From Split and Trogir: Mostar Tour with Kravica Waterfalls

If you’re looking to add a bit of adventure and culture to your Croatian coastal trip, this full-day tour to Bosnia and Herzegovina offers just that. It promises a taste of historic Mostar, the breathtaking Kravica Waterfalls, and scenic drives through the countryside—all for a very reasonable price. While it’s a long day with early starts and border crossings, many travelers find the experience well worth it.

What we love about this tour: First, it hits two iconic spots—Mostar’s famous Old Bridge and the mesmerizing waterfalls—both visually stunning. Second, the guides truly make a difference, bringing history and local culture to life with their knowledge and friendly attitudes. The only potential drawback? The tour moves at a quick pace, so if you prefer lounging or more free time, you might find yourself wishing for a little more flexibility.

This tour is ideal for those who want a comprehensive, value-packed day trip that combines nature, history, and local flavor. It suits travelers eager to see beyond Croatia’s coast, those curious about Bosnia’s unique blend of Ottoman and European influences, and anyone wanting a memorable, well-organized adventure.

Key Points

• Two iconic destinations in one day—Mostar’s Old Bridge and Kravica Waterfalls
• Knowledgeable guides that enrich the experience with stories and tips
• Comfortable transportation in air-conditioned vehicles with WiFi included
• Flexible free time in Mostar for shopping, coffee, or sightseeing
• Value for money at around $82 per person, considering transportation, guides, and entry fees
• Authentic local experiences like trying traditional foods and coffee

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering the Hidden Charm of Mostar

Our journey begins early in the morning, leaving from Split in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. The drive through Herzegovina’s rocky landscapes is a treat in itself, offering sweeping views of rural villages and rugged terrain. The roughly 2-3 hour trip whizzes by thanks to the engaging commentary from guides who share insights about the area’s history and culture.

Mostar is a small city packed with character. The highlight, of course, is the famous Old Bridge (Stari Most), a stunning 16th-century Ottoman structure that gracefully spans the Neretva River. You’ll see local youth daring to jump off the bridge—a tradition that adds a lively, daring spirit to the scene. Our guide, Maria, shared that this bridge symbolizes the city’s resilience, beautifully restored after the 1990s war, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Walking across the bridge, you’ll feel the weight of history, but also the vibrant energy of the city’s streets. The Ottoman quarter is full of narrow, winding streets, old bazaars, mosques, and colorful buildings. Many reviews mention the friendly local people and the chance to sample traditional foods like burek (a flaky, meat-filled pastry) or baklava. You might stop at cafes that evoke a Turkish flavor, where sipping a coffee feels like a small cultural voyage.

Some travelers, like Ngaire, appreciated the local guide’s detailed stories and the chance to try local coffee at Cafe d’Alma, a highlight of the free time in Mostar. Others, like Aimee, praised the “good recommendations about places to eat” and the opportunity to shop for unique souvenirs. The city’s blend of oriental architecture and lively street life creates a truly immersive experience.

The Little Tips and Big Highlights

A common theme in reviews: the balance of guided and free time. Mostar’s city center is compact enough to explore on your own, yet full of sights and shops. The roughly 2-hour window allows enough opportunity to stroll, take photos, and indulge in local treats without feeling rushed.

Possible Downsides

While most reviews are glowing, some mention that Mostar can be crowded—especially with tour groups—which can diminish the feeling of discovery. Also, the hot climate during summer days might make walking and sightseeing more exhausting. One review noted that the “chaotic” scene at Kravica Waterfalls with cafes and deck chairs can be overwhelming, but it’s part of the lively atmosphere.

The Scenic Drive and Kravica Waterfalls

After soaking up Mostar’s charm, the tour heads into Herzegovina’s countryside for the Kravica Waterfalls. This natural wonder is a series of cascading pools and lush scenery—a perfect spot to relax. Although the water might be too cold for everyone to swim, the stunning views make up for it. Several travelers, like Lily, captured the beauty of the setting, calling it “the garden of Eden.”

The waterfalls are more chaotic than some national parks, with busy cafes and deck chairs, but the scenery is undeniably breathtaking. If you’re keen on a quick dip, bring your swimsuit and towel; many do jump into the cool waters to cool off after the walk down.

The tour’s timing here is generous enough—about an hour to enjoy the views and snap photos. As one reviewer appreciated, this was “the highlight of the trip after the walk down to the fall” and a perfect way to end the day.

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Practical Details and What to Expect

The tour, offered by Gray Line Croatia, includes transportation, a professional local guide in Mostar, WiFi onboard, and insurance. It costs around $82 per person, which is good value considering the guided experience, entry fees (like the $10 at Kravica), and border crossing fees ($5). The journey is a long day—expect an early start and a return around late afternoon or evening.

The tour is kid-friendly but not wheelchair accessible. Travelers are advised to bring passport, comfortable shoes, swimwear, towel, camera, snacks, drinks, and cash. Remember, border crossing fees are payable only in cash, and travelers should verify visa requirements before crossing.

The group sizes tend to be manageable, and the guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness. Many reviews highlight the guides’ ability to share engaging stories, answer questions, and make everyone feel comfortable.

Authentic Experiences That Stand Out

One of the most praised aspects of this tour is the local guide’s storytelling. Ivan, Maria, and Anna Maria are consistently noted for their humor, detailed explanations, and recommendations for restaurants and sights. They help you see beyond the typical tourist spots, adding context that makes the experience richer.

Travelers also appreciate the opportunity to sample local coffee, taste traditional foods, and buy authentic souvenirs, which make the trip feel genuine rather than just a quick photo stop. The daredevil jumps from Mostar’s Old Bridge are a memorable sight, embodying the city’s lively spirit.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This full-day trip offers a fantastic blend of scenery, history, and local culture. It’s especially good for travelers who want to see more than just the Croatian coast, to connect with the stories behind the sights, and to enjoy a well-organized, value-packed experience. The combination of guided insights and free time makes it flexible enough for most.

If you’re interested in stunning landscapes, historic towns, and authentic local flavors, this tour hits all those marks. It’s perfect for those who value professional guides and are happy with a full, active day. While it’s not ideal for those seeking complete independence or traveling with very young children or mobility challenges, most will find it a rewarding adventure.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for people who don’t like early mornings?
The tour starts early in the morning, but many find the early start worthwhile for more time at each stop. If you prefer sleeping in, this may not be your best choice.

Are there opportunities to buy souvenirs?
Yes, in Mostar there are many shops selling unique oriental souvenirs, and your guide can recommend good spots.

Can I swim at Kravica Waterfalls?
You might find that the water is too cold for swimming, but many travelers do take a quick dip if they bring a swimsuit and towel.

How much free time do I get in Mostar?
Typically around 2 hours, enough to explore the city, shop, or enjoy a coffee in the Ottoman quarter.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews consistently praise guides for their friendly demeanor and wealth of information about the area’s history, culture, and sights.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring passport, comfortable shoes, swimwear, towel, camera, snacks, drinks, cash for entry and border fees, and sunglasses or hat for sun protection.

This tour from Split combines the best of history, nature, and local flavor—an excellent choice for anyone eager to see Bosnia and Herzegovina without the hassle of planning everything independently. The lively guides, stunning scenery, and authentic experiences make it a memorable day, whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a change of scenery.

You can check availability for your dates here: