Tour Highlights Of Dalmatia

Meals

2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Accommodation

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we’re arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn’t always possible which means we won’t be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available. OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION: The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances. TWIN SHARE BASIS: Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own. CHECK-IN TIME: Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we’re arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn’t always possible which means we won’t be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination. PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION: If you’ve purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights. FACILITIES: Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don’t provide kettles or fridges. Hostel (twin share with shared facilities) (2 nights),Hotel (1 night),Private apartment (8 nights)

Others

Included activities Dubrovnik - Dubrovnik Card (1 day local transport and entry to sites) Dubrovnik - City Walls Walk Mljet Island - Day Trip to Mljet Island National Park Mljet Island - St Mary Island Benedictine Monastery Hvar Island - Dinner at Hora Farm Restaurant Stari Grad Split - City Walking Tour with Local Guide Split - Diocletian’s Palace Sibenik - Marenda Snack Sibenik - Cathedral of St James Sibenik - Walking Tour with Local Guide Murter - Roman City of Colentum Snorkelling Murter - Betina Mueum of Wooden Shipbuilding with Guide Murter - Bike Excursion Kornati Islands - Olive Oil & Honey Tasting Kornati Islands - Home-cooked Lunch with Local Family Kornati Islands - Snorkelling Kornati Islands - Full Day Boat Cruise Krka National Park - Day Excursion Trogir - Old Town Walking Tour with Local Guide

Guide

All Intrepid group trips in Europe are accompanied by one of our local European group leaders. ’Local’ in this context means a leader who is European or lives in Europe. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader takes care of logistics, will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. At Intrepid we also aim to support local guides in the individual cities or locations we travel to. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend an optional local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Transport

Public bus,Ferry,Boat,Private vehicle TRANSPORT IN EUROPE: Half the fun of travel is the travelling itself, that’s why we like to travel the local way – whether that means mingling with commuters on a local train, watching the scenery roll by from the window of a long distance bus, arriving on a high speed train in the city centre of your next destination, or navigating each city’s public transport system. In Europe, you are guaranteed to travel by genuine local public transport wherever possible, which puts you right in the centre of the action. PUBLIC BUSES: This trip covers some distances by public buses. Buses in Croatia can range from high standard coaches with reclining seats and air-conditioning to older and more basic vehicles for shorter distances. PRIVATE VEHICLES: Some sections of this trip are travelled by private transport. Our vehicles are locally sourced and are air conditioned and comfortable, which makes travelling enjoyable. On some days we will be covering long distances, which will make these days feel longer, however spectacular views and interesting stops along the way make up for it.

Not included:

Flights

All flights are excluded

Insurance

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Day 1 Day 1: Dubrovnik
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Dubrovnik

Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Croatia. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. You can arrive at any time during the day as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. Although it experienced devastation during the war in the early 1990s, Dubrovnik’s old town is the undisputed jewel of the Dalmatian Coast. With its tiled roofs and white stone buildings, the old town remains as charming as ever. Extensive restoration has taken place to return it to its original splendour, and even today repairs are still being undertaken. With the sparkling water of the Adriatic in the background, Dubrovnik is picturesque, full of character and can easily be covered on foot. If you do arrive early, why not head out to one of the Elafiti Islands? There’s Lopud, a quiet island with lovely hikes, clean beaches and a ruined castle. Kolocep is a sleepy enclave that boasts walks for every fitness level and Sipan, which is the most populated of the isles and reputedly has the most hospitable inhabitants. Alternatively, you might choose to simply laze about on one of Dubrovnik’s beaches and people-watch for hours.
Accommodation: Hostel (twin share with private facilities )
Day 2 Day 2: Dubrovnik
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Dubrovnik

Start the day by beating the crowds with an early morning walk along Dubrovnik’s famous 2-kilometre-long city walls surrounding the old town. Enjoy views of the sea from the fully intact medieval structure, then enjoy all that Dubrovnik has to offer with the remainder of the day free for you to explore. Visit Big Onofrio’s Fountain, a masterpiece built by famous European architect Onofrio della Cava. This 15th-century landmark was built to supply water to the city, flowing from the spigots into the collection trough surrounding it. Be sure to check out the Franciscan monastery with one of the world’s oldest, continuously functioning pharmacies, founded in the 13th century. If you still feel energetic after a day exploring the city you can take the switchbacks leading up Srd Hill behind Dubrovnik for spectacular views of the city and the Dalmatian coastline. Otherwise, the newly restored cable car can whisk you to the top in no time. The hill is topped by a castle of Napoleonic times, which now houses the Museum of the Croatian War of Independence.
Accommodation: Hostel (twin share with private facilities)
Day 3 Day 3: Peljesac Peninsula / Korcula Island
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Peljesac Peninsula / Korcula Island

