Medjugorje: Day Trips and Tours from Dubrovnik
Nestled in the rugged mountains of western Bosnia and Herzegovina, the town of Medjugorje has become a popular destination for spiritual seekers and tourists alike. Its reputation as a site of Marian apparitions has drawn millions of pilgrims from around the world, who come to pray, reflect and seek peace. For those staying in Croatia, a day trip to Medjugorje from Dubrovnik, makes it a convenient and fascinating addition to any itinerary.
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Nestled in the rugged mountains of western Bosnia and Herzegovina, the town of Medjugorje has become a popular destination for spiritual seekers and tourists alike.
Its reputation as a site of Marian apparitions has drawn millions of pilgrims from around the world, who come to pray, reflect and seek peace.
For those staying in Croatia, a day trip to Medjugorje from Dubrovnik, makes it a convenient and fascinating addition to any itinerary.
Here's all you need to know about Medjugorje, one of the most exciting day trips from Dubrovnik.
How to get to Medjugorje from Dubrovnik?
Medjugorje is just over 120 kilometers northwest of Dubrovnik, across the border into Bosnia and Herzegovina.
From Dubrovnik to Medjugorje by car
Follow the D8 out of Dubrovnik to cross the border into Bosnia and Herzegovina. That road becomes the N17.3 which you will follow for around 30 km.
Turn left onto the R426, right on the M17 and left on the M6. The last stretch veers off on the R425a which takes you all the way into Medjugorje.
Guided tour to Medjugorje from Dubrovnik
The easiest way to enjoy an excursion to Medjugorje is with a guided tour. These tours take care of all your transportation needs and add more value to your experience with multiple stops along the way.
What is the typical itinerary?
Most day tours to Medjugorje are combined with a visit to Mostar to make the most of your day in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Start your day early with a 7:30 AM pickup from your hotel and leave the confines of the city behind to explore the iconic towns of Pocitelj, Medjugorje and Mostar.
The adventure begins in the small town of Neum, where you can take a break for morning coffee before continuing through the showstopping River Neretva delta leading to Pocitelj. Here, you will have the opportunity to explore this 15th century town who's charm and beauty knows no bounds.
Next, you will head to Medjugorje, a famous pilgrimage site visited by Catholics from around the world since the apparition of Our Lady of Peace in 1981. You will have ample time to take in the spiritual and religious atmosphere of the town before continuing to Mostar.
Mostar gained notoriety as a confluence for cultures through trade routes and today it is renowned for its iconic Old Bridge. During your free time in Mostar, you can explore the town's landmarks, including the Mosque of Mostar and a Turkish house, among others. After a full day of sightseeing, relax on your journey back to Dubrovnik in the afternoon.
What kinds of tours are available to go to Medjugorje?
There are tours for groups or private experiences, and you can choose from tours with multiple stops or with Medjugorje as your main focus.
Guided tours to Medjugorje from Dubrovnik
A small group tour to Medjugorje is a 9-hour affair and starts with pick-up from your hotel.
Medjugorje is the main focus of the tour and you will have plenty of time to explore the town, eat, sightsee and appreciate everything on offer. An expert guide will accompany you to the town and you will have time to climb Apparition Hill.
Private tour to Medjugorje from Dubrovnik
A private tour to Medjugorje is the perfect way for you or a small group to venture to this enigmatic town. Enjoy the spoils of a private tour as you set the pace and determine the itinerary for an unforgettable experience.
Day trip to Medjugorje plus Mostar from Dubrovnik
This is one of the most popular day trips from Dubrovnik and offers great value for money as you see more than one top attraction in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Visit both Mostar and Medjugorje to see the best of Bosnian nature and history on one adventure-filled day trip.
How much does a day trip to Medjugorje from Dubrovnik cost?
The most comprehensive and cost-efficient day trip to Medjugorje costs €55 per person. This tour also stops at Mostar and includes hotel pick-up.
Day trips that only go to Medjugorje cost around €110 per person, but the group size is smaller and the experience is more customized to the town.
Private tours to Medjugorje are booked per car and you can expect to pay around €290 for a car that takes 4 people or €390 for a van that takes up to 8 people. A private tour that goes to both Medjugorje and Mostar is €200 per person, but the price is reduced if the booking is larger.
What will you see and do?
These are some of the most captivating locations that you can visit on your day trip to Medjugorje:
Apparition Hill
One of the must-visit places in Medjugorje is Apparition Hill, where the first apparition of the Virgin Mary occurred.
You can climb to the top of the hill and visit the statue of Our Lady and the beautiful cross, where you can admire breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The path is around 2 kilometers long and takes anywhere from half an hour to an hour to climb.
St. James Church
When it comes to buildings in Medjugorje, none is more famous than the St. James Church, which is the largest church in the town and can hold up to 5,000 people.
It is also the place where daily Mass is held in multiple languages, and visitors can attend and participate in the sacrament of reconciliation.
The Way of the Cross
The Via Crucis, or the Way of the Cross, is a steep path leading up to Cross Mountain, which is a popular pilgrimage site.
This trail has 14 stations, each one depicting a moment of Jesus' passion and is a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty of the region while reflecting on your faith.
It is only 1 kilometer long, but devout visitors choose to walk barefoot up the rocky mountain as a test of their faith.
Mostar
Tours that include a visit to Mostar offer you the chance to see this charming village and its iconic bridge spanning high above the Neretva River.
You can walk through the charming cobblestone alleyways, admire the mosques and churches, and learn about the town's rich and complex past.
Mostar is also a popular destination for shopping, dining, and experiencing local traditions, making it a perfect addition to your Medjugorje day tour.
When is the best time to visit Medjugorje?
Late spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) offer pleasant, mild weather, making these periods ideal for outdoor activities like climbing Apparition Hill or Cross Mountain.
If your visit is specifically for religious reasons, you might want to align your trip with key events in the Catholic calendar. The Anniversary of the Apparitions on June 25th draws large crowds, as does the Youth Festival, usually held in the first week of August. Easter is also a significant time to visit.
Are there any tours to Medjugorje from other cities in Croatia?
Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Croatia:
Travel tips
- As Apparition Hill and St. James Church are religious sites, modest dress is required. This means clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. This applies to both men and women, especially when visiting the church and apparition sites.
- Even if you're not religious or Catholic, it's important to respect the significance of this place for those who are. This means maintaining a quiet and respectful demeanor, especially during Mass or when people are praying.
- While some places may accept euros, it's not a guarantee. There are ATMs in town, and credit cards are accepted in many places, but it's always a good idea to have some local currency on hand.