The Best of Northern Bosnia (Krajina region) 2day Round Trip from Banja Luka (including National Parks Kozara & Una)

INCLUDED

Guide
English speaking local-expert guide and driver.
Accommodation
Hotel in Krajina 1 night (Choose via Booking Form: 2*, 3* or 4*).
Meals
Breakfast and two lunches included.
All Transfers
This is a round trip tour starting and ending in Banja Luka. However, tour can be recreated into transfer-tour experience to start or end in different places such as Sarajevo and Zagreb.
All Entrance Fees, Taxes & Flexible Cancellation Policy
No hidden costs. VAT 17% included in the price. Cancel 14 days prior for full refund or change dates anytime.
Availability
Tour is available throughout the year.
Online Payments
Pay safely online with a credit card. We accept payments for all types of credit cards.

NOT INCLUDED

Insurance
Travel insurance is not included. Please buy it at home country.
Guide Tipping
Tips are not included in the tour costs. If you receive excellent service, please consider tipping.
Private Tour
All tours are shared, unless specifically booked as private.
Lunch & Dinner
Typical costs for great dinner are 10 EUR per person.

Logistics

• Tour starts and ends in Banja Luka, but can be arranged to start from Sarajevo, Zagreb or Split.
• Departure Time: 7.30 AM

You can choose between 2*, 3* or 4* accommodation by booking this tour, or if you prefer, you can book accommodation on your own and we shall deduct the total tour price.

Accommodation options are:

• 2* homestay at Una National Park with a local family,
• 3* ethno village Čardaklije,
• 4* hotel Kostelski Buk at Bihać.

Day 1 (Banja Luka > National Park Kozara > Bosanska Krupa > Ostrožac na Uni > Bihać)

This tour is best optimised to start from Banja Luka as this two day itinerary is heavily packed up with stunning stops and amazing experiences and Banja Luka is surely the best starting point. However if you prefer to start this two day tour from elsewhere (Sarajevo, Zagreb, Split or Belgrade), let us know and we shall recommend the best starting point for your needs.

• Stop 1 (Kozara National Park & Mrakovica Monument)

In the early morning, as soon as we leave Banja Luka, after a short 1hour drive we will arrive in the region of Kozara National Park. Kozara National Park with its remarkable WW2 memorial to Krajina fighters is today one of the most important monuments of Yugoslavian brutalist architecture.

Originally designed by Dušan Džamonja and built in 1972, Mrakovica memorial is dedicated to fallen Partisan fighters, fallen soldiers and all other civilian victims who died during the Kozara Offensive in 1942.

During the tour, we shall give a dedicated explanation on the Kozara monument’s importance during the era of Yugoslavia, story of Yugoslavia itself and its final breakdown during the period of 1990s.

After we have experienced the mind-blowing Kozara monument and enjoyed natural diversity of the Kozara National Park, we move on.

• Stop 2 (Bosanska Krupa & Spring of Krušnica River)

One hour later we shall arrive at Bosanska Krupa, one of the most picturesque towns in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Nested at the most beautiful Bosnian river Una, at its delta with Krušnica river, Bosanska Krupa is truly the pearl of Krajina region.

Once at Krupa, we shall climb the medieval Bosnian fortress overlooking the town, understand its historical value and explore the numerous islets on Una and Krušnica river, famously called “ade”.

The highlight of Bosanska Krupa is a relaxing hike to the spring of river Krušnica. With a total length of 7 km and constant temperature of 10ºC, stunning Krušnica river with its spring capacity up to 80 m3/s and tons of opportunities for fly fishing, is a must see for anyone visiting Bosanska Krupa and Krajina region.

Overlooking the beautiful Una river, lunch break is planned at Bosanska Krupa.

After the delicious local lunch we move on and continue our ride by the beautiful Una river canyon, until we arrive at Ostrožac na Uni.

• Stop 3 (Ostrožac Fort and Una River Canyon)

Ostrožac is a famous medieval fort located on the hill overlooking Una river. It represents a unique synthesis of different architectural styles, which in its present form and dimensions, was built in four epochs. Ancient documents mention this place in 1286.

However, in the mid 16th century it was conquered by the Ottomans, who missively upgraded the fort, due to the fact that the Ostrožac captaincy was the most northern captaincy of the Ottoman Empire towards the Habsburg monarchy.

With the arrival of the Austria-Hungarian empire the fort was home to the ruler of Bihać cunty, Lothar von Berks, who furthermore restored and upgraded the town by constructing a fairy tale-like castle to be his family home.

Since 1969, the fort has been a homeplace of the sculpture colony, which today hosts hundreds of sculptures donated to the colony by various artists of ex Yugoslavian and wider global art space.

Last stop of day one is Kostelski Buk waterfall, followed by dinner and overnight.

The overnight location depends on your choice of accommodation. Please see accommodation options at our Booking form and choose 2*, 3* or 4* style of stay.

