Bosnia and Herzegovina has some of the most breathtaking natural sights in the world. From emerald green rivers to fascinating Ottoman architecture, this Balkan country has it all and should be one of the places to visit at least once in your lifetime. 

 

Mountains, caves, waterfalls, and long winding rivers with clear water are some of the favorite destinations. The beauty of Bosnia and Herzegovina lies in its unspoiled nature and charming landscapes together with ancient towns and traditional villages located on scenic settings. 

 

Bosnia and Herzegovina is well-known for its surreal Ottoman old towns with winding cobblestone alleys, as well as elegant Austro-Hungarian facades that contrast against modern city blocks and 400-year-old mosques, too. 

 

Bosnia and Herzegovina combines perfectly not only historical towns and cities with an Ottoman core but also Austro-Hungarian architecture along with a contemporary one. 

 

The Gorgeous tour in Bosnia and Herzegovina: UNESCO sites and other top destinations on a 8- days tour from Sarajevo will allow you to visit this medieval land and discover old towns, fortresses, monasteries and way more! 

 

Think about this tour as a fine example of the off the beaten path travel. Experience the Balkans in a safe and responsible way. 

 

You'll be totally out of the overcrowded touristy areas. The safest trips are ones where you avoid other people as much as possible. A coveted destination increases your chances of getting infected and spreading COVID-19. 

 

Besides, traveling in a small group you'll be safer since it decrease your risks while taking the trip, gives you more control over cleanliness and others health extra precautions; and contributes to minimize the number of people you share the space with. 

 

Well, truth is that an isolated or small village surrounded by unspoiled nature is far safer than a bustling city destination, right now. 

 

These days are better to engage more time in outdoors activities than indoor entertainment. 

 

It's being close to other people, not the act of moving from place to place, that is the most dangerous. A traveler committed to clean, disinfect, masks and remaining six feet from others is likely to be fine. It's up to you to make your travel as safer as possible. 

Day 1: Kraljeva Sutjeska / Bobovac / Zenica 

  

Kraljeva Sutjeska, a lovely village in Bosnia and Herzegovina that hosts a number of important historical sites. 

 

One of them, it's the beautiful 14th-century Catholic Franciscan monastery. Among other interesting things, it includes a museum in which it houses historical treasures and a library which keeps rare and valuable historical records. 

 

The historically important dwelling of Bosnian kings, Bobovac, is also a short distance from the castle remains and the monastery, as well as other sights of Kraljevska Sutjeska. 

 

Next, we'll visit the fortified Bobovac, the residency of the Bosnian kings during medieval times and the site of the mausoleum of the royals and remnants of the Kotromanić dynasty castle. The fortress was first mentioned in documents dating back 1349. It was once even home to the crown jewels of Bosnia, since it is one of the country's most well protected fortresses. Bobovac was also the last seat of the Bosnian rulers before the Ottomans took over in the mid-1400s. 

 

Later, we'll go to Zenica, a city located in the valley of river Bosna. The place was first mentioned under its present name on March 20, 1436 in a document filed at the Dubrovnik Republic Archives. Zenica is the administrative, political, economic, cultural and sports seat of Zenica-Doboj Canton composed of 12 municipalities. This Canton is, by the size of its population, the third largest canton in BiH Federation, being Sarajevo and Tuzla the largest two. 

 

Here, we'll have one night's accommodation. After the check-in procedure, you will have time to take a rest or have a stroll independently to see the buzzing atmosphere of the city 

 

Day 2: Vranduk 

 

This day, we'll go to Vranduk, a historic village located on the Bosna River canyon. The village itself is one of the oldest and well preserved settlements of Bosnia and Herzegovina, dating back to 14th century and times of medieval bans and later kings of Bosnia. Vranduk village is established around medieval citadel of the same name, and together constitute a protected architectural assemble, and as such a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a well preserved and maintained in good condition. 

 

Later, we'll drive to the charming Jajce, currently in the UNESCO Tentative List. A small city, located in Republika Srpska, Central Bosnia, on the confluence of the rivers Pliva and Vrbas. It is central not only geographically but also culturally. Throughout Bosnia’s long history, Jajce has been the home of medieval kings, Ottoman governors, and a range of different ethnic groups, as well as being one of President Tito's earliest Communist strongholds. UNESCO has recently been investing in renovating the city’s historical areas. 

