Maybe it was through Google, a travel blog, or one of the many online booking platforms that have made discovering local experiences easier than ever. These platforms play an important role in helping travelers connect with guides and tour companies around the world.

But once you have found the experience you’re looking for, one simple choice can make a remarkable difference:

Book directly with the local operator whenever possible.

It costs you about the same—and sometimes even less—but it can dramatically change how much of your money actually stays in the destination you are visiting.

Where Does Your Money Go?

Most online booking platforms charge commissions for every reservation they process. Depending on the platform and agreement, these commissions can range from around 25% to 50% of the booking cost for many tours and activities.

For traditional paid tours, that means a significant portion of what you spend never reaches the guide or local business providing the activity that transforms a destination you are visiting into a memorable experience.

Free walking tours operate a little differently, but the economics can be even more challenging.

Many free tour platforms don’t take a percentage of tips. Instead, they charge operators a fixed fee for every reservation, regardless of how much guests ultimately contribute.

At Sheva Walking Tours, that fee can be up to nearly €4 per booked guest.

What Does That Mean in Practice?

Imagine four people book a free walking tour through a third-party platform.

At the end of the tour, they decide to leave a combined tip of 50 KM (approximately €25 or  €6 per person).

At first glance, that seems acceptable.

But here’s what happens before your guide is paid:

Income

• Guest contribution: 50 KM

Expenses

• Third-party booking fees: approximately 20 KM (€10)
• Mandatory tourist (sojourn) tax: approximately 8 KM (€4)

Remaining

• Around 22 KM (approximately €11–15, depending on exchange rates)

From that remaining amount, the guide still needs to be paid, while the company continues covering insurance, taxes, accounting, marketing, equipment, administration, and every other cost involved in operating a professional tour business. 

At Sheva Walking Tours and Travels, we pay our guides far more than this for every tour they provide. This means we would have operated that tour at a significant loss.

The numbers speak for themselves.

What About Private Tours?

The same principle applies to paid experiences.

Imagine a private walking tour for four people that includes Bosnian coffee and admission to a museum or historic site.

The price of that experience doesn’t simply pay for two or three hours with a guide.

It helps cover:

• Guide wages
• Entrance tickets
• Coffee or refreshments
• Tourist taxes
• VAT and other taxes
• Payment processing
• Insurance
• Website maintenance
• Booking administration
• Marketing
• Office expenses
• Ongoing research, training, and product development

If that booking comes through a platform charging a substantial commission, hundreds of marks may leave the local economy before the tour even begins.

Why This Matters Beyond One Company

This isn’t only about Sheva Walking Tours and Travels.

Independent guides, family-owned guesthouses, local restaurants, artisan workshops, drivers, and small tourism businesses throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina all face similar challenges.

When a larger share of tourism spending stays with local businesses, it creates a stronger tourism economy. It supports local jobs, encourages investment in better experiences, and helps preserve the cultural traditions and communities that visitors travel so far to experience.

Every direct booking keeps more value where the experience actually takes place.

We Still Value Booking Platforms

Online travel platforms have helped introduce millions of travelers to destinations they might never have discovered otherwise.

We work with many of them ourselves and appreciate the visibility they provide.

But if you’ve already found us—through Google, social media, a recommendation, or a previous visit—and you’re ready to book, choosing to reserve directly through our website is one of the simplest ways to support local tourism.

The experience is the same (or even better, since you are talking to a person local to the area you are visiting!).

The guide is the same.

The price is often the same.

The difference is where your money stays.

A Small Choice with Lasting Impact

Tourism is about more than visiting beautiful places. It is about supporting the people who preserve those places, share their stories, and welcome visitors every day. Booking directly may seem like a small decision, but multiplied across thousands of travelers each year, it has the power to strengthen local businesses, support professional guides, and ensure that authentic experiences continue to thrive.

If you choose to walk with us, thank you. And if you choose to book directly through our website or by contacting us directly, thank you for investing not only in our team, but in the future of sustainable tourism in Mostar.

#booklocal #directbooking #travelplanning #exploremostar #supportlocalbusiness

Many individuals who come on our Free Walking Tour of Mostar say one of two things:

“I am so glad we stayed in Mostar for a few days!”

“I wish we had stayed in Mostar longer – I did not realize there was so much to see and do in and around Mostar!”

Many people come to Mostar not realizing that there is plenty to see and do in town and throughout Herzegovina. If you look back on our first blog post about the Top 10 Things To Do and Experience in Mostar, you will get a taste of some of the options available for visitors. We encourage you to book an overnight trip to Mostar so that you do not miss out!

