Croatia offers one of Europe's favorite destinations, but one that is often overlooked by those 'not in the know'.
Affording a land of lush mountain passes, vibrant medieval ports, and numerous unspoiled Mediterranean islands, Croatia easily rivals other, more well-known trekking destinations.
This 8-day experience takes in the best Croatia can offer, including world-renowned UNESCO World Heritage sites, unspoiled National Parks, historic cities, ancient ports, as well as some breathtaking treks into unique and exhilarating locations, not to mention cool sea swimming opportunities.
With an optional 3-day add-on, this trip includes:
Explore the pristine Pelješac Peninsula, including the islands of Brač and Korčula
Venture amid the unspoiled trails of the Biokovo and Mljet National Parks
Discover ancient medieval World Heritage sites in the walled coastal city of Dubrovnik, the Romanesque Split, and the island town of Trogir
Enjoy mouthwatering Mediterranean-infused cuisine and unique Dalmatian dishes
Experience an exciting range of optional activities and excursions, from exploring ancient mountaintop forts to fertile and lively botanical gardens
Level 2 - Easy to Moderate
Split is Croatia's second-largest city and your entry point to the country for the start of your trip. From the airport, we make the brief transfer (30 minutes) for our first overnight stay in Trogir, a historic harbor town and our first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Accommodation:
For the duration of this trip, we look to boutique and family-run hotels (approximately 2/3 *) each possessing individual character, terrific service, and accessible locations.
Day 1 accommodation is in Trogir.
Accommodation includes, but is not limited to:
Hotel Tragos*
Hotel Trogir Palace*
Hotel Vila Tina*
*Note: The above-listed hotels represent examples of previously used accommodation. Actual locations will not be finalized until nearer to the trip departure and remain subject to change, including during the trip.
The day begins with breakfast followed by a short drive (30mins) into the mountains for our first walk.....a steady, gentle ascent to enjoy the dramatic vista which overlooking the cities of Trogir and Split. Descending, we take time to explore the historic renaissance Chapel of St. Ivan and enjoy lunch and some authentic Dalmatian cuisine.
Following lunch we depart to explore Split, Croatia's second largest city.
In Split we visit the grand Diocletian's Palace and continue the day with the option to join a guided walk in Marjan Forest Park and to take in the cities ancient churches and historic Old Town.
The day ends with a transfer to Makarska (1 hour 20 Minutes) and our overnight accommodation.
Kozjak Trail : WALKING TIME 1h50 /
Distance 5,1km / Elevation 211m
Marjan Trail and Split city tour :
WALKING TIME MARJAN 1h30min and
Split city 2h30min / Distance
8,5km / Elevation 235m
Accommodation: Imotski
Hotel Zdilar
*Note: The above listed hotels represent examples of previously used accommodation. Actual locations will not be finalised until nearer to the trip departure and remain subject to change, including during the trip.
Brač is the the third largest island in the Adriatic and home to the 'Vidova Gora', the highest peak amongst all of the islands, sitting at 780m above sea level.
To reach Brač we enjoy a short ferry to the Island before commencing a gentle climb through the lush forests and picturesque trails. We summit the Vidova Gora to enjoy a commanding panorama that stretches from of Split, across to the Islands of Hvar and Korčula.
A picnic lunch at the site of a picturesque mountain hut comes complete with views across the ocean and of nearby Islands. Descending, we to take time to explore Brač's vineyards, olive groves, hidden coves, and lush golden beaches.
We rejoin the ferry to return to the mainland and our overnight accommodation.
Trail from Bol to Vidova Gora to Gažul :
WALKING TIME 5h / Distance 12km /
Elevation 770m
Accommodation: Imotski
Hotel Zdilar
*Note: The above listed hotels represent examples of previously used accommodation. Actual locations will not be finalised until nearer to the trip departure and remain subject to change, including during the trip.
Day Four offers a fantastic day of walking.
Geopark Biokovo-Imotski Lakes is Croatia's third UNESCO heritage site and home to myriad amazing sights.
From a 'not for the faint of heart' skywalk, to a botanical gardens and medieval fortress, and Biokovo Mountain Range.
With diverse vegetation and wildlife, the park offers a host of exciting opportunities for visitors to revel in.
Accommodation:
Tonight's accommodation is in Korcula.
Port 9 hotel
Younique Liburna Hotel
Marko Polo Maradiso
*Note: The above listed hotels represent examples of previously used accommodation. Actual locations will not be finalised until nearer to the trip departure and remain subject to change, including during the trip.
Sitting in the Adriatic, just 3km from the Dalmatian coast, Korčula is home to lush olive groves, unique and exclusive wines, picturesque coves, and a hive of Croatian and Dalmatian cultural pursuits.
Our time on Korčula begins with a hike that takes us though a host of unspoilt villages and into the Kocje Forest, heading up onto the ridge-line which affords stunning views of the Adriatic, the neighbouring island of Mljet and across Korčula itself.
