Day One: Mostar

Our first day in Bosnia we stopped at Ljubuski waterfalls on the way to Mostar it was a beautiful day and we had a picnic at the foot of the waterfalls, it was a nice way to break up our journey from Dubrovnik to Bosnia. On arriving in Mostar we started by exploring the enchanting Stari Grad (Old Town). We wandered through cobbled streets lined with cosy shops, brimming with colourful trinkets, handcrafted souvenirs, and rich local culture. The highlight, of course, was walking over the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge). Destroyed during the conflicts of the 1990s, the bridge has been beautifully restored and remains a symbol of resilience and unity. Crossing it felt like stepping back in time while marvelling at its breathtaking views over the Neretva River.

As the day came to an end, we stopped at a local restaurant to try some traditional Bosnian food. The portions were hearty, the flavours were rich, and the price? Amazingly affordable compared to what we’re used to in Europe. Mostar feels a bit like the UK in the 1990s, cards are rarely accepted, so cash is king here. The great thing is they’re not picky: euros, pounds, dollars whatever you’ve got, they’ll take it. And the best part? You get a lot of change back for a pound.

Day Two: Blagaj

We began our second day with a visit to the serene Blagaj Tekija (Blagaj Monastery), nestled beside the emerald waters of the Buna River. Stepping into this tranquil space required a little cultural mindfulness: shoes off, heads covered for women. Touring the monastery gave us a glimpse into its rich history, and we couldn’t help but feel a sense of calm amidst its centuries-old walls.

After soaking up the beauty of Blagaj, we stopped for a treat by the river. Ali indulged in baklava sweet, sticky, and utterly delicious while Georgia enjoyed some well-deserved ice cream, and I sipped on a latte, inexplicably served with a straw (still a mystery, but I went with it).

When we returned to the car, Ali mentioned the ruined fortress towering high above the valley the Blagaj Fort (Stjepan Grad). It’s a bit of a climb, but if you’re up for the challenge, the reward is well worth it. The steep hike winds through rugged terrain, and when you reach the top, you’re greeted with sweeping views of the river, monastery, and surrounding countryside. Standing on top of this ancient stronghold, you get a real sense of how people once protected their land while marvelling at one of the best vantage points in the region as normal Georgia powered up with no issues and Ali took dotty on her back for the hike, in total it takes about 30 minutes to walk up the track.

The afternoon brought us back into Mostar’s lively heart. We revisited the high street, where the Christmas season had kicked into full swing. Twinkling lights lit up the fair, music filled the air, and the bustling energy was contagious. We explored the local play area (always a winner for the kids), admired the decorations, and soaked up the festive atmosphere before heading back for dinner and a much-needed early night.

Next Stop: Croatia and Beyond

Tomorrow brings another little adventure as we cross back into Croatia to retrieve our elves who seem to have embarked on their own escapade before heading onwards to our next destination. (Santa won’t be happy)

Anyhow? Mostar charmed us with its mix of history, culture, affordable proves, or also had some unexpected festive cheer. It’s one of those places where your money stretches far, but it’s best to keep cash on hand.

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