PROGRAM:

“Bridge on Drina” in Visegrad is the endowment of the Grand Vizier Sokollu Mehmed Pasha. He was born as Bajica, into an Orthodox family in 1505 or 1506 in the village of Sokolovici. At that time, there was a tradition known as “Devşirme” tribute in blood, so he was forcibly kidnapped and taken to Anatolia ( today Turkey ). He had to convert to Islam and was trained in Ottoman military school, where he became a janissary (in Turkish yeniçeri), an elite soldier of the Ottoman Empire, which was when he was given the name Mehmed. At the height of his power, when he became the Grand Vizier - equal to Prime Minister today’s standards - he ordered the construction of a bridge in Visegrad, like no other on Drina. It was built in oriental style and it was a masterpiece of that era in 1577 by Mimar Sinan, famous Ottoman Architect. It has 11 arches and the total length of 179,5m. The bridge is one of the most important national monuments of Bosnia and Herzegoina and in July 2007, it was added in UNESCO World Heritage List.

 

EXCURSION PROGRAM: 

You will be picked up from your hotel at at 07:30.

 

At 08:20 meeting at lake Perućac, control of travel documents, boarding the boat. From 09:00 till 12:30 cruise through the canyon of the Drina river from Perućac to Višegrad. On the 52 km long voyage, we will enjoy the beauty of nature, the habitats of plant and animal species of the Tara National Park, the confluence of the Žepa River with the Drina River, we will pass through the narrowest part of the canyon, through the Stari Brod camp, next to smaller streams and rivers, medieval fortifications... Arrival in Višegrad at 12:30. Free time for visiting Andrićgrad (Andrić’s town) and the old bridge of Mehmed Paša Sokolović until 14:45. At 15:00 return to Perućac. The expected time of arrival in Perućac is 18:30. Turn back to hotel.