Tours in Croatia by Secret Dalmatia

Duration: full day

Difficulty: easy

Location: Split, Dubrovnik, Sarajevo

Available all year round

A Glimpse of Orient in Mostar

The unique story of contrasts bridged

The entire Balkan region is a fascinating mix of tradition, ethnicity and heritage, where one’s experiences can vary from village to village, as proud communities uphold the traditions of their ancestors. The majestic Old town of Mostar is a unique slice of Europe’s multicultural history, with the gap between two entirely different communities spanned by an Ottoman Old Bridge over the River Neretva. Held by empires in centuries past, glossy of their influences evident in the architecture, traditions and the fabulous cuisine, enduring turbulent histories over and over again, Mostar is entirely unique.

  • This tour is fully private and on request only.
  • Tour includes collection from your hotel, villa or private accommodation in Dubrovnik, Sarajevo or Split by our professional English speaking chauffeur in a comfortable luxury sedan car or passenger van, private walking tour of Mostar with a local guide and entrance tickets to the Turkish House Museum and historic Mosque.
  • Bring your passport, camera, comfortable shoes, hat and sunscreen in the summer months. In peak summer months delays at Bosnia and Herzegovina border crossing are to be expected.
  • Please let us know if you have any mobility issues so the tour can be adjusted accordingly.
  • OPTIONAL: We recommend to add a traditional Bosnian lunch experience or a visit to river Buna spring. The tour of Mostar can also be combined with a visit to Međugorje or Radimlja village. Available at additional cost.

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Tour description

What you'll see on this tour

Although there is more than enough to keep you busy in the sunny Dalmatia, traveling a border to Bosnia and Herzegovina is well worth it for the visit to the fabulous Old town of Mostar!

Taking its name from a combination of two Croatian words, ‘star’ meaning old and ‘most’ meaning bridge, there is little debate on what is the outstanding attraction in Bosnia’s second city – the world famous 500-year-old Old Bridge of Mostar which stands imperiously over the emerald Neretva river below. The communities it bridges are strikingly different: the eastern area, the Muslim part of the city has a distinctly Turkish feel in stark contrast to the Croatian western half of the city.

Originally commissioned by Suleiman the Magnificent in 1557, it took designer Mimar Hayruddin some 9 years to complete the Old Bridge which entirely consists of the local stone called tenelija. Take some time on the bridge – or even under the bridge – and wait for the famous local divers who will dive into the cold Neretva below from the middle of the bridge. This is a long-standing tradition in the city, dating back to the first recorded jump in 1664. One to watch rather than participate!

Wander through the picturesque souvenir shops on either side of the bridge and get lost in time and culture as the scents of the Orient drag you in. There is some excellent souvenir shopping to be had here and the market is also a good bet for handicrafts, copper work, coffee sets, rugs and even traditional Fez hats. And do not miss out on the food! The food of Bosnia is famous in the region for traditional tastes and authentic flavors and often regarded as being “better Turkish food” than in Turkey! The culinary delights of Mostar include burek (meat or cheese filled pastry) or ćevapčići (the typical everyday meal of grilled minced meat with lots of different spices served with pita and onion).

Take a day to get the contrast to things in Dubrovnik, to experience the bigger picture and immerse further into the local histories, across the border, in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

 

Quick Info

AIRPORT NEARBY

Split, Dubrovnik, Sarajevo

Distance to attraction

DISTANCE

Split: 166 Km
Dubrovnik: 131 Km

Mostar

Buna

Počitelj

Dubrovnik

Počitelj

Growing from a small, medieval outpost and due to its strategic importance, Počitelj is one of the most important historic towns of Herzegovina. It grew to an important town especially during the Turkish rule and still today represents a true sample of the Ottoman urban architecture, containing all its main elements. Most of the buildings date from between the 13th and 17th century. A must-stop en route to Mostar!

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Our private Mostar tour, titled “A Glimpse of Orient in Mostar,” is a unique cultural experience that takes you to the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This tour is designed to provide an immersive experience into the rich history and vibrant culture of Mostar. You will be guided by our expert tour guides who have a deep understanding and passion for the region. The tour includes a visit to the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge), a UNESCO World Heritage site that symbolizes the city’s resilience and unity. You will also explore the old bazaar, Kujundziluk, filled with traditional shops and restaurants, and the historic Muslibegovic House, a national monument that offers a glimpse into the Ottoman period. The tour is not just about visiting landmarks; it’s about experiencing the local culture, tasting traditional Bosnian cuisine, and understanding the city’s complex history. This tour is available from Split and Dubrovnik and can be customized to fit your preferences and schedule.

