At a Glance
Walk into discovery on this 8 day hiking adventure in Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast as you relish explosive encounters with breathtaking shorelines, idyllic islands, protected ancient cities from Dubrovnik, Krka and Paklenica National Parks and Brac Island.
Your journey commences with a mesmerising stroll through the idyllic backstreets of Dubrovnik, culminating in a sumptuous feast, and an introduction to the mystically ethereal escapade that awaits you. Soak in the majesty of Strazisce Peak's pinnacle, which has an air of mythology about it thanks to the towering cross erected there to honour the victims of a tragic plane crash that occurred more than a quarter of a century ago. Feel your blood pumping as the sun goes down and the vibrant energy of Stradun awakens your senses. Awaiting you are the lovely villages ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- Meals: 7x breakfast, 5x lunch, 2x dinner
- 7 nights in premium hotels on a twin-share basis
- Sightseeing and activities as stated in the itinerary
- Option to travel by train to your adventure
- Tour leader throughout
- Free group arrival and departure transfers available
- Park and other entry fees
- Comprehensive travel planner with detailed pre trip information
Itinerary
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Dubrovnik, a city steeped in history and charm, is where your adventure begins. Set against the backdrop of the Adriatic Sea, this land's magnificent spiritual structures, sturdy walls, and endearing hodgepodge of crimson-hued rooftops captivate those who see them. As night falls, we take a stroll around the city's charming backstreets, ending with a delicious feast and a briefing on the mystical journey that awaits. |
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Enjoy luxury at Hotel Adria in Gruz, a short distance away from the historic Dubrovnik town and offers views of the Elafiti islands and Lapad Bay. Rooms come equipped with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, private bathroom with shower, and premium toiletries. Make use of its premium amenities which include an outdoor pool, sauna, gym, and restaurant. Relax in lavishness! |
Hotel Adria, Gruz
Dinner |
Approx. 6 km (3.7 miles) 4-5 hours Walking, Elevation gain: 650 m (2,133 ft), Elevation loss: 200 m (656 ft) After a hearty breakfast, we'll be setting out on an adventure that will take your breath away. Our ride to the picturesque town of Gornji Obod takes around 25 minutes. We then follow a scenic path from here that leads up through the hills to the charming town of Velji Do. Following a much-needed rest, we continue our journey to the summit of Strazisce Peak. Although the ascent is not without its difficulties, the reward at the top is well worth it: a cross honouring the victims of the 1996 crash of a U.S. plane carrying supplies to Dubrovnik. After that, we head back to Dubrovnik for the afternoon for some downtime. Stroll leisurely through Stari Grad, the old town's cobblestone streets. Discover the city's distinctive allure, exploring its many fountains, churches, castles, and museums, all constructed from the same pale stone. The main street, Stradun, comes alive with the lively energy of people out for an evening promenade as dusk turns to night. Experience Dubrovnik like never before by completely submerging yourself in its enchantment. |
Hotel Adria, GruzBreakfast, Lunch |
Approx. 11 km (6.8 miles) 3-5 hours Walking, Elevation gain: 350 m (1,148 ft), Elevation loss: 350 m (1,148 ft) Wake up to the fresh morning air and a delicious breakfast. We take a bus to the lovely Tucepi and relax with a cup of coffee on the way there. Hikers of all experience levels will enjoy the Biokovo Mountains, which rise magnificently in three stunning shelves above the Makarska Riviera. Take in the breathtaking views of the Biokovo massif as you make your way to Makarska on foot. After a terrible earthquake in 1962, this little but thriving town was rebuilt in stone with great care, and it shows. Makarska also has a beach that stretches for a whopping 2 km (1.2 miles) and invites you to cool yourself in the water before setting sail for Brac. Bol, the crown jewel of the island of Brac, can be reached by ferry from Makarska. Its natural beauty and historical significance will captivate you with its clean beaches and clear waters. |
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Bask in the lavishness of Hotel Elaphusa, a luxurious 4-star abode located in Bol, Croatia. Enjoy modern and spacious rooms with captivating ocean views, plush king-sized beds, complimentary Wi-Fi, and private balconies. Unwind in the ultimate luxury with a plethora of recreational options, including indoor and outdoor pools, a top-notch restaurant, a fully-equipped fitness centre, and an exquisite wellness spa with saunas, steam rooms. |
Hotel Elaphusa, Bol (or similar)Breakfast, Lunch |
