Discover Bosnia and Herzegovina, a unique crossroad of ancient civilizations with a mixture of both Western and Eastern influences. Start your trip in the capital of Sarajevo, with a guided walking tour of its historic center, followed by a hike to the Highland Villages in the Bjelašnica Mountains, including Gradina and Umoljani with views of the Rakitnica Canyon. End your tour in the 15th-century city of Mostar and the neighboring settlement of Blagaj, where you'll enjoy exploring Buna Spring and its neighboring Ottoman house and monastery.

Highlights

  • Enjoy a guided walking tour through the historic streets of Sarajevo
  • Hike the Highland Villages in the Bjelašnica Mountains
  • Tour the unique history in the city of Banja Luka
  • Ride a riverboat down the Vrbas River Canyon to Mostar
  • Discover the 15th-century city of Mostar and the waterfall of Blagaj

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Sarajevo, Explore the City Sarajevo
Day 2 Sarajevo Walking Tour, Free Afternoon Sarajevo
Day 3 Highland Villages & Hiking Day Trip Sarajevo
Day 4 Bunker, Tunnel & Olympic Mountains Day Trip Sarajevo
Day 5 Train to Mostar, Afternoon Walking Tour Mostar
Day 6 Gems of Herzegovina Tour, Train to Sarajevo Sarajevo
Day 7 Depart Sarajevo  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Sarajevo, Explore the City

Stop for a traditional Bosnian coffee as you wander Sarajevo's historic bazaar

Dobar dan! Welcome to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina! Surrounded by the Dinaric Alps in the heart of the Balkans, this historic city offers a rich tapestry of cultures and religions dating back to the Ottoman Empire. On arrival at the airport, a private driver will meet you for a transfer to your hotel. Drop your bags, refresh, and set out to explore "The Jerusalem of Europe" at your own pace.

Stroll through the charming Stari Grad (Old Town) to soak in its rich history. Dive into Bravadžiluk Street for a taste of čevapčići (grilled mince rissoles) and traditional delights from cozy local ašćinica restaurants, where the meals are all eaten with a spoon. Then, wander the historic bazaar district, Baršćaršija, whose old street names pay homage to traditional crafts before returning to your hotel. 

Day 2: Sarajevo Walking Tour, Free Afternoon

Sarajevo's Ottoman-era Latin Bridge was the site of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

Meet your local guide and prepare for a journey into the turbulent past of Sarajevo. You'll start back at Baščaršija, the old bazaar, and find out about the traditional crafts still produced by the local artisans here. Visit the city's most important sights, like the Husrev-beg Mosque and the Old Orthodox Church, and stop on the Latin Bridge, where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in 1914, sparking World War I. Hear stories about the former Yugoslavia and how its people live today, and learn about traditional cuisine and where to try it. You'll leave with suggestions for local restaurants before parting ways.

This afternoon is yours to explore the capital independently. You might like to stroll along the Miljacka River or enjoy a slow and relaxing break at one of the many cafés that line its banks. Keep exploring history at the Sarajevo War Tunnel Museum, which provides a poignant glimpse into the city's wartime experiences. For a panoramic view, stroll to the Yellow Fortress and enjoy a picture-perfect tableau of Sarajevo nestled between the hills. 

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Day 3: Highland Villages & Hiking Day Trip

The Summer Village of Umoljani
The Summer Highland Villages

In the morning, you'll leave Sarajevo and head toward the Highland Villages of the Bjelašnica Mountains. You'll start in the town of Umoljani, where you'll visit its traditional-style Bosnian Mosque. Afterward, you'll trek to the old Seven Watermills, a historic water source used for centuries as energy to grind wheat into flour.


Your hike continues along a ridge with views of the mountains. After 20 minutes of an easy uphill, you'll begin to see glimpses of Rakitnica Canyon as you near the waterfalls of Studeni Potok. Here, at certain times of the year, the stream falls 1,300 feet (400 meters) into the canyon below. Following the stream, you'll enjoy views of Obalj village and the long valley of Studeni Polje (Fields).


Your next stop is the summer shepherd's village of Gradina. The views of Visocica and Treskavica peaks along the way are worth the trek, as is the century-old stecci (medieval Christian tombstones) perched on a gentle hill just below Umoljani.