Day 2 (Una National Park > Drvar > Šipovo > Jajce > Krupa na Uni > Banja Luka)

After a delicious local breakfast, we continue our journey. The first stop of the day is Una National Park, probably the most beautiful national park of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

• Stop 4 (Una National Park: Štrbački Buk Waterfall and Martin Brod town)

Its most famous spot is Štrbački Buk waterfall, which is the most powerful waterfall in the whole region of the Balkans. With its height of 25m and width of more than 40m this pearl of Krajina region is truly the highlight of the day.

The National Par Una is still today home to the traditional lifestyle of local Bosnian families. One of them, we usually meet up for a morning Bosnian coffee, sweets and discussions about life then and today. Most of these families make a living from agriculture and farming, making the food they bring in front of us, a food of “extraterrestrial” taste and deliciousness.

Second most famous spot at Una National Park is the small town of Martin Brod. Located on the confluence of Unac and Una river, Martin Brod is home to the largest complex of stunning waterfalls at Una National Park. Unique Rmanj monastery, numerous watermills, waterfalls, Unac and Una river with great fly fishing and rafting opportunities, definitely make Martin Brod a must see part of the Una National Park.

• Stop 5 (Tito’s Cave at Drvar)

After just a short drive away from Martin Brod, we arrive at Drvar and visit Tito’s famous Drvar cave. During the May of 1944, when liberated Drvar was a home to Supreme Headquarters of Tito’s Yugoslavian partisan fighters, Germans conducted Operation Rösselsprung (eng.Knights Move) or famously called “Raid on Drvar”, a combined airborne and ground assault that aimed at capturing or killing the Partisan leader Marshal Josip Broz Tito. 

Visiting Tito’s cave and understanding the importance of this region for the post-WW2 events and creation of Yugoslavian state, is an essential add-on for better understanding of the overall history of the Balkans.

• Stop 6 (Šipovo and Spring of Pliva River)

Source of river Pliva at Šipovo is a fly fishing paradise and one of the most beautiful destinations located on the edge of Krajina and Central Bosnian regions.

A Relaxing hike to the spring of Pliva river, followed by local lunch with one of the local families at the banks of Pliva river is an unmissable part of the day.

• Stop 7 (Jajce with Pliva Lakes, Pliva Mills, Pliva Waterfall and Jajce Old Town with a fort)

In the later afternoon of our 2nd day the road takes us to Jajce, the medieval capital of Bosnian Kingdom.

The first thing to do is to explore the Pliva lakes and unique Pliva mills, famously called Mlinčići. Pliva lakes are a great opportunity to take summer time swims and chills.

Jajce town with its beautiful Pliva waterfall as the World’s only town with a natural waterfall in the city centre is a must see spot. The spot where Pliva river meets Vrbas river is simply breathtaking.

Later we shall take a walking tour through Jajce and visit Jajce medieval fortress which was the capital of medieval Bosnian Kingdom, explore the Museum of the Second Session of the National Liberation Army of Yugoslavia (AVNOJ) as a birthplace of Yugoslavian state, Medvjed Kula, the Church of St. Luke which at one point of time served as a mosque, famous Catacombs – underground church and one of the World’s very few mosques named after women – Mosque of Esma Sultanija.

Famously known as the “Museum under the open sky”, Jajce with all of its historical and natural richness is the very best of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

• Stop 8 (Vrbas River Canyon and Krupa na Vrbasu falls)

Final part of the journey back to Banja Luka, is via stunning Vrbas river canyon and visit to “Krupa na Vrbasu” set of mills and waterfalls.

Return to Banja Luka is planned in the later afternoon hours.

What Do I Need to Bring?

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Swimsuits (summer time)
• Waterproof jacket in case of rains
• Warm jacket (during the winter period)
• Light-weight, breathable walking shirts and trousers
• Warm hat and light gloves (during the winter period)
• Sun protection (summer time)
• Water bottle

Single supplement:

• 30 EUR per person

1. Is this tour for me?
   This tour requires normal level of fitness and is doable for anyone of normal level of fitness.
2. Are Balkans safe off the beaten path travels?
   The best destinations in Bosnia are totally off the beaten path and surely it is safe to explore them.
3. Can I book as solo traveller?
   Yes you can. Significant number of our fellow travelers are solo.
4. What is the weather like?
   Balkans are known for extremely differentiated weather seasons, meaning in the winter we have deep minus temperature and during the summer high plus, so make sure to know what to expect before arrival.
5. How much should I tip?
   Tips are not included in the tour costs, nor they are heavily expected in Bosnian culture. However when you receive excellent service, we recommend tipping.
6. How can I book a trip as a connecting tour from/to Sarajevo or Zagreb?
   Please feel free to contact our team with your requires and we will be happy to make the necessary arrangements. 
7. Can I book my own accommodation?
   Yes, you can. In case you prefer booking your own accommodation we will deduct the costs of hotel service from the overall price. 
8. What is the currency I should use while in Bosnia and Croatia? 
   While some places do accept EUR make sure to have small amount of local currencies (BiH: BAM; Croatia: HRK)
9. Can I book this tour in other than English language?
   Tours are possible to book in other than English languages in private option. Do contact our team for further information.
10. How much in advance I need to book this tour?
    It is recommended to book at least 15 days in advance but our team will go above and beyond to confirm the trips even 24h before the supposed departure.