17 days in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Minsk & Kyiv (Kiev) Itinerary

Nearly destroyed by war during the 1990s, the riverside city of Sarajevo now serves as one of the region's major educational, cultural, and commercial hubs.

On the 11th (Sat), test your problem-solving skills at popular escape rooms, thenhit the slopes at Olympic Center Jahorina, and then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Ferhadija Mosque. Keep things going the next day: pause for some photo ops at Sarajevo Memorial for Children Killed during Siege, appreciate the history behind Nermine, dodi, take in the local highlights with Walking tours, thenpause for some serene contemplation at Church of the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel in Sarajevo, and finally take in the views from Goat's Bridge.

To find reviews, traveler tips, maps, and more tourist information, go to the Sarajevo tour planner.

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to Sarajevo is an approximately 12-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of ferry and car. The time zone difference moving from Arabian Standard Time (AST) to Central European Standard Time (CET) is minus 2 hours. Plan for cooler temperatures traveling from Jeddah in January, with highs in Sarajevo at 5°C and lows at -4°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Sun) so you can drive to Mostar.

Famed for its 16th-century bridge, Mostar boasts a rich cultural and architectural heritage.

On the 13th (Mon), contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Koskin-Mehmed Pasha's Mosque, thenmake a trip to Velagic House, thenmake a trip to Missionarie della Famiglia Ferita Maria, and finally do a tasting at Andrija Wine Cellars. Keep things going the next day: explore the activities along Neretva River, thenshop like a local with Art Studio Pandur, thenget engrossed in the history at Bosnaseum, and finally don't miss a visit to Mehmed Karadoz Moschee.

For other places to visit, where to stay, maps, and other tourist information, read our Mostar trip maker.

Getting from Sarajevo to Mostar by car takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: take a train; or take a bus. In January, Mostar is a bit warmer than Sarajevo - with highs of 11°C and lows of 0°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Tue) to allow time to drive to Banja Luka.

Banja Luka, ) or Banjaluka is the largest city and the de facto capital of the Republika Srpska entity and second largest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina after the capital Sarajevo. Start off your visit on the 15th (Wed): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Mariastern Abbey, thendon't miss a visit to Rekreativna Zona Banjaluke, and then take an in-depth tour of Etno Muzej Ljubacke Doline. Here are some ideas for day two: take in the exciting artwork at Republika Srpska Art Gallery, thentake in the architecture and atmosphere at Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, Banja Luka, thenexplore the venue of Banski Dvor, and finally contemplate the waterfront views at Vrbas River.

For other places to visit, where to stay, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Banja Luka trip planner.

Drive from Mostar to Banja Luka in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. Traveling from Mostar in January, things will get a bit cooler in Banja Luka: highs are around 5°C and lows about -2°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 16th (Thu) early enough to travel to Minsk.

As the capital and largest city of Belarus, Minsk represents a cultural center full of churches, libraries, museums, and theatres.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Money Museum Groshi and Monument to a Beaver. Explore Minsk's surroundings by going to Mir Castle (in Mir) and Mound of Glory (in Slabada). There's still lots to do: head outdoors with Trinity Hill, see the interesting displays at Belarusian Folk Museum of Architecture and Rural Life, make a trip to Minsk City Hall, and walk around Chelyuskinites Park.

To see where to stay, photos, and more tourist information, read our Minsk travel itinerary planner.

Explore your travel options from Banja Luka to Minsk with the Route module. The time zone difference when traveling from Banja Luka to Minsk is 2 hours. In January, Minsk is slightly colder than Banja Luka - with highs of -4°C and lows of -10°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Mon) so you can travel to Kyiv (Kiev).

The center of East Slavic culture, Kiev boasts centuries of eclectic art, architecture, and history.

Step off the beaten path and head to St. Nicolas Cathedral and St. Cyril's Monastery. Get out of town with these interesting Kyiv (Kiev) side-trips: Zhytomyr (Memorial House Museum of S.P. Korolyova & Sergiy Korolyov Astronautics Museum). There's lots more to do: contemplate the long history of Kyivo-Pechers'ka Lavra, make a trip to Andriyivski Uzviz, let your taste buds guide you at a local gastronomic tour, and see the interesting displays at Mykola Syadristy Microminiatures Museum.

To find traveler tips, more things to do, photos, and tourist information, refer to the Kyiv (Kiev) online road trip planner.

You can fly from Minsk to Kyiv (Kiev) in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Minsk to Kyiv (Kiev), you'll gain 1 hour due to the time zone difference. In January, daily temperatures in Kyiv (Kiev) can reach -1°C, while at night they dip to -7°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 26th (Sun) to allow enough time to travel back home.