Compare Croatia: Dalmatian Coast Hiking & Kayaking by Boundless Journeys vs Cycling Croatia's Dalmatian Coast by Exodus Travels

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 Start Split; ferry transfer to Hvar

We start our Croatian adventure in Split, where we gather at the ferry port to take a service to Stari Grad on Hvar island. We then continue by road to Hvar town where we spend the first two nights. Please note: The ferry leaves at 2.30pm. The timings may be adjusted for logistical reasons. Accommodation: Labranda Senses (or similar)

Day 2 Circular ride exploring Hvar island, including Hvar town and a 5mi (8km) climb

Our first day is a circular ride exploring Hvar island. We start with a transfer to Stari Grad where we do our bike fitting before we cycle along an old Roman road to Vrbovska and then follow the coastal road towards the village of Jelsa. Here we take a break before heading back to Stari Grad for an optional lunch. After lunch, we continue our ride back to the town of Hvar. We will cycle up a challenging hill to a viewpoint overlooking the island of Brac with breathtaking views. When we return to Hvar, we will have a chance to wander around the narrow streets of this quintessential Dalmatian town. Rather like a mini Venice, the streets of Hvar are marbled and there are elegant gothic palaces and cathedrals inside the city walls. Accommodation: Labranda Senses (or similar)

Day 3 Ride east along the island to the port of Sucuraj; ferry via mainland to Korcula

Today we start with a transfer to Jelsa and ride east along the narrow part of the island with views of both coasts as we head to the port of Sucuraj. The road is generally quiet and there are a couple of challenging climbs today to get you warmed up, however, the support vehicle will be available if you don’t want to cycle up the hills. Heading east, we have wonderful views of the mountainous mainland and the turquoise waters and we pass small villages, olive groves and tiny vineyards on our way to Sucuraj. From Sucuraj we take a ferry to Drvenik on the mainland, transfer by bus to Orebic, then catch another ferry to Korcula which is the historic centre of the island and on the Peljesac Channel. It is also known for its cultural and historical heritage with a long tradition of seafaring, shipbuilding and stone-masonry, as well as being the birthplace of the adventurer and traveller Marco Polo. On Korcula, we take a 15-minute transfer to the small town of Lumbarda which will be our base for the next three nights. From June to September a ferry runs from Ploce to Trpanj, and from here we will take the bus to Orebic and then the ferry to Korcula. This shortens the time spent on the bus travelling from Drvenik to Orebic and makes the journey a bit more fun and picturesque. Accommodation: Hotel Borik (or similar)

Day 4 Free day in Lumbarda; optional visit (with bikes) to picturesque island of Mljet

Today we have a free day to relax in Lumbarda, go for a swim off the sandy beach on Przina or explore the charming town of Korcula at your own pace. There is an optional visit (with bikes) to the picturesque island of Mijet. Those choosing to explore Mljet and its national park will take a boat ride to Pomena, which is also the entrance for the Mljet National Park. Here you can enjoy a scenic short ride around the two lakes. Accommodation: Hotel Borik (or similar)

Day 5 Scenic ride on forested island of Korcula, from Vela Luka to Korcula town and on to Lumbarda

After breakfast, we begin our circular ride on the forested island of Korcula. We start with a transfer to Vela Luka and from here we ride to the pretty village Brna near Smokvica before transferring to Pupnat for lunch. From here we get back on the bikes and cycle all the way back to Lumbarda after a great exploration of the island. Today is a busy day and there are some hills, but we will use the support vehicle where necessary. Accommodation: Hotel Borik (or similar)

Day 6 Ride through the vineyards of Peljesac Peninsula towards the mainland; transfer to Dubrovnik

After a ferry ride (approximately 20 minutes) to the Peljesac Peninsula, we follow this narrow and rugged finger of land. The route passes through olive groves, quiet villages, and vineyards hugging steep slopes that descend to the clear waters of the Adriatic. We complete our ride along an easy unpaved track to the tiny cove at Zuljana. From here the traffic levels increase so we take our support vehicle to Dubrovnik. En route, there is a short stop at the small historic settlement of Ston, a fortified town with Dubrovnik-style architecture. We should arrive in Dubrovnik in the late afternoon. We spend two nights in a hotel that’s a 10-minute public bus ride from the old town. This evening, we have a guided tour of Dubrovnik Old Town. Accommodation: Hotel Vis/Hotel Komodor (or similar)

Day 7 Free day to explore Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik exudes old-world charm. Right on the Adriatic, it has fine religious buildings surrounded by heavily fortified walls and a jumble of red-tiled roofs. The shelling of Dubrovnik by Serb troops in 1991 and 1992 outraged the world. Fortunately, over the last 15 years, great care has been taken to rebuild the damaged parts of Dubrovnik and the city has now returned to its former glory. The old town, or Stari Grad, is filled with cobblestone streets, fountains, churches, palaces and museums — all built from the same light-coloured stone. There are no motor vehicles in the quiet city, but at night the streets come alive as people take an early evening stroll along the Stradun, the main street, which is covered in smooth shiny marble. Dubrovnik is beloved for its fine seafood, so what better way to end our Croatian experience than splashing out on a feast of freshly grilled fish within Dubrovnik's city walls? Accommodation: Hotel Vis/Hotel Komodor (or similar)

Day 8 End Dubrovnik

Enjoy your final breakfast of the trip this morning; an excellent chance to reminisce about the many adventures you’ve just enjoyed. If you’ve still got a little appetite for adventure, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in Dubrovnik. Or if you’re ready to put up your feet, now’s the time to start your journey home.