Discover Bosnia & Herzegovina - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Sarajevo, Explore the City

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, Baščaršija, whose old street names pay homage to traditional crafts, before returning to your hotel. 

Day 2: Sarajevo Walking Tour, Free Afternoon

Meet your local guide and prepare for a journey into the turbulent past of Sarajevo. You'll start at Baščaršija, the old bazaar, and learn about the traditional crafts still produced by local artisans. Visit the city's most important sights, like the Gazi 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. Wander through charming streets, shop for local crafts, and wrap up your day with a scenic hike to the Yellow Fortress for panoramic views over Sarajevo.

Day 3: Highland Villages & Hiking Day Trip

Grab your hiking boots this morning and join your guide for a day trip into the Bjelašnica Mountains, located roughly an hour southwest of Sarajevo. You'll start in Umoljani, considered one of the region's most beautiful highland villages, where you'll visit its traditional mosque and learn how it was miraculously spared during the Bosnian War. Then it's time to set off on a gentle trek, passing the town's historic watermills and crossing a scenic ridge as you catch glimpses of the narrow Rakitnica Canyon.

Pause to learn about the century-old stecci (medieval Christian tombstones) perched on a sloping hill below the village, and pass the waterfalls at Studeni Potok, a mountain stream said to have been formed by a legendary dragon. The trail continues to Gradina, another of the region's historic villages, where shepherds once gathered to graze their flocks during summer. After the walk, you'll refuel with a picnic or a homemade lunch at one of the guesthouses in the village, before putting your feet up on the drive back to Sarajevo. 

Day 4: Bunker, Tunnel & Olympic Mountain Day Trip

It's time for a deep dive into the complex history of the Balkans with a guided journey that traces the history of Yugoslavia, from its Golden Age to its tragic dissolution. With the help of local guides who witnessed the Siege of Sarajevo, this tour takes you beyond the history books for a deeper understanding of the region's recent history from a personal vantage point.

Your day begins in Konjic, where you'll step inside 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, you'll hop in a comfy minivan for a drive to the Sarajevo War Tunnel (Tunnel of Hope), and learn how this narrow passage became the city's lifeline during the modern era's longest siege.

To end, you'll contrast the stories of war with the glories of the 1984 Winter Olympics as you ascend Mount Igman to explore the overgrown ski jumps, discover the eerie, abandoned Hotel Igman, and walk the famous bobsled track, now an open-air graffiti gallery that offers some of the area's most spectacular views over Sarajevo.

Day 5: Train to Mostar, Afternoon Walking Tour

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. Mostar is a fascinating spot 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. 

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

This morning, you'll meet your guide and driver and set off on a half-day trip southeast of the city—discovering some of the country's most spectacular natural scenery and historic sites along the way. Pass karst mountains, terraced vineyards, and turquoise rivers to reach your first stop at Blagaj, a small, historic village home to the Vrelo Bune. Nestled in front of towering cliffs, this is a fairy-tale scene that combines a jewel-like natural spring with a beautiful 16th-century tekija, a Dervish monastery from the Ottoman period. 

Your journey continues deeper into the Neretva Valley to the medieval stone town of Počitelj, a UNESCO-listed open-air museum famed for its Ottoman architecture and historic fortress. You'll also take a trip back into antiquity at the Roman villa of Mogorjelo before arriving at the magnificent Kravica Waterfalls, where you can cool off with a swim among the vivid blue and green waters of the Trebižat River. Return to Mostar via a stop at Mount Hum, where you can take in a final panoramic view over the city. 

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.