CROATIA DALMATIAN COAST ADVENTURE
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Can be curated to suit your travel needs.
If your Mediterranean fantasies feature kayaking through sapphire waters, wandering around ancient walled towns, hiking hillsides of breathtaking beauty, and feasting on incredible cuisine, then this Dalmatian Coast Croatia Adventure will turn those fantasies into reality.
Discover the Dalmatian Coast on this 10-day Croatia itinerary that explores the extraordinary island-speckled coastline from the coastal city of Split to the island of Hvar ending in the walled city of Dubrovnik. We LOVE Croatia and know that you will become enamored with this amazing country too, as you paddle, hike, and stroll around some of its highlights with us.
Croatia is one of those places in the world that has it all; history, heritage, natural beauty by land and sea, pleasant climate, and an exciting food scene. What makes this country special is the diversity of its regions and its rich history.
Poised between the Balkans and central Europe, this land is steeped in history and has been passed between competing kingdoms, empires, and republics for millennia. Being in this precarious position has had a great influence on Croatian art, architecture, and gastronomy.
Not quite what you are looking for? No problem, we can customize this trip to your desire.
Day 1: Arrive Split, Croatia
Welcome to Split!
Split, the 1700-year-old city with very impressive Roman monuments is one of the most beautiful UNESCO centers in the world. Diocletian’s Palace, Peristil, St. Doimus’s Cathedral, and the Piazza… to name but a few unique monuments. The City of Split has something for everyone, whether you like culture, fine arts, music, history, or sports and recreation.
Split also has its wild side which enchants its many visitors every day. The Marjan Park forest, which proudly guards the city, is also called the lungs of the city. The entire Marjan peninsula is dotted with tiny churches many centuries old, large black pine trees, Mediterranean plants and herbs, and the most beautiful beaches.
Check-in at the hotel and enjoy a stroll around beautiful Split.
Later this evening, you will get to know your fellow travelers as we dine together at a local restaurant before you enjoy the rest of your evening at leisure.
- Meals included: Dinner
- Overnight: Hotel Peristil (Subject to change)
2: Split City Tour – Krka National Park
Join your local city guide and enjoy exploring this more than 1700 years old jewel. When visiting Split, it is impossible not to visit our most prominent sight, the heart of the city – Diocletian’s palace. As the city emerged from the palace, so do our tours start with the visit to this UNESCO-protected structure that has been home to people from 3rd century BC till today.
A visit to the palace will give you insight into ancient history and all the important sites within the palace. Today you will depart from Split on a private transfer. Just about 1h drive away is a natural jewel – the Krka National Park waterfalls and the small town of Skradin. National Park Krka Waterfalls is one of the most attractive locations in the Dalmatian area that is very easy to reach. It is protected since 1985, as one of eight Croatian National Parks. The tour continues to NP Krka and its magnificent waterfall called Skradinski Buk, the central point of our visit.
Including the submerged part of the river at the mouth, the Krka River is 72.5 km long, making it the 22nd longest river in Croatia. It springs in the foothills of the Dinara mountain range, 2.5 km northeast of Knin.
With its seven waterfalls and a total drop in altitude of 242 m, the Krka is an incredible karst phenomenon. The travertine waterfalls of the Krka River are the fundamental phenomenon of this river.
Enjoy the visit of Krka NP before proceeding with your journey to a local wine producer for wine tasting and light lunch.
After the visit to the winery, we will return to Split. There is about one hour drive, depending on the traffic.
- Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
- Overnight: Hotel Peristil (Subject to Change)
Day 3: Split – Truffle Hunting
Truffles are a local delicacy that can only be found underground, with no plant to indicate their location. They are difficult to find, only made possible using the skills of a well-trained dog to sniff them out. Discovering the truffles of Dalmatia we have decided to share this experience with you. We are taking you on a truffle hunting experience with our 4WD vehicles. When we reach the secret locations we will teach you everything there is to know about truffles and how to hunt them, and you will hear the story about our specially trained dogs. Depending on the season of your visit, these are the truffle types that you are going to meet – the black truffle (Tuber aestivum, Tuber brumale, Tuber melanosporum) and the white truffle (Tuber borchi-bianchetto). At the end of the tour tasting of truffle products will be waiting for you to sample.
Enjoy the rest of the day exploring Split on your own, enjoying lunch in one of the local restaurants and cold drinks in shaded, narrow streets of the old town.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Overnight: Hotel Peristil (Subject to Change)
Day 4: Split to Hvar Island
The island’s capital, Hvar Town, is one of the Adriatic’s best-preserved historic towns, and also one of its most glamorous, with paparazzi roving the Riva to see who is disembarking from which yacht. The ferry to Hvar Town is approximately 1.5hrs. *Please note that this day depends on the ferry schedule.
