Mostar is the most dramatic day trip you can take from Split, because it leaves Croatia altogether. The guided tour linked here runs about twelve hours and crosses into Bosnia and Herzegovina, where the main stop is Mostar, a city split by the green Neretva River and joined by the reconstructed Old Bridge, a single high stone arch that has become the symbol of the country. The old town around it is a compact bazaar quarter of cobbled lanes, copper workshops, mosques and cafes with terraces above the water. On the way the route calls at Počitelj, a hillside Ottoman fortress village, and finishes at the Kravice waterfalls, a wide semicircle of cascades into a pool that locals use for swimming in summer. It is a day of contrasts, with Catholic, Orthodox and Muslim heritage visible within a few streets, and a good way to understand the history of the region beyond the Dalmatian coast. The trip suits travellers who enjoy history and landscape and do not mind a lot of time on the road.
The tour departs from Split in an air-conditioned vehicle with a licensed guide, and the page shows roughly forty-five minutes at Počitelj, about two and a half hours in Mostar and about ninety minutes at Kravice. The rest of the twelve hours is driving and the border crossing. Admission to the waterfalls and some small government fees are not included in the tour price and are paid in cash at the meeting point, so carry some cash before you leave. Gratuities and wifi on board are included.
Documents are the one thing you must not forget. A valid passport is required for the border crossing, and the tour operator asks to see it on the day of travel, so check whether your nationality needs a visa for Bosnia and Herzegovina well before you book. Border queues vary with the season and the day, and a long wait can shorten your time at the stops, which is another reason to choose a tour with a guide who knows the crossing rather than driving yourself on your first visit.
Season changes the experience. In summer the waterfalls are the highlight and swimming is part of the appeal, but the day is hot and Mostar is crowded around midday. In spring and autumn the light is kinder, the old town is easier to enjoy and the falls are fuller after rain.
In winter the day is colder and the waterfalls are less inviting for swimming, though the old town is quiet. Wear comfortable shoes with grip, since the Mostar cobbles are polished and uneven, and bring a layer, a swimsuit in warm months and a charged phone for photographs of the bridge.
What to expect
The experience
A guided full-day coach trip from Split across the border, with stops at Počitelj, Mostar's Old Bridge and old town, and the Kravice waterfalls.
Best time
Spring and autumn for gentler weather; summer for swimming at the falls, though Mostar is hottest and busiest at midday.
How long
About twelve hours door to door, including the border crossings and driving time.
Tips
Carry your passport, cash for the waterfall entrance and government fees, and shoes with grip for the cobbles.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who want a second country and a very different history in one long day.
- Families
- Possible for older children who cope with a twelve-hour day, but the driving makes it hard for little ones.
- Couples
- Mostar's old town at golden hour and a swim at the falls make a memorable day together.
- Pair with
- A quiet day in Split afterwards, such as the Riva and a slow dinner.
- Time needed
- A full day of about twelve hours.
Good questions
Do I need a passport for the Mostar trip?+
Yes. The tour crosses into Bosnia and Herzegovina, and a valid passport is required on the day. Check beforehand whether your nationality needs a visa.
How long is the day?+
About twelve hours from Split, with roughly forty-five minutes at Počitelj, two and a half hours in Mostar and ninety minutes at Kravice, plus driving and border time.
Is the waterfall entrance included?+
No. The Kravice entrance fee and some government fees are paid separately in cash at the meeting point, so bring cash.
Can I swim at Kravice?+
In warm months swimming in the pool below the falls is a big part of the appeal, so bring a swimsuit. In colder months it is less inviting.
Is it too much for one day?+
It is long, but the tour handles driving and borders for you. If you prefer a lighter pace, choose Trogir or Krka instead and save Mostar for a longer stay.
