Mostar, Počitelj, Kravica Waterfalls and Blagaj Private Tour from Dubrovnik

Mostar, Počitelj, Kravica Waterfalls and Blagaj Private Tour from Dubrovnik

This tour around the South Herzegovina is like a time machine. Therefore, you will have an opportunity to see the remains of many civilizations from the Antique times, medieval ages, Ottoman time up to now days. However, if that isn’t enough, you will be able to be in touch with the magnificent Herzegovinian nature.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Pass By: Dubrovnik Cable Car, Petra Kresimira IV BB, Dubrovnik 20000 Croatia

Hotel pick-up

Depart Dubrovnik and stop for a short break on Dubrovnik Bridge for some wonderful scenic photos overlooking the beautiful red roofs of the city. As you make your way along the Adriatic Coast, stop for a short break in Bosnia’s only coastal town: Neum. This is a great opportunity to pick up a souvenir or 2, or just relax in one of the cafes with a traditional coffee.

Stop At: The historic urban site of Pocitelj, Pocitelj BB on the left bank of the river Neretva, Pocitelj 88300 Bosnia and Herzegovina

Počitelj is, alongside Mostar, Blagaj and Kravice waterfalls, the pearl of Herzegovina. It is a small village in the hills, lying on the banks of river Neretva. It is located close to city of Čapljina, on the Mostar-Metković-Dubrovnik road. What makes this village special are beautiful historic buildings that blended with nature. Town evolved between 16th and 18th century. Today, we can recognize two parts of the town: medieval and Ottoman.

History of Počitelj

If we look back to history, we can find the first recorded reference to Počitelj in 1444, when King Alfonso V of Aragon mentioned it. In 1471, Počitelj was conquered by the Ottomans, like the rest of Herzegovina too. From 1782 to 1879 Počitelj was the seat of akadiluk (area under the jurisdiction of “judge”). It was the center of the military district from 1713 to 1835 as well. It remained within the Ottoman Empire until 1878 and after that it become part of Austro-Hungarian Empire. After that Počitelj had lost his strategic importance and started deteriorating rapidly.

Notable buildings

Besides his beautiful walls and the nature that is surrounding it, Počitelj has much more to offer. The Gavrakanpetanović house is just one of it. Building billeted in 16th century is typical example of the residential architecture of the village. This is the only house in town to have separate rooms for man and women. The ˆišman Ibrahim-pašina džamija or Hajji Alija mosque is a mosque also built in 16th century. It is giving the site unique Ottoman and Islamic spirit. Both of this buildings were significantly damaged in the last war in Bosnia and Herzegovina and repaired in the 21st century.

Besides them, the most notable buildings are fortress on top of the hill and Sahat Kula (Clock Tower). Climb top of the hill, through cobblestone path, with scent of fresh figs and pomegranates along the way. For the reward, you’ll get magnificent view on Neretva valley from the fortress. Tip: sunsets are pretty amazing from up here. You can also buy delicious fruits picked by hardworking locals.

Počitelj is also a home of Počitelj International Art Colony. This is where artists, mostly painters, from Bosnia and Herzegovina and the whole world gather every year to create and share experience in this wonderful ambient that architecture and nature created.

You can find Počitelj Old Town on the list of UNESCO heritage sites.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Blagaj tekija, Blagaj village Localita Blagaj, Blagaj 88201 Bosnia and Herzegovina

Blagaj Tekke – a place where history, architecture and natural environment blended and created one of the most unique and mystical sites in all of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

But, let’s introduce Blagaj first. It is a populated place south-east of Mostar. Located on the edge of Mostar basin, you’ll enjoy a mini road trip through wide road along vineyards to reach it. Blagaj is one of the most valuable rural and urban structures in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Throughout history, Blagaj was sort of an oasis amid Herzegovinian karst. A traditional belief is that how it got its name – Blag Gaj, meaning „mild grove“. In this area there were several fortified towns since antique and Byzantine time. Name Blagaj was mentioned in Constantine Porphyrogenitus’ work De Administrando Imperio as Bona.

In the period of the Ottoman Empire, Blagaj was the seat of the Blagaj Vilayet, and was divided into several neighborhoods. During that period, seven mosques were built in it, two inns, a madrasa and many other buildings. The most famous mosque is Sultan Suleyman’s Mosque. Also known as Emperor’s Mosque, it is the largest mosque in Herzegovina by size, together with Karađoz Bey Mosque in Mostar.

