Breakup of Yugoslavia, Downfall of Communism and Balcan Powder Keg, Day Tour

Yugoslavia? An example of brotherhood and unity or a long-term impossible sustainable creation? Tito? , herald son of socialism or brutal dictator? Want factual unbiased insights? Let's find out more about the communist Yugoslav "miracle" of the 20th century, the reasons for its formation, the political position of a neutral global player at the time of the bloc divisions of the Cold War, the reasons for the collapse of such a system, fratricidal hatred, nostalgia, today's consequences in the Balkans, as well as the future perspectives of the states created by the disintegration of the once great of the state. Our tour is led by contemporaries of the war in Yugoslavia and will enable you to better understand all the complexity and intricacies of today's Bosnia and Herzegovina, the former Yugoslavia and the wider Balkans.

During the drive from Sarajevo to Konjic, the guide will make a careful political-historical introduction to the reasons, idea, and conditions of the formation of Yugoslavia in different administrative arrangements since the end of the First World War as a realization of the ideas of the intellectual circles of the South Slavic Balkan peoples. You will also get to know Yugoslavia's position as a neutral, important global player on the political stage of Cold War relations and understand politics and all the weight and balancing power of the leader of Yugoslavia, Josip Broz Tito. The story of the military power and economic miracle of the 60s and 70s of Yugoslavia as a buffer zone between East and West, as well as the explanation of the entire series of events and uprising nationalism from the mid-80s that were a prelude to a brutal fratricidal war, will be an excellent prelude to your visit to the Tito's Nuclear Bunker in Konjic.

After a 50-minute drive from Sarajevo, we will arrive in Konjic, the first town officially located in the Herzegovina region. Considering that Tito's Nuclear Bunker, also called: Facility D-0, Atomic War Command (ARK) was built as a top military secret 15 minutes from the town of Konjic, hidden deep in the bowels of the Zlatar mountain, we will have the opportunity to see the most important attraction of the city: the Old bridge in Konjic built in the 17th century over the crystal clear Neretva river, the coldest in the world, as well as get to know with the history and importance of the town of Konjic as one of the longest inhabited areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which will be an excellent break to the actual visit to Tito's nuclear bunker.

Tito’s bunker is one of the largest and best-kept State secrets of the former Yugoslavia constructed upon Tito’s order and was done in total secrecy; not even the nearest neighbors knew about it. Designed to shelter the country’s ruling elites in the case of a nuclear attack, the bunker, with a total area of 6,854 m2 could resist a bomb attack of up to 25 kilotons and accommodate President Tito, his family and his closest associates (approximately 350 people), so that they could continue to govern the country—or what was left of it. They could live and work self-sufficiently for six months without ever coming up for air and without any contact with the outside world. Residents were provided with everything from food and drinking water to air conditioning and cable television in every room. The bunker cost around 5 billion dollars, making it the third most expensive project of the Socialist Republic of Yugoslavia.

Igman as the fourth Olympic mountain of Sarajevo symbolizes a stronghold for the forces of "light", where two important battles happened, one in WWII and second in the 90's war. First battle is so called "Igman March" and took place at 25th of January in 1942. 500 Partisan soldiers managed to escape from the Nazis up to Igman mountain, more lives where lost due to the extreme cold (- 32 C). Bigger part of the soldiers managed to survive and to join forces again. During the 90's war Igman was in bigger part under the control of the Bosnian army, but also UN had it's on basecamp on Igman mountain. It was summer 1993. when Bosnian Serb forces decided to make an offensive and to take Igman. If the international community didn't intervene Igman would probably fall and probably Sarajevo would be occupied. Igman is also known for ski trails and ski jump platform were actually the UN base was situated. Unfortunately ski jump platform is not in function.

In the museum travelers will learn how the city was supplied during the siege and why the tunnel was the beating hearth for the citizens and soldiers. Tunnel museum is the best place where you can learn other details of the siege, like real footage how the city was bombed and walk through the part of the tunnel that is preserved for tourists. There is also a realistic installation of a "siege" room where is an specially adapted furnace, expired humanitarian cans, "UNICEF" plastic window cover and other, cigarettes packed in newspaper, plastic cans for water, electric generators and many other.Two other rooms are showing how the Army of BiH was fighting in jeans and hand made guns against the fourth military force of Europe (JNA-Yugoslavian national army). Because of that huge military contrast and embargo, Bosnian army needed a way to get military, food and medical supplies into the city. The tunnel was only hope and it helped people to survive and soldiers to defend the city.

Mountain Trebević is famous nature area where citizens of Sarajevo escape for recreation and fresh air. During winter Olympic games in Sarajevo in 1984. Trebević mountain was an attraction for the best made bobsled track by that time in the world. Unfortunately the bobsled track was used by the Bosnian Serb forces as a trench to defend the bare pick of the mountain if the BH Army would try to overtake and free the territory. During the drive up the mountain, tourist will enjoy beautiful landscape and amazing view at the city based in the valley. As soon toursit start to climb the mountain they will realize why Trebević was an ideal spot to shell the city for 3,5 years. Mountain Trebević used to be an Olympic pride of Yugoslavia that turned into a battle field. Even today Trebević is an constant reminder on good days when Sarajevo hosted Winter Olympic games, but also a reminder on war atrocities that happened during the siege. It is another symbol of how Yugoslavia fall apart.

Jewish cemetry is the last stop on the tour. It's the second biggest Jewish cemetery in Europe, after the one in Prag. The cemetery is also protected as the national monument of Bosnia & Herzegovina. Due to the acts of war the cemetery became a frontline, that is also the reason why is damaged. It's geographical spot provides an ultimate sniper nest and a perfect aim at the "Sniper alley" (street "Zmaja od Bosne"). So called "weekend soldiers" used to come to Sarajevo from Serbia, Russia, Greece and other countries and would shoot at the civilians from snipers, "for fun". Jewsih community in BiH was rapidly reduced after WWI and the war in the 90's. Nowadays few hundred Jews live in entire country, reminding us how Bosnia in last 100 years was badly hit with wars. Jewish cemetery is also telling us how Bosnian Jews were important part of the Bosnian/Yugoslavian society. *The remaining 4 hour and 30 minutes will be allotted for driving in between attractions.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

• Breakup of Yugoslavia, Downfall of Communism and Balcan Powder Keg, Day Tour
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  Pickup included

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Entry/Admission - ARK D-0: Tito's Nuclear Bunker
• Entry/Admission - Sarajevo War Tunnel

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• This Tour is Provided by ID Bosnia Tours.
• Tour Timezone & Starts at Europe/Sarajevo.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 8 Travelers is accepted for booking.