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The Complete Week in Bosnia and Herzegovina

From Ottoman Heritage to Alpine Waterfalls

Trip Overview

This week-long journey through Bosnia and Herzegovina unveils a land where East meets West, where Ottoman bridges span emerald rivers, and where recent history intertwines with ancient traditions. You'll explore Sarajevo's vibrant bazaars and poignant war sites, marvel at Mostar's iconic bridge, discover cascading waterfalls hidden in lush valleys, and wander medieval fortresses perched on hilltops. The itinerary balances cultural immersion with natural beauty, offering time to savor ćevapi in smoky eateries, sip Bosnian coffee in centuries-old courtyards, and connect with locals whose resilience and hospitality define this remarkable nation. Expect moderate walking, scenic drives through mountainous terrain, and accommodations ranging from historic guesthouses to comfortable hotels.

Pace
Moderate
Daily Budget
$60-90 per day
Best Seasons
April to October (summer for waterfalls, spring and fall for comfortable temperatures)
Ideal For
First-time visitors, History enthusiasts, Culture seekers, Photography lovers, Adventure travelers

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Arrival & Sarajevo's Ottoman Soul

Sarajevo
Settle into Bosnia's captivating capital and explore the historic Baščaršija quarter, where copper craftsmen still hammer traditional wares and the scent of grilled meat fills narrow cobblestone lanes.
Morning
Arrival and Baščaršija exploration
After arriving in Sarajevo, check into your accommodation and head straight to Baščaršija, the Ottoman old town. Wander the atmospheric lanes, visit the Sebilj fountain, browse copper workshops, and stop at a traditional coffee house to experience authentic Bosnian coffee served with lokum (Turkish delight). The area's architecture tells centuries of stories through its mosques, caravanserais, and market stalls.
3-4 hours $5-10
Lunch
A traditional ćevabdžinica in Baščaršija serving ćevapi with somun bread and kajmak
Bosnian traditional Budget
Afternoon
The National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Visit this essential museum housing the famous Sarajevo Haggadah, a medieval Jewish manuscript, alongside extensive archaeological collections, natural history exhibits, and ethnographic displays. The museum provides crucial context for understanding Bosnia's complex cultural tapestry, from Illyrian times through Ottoman rule to the modern era. The building itself, with its distinctive architecture, is worth admiring.
2-3 hours $5-7
Evening
Sunset at White Fortress and dinner in the old town
Climb to White Fortress for panoramic sunset views over Sarajevo's minarets and red roofs, then return to Baščaršija for dinner at a traditional restaurant serving pita, klepe, or begova čorba

Where to Stay Tonight

Baščaršija or Marijin Dvor (Guesthouse or mid-range hotel in the historic center)

Staying centrally puts you within walking distance of major sights and allows you to experience the old town's evening atmosphere

Exchange money at official exchange offices (mjenjačnica) in the city center for better rates than at the airport. Keep small bills for market purchases.
Day 1 Budget: $60-80
2

Sarajevo's Complex History

Sarajevo
Confront Bosnia's recent past through powerful museums and memorials, then find solace in the city's green spaces and resilient spirit.
Morning
Museum of Crimes Against Humanity and Genocide
This profoundly moving museum, located in the former Bosnian Army headquarters, documents the atrocities of the 1992-1995 siege and the Srebrenica genocide. Through photographs, testimonies, and artifacts, it provides essential understanding of the Bosnian War's impact. The exhibits are thoughtfully curated but emotionally challenging. Allow time for reflection and consider hiring a guide for deeper context into this difficult but important history.
2-3 hours $8-10
Consider booking a guided tour for comprehensive historical context
Lunch
A café in the Ferhadija pedestrian street area offering lighter fare and people-watching
International/Bosnian Mid-range
Afternoon
Tuneli Ravne 2 and Forest Park Mojmilo
Explore the Ravne tunnels, a mysterious underground complex near Sarajevo with disputed origins, offering an intriguing archaeological experience. Afterward, decompress with a walk through Forest Park Mojmilo, a peaceful green space on the city's outskirts. The park provides fresh air, walking trails, and a chance to see where locals escape urban life. The combination offers contrast between underground mystery and natural serenity.
3-4 hours $10-15
Arrange taxi or ride-share to Ravne tunnels as public transport is limited
Evening
Relaxed evening in Marijin Dvor neighborhood
Stroll along Vilsonovo šetalište (Wilson's Promenade) by the Miljacka River, then dine at a contemporary restaurant blending traditional and modern Bosnian cuisine

