Dubrovnik: Kravica Waterfalls, Mostar and Pocitelj Day Trip

If you’re visiting Dubrovnik and itching to see a different side of the Balkans, this day trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina offers a fantastic way to do it without breaking the bank. You’ll get to see some stunning natural scenery, walk through historic towns, and learn a bit about the region’s culture—all in one day. We’ve looked into this tour based on dozens of reviews and the detailed itinerary, and here’s what you need to know to decide if it’s right for you.

What we particularly like is that this trip offers a great balance of nature and history—Kravica Waterfalls for a refreshing dip or quick photo op, and Mostar with its iconic Old Bridge and lively old town. The price point is also pretty attractive, especially considering the inclusions like transportation, a driver, and a knowledgeable tour guide. On the flip side, a common concern is the limited time at each stop—especially at Kravica, where many travelers wish they had longer to swim and relax.

This tour is ideal if you’re after a cost-effective, well-organized day of exploring beyond Dubrovnik, especially if you enjoy scenic drives, cultural sights, and don’t mind a busy schedule. It’s suited to those who value a guided experience that handles logistics, so you can focus on soaking it all in.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At $35, this tour offers excellent value, including transportation and a guide.
• Balanced Itinerary: Combines natural beauty with historic towns, providing a well-rounded experience.
• Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable guides enhance the trip with interesting facts and local insights.
• Time Management: Some reviews note the stops are a bit rushed, especially Kravica and Poitelj.
• Border Crossings: Expect some waiting at borders, but the process is handled smoothly.
• Seasonal Tips: Hot weather can make walking steep or challenging; bring water and hats.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Departure from Dubrovnik and Border Crossing

Starting early, you’ll hop into an air-conditioned vehicle with your driver and guide, heading out of Dubrovnik for a trip that’s usually under two hours. The journey takes you through Croatia’s scenic countryside before crossing the border into Bosnia and Herzegovina. The border crossing can sometimes take a little time, but your guides are experienced at managing this smoothly. Reviews mention waiting times around 30 minutes, but overall, the border process is handled efficiently.

Kravica Waterfalls: A Refreshing Natural Stop

Next, you arrive at Kravica Waterfalls, one of the region’s best-kept secrets. Created by the Trebizat River, these cascading falls are truly captivating. The setting is lush, and during summer, it’s perfect for a quick swim or just relaxing by the water. As one reviewer notes, “The waterfalls are absolutely stunning, and an hour here felt like too short a visit.” You’ll have about an hour to enjoy the scenery—enough time to take photos, dip your toes in the water, or grab a snack.

However, a common theme in reviews is that the time at Kravica is a bit tight—many wish for at least 1.5 hours to really enjoy swimming and relaxing. The path to the falls involves some steps, which can be challenging for less mobile travelers, but there’s also an alternative route if you prefer to avoid stairs.

Exploring Mostar’s Old Town and the Old Bridge

After Kravica, the trip continues to Mostar, a city famous for its Old Bridge (Stari Most)—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a stunning feat of Ottoman architecture. You’ll walk through cobbled streets lined with shops selling crafts, souvenirs, and local treats. Many reviewers find Mostar’s charm contagious, with one describing it as “a living postcard,” and another noting the lively market atmosphere.

You’ll have about three hours here, which generally includes free time for wandering, shopping, or grabbing lunch. Many comment on the affordability of food and souvenirs compared to Dubrovnik—making it a good place to indulge without overspending.

The highlight is the Old Bridge, famous for daring divers who leap into the Neretva River. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a diving competition, which some visitors have had the chance to see. The views from the bridge and the surrounding area are breathtaking, offering plenty of photo opportunities.

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Pojitelj: A Quaint Hilltop Village

The final stop is Poitelj, a small medieval town perched on a hill with Ottoman-era architecture. The reviews paint it as a “tiny but charming” spot, with organic fruit stalls and scenic views from the top. You’ll get around 30 minutes here—enough for quick sightseeing and a peek at the local crafts. Some wish for more time to hike up to the fortress for panoramic views, but the scheduled stop is primarily to enjoy the atmosphere and capture photos.

Return to Dubrovnik

After a full day, you’ll head back, crossing the border again. Expect some waiting, but your guides usually manage the timing efficiently to keep the day on track. The return journey is a good time to reflect on the day’s highlights and swap photos with fellow travelers.

