Bosnia by Rail

Arrive in Zagreb this morning and stretch your legs with a walk to the city’s main coach station (also accessible by taxi and public tram). There’s plenty of time before your comfortable coach leaves for Banja Luka. Arrive in the evening and check in for a 2-night stay at the Hotel Integra (or similar). 

TMR Recommends: Why not add a night or two in the fascinating city of Zagreb if you have the time?

Spend the day exploring Banja Luka, a relaxed riverside city and the second largest in Bosnia and Herzegovina. At its heart is the imposing Kastel Fortress, overlooking the River Vrbas, while nearby you’ll find the colourful Cathedral of Christ the Saviour and the lively pedestrianised streets of the city centre. Take time to wander along the riverfront, stop for coffee at one of the many cafés, or simply soak up the city’s easy-going atmosphere.

Banja Luka is also a great place to discover Bosnian food. Look out for banjalučki ćevapi, the city’s distinctive take on the much-loved grilled meat dish, traditionally served with flatbread and onions.

After breakfast this morning, you’ll be picked up from your hotel by your private transfer driver and taken by road to Zenica. Here, you’ll pick up the train for a scenic journey to Sarajevo. On arrival, check in for 3 nights at the Courtyard by Marriott Sarajevo (or similar). 

You’ll have two full days to explore Sarajevo, a fascinating city where Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian and modern influences sit side by side. Wander through the atmospheric lanes of Baščaršija, the historic old bazaar, stopping for traditional Bosnian coffee along the way. See the ornate Sebilj fountain, visit the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque and follow the streets towards the Latin Bridge, close to the spot where the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand helped trigger the First World War.

There’s plenty of time to delve further into Sarajevo’s more recent history too, perhaps at the excellent War Childhood Museum or the Tunnel of Hope. For a different perspective, take the cable car up Mount Trebević for sweeping views across the city and surrounding mountains.

Today you’re in for a treat as you return to Sarajevo’s main train station and travel on one of the most scenic railway journeys in the Balkans. The route follows the Neretva River through a dramatic landscape of rugged mountains, deep valleys and brilliant blue-green water, with wonderful views from the train along the way.

On arrival in Mostar, make your way to the Villa Meydan (or similar) and settle in before heading out to explore.

You’ll have two full days to enjoy Mostar and explore more of the beautiful Herzegovina region. Spend some time discovering the atmospheric Old Town, where cobbled lanes wind past traditional shops and cafés towards the iconic Stari Most. Cross the famous bridge for views along the emerald-green Neretva River, explore the historic streets on either bank, and perhaps climb the minaret of the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque for a wonderful panorama over the town.

You could also use one of your days to venture further afield. We can arrange a day trip to the spectacular Kravice Waterfalls, where a series of cascades tumble into turquoise pools, or to Blagaj, a picturesque village known for its historic dervish monastery beside the source of the Buna River. For a wilder adventure, head into Sutjeska National Park, home to dramatic mountains, lakes and some of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most impressive landscapes.

Leave Mostar today for your onward journey. You can either return to Sarajevo and fly home – or travel overland back to the UK. Alternatively, why not continue your holiday with a transfer or bus ride to Dubrovnik? From here, you can fly home or take the ferry across the Adriatic and make your way back to London through Italy. Give us a call to tailor make your trip.