September 10-18, 2016

Trip Overview

On this exciting adventure we explore Croatia’s sun-drenched Adriatic Coast and scenic islands. We hike ancient trails on mountainous islands amid pine forests, olive groves and vineyards, swim in the warm turquoise sea at beaches in secluded coves, and visit well-preserved medieval walled towns listed as UNESCO World Heritage Places. Our tour begins in the attractive ancient city of Split, the site of a Roman Emperor’s Palace, on the Adriatic Coast and ends in the extraordinary medieval town of Dubrovnik, and along the way we explore three islands.

We explore Brac Island, one of Croatia’s least-developed and populated islands, noted for its untouched nature and the white limestone which was used to build Diocletian’s Palace. This attractive and sunny island has small coastal villages and a pine and shrub-covered mountainous interior dotted with fertile areas with grape vines, olives and orange groves.

Next we visit Hvar Island, the undisputed jewel of Croatia’s islands. It has a picturesque landscape dotted with small medieval stone villages, fields of lavender, fig and olive groves, vineyards, and a culture dating back to Venetian times. We lodge in Hvar Town, one of the Adriatic’s best-preserved historic towns and a romantic and glamorous destination. We hike to the summit of Saint Nicola at 2,054 feet for a 360 degree view of the blue Adriatic Sea, the coast of Croatia and nearby islands, and the vineyards below.

We also visit the island of Korcula and lodge in Korcula Town, a picturesque thousand year old town surrounded by walls and towers that go back to ancient times. Behind the medieval defensive wall, the Old Town is packed with aristocratic palaces built from limestone from the island’s quarries. The island of Korcula, with its vineyards, olive groves and pine trees, is one of the greenest in the Adriatic. Next we visit the Peljesac Peninsula and hike the 3,153 foot tall Mount Sveti Ilija, the site of a cult of the pre-Christian ancient Slavic god Perum.

Our tour ends in Dubrovnik, an extraordinary medieval town with walls up 82 feet high, with fortress towers and an ancient foot path along the entire wall. The walls encircle an incredible stone-built red-roofed city which juts out into the clear blue-green waters of the Adriatic. The town’s history stretches back over 1,000 years. We hike to the top of Srd Hill, for a view out over the town and the sea, visit the Homeland War museum, hike the wall around the perimeter of the Old Town, explore Old Town, see the Gate of Pile, Clock Tower, big Orofrijes Fountain, Rector’s Palace and other sights.

If you want to extend your adventure in Europe, you can also sign up for the Hikes in the Dolomites tour which starts one week before this tour.

Trip Highlights

• Hike ancient trails on sun-drenched picturesque islands of the Adriatic Sea to climb mountainous peaks and explore lost villages.
• Visit the romantic ancient medieval towns of Split, Hvar and Korkula to see centuries old architecture and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Visit Dubrovnik, an awesome, well-preserved medieval town and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Enjoy the comfort of 4 and 5 star hotels and a unique cuisine.
• Relax and swim in the turquoise water of the Adriatic in a quiet cove.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1. Saturday, September 10. Depart U.S. for Croatia

Day 2. Sunday, September 11. Arrive Split, Croatia
Arrive at the airport in Split, Croatia on your international flight, clear customs and meet your transfer agent who will escort you via private van to the Hotel Cornaro located in the heart of the city. Our comfortable 4 star hotel has air conditioning, satellite TV, telephones, free Wi-Fi, in-room safes, and provides an excellent buffet breakfast.

Split, an attractive Mediterranean city of 200,000 people, is located on the sun-drenched eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea. With sea, beaches, islands, mountains, culture, heritage, and great restaurants, Split has become a hip tourist destination. It was founded 1700 years ago by the Roman Emperor Diocletian who built a Palace for his retirement and the town of Split developed around the Palace. Diocletian’s Palace, located near our hotel, is exceptionally well-preserved and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. We have the afternoon free to explore Diocletian’s Palace, wander about the ancient alleys in the heart of the city, relax at Bacvice Beach, or enjoy one of the many cafes along the shoreline.

Tonight we have a welcome dinner to meet other hikers on this tour and to discuss details of the tour with our Croatian guide. (D)

Day 3. Monday, September 12. Brac Island Hike
Brac Island, one of Croatia’s least-developed populated islands, is famous for its untouched nature and the white limestone which was used to build Diocletian’s Palace and the White House in Washington, D.C. This attractive and sunny island has small coastal villages and a pine and shrub-covered mountainous interior dotted with fertile areas with vineyards, olives groves and orange plantations.