The City of Hvar gained glory and power during the Middle Ages as a significant port within the Venetian naval empire, and today it is one of the most popular destinations in the Dalmatian Riviera. Often described as out of a fairy tale, it is renowned for its unique fusion of luxurious Mediterranean nature, rich cultural and historical heritage, Venetian architecture, and mild climate.
Enjoy your rest of the day at leisure in Hvar. Relax at the beach, or enjoy wandering through its narrow streets, exploring its shops, galleries, bars, and restaurants…
Night at the hotel Villa Nora in Hvar town centre.
The City of Hvar is often described as a true fairy-tale city with its architecture, beautiful nature and mild climate. It is a unique fusion of luxurious Mediterranean nature, rich cultural and historical heritage, plus traditional everyday life. Hvar gained glory and power during the Middle Ages being an important port within the Venetian, naval empire. Today, it is the centre of island’s tourism and one of the favourite destinations in Dalmatian Riviera – a town of smiling and courteous people, who are almost only dedicated to tourism.
Check into the hotel, the balance of the day at leisure to wander the streets, visit the beach, and explore the galleries, and cafes.
- Meals Included: Breakfast
- Overnight: Villa Nora (Subject to Change)
Day 5: Hiking & Herbs Hvar
Discover authentic Dalmatia through abandoned villages of Malo and Velo Grablje, enjoy traditional architecture, learn about Mediterranean plants, especially lavender, and its importance.
Twenty minutes transfer brings us to our starting point – the village of Velo Grablje, which is approx. 14 km from Hvar town. The road that leads to the starting point will present you with amazing views of the surrounding islands.
We start our walk from Velo Grablje towards Malo Grablje following the old trail, which in medieval times used to be the main road connecting Hvar with Stari Grad on the north side of the island. The entire trail is downhill and there are numerous wild medicinal herbs growing along the trail. Learn about the usage in daily life and learn how to prepare some remedies that you can easily use and apply. We will hike through villages where the beauties of traditional architecture and way of living can be seen. Learn about medical herbs, traditions, challenges of island life, and much more.
We will enjoy lunch at small local tavern in Malo Grablje.
- Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
- Overnight: Villa Nora (Subject to Change)
Day 6: Jeep Tour + Wine Tasting – Hvar
If you are up to exploring something more than numerous beaches and coves on the island, then off-road safari is just the perfect thing to do. This is Hvar’s most exciting and informative tour and one which few tourists even heard about. Fill your “bag of memories” with amazing sights, stories, experiences, and flavours in just one day and get a totally different perspective of Croatia’s premier island. We’ll leave paved roads behind in a comfortable air-conditioned Jeep and head the north is Stari Grad, founded by the Ancient Greeks in 384 BC, home to one of Croatia’s 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, considered by some as Croatia’s oldest town (it celebrated its 2400th birthday in 2016.). Time for a little off-road to the peak of Hvar at Sveti Nikola, 621m above sea level and providing a perfect 360-degree view of the Adriatic, as well as the mainland and other nearby islands such as Vis and Korčula.
Olives are a staple of Dalmatia, and Hvar oldest tree dates back 2500 years. It’s time to take a pause and enjoy the traditional cuisine before we return back to Hvar.
Enjoy your rest of the day at leisure in Hvar. Relax at the beach, or enjoy wandering through its narrow streets, exploring its shops, galleries, bars, and restaurants.
- Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
- Overnight: Villa Nora (Subject to Change)
Day 7: Sea Kayaking Adventure to Pakleni Islands
Hvar is certainly well endowed with natural beauty: a slim, purple-grey slice of land punctured by jagged inlets and pebbly coves, with lavender plantations, vineyards, and half-abandoned stone villages clinging to its steep central ridge. It boasts to be the sunniest spot in the country with 2724 sunny hours each year!
Explore the myriad of the Pakleni Islands, divine collections in front of Hvar, whose pine trees provide shade to numerous idyllic coves. As the tour duration is up to 3 to 4 hours there is enough time to swim, snorkel, chill, and get a coffee or refreshing drink at the beach bar. While on the beach enjoy your time swimming, relaxing or simply grab a mask and snorkel and explore on your own.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Kayak slowly back to Hvar in the early afternoon.
Rest of the day at leisure.
- Meals Included: Breakfast
- Overnight: Villa Nora (Subject to Change)
Day 8: Ferry to Dubrovnik
This morning we will head to the pier to board a passenger ferry from Hvar to Dubrovnik – about a 4h journey.
Dubrovnik – a city of exceptional beauty, deemed the Pearl of the Adriatic. The former is the seat of the Republic of Dubrovnik, it is a world-renowned city that everybody falls in love with at first sight. The majestic city walls, the Minceta, Lovrijenac, and Revelin fortresses, Onofrio’s fountain, St. Vlaho’s Church, and Stradun, the main street, are inevitable photo stops.