 

The town is famous (among other sights) for its beautiful 22-metre (72 ft) high waterfall where the Pliva River meets the river Vrbas. 

 

There, we'll have two nights' accommodation. At evening, as usual, you'll have the to explore this lovely town by yourself. 

 

Day 3: Jajce 

 

One of Jajce's most unique features is Pliva Falls which is unusually situated right in the center of the town. The falls are at the point where two rivers meet and converge. The water is almost perfectly clear, and is a glittering bright turquoise color. There are a number of excellent viewing points, the best one being the official viewing platform where visitors are close enough to feel the spray of the water. 

 

Jajce was once the seat of some of Bosnia's medieval kings, and the remains of their castle are still in a good condition today. Jajce fortress was first built around the mid-14th century, although over the years many alterations and additions have been made. The central castle is located on top of a hill overlooking the city, and within the town there a various parts of old fortified wall as well as gates. Also, from the castle visitors can take in stunning views of the surrounding lush green mountains. Thanks to this historic legacy, Jajce is currently a candidate for being named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

 

The Old Town area is the most historic, with plenty of medieval buildings, as well as some exemplary Ottoman architecture. Religious buildings to spot include St. Mary's Church, built in the 12th century and the location of the coronations of medieval kings, and the Mithraic Temple, an ancient construction dating from the 4th century that is now protected by UNESCO. 

 

Jajce itself is a small city, but its Old Town is truly beautiful. Definitely, you'll enjoy strolling around it! 

Day 4: Ramsko Lake / Šćit peninsula / Mostar (UNESCO) 

 

Today we'll visit the monastery in Rama, built by the Franciscans in the 15th century, located in the middle of the scenic Ramsko Lake. It is one of thirteen monasteries referred to in 1514 in a census of the Bosnian Franciscan Province. The Monastery and the Church have been several times burnt and restored. 

 

In the courtyard of the monastery there are installed valuable art sculptures. The beautiful Franciscan Monastery Rama-Šćit is a place full of history. 

 

Ramsko Lake is hidden gem in Herzegovina region, and it has special charm in its unique shape combined with stunning nature surrounding it. Located in the mountainous area, the lake is curving around the numerous hills and offering breathtaking views. 

 

The monastery and the Ethnographic Museum (located in the old monastery) are National Monuments. Visiting this monastery complex will definitely make your trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina memorable! Šćit is an oasis of peace indeed! 

 

Later, we'll drive to Mostar, one of the most frequented attractions in Bosnia, thanks to its outstanding natural beauty, architecture, and, of course, its famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Stari Most (Old Bridge). There, we'll have two nights' accommodation. At evening, as usual, you'll explore and walk through the cobblestone alleys of this vibrant city by yourself. Taverns and restaurants where you can sample the best of local cuisine, together with cafes, bars and shops line the streets. 

Day 5: Međugorje / Kravica waterfalls / Počitelj 

 

This day, we'll visit Medjugorje, the Bosnian Lourdes, located in southwestern Bosnia and Herzegovina. The well-known Lourdes and Fatima have long been in Roman Catholic devotion. A more recent addition to this pair of holy sites is Medjugorje. Since the Virgin Mary reputedly appeared to six local children, now adults, in 1981, the town has established itself as the premier pilgrimage destination in South-Eastern Europe. It is unsurprising then, that Roman Catholics across the globe have become fascinated by this site, which has become a popular destination for pilgrims, statistically considered to be the third most important mecca of its kind in Europe. Millions of Catholics from around the world make the pilgrimage to Medjugorje where miracles are said to happen. 

 

Next, we'll go to the beautiful Kravica waterfalls. Although the water is crisp, the falls are suitable for swimming and fishing, with a descent of some 25 metres into a natural basin. Meanwhile, the waterside restaurant offers an idyllic location for a cooling drink, delicious grilled food and coffee. 