After breakfast we take a 50 minute ferry boat ride to the old fishing village of Supetar on the north coast. First, we hike for 45 minutes to the extraordinary Blaca Monastery. This imposing monastery, set high on a cliff, served as a refuge from the 16th century on, and was still inhabited until the last monk died in 1963. It houses a curious collection of astronomical instruments, old weapons and watches, and a library. Next we climb Vidova Gora, at 2,552 feet the highest peak on Brac Island, and enjoy amazing views to the mainland and surrounding islands. After the hike we stop for lunch in a traditional tavern in the central part of the island. We return to Supetar and catch a ferry boat ride back to Split and our comfortable hotel. Today we hike for about 3-4 hours. (B,L)

Day 4. Tuesday, September 13. Hvar Island Hike
After breakfast we leave Split by ferry boat and head for the Island of Hvar, located south of Brac Island. The two ferry boat rides take about one hour and 45 minutes. The Island of Hvar, referred to as smooth, sultry and sexy, is the undisputed jewel of Croatia’s islands and truly one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean. It has endless days of sunshine, a picturesque landscape dotted with small medieval stone villages, fields of lavender, fig and olive groves, vineyards, and a culture dating back to Venetian times. We embark at Hvar Town, an ancient city with a rich history and one of the Adriatic’s best-preserved historic towns. It is a romantic and glamorous destination with an elegant centuries-old Venetian architecture. The scenic Saint Stephen’s Square, which dates back to the 13th century, is located near the Saint Stephens Cathedral and is the Town center. The Town has a picturesque harbor, many great restaurants and wonderful beaches.

Upon embarking from the ferry boat, we have a 20 minute transfer to the start of our hike. First, we meet a local lavender producer and learn interesting facts about the origin and production of lavender. Next, we visit the village of Velo Grablje which was founded 500 years ago when Hvar’s patricians and nobles sought refuge in the hills during the epic rise of the disempowered plebeians. Nowadays, there are only a few inhabitants in the village throughout the year except when they gather for the lavender festival during the harvest and also to celebrate the village’s saints.

Next, we hike down the canyon to visit the village of Malo Grablje which was abandoned in the 1950’s due to hardship. We have a delicious lunch in one of the island’s most authentic taverns near the village. We hike the coast back to Hvar Town, check into our hotel and have the opportunity to explore the Town or spend time at the nearby beach.

We lodge at the Hotel Palace, a popular historical hotel located near the town center with views to the ancient piazza and the sea. This four star hotel has comfortable rooms, a pool, restaurant and other amenities. We hike for about 4-5 hours today. (B,L)

Day 5. Wednesday, September 14. Hike to Saint Nicola Peak
After breakfast we are transported to the north side of the island for the start of our hike to Saint Nicola, the highest peak on the island. We hike through a lush pine forest before we climb to a prehistoric hill fort founded by the Greeks in 348 BC as part of the colony of Pharos. This is a UNESCO protected site. We continue our climb to the summit of Saint Nicola, named after the protector of travelers and sailors. At the summit at 2,054 feet we have a 360 degree view of the blue Adriatic Sea, nearby islands, vineyards, and on a clear day one can see the coast of Italy to the west. We hike from the peak down to the coast on the south side of the island. We visit a cave which has an abandoned monastery and then hike to the village of Sv. Nedjelja (Holy Sunday) where we have lunch. After lunch we will have time to swim in the warm turquoise water before we hike back to Hvar Town and the comfortable Hotel Palace. Today we hike for about 5-6 hours. (B,L)

Day 6. Thursday, September 15. Morning Free in Hvar Town & then to Korcula Town
The morning is free to explore Hvar Town, swim at the beach or go sea kayaking if you wish. In the afternoon we depart on a fast ferry (90 minutes) to Korcula Town, a picturesque, walled historic town on the nearby Island of Korcula. This thousand year old Town is surrounded by walls and towers that go back to the time of the Illyric and Greek settlements, the Roman Empire, and the Venetian Republic. Behind the medieval defensive wall, the Old Town is packed with aristocratic palaces built from limestone from the island’s quarries. The island of Korcula, with its vineyards, olive groves and pine trees, is one of the greenest in the Adriatic.