After the walk, you'll enjoy a picnic lunch or a homemade lunch at one of the guesthouses in the village. In the afternoon you'll transfer back to Sarajevo

Day 4: Bunker, Tunnel & Olympic Mountains Day Trip

The banks of the Neretva River in Banja Luka
The banks of the Neretva River in Banja Luka

Yugoslavia & The Siege of Sarajevo: Bunker, Tunnel & Olympic Mountains Tour

Dive deep into the complex history of the Balkans on this comprehensive tour that traces the arc of Yugoslavia, from its "Golden Age" to its tragic dissolution. Led by guides who witnessed the Siege of Sarajevo, this journey goes beyond the history books to share personal realities.


Your expedition begins in Konjic, where you will unlock the heavy blast doors of Tito’s Nuclear Bunker. Once a top-secret facility designed to shelter the ruling elite, this underground complex stands as a pristine time capsule of Cold War paranoia and "soft communism."


Next, we travel by comfortable minivan to the Sarajevo War Tunnel (Tunnel of Hope). Here, you will learn how this narrow passage became the city’s lifeline during the modern era's longest siege.


The tour then contrasts the war with the glory of the 1984 Winter Olympics. We will ascend Mount Igman to view the Olympic Ski Jumps and the eerie, abandoned Hotel Igman, before heading to Mount Trebević. Walk along the famous Olympic Bobsled Track, now an open-air graffiti gallery, and take in the most spectacular panoramic views of Sarajevo.


this all-inclusive experience covers every essential landmark in one day, offering you the best value and a complete understanding of the region’s history.

Day 5: Train to Mostar, Afternoon Walking Tour

The Settlement of Blagaj near Mostar

Today you'll catch a scenic, two-hour train through mountains and valleys (grab a seat on the left-hand side for the best views) to reach Mostar, a small city known for its old Turkish-style houses and its iconic Stari Most bridge. Check into your hotel, then set out to find lunch and explore the small city. Mostar is a fascinating place where culture and religion collide, often described as a place where "East meets West." Spanning a deep valley of the Neretva River, it developed in the 15th and 16th centuries as an Ottoman frontier town, and the center is still easy to discover on foot. For lunch, try ćevapi, a type of kofte that's usually served with a bread called lepina

Later on, you'll meet a local guide who will share the city's rich history as you explore the highlights. Visit the UNESCO-listed Stari Most and wander between the Franciscan Monastery, Kajtaz House, and the shops and restaurants along Kujundžiluk Street. Stop for a taste of true Bosnian coffee, and take in breathtaking views from the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque as you hear stories of the city's Ottoman past and its complex modern history.

Day 6: Gems of Herzegovina Tour, Train to Sarajevo

Gazi Husrev Bey Mosque, Sarajevo
Gazi Husrev Bey Mosque, Sarajevo

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Mediterranean with this exclusive 5 to 6-hour private tour, designed to reveal the true soul of Herzegovina in a single day.


Starting with a convenient pick-up from your accommodation in Mostar, you will travel in comfort through a stunning landscape of karst mountains, vineyards, and turquoise rivers. Your first stop is at Blagaj, a small, historic village home to the Vrelo Bune. At this Bosnian spring, nestled in front of towering cliffs, stands a beautiful 16th-century tekija, a Dervish monastery from the Ottoman period. Take a few photos and enjoy the pristine nature that surrounds you.


The journey continues through the emerald Neretva Valley to the medieval stone town of Počitelj, a UNESCO-listed open-air museum famed for its Ottoman architecture and historic fortress. You will also step back into antiquity at the Roman Villa of Mogorjelo before arriving at the magnificent Kravice Waterfalls, a natural oasis where you can swim in crystal-clear waters or relax amidst lush greenery.


Before returning, the tour ascends Hum Hill for a spectacular panoramic view of Mostar, ensuring you leave with a complete picture of this diverse and beautiful region.

Later in the day, you'll catch the train back to Sarajevo, getting another look at one of the most scenic train routes in Europe (you'll want to grab a seat on the right-hand side this time for the best views). Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and head out to dinner to celebrate the final night of your trip.

Day 7: Depart Sarajevo

Take a final stroll through the peaceful morning streets and squares of Sarajevo

Your weeklong Bosnian adventure draws to a close today. After breakfast, a private driver will collect you for the short transfer to Sarajevo Airport. Safe travels!

More Great Bosnia & Herzegovina Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina? Check out these other Bosnia and Herzegovina itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights. 

 

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