Compare Croatia: Dalmatian Coast Hiking & Kayaking by Boundless Journeys vs Croatia with island hopping Adventure - 8 days by Serbia Tour Operator

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.

Arrival transfer from the listed airport is included. Private transfers from non-listed airports are available on request. Please check the options with your local expert. If you are arriving in Belgrade a few days prior to the tour departure, you can book additional nights with us.

Day 1: Arrive Split

Upon your arrival in Split you will be welcomed by your guide and escorted to your hotel. On the short coach ride from the airport, sit back, relax and enjoy the wel-coming atmosphere of Dalmatia, the most popular part of Croatia. Your guide will provide some basic in-formation about Dalmatian capital, tips and tricks about local daily routine and suggest some ideas for your free time. Overnight: Split.

Day 2: The Historical Maze of Dalmatia: Trogir and Split

Feeling lucky to start your day in Trogir, a charming little town with medieval walls, magical architecture and a wonderful sea view, you are ready for today’s adventure. Being in this town will seem like you travelled back in time through centuries, all the way to the Trogir’s Golden era, today, still visible in the magnificent Cipiko Palace, the Venetian Cathedral of St. Lawrence, the Gothic town hall and mighty walls along the waterfront. Walking through the city centre (UNESCO World Heritage Site) with cobbled streets and passages, among different architectural styles, listening to the stories about medieval time and feeling the atmosphere of the glorious times past, you will find yourself immersed in the incredible history of Trogir.

A natural unfolding to this fulfilled day is a visit to the city of Split, the successor of Solin, the capital of Roman province Dalmatia. Split was actually the periphery of Solin whose very important citizen – the emperor Diocletian, chose Split’s downtown as a place for his palace. That is how the splendour of Split began and how the heart of the city was shaped. Walking down the Split's streets is similar to wandering through a historical labyrinth. You will enter the bronze gate in the south, pass by the cathedral of St. Domnius, one of the best preserved buildings of Roman times, reach the golden gate in the north to touch the left toe of the statue of Gregory of Nin. According to the legend, all visitors who touch the toe of the statue will ensure their return to Split someday. Our tour ends on the busy seafront, complete with palms and yachts, colourful shops in Roman passages, and charming bars with creative interiors. Overnight: Split.

Day 3: Skywalk Biokovo

Meet one more jewel of Croatian Nature, the Biokovo Mountain whose rampart peaks 1.500 meters above Makarska Riviera offer exceptional views of the sea and nearby islands. It is one of Croatia's most popular hiking destinations with numerous paths that wind up the hills past olive groves, vineyards and pine forest. Some say it owes its name to the whiteness of the snow covered peaks (bio is a Croatian word for white) while others claim that word biokovo used to be a synonym for tempest – a specific type of wind locally also called bura. The nature reserve is known among nature lovers by the great number of endemic animal and plant spe-cies. Recently its fame has spread thanks to the Sky-walk - a 25-meter-long promenade made out of glass that offers а spectacular view of Makarska Riviera. The local myth says that when the sky is clear and bright, you can even see Italy, all the way across Adriatic! Spend your free time to enjoy the remarkable view of the Split’s historical centre from Marjan Hill and feel the life and energy of the locals – probably the best way to say good-bye before island hopping! Overnight: Split.

Day 4: Brač – Flavours and Sceneries of the authentic Croatian island®

The next three days you will be discovering the incredible Adriatic coast and Dalmatian archipelago.

Your first stop is the island of Brač, with the highest peaks among the Croatian islands. With a smaller number of tourists, but without big crowds and pomp as the glittering islands in its neighbourhood, Brač provides an excellent opportunity to delve into the authentic life of locals, particularly in the inland.

Your sightseeing starts at the Museum of olive oil since olive cultivation here dates back all the way to the Venetian time and there's over a half-million trees planted. Warmly welcomed by hosts, you will get interesting insights into the production process. Spice up your visit by tasting various local delicacies. Later on, head up to Vidova Gora, the roof of the Croatian islands. From this point, you will go downhill along the rocky trails to the town of Bol. This small place, adorned by lovely old houses, offers great restaurants for lunch or snack by the promenade. Walk a little bit more and spend your well-deserved break at one of the most attractive beaches in the world – the Golden horn (Zlatni Rat).

Later in the afternoon, meet again with your guide at the harbour for your half-hour catamaran ride to the island of Hvar. Overnight: Hvar Island.

