Franciscana “Herzegovina route”

Welcome to Mostar – A Blend of History, Culture, and Breathtaking Views

Upon arrival on airport, we transfer to Mostar, the city of stone, history, and captivating charm. Mostar, built by the Ottomans along the emerald-green Neretva River, is famous for its Stari Most (Old Bridge), an architectural marvel that gracefully connects the two banks of the city. This UNESCO World Heritage Site symbolizes the city’s unity and resilience and offers a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of Herzegovina.

After settling into the Dompes Hotel, a modern retreat crafted by the Franciscan brothers and located near the Franciscan Monastery, your journey into Mostar begins. A visit to the Franciscan church and monastery of St. Peter and Paul and its impressive church tower, one of the tallest in Herzegovina, promises panoramic views of the city. Wander through the old town, where cobblestone streets, artisan shops, and the historic Old Bridge narrate tales of Ottoman heritage and local craftsmanship.

End the day savoring the authentic flavors of Herzegovina at a traditional restaurant, indulging in local cuisine that reflects the region’s culinary traditions.

Accommodation: Dompes Rooms***
Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at this thoughtfully designed hotel, offering modern amenities and warm hospitality.

Mostar is more than just a destination – it’s a vibrant fusion of culture, history, and natural beauty waiting to be discovered.

Day 2: Cycling from Mostar to Ljubuški – A Journey Through History and Natural Beauty

DISTANCE: 53km;  ELEVATION: 615m

After breakfast and check-out, the adventure begins as we cycle along the historic Ćiro Trail, a repurposed railway line that winds its way along the scenic Neretva River. Passing through quaint villages, we reach Šurmanci, where a gentle uphill stretch leads us to Međugorje, one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in Europe.

Međugorje gained global recognition in 1981 when six local children reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary, who shared messages of peace and love. Since then, it has become a spiritual haven, drawing over a million visitors annually. Here, we’ll visit the iconic church and take time to explore this serene and inspiring location.

Our journey continues toward the breathtaking Kravice Waterfalls, a natural gem of Herzegovina. Take a break to enjoy the lush surroundings and the cascading waters, offering the perfect backdrop for a picnic and some relaxation.

The final leg of the day brings us to Ljubuški, where we’ll visit the Franciscan Monastery of St. Anthony of Padua in Humac, home to the oldest museum in Bosnia and Herzegovina, established in 1884. The museum features remarkable artifacts spanning from the Paleolithic era to the present day, including the Humac Stone, the oldest known inscription in Croatian, blending Glagolitic and Old Croatian Cyrillic script.

After a day filled with history, spirituality, and natural beauty, unwind with a delicious dinner and a restful night at the local hotel, that offers modern comfort and warm hospitality.

Highlights: Ćiro Trail, Međugorje Shrine, Kravice Waterfalls, Franciscan Monastery in Humac

Day 3: Cycling from Ljubuški to Grude – A Scenic Journey Along the Trebižat River

DISTANCE: 53km;  ELEVATION: 611m

The day begins with a cycling thru city of Ljubuški. From there, we set off on an unforgettable cycling adventure along the picturesque Trebižat River, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and captivating scenery.

Our first stop is the breathtaking Koćuša Waterfall, located in the village of Veljaci. This natural gem, with a height of 5 meters and a length of 50 meters, is surrounded by traditional mills and stone pillars that add to its charm. Here, we’ll take a moment to relax and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of Herzegovina’s lush landscapes.

Continuing the ride, we arrive at the Adventure Park Peć Mlini, an oasis of nature and history. This area has been inhabited since prehistoric times and is rich in Roman, medieval, and modern heritage. Peć Mlini is also the source of the Trebižat River, a unique natural wonder that sinks and re-emerges nine times along its course, earning it the nickname “Phoenix River.” We’ll enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant before resuming our journey.

As we cycle through the charming village of Drinovci and past the serene Krenica Lake, the route leads us to Grude, where the day ends with dinner and an overnight stay at local hotel. We have chosen for you cozy accommodation that offers a blend of comfort and local hospitality, providing the perfect place to unwind after a day filled with natural beauty and cultural exploration.

