At a Glance
Set your own rhythm as you discover the best of the Dalmatian Coast on this 8-day self-guided walking adventure through Split, Brač, and Hvar. This Croatian island-hopping adventure is perfectly crafted for the mature traveller seeking a blend of gentle walks, cultural discovery, and opportunities to indulge in the region’s celebrated food and wine. Explore charming coastal paths, ancient Roman remains, and picturesque vineyards at your own pace on this breathtaking walk through Croatia. With every step, you'll immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the Adriatic, making this the ideal self-guided holiday on the Dalmatian Coast.
Your adventure begins in Split, with a first introduction to the stunning Diocletian’s Palace. From scaling the St. Domnius Bell Tower to sipping espresso on the vibrant Riva, the city immediately catches onto you ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 8x Breakfast
- Navigation app
- Ferry tickets
- Luggage transfers between hotels
- 7 nights’ accommodation in 4-star hotels on a twin-share basis
Itinerary
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Arrive in Split, the second-largest city in Croatia. Split is rich in history and uniquely placed, with a seaside vibe unlike anywhere else. It sits at the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea. If you find yourself ahead of schedule, you may take a slow wander through the city. The obvious choice for most first arrivals is the city center, where the massive Diocletian’s Palace is located. Find a spot here with an espresso just to sit back and people-watch, soaking in over 1,700 years of history. Fancy a little adventure? Take a climb up the Bell Tower of St. Domnius, which is located within the walls of Diocletian’s Palace. Right at the top, you can see breathtaking, 360-degree views that stretch from stunning terracotta rooftops to the sparkling Adriatic Harbour. The Gallery of Fine Arts is also just a stone's throw away from here. Take a visit here to literally see through the soul of Croatia. You’ll find everything from 14th-century masterpieces to more daring, modern-day works. As the evening approaches, with fading lights, the highlight of your evening is a seat at a local konoba. The food here takes back seat to none and is even more indulgent with the pace at which life moves here. Savor freshly caught fish, usually grilled with local olive oil and garlic, and sip local wines while the sun sets over the waterfront. |
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Residence Stine is located in the very heart of Split, tucked away in the charming, narrow streets of Varoš neighborhood, just a short stroll from the Riva waterfront. Despite its authentic, historic setting, the hotel offers 9 brightly renovated and modern rooms. This intimate size allows for a personalized, boutique experience, while featuring an elegant design, excellent air-conditioning, spacious contemporary bathrooms, and access to a pleasant terrace where guests can unwind. |
Residence Stine, Varoš 
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Approx. 18 km (11 miles), 2-3 hours walking You ferry to Brač this morning, typically 50-60 minutes, arriving in the island’s main town, Supetar. It is from this point that you set off on a varied circular walk through the gentle hills south of Supetar. The route features centuries-old olive groves, some of which you’ll find twisted and gnarled due to age, and a remarkable network of traditional dry-stone walls. The path offers peaceful, ever-changing views back across the Adriatic to Split’s coastline and the mountains beyond. Away from the busier coastal spots, this inland route is the perfect contrast with a wonderful taste of Brač’s authentic, slow-paced character. Soon, the trail transports you back toward the coast. Follow the scenic shoreline path into Supertar. This time, it opens up to several pebble bays, all inviting, and rocky coves with vivid, crystal-clear water. Feel free to take a refreshing swim or walk by the sea. Another hour of ferry takes you back to Split in the afternoon, where the rest of the evening is yours to enjoy as you choose. |
Residence Stine, Varoš