Mostar also acts as a great base to explore Herzegovina. If you happen to be traveling by car, it is easy to experience Mostar’s surroundings. There are also local transportation options that make it easy to get around. You can take a local bus to nearby towns such as Blagaj, Stolac, and Medjugorje. We also provide Herzegovina Day Tours that will take you on a full day of exploration to Blagaj, Počitelj, and Kravica. With either small group tour options or private tours available, we have something for everyone!

The best part? After spending the day exploring these sites, come back to Mostar for an evening in town without the daytime crowds. Stay out late to steal a quiet moment on the bridge or enjoy a drink on the banks of the Neretva and check out the bridge as the sun goes down and the nighttime lights are turned on to illuminate the iconic stone arch.

To help you get started with your planning, we have listed some of our favorite sites in the area that you do not want to miss while you stay in Mostar! This list is not exhaustive, especially in terms of outdoor activities and day hikes – we will save those for a future blog post!

Blagaj 

At just over 10 kilometers from Mostar, it is easy to take a day trip to Blagaj – it is even possible to bike or take a taxi. Blagaj is a small village, nestled up against the spring of the Buna River and home to a 16th  century Tekija (Dervish Monastery) – a national monument. Visit the tekija, drink from the Buna, and even take a boat ride into the cave from which the spring originates! After, enjoy a coffee while overlooking the water or find your way around the backside of the imposing looking rock face and take a walk up the path (recently renovated) to Stjepan Grad (Fortress) for an incredible view of the valley below. More often than not, you will have the fortress remains all to yourself! Entrance to the fortress is currently free.

Počitelj

Located 30 kilometers south of Mostar, Počitelj is another wonderful option for a day trip or simply continue on your way from a morning visit to Blagaj and spend the afternoon in Počitelj. A picturesque, fortified town which is first mentioned in historic documents around the 15th century, Počitelj is often referred to as a museum under open sky. The towns architectural ensemble is indicative of the medieval and Ottoman period. Wind your way through the narrow cobblestone streets, buy some fresh fruit or juices from the locals, and make your way to the upper fortress walls overlooking the Neretva for a stunning view!

Medjugorje 

Also only about 25 kilometers away from Mostar is Medjugorje, which has been popularized for travelers since 1981 when a group of 6 local teenagers claimed that the Virgin Mary appeared to them. It has since become a pilgrimage site, especially for Catholics.

Stolac 

Another town which is often described as a museum under open sky, Stolac is located about 40 kilometers south of Mostar. Although the population of the town is less than 15,000, it boasts a rich architectural history. While there, check out the Old Town (centrally located) as well as Daorson (Illyrian Fortress) and Radimlja (Stećak Necropolis), the last of which is listed as a trans-boundary World Heritage Site. Take a walk along the Bregava River and enjoy the view from a riverside café (Nota) or traditional restaurant (Old Mill)!

Kravica Waterfall

A fantastic respite on a hot summer day, Kravica is located just 40 kilometers from Mostar. The falls are about 25 meters (80 feet) high and provide a beautiful backdrop for a day of swimming in the lake or picnicking on the shores. If you do not want to pack a lunch, there are a couple of café bars and restaurants where you can find refreshments! And for those who desire something a little more off the beaten path, there are plenty of water options from you to choose nearby.

Hutovo Blato 

If you are seeking the natural heritage of Bosnia and Herzegovina, this may be the spot for you! Hutovo Blato is a nature and bird preserve located just 30 kilometers outside of Mostar. Hutovo Blato has been protected as a Nature Park since 1995, but prior to this was known for its excellent fishing and hunting. It is highly regarded for birding and is home to 240 species of migratory birds as well as those that live within the marshlands year-round.

Konjic 

Konjic is located just about midway between Mostar and Sarajevo. Just traveling to Konjic is a treat – the road winds through steep canyons along the Neretva River and you will likely want to pull off to snap a few pictures along the way. On the way, check out the museum in Jablanica and grab some of the best pita before continuing north. Book a visit to Tito’s bunker in advance of your arrival and once in Konjic, be sure to visit the beautiful Ottoman Bridge dating from the 17th century. Konjic is also a great base from which to go white water rafting!

Trebinje 

Trebinje is the farthest from Mostar on this list at about 115 kilometers to the south. Visit the city as a day trip from Mostar or alternatively, stop here on your way to Croatia (Dubrovnik) or Montenegro (Herceg Novi or Kotor). On the way, you can make a stop at Vjetrenica Cave and explore 6 kilometers of underground passages. After a beautiful drive, you will find a picturesque town with a historic town center dating from the Ottoman Period. Even older is the Tvrdoš Serbian Orthodox Monastery dating to the 15thcentury. If you are traveling with children or are just a kid at heart, spend the day at the local waterpark, Grad Sunca!

