Sarajevo war history tour – the siege of Sarajevo and the break-up of Yugoslavia

Itinerary

1. 01

   Sarajevo Old Town – an introduction to history

   The tour begins in the historic heart of Sarajevo. With an expert guide, you will learn about the events that marked the city during the 20th century – from the Sarajevo assassination of 1914 and the 1984 Winter Olympics to the siege of Sarajevo during the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

   This introduction helps you understand the historical context of the events that shaped modern Sarajevo.

2. 02

   Yellow Fortress (Žuta tabija) – a view of the city and its history

   One of the finest viewpoints above Sarajevo offers a panorama of the city surrounded by mountains. It is here that the guide will explain how Sarajevo's geography shaped the course of the siege and the daily lives of its people.

   Behind the familiar panorama lies the story of years spent without a regular supply of electricity, water and basic necessities.

3. 03

   Kovači Cemetery – remembering the defenders of Sarajevo

   A visit to the Kovači Memorial Cemetery is a chance to hear the stories of the people who defended Sarajevo. It is also the resting place of Alija Izetbegović, the first President of the Presidency of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

   This part of the tour is devoted to remembrance, to human fates and to understanding the price the city paid during the war.

4. 04

   Markale and the Memorial to the Murdered Children of Sarajevo

   The tour continues through the city centre, with visits to places that bear witness to the suffering of civilians.

   Markale market was the scene of two terrible massacres during the siege, while the Memorial to the Murdered Children of Besieged Sarajevo is dedicated to the youngest victims. These sites are a reminder of the importance of remembrance and of preserving peace.

5. 05

   Olympic Sarajevo – from sporting pride to the war years

   In 1984 Sarajevo hosted the XIV Winter Olympic Games, an event that left an indelible mark on the city's history.

   On the tour you will see the area around the Zetra Olympic Hall and Koševo Stadium and learn about their role in different periods of history. Nearby are memorials to the defenders of Sarajevo and the graves of Boško Brkić and Admira Ismić, known as the Romeo and Juliet of Sarajevo.

6. 06

   Sniper Alley – everyday life under siege

   A drive along the former Sniper Alley reveals one of the most dangerous areas of besieged Sarajevo.

   You will pass the former Holiday Inn hotel, from which many international journalists reported during the war, and other places that were part of people's daily lives. With the guide's explanations, you will learn how residents tried to carry out the most basic tasks under constant danger.

7. 07

   The Tunnel of Hope – a symbol of survival and hope

   One of the most important stops on this tour is the Tunnel of Hope, near Sarajevo Airport. During the siege, the tunnel was the vital link between the besieged city and the territory outside the ring. People, food, medicine and other essential supplies passed through it.

   During the museum visit you can watch authentic wartime footage, learn about the history of the tunnel and walk through a preserved section of the underground passage.

8. 08

   Trebević – the Olympic track and memories of the war

   The journey continues to Trebević, the mountain that was once a symbol of Olympic Sarajevo and, during the war, one of the areas from which the city was shelled. You will visit the former Olympic bobsleigh track, known today for its graffiti and the marks of time.

   Trebević offers panoramic views of Sarajevo and a chance to better understand the link between geography, wartime positions and the city's history. The guide will also talk about the Dayton Peace Agreement, the administrative structure of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the legacy of the war.

9. 09

   Back to central Sarajevo

   On the way back into town there is a closing conversation about life during the siege, human solidarity, and the culture and art created in extremely difficult circumstances.

   Special attention is given to the Sarajevo Roses – shell scars that have been turned into lasting places of remembrance.

What’s included in the price