Compare Croatia: Islands & Mountains by Exodus Travels vs Croatia: Treasure of the Adriatic Coast by Road Scholar

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 take a walk around the city (subject to flight arrival time) and go out for an optional group meal where we will have a briefing about the tour. Accommodation: Hotel Vis or Hotel Komodor (or similar)

Day 2 Walk from Gornji Obod to Strazisce Peak; transfer to Dubrovnik, explore the old town

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. We return to Velji Do and then catch a bus back to Dubrovnik where we have the afternoon to enjoy the city. The shelling of Dubrovnik by Serb troops in 1991 and 1992 outraged the world. Fortunately, great care has been taken over the last decade to rebuild and the city has now returned to its former glory. The cobblestoned streets of the old town, or Stari Grad, feature fountains, churches, palaces and museums – all built from the same light-coloured 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 – this is the main street and is covered in smooth shiny marble. Accommodation: Hotel Vis or Hotel Komodor (or similar)

Day 3 Transfer up the coast to the Biokovo Massif; walk above the town of Makarska; transfer to Bol on the island of Brac

After breakfast, we will transfer by bus to Tucepi. This transfer takes about 3hr 30min, including a coffee break en route. Once in Tucepi 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 the island of Brac. We will 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 for views over Bol and Zlatni Rat, the Golden Beach; afternoon to relax on the beach

We start today 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 above sea level). The first part of our walk will take 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 of Vidova Gora are spectacular; we can see all the way to the island of Hvar 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 the town of Bol. In the afternoon you can make the most of the glorious beach of Zlatni Rat. It is south-facing – ideal for an afternoon of rest and relaxation. Accommodation: Villa Daniela (or similar)

Day 5 Catch the ferry to Split and explore the old town before transferring to Krka National Park; visit the Skradinski Buk waterfalls

We begin with a morning ferry transfer 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 as a whole is a lively and friendly place with a cafe culture. Stop, have a coffee and soak up the atmosphere. We then have a 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 will take around 2hr 30min and all on easy paths. In the late afternoon, we transfer to Starigrad Paklenica. Accommodation: Hotel Vicko (or similar)

Day 6 Velika Paklenica National Park gorge walk via Ramici Village

In the morning we take a transfer to the western part of Paklenica National Park where we start our hiking tour passing old villages and fields, hidden among rocky towers and ridges of this limestone realm. After reaching the highest point of the day (approx. 760m), offering splendid views of Velika Paklenica Canyon from the west, we go down to the main canyon and descend to the entrance of the park, 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, you will be able to admire the courage and determination of climbers whom we will see high above us in the vertical world of Paklenica cliffs. We end the hike at the park entrance and take a short (10min) transfer back to the hotel. Accommodation: Hotel Vicko (or similar)

Day 7 Another day in Paklenica National Park; walk to a meadow beneath Bojin Kuk peak before returning to Starigrad Paklenica in the afternoon

Today 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 creating a contrast against the severe rock. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty and a walker’s paradise. Today's walk 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

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 hotel stay.

Day 1
In Transit to Program
In Flight

Day 2
Arrival, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner.
Location: Zagreb Meal: D Hotel: Hotel Palace
Activity note: Check-in available from 2:00 p.m.

Dinner: In the hotel dining room, enjoy a Welcome Dinner. Dinners on this program are typically a buffet, or a three-course set menu. Please note that water, coffee or tea is included in the program cost at all meals.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 3
Explore Zagreb
Location: Zagreb Meal: B,L,D Hotel: Hotel Palace
Activity note: Approximately 2 hours walking during the day.

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room, our breakfast buffet offers a daily selection of breads, cheeses, cold-cuts, yogurt, fruit, cereals, juice, milk, coffee, tea and water.

Morning: Led by a local expert, enjoy a field trip in Zagreb, the bustling capital of Croatia. Walk along the curving streets of Kaptol and Gradec, see the Gothic cathedral, and explore the lower town, including the green horseshoe, by bus.

Lunch: In the hotel dining room.

Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities, which can be found in the first Information Packet. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 4
Travel to Opatija
Location: Opatija Meal: B,L,D Hotel: Hotel Agava
Activity note: Transfer time: 2.5 hours to Rijeka, 45 mins to Opatija. Approximately 1 hour walking during the day.

