Počitelj, Mostar, and Kravica Waterfalls
Introduction
When people think of Bosnia, they often still think of the 1992-1995 Bosnian war, and the war-torn images seen on the news of the time. However, Bosnia and Herzegovina is quite a different place these days, with hopes to join the European Union, and of increased tourism.
We took a day trip from Split in Croatia over the border into Bosnia to visit the small town of Počitelj, the city of Mostar, and Kravica Waterfalls. We booked our trip with Get Your Guide, and the trip was provided by Grayline Croatia. Mostar Tour
❗️As this tour crosses from Croatia in the EU, into Bosnia and Herzegovina, who are not yet in the EU, make sure you bring your passport, and if you need one, that you have a visa ❗️
There was an Indian couple on our coach, who thought they had the correct paperwork, but they got turned away at the border and had to get off the bus and get a taxi back to Split. I really felt for them.
The currency in Bosnia is BAM (Bosnian Marks), but touristy places take Euros.
Počitelj
Our first stop after the border crossing was the small town of Počitelj. The town is a good example of the Ottoman Empire, with its mixture of Oriental and Mediterranean architecture, and is dominated by the impressive Hadji-Alijina mosque. After taking in the sights of the town, we stopped for a Bosnian coffee, which is similar to Turkish coffee. The coffee is made in a copper pot and served ready to pour into a ceramic cup with sugar or turkish delight on the side. It was incredibly strong!
Mostar
Next stop - Mostar – a city that is the connection between western and eastern cultures. Our tour guide handed us over to another guide who met us from the coach and took us on a walking tour of Mostar. We learnt about Mostar's history, were shown remnants of the Bosnian war - bullet holes in buildings etc, and learnt how today, Christians, Muslims, and Jews co-exist peacefully in the city
We were taken to the famous Stari Most (Old Bridge) – an imposing stone arch above the Neretva River, connecting medieval towers on the banks of the river. We crossed the bridge to check out the Ottoman quarter which has been restored since the war in the nineties.
The tour guide left us to explore on our own and we walked around the old Bazar, and saw the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque before having lunch in the old Bazar. We had a traditional Sultan's Wedding Feast platter for two for lunch, which consisted of local sausage, meatballs, feta cheese, olives, vegetables, potatoes, and salsa. It was delicious.
Stari Most (Old Bridge)
Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque
The old Bazar
Top of the Stari Most Bridge
Sultan's Wedding Feast Platter
Kravica Waterfalls
The final stop of the day was Kravica Waterfalls. The walk to the falls is around a quarter of a mile. The route is paved with shallow stairs, so the incline is gradual. There is also a little train on wheels that goes down to the falls if you are unable to walk. The entrance fee is €10.
Kravica Waterfall
Kravica sign overlooking the falls
All too soon it was time to get back on the coach for the trip back to Split. Covered in insect bites, and having walked 6 miles in total (15,000 steps), we were tired, but happy.
