Private Medjugorje Tour from Dubrovnik

Međugorje

Medjugorje, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, has been one of the most visited Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world since 1981, when the Virgin Mary is reported to have first appeared to six local children. Today it draws millions of visitors each year — pilgrims and curious travelers alike — to its church, surrounding hills, and the quiet atmosphere that's grown around the site over four decades.

A private day trip from Dubrovnik means you set your own pace. There's no fixed group schedule, no rushing between stops, and no waiting around for other travelers — just a private vehicle, a driver who knows the route and the border crossing, and the flexibility to spend as much or as little time as you'd like at each location.

What to Expect on the Medjugorje Day Trip

The drive from Dubrovnik to Medjugorje takes around 2.5 hours each way, crossing the border into Bosnia and Herzegovina. Most full-day trips include 3 to 4 hours on site, giving enough time to visit the main points of interest without feeling rushed.

St. James Church is the heart of Medjugorje — a large parish church built in the 1960s, now the focal point for daily Mass, prayer gatherings, and pilgrim services. Outside, the grounds are usually busy with visitors from around the world.

Apparition Hill (Podbrdo) is where the first reported apparitions took place. Reaching the site involves a walk over uneven, rocky terrain — roughly 30 to 40 minutes round trip — so comfortable shoes are worth bringing.

Cross Mountain (Krizevac), visible from most of the town, marks the spot of a large cross erected in 1933. It's a steeper, longer climb than Apparition Hill, and optional depending on time and physical ability.

Many visitors also spend time at the religious gift shops near the church, or simply sit in the square taking in the atmosphere — Medjugorje's appeal isn't only in the specific sites, but in the calm, unhurried mood of the town itself.

Border Crossing & Practical Notes

Crossing from Croatia into Bosnia and Herzegovina is straightforward, and your driver handles the border stop. A valid passport (or ID card, depending on nationality) is required — your driver can advise on current requirements ahead of the trip. Wait times are generally short outside peak summer weekends.

A Local Guide in Medjugorje

While our driver handles the journey itself, we recommend arranging a local guide once you arrive in Medjugorje. Guides based in the town can walk you through the events of 1981 in far more detail than a driver would normally cover, and many have spent years listening to and collecting testimonies from pilgrims, visionaries, and residents who were there from the beginning.

This is especially worth considering if you're visiting Apparition Hill or Cross Mountain, where a guide can explain the significance of specific markers and stops along the way, or if you're interested in the personal accounts that have shaped Medjugorje's reputation as a pilgrimage site over the past four decades. We're happy to help arrange a local guide in advance if you'd like one for your visit — just let us know when booking.