Dubrovnik to Mostar & Kravice Waterfalls: Small Group Day Trip

Summary

Mostar’s old bridge and Kravice’s wild spray in one long day

You’ll start your day early from Dubrovnik with hotel pickup before heading out with a small group toward Bosnia & Herzegovina. Swim or just breathe in the mist at Kravice waterfalls, then explore Mostar’s winding lanes and famous Old Bridge with time for lunch or coffee breaks along the riverbanks. The drive is long but full of stories — and maybe even new friends by sunset.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll just say it: I nearly forgot my passport. That little panic at 6:15am set the tone — not in a bad way, just real. Our guide, Marko, grinned when I apologized for making everyone wait. “Happens every week,” he said. It was still early when we left Dubrovnik, the van quiet except for someone unwrapping a pastry (the crinkle was loud in the morning hush). The border crossing felt like a gamble, but being only eight of us meant we slipped through pretty fast — Marko joked that big buses were still stuck behind us.

The first stop was Kravice waterfalls. I’d seen photos but didn’t expect the air to feel so cool and damp on my face after hours in the van. The sound is constant — not exactly peaceful, more like nature showing off. Some folks changed into swimsuits right away; I hesitated on those slippery rocks but ended up wading in anyway. Cold enough to make you gasp and laugh at yourself. There’s a faint smell of wet grass and river mud that clings to your towel after. Marko pointed out where locals picnic on weekends — he said they bring whole grills sometimes, which made me wish I’d packed more than snacks.

Mostar came next, after winding roads that made me slightly carsick (worth it though). The old town is all uneven stones and bright scarves fluttering from shopfronts. We had nearly three hours there — enough for lunch and wandering. I tried ćevapi for the first time; Li laughed when I tried to say it in Bosnian (I probably butchered it). Standing on Stari Most, watching teenagers dare each other to jump into the river below, I got this odd mix of nerves and awe — like you’re part of something old and ongoing. There’s a particular light on the stones around late afternoon that I still think about.

The drive back felt longer somehow, everyone quieter except Marko humming along to some Balkan pop song on the radio. My towel never fully dried out in my bag — small price for swimming under those falls though.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Kravice Waterfalls and Mostar

• Travel from Dubrovnik to Kravice Waterfalls
• Enjoy and relax at Kravice Waterfalls
• Travel to Mostar
• Have free time for lunch and sightseeing in Mostar
• Return to hotel in Dubrovnik

Top questions

How long is the Dubrovnik to Mostar & Kravice waterfalls day trip?

The tour lasts a full day with at least five hours spent driving plus stops at both Kravice waterfalls (about 1.5 hours) and Mostar (around 2 hours 45 minutes).

Is swimming allowed at Kravice waterfalls?

Yes, you can swim during summer months if you bring a change of clothes and a towel; there are changing facilities onsite.

How many people are in each group?

The tour is limited to eight guests per minivan for a more relaxed pace and easier border crossings.

Do I need my passport for this tour?

Yes, you need a valid passport or EU ID card as you’ll cross an international border between Croatia and Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Are entrance fees included?

No, entry to Kravice waterfalls costs €10 per person (cash only), not included in the tour price.

Is lunch included during the day trip?

No meals are included but you have free time in Mostar for lunch; euros are accepted almost everywhere but most places don’t take cards.

Is this tour suitable for children or travelers with mobility issues?

The tour isn’t recommended for infants under 3 or travelers with mobility issues due to steps and slippery surfaces.

What should I bring on this day trip?

A valid passport or EU ID card, cash (euros), swimsuit and towel if you want to swim, comfortable shoes, and some snacks for the road.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Dubrovnik, all taxes and local fees covered, travel in a non-smoking minivan with no more than eight guests per group, plus guidance from your driver who knows these roads well—just remember entry to Kravice falls isn’t included so bring cash along before heading back home late afternoon.