Breakfast: in hotel dining room.

Morning: At the hotel, take in an expert led lecture about the relationship between Croatia and the European Union. Then, depart for Opatija.

Lunch: En route at a local restaurant in Rijeka. Also known by its Italian name "Fiume," Rijeka is the most important transportation center of this region and the third largest city in Croatia.

Afternoon: Arrive in Opatija. Check-in at the hotel before taking an orientation walk of the city.

Dinner: In the hotel dining room, enjoy a buffet dinner.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 5
Istrian Peninsula, Rovinj, Porec
Location: Opatija Meal: B,L,D Hotel: Hotel Agava
Activity note: Transfer time: 1.5 hours to Rovinj, 1 hour to Porec, 1.5 hours back to Opatija. Approximately 3-4 hours walking during the day.

Breakfast: In hotel dining room.

Morning: Explore the Istrian Peninsula. The Istrian Peninsula was part of Italy until World War II, so it still has a strong Italian influence. Situated on a peninsula, the small island of Rovinj is one of the most charming towns in Istria. Enjoy a walking excursion here to see its local market and experience its amazing atmosphere. The town is a maze of narrow streets, and the peninsula is crowned with the largest baroque church of the neighborhood, devoted to St. Euphemia.

Lunch: At a local restaurant in Rovinj.

Afternoon: Take an expert-led walking excursion in Porec, a lovely town that is proud of its Roman heritage. It is also the home to a World Heritage Monument, the Euphrasian Basilica, which is one of the finest examples of Byzantine Art from the 5th century. See the basilica from the inside.

Dinner: In the hotel dining room, enjoy a buffet dinner.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 6
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Location: Split Meal: B,L,D Hotel: Hotel Slavija
Activity note: Transfer time: 2.5 hours to Plitvice, 3 more to Split. Approximately 2-3 hours walking in the national park. To get to the lakes there is a long steep incline, no railing. In many places a narrow boardwalk takes you over the lakes with no railing. To get back up to the parking and dining area, you have to use either stairs or a steep incline. Alternative option to view the lakes and waterfalls from above with some flat walking.

Breakfast: In hotel dining room.

Morning: Depart to Split. Travel from the Istrian Peninsula and stop along the way at Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a walking excursion. Part of the Dinaric Karst, the national park has a unique landscape with waterfalls, cascades, and several small rivers that flow through 16 crystal clear lakes. The park is rich with flora and fauna as well.

Lunch: At the park, enjoy a picnic lunch.

Afternoon: Continue on to Split, and arrive in the late afternoon. Check-in to hotel.

Dinner: In hotel dining room.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 7
Diocletian's Palace
Location: Split Meal: B,L Hotel: Hotel Slavija
Activity note: Approximately 2.5 hours walking during the day.

Breakfast: In hotel dining room.

Morning: Expert-led field trip through Diocletian's Palace in Split. The palace has been a living monument for 1700 years, since the Roman Empire. Explore the Peristyle, Cathedral, former gates and rooms of the palace, and the majestic statues by Ivan Mestrovic - the greatest 20th century Croatian sculptor.

Lunch: At a restaurant in the Old Town.

Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities, which can be found in the first Information Packet. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 8
Trogir, Mestrovic Gallery
Location: Split Meal: B,L,D Hotel: Hotel Slavija
Activity note: Transfer time: 1 hour to Trogir, 1 hour back to Split. Approximately 3 hours walking during the day, some standing in the museum. Mestrovic Gallery: ca. 60 stairs lead up to the house from the entrance gate on the road below, plus some more to the upper floor.

Breakfast: In hotel dining room.

