Travnik & Jajce

This day trip takes you through the historical heartland of central Bosnia to two remarkable towns that rarely appear on mainstream tourist itineraries. Travnik was the seat of Ottoman viziers for 150 years, and Jajce served as the medieval capital of the Bosnian kingdom. Together they offer a deep dive into Bosnia's layered history, from medieval fortresses to Ottoman mosques to Habsburg-era architecture.

The drive from Sarajevo heads northwest through the Lasva valley, arriving in Travnik within 90 minutes. Here you will explore the imposing hilltop fortress, wander through the colourful old town with its painted mosques, and visit the crystal-clear Plava Voda (Blue Water) spring where locals gather for fresh trout and Bosnian coffee. Travnik is also the birthplace of Nobel Prize-winning author Ivo Andric.

From Travnik, the road continues to Jajce, one of Bosnia's most visually dramatic towns. The 17-metre Pliva Waterfall cascades directly in the town centre where the Pliva river meets the Vrbas, a sight unlike anything else in Europe. Above the falls, the medieval fortress and catacombs tell the story of the last Bosnian kings. Nearby, the wooden Pliva watermills sit on a series of small lakes, one of the most photographed scenes in the country.

Suggested itinerary

What's included

• Private vehicle and English-speaking driver for the entire day
• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Sarajevo
• Fuel, tolls, and parking at all stops
• Flexible itinerary — adjust timing and stops freely
• Bottled water in the vehicle

Not included: meals, drinks, entrance fees (fortress approx. EUR 3-5 each).

Frequently asked questions