 

Later, we'll explore Pocitelj, one of the most beautiful towns in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The medieval town, currently in the UNESCO Tentative List, was once of strategic importance before and during the Ottoman era, which the Fort of Pocitelj (Kula) protected. We'll walk along the maze of cobblestone streets through the old buildings, visit the fort, that offers amazing views over the town, and enjoy the 16th-century Hajji Alija's Mosque. Natural beauty surrounds the ancient town; making it a perfect place for a photo-op. Počitelj, still inhabited today, was built in the late 14th century, but was expanded by the Ottomans and the Hungarians throughout its history. Certainly, Pocitelj, on the banks of Neretva River, makes a great place to visit! 

 

Finally, we'll return back to Mostar. There, you will have time for yourself and be able to enjoy the city's vibe to the fullest! 

 

Mostar is Bosnia's most visited city, for the 16th-century Stari Most Bridge and Ottoman Old Bazaar. Mountains envelop the city, split by the River Neretva's clear waters into the Ottoman side and a modern city center. 

Day 6: Blagaj / Radimlja (UNESCO) / Stolac / Zavala 

 

Right after breakfast, we'll go to Blagaj, currently in the UNESCO Tentative List, in the south- eastern region of the Mostar basin. It stands at the edge of Bišće plain and is one of the most valuable mixed urban and rural structures in Bosnia and Herzegovina, distinguished from other similar structures in its urban layout. Within Blagaj is the famous tekija, or monastery, which was founded by Dervish monks in the 16th century. The monastery is beautifully nestled at the foot of a cliff face at the beautiful karstic spring of the Buna River, and exemplifies classic Ottoman architecture, with its wooden window frames and overhanging roof. Today, the monastery houses a restaurant with tables looking out over the water, which makes for a picturesque and peaceful lunch setting. 

 

Next, we'll go to Radimlja, a monumental medieval tombstones (stećak) necropolis located near Stolac, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Radimlja necropolis is one of the most valuable monuments of the mediaeval period in the country. The majority of its stećak tombstones date from the 1480s through the 16th century, as evidenced by the epitaph on one of the tombstones. 

 

The Stećci lie scattered across Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

 

Appearing in the mid-12th century, with the first phase in the 13th century, the tombstones reached their peak in the 14th and 15th century, before disappearing during the Ottoman conquest of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the very early 16th century. 

 

Stećci were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016. It includes a selection of 4,000 stećci at 28 necropolises of which 22 from Bosnia and Herzegovina, two from Croatia, three from Montenegro, and three from Serbia. 

 

After sightseeing one of the best preserved collections of these tombstones, we'll go to Stolac, currently in the UNESCO Tentative List, and one of Herzegovina's oldest towns. It has an Ottoman center (Carsija), a Roman castle, and craggy mountains surrounding the historical town. The adorable Bregava River, a left tributary of the Neretva River, meanders through the town center with traditional buildings on the banks. 

 

Thanks to the town's favorable natural environment, geological composition, contours, climate, hydrographic and vegetation, Stolac and its area have been settled since ancient times. Its rich hunting-grounds along with other natural benefits attracted prehistoric man, and later the Illyrians, Romans and Slavs, all of whom left a wealth of anthropological evidence. 

 

Next, we'll drive to the Zavala monastery, a historical Serbian Orthodox monastery located in the village of Zavala on the southwestern edge of Popovo Polje. The northern wall of the monastery's church is situated within a cave. This monastery is also known as a place where Saint Basil of Ostrog entered into monasticism. 

 

Along with Žitomislić and Tvrdoš, Zavala is one of the most important monasteries in East Herzegovina. The first written record of the monastery dates back to sixteenth century. 

 

Located in Popovo Polje in Ravno municipality, village Zavala with its old architecture and stone masonry, together with Vjetrenica cave, constitute the natural and architectural ensemble, which is already placed on UNESCO Tentative List. 

 

Day 7: Tvrdoš / Trebinje 

 

After breakfast, we'll go to the quaint Tvrdoš, a monastery with a long tradition of winemaking. 

 

The 15th-century Serbian Orthodox Monastery is located in a scenic setting along the right bank of the Trebišnjica River, surrounded by bountiful vines and orchards. 

 

The monastery was already well-known for its winemaking in the middle Ages. The region's wine- growing tradition dates back to the first Hellenic colonies on the Adriatic Coast. The warm and dry conditions are particularly well suited to the native grape varieties Žilavka and Vranac, which thrive in the region. 