Morning: Expert-led walking excursion in the World Heritage Site and charming medieval town of Trogir. The city is situated on a tiny island connected to the mainland by a bridge, and is full of rich Romanesque and Renaissance architecture. Explore the St. Lawrence Cathedral, and pass by the city walls and gates, and Duke's Palace.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Field trip to the Mestrovic Gallery, situated in the villa where sculptor Ivan Mestrovic used to live overlooking the blue Adriatic sea. Known as the greatest 20th century sculptor in Croatia, Mestrovic's works can be found all around the world. On display at the gallery are bronze, marble, and wood sculptures, along with drawings, architectural plans, and family furniture.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 9
Mostar
Location: Dubrovnik Meal: B,L,D Hotel: Tirena Hotel
Activity note: Transfer time: 2.5 hours to Mostar, then 3 more to Dubrovnik. Approximately 2 hours walking during the day. In Mostar be careful crossing the Old bridge as the stone work is smooth and slippery.

Breakfast: In hotel dining room.

Morning: Travel along the coast to Dubrovnik. On the way, we stop in Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina) to see its World Heritage Site. The old bridge of Mostar symbolizes the unity of the different nationalities living in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The bridge was destroyed in the war, but was rebuilt to its original form in 2004.

Lunch: At a restaurant in Mostar.

Afternoon: Arrive in Dubrovnik. Check-in to hotel.

Dinner: In the hotel dining room, enjoy a buffet dinner.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 10
Dubrovnik Sightseeing, Free Time
Location: Dubrovnik Meal: B,L  Hotel: Tirena Hotel
Activity note: Approximately 2 hours walking during the day.

Breakfast: In hotel dining room.

Morning: At the hotel, enjoy a lecture on Croatia's history and present day life. After, we will continue onto an expert-led walking excursion in Dubrovnik, a World Heritage Site. See the Rector's palace, Franciscan Monastery, Onofrio fountain and St. Blaise's Church, among other highlights.

Lunch: At a local restaurant in the old town of Dubrovnik.

Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities, which can be found in the first Information Packet. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.

Evening: At leisure. You may want to see an optional concert this evening. Your program staff can give you a list of available performances when you are on the program.

Day 11
Ston (Peljasac Peninsula), Mljet Island National Park
Location: Dubrovnik Meal: B,L,D Hotel: Tirena Hotel
Activity note: Transfer time: 1 hour to Ston, 50 mins boat ride/ each way, 1.5 hour back to Dubrovnik by bus. Approximately 3-4 hours walking during the day. In case of bad weather, we will explore the Peljasac Peninsula instead of sailing to Mljet Island National Park.

Breakfast: In hotel dining room.

Morning: This morning we will drive to Ston to visit the old walls which used to protect the salt production of Peljasac Peninsula. Take a short walk in town, and then a photo stop at the Salt Pans. After a short drive, we will take a small boat to the Mljet Island National Park.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Hike and boat through Mljet Island National Park. The park is located in the northwestern region of the island of Mljet, known as the greenest and most tranquil island in Croatia. Explore the lush vegetation, pine forests, and two saltwater lakes in the park. Take a boat back to Peljasac Peninsula, and then drive to a local winery.

Dinner: At a local winery on the Peljasac Peninsula, enjoy dinner with wine tasting. Arrive back in Dubrovnik around 8:30 PM.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 12
Konavle Region
Location: Dubrovnik Meal: B,L,D Hotel: Tirena Hotel
Activity note: Transfer time: short transfers between sites. Approximately 1 hour walking during the day.

Breakfast: In hotel dining room.

Morning: Start your day with some free time to relax, enjoy the sea or pack. On our way to lunch, enjoy a visit to the River Ljuta where we will see a reconstructed watermill and stamp mill and learn about the production of wool and fabric.

Lunch: At a local family restaurant.

Afternoon: Visit the town of Cavtat, once known as Epidaurus, and the administrative center of Konavle. The town is situated in a beautiful bay. Those who are ready for a short climb will visit the cemetery of the town, home to the Mausoleum of the Racic family. The Mausoleum was designed by the best known Croatian sculptor, Ivan Mestrovic. In the late afternoon, we will visit Cilipi, a village famous for its folk traditions. We enjoy a visit to the garden of a local family who owns the restaurant where we will enjoy our farewell dinner.

Dinner: At a local family restaurant, enjoy a Farewell Dinner with a folk dance performance, local folk music and singing.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 13
Departures
Location: In Flight Meal: B
Activity note: Check-out by 10:00 a.m.

Breakfast: In hotel dining room.