DAY 1

You gather in the lobby of the meeting point hotel for a brief orientation followed by a visit of Trogir—a beautifully preserved walled town that boasts a profusion of Romanesque and Renaissance architectural styles along with a magnificent cathedral. Afterward, you transfer to Split for a delicious lunch that may include grilled vegetables, octopus salad, and black risotto. A guided walking tour of Split's UNESCO-preserved old town awaits. You are transported back to Roman times, strolling inside what used to be the retirement residence of the emperor Diocletian, past the temple of Jupiter and into the mausoleum, now the town’s cathedral. You then venture outside the city walls to Split’s vibrant market and bustling bayside promenade, The Riva.

Late afternoon you board a boat for an hour transfer to Brac, the third largest island of the archipelago, best known for its luminous white stone, from which both Diocletian’s palace and the White House in Washington, DC, were constructed. A short minibus transfer along the tranquil northern coast brings you to your hotel, a comfortable property with private beach overlooking the sleepy village of Postira. After getting settled, you gather for a welcome meeting and the first of many delicious dinners featuring the bounty of this distinctive coast.
Hotel Pastura, Brac

DAY 2

After a breakfast of local figs, homemade bread, cheese, and prsut (Dalmatian smoked ham), you set out to explore some of the island’s finest attractions. After a thirty minute transfer by minibus, you reach the trailhead that leads to the 16th-century Pustinja Blaca, originally a hermitage founded in 1551 by Glagolitic priests during the Ottoman advance. A rocky dirt path descends gradually to the monastery, where we stop for a visit before continuing to a secluded cove. Here a short transfer by private boat brings you to the famous Zlatni Rat, or “Golden Cape” where there is time for a refreshing swim. Afterward you proceed to a former shepherd’s hamlet for a traditional peka lunch (meat and vegetable stew simmered slowly over hot coals under a domeshaped lid).

The afternoon presents the option to continue on foot or by minibus to Vidova Gora, the highest point on the island for a panoramic view over the islands you will explore during the course of the journey. You return to the hotel late in the day with time to relax or swim before reuniting for a meal of local specialties at a traditional family-run konoba (restaurant).
Hotel Pastura, Brac

DAY 3

Today’s walk takes you along a pine-clad northern coastal path from Postira to the fishing village of Splitska. A steady ascent winds through olive groves and cultivated terraces culminating at the village of Skrip, the island’s first settlement. Founded by the Illyrians in 1000 BC, remains of the original wall can still be seen around the citadel. You stop for a brief visit of the tower and Roman mausoleum, today a museum dedicated to the history of the island, before indulging in a memorable lunch of pasticada, a traditional Dalmatian specialty of slowly braised beef served with homemade gnocchi. After lunch you proceed by minibus to Bol for a ferry transfer (1½ hours) to the chic island of Hvar, famous for its lavender production.

After checking in to your comfortable seaside hotel, the evening is yours to stroll the promenade and admire Hvar town’s main historical buildings, including the old theater—the first in Europe to be open to the public. For dinner you are free to choose from among the many restaurants and cafés, with recommendations from your guides and hotel staff.
Hotel Adriana, Hvar

DAY 4

After a leisurely buffet breakfast of fresh fruits, cereal, pastries and eggs, you embark on a scenic island excursion. Today’s exploration takes you east along Hvar’s southern coast through wilderness of vineyards and lavender fields for which the island is famous. Your destination is the tiny coastal settlement of Sveta Nedjelja, situated below the islands’ highest peak, Sveti Nikola, which towers over the sea at 1800 feet. A cluster of stone houses comprise the original village, situated on a rocky outcropping below a cave with remains of an Augustinian monastery, founded in the 15th century and used until 1787.

The village and beach are separated by a winding path which runs through a small pine wood. Sveta Nedjelja is a famous center for the production of the best types of Hvar red wine (known as plavac), which you may have an opportunity to sample this evening. Following a seaside picnic lunch, there is plenty of time to relax at the secluded beach, or swim before transferring back to Hvar town. Some guests may wish to indulge in a spa treatment, or simply unwind at the hotel, while others may prefer to shop or explore prior to dinner at one our favorite family-run restaurants.
Hotel Adriana, Hvar

DAY 5

There is an optional walk for the early risers this morning to the Spanjol Fortress, or citadel, for a birdseye view over the picturesque harbor and the nearby Pakleni islets. Others may prefer to relax over a leisurely breakfast before the group reconvenes for a short minibus transfer inland to the village of Velo Grablje and the trailhead. The rocky path winds past an abandoned village and small olive grove before reaching the peaceful cove of Milna, where you may opt for a swim in the turquoise sea. You enjoy lunch at a seaside café before returning to Hvar either on foot or by minibus.

Late afternoon is spent relaxing on a scenic boat transfer to Korcula Island, the sixth largest Adriatic island. You disembark for a guided visit of the UNESCO-preserved old town of Korcula—often referred to as a miniature Dubrovnik for its beautiful medieval buildings and stonework.

