Dalmatia Explorer
Tour details
- Discover the old town of Split where a walk through UNESCO’s Diocletian’s palace takes you back to Roman times.
- Explore the sunny island of Hvar. This pearl of Dalmatia boasts superb beaches, centuries-old villages and a wild topography that’s perfect for hiking.
- Paddle around the archipelago of Pakleni islands with our superb PRIJON sit-in sea kayaks. Explore the numerous coves with secluded white-pebble beaches and the fragrant scent of Aleppo pines.
- From Hvar we take you on a day-long cruise to the island of Brac, where you can hike to the remote Blaca Hermitage, built atop a craggy cliff and once inhabited by a secret order of monks. We end our journey to Brac on the Golden Cape, probably the most famous beach in Croatia.
- Once back on the mainland we tour the Croatian coastline, heading south through the fertile Neretva plain, also called “Croatian California”.
- UNESCO’s legendary town of Dubrovnik is the icing on the cake at the end of the tour. Strolling through town you might find some scenes strangely familiar – Dubrovnik doubles as King’s Landing in HBO’s Game of Thrones!
- From April to October.
· 6 lunches (picnic or traditional restaurant)
· 6 gourmet dinners
· 3 days hiking
· 2 days sea-kayaking
· Guided
· 1 wine tasting and 1 olive oil tasting
· Private vehicle with AC
Itinerary
| Day 1 | Arrival to Split |
| Day 2 | Split - island of Hvar |
| Day 3 | Hvar hiking |
| Day 4 | Hvar sea-kayaking |
| Day 5 | Hvar - island of Brac - Hvar |
| Day 6 | Hvar - Neretva plain - Peljesac peninsula - Dubrovnik |
| Day 7 | Dubrovnik city tour and Lokrum island sea-kayaking |
| Day 8 | Dubrovnik, end of tour |
Detailed itinerary
DAY 1 Arrival to Split
Fresh seafood delicacies.
Split was built as a summer palace for the Roman emperor Diocletian – the Diocletian’s palace in the old center of town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that will transport you back to the Roman times. Probably the most charming town in Croatia, Split is nowadays a cosmopolitan melting pot of grand architecture, exquisite dining opportunities and a vibrant art scene. Here you can forget about the passage of time and enjoy the Mediterranean as it once was.
We take an afternoon walk through the Diocletian’s palace and enjoy a very special dinner in the old town. As an introduction to Croatian cuisine you will try a variety of traditional Dalmatian dishes.
Accommodation in Split.
DAY 2 Split – Island Hvar
Town of Hvar with Pakleni islands in the backdrop.
Today we set off for the islands. The island of Hvar is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful islands in the world, and for good reason. The sun never stops shining on its picturesque landscape, which is dotted with small medieval villages built in stone and swathed in lavender fields and vineyards. Surrounded by the clear blue sea and home to a fascinating culture dating back to the Venetian times it is a truly unforgettable destination.
Our first stop is at Jelsa, the island’s historical center and home to one of its best wine cellars. We taste the exquisite Plavac, made from a red grape indigenous to the Dalmatian Coast that is thought to be the ancestor of Californian Zinfandel grapes. In a small village not far away our friend Marinka, a local artist, invites us to visit her beautiful estate where she treats us to a delicious lunch prepared from food grown in her organic garden. We have a chance to pick fresh figs and herbs from her garden and take a look at her interesting paintings.
In the afternoon we arrive to the town of Hvar where we are accommodated in a lovely boutique hotel. Spoil yourself with a spa treatment or simply enjoy a drink by the hotel’s swimming pool.
Accommodation in Hvar.
DAY 3 Hvar hiking
Hiking in the wild and untouched nature.
After a gourmet breakfast on the hotel’s terrace overlooking the main square we set off for an activity-packed day.
An old route across the island takes us into the hills where we start the day’s hike. From the village of Velo Grablje, which was once the island’s biggest producer of rosemary oil, we walk through a small canyon to the deserted stone village of Malo Grablje. With a bit of luck we meet Berti, a local icon and the last descendant of a once mighty Tudor clan. His herbal spirits are legendary around these parts. The second part of the walk is along a coastal trail, passing secluded coves scented by the fragrant Aleppo pines. We finish the hike on a white pebble beach where you have the chance to take a refreshing dip in the Adriatic Sea.
Accommodation in Hvar.
DAY 4 Hvar sea-kayaking
Enjoying a dip in the sea at one of the secluded beaches of Dalmatia.
Today we embark on a sea-kayaking adventure to the archipelago of Pakleni island. We paddle around emerald coves where the fragrant pine woodland brushes against white limestone rocks. We stop on a small beach to enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch featuring delicacies from the local morning market: juicy local tomatoes, fresh basil, marinated anchovies, aromatic cheeses…
In the afternoon we meet our host Carmen, a local resident and the island’s only licensed and formally educated aroma therapist. She takes us around the charming city of Hvar, explaining its rich local history. Strolling along the narrow cobbled alleyways bordered by bougainvillea we take in the town’s old Venetian architecture and vibrant atmosphere, passing locals selling lavender and sage on stalls overlooking the small harbor or simply enjoying a glass of wine on the main square. Our walk concludes in a beautiful Habsburg garden where Carmen introduces us to the tradition of making the aromatic oils that the town is so famous for.