One of the most perfectly preserved walled towns in Europe, Dubrovnik has always exerted a firm hold over the popular imagination as a sea-battered city lying at the foot of grizzled mountains. Its use from 2011 to 2019 as a location for HBO series Game of Thrones bestowed the city with a new and unexpected aura of otherworldly glamour. Dubrovnik offers excellent nightlife, the best restaurants and wine bars, a number of authentic delicacies and souvenirs. You are bound to find something for yourself.
Take a walk around the magnificent city walls of Dubrovnik, visit the vibrant historic core or just spend your day at leisure swimming in the crystal Adriatic sea and sunbathing at one of the beaches.
- Meals Included: Breakfast
- Overnight: Lapas Hotel (Subject to Change)
Day 9: Traditional Culinary Experience
After a scenic drive from Dubrovnik we reach Konavle, our hosts welcome us with traditional homemade liqueurs and figs.
Further, they take us on tour through their beautiful property and out to fields. Here we pick up traditional vegetables and fruits in a unique local tradition. Obtaining the necessary ingredients for preparing traditional meals, dishes, and refreshments, this cooking class becomes a very fun journey. Class ends with sitting around a table like a traditional family and a tasteful traditional meal which we will all enjoy.
After our culinary experience, our tour continues to visit famous Sokol Tower, the most impressive medieval remains in Dubrovnik area, which offers an impressive view of the magnificent landscape of Konavle in its full beauty.
Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Meet with the group for the farewell dinner at the local restaurant.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Overnight: Lapad Hotel (Subject to Change)
Day 10: Departure
Thank you for travelling with us!
Meet your driver at the lobby of the hotel and depart on a private transfer to Dubrovnik airport. (30-45min drive depending on the traffic).
*If you wish to extend your holiday into Montenegro, Slovenia or further explore Croatia Feel free to reach out and ask us about designing a custom trip after
Tour Exclusions
PAYMENT DETAILS
A 25% non-refundable (unless cancelled by us) deposit is required at the time of booking to reserve your place. Please contact info@finisterra.ca for more booking information, Terms & Conditions, and an invoice.
Credit Card: If you would like to pay by credit card, please contact info@finisterra.ca
Final Payment: due 60 prior to departure
PRICING:
from $4495USD per person based on two people in twin/double accommodation
$975 USD for a single room (please not that there are limited single rooms available)
Hotels
*Please note that all hotels are subject to change without notice. Hotels will be confirmed 45 days prior to departure.
Air Travel
Flights are not included in the tour price. DO NOT purchase any airline tickets until the trip is confirmed to take place. Pre and post-tours can be arranged through available at an additional charge. Please contact Finisterra Travel for further details info@finisterra.ca
Visa & Passports
Travel Visa requirements and passports are the responsibility of the participants. Please note that most countries require passports to be valid for 6 months from the date of your return flight. We are not responsible if you are refused entry to a country because you lack the correct passport, visa, or other travel documentation (vaccinations, Covid PCR tests, etc).
Travel Insurance
Cancellation, Travel, Flight, and Health insurance are required and are the responsibility of the participant to research and secure the appropriate coverage. Click HERE for a Travel Insurance Quote or please email nicola@finisterra.ca for a quote.
Check with your local travel agent /insurance provider/health plan for advice about traveling overseas.
Waiver Form
All participants will be required to sign a Waiver Form prior to departure.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Even though we wish you a flawless trip, things can happen, especially nowadays. Make sure you are prepared with a Travel Insurance policy that is right for you. Finisterra recommends Manulife Insurance or John Hancock Please feel free to ask us about Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance, Cancel for Any Reason Policies, Travel Medical Insurance, or any other questions you may have.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR CANADIANS
Travel with confidence knowing that you’re covered with Manulife Insurance.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR AMERICANS – JOHN HANCOCK
Explore the world, stress-free, when you book travel insurance with John Hancock International.
WHY TRAVEL WITH US?
At Finisterra Travel we help you discover, push personal boundaries, and explore the unknown.
We are super passionate about sustainable, transformational, and adventure travel. Definitely not “armchair travellers”, we have firsthand experience of where you’ll be heading.No one wants to feel like a tourist which is why when we plan a custom travel experience for you, we strive to make your adventure as authentic as possible. We offer an array of Small Group Adventures & Custom Trips, and have something for every type of traveller.
Our unique itineraries are designed to best showcase some of our favourite destinations around Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, North America, and Europe. All itineraries are fully-customizable.Not your typical online travel agency, nor are we quite a tour operator, we are international travel designers with a flair for unique experiences. We’d love to hear from you!
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