Compare Croatia: Dalmatian Coast Hiking & Kayaking by Boundless Journeys vs Croatia: Dolphins & Islands Expedition by Discover Corps

Day 1: Split

Accommodation: Hotel Adriana, Hvar

Walking - 3 to 4 hours, easy.

The first day of our tour begins with a walk through the bustling city of Split, one of the Adriatic’s most vibrant ports of call. Through the centuries, it has changed hands between Greeks and Romans, Byzantines, Venetians and Austrians (among others), but perhaps the city’s greatest claim to fame is its enormous, 3rd-century Palace of Diocletian. Created as the Roman emperor’s “retirement home”, the structure is an important example of transitional style, comprising an imperial villa, Hellenistic town, and Roman camp.

This afternoon, we enjoy lunch and an olive oil tasting in town, before boarding a ferry to the island of Hvar. Upon arrival, we visit the charming town of Jelsa, located in central Hvar between the island’s two highest mountains, St. Nikola and Hum. Tonight we enjoy a wine tasting at one of Croatia’s most well known vintners, Tomic, where the pillared stone cellar is modeled after a Roman dining room and constructed using materials and methods originally employed by Diocletian.

At day’s end, we retire to our boutique hotel in the town of Hvar, offering panoramic views of the town and the marina.

Day 2: Velo Grablje to Malo Grablje

Accommodation: Hotel Adriana, Hvar

Hiking - 3 to 5 hours, easy to moderate; 600 feet to sea level. Approximately 7 miles.

Today begins with a hike from the hamlet of Velo Grablje to Malo Grablje, an abandoned stone village that preserves important examples of Croatian architecture dating from the 9th through the 12th centuries. Later this morning, the downhill trail takes us from rugged canyons to the coast, and the tranquil bay town of Milna. We continue along emerald coves and white pebble beaches laced with the scent of pine trees, on our return to Hvar.

This evening, we visit the unspoiled villages of Hvar’s northern coast, where we are dinner guests at the historic estate of a local artist. Here we  enjoy a homemade meal made from local organic products, and an artist- led studio tour.

Day 3: Pakleni Islands

Accommodation: Hotel Adriana, Hvar

Sea Kayaking - 2 to 4 hours, easy; walking - 1-2 hours, easy.

This morning we take to the Adriatic for a sea-kayaking excursion to the Pakleni Islands, an emerald archipelago just a short distance from the town of Hvar. Here, white-pebble beaches and secluded coves are dotted with Aleppo pines, once an import source for the resin that was used for centuries as a protective coating for the islands’ sea-faring galleys.

In the afternoon, we return to Hvar for a stroll inside the city’s 13th-century walls to its sprawling central square, Trg Svetog Stjepana. Here we enjoy a talk with the island’s foremost aromatherapist.

As the day wanes, you may choose to make the climb up to Fortress Španjol, a medieval citadel built to defend the city against the Turks. Here the views of Hvar’s Old Town and the setting sun are unparalleled.

Day 4: Neretva Plain (“Croatian California”) and Ston

Accommodation: Hotel Indijan, Orebic

Hiking - 2 hours, easy to moderate. Approximately 2 miles. 

Our fourth day begins with a transfer to Hvar’s eastern-most tip, where we board a ferry for the 20-minute voyage back to the mainland. Our first destination this afternoon is the Neretva Plain, an hour’s drive inland. Rolling fields, clear rivers, and the distant outline of the Dinaric Alps are highlights of this region, known as the “Croatian California” for its ability to produce the best selection of citrus fruit in the country. We stop by a local vendor to sample delicacies such as tangerine honey and walnut shnaptz. As we make our way south, we briefly cross the border into Bosnia before returning to Croatia and our destination, the Peljesac Peninsula and the town of Ston.

Once in Ston, we take a two-hour hike along the village’s famous 14th-century stone wall. At more than three miles long (second only in length to China’s Great Wall), the impressive structure once housed 14 towers, and was used to protect both the Dubrovnik Republic’s western borders and Ston’s valuable salt pans, which are still in use today.

Our tour today ends in Orebic, a charming resort town where we check in at the beach-front, Hotel Indijan, at the foot of St. Ilija mountain. 

Day 5: Korcula

Accommodation: Hotel Indijan, Orebic

Walking - 1 hour, easy; sea kayaking - 2 to 4 hours, easy.

Following breakfast, a short ferry transfer brings us across the channel to the scenic island of Korcula for an educational city tour by a renowned local guide. Korcula town’s grid of marble streets and whitewashed buildings are rich in history and architecture, and the island is known as a cultural epicenter where age-old folk music, dancing, and religious ceremonies can still be observed.

We break for a few hours of sea kayaking on the crystalline waters around Korcula, where small islands offer a plethora of sunny beach hamlets and hidden lagoons to explore. Back on land, we have an afternoon taste test of some of the Peljesac Peninsula’s acclaimed wines, often considered the best in the country.

For dinner this evening, we may want to try one of the local konobas— restaurants that originated as fishermen’s hangouts, where hardworking seafarers could enjoy their catch at a meal cooked by the restaurant owner. Located in the hills above Peljesac, the konobas showcase regional Dalmatian cuisine such as air-dried ham or pršut, and dishes baked “under the bell”—a traditional method of cooking meat and vegetable dishes in a metal dome buried in glowing embers. This evening’s meal is sure to be a savory and sumptuous feast.

