Balkan trip

THE BALKAN TRIP

Join us on an unforgettable three-day adventure through Bosnia and Herzegovina from the 11th to 13th of April, where rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture await. From the lively streets of Banja Luka to the historic heart of Sarajevo and the picturesque beauty of Mostar, this journey will introduce you to the true essence of the Balkans. Indulge in delicious local cuisine, explore fascinating landmarks, and experience the region’s legendary nightlife. Don’t miss the chance to embark on this unique and exhilarating trip! 🚍

1st DAY (Ljubljana – Banja Luka – Sarajevo)

Our adventure begins early in the morning as we depart from Ljubljana and travel through Croatia towards Bosnia and Herzegovina. Upon crossing the border, we enter Republika Srpska, a region rich in history and culture. Our first destination is Banja Luka, the largest city in this part of Bosnia, known for its stunning location along the Vrbas River. Upon arrival, we will meet our local guide for a walking tour of the city’s highlights, including the Kastel Fortress, the main pedestrian avenue Gospodska Street, the Ferhadija Mosque, and various Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman-era buildings that showcase the city’s diverse past. 🏰

After the tour, you will have free time to explore the city at your own pace, visit local cafés, or try regional specialities like ćevapi, burek, or the famous Banja Luka beer. In the afternoon, we continue our journey towards Sarajevo, where we will head straight to our hotel for check-in and some rest before the evening activities. The night is yours to enjoy with an optional opportunity to experience an authentic Balkan-style night out in one of Sarajevo’s most famous clubs (optional, extra charge). 🍻

2nd DAY (Sarajevo)

After breakfast at the hotel, we embark on a guided city tour of Sarajevo, beginning with a panoramic bus tour before continuing on foot. Our local guide will introduce us to the city’s most iconic sights, including Baščaršija, the old bazaar filled with traditional shops and the scent of freshly brewed Bosnian coffee ☕, the Sebilj Fountain, the Latin Bridge, where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated, the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, and many other historical landmarks that reflect the city’s unique blend of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian and Yugoslav influences. 🕌

After the tour, you will have the entire afternoon to explore Sarajevo on your own. Whether you prefer relaxing with a traditional Bosnian coffee, shopping for handcrafted souvenirs, or indulging in local cuisine such as tufahija, dolma, or the famous Sarajevo-style ćevapi with somun bread, there is something for everyone. You can visit museums, stroll along Wilson’s Promenade, or simply take in the vibrant atmosphere of the city. In the afternoon, an optional return transfer to the hotel will be available, though you are free to stay in the city and explore further. 🍮

As night falls, we invite you to another unforgettable Balkan party in a different club from the night before, where the unique music, energy, and atmosphere will show you a completely different side of Sarajevo’s nightlife (optional, extra charge). 🔥

3rd DAY (Sarajevo – Mostar – Ljubljana)

After breakfast at the hotel, we check out and begin our journey towards Mostar. On the way, we make a short stop in Jablanica, a town known for its destroyed bridge on the Neretva River, a significant site from World War II linked to the historic Battle of Neretva. 🌉

Upon arrival in Mostar, we meet our local guide for a walking tour of this picturesque city. Mostar is best known for its Stari Most (Old Bridge), a stunning 16th-century Ottoman bridge that connects the two sides of the city, but the charm of Mostar goes beyond the bridge. You will be able to explore the Old Bazaar, the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, the Turkish House, and numerous small artisan shops where you can find unique handcrafted souvenirs. 💎

After the tour, you will have free time to enjoy a final taste of Bosnian cuisine, such as japrak, klepe, pita, or a delicious baklava with a cup of traditional Bosnian coffee, before we begin our journey back to Slovenia. We expect to arrive back in Ljubljana late at night, bringing with us unforgettable memories of the Balkans. 💙✨

THE PRICE INCLUDES

• Transportation by a modern tourist bus according to the program,
• a two (2) night stay in a hotel in Sarajevo with breakfast included,
• a trip leader present throughout the trip,
• a local tour guide in the cities of Banja Luka, Sarajevo and Mostar,
• the organization of the trip,
• road tolls and other fees.

HOW DO YOU SUCCESSFULLY APPLY

For your application to be processed, you must first settle the trip costs! You can find all the necessary information on how to do so by contacting us at our events email address esnlj.events@gmail.com or by checking the available options below.

You can settle the trip costs in the following ways:

1. In-person payment at the ESN Ljubljana office – CLICK HERE FOR OFFICE HOURS
   • with cash
   • with payment card
2. Online payment (fienta.com) – CLICK HERE FOR ONLINE PAYMENT
   • with payment card (transaction fee by fienta.com)
3. Bank transfer
   • For bank details, please contact us at esnlj.events@gmail.com. Your proof of payment must also be sent to the same email address.

PRICE

DISCOUNTED PRICE: 155,00 EUR with Ljubljana Erasmus discount card

FULL PRICE: 170,00 EUR without Ljubljana Erasmus discount card

ONLINE PAYMENT – ADDITIONAL FIENTA FEE: 0,00 EUR (transaction fee by fienta.com is subsidized by the Student organization of the University of Ljubljana for this trip, as it is the biggest trip we organize with them.)