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.