Group Day Tour Mostar and Kravice Waterfalls Tour from Dubrovnik

A Practical Guide to the Dubrovnik to Mostar and Kravice Waterfalls Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Dubrovnik and want to experience some of the Balkans’ most iconic sights in a day, this group tour to Mostar and Kravice Waterfalls offers a balanced mix of history, nature, and culture. While not a private experience, the tour provides a good value option for those looking to see two must-visit destinations without the hassle of organizing transport and tickets themselves.

What we particularly like about this tour is how smoothly it manages logistics—hotel pickup and drop-off are included, so you can relax from the moment you leave your accommodations. The guide, according to many travelers, is knowledgeable and enthusiastic, offering insights that bring the landscape and history to life. Plus, the chance to swim at Kravice (weather permitting) adds an element of fun and refreshment that many travelers appreciate.

However, there is one potential drawback worth considering. The tour duration often exceeds the advertised ten hours—some reviews mention it can stretch to 14 hours—especially during busy border crossing times. If you prefer a shorter, more relaxed pace or are on a tight schedule, this might be a consideration. This tour suits travelers who are eager to see both natural and historical highlights in one day without the stress of planning every detail.

This trip works best for those who value informative guides, stunning scenery, and good value, especially if you’re comfortable with a full day on the road. It’s ideal for curious travelers wanting a comprehensive, hassle-free experience with an authentic feel.

Key Points

• Comfortable logistics with hotel pickup and drop-off in Dubrovnik make the day easier.
• Expert guidance helps you understand the significance of sites like Stari Most and Poitelj.
• Photographic opportunities abound, especially at the UNESCO-listed Stari Most and Kravice Falls.
• Swim at Kravice if the weather allows—bring your swimsuit and towel.
• Time in Mostar is generally around 2.5 to 3 hours, enough to explore but possibly feeling a little rushed.
• Cost-effective at about $84 per person, providing access to two major Balkan highlights with transportation included.

Exploring the Itinerary: What You’ll Experience

Morning Departure and Transit

The adventure begins with a hotel pickup in Dubrovnik, usually smooth and punctual. The air-conditioned vehicle makes the long drive to Bosnia and Herzegovina comfortable, though during peak season or border crossing times, expect some delays, which can extend the total trip beyond the advertised 10 hours. Despite this, the scenic drive offers glimpses of the countryside and a chance to settle in with your fellow travelers.

First Stop: Kravice Waterfalls

The journey’s first highlight is the Kravice Waterfalls. Located just outside of Međugorje, these falls are a vivid, wide cascade that creates a series of natural pools. Many reviews praise the area’s beauty—”most amazing” and “well worth the climb back to the top,” as one traveler noted. The site offers more than just the waterfalls; there’s a small café, a picnic area, and a rope swing, making it a great spot to relax or take photos.

You’ll want to bring a swimsuit if you like swimming because many opt for a dip in the cool, refreshing water—just be aware that the best timing is in spring when the falls are at their fullest. The area also has attractions like a small grotto with stalactites, an old mill, and even a vintage sailing ship, which provide additional photo opportunities and local flavor. The price for the entrance fee is typically around €10 per person, and the tour does not include this.

Next: Exploring Mostar

After soaking up the natural beauty, your guide will take you to Mostar, the jewel of Herzegovina. Sitting on the Neretva River, Mostar’s star attraction is the Old Bridge (Stari Most), built in the 16th century by the Ottomans. The bridge is a marvel, both architecturally and historically, symbolizing reconciliation after conflict and showcasing stunning Islamic-influenced architecture.

During your approximately three hours in Mostar, you’ll get a chance to walk along cobbled streets, learn the story of the bridge’s reconstruction, and see the medieval Poitelj. Many travelers note that guides are excellent at sharing stories that make the visit more meaningful. One reviewer mentions, “Ivo guided us expertly, bringing the region’s history to life,” highlighting the value of a knowledgeable guide.

You’ll have time to take photos from various vantage points, enjoy local cafés, and maybe grab a Bosnian coffee or a snack. Some reviews suggest that the time allocated in Mostar can feel a bit short, with travelers wishing for more time to soak in the atmosphere or explore further.