Afterwards it is also possible to climb up to the city fortress to catch the sunset and a great view of Hvar’s old town.
Accommodation in Hvar.
DAY 5 Hvar – Island Brac – Hvar
Island of Brac – full of lavander fields, vineyards and pine trees.
Today we board a private boat for a cruise to the island of Brac. The largest of the Dalmatian islands, Brac is famous for its wild untouched nature and the white limestone used for building decorative stonework. This centuries-old craftsmanship dates back to the Roman times, when even the emperor himself used stone from Brac to build his palace. Later on the stone was exported overseas and even used in the construction of the White House.
After dropping anchor in the hidden bay of Blaca we start our hike up to a 450-year-old hermitage. The hike stimulates our senses: we are surrounded by pine trees, aromatic flowers, and the scents and sights of the sea. The monastery of Blaca once traded honey, wine and olive oil with the Venetian crown. This gave power to the monks who specialized in astronomy and their hermitage became a world-renowned astronomic observatory.
We enjoy our lunch in a perfectly preserved Dalmatian stone village high up in the hills. Our hosts treat us to the local specialties cooked on open fire “under the bell”. Imagine mouth-watering lamb, baked organic veggies with fresh herbs, and much more.
In the afternoon we continue to the top of Mt. Vidova, the highest peak of the Dalmatian islands, from where you can catch a glimpse of the famous Golden Cape beach deep below. Afterwards we drive down to the town of Bol where our boat is waiting for us. Let’s enjoy a nice sundowner while cruising back to Hvar.
Tonight you can explore Hvar’s restaurant scene on your own. If you’re overwhelmed by choice our guides are happy to recommend the best restaurant for your evening getaway.
Accommodation in Hvar.
DAY 6 Hvar – Peljesac peninsula – Dubrovnik
Views of the salt pans from the 700 years old Ston walls
We set off for Dubrovnik. Our first stop is the Neretva plain, also known as “Croatian California”. It is renowned for growing the best fruits in the country, which is why we’ll make sure to stop by the stalls where you can try tangerine honey, organic fruit, walnut snaps, and other local delicacies. On our way to the Peljesac Peninsula we cross into Bosnia for a short while.
The Peljesac peninsula, also referred to as “the gardens of Dubrovnik”, was once protected by Europe’s longest stone wall, which is still beautifully preserved in the town of Ston. The peninsula produced delicious wine and precious salt for the Dubrovnik Republic. We take a hike on Ston wall and reach the sea just in time for lunch at a local “konoba” (traditional restaurant) serving mouth-watering seafood, such as scampi risotto and black ink pasta with Adriatic squid. Ston is also home to Croatia’s best oyster farms, which send their oysters to the Croatian president on a regular basis. We have a chance to taste them fresh out of the water, as usually enjoyed by the local fishermen.
We finish the day in Dubrovnik. This jewel of the Adriatic was once a great rival to the Venetian republic and its grand architecture earned high praise in the writings of the great Marco Polo.
Accommodation in Dubrovnik.
DAY 7 Dubrovnik city tour and Lokrum island sea-kayak
Dubrovnik, pearl of the Adriatic
With its luxurious historical buildings, shipbuilding industry and spice trade with the Far East, Dubrovnik was once the main competitor of the Venetian Republic. But nothing can beat the sight of the crystal-clear sea surrounding Dubrovnik’s massive stone walls, which protect the old part of town. For over a century Dubrovnik has been attracting visitors from all over the world with its historical architecture, mild climate, crystal-clear sea lapping against beautiful beaches and bays, outstanding Mediterranean cuisine and friendly people. Nowadays it is a popular hideout and summer destination for celebrities and travelers that want to combine natural beauty with history. One can explore gorgeous islands dotting the ocean just offshore during the day and spend the evening listening to a classical music concert in the most beautiful town of the Adriatic.
A guided tour of the old town is followed by a sea-kayaking trip to the nearby Lokrum Island. Alternatively, you can choose to enjoy a free afternoon exploring the “Pearl of the Adriatic” at your own pace.
Accommodation in Dubrovnik.
DAY 8 Dubrovnik, End of tour
Lokrum island sea-kayaking
Time to say farewell and transfer to the airport.
Read about hiking in Croatian Coast.
More about Dalmatia.
Trip extension: Hiking Highlights of Slovenia.
Trip impressions
Ed B., Doug H. & Anthony H., Massachusetts, USA
Stacy G. & David T., Arizona, USA
Michael C. with a group of friends, New York, USA
Heather & Adam L., Florida, USA
Price
Included:
- 7 nights in 4* boutique hotels (breakfast included),
- 6 lunches (picnic or in a traditional restaurant), ,
- 6 gourmet dinners,
- 1 wine tasting,
- 1 olive oil tasting
- Sea-kayaking
- Private transport according to itinerary: 1 van when 8 pax,
- English speaking guide,
- VAT.
NOT INCLUDED:
- Lunch on days 1 and 8
- All drinks
- Single room supplement
Notes:
- guaranteed departure with a minimum of 2 guests,
- price per person double occupancy – varies depending on the size of the group – please contact us for more information.
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