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Approx. 9 km (6 miles), 1-2 hours walking Following breakfast, catch an early morning ferry for a smooth, hour-long ride to Hvar Town. Hvar is celebrated as one of the sunniest spots in Europe, with over 2,700 hours of annual sunshine. This also means you can expect radiant blue skies and near-perfect conditions for exploring the island’s beauty. Start with a steady ascent from the town’s marble streets up to the Napoleon Fortress. Built in 1812 during the French occupation under Napoleon, this hilltop fort now houses the Hvar Observatory. At a strategic hillside position, the views are unparalleled: a patchwork sea of sun-baked terracotta roofs framed by the emerald Pakleni Islands and the endless shimmer of the Adriatic. The return journey transports you away from the heights right into the island’s quiet soul. Descend through silvery groves of olives and fragrant vineyards. As the golden light fades into the evening, wander back into Hvar town to unwind by the water’s edge. Hotel Villa Nora was once the grand home of the aristocratic Gazzari family and is beautifully restored as a boutique hotel within a 14th-century palace. This means you’ll be staying in a piece of history where the writer Marin Gazarović was born in 1575. The "mini gallery hotel" offers spacious, artistic rooms, immersive experiences, from enjoying panoramic views of the historic stone streets from the rooftop terrace to savoring locally sourced meals in the charming walled courtyard. |
Hotel Villa Nora, Hvar Old Town
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Approx. 7 km (4 miles), 1-2 hours walking Kick off the morning by boarding a local water taxi to Sveti Klement. The short, scenic ride crosses the sparkling channel to the largest of the Pakleni islands. The island of Resin, as it is known, gives off a subtle hint at the dense, fragrant forests that await you. Once you step ashore, follow a rugged, shaded trail through a canopy of Aleppo pines and past ancient stone ruins. This path leads you toward the sleepy hamlet of Vlaka, accompanied by the heady, unmistakable scent of wild rosemary and sea salt in the air. The road here packs the island’s hidden treasures: secluded coves and crystalline inlets that invite you to refresh with a dip away from the crowds. Catch your water taxi back to Hvar Town after a day of sun-drenched excursions in these pristine waters. The evening sets up as usual: an elegant evening by the Adriatic. |
Hotel Villa Nora, Hvar Old Town
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Approx. 18 km (11 miles), 2-3 hours walking Today, you’re heading up into the hills above Hvar to see and have a taste of the “real” island. The olive groves and fields of lavender here smell amazing, even more when the sun hits them. Amidst this enchanting scenery that hasn’t changed much in like forever, the highlight is reaching Malo Grablje. This “ghost village” tucked in a canyon has been left uninhabited since the 60s. Take a stroll back in time by walking through its empty streets. Look for great spots for photos and just make the most of the super atmosphere here. After you have explored the ruins, head back down toward the coast to Milna. In this moment, nothing comes close to a cold drink and a soak in the water to cool off. Once you’ve had your fill, wander back through the vineyards and woods until you’re right back in Hvar Town. |
Hotel Villa Nora, Hvar Old Town
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Approx. 13 km (8 miles), 2-4 hours walking Today, your first sights are set for one of the oldest towns in Europe. Start by catching the local bus for a quick 30-minute ride over to Stari Grad. You’ll immediately notice how different it feels from the other towns on this tour. It has a wonderfully relaxed, authentic, live-in atmosphere that is hard not to fall in love with. From there, head out on a scenic loop through the surrounding hills. The path is classic Hvar at its best: quiet little villages and beautiful stretches of ancient olive groves and vineyards. Before long, you reach the Stari Grad Plain. This spot earned its place as a UNESCO World Heritage site because the Greeks laid out these fields back in the 4th century BC, and people have been farming them the same way ever since. There are panels along the way that explain the history, so you can get the backstory without it feeling like a history lecture. With any remaining time, you can’t miss a wander through Stari Grad’s narrow stone lanes. They’re beautiful and a lot quieter than the main hub. Take your time to truly appreciate the scenery before hopping on a bus back to Hvar Town. |
Hotel Villa Nora, Hvar Old Town
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Approx. 9 km (6 miles), 1-2 hours walking Leave Hvar behind and hop a morning ferry for the hour-long ride back to Split. It’s your last day here, and so it’s the right opportunity to soak up the energy of the coastal city one more time. You may have had glimpses and perhaps wandered a little through Diocletian’s Palace on your first day. But there’s far more to this UNESCO World Heritage site than first meets the eye. It richly rewards a curious mind. So take another wander, a lot deeper this time, and enjoy views of its ancient Roman walls that wrap around lively cafes and tucked-away courtyards. It’s the perfect place to get lost for an hour or two before heading over to Marjan Park. This part of town offers a car-free escape in a protected 300-hectare hillside oasis with a pine-covered hilltop loved by locals. The views here are also over the top, looking back over Split and the Adriatic. |