Highlights: Humac Monastery, Trebižat River, Koćuša Waterfall, Adventure Park Peć Mlini, Krenica Lake

Day 4: From Grude to Blidinje Nature Park – A Journey to the Mountain Oasis

DISTANCE: 60km;  ELEVATION: 1.650m

The fourth day of our adventure takes us on a challenging but rewarding ride from the charming town of Grude to the breathtaking Blidinje Nature Park. Known for its Mediterranean climate and natural gems like Lake Krenica and the Tihaljina River, Grude serves as our starting point. Before leaving, we pass by the local church, offering a glimpse into the cultural heritage of this quaint municipality.

Cycling along scenic roads, we head toward Posušje, a town where history meets tradition. Here, we’ll take a short break to enjoy a picnic and prepare for the most demanding part of the day – the ascent to Blidinje. The climb, though challenging, is manageable at your own pace and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

As we enter Blidinje Nature Park, the beauty of this 358 km² natural reserve unfolds. Nestled between the Vran and Čvrsnica mountains, Blidinje is a sanctuary of pristine landscapes, endemic flora, and fresh mountain air. Our journey takes us past the serene Blidinje Lake, a tranquil body of water that perfectly mirrors the majestic peaks around it.

We continue to Masna Luka, a hidden gem at the foot of Čvrsnica. This area is home to the Franciscan Monastery and Church of Saint Elias, a harmonious blend of spiritual heritage and natural beauty. Surrounded by lush pine and fir forests, Masna Luka offers a peaceful retreat where you can reconnect with nature. Visitors can explore the Franciscan gallery, showcasing valuable local artwork, or enjoy fresh mountain spring water, including the famous Jasle Spring.

Our day concludes with dinner at a local restaurant, featuring authentic Herzegovinian cuisine, and an overnight stay at the Masna Luka Monastery, offering a tranquil end to a day filled with breathtaking landscapes and enriching experiences.

Highlights: Grude, Posušje, Blidinje Lake, Masna Luka, Franciscan Monastery

Day 5: Cycling to the Stunning Rama Lake – A Journey Through Nature and Heritage

DISTANCE: 76km;  ELEVATION: 980m

Our fifth day begins amidst the serene landscapes of Blidinje Nature Park and takes us on a captivating journey to the enchanting Rama Lake, a world-renowned destination celebrated for its natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Starting from Blidinje, the first leg of our route is a thrilling 30-kilometer descent to the town of Jablanica, where we’ll cycle alongside the picturesque Jablanica Lake. The shimmering waters and surrounding mountain vistas make this segment a highlight of the day. Here, we’ll pause for a picnic, allowing us to relax and soak in the tranquil atmosphere.

After our break, we continue the journey with a gradual climb to the municipality of Prozor-Rama, home to the mesmerizing Rama Lake. Created in 1968 as a reservoir on the Rama River, this 12-kilometer-long lake is surrounded by the majestic mountain ranges of Raduša, Makljen, Ljubuša, and Vran. Its deep blue waters, dotted with islands and peninsulas, create an awe-inspiring landscape. The most famous of these is the Šćit Peninsula, which, with its unique shape reminiscent of a guitar, is a symbol of the lake’s charm.

Our visit includes the Franciscan Monastery and Museum on Šćit, a cultural and spiritual haven steeped in history. The museum, housed in the old monastery building dating back to 1857, is a rare example of architecture from the Turkish period in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its exhibits offer a rich glimpse into the traditions of the Rama region, from ethnographic displays of crafts and housing culture to a friar’s cell and a fascinating textile workshop. The museum also features a collection of flora and fauna native to the area, offering a deeper appreciation for the natural environment.

To end the day, we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner featuring local specialties. Overnight accommodation at the Rama-Šćit Monastery provides the perfect opportunity to unwind and reflect on the beauty and history encountered throughout the day.

Highlights: Jablanica Lake, Rama Lake, Šćit Peninsula, Franciscan Monastery and Museum

Day 6: Cycling to Tomislavgrad – A Journey Through History and Nature

DISTANCE: 40km;  ELEVATION: 802m

On the sixth day of our adventure, we embark on a scenic ride from Rama to the historical town of Tomislavgrad, named after the first King of Croatia, Tomislav. This stage offers a relatively gentle ride, covering a distance of 40 kilometers with a moderate climb, making it a perfect day for enjoying the beauty of the landscape.

We start the day by cycling along the serene Rama Lake, where the peaceful waters reflect the surrounding mountains. The route gradually takes us uphill to a hilltop viewpoint, offering a stunning panoramic view of the lake below. After soaking in the view, we’ll stop for a picnic, allowing time to rest and appreciate the natural beauty of the area.

