Mostar, a bejewelled medieval town in northern Herzegovina, is one of the Balkan’s most photographed city and it’s not hard to see why. At its focal point stands Stari Most, the iconic old bridge straddling the turquoise-blue Neretva River while winding alleys beckons with the sights and sounds of an exotic near-eastern bazaar. At the same time from a macro viewpoint, small colourful homes cluster at the base of the green mountains resembling an alpine village commune. Architecturally and culturally, there is still a clear distinction between the Bosnian Croats and Muslims in Mostar but relations are calm as they gallop with purpose into the future together. See the star of the region with a customised Mostar tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours and be surprised at how this small city packs a big visual punch.
The bridge with the most
So much have been said about the beauty of Stari Most but nothing can prepare you for the encounter. Glistening with a glowy complexion complete with the right curves at the right places, the Ottoman-style arch bridge is the top model from everywhere you look. See it in an early winter morning smothered in mist and fog, be blinded by its vivid reflection during the height of summer, marvel at the sunset sun casting its gentle rays upon its back or romance the floodlit bridge in the late of the night. Whenever and however you decide to see it, it will be an unforgettable sight to behold.
Hushed gush
A hidden treasure in one of Europe’s most underrated country, Kravice Falls must surely feel like a pretty little secret carefully wrapped up by true-blue insiders in the know. As its beauty gets spread around the grapevine inevitably, its charms surprisingly didn’t fade. Remaining uncontaminated and still void of any mass-tourism infrastructure, the 28-metre semi-circle falls continue to go about their business gushing springs and cascades. Rope-swing into the sparkling water, take a dip, sun bake, picnic or even pitch a tent for the night, and maybe also, keep the secret to yourself.
Cult and cave at Blagaj Located 12 kilometres south of Mostar lies the village-town of Blagaj where Zelena Pecina (Green Cave), the largest karst spring in Europe, gives rise to the Buna River. You can hire a boat to take you into the green cave for a sneak peek at the ancient remains from at least 12,000 years ago or marvel at the sight of the raging blue-green water gushing out of the cave into the river from a vantage point. And have we not mentioned the mystical 16th-century Blagaj Tekija, a revered Sufi pilgrimage site built for the Dervish cults, located just right beside the cave.
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If a pocket-sized dynamo of a city filled with sights and wonders is your ideal destination for a great European getaway, then Mostar is a top pick. Find out how Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours can bring you there with your own customised Mostar tour package. Call 6212 9935 or email privatetours@chanbrothers.com.sg for more details.
Highlights
Every itinerary can be fully customised according to needs, special interests, personal preferences and defining style of just about anyone who wants to travel privately and exclusively.
Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for your flight to Sarajevo. Upon arrival at the airport, meet your driver and enjoy a private airport transfer to your hotel.
Today, embark on a journey to Lukomir, Bosnia's most remote village nestled high in the Bjelasnica Mountains. The 2-hour drive from Sarajevo will take you through Bosnia's lush countryside, where you will be able to admire all the picturesque landscape from various viewpoints along the way. Enjoy a hearty lunch in the mountain village of Lukomir, where residents still don traditional hand-knit costumes. Learn how these inhabitants of Lukomir survive in this beautiful yet harsh environment. After lunch, continue to Umoljani the village of the mythic dragon, this village is known for its 8 gorgeous watermills, beautiful landscape, waterfalls and Dragon of Umoljani, a stone which, according to local legend, holds the petrified remains of a dragon that once terrorised the village.
Bjelasnica Mountains
Today, begin with a 2-hour drive to the village of Kraljeva Sutjeska. Visit the medieval ruins of the old Bosnian court, as well as the 14th-century Franciscan Monastery. Head to Mehmed II Fatih Mosque, the oldest mosque in the country built in the 15th century. Next, proceed to Travnik, a historic town that was once the capital of the Ottoman Empire and famously known as the European Istanbul. Travnik is located in the picturesque Lasva Valley. Grab a bite of local sheep's cheese from the region as you explore the beautiful Travnik Fortress. After spending a few hours in Travnik, head to Jajce to spend the night.
Travnik Fortress
This morning, visit some of the highlights of Jajce, such as Pliva Waterfall and the ruins of St Luke's Church. Bid farewell to Jajce before moving on to Mostar, where you can embark on a tour of Herzegovina's cultural capital. Marvel at Stari Most, also known as Mostar Bridge, that was commissioned by Suleiman the Magnificent in the year 1557. Replenish yourself with some fresh food at a farmer's cooperative, where you can sample delicacies such as prosciutto and local cheese. This afternoon, visit Blagaj, a beautiful village located at the spring of the Buna River. Admire an incredible 15th-century Dervish monastery which sits above turquoise waters at the bottom of a large cliff. Return to Mostar for the night, where you can see the Mostar Bridge lit up under the night sky and taste more delicious local cuisine.
Mostar Bridge
Start the morning with a trip to Pocitelj, a historic village and an open-air museum. This old Ottoman border town holds significant strategic importance in Bosnian history, which you can learn about as you wander its narrow and cobblestone streets. Later, you will head on to Mogorjelo to marvel at the 4th-century ruins of a Roman villa rustica. Savour your delicious lunch at Herceg Ethno Village, where you can experience the traditional ways of Herzegovinian life. Next, spend the afternoon admiring the impressive Kravica Waterfall on Trebizat River before returning to Mostar.
Kravica Waterfall
Enjoy a private airport transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight home.