Traveling between Sarajevo and Dubrovnik (Split or Kotor), with a memorable overnight stay in Mostar, offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the Herzegovina region thoroughly. This is ideal for those looking to make the most of their Bosnian and Herzegovinian holiday.
Our comprehensive 2-day door-to-door tour uniquely covers the most exceptional destinations in Herzegovina, including an overnight stay in the enchanting city of Mostar. Whether you start in Sarajevo and end in Dubrovnik, Kotor, or Split, or take the journey in reverse, the full itinerary is always completed, ensuring a complete experience.
PEACE OF MIND by Funky Tours policy ensures 100% guest’ satisfaction and hassle-free experiences when booking and conducting tours and holidays with us. Learn more about our Peace of Mind policy.
Destination:Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Inclusions:Tito’s Bunker | 4* Hotel Eden (or similar) | Walking Tour of Mostar
Driving Time:2.30hrs | Private Vehicle
Morning: The Morning ride will take us through the exciting suburbs of Sarajevo and areas of central Bosnia until we pass Ivan Mountain and enter the Herzegovina region. As soon as we are in Herzegovina, we’ll start descending, as a region of Herzegovina is generally at lower altitudes and has a different climate, so you’ll notice dramatic natural environment changes.
Konjic: First stop of the day is a visit to the old part of Konjic town. Unique, prehistorically inhabited, famous for the 17th century 6-arch Old Bridge, looming over the turquoise Neretva River, usually a very sunny place, is the day’s perfect start. Standing on WW2’s last day, during the Nazi withdrawal and destroyed bridge, we learn the story of the “monument to human stupidity”, the mystery of Tito’s Bunker, the famousness of white water rafting at upper Neretva region and glacier Boracko Lake, and the few other stories before we visit Tito’s Bunker.
In the early 1950s, Josip Broz Tito, the late leader of the former Yugoslavia, ordered the building of a secret bunker that would safeguard the country’s ruling class in case of a nuclear attack.
Located 900 feet (270 m) underground in Konjic, the 26-year project was only completed in 1979, the year before Tito died, and it was built at a cost equivalent to just under £3 billion ($4.6 billion).
If restocked with supplies, it would still serve its purpose – allowing 350 people to live and work for six months without ever coming outside. More about this place you see here.
Jablanica – Battle on Neretva story: Ride continues by passing the large, dammed but gorgeous Jablaničko lake, with a short stop at Jablanica where we learn the WW2 story of “Neretva Battle” and “sniff” into the way how our most extraordinary delicacy, famous roasted lamb on the spit is made.
Views of Jablaničko Lake and regions of Prenj mountain are breathtaking and will make you want to stop and breathe those in.
Blagaj Dervish House & Buna River Spring: Blagaj town is home to Buna River Spring – Europe’s most beautiful, most powerful, clean, and drinkable karst river spring, settled beneath a few hundred meters high rock. Water from a relatively large but stunningly deep cave springs a fantastic 43 cubic meters per second. Can you imagine this?
Just next to the spring, under the rock, is home to Blagaj Tekke – Dervish house, dating most likely pre or early Ottoman era from the early 16th century, as a unique sacral-residential example of Islamic architecture in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Visiting this complex and learning more about Dervish life in Herzegovina as an essential part of our history is a MUST DO. For Muslim travelers, “Tekija” is where prayers are hosted five times a day and can be attended if wanted.
Lunch:Later, after visiting “Blagajska Tekija” and “Izvor rijeke Bune” before we continue our ride to Dubrovnik, it is time for lunch. Due to the famousness and cleanliness of the Buna River, the most important thing to taste in Blagaj today is local trout. Lunch is not included in the tour price, so spend 10/12 EUR per person for a great lunch. As mentioned earlier, depending on the tour pace, alternatively, lunch can be planned at Jablanica (Stop 3), where you get to taste famous Bosnian roasted lamb.
That is why we don’t leave the place before we offer our guests the opportunity to try locally prepared trout on “Blagaj Way,” enjoying the fantastic scenery of Buna River Spring and Dervish House next to it. Vegetarians, don’t worry; we have solutions for you as well 🙂
Mostar:As soon as we arrive in Mostar, we’ll do our hotel check-in and start our 2-hour walking tour, which will cover the most important sites and locations in Mostar.
