Adriatic Coast – Dubrovnik, Neum & Mostar

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To book or for more information please call: 0330 341 1117 and quote RTA

Adriatic Coast – Dubrovnik, Neum & Mostar

BALKAN CHARM MEETS NATURAL BEAUTY

Experience the Adriatic Balkans at their most authentic with this unmissable tour of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s captivating cities. Discover Bosnia and Herzegovina’s rich blend of cultural influences with visits to Mostar, the UNESCO-listed Herzegovinian capital, and its famous namesake Ottoman bridge. Continue on to the smaller villages of Blagaj and Medjugorje, where deep-rooted religious heritage comes to the fore. Moving away from the region’s urban hubs, discover a world of biodiversity as you delve underground into the subterranean Vjetrenica Cave. You’ll also have the chance to witness the region’s natural wonders with optional excursions to the Kravica Waterfall and Pelješac peninsula before crowning your Balkan tour with a visit to iconic Dubrovnik, ‘the pearl of Adriatic’.

Holiday Highlights

Unwind with a stay in a luxury four-star beach resort located on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s idyllic coastline
Discover Mostar with a guided tour of its most iconic sights along the Neretva River
Visit Blagaj Tekke and sample rahat lokum, a local delicacy similar to Turkish Delight and traditional Bosnian tea/coffee
Explore UNESCO-listed Dubrovnik and its famed old town, ringed by ancient walls
Immerse yourself in the Balkans’ natural beauty with a tour of Vjetrenica Cave and optional visits to Kravica Waterfall and the Pelješac peninsula
Experience authentic Dalmatian culture with an optional visit to Ston and an oyster and mussel tasting
Embark on an optional pilgrimage through the sacred town of Medjugorje with wine tasting and traditional lunch

What's Included

Seven nights’ half-board accommodation at the four-star Hotel Nova, Neum
Seven breakfasts and seven three-course dinners
Tour of Mostar and Blagaj with samples of local delicacies at the village’s Dervish house
Guided tour of Dubrovnik
Visit to Vjetrenica Cave
Excursion to Trebinje
Return flights to Dubrovnik
Coach travel and transfers throughout
Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

Itinerary

Day 1

Begin your adventure in the Adriatic with a flight to Dubrovnik, where you’ll meet your friendly tour manager. Make a short transfer to your hotel in Neum and enjoy an afternoon to settle into your hotel whether from its rooftop swimming pool or in the comfort of your own room. As the sun sets, visit the hotel’s restaurant for your three-course dinner in the evening.

Day 2

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before setting off to historic Mostar and the village of Blagaj. Straddling the River Neretva, Mostar’s famous medieval bridges are the cultural centrepieces of this vibrant city. Make your way to Stari Most, the oldest and most culturally significant of the city’s bridges, and wander along the Neretva waterfront, which promises views of palm-studded banks and turquoise waters. After a morning’s sightseeing, you’ll be free to explore at your leisure. The Bazaar Kujundžiluk, Mostar’s old market and its assortment of stores and restaurants is worth a visit. Next on your itinerary is Blagaj, sitting on the banks of the Buna River and the perfect example of authentic Balkan charm nestled amongst cliffside waterfalls. Here, you’ll visit the Blagaj Tekke, a Dervish monastery on the waterfront, which features a Sufi (a branch of Islam focused on spirituality and mysticism) mausoleum and a medieval Ottoman bath. Try a traditional Bosnian coffee or tea, as well as a local delicacy, rahat lokum, which is a variation on Turkish Delight. You’ll return to the hotel this evening for dinner.

Day 3

This morning, following breakfast, you’ll be free to spend your time under your own steam. Alternatively, you’ll have the opportunity to experience Herzegovina’s striking natural beauty with an optional trip to Kravica Waterfall. Set amongst the imposing tufa (exposed limestone) landscapes, this national reserve offers breathtaking views and the perfect backdrop for a relaxed stroll this morning. Afterwards, you’ll swap natural beauty for religious heritage with a tour of one of the most popular pilgrimage routes in the Adriatic, Medjugorje. Made famous for sightings of the Virgin Mary in the 1980s, which allegedly still occur to this day, Medjugorje is a region steeped in religious heritage and mysticism. Delve into the history of Medjugorje alongside your tour manager before immersing yourself in the town’s Christian legend as you’ll have the chance to observe Apparition Hill, where the area’s original eight witnesses claim to have seen the Virgin Mary. You’ll also get to see the site, Plavi Kriz (translating to Blue Cross in English), which became a symbol of Christian defiance in the face of religious prohibition. Finally, visit the town’s famed sanctuary, a shrine visited by millions every year. Having completed your escorted tour through Medjugorje, you’ll then stop at a neighbouring vineyard for a traditional ‘under the bell’ lunch, a Balkan cooking method similar to using a Dutch oven, as well as wine tasting with prosciutto and cheese. Whichever way you choose to spend your day, reconvene at the hotel’s restaurant this evening for a three-course dinner.

