Private tour of Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

One of many advantages of traveling to Croatia is its proximity to many important sites in neighboring countries that are so easy to reach. High on the list is magical Mostar, in the Herzegovina region of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the heart of the Western Balkans. Being in Mostar lets you experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of the ancient Ottoman Empire while still being in a European city. The beauty of its architecture and its picturesque setting along the banks of the colorful Neretva River are compelling. The crown jewel of Mostar is its 500-year-old world-famous bridge – Stari Most. Commissioned by the most famous Turkish Great Sultan of the Ottoman Empire Suleiman the Magnificent in 1557, it took the designer Mimar Hayruddin 9 years to complete. It’s entirely made of local stone known as “tenelija”. During the 1990’s war in Bosnia Herzegovina, the bridge was destroyed, and on July 23, 2004, the restored bridge once again assumed its majesty over the Neretva River. While you are here you may sometimes see some of the local divers who have been jumping off Stari Most since it was built – but the first recorded “jump” was made in 1664! Mostar is also a wonderful place to shop! As you walk through the fascinating Old Town, Old Bazaar, the Turkish House and the many stunning mosques which have stood in this city for hundreds of years, you will understand what makes Mostar so unforgettable. The markets are a great place to find many outstanding Turkish handicrafts – coffee and tea sets, copperwork, rugs, slippers, and even traditional fez hats. The culinary delights of Mostar are Bosnian – burek (meat or cheese-filled pastry) or ćevapčići (the typical everyday meal of grilled minced meat with lots of different spices served with onion).