Journey to Korcula (approximately 4 hours). You will travel along the narrow and scenic Peljesac Peninsula to its very tip. The last stretch to Korcula will be done by car ferry. For the next two nights, stay with generous hosts – locals who rent out their rooms in the summer season. The rooms, while simple, are the best way to put money back into the local economy. In the evening perhaps head out to a local restaurant. Make sure you try the traditional Dalmatian meat loaf, or pasticada (traditional stewed beef), and some fresh grilled vegetables with olive oil, usually served with fresh goat and sheep cheeses, and maybe some smoked ham to tie it all together. Don’t forget to have a bit of travarica (a grappa-like drink made with a herb called verbane) and some Korcula cakes for dessert.
Accommodation: Private apartment
Day 4 Day 4: Mljet Island National Park / Korcula Island
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Mljet Island National Park / Korcula Island

Today, head on a day trip to the stunning Mljet Island. Mljet is Croatia’s greenest island, with a large section of the north western shores part of a national park. The island is well known for its two salt lakes – Veliko Jezero and Malo Jezero (big lake and small lake) – that are located at the north end of the island. With some of the clearest waters in the world, any of the Adriatic islands shimmer in the sunlight, but Mljet is extra special. Start Mljet’s exploration with a short hike into the island’s interior, followed by a ferry ride to St Mary’s Benedictine Monastery, located on an island in one of the lakes. Spend the day discovering its tiny towns dotted around the island, the weaving and winding coastline full of nature walks and scenic lookouts and, of course, the sandy beaches, tranquil inlets and turquoise blue shores calling out to be explored. Mljet is a little further away and less visited than the tourist hotspots of Brac and Hvar, so you’ll be able to stray away from the crowds and have this peaceful paradise to yourself. Head back to Korcula in the afternoon for a relaxing evening, hopefully full of delicious food and some great local wine.
Accommodation: Private apartment
Day 5 Day 5: Hvar Island
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Hvar Island

A hydrofoil ferry takes you to the neighbouring island of Hvar (approximately 90 minutes). Beautiful Hvar has an air of Venice about it and is known as the ’Queen of the Dalmatian Islands’. Upon arrival, get to know the town with its wonderfully preserved Renaissance facades on an orientation walk. Later you may want to visit the 16th century Spanjola Fortress, from where spectacular views over town and this part of the Adriatic can be had. Feel the history when wandering the backstreets of quirky galleries and unique boutiques, watch the fishermen bring the day’s catch into the harbour, and chill out over a few cocktails in a waterside bar.
Accommodation: Private apartment
Day 6 Day 6: Hvar Island
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Hvar Island

Today is a free day to explore this island at your leisure. Perhaps take a bus to the interior of Hvar Island where you can take a leisurely hike through the abandoned villages of Velo Grablje and Malo Grablje, gently descending all the way down to the sea at Milna Bay. On the way you can witness what remains of the typical Mediterranean life that flourished on the Croatian islands in the 18th and 19th centuries. Hike past dramatic jagged limestone cliffs and slow your pace to enjoy the undulating farms, fields of lavender and rosemary, and ancient olive groves. Cool down in the shimmering waters upon arrival into the little town of Milna where the hike ends. Alternatively there are plenty of other options for exciting activities in town. Maybe take a short boat ride to the nearby Pakleni islands – largely uninhabited and often described as being among the most beautiful in the world. If you’re not feeling super energetic today, spend the day lounging at one of the island’s many quiet beaches and enjoy a sunset stroll along the harbour promenade. In the evening head to Hora – a local farm-style restaurant, where you’ll have an included dinner in the surrounds of UNESCO-protected fields and farmland, where little has changed since the Ancient Greeks arrived almost 2400 years ago. Taste award winning wines, olive oils and other Dalmatian delicacies like local cheese and prosciutto accompanied with a traditional peka style meal or grill and finish with a Dalmatian desert.
Accommodation: Private apartment
Day 7 Day 7: Split
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Split

Catch a boat to Split (approximately 1 hour). Situated on a small peninsula on the eastern shores of the Adriatic Sea, Split is the second largest city in Croatia. Join a local guide for a walking tour of this stunning seaside town and get to know its history. See the original and fantastically preserved basements under the city, as well as the Cathedral in Diocletian’s Peristyle and Jupiter’s Temple. Explore the impressive ruins of Diocletian’s Palace – Split’s most imposing structure and some of the most interesting ruins on the Adriatic coast. Portions of the Palace are over 1700 years old and there’s ample time to walk around. Split grew out from Diocletian’s Palace and you can almost see it evolving in a multitude of different ways right before your eyes. Some cultures might have made the palace a museum, but Split is a dynamic and vibrant place, and now the palace houses many businesses and homes. If your feet get tired, why not grab a drink at a cafe on the Riva Promenade and people watch for a while? Be sure get your group together for a harbourside dinner – it’s time for more of a relax!
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 8 Day 8: Split / Sibenik
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Split / Sibenik