When we arrive, we check into the Hotel Korsal Korcula, a four star hotel located on the beach. Our rooms have a mini bar, satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, telephones, and are air conditioned. We have the rest of the afternoon to explore the medieval Old Town. Interesting sites behind the medieval walls include the Cathedral of Saint Mark, a Renaissance Cathedral; Land Gate, the main entrance to the fortified old town; and the Marco Polo House. Other options include time at the beach. (B,L).

Day 7. Friday, September 16. Hike Mount Sveti Ilija & Then to Dubrovnik
After breakfast we take a 20 minute ferry boat ride across the channel to the town of Orbic on Peljesac Peninsula to start our hike to Mount Sveti Ilija. This 3,153 foot tall mountain is also known as Mons Vipera (Viper’s Mountain) and Perum Mountain, as its peak was the site of a cult of the pre-Christian ancient Slavic god Perum. On this round-trip hike, which takes about 6 hours, we will see high plains with green and fertile fields of sage, myrtle and black pines. We may also see mountain goats, wild horses and birds of prey. The peak affords views to the Peljesac Peninsula below, and nearby islands of the Adriatic. We have a late lunch in a small tavern in Orbic and then we have a relaxing and scenic two hour drive down the Peljesac Peninsula, a mountainous and rocky finger of land characterized by small villages and vineyards, in our private van to Dubrovnik.

Upon our arrival in Dubrovnik we will be escorted to the Hotel Bellevue, a five star hotel located in the historical center of the Town. The hotel has a sun terrace, indoor & outdoor pools, Turkish steam bath, hot tub and Jacuzzi, fitness center, gym and spa with massage, and free Wi-Fi. (B,L)

Day 8. Saturday, September 17, Tour Dubrovnik.
Hollywood’s most creative designer would struggle to build a set a perfect as Dubrovnik. In fact, this magnificent medieval walled city, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been used as a location for filming HBO’s “Game of Thrones” and Neil Jordan’s “The Borgias.” Dubrovnik is an extraordinary place with walls up 82 feet high with fortress towers, crenellations and an ancient foot path along the entire 1.25 miles of the wall. The walls encircle an incredible stone-built red-roofed city which juts out into the clear blue-green waters of the Adriatic. The streets are paved with time-polished pale marble. The town’s history stretches back over 1,000 years as it was founded by Greek sailors. Dubrovnik has been under the control of the Venetians, Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, Napoleon and the French, the Austrians, and until 1992 was a part of Yugoslavia. Following the Great Earthquake of 1667 much of the town was rebuilt.

In the morning we hike (1-2 hours) to the top of Srd Hill, at an elevation of 1,352 feet, for a view out over the town and the sea. Later in the morning we visit a museum located in an old 19th century fortress built by the French and dedicated to the Homeland War in Dubrovnik during the 90’s. After lunch we will continue our exploration with our cultural guide. We will hike the City Wall around the perimeter of the Old Town, explore Old Town, walk down the Stradun (the most famous street), and then see the Gate of Pile, the Clock Tower, big Orofrijes Fountain, Rector’s Palace, and other sights.

Tonight we have a farewell dinner in of the most exclusive restaurant in Dubrovnik. (B,D)

Day 9. Sunday, September 18. Return to the USA
In the morning we will be escorted to the airport for our return flights home. (B)

COSTS

COST: Costs below are based on double room occupancy.
$2,425.
Single supplement $452

COST INCLUDES: Lodging, all breakfasts, lunches & dinners where noted, all sea and land transportation (ferry boats & private automobiles), airport transfers, Croatian guides and an American tour director.

COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: Personal expenses, international airfares to and from Croatia, travel insurance, drinks and alcoholic beverages with meals, and those lunches and dinners not included in the itinerary.

GRADE

We hike on well-maintained trails with our Croatian guide for up to 5-6 hours on some days. Most of the hikes are rated moderate in terms of difficulty, however hikes on some days have ascents and descents in excess of 2,000 feet and are rated as more difficult.

REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION

If you would like additional information, e-mail us at info@adventureboundmen.com, or call us locally at 303-449-0990 or toll free at 1-877-440-0990. Our office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) Monday through Friday.

You may also download our trip registration form, and mail it in to us.

Beach at Dubrovnik