Hello. I will be taking a trip this summer to Croatia. It%26#39;ll be my 5th trip to Croatia, but we were looking into expanding our trip into Bosnia more than we have since a trip in 1987. It%26#39;ll be me (36 years old), my wife, my father (76 years old), his friend (80+) and my two children (ages 8 %26amp; 5). Here are the questions I have....
1) I see there is quite a bit of recent tension in Mostar. Will it be safe to stay here for a night? We were here 3 summers ago sans children and had a great time. Thinking the Hotel Ero.
2) Will it be safe for us to go to Sarajevo for 2 nights? Thinking the Holiday Inn, but not sure they are going to have the right rooms for us. What would you suggest? Is there a better, easier place to stay with the 6 of us? I would not mind staying at the Holiday Inn with its historical significance...although linked to terrible tragedy.
3) How far is it to Srebrenica from Split? Would you advise a group like ours not to go there? My father is fluent in Croat, so we would be able to communicate with no problem. How far is it? Is it safe? I also know this is a strange %26quot;kid%26quot; destination, but I feel a sort of obligation to go there.
4) How long will it take me to get from Sarajevo to Split? What is the best route. My father recommends the route to Vrgorac, looks like back to Metkovic would be OK, but didn%26#39;t know what to expect if we took a more interior route.
Thank you so much for any advice you have.
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A lot of questions, places and itineraries. Spent a lot of time in the former Yugoslavia %26#39;98 thru %26#39;02, including living is Sarajevo for awhile; I%26#39;ll try to answer your questions from that perspective.
-First of all, both Sarajevo and Mostar are perfectly safe. Both towns are busily reconstructing after the conflict and welcome tourists. I%26#39;d stay in Sar/Mos before staying downtown in more than a few USA (or Canadian) large cities.
-The Holiday Inn in Sarajevo is great but so many other choices. Check Trip Advisor for the options and feel free to send me a PM after doing some research and narrowing it down. You will enjoy Sarajevo and though remnants of the conflict remain, downtown is like Dubrov/Split without the coastline/climate.
-The best route Sarajevo to Split is via the main road through Mostar. This is not freeway driving, there is a definite absence of guardrails, and not for the faint of heart. Allow 5+ hours with required stops for youngsters.
-With the group you describe, I would not recommend a trip to Srebrenica. I%26#39;ve been there (and Tuzla/Zenica/Banja Luka/etc/etc) and felt safe/secure but with your young ones and relying on a Croat speaker for a translater, not so sure.
Without knowing your flight in/out location details, timeline, etc., it%26#39;s difficult to provide suggestions. My work in the former Yugoslavia over several years probably imbedded some issues that may not apply to you guys. Without further information it%26#39;s difficult to offer more than I have above. Send a PM if you think I can help with further details.
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I agree with the previous post on the subject of safety and roads. I wouldn%26#39;t go to Holiday Inn either, because I think it%26#39;s overrated and too expensive for what it offers.
As for Srebrenica, if you%26#39;re keen to go there, you could find a local guide to take you.
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I would disagree on the statement that Srebrenica is unsafe. However it is a rather long trip from Split -totaling to about 8 hours.
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just returned from my holiday at bosnia sarajevo and mostar, i could imagine how beautiful is mostar in the summer time.
however, to stay 1 night is enough in mostar.a very friendly city as well.especially it is quite cheap in my standard compare with western europe
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I guess I will have to agree with you that one night in Mostar is probably enough time to see everything you would need to see. It would be time well spent though!
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You certainly need some more nights in Mostar. There is lots of to see around the city as well. Just take a tour for 15 euro.
I have been in Srebrenica last year for one week. It%26#39;s safe. The city looks like crap (damaged) and there is still some tensions between the locals. Just don%26#39;t start to ask directly about war and crap, because it might start heavy discussions. Only ask questions when they tell you about it.
1 night in Srebrenica is enough to taste the atmosphere, see the old Dutchbat HQ + memorial, walk around the city centre (and notice 33% of the buildings is empty) and see the old town at the top of the hill.
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I just back from holiday from Balkans. I have been to Croatia, Bosnia and Hercegovina and Montenegro. In Bosnia and Hercegowina I spent 1 day in Mostar, 2 in Sarajevo and Medugorje.
so
1) Mostar is safe. I was walking at night and had no problems. I agree that one day in Mostar is enough.
2) Sarajevo is safe as well - no problems
3) NO
4) Aprox 7 hours by bus
I can say that i found Bosnia and Hercegovina a very safe and friendly country.
So enjoy!!!!
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