A meeting will take place at 9:30am today in Split’s central bus station to welcome any new travellers joining you for the next part of your adventure; but you won’t hang around for long – the wonders of Central Dalmatia are waiting! Do as the locals do and hop aboard a bus bound for Sibenik, a beautiful city on the Adriatic coast with a spellbinding history. Settle in on arrival then head out to get to know the city in the best way possible – through the eyes of a local. Meet with an inhabitant of Sibenik who will show you a side of their city that most don’t get to see as you explore the winding cobbled streets of the Old Town. Your local guide will then take you to a little-known tavern down a quiet alleyway to experience marenda, a light meal between lunch and dinner and a big part of the culture in Sibenik. Later this evening, you may like to head out for dinner in the town with your new travel companions and get to know each other over a glass of local rakija.
Accommodation: private apartment
Day 9 Day 9: Kornati Islands/Sibenik
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Kornati Islands/Sibenik

Rise bright and early for a transfer to the port, where you’ll jump aboard our private boat to the incredible Kornati Islands archipelago. The islands are best explored on foot, so on arrival you’ll set off on a hike to uncover the history and legends of Kornati. Sharing food and drink is a big part of Croatian culture, so for lunch today you’ll sit down with a local family, enjoy some homemade local specialties, and hear firsthand stories about life on the island to get a glimpse at what daily life looks like. You’ll hear about the importance of olive oil production to the Dalmatia region and learn the true meaning of the olive tree from the locals who know it best. And of course no visit to Dalmatia would be complete without an olive oil tasting session. This afternoon you’ll see the islands from a different perspective as you snorkel through the clear waters, then it’s back to the mainland via boat for another night in Sibenik. The evening is yours to explore more of what this fascinating city has to offer – your leader will know all the best spots for an authentic dinner experience!
Accommodation: Private apartment
Day 10 Day 10: Zadar / Sibenik
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Zadar / Sibenik

This morning, hop aboard a local bus to Zadar (approximately 2 hours), the former capital city Dalmatia. Remnants of Zadar’s past are visible all over the city, which you’ll discover on an orientation walk with your leader on arrival. Walk on marble streets through the Old Town and see Roman ruins scattered among medieval churches. Visit the musical steps of the ‘Sea Organ’ on Zadar’s waterfront, representing its important relationship with the sea. The rest of the afternoon is free for your own discoveries. You may like to check out St Donat’s Church, St Anastasia’s Cathedral or the Roman Forum. While in Zadar, you can’t miss the chance to try the city’s famous liqueur, Maraskino – it’s been produced here since 1759 and is a local favourite to this day. Return to Sibenik by bus late this afternoon.
Accommodation: Private apartment
Day 11 Day 11: Krka National Park / Sibenik
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Krka National Park / Sibenik

Travel this morning by private vehicle to Krka National Park. Like something straight out of a fairy tale, the park amazes with its tiered waterfalls, vibrant Krka river, beautiful woodlands and Roman ruins – it’s a truly magical place. Venture into the park with a local guide at the helm, allowing you to dodge the tourist hotspots and explore without the crowds. Traverse criss-crossing paths, bridges dotted with old watermills and little stone houses immortalised as museums as you walk from waterfall to waterfall. Pass by an ancient Roman amphitheatre on your way to the Krka monastery, built above Roman burial catacombs. After a day of exploring, return to Sibenik for an evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Private apartment
Day 12 Day 12: Trogir / Split
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Trogir / Split

Hop on a local bus to Trogir this morning. On arrival, you’ll meet a local guide who will take you on a walk to get acquainted with this delightful seaside town, whose medieval walls are bursting with beautiful Romanesque, Renaissance and baroque buildings. Take some time to explore, perhaps have lunch, then catch a transfer back to Split. You can expect to arrive in the late afternoon, at which point your adventure will come to an end. If you’d like to stay on in Split, just get in touch ahead of time and we’d be happy to arrange additional accommodation (subject to availability).

12 days tour

Highlights Of Dalmatia

This tour includes:

Not included:

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Itinerary of your trip Highlights Of Dalmatia

Day 1: Dubrovnik

Day 2: Dubrovnik

Day 3: Peljesac Peninsula / Korcula Island

Day 4: Mljet Island National Park / Korcula Island

Day 5: Hvar Island

Day 6: Hvar Island

Day 7: Split

Day 8: Split / Sibenik

Day 9: Kornati Islands/Sibenik

Day 10: Zadar / Sibenik

Day 11: Krka National Park / Sibenik

Day 12: Trogir / Split

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