This is just the start – there are many hidden places in and around Mostar to experience during your time visiting Herzegovina. So, be sure to book a stay and do not miss out on what is awaiting you! Feel free to contact us at Sheva Walking Tours for more information! Start your visit to Mostar with a Free Walking Tour with Sheva or book a Private Custom Tour with us.

Walk With Us!

#travelplanning #discovermostar #mostarguide #exploreherzegovina #shevawalkingtours

Planning a trip to Mostar? Or perhaps you have already arrived and are trying to figuring out what to do now that you are finally here? Look no further than our top 10 list, which will help you get the most out of your visit! If you have any questions or need even more suggestions, drop us a line!

1. Take a tour of Mostar with Sheva Walking Tours

You have made it to our website, so you are clearly on the right path! Get acquainted with Mostar through one of our daily Free Tours or choose to book private tour customized to your needs and interests. Our public group tours meet every day in front of the Hammam Museum for a 2 – 2.5 hour walk through Mostar’s Old Town and periphery. Not only will we take you through a 600 year historical journey, but we will introduce you to the Mostar of today, including the best places to get a bite to eat or a drink to round out your explorations of the city.

2. Watch a Traditional Bridge Jump

If you made the trip to Mostar, you likely know about the iconic Stari Most (“Old Bridge”) that spans the Neretva in the heart the city. Be sure to spend some time with the bridge during your visit to Mostar, especially because you do not want to miss a member of the diving club plunge over 20 meters from the top of the bridge and into the icy, jewel-toned waters of the Neretva below! Our Free Tour will explain all about the traditional bridge jumping, but you must see it in person. If you visit Mostar during the warmer months, the diving club offers you the opportunity to train with them so that you, too, can dive from the Old Bridge. Talk to the divers at the diving club situated in the western tower of Stari Most for more information.

3. Drink a Bosnian Coffee with Lokum

Bosnia and Herzegovina is known for its coffee culture. The daily ritual is not complete without passing some time by drinking a leisurely coffee at one of the many cafes that line the city streets. For a special treat, get a traditional coffee served in a džezba and fildžan with lokum (otherwise known as Turkish Delight). If you enjoy sweets, try locally made baklava, hurmašice, or tulumba.

4. Visit Fortica Recreational Area

For those looking for a bit of an adrenaline rush or perhaps just a wonderful view while you enjoy a coffee or beer, head up to the Fortica Recreational Area. If you look to the eastern hillsides of Mostar, you will see rocks spelling out “BiH Volim Te” on the hillside – the mountain hut above it is where you want to head. Once there, you can take in the view from the cafe space and explore the hillside on foot. The zipline spans the distance between two rocky outcroppings overlooking Mostar – you certainly cannot get a better view of the town than this!

5. Enjoy Locally Made Craft Beer, Spirits, and Wine

There are plenty of places to go to enjoy a cold beer or glass of wine after a day of exploration, but why not make that drink a local one? If you are a beer drinker, we recommend Ima i Moze Craft Beer Garden, and if you prefer wine or liquor, there are plenty of local and regionally produced wines and rakijas for you to experience as well. The Spirit of Herzegovina in the Old Town offers wine tastings as well!

6. Visit the Partisan Memorial Cemetery

Looking for some monumental Yugoslav history? If you venture a little further away from the Old Town center, you will eventually discover the Partisan Memorial Cemetery. A large memorial complex bult in 1965, this structure will be sure to impress. If you want to learn more about Yugoslavia and Mostar’s Modern History, contact us for a private tour.

7. Visit the Orthodox Cemetery

On the eastern side of town, you might notice the ongoing reconstruction of the Orthodox Church. Use this as a guide to make your way to the old Orthodox Cemetery just to the south. Climb the stairs up the hillside until you reach a dirt pathway – you can use this to explore further up into the hillside. Or if you prefer history, check out the historic tombstones. If you time your visit right, you can catch a wonderful sunset over Mostar! Keep an eye out for the gravestone of famed local poet, Aleksa Šantić.

8. Eat Local Cuisine

Even if you are only in town for the day, you need to eat something! Try out some of the local cuisine. Take it from us, there is something for everyone even if you are vegetarian or have dietary restrictions. If you are looking for something quick and cheap, try the pita from a local bakery. Otherwise, try out one of the many traditional restaurants in town. We recommend the mezza, grilled meat platters (including cevapi), local trout, stuffed peppers and stews. Have a dietary restriction that you need to eat around? Let us know, and we will be happy to provide some suggestions.