Approx. 7 km (4.4 miles), 2-3 hours Walking, Elevation gain: 230 m (755 ft), Elevation loss: 800 m (2,725 ft). We take a scenic 20-minute transfer to the picturesque village of Gazul, from where we begin our adrenaline walk to the summit of Vidova Gora, which is located 780 metres (2,559 feet) above sea level. Our path winds through lush woodlands for around 1hr 30min, gradually ascending 230 metres (755 feet) to the highest point on Brac Island. Once we reach the peak, you'll be treated to sweeping panoramas that go as far as the eye can see, including Hvar island and the famous Zlatni Rat spit. We refuel with a hearty Dalmatian lunch after our exciting hike in the picturesque mediaeval town of Brac. When we return to Bol, take advantage of the beautiful Zlatni Rat beach, which faces due south. The ideal place to relax, loosen up and bask in the sun. |
Hotel Elaphusa (four-star), Bol (or similar)Breakfast, Lunch |
Approx. 7 km (4.4 miles) 2-3 hours Walking, Elevation gain: 150 m (492 ft), Elevation loss: 150 m (492 ft) Come along with us as we embark on an excursion in Croatia, beginning with a morning boat ride to Split, the country's second-largest city and a hub of activity. This historic district is a favourite among visitors thanks to its convenient size for leisurely wandering and exploration. Diocletian's Palace is a must-see on any trip to Split. Next, we take a bus to the beautiful Krka National Park, which is only around 84 kilometres (52 miles) away. Our trek to Skradinski Buk will take us past a series of waterfalls that drop in 17 spectacular stages, so get ready to be awed. Keep an eye out for the rare animals that make their home in this region; you might even see some species that are found nowhere else in Europe, some of which include the Dalmatian barbel gudgeon, the Balkan golden ring dragonfly and more. This 2 hour 30 minute trip is appropriate for hikers of all experience levels because of its flat terrain and accessible routes. As the day winds down, we make our way to Zadar for a sumptuous meal in the historic district. |
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Experience the ultimate luxury at your premium accommodation for the next three nights at Hotel Pinija, a stunning 4-star seaside retreat in Petrčane, Croatia. Your spacious Mediterranean-inspired room boasts breathtaking sea or park views and is equipped with every modern comfort, including air conditioning, satellite TV, a minibar, and a private bathroom with deluxe toiletries. Indulge in the hotel's high-end amenities, including three outdoor swimming pools, three restaurants, a poolside bar, a fitness centre, a tennis court, and a mini-golf course, and live like royalty. |
Hotel Pinija, PetrčaneBreakfast, Dinner |
Approx. 12 km (7.5 miles), 5 hours Walking, Elevation gain: 300 m (984 ft), Elevation loss: 1,150 m (3,773 ft) Prepare for the experience of a lifetime as we lead you on a guided walk in . Velika Paklenica and Mala Paklenica are two stunning gorges that have been carved precipitously into the mountain. These canyons are not only beautiful to look at, but also provide excellent climbing opportunities for some of Europe's top climbers. This national park is a geologist's dream because of all the unique karst formations and caverns hidden within it. Flora and fauna abound in the region, making it a haven for ecotourists. A spectacular 4x4 trip brings us to the starting point of our 7 hour, 30 minute hike at Veliko Rujno (850m/2,789ft). As we continue our ascent, you'll be treated to breathtaking panoramas of the park from an altitude of 300 metres (985 feet). From there, we make our way downhill for the next 1,150 metres (3,775 feet), passing through some of the park's most peaceful parts and the quaint village of Ramici before reaching the canyon's bottom. After this life-changing adventure, we head back to Zadar in the afternoon. |
Hotel Pinija, PetrčaneBreakfast, Lunch |
Approx. 12 km (7.5 miles) 4-6 hours Walking, Elevation gain: 600 m (1,1969 ft), Elevation loss: 200 m (656 ft) We return to Paklenica National Park for another unforgettable wilderness experience! This day's hike will be the toughest, but worthwhile. From the saddle atop Pod Jaginim Kukom, we drink in the breathtaking panorama of Bojin Kuk. The Bojinac group of limestone cliffs, caverns, and meadows are a sight to behold because of the contrast they create with the arid landscape. The scenery may be stunning, but today's hike is everything from easy. The walk will be on rocky ground that requires full focus and alertness. The difficulty will only heighten the satisfaction we feel upon reaching our goal. The mysterious and intriguing Mirila burials, which date back centuries, will be found along the road. As the sun sets, we head back to Zadar with stories to tell for years to come. You have plenty of time for a relaxing swim before we leave Croatia tomorrow. |
Hotel Pinija, PetrčaneBreakfast, Lunch |
Indulge in a delightful breakfast or refresh with a morning swim in the pool, a perfect time to reflect on your incredible adventure. Bid farewell before a transfer to Split Airport where your trip ends. Alternatively, extend your stay in Split or Zadar at an additional cost, please contact us. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
NoneBreakfastDates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure point is Dubrovnik
- The finish point is Split
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Dubrovnik. The nearest major airport is Dubrovnik Airport which has international and domestic flights and is 21 km from the center of Dubrovnik. Another major airport is Tivat Airport which has international flights from Tivat, Montenegro and is 72 km from Dubrovnik.
