Sarajevo: Swimming in waterfalls and discovering Herzegovina

Sarajevo: Swimming in Waterfalls and Discovering Herzegovina — A Detailed Review

If you’re looking for a day trip that combines natural beauty, history, and authentic local experiences, this tour from Sarajevo to Herzegovina might just be your perfect pick. With a focus on visiting Kravica Waterfalls, the old town of Početelj, and other historical spots like Mostar and Blagaj, it promises a well-rounded adventure packed into just one day.

What makes this experience stand out for us are three things: the personalized attention from guides who double as local experts, the breathtaking scenery, and the opportunity to swim in one of Europe’s most beautiful waterfalls. The only potential consideration is the busy schedule—if you’re craving a slow, relaxed pace, this might feel a tad rushed.

This tour is ideal for those who love nature, history, and local culture in one package, especially if you prefer small groups and guided insights over solo exploring. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to discover more of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s gems, this trip delivers a balance of fun, education, and scenic enjoyment.

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Good To Know

• Stunning Waterfalls: Swim in the famous Kravica Waterfalls, renowned for their natural beauty and crystal-clear waters.
• Local Guides: The driver is also a knowledgeable guide, offering personalized stories and insights.
• Well-Organized Itinerary: Covers historical towns, scenic viewpoints, and cultural highlights in one day.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to seven participants, ensuring more personal attention and flexibility.
• Value for Money: Includes hotel pickup, drop-off, and guided tours, with just a small additional fee for entrance tickets.
• Flexible & Convenient: All transportation includes Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and comfortable vehicles, simplifying logistics.

Exploring the Full Itinerary: What to Expect

Pickup and Journey to Herzegovina

The day begins with a hotel pickup in Sarajevo, making logistics simple and stress-free. From there, you’ll head south, enjoying scenic views and chatting with your local guide, who is fluent in English and eager to share stories about Bosnia and Herzegovina. This drive sets the tone—expect comfortable transportation with Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected or browse some travel tips.

Jablanica Stop: A Brief Scenic Break

Your first stop is the small town of Jablanica, known for its scenic views and historical significance. This 20-minute break isn’t just a photo op; it’s a chance to stretch your legs, take some pictures of the countryside, and get a quick insight from your guide about the area. Some reviews mention this as a good opportunity for a quick walk and to appreciate the landscape before heading further south.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Kravica Waterfalls: The Highlight

Next up is the main event: a visit to Kravica Waterfalls. This site is often praised for its breathtaking beauty, and quite a few reviewers highlight it as the trip’s best feature. You’ll have about an hour here, which includes plenty of time to swim, relax, and take photos. Reviewers like Katrine loved swimming in the waterfalls and appreciated the lunch at a nearby restaurant, which she described as being “near mountain and river” and very scenic.

You can also kayak, walk around, or simply sit back and enjoy the stunning views. There’s a relaxed, friendly vibe—one reviewer mentioned the owner guiding them, which added a personal touch to the experience. Note that entrance tickets (~10 EUR) are not included in the tour price, but they’re affordable and worth paying for access to this natural wonder.

Početelj: A Historic Gem

The next stop is Početelj, a picturesque old town with cobblestone streets and traditional architecture. Expect about 30 minutes of walking, sightseeing, and snapping photos. One reviewer said the guide’s storytelling made the visit “the best part of their trip,” emphasizing how local insights add depth to each place you visit.

Blagaj Tekke: Nature and Culture Combine

The journey continues to Blagaj, renowned for its monastery built into a cliffside and the serene Buna River. This stop lasts about an hour and includes a lunch break at a restaurant nearby. Many visitors find this part of the trip particularly charming, especially with the food tasting and opportunity to explore the historic site.

Mostar: The Iconic Bridge

No trip to Herzegovina is complete without a visit to Mostar. You’ll spend around 45 minutes here, passing by the famous Old Bridge, a UNESCO site. It’s the perfect spot for photos and soaking in the lively atmosphere. Reviewers appreciated the free time to explore, with some choosing to cross the bridge or browse local shops.

Return to Sarajevo

The day wraps up with the return journey, where your guide might share more stories about the regions you’ve visited. Expect to arrive back in Sarajevo feeling both exhausted and inspired by the stunning landscapes, historic towns, and the warmth of the local guides.

How the Experience Delivers Value

Transportation & Comfort

The tour uses air-conditioned vehicles with Wi-Fi, which makes the long drive comfortable and productive—useful for sharing your journey or catching up on social media. The small group size (up to 7 participants) ensures you’re not just a number, allowing for a friendly, flexible atmosphere.

Guides and Local Knowledge

The driver doubles as a local guide, fluent in English, and eager to share insights. Reviews praise guides like Vekas for being friendly, knowledgeable, and punctual. One traveler mentioned that Vekas showed the “most beautiful places” in just one day, making the experience memorable.

Cost and Additional Fees

The main cost covers transfers, guiding, and logistical arrangements. Entrance tickets to Kravica Waterfalls are an extra 10 EUR per person, which adds to the overall value considering the natural spectacle you’ll enjoy. Food and drinks aren’t included, giving flexibility for personal preferences and dietary needs.

Flexibility and Booking

You can reserve without paying upfront and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which offers peace of mind. The tour runs once daily with specific starting times, so check availability to fit it into your schedule.

Authentic Experiences Highlighted by Reviewers

One reviewer shared, “Vekas gave us a fantastic tour! He showed us the most beautiful places in one day and knew a lot about Bosnia’s history.” This highlights the value of having a guide who is both informative and personable, making the experience more than just sightseeing—it’s about understanding the stories behind each location.

Another added, “Loved swimming in the waterfalls and lunch at a restaurant near the mountain and river. The guide was very knowledgeable and spoke English very well.” This confirms the tour’s focus on combining natural beauty with cultural authenticity.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for nature lovers eager to swim in waterfalls, history enthusiasts interested in old towns and cultural landmarks, and small group travelers who appreciate personalized guidance. It’s also ideal if you want to avoid the hassle of organizing multiple trips yourself, as everything is planned and guided for you.

However, if your priority is a slow, relaxed pace or exploring at your own speed, the packed schedule might feel a bit hurried. It’s best suited for curious travelers ready for a full day of sightseeing and adventure.

FAQs

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, with comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles.

Do I need to pay for entrance tickets? Entrance to Kravica Waterfalls costs about 10 EUR per person and is not included in the tour price.

What should I bring? Sunscreen, a towel, and swimwear are recommended, especially since you’ll have time to swim at Kravica.

Is lunch included? No, lunch isn’t included, but there is a restaurant near Blagaj where you can enjoy local food and drinks.

How long is the tour? It lasts approximately one day, with starting times varying based on your booking.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the guide fluent in English? Absolutely, the driver-guide speaks fluent English and is eager to share stories and answer questions.

What is the group size? The tour is limited to 7 participants, ensuring a personal and flexible experience.

Final Thoughts

This Sarajevo-based tour offers an excellent mix of natural beauty, culture, and historical exploration. With knowledgeable guides, stunning stops like Kravica Waterfalls, and the ease of a well-organized itinerary, it provides fantastic value, especially for those keen to see Herzegovina’s highlights in one day.

The small group setting and friendly guides turn what might be a hectic travel day into a memorable adventure filled with photo-worthy moments and authentic local insights. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for a deeper experience, this trip promises a glimpse into the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s scenic and cultural treasures.

If you’re after a convenient, scenic, and enriching day, this tour ticks all the boxes. Just remember to pack your swimsuit and an adventurous spirit—Herzegovina’s waterfalls and historic towns will surely leave a lasting impression.

You can check if your dates are available here: