It was a day in the bus with the usual two hour rest stops. As we travelled down to the coast the countryside changed from a lush vibrant green with high fir topped mountains to the typical Mediterranean landscape of sparsely vegetated hills and more olive trees.
For the majority of the way we followed the gorge and the stunning blue green Neretva River. Our guide told us that it was a milkier colour than normal due to the rain but to us it looked wonderful.
The first stop at Jablanca we viewed goats on rotisseries already serving the meat for breakfast.
Mostar is well known for its famous 400 year old bridge Stari Most built by the Ottomans. Sadly, it was a victim of the 1990’s war and was destroyed. It has been rebuilt using as much as the original stone as possible even down to the very slippery remains on the arch walk way. Many pedestrians clung to the side rails to prevent themselves falling.
On either side of the bridge are the remains of the Turkish quarter with many wares. Engraved pens made out of used bullets was one souvenir!
We decided to have a break for lunch and we had a lovely view while enjoying the traditional meal of cevapcici which was delicious.
The border security took time to get through as we had to move from Bosnia to Croatia to Bosnia to Croatia. Fortunately the officers took our passports and we didn’t have to get off the bus.
Driving along the coastline it is easy to see why it is a much loved area of Croatia and Bosnia. The water shone in the afternoon sunlight and the blues ranged from aqua to royal blue.
Tomorrow we are exploring the famous Old Town.
Nailed this photo....a typical village with a minaret, vegetable gardens, red roofs and the unusual hay-stacks.
The beautiful green blue of the Neretva River travels for ninety percent of the time in Bosnia then into Croatia.
The 14th century Ottoman village of Pocitelj.
The first stop at Jablanca we viewed goats on rotisseries already serving the meat for breakfast.
Goat anyone?
As we approached the famous town of Mostar the vegetation changed to fruit trees including peach, cherry, apricots and figs as well as grape vines. 
The fertile valley with vast areas of fruit trees irrigated by channels.
Mostar is well known for its famous 400 year old bridge Stari Most built by the Ottomans. Sadly, it was a victim of the 1990’s war and was destroyed. It has been rebuilt using as much as the original stone as possible even down to the very slippery remains on the arch walk way. Many pedestrians clung to the side rails to prevent themselves falling.
On either side of the bridge are the remains of the Turkish quarter with many wares. Engraved pens made out of used bullets was one souvenir!
We decided to have a break for lunch and we had a lovely view while enjoying the traditional meal of cevapcici which was delicious.
The reconstructed Stari Most is seen as a rite of passage by local youth to jump into the river. They also charge tourist to see their daring deeds.
Looking from the bridge over Mostar. Many shops and restaurants line the river.
Driving along the coastline it is easy to see why it is a much loved area of Croatia and Bosnia. The water shone in the afternoon sunlight and the blues ranged from aqua to royal blue.
The stunning coastline heading to the ancient town of Dubrovnik.
After settling into our room we strolled to the pebbled beach and then onto a restaurant for an evening meal. The tour group is staying out of town as the Old Town is very expensive however the area was still very busy.Tomorrow we are exploring the famous Old Town.
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