What’s Included and What You Should Know

The tour package covers pickup and drop-off, transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, and a knowledgeable driver and escort. It does not include food and drinks, but you might find plenty of options in Mostar, with many vendors accepting Euros or Bosnian marks.

Mandatory fees include a $10 entry fee to Kravica, and a $3 tourist tax for Bosnia and Herzegovina. It’s advisable to bring cash, especially for small purchases or optional extras, as many shops and restaurants in Mostar do not accept credit cards.

A few practical tips:
– Many reviews mention the importance of having some cash on hand.
– The trip can be physically demanding due to walking on cobblestones and steep paths, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
– If you’re planning to swim at Kravica, bring water shoes and towels—you’ll appreciate the extra comfort.

How Do Travelers Feel About the Experience?

The overwhelming majority of reviews praise the guides for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to keep the group engaged. Several travelers mention how guides like Niko, Drazen, Milko, and Dejan made the day special with their insights and personal touches.

While most are delighted with the itinerary, some reviewers point out that the time at each stop is a bit tight—especially at Kravica and Poitelj. For example, one traveler notes, “An hour at Kravica isn’t enough if you want to swim,” and others wish they had longer in Mostar to explore more thoroughly.

The scenery, especially at Kravica, gets high praise, with many saying it’s “absolutely stunning” and “perfect for photos.” Similarly, Mostar’s Old Town and the bridge are described as “beautiful” and “magical,” making it clear that the trip’s highlights are quite memorable.

Another aspect many reviews love is the value for money. At around $35, you get a full day of sightseeing, transport, and expert commentary—a pretty good deal for seeing multiple landmarks in one go.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

If you’re comfortable with busy schedules and are looking for an affordable, guided adventure to explore Bosnia’s natural and historic sites, this trip will suit you well. It’s perfect if you enjoy scenic drives, cultural sights, and don’t mind limited time at each location.

This tour is especially good for those who value guidance and want to skip the hassle of organizing border crossings or transport. It also suits budget-minded travelers who want more than just a quick look from the outside.

However, if you’re after more relaxed, in-depth visits or want extended time at Kravica for swimming, you might find the schedule a bit rushed. Also, if mobility is an issue, be aware of some steep steps at Kravica and Poitelj.

FAQs

What is the price of this tour?
It costs around $35 per person, which covers transportation, a driver, and a tour escort.

How long is the drive from Dubrovnik?
The journey takes less than two hours, making it a manageable day trip.

What’s included in the tour?
Pickup and drop-off, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, driver, and a guide are included. Entry fees to Kravica (around $10) and Bosnia’s tourist tax ($3) are not included.

Do I need cash for the trip?
Yes, it’s recommended to bring cash, especially for border fees, souvenirs, food, or drinks—many places in Mostar don’t accept cards.

Is there enough time at Kravica Waterfalls?
Most travelers say about an hour feels rushed, especially if you want to swim or take photos. Longer stays are often wished for.

Can I swim at Kravica Waterfalls?
Yes, swimming is possible and popular, but remember to bring water shoes and a towel.

How much time do I get in Mostar?
Typically about three hours, which includes sightseeing and lunch. Some reviews suggest this is enough, but a few wish for more time to explore or hike to the top of the hill.

Is the border crossing complicated?
Border crossings can sometimes take around 30 minutes, but guides usually handle this efficiently. Expect some waiting, especially during busy times.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are a must—there are cobblestones and some steep paths. Dress appropriately for the weather, and bring a hat and water in hot weather.

Would this tour suit families or travelers with mobility issues?
While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, it can be suitable for active travelers. Be mindful of stairs and uneven paths at Kravica and Poitelj.

Final Thoughts

This day trip from Dubrovnik to Bosnia offers a compelling mix of natural beauty and cultural exploration at a very accessible price point. The combination of Kravica Waterfalls, Mostar’s iconic Old Bridge, and the picturesque Poitelj village provides a well-rounded taste of Bosnia’s charm. The guides are often highlighted as a key part of the experience—knowledgeable, friendly, and eager to share stories.

If you’re comfortable with a busy schedule and want to maximize your day with a manageable trip outside Croatia, this tour is a solid choice. It’s especially perfect if you’re after those “wow” moments at Kravica and the Old Bridge, and don’t mind a little rush to see everything.

For those who prefer a more relaxed pace or more time at each spot, consider whether the schedule might feel a bit tight. But overall, it’s a trip that many travelers say they’d happily do again—and at such a good price, it’s hard to find better value for a full day of sightseeing.

Happy travels!

You can check availability for your dates here: