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(53 reviews)
- Duration: 3 hours
- Max people: 20
- Medium difficulty
- Min age: 0+
- Pickup: Sarajevo
- Drop-off: Sarajevo
Tour overview
Shot that Changed the World tour is dedicated to two bullets fired in a Sarajevo street on a sunny June morning in 1914 set in motion a series of events that shaped the world we live in today.
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, nephew of Emperor Franz Josef and heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, is known as the central event that caused World War I.
In order to better understand the political climate which was prevalent in Europe in 1914 and the reasons why the First World War started, as well as how the Sarajevo Assassination happened and changed the course of the World map back then, we designed a Shot that Changed the World Tour.
You will see the most important sites related to the Austro-Hungarian period in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the assassination of the archduke itself, and you will find out how the empire’s rule impacted Bosnian society back at that time.
Tour pricing
Single ticket
50€/per person
Tour timetable
- Departure & return location: Meet Bosnia Tours agency – at the crossroads of Gazi Husrev Begova 75, Mula Mustafe Bašeskije, Sarajevo 71000, or we can pick you up at your hotel. (See on maps)
- Departure time: 10:00 AM
Tour highlights
- Sarajevo Assassination and start of WW1
- Latin Bridge/Princip's bridge
- More about Gavrilo Princip in Museum
- Chappel of Gavrilo Princip
- Location of Gavrilo Princip's Statue
- Sarajevo City Hall
- Stand at the place of assassination
- Appel Quay
- Hotel Austria & Bosnia
Itinerary
Sarajevo City Hall (Vijećnica)
The Gavrilo Princip tour begins at the majestic Sarajevo City Hall, one of the most beautiful Austro-Hungarian buildings in the Balkans. This landmark, built in the late 19th century, served as the ceremonial venue where Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg, were to be received during their visit to Sarajevo on June 28, 1914.
Your guide will set the scene, explaining the historical and political tensions in the Balkans under Austro-Hungarian rule, and why this visit carried symbolic weight. The chosen date — June 28 — was particularly sensitive, as it marked both the anniversary of the Battle of Kosovo (1389) and Franz Ferdinand’s wedding anniversary, intertwining national symbolism and personal sentiment.
It was on this day that a sequence of events would change the course of history forever — the assassination of Franz Ferdinand that sparked World War I.
Latin Bridge and Sarajevo Museum 1914
The Gavrilo Princip tour continues at the Latin Bridge, the exact site of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife. Standing here, you will hear the full story of how the First World War started, step by step.
Your guide will explain the rise of Young Bosnia (Mlada Bosna), a revolutionary movement of South Slavic youth inspired by national liberation ideals, and its ties to the Black Hand, a secret Serbian organisation that helped plan the assassination.
You will learn about the first failed attempt earlier that morning, and how, by a twist of fate — a wrong turn by the Archduke’s driver — 19-year-old Gavrilo Princip found himself face to face with the royal couple.
He fired two shots: one killing Sophie, who was pregnant, and the other striking Franz Ferdinand in the neck. Both died within minutes.
The event triggered a chain reaction — alliances mobilised, and within weeks, Europe was at war. This part of the tour includes a visit to the Sarajevo Museum 1878–1918, where exhibitions detail everyday life in Bosnia under Austro-Hungarian rule and the assassination that started World War I.
Appel Quay, Gavrilo Princip’s Chapel, and Hotel Austria
Assassination by Gavrilo Princip that marked the start of World War I continues along Appel Quay, following the same route taken by the Archduke’s motorcade on that fateful morning. Your guide will recount the sequence of moments that led up to the tragedy and the confusion that followed.
You’ll then visit the Chapel of Gavrilo Princip, where he and several members of the Young Bosnia organisation were buried. This stop offers a deeper look into how Princip and his companions were viewed — as terrorists, revolutionaries, or freedom fighters, depending on perspective.
Nearby stands the historic Hotel Austria & Bosna, where Franz Ferdinand and Sophie stayed during their visit. It was from this hotel that the couple began their last journey, unaware of what awaited them just a few streets away.
Statue of Gavrilo Princip (East Sarajevo)
The final stop on the tour is the Statue of Gavrilo Princip, located in East Sarajevo, within the Republika Srpska entity. The monument represents the divided legacy of Princip — seen by some as a hero who fought against occupation, and by others as the man who set off one of the bloodiest conflicts in human history.
Here, your guide will explain how Gavrilo Princip’s legacy continues to influence politics, identity, and memory across the Balkans and Europe.
Return to Sarajevo
After visiting all key historical sites connected to the assassination of Franz Ferdinand, the Gavrilo Princip tour ends in central Sarajevo. You will leave with a clear understanding of how the First World War started, and how one act in Sarajevo reshaped the entire world.
Included
- Entrance fee for Sarajevo Museum
- Licensed guide
- Transportation
- AC equipped vehicle
- Hotel pick-up
- Hotel drop-off
- Luggage handling: you may bring it with you on the tour, or securely store it for free at our office during the day.
Excluded
- Entrance to City Hall
- Private tour
- Private expenses
- Food & beverages
What to bring on tour
- Passport & Visa (if required)
- Local Currency (BAM - Convertible Mark)
- Travel Insurance
- Adapter & Charger
- Mobile Phone
FAQ
You can book directly through our website, contact us via email or phone, or visit our office in Sarajevo. We are happy to assist with any inquiries and help you plan your perfect trip!
Yes, we provide private drivers and guides for a more personalized experience. Let us know your preferences, and we will arrange the best option for you.
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Many travelers from the EU, the US, and several other countries can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Please check with your local embassy for specific details.
Pack according to the season. Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a small backpack for day trips are recommended. Don’t forget essentials like travel adapters and personal medication.
Tipping in Bosnia is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving a 10% tip is common. Tipping tour guides, drivers, and hotel staff is also customary depending on the service quality.
Reviews
Jerom F
The tour was very interesting and educational. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and always willing to answer all our questions.
Arthur
Top organized, very friendly and competent tour guide. Questions were responded to immediately via Whatsapp, even late in the evening. Absolutely recommend!
Jezzyka
This was a really great way to understand Sarajevo’s recent history. Many thanks to Emir and Riad for sharing their experiences.
Gabriel E
Good guide, ready to share his personal experiences and opinions about recent Bosnian history; very informative tour. Recommended.
Emine P
The tour was informative and enjoyable. I have general knowledge but it was a nice experience to see and listen to the local guide. Many thanks to our guide Christian. He was young, dynamic and professional. It was my third tour with this company and I was very pleased with all of them, thank you.
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Every tour can also be organised as a private tour. For private arrangements, contact us by email at
info@meetbosnia.com
or via WhatsApp at
+387 61 240 286
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