Day 12 Balkans Trip

 April 28 

Goodbye to Fair Sarajevo — Onward to Dubrovnik

The day started early—quietly slipping into the gym as the first patron at 6 a.m., followed by a hearty buffet breakfast and one last look at Sarajevo. There’s something about this city that lingers with you. Maybe it’s the resilience, maybe the layered history—but either way, it’s not an easy place to leave.

We checked out of the hotel and began the roughly 4.5-hour drive toward Dubrovnik, a route that turned out to be far more than just a transfer from point A to point B.

The road itself felt like part of the experience—one of those drives you wish you could slow down even more. Leaving Sarajevo, the urban edges quickly gave way to sweeping valleys and dramatic mountain ranges. Snow still clung to the peaks in the distance, creating a striking contrast against the deep green forests below. The roads twisted and turned, hugging hillsides and tracing the contours of rivers that cut through the landscape like veins.

We passed through small lakeside towns that looked almost untouched by time—clusters of red-roofed buildings reflected in still water, with cafés just beginning to stir for the day. The winding roads made the journey feel intimate, almost like you were being guided through a hidden side of the Balkans. Along the way, the cultural identity of the region was unmistakable, with mosque minarets rising above many towns—a quiet but clear reminder of Bosnia’s strong Muslim heritage.

One of the highlights was stopping in Mostar to see the iconic Stari Most. The old stone bridge arcs gracefully over the Neretva River, a symbol of both division and reconciliation. Walking through the old town felt like stepping into another era—cobblestone streets, artisan shops, and the steady hum of travelers drawn to its beauty and history.

Back on the road, we crossed another border—Bosnia into Croatia—and the scenery subtly shifted again. The mountains stretched on, but eventually the landscape began to open up. Then, almost suddenly, the deep blue of the Adriatic appeared on the horizon. After hours of inland terrain, that first glimpse of the sea felt like a reward.

We followed the coastline into Dubrovnik, where rugged cliffs meet the water in dramatic fashion. Our stay at the President Hotel Dubrovnik was brief but memorable—perched right along the Adriatic, it offered stunning views that made it hard to believe we wouldn’t be staying longer.

After settling in, we hopped on local Bus 6 toward Old Town. By the time we arrived, it was too late to walk the full city walls, but wandering through the historic center more than made up for it. Dubrovnik Old Town is a place that feels almost unreal—smooth, polished stone streets worn down by centuries of footsteps, narrow alleyways that twist and climb unexpectedly, and old churches that stand quietly among the bustle.

There’s a beauty here, but also a sobering history. It’s surprising—and deeply unfortunate—to learn that Dubrovnik itself was shelled during the conflicts of the 1990s. Knowing that adds another layer of appreciation for what still stands today.

Dinner was along the Adriatic, just outside the fortress walls—fresh seafood, the sound of the water, and the glow of the old city behind us. An unexpected detail: a noticeable presence of U.S. State Department personnel in town, reportedly including Marco Rubio for an economic summit. We didn’t catch a glimpse, but it added a bit of intrigue to the evening.

As the night wrapped up, one thought kept surfacing—we needed more time here. Dubrovnik isn’t a place you rush. But with Albania on the horizon tomorrow, this stop would be short.

Still, what a drive. What a day.