Lunch in a stunningly located renowned family owned restaurant is followed by the opportunity for a dip in the Adriatic, at the peaceful cove of Pavja Luka, and a guided tour of the enchanting botanical trail which takes us to Postrana, our overnight accommodation and dinner.
Tonight's accommodation is in Korcula.
Today's Walk is 7h30min / Distance 23km
Elevation 680m
Accommodation:
Port 9 hotel
Younique Liburna Hotel
*Note: The above listed hotels represent examples of previously used accommodation. Actual locations will not be finalised until nearer to the trip departure and remain subject to change, including during the trip.
A 30 minute catamaran ride takes us from Korčula to the neighbouring island of Mljet.
Beginning our walk in the costal town of Pomona, we quickly make our way into the Mljet National Park, the oldest marine protected park in the entire Mediterranean. Stretching over 5300 hectares, we experience the parks rich flora, wildlife and cultural heritage as the hiking trail takes us from lush swimming spots, up onto the twin peaks of Montokuc and Veliki Gradac to enjoy stunning views across the island and beyond.
A return boat ride to Korčula ends the day's adventures.
WALKING TIME: 5h / Distance 15km / Elevation 450m
Accommodation:
Today's accommodation is in Korcula.
Port 9 hotel
*Note: The above listed hotels represent examples of previously used accommodation. Actual locations will not be finalised until nearer to the trip departure and remain subject to change, including during the trip.
We begin the day with a return to the mainland, before heading to Orebiċ on a trail which takes us though picturesque hamlets, fertile olive groves, and evergreen forest paths, to reach the monastery of 'Our Lady of Angels'. Founded in the 16th century, this Franciscan monastery offers a stunning view of its surroundings and across to Korčula.
An afternoon of cultural immersion and wine tasting offers a highlight of the trip, after which we make our way to the storied city of Dubrovnik.
With the opportunity to visit filming locations featured in Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Game of Thrones, we also take time to explore Dubrovnik's 'Old Town' and enjoy dinner and our overnight stay.
Orebić trail : WALKING TIME 2h /
Distance 6,3km / Elevation 200m
Wine tasting and snack at the Matuško winery
Accommodation:
Hotel Konavle (Čilipi)
*Note: The above listed hotels represent examples of previously used accommodation. Actual locations will not be finalised until nearer to the trip departure and remain subject to change, including during the trip.
Day 8 is departure day, however, depending on individual transfer timings, there may be the opportunity to take in a sightseeing tour of the nearby town of Cavtat, home to a picturesque harbour, bustling promenade and tranquil pebbled beaches.
This trip offers the opportunity to add a further 3 days of activities to the itinerary, extending the trip from 8 to 11 days, with additional activities including:
Additional Day 1 - Explore Dubrovnik and hike Srd Peak, which at 1,352 feet offers stunning views across Dubrovnik and beyond.
Additional Day 2 - Lokrum Island
This excursion includes a short ferry trip to visit the picturesque nature reserve and sanctuary on Lokrum Island. With stunning botanical gardens, a salt-water lake, abundant wildlife, and endless paths and trails to explore - Lokrum makes for an exciting addition to your Croatian adventures.
Additional Day 3 - Montenegro Boka Kotorska Bay, Kotor Town and the Gorazda Fortress
The Bay of Kotor actually sits within Montenegro, where numerous medieval towns and villages line the cliffs and coat around the bay.
During this day trip we visit the town of Kotor, with its cathedral and ancient fortifications which include an excursion to the hillside Fort of Gorazda, which was built in 1884 and used as a military installation all the way up until the early 1990s.
Q. Is the accommodation listed in the itinerary guaranteed?
A. While we endeavour to ensure that the accommodation listed on the itinerary will be where you stay, open occasion it may be necessary to switch to an alternative.
When this happens we work hard to ensure that the alternative accommodation is of the same or a better standard, that it's location is close to the original destination, and that the overall impact is minimised in every way.
Accommodation details will be finalised and shared close to the trip departure (4-6 weeks in advance), however remains subject to change up to and following departure.
Q. How challenging are the treks / hikes?
A. we have graded this trip as a level 2/3
(please see the grading section on the Live Breathe Hike website).
This trip includes walking durations of up to 5-7 hours and can include trekking in the wilderness with ascents and descents in hilly terrain, as well as tours in towns and cities.
You / your party members should also be comfortable carrying your personal possessions required for the day in a rucksack, which might include items such as:
A water bottle
Snacks
Camera / phone / electronics
waterproof / windproof jacket / trousers
Warm top / sun hat / sun cream
Any other items you would want to access while out for the day
If you would like further advice on the suitability of this trip for you or your party, please contact us.
Q. Do I have to do the planned activities, every day?
A. Not necessarily. Clients can request a 'rest day' or perhaps the opportunity to break from the scheduled itinerary.
It should be noted that on some days our excursion may form the transit between overnight locations, so a rest day may require the guest to make their way to the next location under their own initiative or at their own expense - in all cases we will work with guests to best accommodate their request.