We’re back with another group trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina! A nation that I lovingly call one of my favorite countries in the world and I can’t wait to go back with you! Our last group trip in September 2022 to this destination was a success and it needs to be repeated.
Bosnia offers breathtaking nature, historic towns, and an incredible mix of cultures that is not commonly found around the world. It also is the location of a very dark past. The first war and genocide in Europe since the Second World War happened here and visiting this country without learning about the Bosnian War would not be right.
For this trip, I’ll be partnering with Our World Too, an organization dedicated to changing the way that we perceive refugees. Thanks to Our World Too, we’re bringing to you a hybrid tour: the best of both worlds. Truly immersing yourself in the history and culture of a destination while getting to enjoy the tourist highlights that Bosnia has to offer. You will have the opportunity to visit sites such as the Srebrenica Memorial Museum and learn more about the war from survivors – people who have actually LIVED through history.
If you’re looking to visit a lesser-known destination in Europe, traveling in a completely different way, getting to meet new people, and immersing yourself in a new culture, then come and join us this May 13 – 20th, 2023, as we embark on a 7-day journey through Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Trip highlights: guided tours of Sarajevo, Mostar and Stolac, Kravica waterfalls, visit to the Srebrenica Memorial Center along with meetings with survivors of the Bosnian War and the genocide; Blagaj Dervish Lodge, Pocitelj Fortress, scenic barbeque on the banks of the Bregava river.
why join us?
WHY bosnia?
A beautiful mix of East and West, with cobbled streets, castles, bridges and breathtaking scenery; all of this mixed with a tragic history that we should all learn about makes Bosnia a hidden gem in Europe. The incredible nature and religious diversity make Bosnia a destination unlike any other. Did I mention the €5 meals and €1 beers already?
WHY partner with our world too?
Our World Too (OWT) is a platform dedicated to rehumanizing the narrative surrounding refugees and displaced people. OWT wants to bring attention to the Bosnian genocide to create awareness of the tragic effects of fascism, in addition to preserving the honoring the stories of victims and survivors.
WHY GO GLOBAL WITH SIBU?
I'm on a journey to break stereotypes and to show people beautiful destinations that they would normally overlook. Travel is more than just being in a destination: it means immersing yourself in its history and culture, and that is what you'll experience with me. Looking to get out of your comfort zone and make new friends while traveling? This is the chance to do so!
ITINERARY
Please note that our itineraries give you a general guidelines as to what you will be experiencing. Disclaimer: The itinerary may be impacted by factors outside of our control such as weather or health restrictions due to CoVid-19.
After breakfast, we’ll begin bright and early with a guided tour of Bosnia’s beautiful capital city Sarajevo, a city steeped in medieval and modern history. Our expert local guide will walk you through the cobblestone streets streets of the historic Baščaršija area of Sarajevo. You will also have the opportunity to hear about the siege of Sarajevo, the longest siege in modern history, from survivors.
We’ll be hosting lunch where you’ll be able to try burek, a Bosnian delicacy. Vegetarian options are available. After lunch, we’ll head over to the War Childhood Museum (entry included). In the evening, you wil have some free time to join us for an optional cable car trip (tickets will be self-funded) to enjoy breathtaking views of the city or you can choose to explore the city and its traditional handmade stalls and bakeries. This will be a great opportunity to purchase locally-made gifts and souvenirs to take home with you.
Meals: breakfast and lunch
Day 2: Never forget Srebrenica
On our second day, we’ll visit the memorial site of Srebrenica-Potocari, where 8,372 Muslim men and boys were murdered in July 1995 as a result of sustained fascist and ethnonational propaganda spread by Serb nationalists.
Despite frequently being overlooked by media outlets in their coverage of the invasion of Ukraine, the Srebrenica Genocide was the worst attrocity to take place on European soil since WW2.
The extensive use of propaganda during the war in Bosnia dehumanised and painted the Bosniak (Bosnian Muslim) population as an ‘incompatible other’. By visiting the memorial site you’re taking part in a necessary effort to learn the importance of combating hate and preserving the stories of survivors and victims for future generations.
Meals: breakfast; lunch will be provided in Srebrenica.
Day 3: Kravica Waterfall
Today we’ll be leaving Sarajevo, but not before visiting the Sarajevo War Tunnel Museum (tickets included). The Sarajevo tunnel provided vital links which allowed food and humanitarian aid to enter the besieged city, and gave people a route to leave the city.
After this, we’ll spend the afternoon at the stunning and picturesque Kravica waterfalls! These stunning waterfalls are where the Trebižat river plummets from a 25 m drop into an emerald pool you can take a dip in, rent a kayak or relax by the shore.
In the evening, we’ll head towards Stolac. Meals: breakfast.
Day 4: Blagaj Dervish Lodge
Today we’ll be taking you on a scenic drive through some of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most historic towns.
First, we’ll drive to visit the historic and open air museum of Počitelj. You will be able to visit the Fortress and learn about the Croatian aggression the village was subjected to during the Bosnian war.
In the afternoon, we’ll explore the Dervish Lodge located in picturesque Blagaj (tickets included). You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy lunch against a backdrop of the crystalline waters of the Buna River.
