Majla & Eugene Biko
Exploring the Area
Dubrovnik
We got engaged here! And the picture is a few century old cannon in Old Town Dubrovnik. It is absolutely gorgeous and we highly recommend time there. For the Game of Thrones fans, this was the Kings Landing location. And yes, they do have GOT tours if you wish to do that too. We recommend exploring the Old Town, walking the walls, spending a day at the beach and going to Lokrum Island. Summer crowd tends to be a bit on the fancy side (Beyonce and Ronaldo are regulars) so it is not the most quiet of places in the summer.
Split
It is a more low-key coastal town in Croatia. We love it! Has beautiful history, amazing hotels and really good food together with an amazing promenade. For the best beaches, don't stay in center town but slightly outside of the city. Split is also a great central spot to stop and then continue exploring islands. We definitely recommend doing a tour with lots of history to see and hear what may be less obvious to notice on your own.
Sarajevo
We love Sarajevo. It is a multi-cultural city, with a rich history. Infamously, it was the place where WWI started. Famously, it hosted the Winter Olympics in 1984. Summers in Sarajevo are beautiful and the history is deep and plentiful. It is one of the melting pots of the country and the region. Furthermore, the drive from Mostar to Sarajevo is absolutely stunning - one of Majla's favorites routes, from anywhere in the world. Sarajevo also hosts the Sarajevo Film Festival which we highly recommend. It is always in August, 2022 dates are still TBD so watch out! If you wish to have a tour organized from Mostar to Sarajevo for just the day, we recommend working with Fortuna on it. On the way to Sarajevo you can visit Tito's bunker, on the way back the Sarajevo tunnel which was crucial during the siege of the 1990s. In Sarajevo, a one day tour would likely include the Assassination Point of 1914 (WWI starting point), Town Hall, old parts of town amonst others.
Blagaj and other parts of Herzegovina
Blagaj is a short 20min ride from Mostar. It is worth a visit and a stop at Blagaj Tekija and Vrelo Bune. Blagaj Tekija is a Dervish Monastry that was built in te 1500s and Vrelo Bune is the source of the river Buna. You can also enter the cave in the picture. Very fun! Another fun fact, Sejo, Majla's dad, is from Blagaj originally. If you would like to spend a day trip visiting Blagaj and other parts of the Herzegovina region, Fortuna also offers a daj trip that would take you to Blagaj and Pocitelj at once. We recommend no more than one day on this but it would be a beautiful day trip!
Canoe safari - Trebizat river
This will be a fun will adventures day! Takes you on a tour of the Herzegovian region, teaches you how to canoe and paddle and allows you to be active - might be well needed post wedding celebrations.
Raft on Neretva
This will be fun if you like a bit of an adventure! Approximately ~1 hour from Mostar and a full day of activities. Disclaimer, Majla and Biko have never done this. Majla's parents are super big fans and strongly recommend it! We recommend booking through Fortuna to ensure you get a good spot and service as there have been fraudulent sites found in the past. Link to what a day would look like above.
Medjugorje
Medjugorje is a popular Catholic pilgrimage site since 1981 after a series of apparitions of the Virgin Mary to six local children. Medjugorje is a ~30 min ride from Mostar and we recommend it for anyone Catholic or interested in religion. Vatican authorized pilgrimages to Medjugorje in 2019. If you wish to make this a day trip from Mostar (we recommend that is enough), Fortuna is happy to arrange transport and tour for you.
Hvar
Hvar is one of the most beautiful places in the world. It is an island and you can get to it from Split. It has a gorgeous old town, beach and some of the best night life in the area (or some would claim all of Europe!). At the same time, you can find very remote beaches and a peaceful environment. Highly recommend few days here!
Korcula & Ston
Korcula is an absolutely beutiful island handful of hours from Mostar. It is remote and very serene. A bit hard to get to but worth the trip. It is also the rumored birthplace of Marco Polo. On your way to Korcula you will pass Ston. DEFINITELY stop by for food in one of the two fish restaurants by the water. Cannot recommend it enough. Will be the best fish meal you have ever eaten. Everything is caught and made fresh daily.
Wine and food experience - full day @ Trebinje
This is one for the wine enthusiasts! Enjoy a winery outing through East Herzegovina. In one day you can visit two wineries and taste wines made from Zilavka and Blatina grapes, indulge in local artisan cheese and meats, and sip a curated wine selection. Link to what the day would look like above. Enjoy safely!