 

The 4th-century foundations of the first Roman Basilica, built by the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great and his mother the Empress, Saint Helena, are still visible on the site. 

 

The current monastery was established during the 15th century, with a cathedral constructed around 1508. The medieval monastery remained a seat of the Metropolitans of Herzegovina until the Venetian Empire destroyed it in 1694. The current monastery building was constructed in 1924. 

 

St. Basil of Ostrog, the founder of the famous monastery of Ostrog in Montenegro, spent part of his life here. He came from Zavala Monastery, where he entered into monasticism, for further spiritual and theological studies since Tvrdoš Monastery has been one of the most important monasteries of the Serbian Orthodox Church for centuries. 

 

Today, the monastery is renowned for its award-winning wine production, a result of centuries-old wine-making tradition, and its wine cellars, one of which dates to the 15th century, which are a popular tourist attraction. The old cellar is underneath the monastery where the best Vranac wines age in big 100 year old Monastic oak barrels. In 2006 and 2012 new cellars ware built with the latest winemaking technology but perfectly integrated into the existing complex. 

 

Later, we'll return to Trebinje to continue our sightseeing, including the historic Ottoman Arslanagić Bridge (1574) and the Hercegovačka Gračanica monastery on the historic Crkvina Hill offering beautiful panoramic views. Note that the city's Old Town dates to the 18th-century Ottoman period. The Old Town walls are well preserved. For a lot of good reasons, Trebinje is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

 

Finally, the rest of the day is for you to relax, go shopping, rent a bike or explore the city independently. Taverns and restaurants where you can sample the best of local cuisine, together with cafes, bars and shops line the streets. 

Day 8: Dobricevo 

 

This day is the last day of our Gorgeous tour in Bosnia and Herzegovina! 

 

Right after breakfast, we'll visit Dobrićevo Monastery. It is a Serbian Orthodox monastery built in the 13th century in the Kingdom of Serbia (modern-day Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina). 

 

The monastery was built on the foundations of earlier Roman Basilica which was, according to the local legend, built in the Byzantine style, by the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great and his mother the Empress, Saint Helena (same as Tvrdoš Monastery). 

 

During its history the monastery was destroyed or damaged many times. Near Dobrićevo Monastery was Kosijerevo Monastery, on another side of river Trebišnjica which today belongs to Montenegro. Like Dobrićevo, Kosijerevo monastery has also been moved to another location. 

Before the relocation, Dobrićevo Monastery was on a hill on the right bank of the River Trebišnjica, at the Herzegovina-Montenegrin border. Since there was the danger that the monastery could be flooded, the BiH National Institute for Protection of Cultural Monuments considered that for be able to save the monastery, it should be relocated. Due to the fact that the monastery, together with other buildings, was in danger to finish under the water, the preservation plan was developed. 

Eventually, by a delicate procedure, the whole complex was relocated. Now, this shrine is located almost on the shore of Bileća Lake, another extraordinary hidden gem of southern Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

 

Later, we'll leave for Sarajevo, our final destination. There, depend on your schedule and previous request, we'll drop you off in your hotel. 

 

What’s Included 

Accommodation 

 

Accommodation in *** hotels or pensions  

Accommodation in double or twin rooms Accommodation with breakfast only 

Accommodation always with internet (provided by property) 

 

Meals 

 

During the tour is included breakfast only. As a rule, we going to stay in each place of accommodation only 1 night, so no sense to pay there for lunch and dinner. Instead of that, let's enjoy local cuisine. 

 

Transport 

 

Transportation in minivan with air conditioner and English speaking driver. Feel free to ask to stop whenever you need, for nice image or some snack. 

 

Others 

 

Transport with driver 

 

Transport in minivan with air conditioner Tour director all the time with you 

For private tours: transportation for your group only, no foreigners English spoken tour director and driver 

Optional 

This tour is available for solo travelers (traveling alone) who would like to have an exclusive private tour for 1 person. If this is the case, you have to choice an accommodation in a single room with selected extra option "Solo tour supplement" 

 

This tour is possible to arrange in vice versa direction, by request