Where to Stay Tonight

Baščaršija or Marijin Dvor (Same accommodation as Day 1)

Staying put saves time and allows you to explore different neighborhoods from your central base

The Museum of Optical Illusions Sarajevo is nearby if you need a lighter activity to balance the heavy historical content of the morning.
Day 2 Budget: $65-85
3

Journey to Mostar via Konjic

Mostar
Travel south through stunning mountain scenery, stopping at a mystical tekke before arriving in Mostar, where the iconic bridge awaits.
Morning
Drive to Mostar with stop at Blagaj Tekija
Depart Sarajevo and drive approximately 90 minutes to Blagaj, where the stunning Blagaj Tekija sits at the base of a towering cliff beside the Buna River's source. This 16th-century Dervish monastery is one of Bosnia's most photogenic sites, with the turquoise river emerging from a cave mouth. Explore the tekke's rooms, enjoy the serene setting, and perhaps take a boat ride. The historic urban area surrounding it offers additional exploration opportunities.
2-3 hours including drive $5-8 entrance
Lunch
A riverside restaurant at Blagaj serving fresh trout from the Buna River
Bosnian/seafood Mid-range
Afternoon
Arrive in Mostar and explore Mostar Old Town
Check into your Mostar accommodation, then spend the afternoon wandering Mostar Old Town's cobbled streets. Browse artisan shops selling traditional copperware, watch craftsmen at work, and explore the atmospheric lanes leading to the Neretva River. Visit small museums, climb minarets for rooftop views, and soak in the unique blend of Ottoman and Mediterranean atmosphere. Save the bridge itself for golden hour.
3-4 hours $10-15
Evening
Sunset at Old Bridge Mostar
Position yourself on or near Old Bridge Mostar as the sun sets, watching the iconic 16th-century arch glow golden. If lucky, witness local divers leap from the bridge. Dine at a restaurant with bridge views, savoring Herzegovinian specialties

Where to Stay Tonight

Mostar Old Town (Traditional guesthouse or small hotel near the Old Bridge)

Staying in the old town lets you experience the bridge area after day-trippers leave and catch sunrise over this UNESCO site

Visit Old Bridge Mostar early morning before 9 AM or after 6 PM to avoid crowds and get the best photographs without tour groups.
Day 3 Budget: $70-90
4

Waterfalls and Herzegovina's Beauty

Mostar region
Discover Herzegovina's natural wonders with visits to two spectacular waterfalls, perfect for swimming and photography.
Morning
Kravica Waterfall excursion
Drive 40 minutes south to Kravica Waterfall, a stunning 25-meter-high tufa cascade spanning 120 meters wide. Often compared to a mini-Plitvice, this natural amphitheater creates a magical swimming spot in summer. Arrive early to beat crowds and enjoy the misty spray, emerald pools, and surrounding greenery. Bring swimwear for a refreshing dip. The site has basic facilities, walking paths, and viewpoints for photography from multiple angles.
3-4 hours including travel $8-12 including entrance
Visit in morning during summer to avoid afternoon crowds and heat
Lunch
Pack a picnic to enjoy near the waterfalls or stop at a roadside restaurant en route
Picnic or Herzegovinian Budget
Afternoon
Fortica Hill climb in Mostar
Return to Mostar and hike up Fortica Hill to the hilltop cross and fortress ruins. The 25-30 minute climb rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views over Mostar, the Old Bridge, and the Neretva valley. The path is steep but well-marked, passing war-damaged buildings that tell recent history. Time your visit for late afternoon when the light is perfect for photography and temperatures are cooler.
2 hours Free
Evening
Traditional Herzegovinian dinner and evening stroll
Dine at a restaurant specializing in Herzegovinian dishes like japrak, sirnica, and local wines. Walk the illuminated Old Bridge after dinner when it's beautifully lit and peaceful

Where to Stay Tonight

Mostar Old Town (Same accommodation as Day 3)

Another night allows you to fully experience Mostar's morning and evening ambiance