Day 6: Mljet

Accommodation: Hotel Indijan, Orebic

Hiking - 3 to 4 hours, easy to moderate; 700 foot elevation gain. Approximately 7 miles.

Today, a private boat brings us to the forested island of Mljet, just east of Korcula. The island’s epic beauty was first chronicled in Homer’s The Odyssey as the place that captivated Odysseus for seven years. Today, Mljet’s northwest half has been preserved as a national park, and we will spend the day hiking along pine-shaded paths to one of the island’s unique saltwater lakes. After our adventure, we return by boat to Orebic for the night.

Day 7: Napolean Trail Hike, Peljesac Peninsula; transfer to Dubrovnik

Accommodation: Grand Villa Argentina or Dubrovinik Palace, Dubrovnik

Hike – easy to moderate, on hiking trails, 2-3 hours; 650 foot elevation gain. Approximately 6 miles.

This morning’s hike takes us to the slopes of nearby Mt. Ilija, the highest mountain on the Peljesac Peninsula. Mt. Ilija offers one of the best vistas in Dalmatia, with views of the surrounding Dinaric Alps; the islands of Korcula, Brac, Hvar, Vis, and Mljet; the Neretva river delta; Dubrovnik; and even the outline of Mount Orijen in Montenegro. We begin in Orebic, slowly ascending through vineyards, past an old Franciscan monastery, and along the coast to the town of Viganj.

Later this afternoon, we make our way to the mainland and Dubrovnik. Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, Dubrovnik’s walls have protected this vibrant republic for more than five centuries, and many of its historic treasures—from marble streets to Baroque buildings and even a pharmacy that’s been in business since the middle ages—survive today. Among Dubrovnik’s many highlights are the views from its one- mile walkway around the city walls, the vibrant local scene along its pedestrian-friendly Stradun promenade, and of course, its endless bounty of delicious, fresh-caught seafood. We spend our last celebratory night at a deluxe hotel located near the Old Town.

Day 8: Departure

Today you will be transferred to the Dubrovnik Airport in time for your departing flight, or you may continue to explore the charms of Dubrovnik on your own.

Please note that this is a typical itinerary, and actual activities may vary to take advantage of weather conditions, local events, and to allow serendipity to play a hand in your experience. Accommodations are as outlined in the itinerary, although we reserve the right to change these should the need arise.

Day 1: Arrive and Enjoy Beautiful Views on the Way to Lošinj

Meals: Dinner

Touch down in the Croatian Capital Zagreb, where you’ll meet your Discover Corps guide and get to know your fellow travelers. Together, we’ll travel about five hours to the island of Lošinj, taking in gorgeous views along the way – including from the deck of a ferry. On Lošinj, unwind over a delicious welcome dinner.

Day 2: Track Dolphins with the Blue World Institute Team

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

On the morning of our first day of volunteering with the Blue World Institute, we’ll meet the expert team and learn about the fundamentals of dolphin biology and conservation. Then it’s time to head out into the Adriatic Sea on a dolphin-tracking, data-collecting boat trip. After lunch, a photo-identification workshop offers more insight into dolphin conservation.

Day 3: Expand Your Marine Conservation knowledge and Explore the Blue Cave

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today will be split into two distinct parts. We’ll begin by hopping on a boat to explore the incredible Blue Cave. In the afternoon, return to the Blue World Institute for another interactive conservation learning session, this time focused on biodiversity and sea turtles.

Day 4: Take a Final Dolphin-Tracking Trip and Explore Veli Lošinj

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

It’s the last morning at the Blue World Institute, and you’ll spend it putting your newly gained marine biology knowledge to good use on one final dolphin-tracking trip on the water. Afterwards, you’ll have free time to explore the postcard-perfect village of Veli Lošinj and its lovely beach at your own pace.

Day 5: Marvel at the Natural Splendor of Croatia En Route to Hvar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today will be spent passing through some of Croatia’s most striking landscapes as we make our way to the island of Hvar. Keep your camera on hand to capture the sweeping sea and land panoramas along the way as we travel by catamaran, van and boat.

Day 6: Learn to Cook the Croatian Way and Hike the Stari Grad Plains

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Wake up in the historic village of Stari Grad, our base for the next two days. After breakfast, we’ll head to the neighboring village of Vrisnik for a lesson in traditional Croatian cooking. Our optional hike back to the hotel will lead through the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stari Grad Plains.

Day 7: Go Kayaking and Sample Local Wine

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, venture out on a kayaking excursion through the turquoise waters of the Pakleni Islands before the choice to either tour two local wineries, or take a free afternoon to lounge by the hotel pool or explore the village.

Day 8: Fly Home or Continue on to Mljet for the Dubrovnik Extension

Meals: Breakfast

It’s time to say farewell to those on the eight-day program. If you’re in this group, you'll return to Split International Airport for your flight home. If you’re continuing on to the Dubrovnik extension (next page), you’ll board the boat to the island of Mljet.