Are you in the planning stage of your holidays and unsure what to see in Bosnia and Herzegovina? There are so many pretty things to see, do and eat in all parts of the country, but how can you do them all in just 5 days? Well, here you have a comprehensive 5-day itinerary through Bosnia and Herzegovina! Keep in mind that this itinerary is flexible and gives options to choose from on Day 3 and Day 4, so you can personalize it more to your liking. Additionally, to see as many things as possible throughout the country, this itinerary is best done by car. So, if you’re an adventurous and curious individual at heart, you have found the right plan for your perfect vacation in Bosnia and Herzegovina!
Day 1: Discover the Capital – Sarajevo
After a hearty breakfast, you can start your day in the city where the East meets the West! You’ll often see Sarajevo described as a melting point of cultures and it is not without reason. The first thing to do is walk down the city center. As you look at the architecture around you, notice the design of the modern, Socialist, Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman period buildings. Here is a list of some historically important points you’ll see:
- The Eternal flame – a memorial to military and civilian victims of the Second World War
- Latin Bridge – the spot where the assassination of Franz Ferdinand happened and triggered the World War 1
- Baščaršija – the old town which is home to small coppersmith shops and many historical attractions
- Tunnel of Hope – an underground tunnel that gave Sarajevo an access to food and resources during the siege in the 90s
What is a trip without local food? A below average one. Don’t worry because throughout your road trip in Bosnia and Herzegovina you will try a myriad of different local dishes made out of local products! In Sarajevo, start with the national dish – ćevapi. Ćevapi are minced meat served with cut onions and a special flatbread – somun. Sarajevski ćevapi are now a Protected Geographical Indication. For dessert, don’t forget to finish off the meal with some tasty baklava!
What do you do after a hearty meal? Coffee! And here in Sarajevo, the coffee culture is taken very seriously. Drinking coffee for most is a daily ritual that lasts 2-3 hours at least! And what does it include? It includes sitting down with a friend, sipping on traditional Bosnian coffee and talking over anything and everything! While you’re sitting and enjoying the ritual, you might experience something that in Bosnian we call ćejf. Ćejf means being in the moment and feeling the satisfaction of the present time! In Sarajevo, you will surely experience it!
And your day in Sarajevo hasn’t ended yet! For a real memory, you need to finish your day with an epic sunset view, and this you can enjoy on the Yellow Fortress! You can even bring some food like pita from a local bakery and eat it together with your loved ones. If you’re in luck with the weather, you should get a sunset view like this one:
Day 2: Sarajevo – Travnik – Banja Luka
The road trip begins! Start your drive from Sarajevo straight to Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s second largest city. As you drive to Banja Luka, you can stop for a coffee break in the historic town of Travnik. Travnik is known for being an important political and military hub in the Ottoman period of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In Travnik, you’ll find a legendary coffee house called Lutvina kahva. Why is Lutvo’s place so legendary? Well, the story says that a Habsburg prince enjoyed the ambience here so much that he decided to give the establishment one ducat (a golden coin) for renovations.
After your refreshment, head down to the green city – Banja Luka. This is a true jewel of Bosnia and Herzegovina! It is best to see Banja Luka’s monuments in the following order:
- The Cathedral of Christ the Savior – an Orthodox church and the tallest religious edifice in Banja Luka
- Gospodska ulica – the central street which connects the most important monuments of Banja Luka
- Kastel fortress – one of the main symbols of Banja Luka as it has fortifications from the Roman times
- Ferhadija Mosque – a pinnacle of Islamic architecture from the 16th century in Bosnia and Herzegovina
After the tour of the city, we recommend having for lunch Banjalučki ćevapi (hey, you can even make this a ćevapi tasting tour!). Banjalučki ćevapi are unique in their shape: it is essentially a bar of ćevapi. And after this lunch, you’ll soon realize why Bosnia and Herzegovina is famous on the Balkans for food tours!
And if you’re seeking some nightlife, Banja Luka will offer you some of the best! You can finish off the day with either a shot of rakija or a peaceful stroll along the Vrbas River and look over the Kastel Fortress at night.
Day 3: A Day Outdoors (Banja Luka – Livno)
You haven’t really seen the best of Bosnia and Herzegovina if you didn’t spend a full day outdoors! The western part of Bosnia and Herzegovina might be perfect for outdoors as it is famous for boundless karst fields and wild animals! For this day, it is better to wake up early and tackle the three-hour drive as soon as possible because a fun day is waiting for you in Livno! For this day, we’re giving you 2 different activities to choose from for your 3rd day in Bosnia and Herzegovina!
