After an incredible and heartwarming experience
in Sarajevo. Which you can see here for yourself...
It was time for me to head back home to Belgrade Serbia
a distance of roughly 300 kms that
that I had originally planned to take by bus
although at the last minute I had a stroke of inspiration
this expanse of land covering East Bosnia and Western Serbia
held many treasures and sites that had long been on my list of places that I wish to visit
and it seems, to me, like such a shame to pass right by them by bus especially knowing that
they were just an arm's length away. So at the very last minute, I contacted a Sarajevo
based travel agency, Funky Tours, who organized for two expert guides to take me on a journey
through this inspiring region of both countries. An adventure that we will take you on too. And
by the end of it if you like what you see Funky Tours is just a reservation away. So!
Jump into your Golf 2's family because Funky Tours and I are taking you on a road trip
through the Balkans, (ajmo!) let's go! [Music]
[Music]
Our story begins in the early morning from the Funky Tour's office. Emir drives us out of Sarajevo
along Emerald rivers and a vast expanse of mountains and villages still draped in a pristine
blanket of snow. Whilst Alem expertly begins to describe the main protagonists of our first
destination Višegrad. He explains the story of Yugoslavia's most celebrated writer and Nobel
Laureate, Ivo Andrić. His Masterwork, "The Bridge on the Drina" has earned him worldwide acclaim
and as we gaze upon the very bridge that inspired this timeless classic. We cannot help but be
filled with a sense of wonder and awe. Behold, dear viewer, the Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge,
and the childhood haunt of our literary hero Ivo Andrić. Consider this a must read for
any and all who seek to explore this wondrous land. Did you know that the renowned Serbian
filmmaker, Emir Kusturica, has taken a particular interest in Andrić's masterpiece? So much
so that he is currently working on a cinematic adaption of the novel. To bring his vision
to life he has even constructed a breathtaking mock town near the bridge aptly named
after the great writer himself Emir Kusturica has a penchant for creating remarkable movie
sets as evidenced by his creation of Drvengrad. A unique town made entirely of wood located
just across the Serbian border for his film, Life is a Miracle. This movie also features
the Šargon 8. Originally part of a train line from Belgrade to Dubrovnik via Sarajevo.
This part of the Šargon 8 is considered an engineering miracle due to overcoming the
300 meter height difference in a short period of time in a form of a figure eight. As we
make our way back from Drvengrad. We couldn't resist stopping by another breathtaking natural landscape
Tara National Park. From Banjska Stena Lookout we gazed out at the stunning vista that stretched
out before us. Neighboring Bosnia, the natural border of two countries, Lake Perućac,
and their awe-inspiring Drina Canyon. And don't forget to snap some photos of this unforgettable
view. It's even better in person. Not too far from there is the house on the Drina. The first
house was built in 1968 by a group of boys seeking refuge from the hot summer days and
despite the river washing away six of these houses a new and sturdier one was built each
time. It is a symbol of the human spirit and the beauty of perseverance. After an exciting
and jam-packed 12-hour a day of history lessons, laughter, good company and a little skiing,
we finally arrived in Belgrade and it was time for me to bid farewell to my wonderful
hosts. So thank you Funky Tours for making this adventure possible. They offer a wide
variety of tours and transfers throughout the Balkans and I'm already planning my return
trip in the Spring for their wine experience and hiking tours (which are two separate tours
by the way). So if you're traveling between cities in Serbia or Bosnia take a transfer
with Funky Tours. It's a fantastic way to explore parts of these countries that you wouldn't
be able to see on your own with the added benefit of excellent company incredibly knowledgeable
guides and assistance for taking stunning photos along the way. So don't miss out on
the chance to explore the Balkans with Funky Tours. I left all of the details in the description
below so that you can start planning your adventure too. I, for one, cannot wait to return
in May and I hope to see you there too!