From Dubrovnik: Mostar and Kravice Waterfalls Day Trip

Traveling from Dubrovnik into Bosnia and Herzegovina might seem like a quick jaunt, but this day trip offers a meaningful glimpse into two of the most striking spots in the Herzegovina region: the spectacular Kravice Waterfalls and the charming, historically layered city of Mostar. While the tour covers a lot of ground—roughly 12 hours—it manages to pack in memorable scenery, insightful guided commentary, and authentic local flavor.

Two things we really appreciate about this experience are its combination of natural beauty and cultural depth. The waterfalls are truly breathtaking, and the Old Bridge in Mostar — rebuilt after the war — is a symbol of resilience and unity. Plus, the knowledgeable guides, both on the bus and in Mostar, add richness to the visit, making the sights more meaningful.

Of course, a potential consideration is the long travel time—around three hours each way—which means you’ll spend a good chunk of your day on the road. But for those who are eager to see Bosnia without an overnight stay, this is a solid choice. It appeals most to travelers who value authentic scenery, local history, and seamless logistics. If you’re after a quick yet enriching escape, this trip could be just what you need.

Key Points

• Balanced mix of natural and cultural sites within a single day.
• Expert local guides make the history and sights come alive.
• Comfortable transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off.
• Good value for money considering the included stops and guided tours.
• Flexible options such as tickets for the Turkish House in Mostar.
• Potential long hours, so good for those comfortable with a full day on a coach.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

This tour begins early in the morning from Dubrovnik, typically around 6:00 am, with pickup arranged at a pre-agreed location or a central meeting point in Dubrovnik. The journey into Bosnia and Herzegovina takes roughly three hours, but the scenic drive is part of the experience. Along the way, guides share stories about the landscape, history, and current life in the region, making the long coach ride more engaging than just sitting still.

The Kravice Waterfalls: A Natural Marvel

The first highlight is Kravice Waterfalls, about an hour’s drive from Dubrovnik. Here, you get about 50 minutes to enjoy the spectacular cascades. The waterfalls are renowned for their stunning beauty, especially when the water is flowing strongly. Visitors can take photos, relax by the river, or even dip into the cool, inviting pools if they wish—though swimming is entirely optional.

One reviewer noted that “the waterfalls were nearly 40 degrees when we went, so swimming was well needed.” This suggests that the best time for this stop is in warmer months when a dip in the water is tempting. The entrance ticket to Kravice is paid on-site, approximately €10 per person, and the tour includes a chance to enjoy the scenery at your own pace.

Driving to Mostar: A City Rebuilt and Resilient

After the waterfalls, the bus heads into Mostar, a city that has become a symbol of recovery and multicultural charm. The guided tour in Mostar lasts roughly 30 minutes, providing a concise but insightful overview of its history and key sites. You’ll learn about the Old Bridge (Stari Most) — its destruction during the war and its impressive reconstruction— and the city’s blend of oriental streets and modern life.

Many reviews mention how the guides make the history feel alive. One traveler praised a guide named Luka, calling the experience “excellent from start to finish” and “a trip I will never forget.” The guided portion is invaluable for understanding the significance of the bridge, which has become a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of peace.

Free Time in Mostar

Following the guided introduction, you’ll have around 2.5 hours for independent exploration. This window is ample for a relaxed lunch, some souvenir shopping, or visiting additional sites like the Turkish House — an optional ticketed visit (additional fee). Travelers often appreciate the chance to stroll through the oriental markets, admire the beautiful architecture, and watch locals and visitors alike enjoy the lively scene along the river.

Some reviewers found the time in Mostar to be just right, while others wished for a bit more. One noted, “We felt we needed slightly more time there,” especially to explore more deeply or sample local cuisine.

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The Return Journey

After soaking in the sights, the bus departs Mostar for Dubrovnik, with another scenic three-hour ride back. Border crossings between Bosnia and Croatia can be unpredictable, but many travelers report that delays are usually minimal—around 10 to 20 minutes. The entire day wraps up around 8:00 pm, giving you a full, rewarding experience even with the long hours on the coach.