Our focus will be Mostar’s Old Bridge, Old Bazaar, and Old Town, but we offer stories of Mostar’s uniqueness regarding historical and cultural diversity.
The story of Mostar will be about the Bridge, its rise and fall, and how it rose again. You will learn about the Siege of Mostar, why it is called Mostar, and about “Mostarians.” We recreate Mostar for you and with you.
Evening:Spending a night in Mostar and enjoying this gem in the late evenings when all the crowds are gone is simply amazing. Free time, or dinner on your own or with us 🙂
Mostar by Nobel Prize winner Ivo Andric
“When a man spends a night in Mostar, it is not the sound that awakes him, but the light. I know that from experience. The light I was greeted upon arrival at Mostar, the light I was followed from morning to evening, and later, after departure, the light remained within me as the main characteristic of my memories of Mostar.
I’ve always felt that what shines over this nature-privileged city and how it permeates everything within is some extraordinary light in strength and quality. I’ve always thought that this way (light) is how the love for life, courage, cheerfulness, a sense of proportion, and creative work enter man’s life.
I could never have had enough of it despite being met everywhere. It is within the laughter of people, within clear vowels of their speech, in the faces of boys and girls at the evening walks. It is refracted as gold, restless gleam within the glass of Mostar Zilavka (white wine), and lives as a compressed strength and sweetness in these peaches and cherries. It hides in the shady, calm waters of Radobolja.
And upon it, Neretva is our brightest river, and bare karst surrounding hills have some unrestrained grandeur. Upon that light, I remember Mostar the best.”
WHEN YOU HAVE FREE TIME IN MOSTAR
One of the most inspiring moments in Mostar is having a drink of your choice at beaches just under the bridge, at very late evening hours. During the day, Mostar’s old town area is extremely crowded and busy, while in the late evenings, when most of the shops and cafes around Mostar are closed, spend a “private” time with the bridge, listening to the sound of Neretva river will one of those awe-inspiring moments of your Balkan travels.
The Partisan Cemetery of Cenotaphs (symbolic graves), a masterwork of renowned Yugoslavian architect Bogdan Bogdanovic, finished in 1965, as a memorial to the partisan victims of WW2 in Mostar, beautifully displays all features of complex architectural, aesthetic, and landscape design. Being a unique monument of the urban scale of the city of Mostar, with great ambient value, this cemetery serves as a monument of Yugoslav solidarity. The cemetery is some 20-25min walk from the Old Bridge area and is easily reachable using Google Maps. There is no entrance fee.
Destination:Dubrovnik/Split, Croatia or Kotor/Montenegro
Inclusions:Breakfast | Wine Tasting or alternatively lunch at Stolac | Kravice Waterafalls
Driving Time:3.30hrs | Private Vehicle
Morning: As soon as light wakes you up in your beautiful Mostar hotel and after delicious breakfast, it is time for some morning-free activities on your own. We usually give our guests some free time in Mostar to explore the town on their own and discover some nice spots, which are sufficient all around.
Počitelj Town:After departing from Mostar very soon, we’ll arrive in Počitelj.
Stunningly nested above Neretva river, visit to Počitelj (“Počivati” – Bos. ”to rest in peace”), easy uphill, one-hour prolonged walking activity, accompanied by stories of town’s development and strategic importance during its 600+ year-long written history and visit to most important sites such as Hajji Alija Mosque, Clock Tower and Gavrankapetanović tower, IS A MUST, for anyone passing through or near Herzegovina region.
Unique, medieval, Ottoman era glorified, present-day Ottoman-Mediterranean style “architectured” fortress–town Počitelj is one of the remarkably few urban ensembles in Bosnia and Herzegovina preserved in their integrity to the present times.
Kravica Waterfalls near Ljubuški:After we are done with Počitelj explorations, get ready for the highlight of the day, the miniature Niagara’s stunning waterfalls of Kravica.
Situated near Ljubuški, Trebižat River, with its travertine sedimentations, offers us a unique and breathtaking attraction – Kravica waterfalls. Height ranges from 26-28 meters, a water amphitheater is 120 meters below, and the surrounding nature of Kravica waterfalls falls into a unique Bosnia and Herzegovina geological monument.
