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Croatia travel guide

Visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina as Side Trip from Croatia

sarajevo-latin-bridgeCroatia is one of the very popular countries among the Europeans looking for a cheap beach getaway. But if you want to try something different, why not plan to explore one of the less visited countries in the area?

Bosnia and Herzegovina, although still bearing the scars from the 1990s wars in the Balkans, are starting to be appreciated by travelers. Add the fact that the area is cheap and you surely have a very interesting choice for a vacation.

Bosnia and Herzegovina border Croatia so getting from one country to another is cheap and easy. Airline tickets to Europe are not hard to find, especially if you know where to look for. And finding a cheap ticket between Zagreb and Sarajevo is just as easy. Croatia Airlines offers the cheapest connection (€77 one way per person in mid-June). The flight is direct and takes under an hour.

Now that you’ve booked the flight, it’s time to look for cheap hotels in Sarajevo. Just like in any capital, the prices aren’t exactly seasonal and you can find anything from cheap places to expensive places. But you can also find excellent deals in hotels you never though you’d be able to afford a bed. Guest houses are great choices and you can book a night in one for as little as €40 and you’ll be staying in a charming neighborhood.

With the flight and hotel arranged, let’s take a look at some of the things you can see and do in Sarajevo. The Old Town is the heart and the city and comprises cobbled streets, mosques and Oriental style shops. You’ll feel a world away from Europe although you haven’t left the continent. You’ll definitely understand the multi-cultural feel of the city while walking by a Catholic church, a Orthodox church and a Synagogue but hear the Islamic call to prayer at the same time. The Latin Bridge (see photo above) is where the Archduke of the Austrian Hungarian empire Franz Ferdinand was assassinated, sparking the beginning of the World War I. A variety of museums and churches will also catch you eye. Also plan a day trip outside the city. The surrounding hills offer excellent views of Sarajevo.

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