Bosnia in 2-3 days

Stick to Sarajevo for the first two days. Have a mooch round the centre of town then visit the Tunnel Museum before heading into the mountains to walk or ski depending on the season (the risk of unexploded mines means you should stick to the roads unless with a guide). Have dinner at the Park Princeva restaurant and drink in the great views of Sarajevo below. On day three take a trip to Mostar to see the city’s legendary Stari Most (Old Bridge).

In 7-9 days

As above but fly into Split or Dubrovnik in Croatia so you can start in Mostar. On the way to Sarajevo take a side trip to spot the Virgin Mary in Medjugorje. After three days in the capital head north-west to the medieval castles of Travnik and Jajce. Drop into Bihac for some white-knuckle fun on the Una River and continue onto the glittering Plitvica Lakes in Croatia.

Two weeks +

While you could easily linger longer in Sarajevo and Mostar, soaking up the cafe culture, if you’ve got a fortnight make the most of Bosnia’s fantastic location in the heart of Eastern Europe. Skip over the southern border for some island hopping in Croatia or make like James Bond and head to the coastal charms of Montenegro. To step things up a gear take a train to the buzzy Serbian capital of Belgrade.