Day 4

Enjoy the day at your own pace or make the short journey into Croatia with an optional tour of Ston. Arriving in Ston, a hub of culture, trade, and fishing throughout its history, you’ll be free to explore the town’s harbourfront and will have the chance to call in at one of its historic saltworks, which remains a huge industry across the peninsula to this day. While wandering through the city’s bustling wharfs, engage with Ston’s unique heritage alongside your tour manager with a guided tour of its best sights. From the town’s imposing city walls, Stonkske Zidine, which are playfully nicknamed the ‘European Great Walls of China’ by locals to its trio of landmark sister forts, Veliki Kastio, Podzvizd and Koruna, you’ll find plenty of intrigue in Ston. You’ll then be treated to a tasting of the region’s world-famous fresh oysters and mussels and, having whet your appetite, will be free to refuel with lunch at one of the local restaurants or market stalls. This afternoon, join your tour manager for a journey along the peninsula’s coastline. With verdant island landscapes complimenting the Adriatic’s pristine white-sand beaches and coastal lagoons, the region is breath-taking. Rich with freshwater lagoons and an abundance of native game, the area has seen its ancient settlements evolve into a bustling coastal town. Having taken in the stunning coastal vistas of the peninsula, return westward to Neum for dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.

Day 5

Prepare yourself for the day’s activities with breakfast before travelling south along the Adriatic coast to Dubrovnik, a city steeped in historical, cultural, and religious significance, with its UNESCO-listed medieval old town. You’ll explore the region’s religious influences with a stop at the Cathedral of the Assumption, home to more than 180 important Christian relics, and the church of St. Blaise, which honours the city’s patron saint and historic protector. If you’re up for the challenge, a visit to the Minčeta Tower – one of four fortresses in Dubrovnik and the highest point along its city walls – offers unrivalled panoramic views of the wider landscape. After lunch, you’ll have the rest of the afternoon free to spend at your own pace. Perhaps take to the city’s seafront or take to the mountains overlooking the city. You can even board one of Mount Srđ’s famous cable cars, which promise rewarding views of the Dalmatian coast. Return to the hotel for dinner this evening.

Day 6

Once you’ve had breakfast, you’ll have the chance to admire the Balkans’ natural beauty with an excursion to Vjetrenica, the most biodiverse cave system in the world. Home to magnificent limestone formations and a series of subterranean lakes, Vjentrica promises truly unique sights as you trace its winding paths deeper underground. After returning to the surface, you’ll make the short journey east to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s southernmost city, Trebinje. Affectionately named the ‘city of sun and platan trees’, Trebinje is widely recognised as one of the most beautiful in the Balkans. With cobbled streets and traditional Bosnia and Herzegovinian architecture, you’ll find no shortage of picture-perfect views to enjoy. Be sure to visit the city’s Arslangic Bridge, an arched Ottoman landmark that crosses the Trebišnjica river, for scenic views of the area’s skyline. Also of note is Freedom Square, which celebrates the liberation of the Trebinje after the first world war and is the heart of the city’s bustling markets. With the day drawing to a close, you’ll see the ancient city of Stolac, one of the oldest continually occupied settlements in the world and walk amidst the pristine medieval tombstones of the Radiljma necropolis. Back at your hotel this evening, enjoy dinner in the company of your fellow guests.

Day 7

You’ll have free reign to explore or relax as you please after breakfast. Whether you’re unwinding by the poolside atop the hotel’s roof, or meandering through Neum’s winding streets, be sure to make the most of your final day.

Day 8

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to check in for your flight home.

Hotel transfer times

The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately 1hr 30 minutes.

Combining hotel transfers

We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Disabled access

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Itinerary changes

Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.

Changes to your hotels

Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.

Foreign Office Travel Advice

Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.

Travelling to Europe

Rules may have changed since you last travelled to European Union countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. You do require government issued passport to travel.

Names - It is very important that all passenger names are exactly as per your passport although we do not require middle names.

Passport - Your passport must meet two requirements to travel to an EU country and to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. It must be: Less than 10 years old on the day you return home (please check the "date of issue") and valid for at least 3 months after the day you return home (please check the "expiry date").

Visa - You do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period.

European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Due to commence in 2025, all citizens of the United Kingdom will require a ETIAS electronic form completed prior to their arrival into the EU and Schengen member countries. The cost for this travel authorisation will be €7.00 per person with exceptions for under 18’s and over 70’s. The latest information and further details can be found at www.etias.com.

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