Option 1: Canoe Birdwatching on Livanjsko Polje (A Signature Experience ✨)
One of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s must-do experiences is Canoe Birdwatching with Anto and Marija! This young couple has been investing their time into observing birds of the karst field in Livno! For a few years Livanjsko field has become famous as a bird sanctuary with over 277 registered species! This field has been their home for years and now they’re sharing its secrets with anyone wishing to learn more! While canoeing on the Sturba River, Anto will tell you more about birds and their lives.
While touring the river, you’ll realize how many living beings surround us in the daily and how exciting this life can be!
After this tour, at the end of the Sturba River, Marija will be waiting for you with an entirely homemade lunch! You will taste some of the best food made from only Anto and Marija’s local produce! Sit, eat, relax and get to know your hosts and their life in beautiful Livno!
Option 2: Wild Horses Safari (A Signature Experience ✨)
The wild horse herd has quickly become one of the first talking points when you mention Livno. Thus, it is only fair to include this Wild Horse Safari with Continental Adventure! This activity is truly a must-do. You will try and spot the horses on this vast field with your tour guide. The tour guides are very experienced in finding these horses and dealing with them, as they’re on the fields every day. They have become so in tune with the horses that they can even spot their favorites! Listen to your guides as they tell you the story of the herd, how it came to be and how does the herd stay alive and protects itself in the wild.
Day 4: Discovering Herzegovina (Livno – Mostar/ Kravice Waterfall)
On the fourth day, you will travel to the south of the country and discover some of the sub-Mediterranean climate that enriches the Herzegovina region. For this day as well, you will have two options to choose from and customize the itinerary towards your preferences!
Option 1: Mostar – Herzegovina Wine Route
Mostar is on top of every traveler list that comes to Bosnia and Herzegovina! But did you know that besides the UNESCO Old Bridge Area, Mostar is also known as being the first city on the Herzegovina Wine Route. Hence, upon your arrival in Mostar, we suggest a day of cultural exploration followed by a dinner in a restaurant of the Herzegovina Wine Route members!
By walking through the Mostar city centre, you will see:
- The Old Bridge – 16th-century one-arc bridge built during the Ottoman period
- The Old Town Bazaar – UNESCO zone made from old houses and small coppersmith shops
- Kriva ćuprija – the test version of the Old Bridge, just a few minutes walk away from its larger version
- Koski-Mehmed Pasha Mosque – this mosque is an extraordinary example of Ottoman architecture in Bosnia and Herzegovina, found close to the Old Bridge area
It’s time for food, and the best recommendation for lunch in Mostar is to have a wine and dine experience at one of the HWR Member’s wineries or restaurants! At the local wineries, you can learn more about local wine sorts that grow in the hot sub-Mediterranean climate of Mostar and discover how these varieties have been so integral in the classic Herzegovinian household. At a traditional wine tasting you can try Blatina, Žilavka, Vranac or Trnjak and our HWR members are known for some of the best quality wines that have won many international wine competitions!
Option 2: Kravice Waterfall – Počitelj
No 5-day itinerary through Bosnia and Herzegovina is complete without a visit to the Kravice Waterfall. If you’d like to spend another day in nature, then the best way to spend it would be to go for a swim in the Kravice Waterfall! Ride from Banja Luka to Ljubuški, where Kravice Waterfall is situated. Near the waterfall, you’ll find a car park and a small restaurant that is open during the summer months. The waterfall has a very spacious amphitheatre of 120 meters. The waterfall is made from 20 smaller falls that create this lovely landscape:
Afterwards, if you’re still curious to see some cultural heritage, in half an hour’s drive from Kravice Waterfall, you can visit Počitelj! Počitelj is a uniquely preserved old village that is specific for its mixed architectural style. Most importantly, you can see the Počitelj Fortress built by King Tvrtko I of Bosnia in the 14th century! After this sightseeing, enjoy the rest of your evening back in Mostar!
Day 5: Mostar – Jablanica – Konjic – Sarajevo
Your fifth day in Bosnia and Herzegovina won’t be less exciting than the other four. In the morning, we suggest you start your drive from Mostar to Jablanica. Why Jablanica? Well, this is a famous lunch spot for any travelers driving from Mostar to Sarajevo and vice versa. Jablanica is famous for spit roast lamb and there is a myriad of restaurants beside the road offering this dish! The key is its simplicity: the lamb, full of juices, served with some roasted potatoes drenched in aromas from the lamb and followed with cabbage salad. This is the meal fit for kings!
After this feast, to finish off your trip, we recommend you stop by Tito’s Bunker in Konjic! Have you ever wondered what a nuclear bunker looks like from the inside? Tito’s Bunker is one such place made for the former Yugoslavia President and kept hidden for almost 40 years! Better yet – everything inside the bunker has been kept as originally intended, so you will be able to see all the quarters even the Presidents’ personal bedroom. This one-of-a-kind museum is Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Signature Experience for a reason! After the visit to the bunker, return to Sarajevo for your final night before your departure.