From here, we continue our journey toward Tomislavgrad, a town with a rich history dating back to the early Christian period. In Tomislavgrad, we will visit the Franciscan Monastery and the Museum of Tomislavgrad, which houses an impressive collection of archaeological, sacral, ethnological, and ethnographic artifacts. This museum, established in 1988, was designed by the Franciscans to showcase the area’s rich cultural heritage. It features five permanent collections, including items from local history, religious artifacts, and even African relics, all curated with great care by Fr. Ante Pranjić and his team.

After exploring the museum and the town’s historic sites, we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, savoring the flavors of the region. Our night will be spent at local hotel, a comfortable resting place to unwind after a fulfilling day.

Highlights: Rama Lake, Hilltop Viewpoint, Tomislavgrad, Franciscan Monastery and Museum

Day 7: Cycling to Livno – A Journey Through History and Scenic Beauty

DISTANCE: 66km;  ELEVATION: 501m

On the seventh day of our cycling adventure, we depart from Tomislavgrad and set out on a route that will take us through lush landscapes and picturesque villages towards the charming town of Livno. This stage covers 66 kilometers with a gentle climb followed by a descent towards the scenic Buško Lake, one of the largest lakes in Europe.

Our journey begins with a slight ascent as we head towards the lake. Once we reach the shores of Buško Lake, we cycle along its calm waters, soaking in the peaceful surroundings and the beauty of the natural environment. Buško Lake, at an altitude of 700 meters, is not only a popular spot for bird watching and fishing but also holds significant historical value. With its rich past, the lake has been home to many archaeological sites, remnants of the Illyrian and Roman eras, making it a fascinating place to explore.

As we continue cycling along the lake, we make our way to Eco Village Grabovica, a beautifully landscaped village located on the banks of Buško Lake. Here, we will take a well-deserved break and enjoy a delicious lunch while being immersed in the tranquility of the surrounding nature. We’ll also have the chance to explore the village, meet the locals, and tour a traditional farm to learn about the local lifestyle and meet the animals that call this place home.

After our break, we continue cycling through the countryside, passing by several quaint villages, until we reach Livno, a town rich in history and culture. In Livno, we will visit the Franciscan Monastery and Museum, a place that holds an impressive collection of archaeological, ethnographic, artistic, and numismatic artifacts. The museum, officially founded in 1995, is housed in a 19th-century building that was once a church and school. The museum’s collections offer a glimpse into the region’s history, from prehistoric times to the present day. A highlight of the museum is the gallery dedicated to the works of Gabriel Jurkić, a renowned Bosnian-Herzegovinian painter.

After exploring the museum and learning about the rich cultural heritage of the region, we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner in a local restaurant before retiring to our accommodation at local hotel in Livno for a restful night.

Highlights: Buško Lake, Eco Village Grabovica, Livno, Franciscan Monastery and Museum

Day 8: Farewell to an Unforgettable Adventure

As our cycling journey comes to an end, we reflect on the unforgettable experiences we’ve shared, the stunning landscapes we’ve explored, and the historic sites that have left a lasting impression. Today, we bid farewell to this remarkable adventure.

After enjoying our final moments together, we transfer to the airport, carrying with us not just beautiful photographs but a treasure trove of memories. The laughter, the camaraderie, and the stories we’ve exchanged along the way will stay with us long after we’ve returned home.

On behalf of the entire ERO Travel team, we thank you for joining us on this extraordinary journey and wish you safe travels as you head home. Until next time!

We hope you had a memorable experience cycling with us. We would appreciate it if you could leave a review on Google or TripAdvisor, as your feedback is invaluable.

Warm regards from the ERO Travel team!

• The itinerary is subject to change in terms of accommodation, lunch, picnics, locations we visit  👉 Contact us and together we will make an offer that best suits your requirements.
• Are you a vegetarian and want a special kind of food? No problem. We will contact accommodation facilities and restaurants to make meals that suit your requirements.
• You want your peace and a single room in the accommodation facilities. Not a problem!
• Important: During the trip, all our employees are at your service through assistance and suggestions, all in order to give you the best possible vacation.

In case of any ambiguities or the need for changes, please do not hesitate to contact us – info@ero-travel.com