Although the narrow shape of Southern Dalmatia doesn't lend itself well to circular tours, an attempt has been made to create a number of itineraries in the territory of Ragusa. During the early modern period, between the 14th and 19th centuries, Dubrovnik was the center of Ragusa, a free trading republic that successfully navigated a political path between the Ottoman and Venetian Empires. Moreover, it was among the most progressive countries of its time.

Dubrovnik was founded in the first half of the 7th century by a group of refugees from Epidaurum, present-day Cavtat, and is known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic." Situated on the Dalmatian coast, the city became a major Mediterranean power from the 13th century onward. Although severely damaged by an earthquake in 1667, Dubrovnik managed to preserve its magnificent Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces, and fountains. The old town was again damaged by armed conflict in the 1990s. Within the historic city walls, no corner remains unused. Immerse yourself in history and stroll through Dubrovnik's narrow streets and charming squares. Culture, architecture, history, and art all converge here in a truly unique way.

You'll drive north out of the city; perhaps visit the famous 15th-century Trsteno Arboretum, until you reach the coastal town of Neum, driving along the southern Dalmatian coast. To prevent the aggressive Venetian Empire from attacking the Republic of Ragusa (Dubrovnik) from the north, the republic ceded a small area near Neum to the Ottoman Empire in 1699. This created a strip of land that remains part of Bosnia and Herzegovina today, separating it from the Republic of Ragusa (now Croatia).

Neum
This small town is a surprisingly peaceful stopover on the often-busy Croatian coastal route. Neum is the only coastal town in Bosnia and Herzegovina, giving it a unique appeal. Its short stretch of coastline, just 24 kilometers long, makes Neum a unique enclave on the Adriatic Sea. The atmosphere is relaxed and laid-back, without the hustle and bustle of nearby Croatian towns. What immediately strikes you as you approach Neum is the fairly steep descent to the sea. The town itself is built against a hillside, with whitewashed buildings cascading down to the crystal-clear water. The view from the higher parts of Neum is well worth it.

After a short visit, you'll leave Neum and head towards the interior of Bosnia-Herzegovina. You'll soon pass Hutovo Fortress, strategically situated on a hill that served as protection for salt shipments from Ston to the interior. Further on, Hutovo Blato Nature Park begins, a haven for countless bird species and known for its tranquil landscapes. You'll drive along the serene waters of Lake Svitavsko and arrive in Čapljina for a coffee break, although coffee is also available next to the excavation site of a Roman villa, Mogorjelo.

Kravica waterfall
After coffee, a visit to the Kravica Waterfall is on the agenda. This waterfall is one of Bosnia's most beautiful sights. The waterfall is approximately 25 meters high and consists of a series of cascades that converge into a large pool in the Trebižat River. From the parking lot, the Kravica Waterfall is easily accessible via a hiking trail. The walk down takes about 10 minutes, passing a platform where you immediately have a magnificent view of the waterfall.

Ljubuški
Descending along the beautiful riverbed of the Trebižat River, you will come to the Roman military camp of Gračine, from where you can take a wonderful journey into antiquity.
A little further on is the oldest museum in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which houses the oldest monument in Croatian: the Humač stone tablet from the 12th century. A visit to the museum, the Franciscan Monastery of St. Anthony of Padua on Humac, takes every visitor on an incredible prehistoric journey spanning 16,000 years.
You drive a short distance back to Ljubuški, where on the other side of the town stands a fortress dating back to 1444, built on a solid, rocky site. There, on Butorovići Hill, stand the imposing walls of the fortress of Herceg Stjepan. Duke (Herceg) Stjepan Vukčić Košacan (1404-1466) is the namesake of Herzegovina.

Medjugorje
Medjugorje is a mountain village in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina. It became known for a series of apparitions of Mary that have reportedly occurred there since 1981. It has since become a place of pilgrimage. Six children witnessed the apparitions, and although the Roman Catholic Church has permitted religious pilgrimages, this does not constitute recognition of the apparitions themselves. Medjugorje has become an important place of pilgrimage, attracting millions of visitors annually.

Mostar (lunch)
Mostar is perhaps the most charming city in Bosnia-Herzegovina. There are many historical sights; Mostar is a city with a rich history. Stari Most is Mostar's most famous landmark. The bridge connects the banks of the Neretva River in the heart of Mostar's Old Town. Built in the 16th century, the bridge was destroyed in 1993 during the Croat-Bosniak War. It was only restored in 2004. Stari Most and Mostar's Old Town are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It's an old custom for young men to jump from the Mostar Bridge. Only after jumping off the bridge are you considered a real man. Slowly, the tradition is changing. Young men now jump from the bridge after collecting money from tourists. The limit is often around 35 euros. However, this Mostar Bridge is not the oldest bridge in the city. The oldest bridge is a few minutes' walk away: the curved bridge (Kriva Cuprija) is the prototype of Mostar's most famous bridge, Stari Most.
Across the Neretva River lies Mostar's main mosque, the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque. For 6 euros, you can visit the mosque and climb the minaret. The climb is long and narrow, but the reward is worth it. The view of Mostar's landmarks from the minaret is phenomenal. At the end of the climb, you can catch your breath in the beautiful Ottoman prayer hall or the serene garden. From here, you also have a beautiful view of Stari Most.
Right next to the mosque begins Mostar's bazaar. In the old madrassa (prayer school), brightly colored scarves, T-shirts, and other Bosnian souvenirs are now sold.

Near Mostar Airport lies an old airport hangar. Like so many military structures from the former Yugoslavia, this one also lies abandoned. For a long time, the hangar was hidden, but now you can easily visit it. Tito's secret fleet was once hidden in this hangar nestled in the hills. Today, there's little more than darkness.

Blagaj
The Dervish House, Blagaj Tekija, is the main reason to visit Blagaj. The history of this building is not entirely clear, but it was probably built during the Ottoman era around 1520. The Tekija's Musafirhana (guest house) and Türbe (mausoleum) remain well preserved to this day.
Blagaj Fort, known locally as Stjepan-grad, is a fortress complex within walking distance of the town center. The fortress is built on a karst hill, 266 meters above the source of the Buna River. Blagaj Fort has a rich history and is a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Počitelj (drink stop and end point)
Picturesque Počitelj is one of Bosnia's best-preserved historic towns, nestled in a photogenic hillside location. It's like stepping back in time as you stroll through the hills, lined with cobblestone streets and lined with beautiful historic houses. Incidentally, this village, too, was damaged during the war. But the residents' efforts to restore their town's old charm have certainly been successful. Its unique location, with historic houses scattered across the green hillside, makes Počitelj a particularly photogenic spot. The medieval houses have retained their authentic character, characterized by their distinctive flat stone roofs and heavy wooden gates. From one of the beautiful viewpoints, you can see them beautifully, nestled among the greenery and pomegranate trees.