Bosnia & Herzegovina

Why Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina invites groups into powerful reconciliation stories where churches, mosques, and synagogues share the same skyline. Sarajevo’s cobblestone lanes, Mostar’s rebuilt bridge, Herzegovina’s pilgrimage towns, and northern national parks form a tapestry for reflection, learning, and donor storytelling. Our longtime partners work in peacebuilding, trauma care, education, and entrepreneurship. With scenic drives and bilingual guides, we tailor each journey so leaders can focus on relationships and generosity—supported by our travel commissions guide.

Top Highlights by Theme

• Sarajevo: Baščaršija bazaar, Latin Bridge, Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, Sacred Heart Cathedral, and Tunnel of Hope.
• Mostar & Herzegovina: Stari Most bridge, Koski Mehmed-Pasha Mosque, Franciscan monastery, Kravica waterfalls, and Blagaj Tekke.
• Medjugorje Pilgrimage: Apparition Hill, Cross Mountain, St. James Church, and evening rosary services.
• Countryside Retreats: Una National Park waterfalls, Sutjeska glacial lakes, Jajce’s waterfall fortress, and Trebinje vineyards.

Sub-Regions & Routes

Sarajevo & Central Bosnia

• Base in Sarajevo’s Old Town for reconciliation dialogues, museums, and interfaith events.
• Visit Siege Tunnel, Yellow Fortress, and War Childhood Museum for resilience storytelling.
• Engage NGOs supporting youth, trauma counseling, and refugee care.

Mostar & Herzegovina

• 2.5 hr drive south; walk Stari Most, meet bridge divers, and join joint reflection services.
• Stop at Blagaj Tekke, Buna River spring, and Kravica waterfalls for quiet time and rest.

Medjugorje Pilgrimage

• Continue to Medjugorje for Marian pilgrimage moments, reconciliation gatherings, and donor reflection nights.
• Combine with Stolac or Počitelj heritage villages for cultural understanding.

Northern Parks & Cross-Border Options

• Head to Jajce, Banja Luka, or Una National Park for nature retreats, rafting, and small-town hospitality.
• Optional day trip to Dubrovnik (Croatia) or Kotor (Montenegro) ties in coastal downtime and regional context.

Trip Length & Pacing

6 Days

• Arrive Sarajevo; orientation, rooftop welcome, and partner briefing.
• Sarajevo interfaith day with NGOs, Tunnel of Hope museum, and evening donor dinner.
• Drive to Mostar; explore Old Town, Kravica waterfalls, and evening testimony by the Neretva River.
• Medjugorje pilgrimage day and reflection; return to Sarajevo for departure.

8 Days

• Adds Blagaj Tekke river monastery, Trebinje vineyards, and additional service project.
• Includes Sarajevo leadership summit or storytelling workshop with local peacemakers.

11 Days

• Comprehensive circuit: Sarajevo, Mostar, Medjugorje, Una National Park, plus Dubrovnik or Kotor extension.
• Adds cross-border reconciliation dialogues, mountain retreat, and multiple donor appreciation gatherings.

Best Time to Go

• April–June and September–October provide mild weather and fewer crowds.
• Summer (July–August) is warm; we schedule early mornings and river breezes to stay cool.
• Winter (Nov–Feb) is cold with snow; perfect for contemplative pilgrimages but plan layers and shorter daylight.

Group Logistics

• Airports: Sarajevo (SJJ), Mostar (OMO), and Dubrovnik (DBV) or Split (SPU) for combined itineraries.
• Transport: private coaches, trains, and optional rafting boats in Una; border crossings with Croatia/Montenegro require passports.
• Lodging: city hotels, monastery guesthouses, boutique pensions, and vineyard inns with meeting space.
• Meals: Balkan cuisine—ćevapi, burek, dolma, local cheeses, baklava, and Bosnian coffee; we accommodate dietary needs and ensure safe water.
• Mobility: moderate—cobblestones, bridge stairs, and hill climbs; we plan rest stops, coach proximity, and accessible alternatives.
• Fundraising moments: rooftop receptions in Sarajevo, riverbank dinners in Mostar, vineyard storytelling in Trebinje, and waterfall reflections in Una.

Extensions & Combos

• Pair with Croatia (Dubrovnik, Split) or Serbia for a full Balkan reconciliation journey.
• Add Slovenia or Austria for Alpine retreats.
• Continue to Greece or Turkey for Paul’s journeys context.

Safety & Stewardship Notes

FAQs

• Q: Do we need visas? A: U.S. and most European travelers enter visa-free; we guide other nationalities on documentation and cross-border requirements.
• Q: How much walking is involved? A: Expect cobblestones, bridge stairs, and hillside shrines; we schedule rest stops and provide alternative transport.
• Q: Can we arrange performances? A: Yes—heritage venues in Sarajevo, Mostar, and Medjugorje welcome ensembles; we arrange permissions and promotion.
• Q: Are there reconciliation partners? A: Absolutely—we collaborate with NGOs, churches, and cultural centres fostering peace and trauma care.
• Q: How far ahead should we plan? A: Reserve 9–12 months ahead for spring/fall travel, pilgrimage slots, and cross-border extensions.

Review fundraising ideas in our travel commissions guide, or add Bosnia and Herzegovina to your request via the lead form when you’re ready to plan.