Wear water shoes at Kravica Waterfall as rocks can be slippery. The area gets very crowded by midday in summer, so morning visits are essential.
Day 4 Budget: $60-80
5

Medieval Jajce and Pliva's Magic

Jajce
Journey north to the medieval town of Jajce, where waterfalls meet history and a fortress crowns the hill above the confluence of two rivers.
Morning
Drive to Jajce and explore Jajce Fortress
Depart Mostar early for the scenic 2.5-hour drive to Jajce. Upon arrival, climb to Jajce Fortress, a medieval citadel offering commanding views over the town and the confluence of the Pliva and Vrbas rivers. Explore the fortress walls, towers, and the site where Bosnian kings were once crowned. The fortress grounds include ancient catacombs and provide excellent vantage points for understanding Jajce's strategic importance throughout history.
3-4 hours including drive and visit $5-8
Lunch
A restaurant in Jajce's old town serving grilled meats and regional specialties
Bosnian traditional Budget
Afternoon
Pliva Waterfall and Mlinčići exploration
Visit Pliva Waterfall, where the Pliva River cascades 22 meters into the Vrbas right in the town center—one of only a few waterfalls located within a town worldwide. Walk to Mlinčići, a picturesque cluster of traditional wooden watermills on small islands connected by wooden bridges. The area around Pliva Lakes offers serene walking paths, opportunities for kayaking, and stunning natural beauty. The combination of mills, lakes, and waterfalls creates an enchanting landscape.
2-3 hours $5-10
Evening
Sunset by Pliva Lakes and dinner
Watch sunset reflect on Pliva Lakes, then return to town for dinner at a restaurant near the waterfall, where you can hear the cascade while dining

Where to Stay Tonight

Jajce town center (Small hotel or guesthouse near the old town)

Staying in Jajce allows you to experience this charming medieval town without crowds and explore in the evening light

Jajce's waterfall is best photographed in late afternoon when the sun illuminates the cascade. The town is far less touristy than Mostar, offering authentic local interactions.
Day 5 Budget: $65-85
6

Northwestern Fortresses and Nature

Bihać region
Explore Bosnia's northwestern corner, visiting impressive medieval fortresses and the stunning Una National Park with its emerald waters.
Morning
Ostrožac Castle visit
Drive toward Bihać, stopping at the impressive Ostrožac Castle, a 16th-century fortress dramatically positioned on a cliff above the Unac River. Though partially ruined, the castle's towers, walls, and courtyards evoke medieval times. The setting is spectacular, surrounded by forested hills and rushing water below. Explore the atmospheric ruins and imagine the castle's strategic importance. The site is less commercialized than other attractions, offering an authentic exploration experience.
1.5-2 hours $3-5
Lunch
A restaurant in Bihać serving Una River trout and local dishes
Bosnian/fish specialties Mid-range
Afternoon
Nacionalni park Una and Waterfall Štrbački buk
Explore Nacionalni park Una, one of Bosnia's newest and most beautiful national parks, where the Una River creates cascading waterfalls, turquoise pools, and dramatic gorges. Visit Waterfall Štrbački buk, a stunning 24-meter cascade on the Una River near the Croatian border. The park offers hiking trails, swimming spots, and exceptional natural beauty. The Una's distinctive travertine formations and crystal-clear water make it one of Europe's most pristine rivers.
3-4 hours $10-15
Check park access conditions in advance, especially for Štrbački buk which requires a longer drive
Evening
Return to Bihać for dinner and evening walk
Stroll along the Una River promenade in Bihać, watching the water cascade through town, then dine at a restaurant specializing in river fish

Where to Stay Tonight

Bihać town center (Hotel or guesthouse in central Bihać)

Bihać provides a base for exploring Una National Park and positions you for the return journey to Sarajevo

The Una River is perfect for rafting if you have extra time. Local operators offer half-day trips through spectacular gorges with Class II-III rapids.
Day 6 Budget: $70-90
7

