours with daily walking and local buses.
You will be led by an experienced leader with local knowledge for each day of your trip starting
from and returning to Canada.
mix of relaxed backpack style and guided tours with daily walking and local buses.
You will be led by an experienced leader with local knowledge for each day of your trip starting
from and returning to Canada.
We will have time to explore all of the relevant historical and cultural landmarks as well as having
ample free time to wonder on your own and explore your own interests.
Accommodation will be in a family run Sarajevo guest house in central prime location
with a choice of shared or private rooms.
Meals included as indicated (B, L, D).
ample free time to wonder on your own and explore your own interests.
Accommodation will be in a family run Sarajevo guest house in central prime location
with a choice of shared or private rooms.
Meals included as indicated (B, L, D).
These tours involve daily walking and are not intended for children or seniors.
Steep hill and stair climbing will be involved in all towns.
This is not a religious pilgrimage but a cultural historical tour open to everyone
Steep hill and stair climbing will be involved in all towns.
This is not a religious pilgrimage but a cultural historical tour open to everyone
Day 2
Midday arrival Sarajevo after morning
connecting flight. After check in at our
Sarajevo hotel and time to relax we begin
with an evening walking tour of the
Bascarsija Turkish quarter including the
Gazi Husrev Beg Mosque, Bascarsija
Mosque, Ferhadija Mosque, the
copperware alley, Turkish covered bazaars
Morica Han and Bezistan. Dinner Optional
Midday arrival Sarajevo after morning
connecting flight. After check in at our
Sarajevo hotel and time to relax we begin
with an evening walking tour of the
Bascarsija Turkish quarter including the
Gazi Husrev Beg Mosque, Bascarsija
Mosque, Ferhadija Mosque, the
copperware alley, Turkish covered bazaars
Morica Han and Bezistan. Dinner Optional
Day 1
Evening departure Toronto
Evening departure Toronto
Day 7
Return Toronto.
Return Toronto.
- Apr/May 2010
- Sept/Oct 2010