Višegrad, Andrićgrad & Drvengrad Tour

Stop 1: Višegrad and the Old Bridge on the Drina After a two hour drive from Sarajevo, we arrive in Višegrad, a picturesque town on the banks of the Drina River. The highlight here is the 16th century stone bridge commissioned by Mehmed Pasha Sokolović, an Ottoman Grand Vizier of Bosnian origin. Built by master architect Mimar Sinan, the bridge is a symbol of permanence and cultural resilience and was immortalised in Ivo Andrić’s Nobel Prize winning novel The Bridge on the Drina. With its eleven arches and central sofa (stone bench), it’s a masterpiece of Ottoman engineering and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2007.

Stop 2: Andrićgrad A short walk from the bridge takes us to Andrićgrad, also known as Kamengrad, a cultural complex envisioned by director Emir Kusturica. Inspired by Ivo Andrić’s literary world, this town within a town blends architectural styles from the Byzantine, Ottoman, Renaissance and Austro Hungarian periods. The site includes an institute dedicated to Andrić, a theatre, art academy, town hall, cinema, cafés, and souvenir shops. It’s a striking homage to the region’s rich past and a vivid reflection of how history and imagination can coexist in built form.

Stop 3: Dobrun Monastery Before crossing the border into Serbia, we stop at Dobrun Monastery. Located in a secluded valley by the Rzav River, this monastery dates back to 1343 and was founded by Duke Pribil and his sons. Frescoes depicting Emperor Dušan and the monastery's founders are among the highlights. Despite being destroyed and rebuilt several times, most recently after WWII, it remains a spiritual and historical gem, once serving as the seat of the Metropolitan bishopric.

Stop 4: Drvengrad Crossing into Serbia, we reach Drvengrad, or Wooden Town, an ethno village created by Emir Kusturica for his film Life Is a Miracle. Built entirely from timber, Drvengrad mimics a traditional village with log cabins, a wooden Orthodox church, galleries, a library, cinema, and restaurants offering Serbian cuisine. It also serves as a hotel complex and has hosted the Kustendorf Film and Music Festival since 2008. Its rustic charm and artistic atmosphere make it one of the most unique destinations in the region.

Stop 5: Šargan Eight Railway Finally, you'll board the nostalgic Šargan Eight train for a scenic ride through the mountains. Originally built in 1925 and later abandoned, this narrow gauge railway has been restored as a tourist attraction. The train winds through tunnels and over bridges in a figure eight pattern, offering stunning views of the landscape. It’s a fitting end to a journey that celebrates history, architecture, and the enduring spirit of the Balkans.

• A passport is required for this tour as it includes entry into Serbia
• Minimum of 2 participants required – a private tour can be arranged for solo travellers
• Tour can be customised on request
• Price depends on the number of participants