Practical Details and What’s Included

This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics straightforward. A live English-speaking guide keeps the commentary lively and informative, while a local guide in Mostar offers a 30-minute deep dive into the city’s highlights.

Cost considerations involve a modest additional fee for entrance tickets: €3 for Bosnia’s tourist tax and €10 for Kravice Waterfalls. Entrance to the Turkish House in Mostar is optional and paid separately. Food and drinks aren’t included, so bringing some cash for snacks or a quick lunch in Mostar is recommended.

Group size tends to be manageable, and the tour is not suitable for travelers with mobility impairments due to the nature of walking and stairs in some sites.

Authentic Traveler Feedback

Many reviewers appreciate the knowledgeable guides and the beautiful scenery. One described the experience as “excellent from start to finish,” and another praised the smooth transportation and “plenty of free time” in Mostar.

Some noted the long duration—about 14 hours total—but many felt that the sights and the experience justified it. For instance, one traveler said, “Very long day, but worth it for a great experience,” highlighting the value of seeing both natural and historic treasures in one trip.

The waterfalls received special praise: “The waterfalls were amazing! More magnificent than I expected,” one noted, emphasizing how impressive the natural scenery is. Meanwhile, the visit to Mostar’s stunning Old Bridge often earns words like “beautiful” and “iconic,” with visitors remarking on the lively atmosphere and the opportunity to see locals jumping from the bridge.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This trip suits travelers who are comfortable with a full day on a coach and want a comprehensive taste of Bosnia’s natural beauty and historic charm. It’s ideal for those who love stunning landscapes, cultural stories, and authentic small-city atmospheres.

If you’re interested in photo opportunities, enjoy guided commentary, and don’t mind a long day of travel, this tour offers great value. It’s also perfect for travelers who want to avoid the hassle of organizing their own transport and border crossings, as the tour handles all logistics smoothly.

However, if you prefer more time in each location or are less mobile, you might want to consider a different option or extending your stay in Mostar.

FAQs

How long is the total trip?
Expect about 12 to 14 hours, including travel time, stops, and guided sightseeing. The actual touring part is around 7 to 8 hours.

What is included in the price?
The tour price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, guide in the bus, and a local guide in Mostar for 30 minutes. Entrance fees for the waterfalls (€10) and Bosnia’s tourist tax (€3) are paid separately.

Is there enough time at Kravice Waterfalls?
Yes, about 50 minutes is generally sufficient to take photos, relax by the river, and enjoy the scenery. Some travelers find this is enough, while others wish for more time to swim or explore.

Can I visit the Turkish House in Mostar?
Yes, there is an option to buy a ticket for the Turkish House, which is the most visited museum in Mostar. It’s an optional add-on, so you can choose whether to include it.

What about border crossing delays?
Border crossings can take some time; however, most travelers report delays of around 10-20 minutes, which is manageable within the schedule.

Is food included?
No, meals and drinks are not included. It’s advisable to bring cash for snacks, water, or a quick lunch during your free time in Mostar.

Is this tour suitable for children or mobility-impaired travelers?
It’s not recommended for those with mobility issues due to walking and stairs in some sites. The long coach ride might be tiring for small children.

Final Thoughts

This most comprehensive day trip from Dubrovnik to Bosnia offers a neat balance of spectacular natural scenery and historic charm. The combination of Kravice Waterfalls’ stunning cascades and Mostar’s iconic bridge make for memorable photographic moments and meaningful cultural insights. The guided portions ensure you understand the significance of what you’re seeing, and the included logistics make for a smooth experience.

Despite the long hours on the road, many travelers feel it’s a worthwhile adventure—especially those eager to see Bosnia’s more inland treasures without the hassle of planning everything themselves. The overall high ratings and positive reviews reflect its value, especially considering the opportunities to relax, learn, and take in scenic views.

If you’re interested in experiencing Bosnia’s natural beauty and lively history in just one day, this tour is a practical and rewarding choice. It’s perfect for curious travelers who want to pack a lot into a single trip and are okay with a full day of travel to do so.

Whether you’re craving stunning waterfalls, a stroll through historic streets, or simply a comfortable way to cross borders and explore, this tour delivers a taste of Bosnia that’s hard to beat.

You can check availability for your dates here: