Historical Tour: Explore Ottoman Legacy in Travnik and Waterfall City Jajce

Embark on a historical tour of Travnik and Jajce to uncover the Ottoman legacy and explore the stunning waterfall city. Discover the rich history, government centers, consulates, and enchanting watermills.

Duration: 10 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Fortress of Jajce - The next stop is medieval city of Jajce, often known as King city. It is one of the best-preserved fortified capitals of the Bosnian Kingdom, the last stronghold before to kingdom dissolved under the pressure of military advancement at the onset of Ottoman Empire takeover.
  • Catacomb of Jajce - Catacombs of Jajce is the name given by locals to underground Christian small church so it is not a “catacomb” in true sense. Church has been carved in a single rock or a cave in late Romanesque style.
  • Crkva Sv. Marije Jajce - In the first half of the 15th century, when Jajce was promoted to the capital of the Bosnian kingdom, the older Romanesque church from the 12th or 13th century was adapted in the Gothic style. After marrying the Bosnian heir to the throne Stjepan Tomašević on April 1, 1459, Jelena Branković (Mara), daughter of the Serbian despot Lazar Branković, brought the relics of St. Luke the Evangelist, which the despot Đurađ Branković bought from the Ottoman sultan in 1453 for the sum of 30,000 ducats. In November 1461, the coronation of the last Bosnian king, Stjepan Tomašević, took place in this church according to papal envoys.

During the Ottoman Empire, in 1528, the church was converted into a mosque and named after Sultan Suleiman I. The mosque burned several times in fires when the medieval stone and painted decoration was destroyed. It was most severely damaged in a fire in 1658, and in the last fire in 1832, only the walls remained of the building and it has not been used since then.

  • Esma Sultana Mosque - Esma Sultanija Mosque, or Čaršija Mosque, is located in Jajce, Bosnia and Herzegovina, on the main street that connects Travnička and Banja Luka gates. This is the only mosque in Bosnia and Herzegovina named after a woman. It was declared a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
  • Pliva Waterfall - At 17 meters in height, the Pliva waterfall is one of the most notable features of Jajce. This natural monument is located in the very center of the town and has been named one of twelve most beautiful waterfalls in the world. It is also the only waterfall in the world to create an estuary as it joins the Pliva River with the Vrbas River. Whether you are standing beneath it or looking down from above, the Pliva waterfall creates a spectacular view!
  • Mlincici - And just downstream of Jajce, in the area of the Pliva Lakes, is a collection of about 20 little huts that once served as watermills for local farmers. Most of the huts go back to the period of the Austro-Hungarian empire (about 1867 to 1918), and they give the impression of a little storybook village. When we finish here, lunch break! Pliva lake offers great food and even better view. Getting ready to come back to Sarajevo.
  • Pliva Lakes - Plivska lakes in Jajce have crystal clear water, which is reason enough to visit this Bosnian beauty.

Surrounded by the natural landscape, they present fairytale scenes that seem to call you to come to Jajce. One of the symbols of the city of Jajce is certainly these lakes.

  • Tvrdava Stari grad - Good morning. We start our adventure at 8:00 am. The first stop is in the city of Travnik, to witness the unspoken part of the country’s history: Bosnian Kingdom. Old Fort is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved medieval fortified buildings in Bosnia on which later historical periods left their distinctive characteristics.
  • Travnik - We’ll have a nice break to drink some Bosnian coffee, where the river is flowing right next to and under you. Location: Blue water springs (Plava voda)
  • Sarena Dzamija - This is Suleymanis Mosque or Multi-coloured Mosque. It was built in 1757 during the Ottoman era. Really an architectural beauty.
What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • On-board WiFi
  • Bottled water
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
  • Entry/Admission - Fortress of Jajce(5KM/2.5€)
  • Entry/Admission - Fortress of Travnik(4KM/2€)
Additional Information

Embark on a journey through Travnik’s rich past, once the heart of the Ottoman province of Bosnia and home to the Bosnian viziers from 1699. The city rose in prominence as a key locus of authority in the entire Western frontier of the empire, with consulates initiated by the French and Austro-Hungarian administrations. Following Travnik, we will explore one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most picturesque cities, Jajce. With its stunning waterfall and intricate history, Jajce distinguishes itself from the rest. ‘From the heart of this town, murmurs the most stunning waterfall of the entire empire’, (a postcard statement written by Czech tourists from Jajce to Prague, in the late 19th century, during Bosnia’s Austro-Hungarian reign). Lastly, you’ll encounter enchanting watermills that seem plucked straight from a storybook.

Location
Kovači 25
Kovači
Agency Office
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(181 Ratings)
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141samhitas
Jul 27, 2024
Unmissable - Absolutely a must have experience in Bosnia! The scenic beauty of the gurgling water mills, the gorgeous Janice falls and the ravishing Pliva lake is unparalleled, made only extraordinary by Ken, who is simply a master of his craft. Super fun, great guide, really looks out for you and makes your experience a one of a kind. If you are in Bosnia, this is definitely a ‘cannot miss’ experience for me! A big shout out to Ken without whom this trip would not have been anywhere as memorable :)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
164aidah
Jul 26, 2024
Fabulous tour through Jajce, Travnik, and Pliva lake/mills - Great tour with Emir through Travnik, Jajce, and Pliva mills/lake. Emir shared a lot of information about the history of each place, life in Bosnia, and answered any questions any of us asked during the tour. Emir also made some adjustments for us, including driving me to a pharmacy when needed, and took us to an added spot on Pliva lakes. The tour was fabulous, and would recommend this company and tour to anyone visiting Bosnia!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ihatecrapservice
Jul 19, 2024
Recommended tour - Ken was a great guide on our tour, which was well timed for the various stops we made. He went above and beyond to ensure everyone captured some great photos along the way. All in all we had a great day out and some amazing sights and scenery - would recommend to others.
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Andrew
Jul 16, 2024
Outstanding - Kenan was an excellent tour guide, very knowledgable, friendly and helped me to celebrate my special birthday in style. Highly recommended and would definitely do it all again. 5*.
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Amy
Jul 16, 2024
A great way to see some of this beautiful country - Great communication before we were picked up for the day. Tour guide, Ken was friendly, approachable and knowledgeable. He went above and beyond to ensure everyone had great photos to take away with them. We saw some fantastic sights on the way and were pleased we'd chosen this tour. Would recommend to others.
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Michellerh5642el
Jul 15, 2024
Jajce, Travnik and Pliva watermills - Amazing day trip. The tour guide Kenan is very knowledgeable and is always checking that the group is ok! The views are incredible!
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Lindsay_b
Jul 12, 2024
Informative and well-paced - This was a great tour -- Kenan, our organizer + guide, was very responsive in answering questions, and could speak about everything from Bosnia's Ottoman history to the best hiking routes in the country. There was lots to see, and the tour felt well-paced; sight-seeing was interspersed with rest (or coffee) breaks. We ended with an absolutely delightful "surprise" that was one of the highlights of my trip. I only wish that we could have spent more time in Jajce and surrounding area -- guess I'll have to come back! :)
Review provided by Viator
459recepb
Jul 10, 2024
Great tour with Great Guide - The views were amazing but our guide Emir was better then views :) He knows what he does in perfect way. I highly recommend this tour to everyone
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Stepheng1787
Jul 5, 2024
Jajce, Travnik and Pliva tour - Fantastic day out with our guide Ken. He’s a character and we really enjoyed his company. Full of knowledge and great craic. Highly recommend the trip!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Exploration818096
Jul 3, 2024
Unforgettable experience - The excursion was just superb. Emir showed us the best views , had many historical anecdotes to share and is very helpful. He was more than professional. An unforgettable experience thanks to him. I thank him very much. Not to be missed if you are visiting. I earned many memories and wonder.
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