9. Take a Swim in the Neretva River

Perhaps you don’t want to jump off the Mostar Bridge, but that doesn’t have to stop you from taking a swim in one of the world’s coldest rivers! Join the locals that refresh themselves in the enticing waters of the Neretva on the banks below the Old Bridge. A fantastic way to pass the heat of the Herzegovinian afternoon where you will likely run into Ševko cooling off in between tours!

10. Tour Hercegovina

There is so much to see in Herzegovina. Stay in Mostar for a few days and take the time to explore our surroundings. There are many possibilities including Blagaj, Počitelj, Kravice, Stolac, Hutovo Blato National Park…the list goes on! Interested in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s medieval past? Wander around the stećci at Radimlja! Want to view Herzegovina from higher ground? Head to Velež for a day hike. No matter where you go, you will be sure to have a memorable experience. The best part? Return to Mostar after the afternoon crowds have dispersed and go on an evening stroll through the Old Town – stay out late enough and you might just get a moment alone on the Old Bridge.

*Bonus*

Depending upon your itinerary, we recommend traveling between Sarajevo and Mostar by train! Now that the train is up and running, this is the best way to relax and enjoy the scenery to and from Mostar! The train station is located just behind the Mostar Bus Station – a short walk or taxi ride to the Old Town.

Want more ideas or need help planning a day trip to Mostar or multi-day stay in the area? Contact us!

#travelplanning #exploremostar #discoverherzegovina #mostartravel #shevawalkingtours

The Free Tour Community is a global non-profit organization that brings together the best-rated Free Tours around the world. Although each Free Tour provider operates as a local, independent business in their respective city, members of the Free Tour Community share the goal of providing quality tour experiences that present the local perspective to our guests. All member organizations must be of the highest standard and carry a 5 star rating on Trip Advisor.

The Free Tour Community is spreading the word about the Free Tour movement so that travelers can access engaging tours throughout the world that use a tip-based or “pay as you wish” approach. As of now, the Free Tour Community includes over 70 free tour initiatives in over 30 countries globally…and our community is growing. Sheva’s Free Walking Tour of Mostar is proud to be the representative for Mostar and is the first Free Walking Tour from Bosnia and Herzegovina included within this organization. You can find Sheva’s Original Free Walking Tour of Mostar new Free Tour Community profile here! 

As a traveler, you can identify members of the Free Tour Community by the use of the official logo (see below). The Free Tour Community makes it easy to check out and book the best Free Tours around the world on their website. While the Free Tours are as diverse as the cities represented, all the members of the Free Tour Community are dedicated to presenting tours that are informative, entertaining, and compelling and help guests get the most out of their visit by sharing insider tips and suggestions on best local restaurants and cafés, activities, and sites to seek out.

How can you support the growth of the Free Tour Community?

Be sure to book your Free Walking Tour with one of the partner organizations listed on the official Free Tour Community Website and follow the Free Tour Community on Facebook and Instagram. Choosing to book tours directly through the Free Tour Community website or the individual organizations is an informed choice which helps to benefit and sustain local, independent business by keeping income within the local economies of which members are a part!

When visiting Mostar, be sure to walk with Sheva Walking Tours on a Free Walking Tour of Mostar! We meet everyday in front of the Hamam Museum. Check out our seasonal schedule below and if you have any questions about your visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, feel free to contact us!  

Seasonal Schedule 

June-July-August: 930 AM and 6 PM 

September: 930 AM and 5 PM

October: 930 AM and 4 PM 

Movember – March: 11 AM

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mostarfreewalkingtour/

Instagram: @sheva_walking_tours

Email: info@mostarfreewalkingtours.com

Mobile: +387 63 866 498 (WhatsApp) and +387 61 933 879 (WhatsApp)

And of course, check us out on Trip Advisor! Vidimo se uskoro!

Believe it or not, the last weekend in July has arrived. What does that mean? The day has arrived for the annual bridge jumping competition at the Old Bridge in Mostar, BiH.

The Bridge Diving will be held on Sunday, July 28th at 4 PM. So, come down to the beach under the Old Bridge and make yourself comfortable (arrive early to get a perfect seat!) and prepare to watch a Mostarian tradition that you will never forget.

After the diving is over, make sure to find your way back to the public space in front of the Hammam Museum to walk with Sheva Walking Tours on a Free Walking Tour of Mostar at 6 PM! We will tell you all there is to know about the history and significance of the Old Bridge as well as explain the unique Bridge Diving Tradition for which Mostar has become known.

See you tomorrow under the bridge!