Bosnia and Herzegovina Grand Self-Drive Loop
A self-drive loop from Sarajevo heading west to Jajce, north to Banja Luka, and south to Mostar
This route strings together Ottoman old towns, waterfall villages, the capital of Republika Srpska, and Herzegovina, offering a comprehensive look at the diverse cultural regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The fifth day involves a long drive heading south via Lake Rama and Jablanica. Ideal for road-trippers who want an in-depth exploration of the country. Mountain hiking and the Una River are excluded to keep the pace manageable.
Mountain roads may be blocked from November to March. July and August are extremely hot in Mostar, and the Old Town gets very crowded.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrive in Sarajevo Old Town
Sarajevo（Baščaršija、Morića Han、Sarajevo City Hall (Vijećnica)）
Pick up your car at the airport and drive to the Old Town (approx. 30 minutes). Park at your accommodation and explore on foot.
Parking in the Old Town is difficult; confirm that your accommodation provides a parking space when booking.
Stay: Baščaršija Old Town
Day 2 · Old Town to Mount Trebević
Sarajevo（Latin Bridge & Museum Sarajevo 1878–1918、Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque、War Childhood Museum、Trebević Cable Car、Sarajevo Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track）
Leave your car at the accommodation and explore the Old Town on foot. In the afternoon, take the cable car up the mountain to walk along the abandoned bobsleigh track.
Stay: Baščaršija Old Town
Day 3 · Via Travnik to Jajce
Travnik → Banja Luka（Pliva Waterfall, Jajce、Jajce Old Town & Fortress、Catacombs of Jajce）
Drive northwest for about 165 km (approx. 3 hours), stopping in Travnik for coffee and to visit the fortress.
Stay: Jajce
Day 4 · Vrbas Canyon to Banja Luka
Banja Luka（Pliva Lakes & Watermills (Mlinčići)、Krupa na Vrbasu Waterfalls、Kastel Fortress、Ferhat Pasha Mosque (Ferhadija)、Cathedral of Christ the Saviour）
Visit the watermills in the morning, then head north along the Vrbas River for about 75 km (approx. 1.5 hours).
Stay: City Centre
Day 5 · Long Drive South via Lake Rama
Lake Rama → Mostar（Jablanica Bridge (Battle of the Neretva)、Stari Most）
Drive about 280 km (approx. 5 hours total) south via Prozor and Jablanica. Avoid driving on mountain roads after dark.
Start early on this long driving day to arrive at the Old Bridge in Mostar when the evening light is at its best.
Stay: Mostar Old Town
Day 6 · Herzegovina Loop Day Trip
Mostar（Blagaj Tekke、Počitelj、Kravica Waterfall）
A day trip starting from Mostar: drive about 20 minutes to Blagaj, and about 50 minutes to Kravice Waterfall.
Visit the waterfall before 9:30 AM or after 4:00 PM in July and August to avoid the crowds.
Stay: Mostar Old Town
Day 7 · North via the Neretva Canyon
Mostar（Kujundžiluk (Old Bazaar)、Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque） → Sarajevo（Tito's Bunker (ARK D-0), Konjic、Vrelo Bosne）
Explore the Old Town in the morning, then take the M17 highway via Konjic to Ilidža (approx. 4 hours including stops).
Tito's Bunker must be booked at least 24 hours in advance; pick up your tickets in the town of Konjic first.
Stay: Ilidža
Day 8 · Sarajevo Tunnel & Departure
Sarajevo（Tunnel of Hope (Sarajevo War Tunnel)）
Drive from Ilidža to the tunnel (approx. 15 minutes). The tunnel is right next to the airport; return your car and board your flight after the visit.
The tunnel is open from 8:30 AM from April to October, and from 9:00 AM from November to March.