Incentive programme for MICE planners
Herzegovina wine incentive in 4 days: programme for MICE planners and incentive houses
This 4-day incentive takes groups through the wine country of Herzegovina, from Mostar to Trebinje, with tastings of the local Žilavka, Blatina and Vranac wines, Ottoman villages and a gala dinner. It is designed by travellige, a Sarajevo-based, trade-only DMC, for MICE planners, incentive houses and wine-focused tour operators.
- Duration
- 4 days
- Route
- Mostar → Trebinje
- Best months
- April to June, September to October
- Group size
- 10 to 60 participants
At a glance
- Duration
- 4 days, 3 nights
- Route
- Mostar, Čitluk wine area, Blagaj, Počitelj, Stolac, Trebinje
- Overnights
- Mostar 2, Trebinje 1
- Arrival
- Mostar (OMO), Dubrovnik (about 2.5 to 3 hours) or Sarajevo (about 2.5 hours)
- Departure
- Dubrovnik (DBV), about 45 minutes from Trebinje including the border
- Local grapes
- Žilavka (white), Blatina and Vranac (red)
- Best months
- April to June; September to October for the harvest season
Why this programme sells
Herzegovina is one of the least-known wine regions in Europe, which is exactly what makes it work for incentives: participants taste something new, meet the winemakers in person and come home with a story. The indigenous Žilavka and Blatina grapes grow on stony karst soils around Mostar and Čitluk, and Trebinje in the south is known for Vranac and its monastery wine cellar.
The programme combines wine with places that impress: Stari Most at night, the dervish tekke of Blagaj, the stone village of Počitelj and the plane-tree squares of Trebinje. It finishes 45 minutes from Dubrovnik airport, which has wide flight choice in season.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Mostar
Meet and greet at Mostar Airport, or transfer from Dubrovnik (about 2.5 to 3 hours including the border) or Sarajevo (about 2.5 hours). Late-afternoon guided walk to Stari Most and the old bazaar. Welcome dinner on a terrace with a view of the bridge, paired with Herzegovina wines.
⌂ Mostar
Day 2
Herzegovina wine road and Blagaj
Drive to the wine area around Čitluk (about 30 minutes). Vineyard walk and tastings at two family and estate wineries, with a winemaker-led session comparing Žilavka and Blatina. Long lunch among the vines. Afternoon at the dervish tekke of Blagaj (about 30 minutes), with an evening dinner of river trout by the spring of the Buna. Team activity option: a blending workshop to create a group cuvée label.
⌂ Mostar
Day 3
Počitelj, Stolac and Trebinje
Morning photo walk in the Ottoman village of Počitelj (about 30 minutes from Mostar). Continue via Stolac and the stećci necropolis of Radimlja to Trebinje (about 1.5 to 2 hours). Visit the wine cellar of the Tvrdoš Monastery for Vranac tastings and a walk through Trebinje's old town and its Arslanagić Bridge. Gala dinner at a selected venue in or near Trebinje.
⌂ Trebinje
Day 4
Departure via Dubrovnik
Morning at leisure on the plane-tree square or at the Trebinje market. Transfer to Dubrovnik airport (about 45 minutes including the Croatian border), or extend with nights in Dubrovnik.
Included in the ground package
- Accommodation in the hotel category agreed in the quote, in twin or double rooms, with breakfast
- All transport shown in the itinerary by air-conditioned coach, midibus or minibus sized to the group, with a professional driver
- Arrival and departure transfers on the programme dates
- Licensed local guides for the city tours named in the itinerary, in English, German, Turkish, Arabic or Italian
- Entrance fees to the sites marked as visited (not those marked optional)
- Parking, road tolls and the driver's accommodation and meals
- Local tourist (city) taxes on accommodation, itemised in the quote
- One operations contact reachable around the clock while the group is on the ground
- Welcome dinner with wine pairing, lunch at a winery, dinner in Blagaj and gala dinner in Trebinje
- Tastings at two wineries in the Čitluk area and at the Tvrdoš Monastery wine cellar
- A dedicated incentive manager on site for the whole programme
- Printed or digital programme in your company branding on request
Not included
- International and domestic flights, unless quoted separately
- Visa fees and any visa support beyond the invitation letters we can issue for confirmed bookings
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- Meals and drinks not listed as included
- Optional excursions and activities
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Personal expenses, porterage at hotels unless requested, and anything not listed under included
- Blending workshop, entertainment and branded gifts (quoted on request)
- Extra nights in Dubrovnik
Hotel categories
- Superior: the best 4-star and 5-star hotels in Mostar, and the leading 4-star hotel in Trebinje
- Boutique: small heritage hotels in Mostar's old town for groups under 20
- Winery and countryside accommodation for small groups, subject to availability
- For groups over 40, Trebinje may require two hotels; alternatively the third night moves to the Dubrovnik area
Group size and guiding
The programme suits 10 to 60 participants. Groups over 25 are split between wineries for tastings and come together for meals. Transport is by coach, or by minibuses for a more exclusive feel.
An incentive manager from our team is on site throughout, with guides in English, German, Turkish, Arabic or Italian, and a wine expert or winemaker leading each tasting.
FAQ
Can the programme include a conference session?
Yes. We can add a half-day meeting in a Mostar hotel with conference facilities, or a breakout session at a winery, subject to capacity.
Is there anything for non-drinkers?
Yes. Every tasting includes non-alcoholic options, such as local juices and pairings, and the cultural visits stand on their own.
When is the harvest?
The grape harvest in Herzegovina usually runs from late August to September, depending on the year. Groups visiting then can see the harvest and sometimes take part.
Can we combine it with Dubrovnik?
Yes. Trebinje is about 45 minutes from Dubrovnik, so many incentives add one or two nights on the coast after the wine programme.
Can you make it exclusive?
Yes. Exclusive use of a winery terrace or a venue for the gala dinner can be arranged, subject to availability and the venue's terms.
Plan a wine incentive
Send your group size, dates and objectives. Our team replies with a tailored incentive proposal within 24 hours on working days.
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