ChrisA
Traveller
1 comments
Posted 16 years ago
I'm trying to plan my route out but I'm having trouble, mainly with the fact that there don't seem to be that many trains in the region so getting into Bosnia could be difficult?
I plan to take the following route: Florence -> Venice -> Lljubljana -> Split, but I would also like to see Sarajevo, Mostar and Belgrade but am not sure what the best way is. I also need to finish up in Sofia as that is where I will fly back from. Any suggestions? Could I take a bus from Split to Mostar, then train to Sarajevo, on to Belgrade and Sofia?
SiDUDe
Traveller
752 comments
That would be quite a good idea. The train from Mostar to Sarajevo is beautiful, it runs twice a day but is well worth the extra time. Take the bus from sarajevo to belgrade, im not sure if there even is a train. The bus is quick and comfortable, but goes from a bus station quite a way out of town in sarajevo. Ask in your hostel and im sure they will be able to point you in the right direction. There are 2 trains a day belgrade --> sofia, a day train and a night train. Be prepared for delays (dont count on getting your flight the same day...)
Also, be prepared to stay longer than you had planned in Bosnia, it is a beautiful country. And most importantly, have fun!
ChrisA
Traveller
1 comments
Thanks Sidude (and also for your reply in the other forum)! Is there anywhere else you would suggest to see in Bosnia? And do you know if Zagreb is worth seeing?
I read somewhere on the bus about the bus driver taking your passport away from you for the border checks and then giving it back to you. Does this happen, and is it safe? I would just worry about someone taking my passport away from me I think. But this is just a couple of reports I read on another site.
SiDUDe
Traveller
752 comments
Yeah, that can happen. Usually someone in a uniform with a gun will get on and take the passports. I didnt have the balls to argue, but if all the locals on the bus are cool with it, you wont have a problem (we didnt). If you are planning on coming back to any of these countries any time soon however, check that you get an entrance and exit stamp for each one, as sometime they forget to stamp the passports. I have a passport with no exit stamp for bosnia, so may have trouble getting back in if I want to go again (I do!)
As for Zagreb, its kinda cool, nice central square, nice road with cafes along it, good pizza. Its worth a day or 2 to poke around, but most people use it as a stop off before heading for the coast.
Depending on the political situation, you might want to head to the memorial at Srbenica, or if your into outdoor stuff theres loads going on in that respect. Make sure you stay in Hostel Majdas rooms in Mostar, and go on the tour they organise. They will be able to suggest other things you can do in Bosnia too.
Hope this helps - if all else fails get the lonley planet guide to eastern europe out of the library, and photocopy out relevant bits. It suggest some good places to eat in Sarajevo.