Once you’ve enjoyed Blagaj to your heart’s content, we’ll head back to Stolac for the night.
Meals: breakfast
Day 5: Stolac during the Bosnian War
We’ll spend the day in Stolac learning more about the history of the city and how conditions were during the Bosnian War.
The necropolis in Radimlja, one of the most valuable monuments of the mediaeval period in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the ancient citadel of Daorson are just two of unique historical pearls that we will explore in Stolac.
In the afternoon, we’ll have a BBQ (included) on the banks of the beautiful Bregava River before leaving for Mostar.
Tonight, you can spend the evening exploring the magical vibe of the Old Town of Mostar and get some pictures for your socials or relax and enjoy Bosnian Kahve overlooking the beautiful jade waters of the Neretva River.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Day 6: Explore Mostar
This morning we’ll explore the beautiful Old Town of Mostar, this will include walking over the historic Stari Most! Our local Bosnian guide will also be sharing stories from the Siege of Mostar and how people of the town survived during the Bosnian war as you walk on the cobbled streets and make your way to famous landmarks.
You can also visit the Koski-Mehmed Pasha’s Mosque. Built in 1618 and rebuilt after the war where you will have the opportunity to climb the minaret for sweeping views of Stari Most and Mostar (tickets for the mosque and minaret will be self-funded).
Meals: breakfast and lunch
Day 7: Farewell
This morning is all about enjoying the beauty of Mostar at your own pace before joining us for a farewell lunch!
The tour will officially end after lunch. Transport to airports is not included but can be arranged upon request. Should you wish to extend your stay in Bosnia, let us know and we can assist you with accommodation, transportation, and anything else you might require.
Meals: lunch
Thank you for traveling with us!
Yes! All you have to do is be ready for us to pick you up on September the 16th, 2023 at 3 pm in the city center of Dubrovnik, Croatia.
You’re more than welcome to make your own way to Mostar. English is widely spoken in Dubrovnik and you can go on your own to Mostar from there. You can arrange a private shuttle or catch a bus. The prices for the buses start from $25 USD one-way.
Alternatively, you can also fly to Sarajevo and catch a bus or train from there to Mostar. I highly recommend using Omio to compare prices and book transportation in Europe.
We are using Dubrovnik as a base because it offers a wider range of flights than Sarajevo. There are direct flights from Dubai, Istanbul, Newark, as well as dozens of airports from all around Europe. If you have a bit more time, this is also an excellent opportunity for you to cross off an extra city and check out Dubrovnik before our group trip starts! If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, this is for you.
Just remember, our group trip officially starts on the 16th of September at 8 pm for our welcome dinner. Accommodation is included that evening. We suggest you arrive in Mostar that same evening.
If you’re coming from within Europe, we recommend flying to Dubrovnik (Airport code: DBV) and flying back from Sarajevo (Airport Code: SJJ).
For anyone flying from outside of Europe, we recommend flying in and out of the same airport to keep costs down.
Dubrovnik would be the best choice since it is where we’ll be picking you up. You can alternatively look for flights to/from Split (Airport code: SPU) or Sarajevo (SJJ) and make your own way to Dubrovnik for the pick-up option OR to do Mostar directly.
If you’re traveling around Europe and happen to be in the same region as Bosnia and Herzegovina, you can also look for buses that go to Mostar.
If you have ANY questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Sibu (me) directly. I am more than happy to give you recommendations and advice depending on your city of departure.
Yes! If traveling alone is something that’s out of your comfort zone, then I would highly recommend joining a group trip! Not only is everything organized for you, but it is a great way to meet like-minded people and have fun while traveling. I’m a big advocate of solo travel. Joining a group trip on your own counts as solo travel – it means embarking on a journey with other strangers as part of a unique experience. This is an excellent way for you to not miss out on life and travel but at the same time doing it in a safe environment where someone will always be looking out for you.
If you ever dreamt of joining a summer camp as a child, a group trip is the adult-version of that. You’re doing daily activities with fellow travelers that will become your friends. While traveling solo, it can be hard to engage with locals and learn from them. In a group trip, you can have authentic experiences that you would otherwise miss out on if you were on your own.
Depending on the region, group trips are also a great way to keep expenses down. This is just one of those instances where you’ll end up spending money wisely by joining a group trip.
Last, but not least, I travel alone most of the time and you’ll still find me joining group trips from time to time. Some experiences are just better when shared, especially with people who are curious about the world like you are. If you’re tired of waiting around for others to travel, then a group trip is for you.
Yes! You can reserve your spot by paying the $200 USD deposit. You are welcome to pay the full remaining amount by August 15th (one month before the trip starts).
You can also opt for the 3 installments option.
1st installment due date: $223 USD due on June 30th
2nd installment: $223 USD due on July 22nd
3rd installment: $223 USD due on August 15th
You are responsible for making sure you have appropriate travel insurance (including health and CoVid coverage) in place before the trip starts to avoid any complications due to unforeseen events.
This is mandatory, and you will not be able to participate in the group trip without one. This is a requirement for all of our trips.