Compare Croatia: Islands & Mountains by Exodus Travels vs Colorful Croatia: Dubrovnik & Hvar by Great Value Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4 | Great
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| Duration | 8 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 2,235 | $ 2,964 |
| Price Per Day | $ 279 | $ 371 |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Self-guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | All breakfasts are included. For breakfast you can expect a large continental buffet with meats and cheeses, bread, jams and pastries, plus tea and coffee. Croatian cuisine is a mixture of fine seafood, grilled meat, pizza, pasta and salads, with influences from central Europe, Italy and the Balkans. Some specialities that we highly recommend include squid-ink risotto and octopus salad. | N/A |
| Description |
Enjoy the very best of Croatia: the coast and islands, the beautiful towns, near-perfect national parks and spectacular mountains. Starting in the fascinating Unesco-badged city of Dubrovnik, we begin our journey along the coast where the crystal-clear sea forms the backdrop for many of our early walks, followed by the peaceful sound of waterfalls as we head into the national parks of Paklenica and Krka. Here we have a chance to visit Skradinski buk waterfalls and enjoy walks through spectacular gorges, forests and mountain scenery.Walk idyllic coastal and mountain paths in Croatia |
Your week-long vacation begins in the historical heart of Croatia, Dubrovnik! Named the "Pearl of the Adriatic," this city in southern Dalmatia is very easy on the eyes. Spend your first three nights exploring the UNESCO-certified Old Town, taking the cable car up Mt. Srd, and relaxing on the pine tree-covered island of Lokrum. From Dubrovnik, take a catamaran ferry to the island of Hvar, often considered "the Queen of the Dalmatian Islands." A summertime haunt for the jet-set, Hvar has retained its medieval charm, evident in Hvar Town and Stari Grad. It's also shockingly beautiful, from sparkling blue coves to fields of lavender. What more could you want in a Croatia vacation? |
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 Welcome to Dubrovnik
Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your first hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure in this enchanting city, which served as the setting for King's Landing in "Game of Thrones." Celebrate your first night in Croatia with a traditional Croatian meal. One of the most well-known dishes is peka, or meat and potatoes cooked in a bell-like dome under hot coals.
Day 2 Dubrovnik
Today, discover Dubrovnik's charming UNESCO-certified Old Town on your own. Surrounded by ramparts and fortresses, this ancient town is a treasure trove of architectural and cultural masterpieces that have been carefully preserved over the centuries. Take a pleasant walk to the Rector's Palace, built in the 15th-century as the home of Dubrovnik's elected rector. Today, the palace is a museum containing beautifully restored rooms, paintings, and coat of arms. You could also visit the Franciscan Monastery with its gorgeous 14th-century cloister and small museum. Don't miss visiting the pharmacy, which has been in business since 1317!
Day 3 Dubrovnik
In the morning, head north of Dubrovnik's city walls and take the 4-minute cable car up to Mt Srđ. At the top, you will be treated to spectacular views of Old Town, the sparkling Adriatic sea, and several islands. After descending the cable car, consider taking a 10-minute ferry (extra cost) from Dubrovnik's Old Harbor to the forested island of Lokrum. Explore the beautiful grounds of the botanical garden, then check out the Benedictine monastery. Lokrum is also a great place for swimming! In the evening, return to Dubrovnik's Old Town, find a cafe, and watch the world go by with a glass of Croatian wine.
Day 4 Dubrovnik - Hvar
Say goodbye to Dubrovnik for now as you transfer to the Dubrovnik Gruz Port for your ferry to the island of Hvar. Upon arrival, you will be escorted to your accommodation. Spend the rest of the day at leisure in sunny Hvar, an island characterized by gentle winters, warm summers and many hours of sunshine. See how lavender fields and vineyards cover the bare Mediterranean landscape, descending gradually from black pine woods to white-stoned bays.
Day 5 Hvar
Ease into island life and explore Hvar Town, the main hub on the island of Hvar. Stroll through the piazza and stop at the first public theater in Europe, opened in 1612. Continue to the cathedral of St. Stephen and the Franciscan Monastery, easily recognizable for its high bell tower. Later in the day, take the moderate walk to the Fortica, a medieval castle built originally in the 13th century to protect the port of Hvar. Once you reach the top, treat yourself to astonishing views of Hvar and the Pakleni Islands! In the evening, experience Hvar's legendary nightlife. Everyone from Jackie Kennedy Onassis to Beyonce have partied in Hvar!
Day 6 Hvar
Today, consider venturing further than Hvar Town to the northern coastal town of Stari Grad, one of Hvar's gems and the oldest town in Croatia! Stroll through the narrow lanes of the historic center and pass the stone houses that line the harbor. Don't miss Tvrdalj, a large, well-preserved fortified castle that once belonged to Croatian poet Petar Hektorovic. Later in the day, return to Hvar Town to watch the sunset. Have an authentic coastal Croatian meal at a konoba, a traditional restaurant found on the Dalmatian Coast.
Day 7 Hvar - Dubrovnik
Your Hvar stay ends today as you're escorted to the Hvar pier for your ferry back to Dubrovnik. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Take a walk around the spectacular city walls, the perfect ending to your Croatia vacation. From the top, the view over the old town and the shimmering Adriatic is sublime!
Day 8 Depart Croatia
Your colorful Croatia adventure ends today. At the appropriate time, you'll be transferred to Dubrovnik airport for your flight home. Say goodbye to this enchanting country and start planning your next adventure!
