Republic of Srpska. Trip for Photographers, July 9 th -16 th

Transcription

1 Republic of Srpska Trip for Photographers, July 9 th -16 th

2 Hidden waterfalls, lush forests, spectacular peaks, traditional rural life, all of these are awaiting you to explore and discover in the beautiful Republic of Srpska! Bosnia & Herzegovina is a country in Southeast Europe with population of 4 million people. Ethnic structure of population, based on census in 1991, is Bosniaks 44% ( Muslims ), Serbs 32% ( orthodox Christians), Croats 17% ( Catholics ) and others 7%. There was no census from that time, and next one is scheduled next year. Bosnia & Herzegovina was one of the six republics of Yugoslavia, until the 1990 s when the republics declared independence. B&H declared independence in February 1992, which triggered the civil war, in which active part was taken by neighboring Croatia and Serbia. War ended in November 1995, after peace talks in Dayton, Ohio, USA. Dayton peace agreement specified that Bosnia & Herzegovina is to be divided internally to Republic of Srpska ( 49% territory, 1,8 million people ) and Federation of Bosnia & Herzegovina ( 51% territory, 2,2 million people ). Capital of Republic of Srpska is Banja Luka ( ) and capital of Federation and the country itself is Sarajevo ( ). Both have their governments, but there is one government on state level. This trip was prepared with help from and under patronage of Tourist Organization of the Republic of Srpska.

3 Welcome to Republic of Srpska! 9 th July, Day 1 arrival to Zagreb Airport, Croatia. Meeting at the airport, drive to Bosnia & Herzegovina border, from border via Banja Luka and scenic Manjaca Mountain to Mrkonjic Grad, Overnight in Hotel next to Balkana Lake

4 10 th July, Day 2 Visiting Sipovo area, rivers, springs and cultural heritage: Early bird photo walk, for those who want to catch the first rays of sun Return to hotel for breakfast Visit to village, near Janj River Canyon Cultural encounters in same village: Traditional craftsmanship carpenter s workshop which preserves traditional tools and skills of carving wood Local weaver traditional which will show us traditional way of making clothes - weaving On the way back, visit to small village of Janjske Otoke, where houses were built between Janj River streams Pliva River springs, with still functioning watermills Return to the hotel and overnight

5 11 th July, Day 3 Sana River, blacksmith Early bird photo walk, for those who want to catch the first rays of sun Return to hotel for breakfast Departure from hotel towards Sana River springs, walk to the springs, discovering beauty of nature Return to Mrkonjic Grad and visit a blacksmiths workshop ( est. in 1569 ) In the late afternoon visiting Zelenkovac, place built by an sculptor, intended to be artistic colony Return to the hotel and overnight

6 12 th July, Day 4 Photo trek Early birds photo walk to Podrasnica area, catching early light, landscape photos Return to hotel for breakfast Drive to the base of Lisina Mountain, from there we ll walk up towards Sibovi area (medium hard) Lunch in Sibovi area, including tasting of mushrooms picked up on the way by our expert guides Golden hour shoot walk, down hill towards the bus, on the other side of mountain, catching sunset light Return to the hotel and overnight

7 13 th July, Day 5 Jajce city, Pliva lakes, waterfall Early birds photo walk to catch early light, landscape photos Return to hotel for breakfast Departure from hotel to village of Mujdzici, walk to Golden Eagles nesting grounds Break for tasting local specialty traditional homemade pita ( pie, burek ) Short walk to the carpenters workshop, specialized in carving wood Visiting Pliva lakes on the way towards Jajce with its small watermills Drive towards Jajce, a city famous for its magnificent 17 meter high waterfall in the center of the city, numerous historical monuments and significance in Bosnian and Yugoslavian history Return to the hotel and overnight

8 14 th July, Day 6,,,Vrbas River Canyon, Banja Luka city, dajak boats Check out and departure from hotel towards Vrbas River Canyon ( 70 km long including valleys ) Several stops at spots of interest along the road (3 old fortresses ruins, Stone bridge - natural rock eroded to look like bridge ) Visit to Krupa Na Vrbasu village, with its interesting small stream with watermills and old fortress ruins, offering great view on the canyon and valley Arriving in Banja Luka (Capital City of RS and second largest city in Bosnia & Herzegovina), city sightseeing and visit to dajak boats workshop (unique design of boats for Banja Luka ), following a pleasant boat ride on Vrbas river Late afternoon photo walk in Banja Luka Late evening drive towards new accommodation in National Park Kozara Check in and overnight

9 15 th July, Day 7 Kozara National Park Early bird photo walk, for those who want to catch the first rays of sun Return to hotel for breakfast Easy walk down hill through forest mountain paths Exploring the National Park Golden hour landscape shooting, we ll catch sunset light from one of the mountain peaks in the park Return to the hotel and overnight

10 16 th July, Day 8 Departure, Transfer to Zagreb Airport Bye bye, hope to see you again on one of our Trips for Photographers!!!!

11 Accreditation Photographers participating in this expedition will be granted a diploma for participation in a VISUAL ANTHROPOLOGY WORKSHOP. This diploma is co-signed by Tourist organization of Republic of Srpska and Trips for Photographers.

12 Rates include Rates do NOT include 7 nights B&B accommodation in a 3* hotel All the entrance fees and tickets described in itinerary All the land transportation by latest model motor coaches All extra meals described in itinerary (lunch on day four & tasting of local specialty homemade pita on day five ) Dajak boat ride on Vrbas River Representative of Zepter Passport Travel Company accompanying the group for duration of program / licensed English speaking tour guide Local guides for every activity in program ( for days three, four, five and seven ) VAT and all other applicable taxes Flights Dinners and other meals not listed in itinerary Registration: Registration request should be sent to: Forum, Travel & Events ltd. Kaufman Str. 2, Tel Aviv 68012, Israel Tel: Fax: forum@netvision.net.il Come prepared for treks For those days we ll walk make sure to have: Comfortable hiking shoes A light backpack Hat or baseball cap with sun screen Rate per person sharing twin/double room for 8 days on BB basis: 670 ; Single Supplement 150

13 Ground arrangements and operations: Zepter Passport Travel Company Veselina Maslese 8/I, Banja Luka, Bosnia&Herzegovina Tel: , Fax: Registration and flights booking: Forum, Travel & Events ltd. Kaufman Str. 2, Tel Aviv 68012, Israel Tel: Fax: forum@netvision.net.il Trip coordination and Photography Mentoring: Meir Jacob, Trips for Photographers Tel: Trips4photographers@gmail.com