A visit to the Balkan Peninsula

On Saturday, Sept. 12, I will meet Kirin, Matt, and the "Larry" group for a tour of the Balkans.  We will hiking, biking, and touring for the next 4 weeks.  I land in Sarajevo, Bosnia and fly out of Ljubljana, Slovenia, with time in Croatia and Montenegro in between.   This will be an interesting trip with beautiful views, ancient history, and recent history.



Info about the Balkans...formerly united as communist Yugoslavia.  If you were around in the 1990's, these places will sound familiar.   Bosnia, Kosovo, Serbia, Sarajevo,  Belgrade. 

Short history: The wars,  started by Serbs in Yugoslavia wanting more territory,  are complicated and it is difficult to understand all the players.   Long and bloody battles were fought between Serbs, Croats, Bosnians, Albanians,  and others in the region.  The area has been peaceful since 1999 when that region was divided into smaller countries that are there today.   Now many of these countries are part of the E. U and none are Communist. 

Croatia is a big tourist destination and a huge cycling destination a well with 1000 miles of coastline (they won big when the new countries were formed).   The area was ruled by many groups historically, so there are remnants from Greeks, Romans,  Ottoman Turks, and others.  Lots of history to experience on the Balkan peninsula!


Croatia is 8 hours ahead of Denver time.  So noon in Denver is 8 PM for me. 
My total flight time from Denver to Sarajevo, including layovers, will be about 20 hours. It's worth it!


Diocletian's Palace in Split, Croatia

Krka National Park on Croatia

Roman Arena at Pula, Croatia where gladiators fought until 681 AD



Plitvice National Park - we'll go there.

Mostar Bridge in Bosnia - we'll visit the rebuilt bridge