Dear Pepo, Thanks for your suggestions - I'll research those places as these people will be taking a ten day Adriatic cruise after so I need inland places. My best, Chips

Chips, we were in Croatia, Bosnia, and Montenegro 15 months ago on a small boat cruise along the coast with excursions inland. Dubrovnik is a beautiful and historic town. Everyone should walk the walls and if time visit one of the nearby islands. We also loved Split for it's harbor, cafe society, and history (Diocletian's palace). There's an interesting walk from the palace area up a long staircase and path out along the ridge above the sea. We enjoyed hiking in Krka National Park which is a short ways inland. Great cascades and waterfalls. Also visit one of the large islands like Hvar. We visited Mostar in Bosnia on a dark rainy day, fitting weather for Bosnia's dark days during what they all call "The Last War" in the 90s. Mostar has a wonderful mix of Christianity and Moslem history and the historic bridge that once connected Europe and Asia has been rebuilt exactly as it was. I was very interested in and troubled by the war so Mostar was important to see. Try to get a Moslem guide for their perspective. The newest town on the Adriatic coast is Sibenik and it's something like 1000 years old. I think you'll find the history and people interesting.

Dear Bill,
Thanks for these interesting suggestions, I too walked the walls of Dubrovnik and was in Mostar in '84 after the Olympics and am interested to see the changes. The request is for others so, yes, I'll try for a Moslem guide there and in Sarajevo - good ideas! Will see about Splitm, etc. as they're doing a cruise apart from five days of inland travel. Thanks and my best, Chips

today in Mostar 17 years after war ended lots of traces of the destruction damaged buildings in the hart of the town so prepare them for a contrast in visiting the coast line and other parts of ex Yugoslavia

Dear Pepo,
Thanks for this -- yes, the war is one major reason to go to Mostar along with the differing cultures and the bridge. Your advice is appreciated and best from New York, Chips

I spent 3 days in Sarajevo and 2 in Mostar when I was there about 9 months ago. In Sarajevo, make sure to stop by Cafe Tito and the National Museum with its exhibit about the war. Get connected with a local Sarajevan if possible, so you can really get a feel for the soul of the place. Notice the "Sarajevo Roses" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarajevo_Rose and find a good cafe for lounging and people watching. Eat cevape and don't pass on the optional kaimak cheese. There's a cool old Ottoman house that you can tour -- I can't remember what it's called, but it will be in your guidebook. head to the hills for a good view of the city. In Mostar, there's the bridge of course, but you should also walk along the front line from the war where many bombed out buildings still stand. it's ghostly. Grab a beer or see a show at the Abrasevic Cultural Center, which is near some of these ruins -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OKC_Abrašević

Dear Leah, Many thanks for this insight and related tips, I read about the war museum but didn't know about Mostar's front line walk. All are good for these interested New Yorkers. Best, Chips

https://sites.google.com/site/sarajevotour/
Sarajevo born lady guide check her out

Was in Sarajevo about 2 years ago. It is an interesting city, to say the least. Lots of bullet holes still around in buildings and some road signs. I posted a couple of photos from Sarajevo, so have a look. What I would recommend most of all would be a trip out to the Olympic Park and also to take in a soccer game of one of the two local teams. I went to see FC Zeljeznicar. As I often say, if you want to know a country, you have to go to a soccer game! If you don't, well you never really got to "meet" the locals.

Dear Michael, Thanks for your reply -- A good suggestion but a soccer game may not be in line for these people; they're mroe elderly and probably more interested in culture and history. Maybe tho' Olympic Park will - Best, Chips