Day 5: Hvar Island: The ghost-like villages with lavender scent - Medieval Hvar town

After breakfast, the queen of the Croatian islands – Hvar is expecting you. It is so much more than just the glitz and glamour of its main town. The significance of the island dates back from the ancient times. The important strategic and nautical position of Hvar had been the main cause of rich and turbulent times throughout its history. Its separation from the mainland protected the island from some of the modern influences and preserved the harmony between man and nature. This is visible in the white-washed towns and historic cobbled streets, in the fields of lavender and azure waters, as well as the home-style restaurants serving delicious Dalmatian fare. With all this in mind, you will visit one of the households that cultivates lavender and hike through the abandoned ghost-like village Malo Grablje. Somewhere in the middle of the Hvar hiking route, you’ll get to the Milna just in time for refreshment at one of the restaurants with a wide seafood offer. As you continue hiking along the coast, you will be rewarded with marvellous views. You will arrive in the capital of the island – the city of Hvar.

Quite often visitors describe their time spent in the town of Hvar like being a part of a fairy-tale. The scenography features 13th-century walls surrounding beautifully ornamented Gothic palaces and traffic-free marble streets. This small bay town will show you its full glory especially through the stories about significant historical events and people, related to the cathedral, monastery or fortress.

Some would say that this incredible island simply has it all: rich history, vibrant nightlife, high-class service, wonderful nature and stunning viewpoints to admire it. Finally, you will have spare time to enjoy the crystal clear waters. Overnight: Hvar Island.

Day 6: Wine Duet: Korčula Island & Pelješac Peninsula – Walls of Ston

The third island in our itinerary will be sure to astonish you as well. Korčula, the most tranquil island of our adventure, got the name from the Greeks due to its dense pine forest - Korkyra Melaina (Black Corfu). The Korčula Town is also known as Little Dubrovnik for its mighty city walls, medieval squares, churches, palaces and houses. Locals say it still keeps secrets about the life of one of the most famous explorers in history – Marco Polo. Tip of the day: there is a nice bar in the Zakerjan tower at the far end of the old town where you can enjoy spectacular views of the strait in the distance.

The Mediterranean climate, soil quality and the terrain’s morphology provide the perfect conditions for wine-growing. In Lumbarda village, the heart of Korčula’s wine making, you will have the opportunity to taste various sorts of wine, as well as the most authentic ones, pošip and grk. The perfect ending to your visit to Korčula is tasting some of the most known Croatian wines and snacks at the local family winery. After this wonderful experience, get on the ferry, and head to your next destination, leaving behind old little houses, settled on the edge of the island. Upon your return to continental Croatia, enjoy the ride through the Pelješac peninsula. The largest Croatian peninsula, covered with macchia, is widely known by two trademarks: wine and oyster. This region, Dingač, with its famous symbol - the donkey, is the first protected wine region in Croatia. On your way to Dubrovnik, along the coast of the Adriatic, there will be a short photo stop by the impressive old city walls above the town of Ston. Overnight: Dubrovnik.

Day 7: UNESCO’s Dubrovnik: Movielike Old Town and Kayak Experience

Get ready for a lovely walking adventure through Dubrovnik’s Old Town. This maze of beautiful white marble streets (UNESCO World Heritage Site) is surrounded by a 2 km long wall which hides medieval treasures: the city’s baroque churches, magnificent palaces, significant monuments, medieval gates and marble streets. Its numerous art galleries and unique artisanal shops keep the artworks of many artists who found inspiration in this light-coloured-stone city. Walking through the historical centre, you will start and end your visit at the main street Stradun, and in between, you will hear facts, tales and legends about the Pile Gate, Big Onofrio’s Fountain, the cathedral, main square Placa and wonderful ornaments of Rector’s and Sponza Palaces. A lunch or refreshment in the city port will complete the story about Dubrovnik. Even with the spectacular morning, the real highlight of the day is kept for the afternoon – time to meet Dubrovnik from a different perspective. You saddle up on kayaks, row along the coast and admire the view of the pink-grey city walls, which stand out against the azure blue water. Be sure that this experience will boost the impression about the mightiness of the city walls and give you a chance to enjoy both the attractive shore of the Lokrum isle and the cave up close. This beautiful island holds a lot of mysteries and according to the legend it was a shelter to King Richard the Lionheart in the 12th century. Our guide will tell you the whole story once you arrive there. Lokrum Island has been a set for filming the Game of Thrones, and it is another inevitable destination for the true lovers of the series. Overnight: Dubrovnik.

Day 8: Departure day

Departure from Dubrovnik or any non-listed airport.

Departure transfer to the listed airport is included. Private transfers to non-listed airports are available on request. Please check the options with your local expert. If you are departing from Belgrade a few days after the tour end, you can book additional nights with us.