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Walking Croatia: Islands & Mountains

Name: Walking Croatia: Islands & Mountains
Brand: Elife Travel
Price: 2275 USD
Availability: InStock

-18%

Country:

Croacia

Flight:

Not included

Favorite

Tour id:

33590

Operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels
Length:

8 days
Group size:

16 pax
Age:

16 to 99
Difficulty:
Difficulty levels:
- Relaxing
- Easy
- Moderate
- Serious
- Heart-pumping

06.09-13.09.25 guaranteed
13.09-20.09.25 guaranteed
27.09-04.10.25 guaranteed

Itinerary

From dazzling coasts to spectacular mountains, Adriatic islands to wild national parks, Croatia is a paradise for hikers. On this small-group adventure, we explore the most beautiful trails in the country, experiencing a diversity known by few outside the hiking community. There’s also time to explore the magnificent cities of Dubrovnik and Split, relax on beautiful beaches and visit dramatic waterfalls, while our tour leader shows you the greatest views and hiking trails.

Tour program

Day 1

Start Dubrovnik

The tour starts in the fascinating old city of Dubrovnik. Situated right on the Adriatic Sea, the fine religious buildings surrounded by heavily fortified walls and the jumble of red-tiled roofs make this a truly enchanting place. In the evening, we may have the opportunity to walk around the city (subject to flight arrival time) and go out for an optional group meal where we have a briefing about the tour. Accommodation: Hotel Vis or Hotel Komodor (or similar)

Day 2

Walk from Gornji Obod to Strazisce peak; explore Dubrovnik old town (breakfast)

After breakfast, we take a short transfer (about 25 minutes) to the village of Gornji Obod. From here, we follow a path that zig-zags up to the village of Velji Do. After a break, the walk continues up to Strazisce peak; at the top, we are rewarded with spectacular views back over Dubrovnik and can see the commemorative cross in memory of the US aircraft that crashed delivering aid in 1996. Return to Velji Do and then catch a bus back to Dubrovnik, where we have the afternoon to enjoy the city. The cobblestoned streets of the old town, or Stari Grad, feature fountains, churches, palaces and museums – all built from the same light stone. There are no motor vehicles in the city, but at night the streets come alive as people take an early evening stroll along the Stradun, the main street covered in smooth shiny marble. Accommodation: Hotel Vis or Hotel Komodor (or similar)

Day 3

Transfer to the Biokovo massif; walk to Makarska; to Brac (breakfast)

After breakfast, we transfer (3hr 30min, including a coffee break) by bus to Tucepi. There, we begin our walk to Makarska, through the Biokovo mountains. The Biokovo massif rises steeply above the Makarska Riviera in three spectacular shelves, providing hiking for all levels and fabulous views. Our destination of Makarska is a small but lively town, tastefully restored in stone after a devastating earthquake in 1962. It has a fantastic 1.2mi (2km) stretch of beach, so if we have a bit of time, we can take a refreshing dip before we head for Brac island. We catch the ferry from Makarska and transfer to Bol, by far the biggest draw on Brac. Accommodation: Villa Daniela (or similar)

Day 4

Climb Vidova Gora; afternoon to relax on the beach (breakfast)

Start with a 20-minute transfer to the small village of Gazul, where we begin our walk to the peak of Vidova Gora (2,559ft/780m). The first part takes us through woodland for around 90 minutes as we gradually ascend 755ft (230m) to the summit of the highest point on Brac. The views from the top are spectacular; we can see all the way to Hvar island in the distance and the 1,640ft (500m) long spit of Zlatni Rat jutting out to sea in the foreground – this view is one that features on many postcards in Croatia, so make sure to bring your camera. From here, our walk is downhill for around two hours towards Bol. In the afternoon, you can make the most of the glorious Zlatni Rat beach. It is south-facing – ideal for an afternoon of rest and relaxation. Accommodation: Villa Daniela (or similar)

Day 5

Ferry to Split; explore the old town; transfer to Krka National Park and visit the Skradinski Buk waterfalls (breakfast)

Begin with a morning ferry to Split, the second biggest city in Croatia. The old centre is compact and easily explored on foot; many make a beeline to the best-known attraction, Diocletian’s Palace. The town is a lively and friendly place with a cafe culture. We then transfer (approximately 52mi/84km) by bus to Krka National Park. Here, we begin our walk to Skradinski Buk, a series of waterfalls dropping down in 17 dramatic steps. The area is accessed by wooden walkways and forest paths. It’s also a fantastic spot for wildlife – an important sanctuary with several endemic species, some now extinct elsewhere in Europe. The walk takes around 2hr 30min and is all on easy paths. In the late afternoon, we transfer to Starigrad Paklenica. Accommodation: Hotel Vicko (or similar)

Day 6

Paklenica National Park gorge walk via Ramici Village (breakfast)