Return Journey and Additional Sights

On the way back, the tour might include visits to small sites near Kravice, like a grotto, an old mill, or a vintage sailing ship, providing further insight into local life and history. The guide often shares anecdotes about the area’s benefactors, such as Zaim-beg Selimi, whose legacy can be seen in the sights.

Following the visit, you’ll be transported back to your Dubrovnik hotel, often arriving in the early evening. The drive offers a chance to reflect on the day’s sights and share impressions with your fellow travelers.

The Practicalities: What Does the Tour Mean for You?

Transportation and Comfort

The tour uses a modern, air-conditioned vehicle, which makes the long drive more comfortable, especially in summer. Group sizes are limited to 99 travelers, but most reviews mention a smaller, more intimate experience with the guide. Keep in mind, the actual trip length can be longer than planned due to border crossings and peak traffic, so patience is essential.

Cost and Value

At roughly $84 per person, this tour offers access to key sights without the hassle of self-organizing transport or entry tickets. The price includes the guide, transport, and hotel pickup/drop-off, which is a fair deal considering how much ground you cover. However, meals, drinks, and entrance fees are extra, so budget for those if you want a full experience.

Timing and Pace

While the schedule is generally well-organized, some travelers find the time in Mostar slightly tight, wanting a little more freedom to explore independently. The tour runs with a fixed timetable, so it’s important to be punctual and prepared for a full day.

Weather and Practical Tips

Bring comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to walk around Kravice or explore the streets of Mostar. If you want to swim or sit by the waterfalls, pack your swimsuit and towel. Also, carry your passport, as crossing borders is required, and be prepared for potential delays.

Reader Reviews: What Travelers Say

The majority of reviews are positive, emphasizing the scenic beauty, interesting guides, and good value. One traveler mentioned, “Mostar and the waterfalls were both amazing,” but also pointed out that the trip was longer than expected, with some feeling the bus was too hot and the schedule too packed.

Another reviewer appreciated the guide’s knowledge: “Ivo expertly told us about the region,” and many found the stops worthwhile. However, some reviews note less enthusiastic guides or feel that the tour could be more relaxed, especially during busy seasons.

An interesting point from a traveler who experienced rain: “Despite the rain, the waterfalls and Mostar were lovely,” showing that weather shouldn’t deter you from this experience, although it might change the experience slightly.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This trip offers a practical way to see two of the Balkans’ most photogenic and culturally significant sites in one day. It’s best for travelers who:

• Want an organized, guided experience that takes care of logistics.
• Appreciate stunning scenery and historical landmarks.
• Are comfortable with a full day on the move and some potential border delays.
• Are interested in local culture and architecture, and want to see it without renting a car or planning multiple tickets.
• Don’t mind a busy schedule and are prepared for a longer day, possibly exceeding the initial time estimate.

If you’re after a relaxed, leisurely pace or a completely private experience, consider a private tour or more flexible options. But for those eager to combine natural beauty with cultural sights at a reasonable price, this tour delivers a lot of value.

FAQs

Do I need to bring my passport?
Yes, a valid passport is required for crossing the border between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

How long is the time in Mostar?
Generally, you’ll have about 2.5 to 3 hours in Mostar, which is enough to see the main sights but might feel a little rushed if you want a more leisurely exploration.

Can I swim at Kravice Falls?
Yes, bringing a swimsuit is recommended if you wish to swim, as the waterfalls have natural pools perfect for a quick dip, weather permitting.

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, food and drinks are not included. There are restaurants near Kravice and in Mostar where you can buy meals, typically grilled dishes and fish.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are essential for walking, especially around waterfalls and cobblestone streets. Bring layers if visiting in spring or autumn, and don’t forget your swimsuit if swimming.

What happens if the trip is longer than planned?
Border crossings and peak season traffic can extend the trip beyond 10 hours. The tour is not rushed, but you should be prepared for a longer day, especially if you wish to maximize your time in each location.

In essence, this tour is a solid choice for those who want to efficiently see two stunning Balkan highlights with an experienced guide, all at a reasonable price. Just prepare for a full day and a bit of a schedule squeeze—your memories will certainly be worth it.