Croatia Islands of Istria & the Dalmatian Coast Hiking Tour
Island Exploration, Ancient Sites & Farm-to-Table Fare
- Available: June, July, September
- Activity: Level 2
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels
-
Group Size:
4-16 Guests
Min Age: 13
Highlights
- Enjoy authentic farm to table meals hosted by a local family
- Have a private boat tour of the Kornati archipelago, a collection of 89 picturesque islands in the Croatian Adriatic
- See four UNESCO Heritage Sites: Zadar, Trogir, Split and Dubrovnik
Itinerary
Meet in Trieste, Italy & Head to Losinj Islands, Croatia
Day 1
Meet in Trieste, Italy, and transfer to the beautiful Istrian peninsula of Croatia. Set off to Croatia's Northern islands on a scenic drive through the rolling hills of the Istrian peninsula to Kvarner Bay. Board a ferry for a short transfer to Cres, Croatia's largest island and home to medieval villages, clear waters and excellent seafood. Hike the bay of Cres with its hidden emerald coves to the centuries-old village of Lubenice. One of Croatia's most scenic spots. Finish the day on the picturesque island of Losinj.
Accommodation: Hotel Vila Conte
Activity: 3 hours/5 miles hiking with 150' elevation gain and loss
Transportation: 1.5-hour private van transfer, 1.5-hour ferry ride
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Losinj Island
Day 2
Hike Mt. Osorscica (1940ft), the second highest mountain on the Adriatic. Enjoy a farm to table lunch hosted by a local family. Finish the day with a tour of the historically rich towns of Mali Losinj and Veli Losinj to learn about local island life and the Venetian-Habsburg architectural influence on the area.
Accommodation: Hotel Vila Conte
Activity: 4-5 hours/7 miles with 1,320' elevation gain and loss
Transportation: Two 30-minute private van transfers
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Discover Islands Krk and Pag
Day 3
Embark on a short ferry ride from Losinj to the Island of Krk. Hike the rocky trail with the crystal blue sea on one side and mountainous terrain on the other. Take in the view of barren Goli Island, once home to an infamous political prison. Take a slow road trip on the Adriatic "highway," the scenic road that runs the length of the Croatian coast. Meet the ferry for a 15-minute ride to the Island of Pag and a stay at one of the most exclusive properties in Croatia.
Accommodation: Hotel Boskinac
Activity: 3 hours/5 miles hiking with 480' elevation gain and loss
Transportation: 3-hour private van transfer, Two 15-minute ferry rides
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Island Pag and Zadar
Day 4
Visit Pag, the most dramatic looking island in Croatia, and home of the famous Pag sheep. Taste the finest sheep cheese in the world, regarded as the most famous of all artisan cheeses made in the country, before making a short evening transfer to the UNESCO Heritage Site town of Zadar, located on the mainland on the Adriatic coast.
Accommodation: Art Hotel Kalelarga
Activity: Two 30-minute walking tours
Transportation: 1.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Kornati Archipelago National Park
Day 5
Depart at dawn for a private boat tour of the Kornati archipelago, a collection of 89 islands in the Croatian Adriatic and one of the world's most beautiful marine landscapes. Summit Kornat (745ft), the main island in the archipelago, with its spectacular 360-degree-view. Enjoy a visit with an old MT Sobek friend to learn about the local history and enjoy home-made foods before returning to Zadar in late evening.
Accommodation: Art Hotel Kalelarga
Activity: 2.5 hours/2 miles hiking with 745' elevation gain and loss
Transportation: Two 45-minute ferry rides
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Experience Three UNESCO Heritage Sites
Day 6
Begin the day in Zadar, then on to Trogir and finally to Split, three UNESCO coastal cities in Dalmatia, culturally the richest part of the Adriatic. Explore Trogir's 13th century cathedral and Split's Diocletian Palace built by the Romans. Enjoy a feast of traditional Dalmatian delicacies at the close of the day.
Accommodation: Hotel Fermai
Activity: Two 1-hour walking tours
Transportation: 2-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike Brac Island
Day 7
Discover the Island of Brac, largest of Dalmatian islands. Start the day at the hidden bay of Blaca and hike to the 450-year-old hermitage, surrounded by pine trees, aromatic flowers, and the scents and sights of the sea. Enjoy a fire-cooked lunch of local specialties in a Dalmatian stone village. Continue to the top of Mt. Vidova, the highest peak of the Dalmatian islands, then shuttle to the town of Supetar and a return to Split. Tonight enjoy a festive farewell dinner in town.
Accommodation: Hotel Fermai
Activity: 2 hours/3 miles hiking with 150' elevation gain and loss
Transportation: Two 1-hour ferry rides, 20-minute boat ride
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Discover Ston and Dubrovnik
Day 8
Travel through the fertile plain of Neretva - dubbed the Croatian California - to the medieval town of Ston, home to the longest fortified stone wall built in medieval times, and the world's best oysters! Motor to Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic, with its crystal-clear blue waters surrounding the massive stone walls that shelter the old part of the town. The tour ends at a centrally located hotel, where you have the option to extend your stay in Dubrovnik.