If you are conducting this tour in summertime (between June and September), feel free to bring a swimsuit and join us for some chilling swim, or at least to cool your feet with a good drink.
Pass by:
Medjugorje Catholic Pilgrimage & Local Wine Tasting:The area of west Herzegovina is famous for its fantastic wine story, and nowadays, local producers are making some of the finest wines in the region. If you are interested in exploring this part of the Herzegovina story, learning and tasting the finest of Blatina (red) and Zilavka (white) authentic wines along with other local products, visiting one local winery is a must. We’ll teach you about biodynamic wines, what they represent, and why they are rare today but slowly picking up. We’ll learn about the history of winemaking in Herzegovina and where it aims today so that it will be another highlight of your day. We can organize an alternative local lunch for guests not interested in wine tasting.
The most famous Catholic pilgrimage in Southeastern Europe today is Medjugorje. Virgin Mary’s apparition place from 1981 until today has attracted many pilgrims and other travelers interested in discovering the unique story behind this phenomenon. It is part of Herzegovina, and it is part of our tour too.
ALTERNATIVE TO WINE TASTING & MEDJUGORJE VISIT
As some people don’t drink wine or are not interested in religious sites, we are happy to offer our guests an alternative stop at the town of Stolac, with lunch included.
Stolac, nestled in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Herzegovina region, is rich in history and culture. It’s renowned for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture, including traditional houses and mosques, reflecting its past as a vital trading hub. The town is also notable for its significant archaeological sites, such as ancient Illyrian fortresses, which offer a window into the early history of the Balkans. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Bregava River, Stolac is a picturesque destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Despite its challenges during the Bosnian War, Stolac is a testament to cultural resilience and diversity today.
Sitting by the Bregava River with delicious food on your table is a must.
Radimlja Necropolis (UNESCO):After West Herzegovina, it is time to move further south and visit the attractive area of East Herzegovina, and the next stop is the World famous site – Radimlja Necropolis near Stolac – UNESCO World Heritage site.
Stećci is one of the biggest mysteries of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s history.
Appearing in the mid-12th century, with the first phase in the 13th century, the tombstones peaked in the 14th and 15th centuries before disappearing during the Ottoman occupation in the early 16th century.
Most frequent dilemmas are focused on questions of their origin, the origin of the deceased buried under them, and the symbolic messages carved on them.
Vjetrenica Cave and Zavala Monastery: Vjetrenica (eng.”wind cave”) is the largest and most important cave in Bosnia and Herzegovina and one of the most exciting caves in the Dinaric Alps mountain range.
The cave has been explored to a total of about 7 km in length but is assumed to be around 20 km, and as it is known, it is the most decadent cave in the world regarding subterranean biodiversity. Proteus anguinus (human fish), fantastic stalactite, and stalagmite decorations are too unique to miss out on, so Vjetrenica is also one Herzegovina must-see.
Just next to the cave, the last spot of the day will be a visit to Zavala Monastery. Amazingly nested in the hills above stunning Popovo Field, this 15th-century Orthodox monastery is a great way to learn and understand why this seemingly dry and uninhabited area throughout history has always been a great source of different religious stories.
Evening: Last part of our journey before we reach Dubrovnik (Kotor or Split on request) will be an exciting ride through areas of East Herzegovina where we expect to be at our destination between 7 and 8 pm, and of course, we’ll drop you off at the location of your request.
If you prefer to be at your destination earlier, please let us know so we can arrange the day according to your request.
WHEN YOU HAVE FREE TIME IN DUBROVNIK
Srdj is a low mountain just behind the walled city of Dubrovnik. Cable Car to Mt. Srdj is a “must” experience in Dubrovnik and will enable you to admire the city from above. A place where the ocean blue sky meets the ancient Dubrovnik reflecting in softly dousing sea is absolutely a perfect spot for taking some everlasting memories and awe-inspiring photos. Moreover, you can do zip-line if you are into adrenaline-pumped activities.
