Break-up of Yugoslavia & The War in Mostar: Life Under Siege
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
· Overview of the establishment of the Socialistic Federal Republic of Yugoslavia as well as its role during the Cold War.
· Post Tito period during the 1980s when the slowdown of the economy and growing nationalism lead to political tensions across the country, the death of Yugoslavia, and the beginning of the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
· Learn why Mostar was so strategically important and why it was left as one of the most destroyed cities in Bosnia after the war.
· Listen to stories and facts during the war in Mostar and learn how the people survived under constant shelling.
· Our guide will share personal experiences and stories of the terrible events that unfolded in this city 30 years ago (shelling, concentration camps, Mostar enclave).
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Professional guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected)
Air-conditioned vehicle
Mostar War Museum Entrance Fee
Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Mostar
Hidden Yugoslavian Military Base The first stop is the abandoned aircraft hangar located only five minutes southern of Mostar. Yugoslavian revolutionary, Josip Broz Tito, had fighter jets placed deep in the mountainous bowels of the hanger, ready to deploy. The natural fortress protected the planes from attack as well as from the prying eyes of citizens and spies.
Mostar War Museum The second stop is the Mostar War Museum. You will hear first-hand stories and experiences from your guide on how Mostar was affected by the devastating war, what it is like to live in a divided city, and what happened between the lines. The guide will use a board to draw a map of the former Yugoslavia, which will help to put some puzzles together. We feel a great responsibility to educate you on this matter, so please feel free to ask us any questions.
Options
Break-up of Yugoslavia & The War in Mostar: Life Under Siege
Pickup included
Reviews
136 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The Best Tour We’ve Ever Had, Thanks to Esmer
lauratQ935GH,
Apr 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00As avid history buffs, my family and I have been on countless tours around the world, but this historical tour in Mostar with Esmer stands out as the best we’ve ever experienced. We didn’t know much about the breakup of Yugoslavia or the war in Mostar beyond what we’d seen in the news, so we were eager to learn more, and Esmer delivered in the most powerful way. Esmer’s passion for history and deep knowledge of Mostar’s past brought every story to life in a way that captivated us all. Although he was young during the war, he grew up in its aftermath, knows the people involved, and is deeply connected to the area. Hearing the history from someone who lived through its consequences—rather than just reading about it—was incredibly powerful. Even our kids (10 and 12 years old), who often get restless on tours, were completely engaged. Esmer went above and beyond to make sure everyone was comfortable and excited throughout the day. He answered all our questions with patience and insight, and he took the time to connect with each of us—kids and adults alike—making the tour feel very personal. We left not only with a deeper appreciation for Mostar’s complex history, but also feeling like we had made a new friend in Esmer. If you’re visiting Mostar (or even if you’re just a fellow history lover), book this tour. It was the highlight of our trip, and we can’t recommend this experience enough!
Take this tour to understand what happened in Mostar
emily F,
Sep 26, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00This is an amazing tour that is not to be missed if you want to understand what happened in Mostar. Esmer, our guide, is passionate about history and sharing honestly what happened in his country. He and his family lived through the siege and explained what life was like. He did not shy away from discussing the current situation and his hopes and concerns about the future. His knowledge and mastery of a very complex history was superb. Recommended for adults and teens
Absolutely a must do!! You won’t be disappointed!
Tara H,
Jun 30, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was absolutely amazing!! Our tour guide Eskmie (sp?) was friendly, accommodating and so knowledgeable! The amount of information he gave us far surpassed any expectations we had. Bosnia has such a rich history — I had no idea. His personal stories about the war were heartbreaking but so important to truly understand what these people endured. I fell in love with Bosnia and Mostar specifically after this tour.
Get to know Bosnia from a local
Megan T,
Jun 21, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Esmer was unbelievably passionate about the history of Bosnia and shared powerful personal stories of the war. As a local, he was greeting friends in the street and even took us to a tiny coffee place no tourist would ever find. We loved this different view of the city compared to the throngs of tourists we shuffled across the bridge with earlier in the day. He was also so positive about the future of the country even given its complicated past and complex political issues today. What a great way to learn and start to understand another culture.
Must do in Mostar!!
Kathryn W,
Oct 8, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a must do tour! The guide was extremely knowledgeable and gave a local perspective on the fall of Yugoslavia that is often left out of international media. Very interesting, informative and enjoyable experience!!!
Amazing tour, amazing guide.
Jenny C,
Sep 16, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00This is un there with our best tours of all time! We learned so much and the time flew by. Stop looking and book this tour, you won’t regret it. There is a reason they only have 5 stars. Truly the BEST!
unforgettable experience ❗️
Omar K,
Sep 12, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00This Tour highly recommended. We found it very interesting and very informative. Haron is a very likable man, and he explained everything extremely well and in chronological order. His passion for his job truly shines through. One cannot praise the tour guide (Haron) and the valuable information provided during this tour enough. Absolutely worth the price. 👍🏽
Excellent guide.
Chantal S,
Aug 12, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour was scheduled for 9 am but canceled because the guide was ill. We accepted an offer for 5pm alone with a guide!
Impressive tour, great guide!
anitakramer1961,
Jul 29, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Impressive tour with a great friendly very good English speaking guide with lots of information. Thank you very much Harun!
History in Session
Charlean L,
Jul 18, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was very interesting with Huran. We learned a lot from him and he would make a great teacher. He's knowledgeable and keeps your attention. Awesome tour guide!
From €35.00
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