Bosnia and Herzegovina captivates visitors with its blend of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslav heritage. From Sarajevo's historic bazaars to Mostar's iconic Old Bridge, this Balkan gem offers stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and some of Europe's most affordable travel experiences.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Mostar
Highlights: UNESCO-listed Stari Most (Old Bridge) · Kujundziluk bazaar with Ottoman craftsmen · Blagaj Tekke dervish monastery at source of Buna River · War damage and reconciliation murals · Excellent cevapi and fresh Herzegovinian wine
Kravice Waterfalls & Pocitelj
Highlights: 25-metre crescent waterfall with turquoise swimming pools · Pocitelj medieval Ottoman village perched on hillside · Riverside picnic areas and swimming · Fruit orchards and pomegranate stands in autumn
Jajce
Highlights: 21-metre Pliva Waterfall cascading into town centre · Medieval fortress with panoramic views · Catacombs beneath the town · Pliva Lakes with historic wooden watermills · AVNOJ museum (birthplace of Yugoslav federation 1943)
Travnik & Plava Voda
Highlights: Sarena Dzamija (Painted Mosque) with elaborate facade · Medieval fortress twin towers · Plava Voda (Blue Water) spring with riverside restaurants · Ivo Andric birthplace museum · Travnik cevapi — distinct skinnier style from Sarajevo variety
Vrelo Bosne & Ilidza
Highlights: Crystal-clear springs at source of Bosna River · Tree-lined walking and cycling paths through park · Horse-drawn carriage rides through the park · Ottoman-era stone bridge and formal gardens · Combine with Tunnel of Hope Museum nearby
Bjelasnica Mountain & Lukomir Village
Highlights: 1984 Winter Olympics ski slopes · Lukomir village — Bosnia highest isolated village at 1,469m · Traditional stone houses with wooden shingle roofs · Rakitnica Canyon panoramic viewpoints · Alpine wildflower meadows in June-July
Trips by distance
How far you can go in a day.
Getting there
Transport options for day trips.
- Tours
- Organized day tours from Sarajevo run $30-55 per person including transport and guide. Mostar + Kravice + Počitelj combo tours are the most popular, running $40-50.
- Private
- Hire a private driver/guide for $80-120 per day — excellent value for groups of 3-4 splitting the cost. Allows flexible itinerary and personalized local knowledge.
- Public
- Regular bus services connect Sarajevo to most day trip destinations. Mostar buses run hourly ($10-14 one-way), Travnik buses run frequently ($7). Check getbybus.com for schedules.
- Rental
- Car rental from $25/day in Sarajevo — recommended for Bjelašnica, Lukomir, and more remote destinations not served by public transport.
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Start early — depart Sarajevo before 8 AM to reach Mostar or Kravice before tour bus crowds arrive, particularly from June to August
Combine destinations on the same route: Mostar + Blagaj Tekke + Počitelj + Kravice Waterfalls forms a perfect southern Herzegovina day trip by car
The M17 Sarajevo-Mostar road follows the Neretva River canyon — one of the most scenic drives in the Balkans, worth taking the time to stop for photographs