Kupari is a village in Croatia southeast of Dubrovnik, just about a 15-minute drive from the center of Dubrovnik. The Kupari beach is an abandoned complex with several large hotels severely damaged during the Croatian War of Independence. Be careful, but do check out the inside of the ruins. You will have a chance to see some amazing graffiti and recreate the old glory of the place that used to host Yugoslav President Tito, Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, and many others.
Did you know that The State of Dubrovnik was among the first countries to abolish the slave trade in the 15th century? Moreover, Dubrovnik had the first orphanage in the world and is home to the oldest commercial pharmacy in the world. That is to say, exciting stories are lurking over at each corner of this city and will always amaze you.
What Do I Need to Bring?
Best week in Bosnia
Our vacation began in Split, Croatia. I contacted Funky Tours, let them know what we would like to see and Bosnia and our budget. From there, Funky Tours did the rest.
They picked us up from Split on a Monday, and kept us busy with amazing sights and tours the entire week and returned us back to Split the following Friday.
We were able to see amazing sights and experiences across the country. They made the trip stress free and handled everything. The guides were amazing. They were all extremely knowledgeable and passionate about sharing their country with us. If planning to visit Bosnia, I highly recommend Funky Tours.
They are extremely responsive, friendly and helpful with everything. I’ll certainly use them again my next visit.
Love at first sight Bosnia and Good service received! We are a happy customer ⭐️ ⭐️ and very satisfied!
Love at first sight in this beautiful country ️! Glad we choose to start our tours with the Funky tours together with our guide Enis.
We joined a small group from different nationalities and we love how diverse our group. Everyone enjoyed each place. Enis our guide is giving us enough time to wonder and enjoy each place after every giving us full information about the culture, history, how it recovered and how is the current situation of Bosnia and each region we visited.
He always avoid the crowded place for us to enjoy the best view!!! Followed all the itineraries and he is not rushing to catch some time. We all had fun talking with each other in the group and the connection we made after the tour was amazing!!!!!
Highly recommended Funky Tours!!!! ️ ️ and the best is they follow the time accurately!
All that is funky–and then some.
As I researched possible tours of the Balkans, I wanted to avoid large groups travelling by coach. I also wanted an itinerary that would balance exploration of nature, culture, and history. Funky Tours looked especially promising. After recently completing my tour, I am happy to say that Funky Tours far exceeded my high expectations. Emir was our expert guide and driver, but he was also so much more. He shared his wide and deep knowledge of the region and its history, vivid anecdotes from personal experience, and a delightful sense of humor. I admired his candor and thoughtfulness in addressing difficult, sometimes political questions, and marveled at his resourcefulness as a troubleshooter who nimbly addressed any and all issues throughout the trip. Our itinerary was rich and fascinating, often taking us off the beaten track for immersion experiences that helped burst the tourist bubble. I should add that the tour struck a fine balance between comfort and physical activity. Hotel accommodations were excellent, the van was comfortable, and meals provided by the tour were tasty. At the same time, I enjoyed our walking tours and light hiking in beautiful natural surroundings. Funky Tours also wisely combines structured days with plenty of free time for exploration. As much as I recommend Emir, I have no doubt that everyone at Funky Tours is a capable professional. Just keep in mind that whatever your associations with “funky”, mine are fun, informative, mind-expanding, and first rate.
Their tours are a must in Bosnia
We were lucky enough to do the transfer from Split to Sarajevo via the ATVs in Livno with Ajla and the transfer from Mostar to Kotor with Turic (I’m sure I’ve spelt that wrong).
We had an awesome time with both guides who shared their backgrounds and guided us through the country we were travelling through.
We stopped off at many different stops on our way to Kotor and Turic was very accommodating, even taking photos from every angle you could wish for!
Thanks again Funky tours, you made our visit to BIH very special.
Unforgettable Experience, Great Service
My husband and I ( we’re in our 60s ) , engaged Funky Tours and really, no regrets just deep satisfaction.
Truly appreciate the high level of professionalism showed by the Guides – Elmir, Amir, Elvira and Mustafa. They are knowledgeable, sensitive to our requests and are able to engage in meaningful conversations on all things related to the places that we visited.
Grateful also to Nadira ( point of contact ) who looked into our requests from the very start.
