Croatian Islands and Trails: An Active Journey to the Dalmatian Coast

Fly overnight to Split, and transfer to your hotel in the nearby harbor town of Trogir. Gather for a welcome briefing before setting out on a walk through the cobblestoned streets of Trogir's Old Town, a World Heritage site. Founded in the fourth century BC as a Greek trading settlement and in continuous occupation since, the Old Town is situated on a small island linked to the mainland by bridge. Uncover its layers of history as you walk toward the town’s fortress, passing Cipiko Palace and Saint Lawrence's Cathedral. Tonight, kick off your Croatian adventure at a welcome dinner. (D)

Walking: 1-2 miles (2 hours) on mostly flat, paved or cobbled streets.

Step back 1,700 years into history on a walking tour of Split's Old Town, built among the ruins of Roman Emperor Diocletian's Palace. Stroll the marbled streets of this World Heritage site, visiting the well-preserved Peristyle square at the heart of the palace, as well as Saint Domnius Cathedral. Your walk continues along the riva, or promenade, overlooking the Adriatic. Later, take a ferry to the island of Brač, arriving at the port of Supetar. Head along the coast on foot to the church of Sveti Petar, before traveling to your hotel in the town of Bol on the island's dramatic south coast. (B,D)

Walking: 3-4 miles (3-4 hours) on mostly flat, paved or cobbled streets.

Walk along mountainside trails past olive groves and vineyards that slope to the sea, taking in lovely views across the water to Hvar Island. The trail ends at beautiful Zlatni Rat beach, called the "golden horn" for its pointed shape that shifts with the current and tides. Alternatively, opt for a more rigorous trek to hilltop Dragon's Cave, and examine its carvings depicting local lore. Later, take a guided tour of a winery that was built from local stone in 1903. Learn about varietals that thrive in the island's microclimate, and sample local wines. Return to Bol and take advantage of a free afternoon to discover more of the town or relax on the beach. (B,L,D)

Hiking Option 1 to Zlatni Rat Beach: 3-4 miles (3 hours) along gravel and dirt trails, approx. elevation change of 330 feet down to the promenade.

Hiking Option 2 to Dragon's Cave: 2-3 miles (4 hours) on a loop trail, along rocky and mountainous terrain, with a steep ascent of 850 feet.

A morning ferry ride brings you across the channel to the island of Hvar, a flourishing trade center during the Venetian Empire from the 13th to 18th centuries. Learn about the island’s vibrant cultural hertiage on a walking tour of the Old Town and its landmarks, including Saint Stephen's Cathedral and the Fransciscan Monastery. If you wish, climb hundreds of stone steps up the Spanish Fortress for sweeping views of the port and Pakleni Islands across the bay. After lunch, the rest of the day is yours to explore Hvar further or relax at your beach resort. Tonight, meet up for a dinner of fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant and take in a performance of Klapa singing, a southern Dalmatian a capella tradition recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. (B,L,D)

Walking: 2-3 miles (1.5 hours) on mostly flat, paved or cobbled streets.

Glide among the gem-like islands of the Dalmatian archipelago on a full-day excursion by zodiac-style boat. Visit the islands of Vis and Biševo and go for a swim in the turquoise waters off tiny Budikovac Island. Enter two astonishing limestone grottoes—the Green Cave and the Blue Cave— named for the iridescent glow of the sea inside, and learn about the geological forces that created them. Throughout the day, the boat will make swimming and snorkeling stops at picturesque coves and beaches. After lunch on Vis, return to Hvar later in the afternoon and enjoy time at leisure. (B,L)

Optional swimming: 8 hour boat excursion with multiple opportunities to swim.

Board a ferry to the island of Korčula and take a walking tour of the fortified medieval Old Town, known for its herringbone architectural motif. The design, a reflection of the island’s seafaring heritage, allows air to circulate within the densely packed walled town while protecting it from fierce winds. Visit the home where explorer Marco Polo is said to have been born, and learn about his Venetian merchant family. Choose to hike up to a viewpoint overlooking the Old Town before checking in to your hotel. Take the remainder of the day to explore the town or a nearby beach. (B,L)

Walking: 2-3 miles (1.5 hours) on mostly flat, paved or cobbled streets with an optional short hike uphill.

Travel east across the island to the village of Lumbarda, located in the region where Korčula’s signature Grk white wine is produced. Hike a loop trail that meanders through sandy vineyards and olive groves to a viewpoint overlooking a lovely bay. Descend to Pržina Beach, a popular destination for both locals and visitors, and go for a swim in its clear waters if you wish. Visit a local winery for lunch and a tasting of Grk wines before a free afternoon. (B,L)

Hiking: 4-5 miles (3-4 hours) over paved or gravel trails with a gentle incline.

Take a morning ferry to fabled Dubrovnik, a medieval walled city with Roman roots dating back to the seventh century. After checking in to your hotel, set out on foot to discover the sites of the World Heritage-listed Old Town, including the Franciscan Monastery and the Cathedral of the Assumption. Stroll along Stradun pedestrian street and follow the city’s famous defensive walls, gaining insight into Dubrovnik’s history from a local guide. (B,L)

Walking: 1-2 miles (2 hours) on smooth, stone surfaces or cobblestone with some stairs and gentle inclines.

Explore Dubrovnik on the excursion of your choice this morning. Go sea kayaking outside the city walls, taking in views of Dubrovnik from the water as you paddle to nearby Lokrum Island. Here, opt for a swim over the coral reefs at a local snorkeling spot. Alternatively, head to the top of Mount Srđ in a cable car and take in expansive views of the city and Adriatic Sea. Part of the Dinaric Alps, Mount Srđ was once covered with oak trees, "dubrava" in old Slavic, from which Dubrovnik derives its name. Later, head to a rural farm estate in the Konavle Valley for a farewell dinner featuring regional food and drink specialties and a festive performance of traditional Dalmatian music and dance. (B,D)

Sea Kayaking: 3.5 hours

Walking: 2-3 miles (3.5 hours) on smooth, stone surfaces or cobblestone with some stairs and mild elevation gain.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)