Mostar, although technically in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a popular day trip for many visitors to Croatia due to its close proximity and unique cultural offerings. The city is known for its iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge), a symbol of unity and resilience. The bridge, along with the city’s historic architecture, reflects a blend of Ottoman, Mediterranean, and Western European influences. Mostar is also known for its vibrant bazaar, historic houses, and diverse religious buildings, including mosques and churches. The city’s rich history, from the Ottoman period to the recent Yugoslav war, adds a layer of depth to your visit. Our tour, “A Glimpse of Orient in Mostar,” is designed to provide an immersive experience into Mostar’s culture and history.

Our Mostar tour offers a range of unique experiences that go beyond the typical tourist trail. One of the highlights is the visit to the Stari Most, where you can watch daring locals dive into the Neretva River, a tradition that dates back centuries. You’ll also explore the old bazaar, Kujundziluk, where you can shop for traditional crafts, taste local delicacies, and experience the city’s vibrant atmosphere. The tour also includes a visit to the historic Muslibegovic House, where you can learn about the city’s Ottoman past. Throughout the tour, our expert guides will share fascinating stories and insights about Mostar’s history and culture, providing a deeper understanding of this captivating city.

Booking a private Mostar tour with us is easy. You can visit our website and navigate to the “A Glimpse of Orient in Mostar” tour under the “Culture Tours in Croatia” section. Here, you will find detailed information about the tour, including the itinerary, duration, and price. You can book the tour directly from the website. If you have any questions or need further assistance, you can contact us at [email protected]. Our team is always ready to help you plan the perfect trip to Mostar.

In addition to our private Mostar tour, Secret Dalmatia offers a range of other services to enhance your travel experience in Croatia. We offer a variety of tours, including food and wine tours, adventure tours, and nature tours, each designed to showcase the best of Croatia’s diverse regions. We also offer luxury Croatian villas for those seeking a high-end accommodation experience, and culinary Croatia for foodies and wine lovers. For those looking to explore the Adriatic Sea, our Luxury Croatia Yachts service allows you to charter your dream yacht. With Secret Dalmatia, every aspect of your trip is taken care of, ensuring a memorable and hassle-free travel experience.

Mostar is a beautiful destination to visit at any time of the year, but the most popular period is between late spring and early fall, when the weather is warm and the city is vibrant with outdoor activities. During this time, you can fully enjoy the city’s outdoor attractions, such as the Stari Most (Old Bridge) and the old bazaar, Kujundziluk. However, if you prefer a quieter atmosphere, the off-peak seasons of early spring and late fall are also lovely, with fewer tourists and a more relaxed pace. Regardless of when you visit, our “A Glimpse of Orient in Mostar” tour is available to provide you with an immersive cultural experience.

Comfortable clothing and footwear are recommended for the Mostar tour, as there will be a fair amount of walking involved. During the summer months, it can get quite hot in Mostar, so lightweight, breathable clothing, a hat, and sunscreen are advisable. In the cooler months, a warm jacket and layers are recommended. Remember to dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

Mostar offers a rich culinary scene that reflects its diverse cultural influences. During the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to taste traditional Bosnian cuisine. Popular dishes include cevapi (grilled minced meat), burek (flaky pastry filled with meat, cheese, or spinach), and baklava (sweet pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey). You can also try the local wines and coffee for a complete gastronomic experience.

Yes, the Mostar tour is suitable for children. The tour offers a variety of experiences that can be enjoyed by all ages, from exploring historic sites to tasting local cuisine. However, please note that the tour involves a fair amount of walking, so it may not be suitable for very young children or those who tire easily. If you have any specific concerns or needs, please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate them.

Absolutely! At Secret Dalmatia, we understand that every traveler is unique, and we strive to provide tours that cater to individual interests and preferences. If there are specific places you want to visit or experiences you want to include in your Mostar tour, please let us know. We will work with you to customize the tour to your liking, ensuring that your trip to Mostar is a truly memorable one.