Later, in 1893, during Austro-Hungarian period in Bosnia and Herzegovina, an Orthodox Church was built. Roman Catholic church too, in 1908. So on small area, Blagaj has religious structures of all three religions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. A mosque, a roman catholic and orthodox church. It is what this country, and Mostar especially, are well known throughout history – differences coexisting with each other for centuries.

Blagaj Tekke

On top of Blagaj there is an old Blagaj Fort (Stjepan grad) standing on the edge of the karst hill with magnificent view on surroundings. The fort was the seat of herceg Stjepan Vukčić Kosača, a member of the Kosača noble family. After him the whole region was named Herzegovina. Old Town of Blagaj was also the birthplace of Bosnian queen Katarina Kosača-Kotromanić.

On the bottom of the hill, there is a historical tekke („tekija“ or Dervish monastery). Tekke was built around 1520 with elements of Ottoman architecture and Mediterranean style. It was founded by dervishes of Bektashi order. Although it became a known tourist attraction, Blagaj Tekke still kept its original purpose, as holy and religious place. For centuries now, dervishes from Sufi brotherhood pray and perform services. Sufi brotherhood is known by its asceticism and by preaching one of the most mystical dimensions of Islam. You can go inside the Tekke, get to sea each of the rooms, but you’ll have to be respectful of the rules.

Biggest karst spring in Europe

What gives Tekke its special charm is s a spring of river Buna flowing next to it. This karst spring is one of the strongest in Europe. And one of the most beautiful, too. Its source is in the cave underneath the 200 meter high cliff. In the summer time, when the water level is lower, you can go even inside the cave with special boats. Spring is well known by his extremely cold water. It is so clean you can drink it, and it tastes better then bottled one. You can also enjoy rafting on river Buna.

Although a small town, Blagaj has 7 national protected cultural monuments. Besides Blagaj Tekke and Sultan Suleyman’s Mosque, those are: Blagaj Old Town, Velagića House, Karađoz Bey Bridge, Karađoz Bey Hamam and Kolakovića House.

Besides beautiful natural spring in karst environment, historical buildings like Tekke and Blagaj Fort, that attract many visitors, there are also some great restaurants alongside the river. There you can enjoy stunning view on Tekke and the cliff, and try delicious fresh trout from Buna river, among other traditional Herzegovinian dishes. Along the way, you can also buy fig jam, pomegranate juice from the locals, as well as other homemade products and fruits.

Blagaj is also a habitat of almost 170 bird species. Most known one is endemic griffon vulture („bjeloglavi sup“). Unfortunately, only one specimen of griffon vulture has left remaining.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Mostar Transfers & Tours, Mostar 88000 Bosnia and Herzegovina

Mostar is a city with a rich history that has shaped and formed it since ancient times. This city is also known as the “melting pot of cultures” and it is a perfect choice if you are looking for a one-of-a-kind experience. Is there anything more exciting than exploring the cobbled stone streets of a city where the Neretva River divides cultures and religions? The differences and contrasts here can be seen not only through architecture. The story of Mostar could definitely be named after “The tale of two cities”. The city has two sides; the left and the right bank of the river are connected by one of the wonders of the modern world, the spectacular Mostar Bridge.

One of the most fascinating natural wonders of the Herzegovina region is definitely the crystal clear waterfalls of Kravica. The waterfall is created by the Trebižat river is a natural wonder that is now under state protection. These waterfalls are among the largest waterfalls in Herzegovina and they’re definitely the most impressive. The tour from Dubrovnik to Mostar (with a twist!) will let you experience the beautiful shades of green and untouched nature, all enriched by some exciting Oriental architecture.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Kravice Falls, Neretva valley, Studenci 88300 Bosnia and Herzegovina

Kravica Waterfall will give you an unique experience of Herzegovina. Additionally, its natural beauty in the hot summer time will make you feel like you are in Amazonia. Combination of sun, green and yellow color, untouched nature and cold water will impress you for sure. Moreover, the water will serve you good on hot summer days. Cold water of Trebižat River will give you a perfect refreshment. Furthermore, the best thing is that you can swim under the waterfall. Combined with cold lemonade or beer, you will enjoy every minute of this.

Besides Kravica Waterfall, you will also visit places like The Fortress of herceg Stjepan in Ljubuški, an old medieval fortres. Likewise, you will visit Humac Museum which is the oldest museum in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Last but not least, you will go to Koćuša Waterfall. If you want to spend your time in Herzegovina as good as you can chose this tour!

Duration: 2 hours