Take a transfer in the morning to the western part of Paklenica National Park. Here, we start our hiking tour, which passes old villages and fields, hidden among the rocky towers and ridges of this limestone realm. After reaching the highest point of the day (approximately 2,495ft/760m), offering splendid views of Velika Paklenica Canyon from the west, we go down to the main canyon and descend to the park entrance, admiring the mighty walls of Velika Paklenica along the way. As one of the most popular climbing destinations in the region, Paklenica attracts climbers from all over the world. While hiking down the canyon, admire the courage and determination of those on the cliffs. We end the hike at the park entrance and take a 10-minute transfer to the hotel. Accommodation: Hotel Vicko (or similar)

Day 7

Another day in Paklenica National Park; walk to a meadow; return to Starigrad Paklenica (breakfast)

We have another opportunity to explore the wonderful wilderness of Paklenica National Park and complete the most challenging hike of the trip. We walk to the saddle of Pod Jaginim Kukom, which has a great view up to Bojin Kuk. The Bojinac group is made of a vast area of limestone, with the karst scenery forming towers of rock, furrowed limestone cliffs, caves and green meadows, which contrasts against the severe rock. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty and a walker’s paradise. Today’s hike takes about five to six hours, the terrain is quite challenging and rocky and requires concentration, steady footing and good balance. En route, we pass the unusual Mirila graves. This afternoon, we return to Starigrad Paklenica in time for a swim and relaxation before leaving Croatia tomorrow. Accommodation: Hotel Vicko (or similar)

Day 8

End Zadar Airport (breakfast)

Enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel this morning, before starting your return journey home. Of course, if you’d like a little time to explore Zadar, home to Roman ruins and intriguing art installations, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Tour Details

accommodation

We typically stay in three-star properties, all well-located in towns and villages with a good variety of restaurants, allowing you to indulge in the fantastic local cuisine. Below are the hotels we typically use. Dubrovnik: Hotel Vis or Hotel Komodor (annex) (nights 1-2) Our first two nights are spent at either Hotel Vis or Hotel Komodor (above), both three-star beachside properties. The 151-room Vis hotel, sandwiched between pine trees and the Adriatic, has a rooftop terrace, bar, and a seaside restaurant serving local and international cuisines. The 113-room Komodor is split between a main stone building built in 1934 and a 50-room annex, which we stay in. It is close to restaurants and bars, and the bus stop for the old town is just in front of the hotel. A pebble beach is nearby or you can enjoy the outdoor pool. Bol, Brac: Villa Daniela (nights 3-4) This family-run hotel is a 15-minute stroll to the beloved Golden Horn beach. Katarina is one of the friendliest receptionists you’ll meet and her father has a lovely restaurant you can visit – it will be a dinner to remember. Traditional dishes made from local produce and vegetables grown in their garden will possibly be the culinary highlight of your trip. Starigrad Paklenica: Hotel Vicko (nights 5-7) Hotel Vicko is a short stroll from a public beach, ideal for a quick dip after walking through beautiful Paklenica National Park, and there is a good restaurant serving local dishes. This hotel truly understands the meaning of a hiker tourist; they never complain about muddy shoes or a wet overcoat. Their breakfast has various choices, and their restaurant menu comprises secret family recipes spiced with medical herbs from the great mountain of Velebit. Worth knowing Croatia is not the cheap destination some expect. Hotels tend to be more functional than luxurious with Communist-era architecture and facilities. We work with several hotels to ensure availability and a comfortable place to rest. Some hotels we use don’t have lifts. If you opt for the single supplement, please note that in some hotels, this may mean having a single bed, rather than double. If you would like to upgrade to a double-bedded room this is subject to availability at an extra charge.

flights

International flights are not included

guide

Normally four to 16, plus tour leader and driver.

insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered.

meals

All breakfasts are included. For breakfast, expect a large continental buffet with meats and cheeses, bread, jams and pastries, plus tea and coffee. Croatian cuisine is a mixture of fine seafood, grilled meat, pizza, pasta and salads, with influences from central Europe, Italy and the Balkans. Delicacies we highly recommend include squid-ink risotto and octopus salad.

optional

Other activities and services not included

others

All transport and listed activities

— Travel insurance — Single accommodation (available on request) — Visas or vaccinations — Local bus tickets in Dubrovnik

transport

Travel is by private bus, scheduled ferry services, and public bus in Dubrovnik.

Good to know

Currency

€

Euro

Croacia

Customer reviews

Overall

4.3

Itinerary

Guide

4.8

Transport

4.3

Accommodation

4.3

Food

4.2

Operator

4.4

Faq Tour

How can I book a tour?

You can order a tour on our website by selecting the desired dates and clicking the “Confirm dates” button. You can also contact our sales department by phone or email.

Which payment options are available?

We accept credit cards, bank transfers and other popular payment methods.

Can I change or cancel my reservation?

Yes, changes or cancellations are possible, however penalties may apply depending on the time before the tour starts.

What documents are required to participate in the tour?

You will need a passport with a valid visa (if required) to visit countries along the tour route.