Hotel Villa Nora, Hvar Old Town
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If you have a later flight, take a stroll to see and feel the city one last time. The history of Split can be a lot more interesting if you see it beyond just another history told in a classroom. One place that makes that possible is the Split City Museum, which is tucked inside the 15th-century Papalić Palace. For some context, the building is so historic that it actually housed the city’s very first collection of Roman artifacts. Peruse the impressive archaeological finds, ancient sculptures, and medieval artifacts, and gain fascinating insights into how the city evolved inside the walls of Diocletian’s Palace. This spare time is also the perfect moment to grab some souvenirs, like a bottle of local olive oil or even a cravat, which is a pretty cool gift when you realize the necktie actually started here in the 17th century. Drink one last time in the moment with a coffee in hand on the Riva. With memories to return with, leave Split behind making your own arrangements for your onward journey. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
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Breakfast Dates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure point is Split
- The finish point is Hvar
- The closest airport to Split, Croatia, is Split Airport (SPU), also known as Resnik Airport. It is located approximately 24 kilometres (15 miles) west of Split's city centre, near the town of Kaštela.
The Dalmatian Coast in Croatia has a Mediterranean climate. The summer months of July and August are warm, with daytime temperatures between 28°C and 32°C. Spring and autumn are milder, with daytime temperatures between 15°C and 25°C. Coastal winters are gentle, with temperatures typically ranging from 5°C to 10°C.
The walking level on this trip is rated Level 2 Moderate.
Level 1 Leisurely: These are our easiest walks. Suitable for anyone who is reasonably fit and healthy, enjoys the occasional weekend walk. Some holidays involve short, steeper sections; others will include gentler, but longer ascents/descents. Trails are seldom totally flat so you should be prepared for altitude changes of up to 400m on some days. A head for heights is not necessary.
Level 2 Moderate: Suitable for anyone looking for slightly longer walks and who is confident with daily ascents/descents of up to 700m. Most routes will follow well defined paths, however, there may be sections where you will need to be able to navigate via the app or map. You don't need specific walking experience; however, good health and reasonable fitness are important. There may be some sections on uneven terrain where scrambling is required. On certain holidays, you do need a head for heights; this is specified on the online holiday pages where applicable.
Level 3 Demanding: Fitness is important as you can expect full day walks, including up to 1,000m ascents/descents. Routes may be indistinct in places due to the nature of the terrain, so ability to navigate by map and app are required. Where applicable, experience of walking in mountains is important, and you should have a reasonable head for heights. There is likely to be some scrambling required, although not rock climbing. Not suitable for under-12s.
Level 4 Challenging: Building on Level 3 requirements, fitness is important as you can expect full day walks, including up to 1,200m ascents/descents. High altitudes, longer distances, climate and remoteness can also be a factor depending on your chosen destination. Previous trekking experience is desirable, but not vital if you are confident of your physical condition. Once again, you should be confident navigating by app or map; have a reasonable head for heights, and there is likely to be some challenging elements and may be some scrambling required, although not rock climbing. Not suitable for under-12s.
Terrain: The route is mostly along tracks or rural roads; sometimes on paths (some can be rocky due to characteristic limestone). Paths are generally easy to follow and sometimes waymarked and/or signposted however this is variable.
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 100 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 100 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 100 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 100 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 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.
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.