There is time to swim or refresh at your hotel, a seaside property and your base for the next two nights. This evening’s dinner is at a restaurant in the heart of town where a typical feast awaits and features prawns, calamari, salad of sheep’s cheese and olives, all topped off by an apple strudel dessert. An after-dinner stroll along the narrow streets of Korcula town provides perfect closure to the day.
Hotel Marko Polo, Korcula

DAY 6

After a copious buffet breakfast in the panoramic dining room, you set out to explore the wooded hills above Korcula, an island rich in vineyards, olive groves, and sprinkled with picturesque villages. Traditional culture has been preserved on this island, from religious festivals, to folk music and dance, to shipbuilding. A short transfer brings you to Zrnovo, where you explore the village and St. Martin’s Church before continuing along a wide rocky path dotted with cypress and aromatic Mediterranean maquis (low-lying vegetation). Emerging from the wooded trail, beautiful views of the Peljesac Peninsula lie just across the channel. The trail descends to a natural harbor, where a special seafood lunch awaits, followed by time for swimming or relaxation.

Late afternoon presents the opportunity to visit a local vineyard, for a tasting of the famous Posip Cara (white wine) before another memorable dinner.
Hotel Marko Polo, Korcula

DAY 7

After breakfast you bid farewell to Korcula to walk the hills along the Peljesac Peninsula, home to some of the best beaches in Southern Dalmatia with wide, sandy coves bordered by groves of tamarisk and pine. After a short boat transfer to the tiny town of Viganj, you ascend a rocky trail for approximately 20 minutes. You are quickly graced with gorgeous views across the channel to Korcula. After a picnic lunch, you descend to Orebic, once an important maritime center and now home to a small maritime museum.

This afternoon you continue by minibus to Dubrovnik, with a stop en route in Ston, whose former importance was linked to salt production. Today it is revered as a gastronomic capital, famous for its fresh seafood, and in particular, oysters. There may be time to walk the famous walls, the longest in 14th-century Europe, before proceeding to a luxury hotel in magnificent Dubrovnik. A final celebration takes place at an excellent local restaurant just beyond the town gate where you toast your week’s adventures.
Grand Villa Argentina, Dubrovnik

DAY 8

Your tour concludes with a walking tour of The Pearl on the Adriatic as Lord Byron so famously described Dubrovnik. This much celebrated town, a World Heritage Site, is completely encircled by over a mile of beautifully preserved walls built between the 13th and 16th centuries. Historically, they provided protection against all intruders, from the Saracens to the Turks, coming by way of sea. You explore the town’s main works of art, learn about its history of proud and fierce economic and political independence from Venice, marvel at the loving way the town was restored after the shelling in 1991, and take pleasure in discovering its architectural details and narrow alleys. Late morning you say goodbye, continuing on your exploration of this enchanting coast or making connections to Dubrovnik Airport for your departure.

Itinerary Changes

Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual walks, sites, and accommodations may vary due to season, special events, weather, or transportation schedules. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.

Nights 1 & 2

Hotel Pastura
Postira, Croatia

A comfortable hotel with swimming pool and private beach overlooking the sleepy village of Postira on Brac’s tranquil northern coast.

Nights 3 & 4

Hotel Adriana
Hvar, Croatia

Croatia's first and only member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World. A boutique hotel overlooking the marina in the center of Hvar town. The property features a salt water swimming pool and spa.

Nights 5 & 6

Hotel Marko Polo
Korcula, Croatia

A recently renovated seaside hotel with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, spa services, and panoramic restaurant.

Night 7

Grand Villa Argentina
Dubrovnik, Croatia

A luxury hotel with private beach, swimming pool, and spa within walking distance of the historic city center.

Please note that this is a sample hotel itinerary for this tour. While these exact hotels are featured on most departures, we occasionally reserve other hotels of similar style and quality. If you are currently booked on a Country Walkers adventure, a hotel itinerary has been sent to you for your exact departure date. Please call Country Walkers at 800.464.9255 if you have any questions about the exact hotels selected for any of our tours.

Manuela Ciri

Manuela was born and raised on a farm in Umbria where she has been involved in leading cooking lessons and olive-oil tastings.  Educated both in Italy and in the U.S., she is a botanist, herbal healer and certified environmental guide; her vast knowledge of nature, agriculture and traditional food is warmed by her sunny smile and joyful nature.  This multi-talented guide also has her captain’s license and can often be found in Croatia—her home away from home. She has sailed the Adriatic numerous times and is passionate about the language, culture and people.  In her ‘spare’ time, Manuela teaches environmental education and works on landscape engineering projects.

Kristina Sipic

A native of Kakanj, Bosnia, Kristina now lives in Croatia’s capital of Zagreb, where she received a Master’s degree in Kinesiology. Her passions include sailing and preventive medicine. Professionally, she juggles guiding with the responsibilities of managing and owning a boat charter company. She enjoys sharing her enthusiasm for Croatia’s spectacular coast with travelers from around the world.

Daniel Piccini

Daniel, a native of Croatia’s second largest city, Split, is an avid sportsman.  He previously worked as a civil engineer, and a technician for a Croatian race car team.  However, his main passion is guiding, and for the past twelve years Dani has devoted his time to professional guiding—from trekking and climbing to canyoning.  When not guiding, Dani can be found enjoying outdoor activities with his wife, daughter and son in one of Croatia’s many beautiful national parks.

Ivana Bubicic

A native of Split, Ivana now makes her home on the island of Brac, where she has been a pioneer in the field of adventure travel.  A trilingual (fluent in English and German in addition to her native tongue) walking/trekking guide for 7 years, Ivana’s areas of expertise include history, art history and Mediterranean flora.  In her free time, she sings in a traditional music group called "klapa" (a form of a cappella singing) and designs jewelry from natural materials.