Activity: 2 hours city walking tour
Transportation: 3-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Dates & Prices
- 2023
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
2023
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $6,395 price per person dbl occ+$1,600 single supplementCheck for Availability
- $6,395 price per person dbl occ+$1,600 single supplementAvailableConfirmed
- $6,395 price per person dbl occ+$1,600 single supplementAvailableConfirmed
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Private Trip Pricing:
2023 Pricing
4 to 5 guests from $8,095 per person double occupancy
6 to 7 guests from $7,795 per person double occupancy
8 to 9 guests from $7,595 per person double occupancy
Additional Costs:
Private pricing excludes potential additional costs such as internal airfare, single supplement, or any park fees that may be required for the trip.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Take Over One of These Dates
- Jun 13 - 20, 2023
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
-
June, July, September
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts where necessary
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Airport transfer on the afternoon of Day-8
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at welcome and farewell dinners)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Roman Krizanic
After finishing his studies in Chinese language and culture, Roman spent three years exploring Asia before returning to his homeland of Slovenia. To keep the adventure alive, he became an outdoor guide over 10 years ago and enjoys discovering the hidden corners of Slovenia and nearby Croatia. Roman loves to combine his extensive outdoor experience with his passion for gourmet extravaganzas of Balkan cuisine. He is well known for his personal touch and good sense of humor.
Miha Klanjscek
Miha is a seasoned guide with more than 15 years' experience leading groups through the Balkans-one of the most culturally, architecturally and geographically diverse regions in the world! Miha first fell in love with the nature and cuisine of the region after spending youthful summers exploring the Mediterranean. He enjoys several outdoor pursuits, including mountain biking, trail running, and trekking in the Slovenian Alps. An adventurer by heart, you can hardly find a better person to show you Istrian wine routes, Slovenian hiking trails, and lively Italian piazzas. Meet Miha on MT Sobek's adventures in the region.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 2. Daily hikes ranging between 3 to 7 miles on rolling terrain with at most 1,320' elevation gain and loss (shorter options available). Transfers include ferry and boat rides.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 1
3 hours/5 miles hiking with 150' elevation gain and loss
Day 2
4-5 hours/7 miles with 1,320' elevation gain and loss
Day 3
3 hours/5 miles hiking with 480' elevation gain and loss
Day 4
Two 30-minute walking tours
Day 5
2.5 hours/2 miles hiking with 745' elevation gain and loss
Day 6
Two 1-hour walking tours
Day 7
2 hours/3 miles hiking with 150' elevation gain and loss
Day 8
2 hours city walking tour
Accommodations
Charming and historic hotels, all surrounded by spectacular scenery.
Hotel Vila Conte
Hotel Vila Conte is located in the center of Veli Losinj on the seafront. Built in 1885, the building originally served as a holiday home for the Austrian Countess. In 2017, the building was renovated in detail and transformed into a hotel. Today, it is a small, family-run hotel offering a warm welcome.
Hotel Boskinac
Each of the hotel's eight spacious rooms and three suites tells a story. Adorned with carefully selected materials and handmade furnishings, their design provides a rich sense of the island's history and heritage. Yet, the comforts are chosen to fit contemporary tastes.
Hotel Fermai
Cultural lovers will enjoy a stay at Hotel Fermai, a historic hotel built during World I, located in the heart of Split. With 31 modern rooms and 4 suites, the hotel preserves its century-old Art Nouveau charm while offering contemporary comforts such as comfortable bedding and private balconies that provide great views overlooking the charming old town. The on-site restaurant serves a delicious buffet breakfast!
Art Hotel Kalelarga
Hotel Kalelarga is a charming, new hotel located on Zadar's famous Kalelarga street! Guest rooms are individually decorated and equipped with modern amenities such as a flat-screen TV, mini-bar, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a private bathroom with a hairdryer and shower. Start your day with an a la carte breakfast, then take a leisurely stroll to explore Zadar's must-sees. End your day with a glass of champaign at the bar!
Weather
Croatia's west coast boasts a warm, coastal Mediterranean climate, with dry summers. There is often a pleasant sea-breeze in summertime.
FAQs
Who will meet me on arrival?
We meet with our guides in Trieste, Italy on the morning of Day-1 and set off to Croatia's Northern islands on a scenic drive through the rolling hills of the Istrian peninsula
What food can I expect in Croatia?
Healthy, locally-sourced, organic meals that include meats (red meat and poultry), fish and seafood, and an abundance of produce, all seasoned with local herbs and olive oil. Nearly all diets can be accommodated.
How challenging are the hikes on this trip?
There are 6 days of hiking that range from 2 to 7 miles. While the hiking is not difficult, you must enjoy hiking and come prepared for some unpaved and undulating terrain.
Will we travel by boat?
There will be several ferry crossings along the way, and one private boat transfer. Other transfers are by private van.
Can I extend my stay in Dubrovnik?
Yes! We recommend that you stay on in Dubrovnik for one or two days to explore the Old Town, or perhaps book a kayak excursion along the Elaphite archipelago through the hotel Concierge.
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