- Airport transfers are only included with scheduled group transfers from Dubrovnik Airport. Alternatively, joining location starts in your accommodation in Dubrovnik making your own arrangements there. The journey to the hotel is relatively easy by public transport. Take a 25-minute Platanus shuttle bus to Pile Gate (Old Town) from the airport. Services leave about 30 minutes after every flight and you can purchase a one-way ticket from the counter or on the bus for around €8.85. From there, take the number 4 bus for nine stops to Lapad Bay. Tickets, costing €2, can be bought on the bus. The hotel is across the street from the bus stop. For more information and service times, visit www.platanus.hr/shuttle-bus/.
Croatia has one of the sunniest climates in Europe, and some regions are notoriously free from rain. We generally travel off-season, so you should expect some variation in temperature and possibly some rainfall. Temperatures can be high, particularly in July, averaging around 30C (86F).
The walking level on this trip is rated Level 2 Leisurely/Moderate.
Level 1 Leisurely: Experience is not necessary; anyone fit and healthy enough to complete a weekend walk will thrive. Walks are often optional. Trails are seldom flat, so expect a reasonable number of ascents and descents. You normally walk for two to five hours per day; daily ascents will likely be around 985ft to 1,640ft (300m to 500m), perhaps with the odd day around 1,970ft (600m).
Level 3 Moderate: Expect easy, medium-length walks or harder, shorter walks. Some experience is useful, but not essential. Good health and reasonable fitness are important. There will be walks at higher altitudes and some longer, harder days. Generally, though, the underfoot conditions will be fair. A walking day is normally five to seven hours; daily ascents will likely be around 1,640ft to 2,625ft (500m to 800m), perhaps with the odd day around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m).
Level 5 Challenging: Fitness is vital with extended walking in mountainous terrain. You might also experience high altitude, challenging climates and remote locations. Trekking experience is desirable, but not vital if you are confident in your physical condition. Walking days are usually between six and eight hours, although they may be longer for passes or peaks. Daily ascents can be around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m), perhaps with the odd day around 3,610ft to 3,940ft (1,100m to 1,200m).
Level 7 Tough: Trekking experience is essential and preferably at altitude. You need complete confidence in your ability to trek for many days over difficult terrain. You may encounter extreme altitude and weather conditions and may need to use ice axes and crampons. Stamina is essential as walking days last six to nine hours (sometimes more on occasions). Daily ascents will likely be around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m), perhaps with the odd day around 3,610ft to 3,940ft (1,100m to 1,200m).
Split and optional grades: Where a trip falls between two grades, an intermediate or ‘split’ grade is used. For example, Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). Occasionally there are optional ascents available; in this case, the grade will be highlighted.
Most of the walking routes are on clearly defined paths. The paths can get steeper in places and some sections can be rocky. No specific technical experience is required but we recommend that you are comfortable walking in hilly and mountainous areas. Anyone with a reasonable level of fitness should be comfortable with the daily distances and height gained.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 90 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 90 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 90 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 90 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement of 2 is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
In the genuine spirit of expedition travel, we encourage exploration and adventure offering flexibility in challenging environments. This itinerary is only a guide and is subject to change due to weather, sea and other conditions beyond our control.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