Return to Sarajevo via Travnik

Sarajevo
Journey back to Sarajevo through central Bosnia's heartland, with time for final explorations and souvenir shopping in the capital.
Morning
Scenic drive back to Sarajevo via Travnik
Depart Bihać for the return journey to Sarajevo, taking the scenic route through Travnik, the birthplace of Nobel Prize-winning author Ivo Andrić. Stop to explore Travnik's colorful old town, Ottoman-era fortress, and historic mosques if time permits. The drive showcases central Bosnia's mountainous terrain, traditional villages, and pastoral landscapes. Arrive in Sarajevo by early afternoon, allowing time for final activities.
3-4 hours drive with stops $10-15 for refreshments
Lunch
A traditional restaurant in Travnik or upon arrival in Sarajevo
Bosnian traditional Mid-range
Afternoon
Final Sarajevo explorations and shopping
Spend your final afternoon revisiting favorite spots or exploring areas you missed. Consider Park Zrinjevac for a peaceful walk, return to Baščaršija for souvenir shopping (copperware, filigree jewelry, traditional coffee sets), or visit Sevdah Art House to experience sevdah music, Bosnia's soulful traditional genre. Browse craft shops, enjoy one last Bosnian coffee, and soak in the city's unique atmosphere before departure.
3-4 hours $20-40 for souvenirs
Evening
Farewell dinner in Sarajevo
Choose a restaurant in Baščaršija or Marijin Dvor for a final feast of Bosnian favorites—ćevapi, pljeskavica, burek, or dolma—paired with local rakija or wine. Reflect on your week's journey

Where to Stay Tonight

Near airport if early departure, otherwise city center (Hotel convenient for your departure time)

Final night positioning depends on your departure schedule

If departing early, arrange airport transportation the night before. Sarajevo's airport is 20 minutes from the center, but morning traffic can add time.
Day 7 Budget: $60-80

Practical Information

Getting Around

Renting a car is highly recommended for this itinerary, providing flexibility to visit waterfalls, national parks, and remote fortresses. Roads are generally good, though mountain routes can be winding. Alternatively, combine buses between major cities (Sarajevo-Mostar-Jajce) with organized day tours for natural sites. Buses are affordable and reliable but limit spontaneity. Within Sarajevo and Mostar, walking covers most attractions, with taxis available for outer sites. Budget approximately $40-60 daily for car rental including fuel, or $15-25 for buses and occasional taxis.

Book Ahead

Accommodation during peak season (July-August), especially in Mostar and Sarajevo. Consider booking guides for the Museum of Crimes Against Humanity and Genocide for deeper historical context. If visiting in summer, accommodations near Kravica Waterfall fill quickly. No advance tickets required for most attractions.

Packing Essentials

Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestones and fortress climbs, swimwear for waterfalls, modest clothing for mosque visits, layers for mountain weather changes, sun protection, water bottle, power adapter (European two-pin), and small bills in Bosnian marks (KM) for entry fees and markets

Total Budget

$450-600 for the week (excluding international flights and car rental)

Customize Your Trip

Budget Version

Stay in hostels and guesthouses ($15-25 per night), eat primarily at ćevabdžinicas and bakeries serving burek ($3-6 per meal), use buses instead of rental cars, focus on free attractions like fortress climbs and old town wandering, pack picnic lunches, and skip guided tours in favor of self-exploration. This reduces daily costs to $40-55, totaling approximately $300-400 for the week.

Luxury Upgrade

Book boutique hotels in restored Ottoman houses and upscale properties with spa facilities ($100-200 per night), hire private drivers and guides for personalized tours, dine at premium restaurants featuring modern Bosnian cuisine with wine pairings, add helicopter tours over the mountains, book rafting expeditions with gourmet riverside lunches, and include spa treatments. This increases daily costs to $200-300, totaling $1,400-2,100 for the week.

Family-Friendly

Adjust the itinerary by spending more time at swimming-friendly waterfalls like Kravica with shallow areas, add the Museum of Optical Illusions Sarajevo for interactive fun, reduce fortress climbs or make them optional, choose family-run guesthouses with home-cooked meals, break up long drives with playground stops, substitute heavy historical museums with outdoor activities, and allow flexibility for children's pace. Pionirska dolina near Sarajevo offers outdoor recreation perfect for families.

Book Activities for Your Trip

Tours, tickets, and experiences in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Continue Planning Your Trip

Things to Do

Top attractions and activities for Bosnia and Herzegovina

Budget Guide

Trip costs and money tips for Bosnia and Herzegovina

Getting Around

Transport options and tips for Bosnia and Herzegovina

Where to Stay

Accommodation guide for Bosnia and Herzegovina

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