| Croatian Coast Walk details |
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Departures: Private departures only, please contact us for details!
Duration: 10 Days/9 Nights
Departing from: Split, Friday evening Day 1
Finishes in: Dubrovnik, Sunday morning Day 10
Price: €2,900 - €3,500 per person based on double occupancy, depending on number of participants. Single supplement: €450. |  |
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Diocletian's palace, Split
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Gorgeous hike on the mainland
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Cruise in style!
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A civilized lunch in the
town of Dol
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Clear, turquoise water awaits
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There's plenty of room on board
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The medieval port of Trogir
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Vineyards grow down to the sea
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Elegant Hvar town
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Relax with a local "pivo"
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Croatian Coast Walk |
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Croatian Coast Walk Itinerary
Preview - Croatia has become a hot destination again in recent years, reclaiming its reputation as the "Queen of the Adriatic" that flourished before the political struggles of the 1990s. Home to some 1,600 island, blessed with a warm climate, clear waters, and natural beauty, Croatia has captured the hearts and minds of travelers from Roman Emperors to the Venetians to Europe's trendiest jet-set – and even boasts the birthplace of Marco Polo. It is a must for those who love to travel and discover new lands and cultures. This trip begins in fascinating Split, a thriving port on the Adriatic Sea that is built around one of the most interesting Roman ruins anywhere in the world. After a day exploring this beautiful city, we board the "Andi Star," our 80-foot all-wood yacht. The yacht serves as our hotel and our transport to access wonderful walks throughout the islands, then we anchor in secluded bays at night. The sea is a gorgeous turquoise, the islands are redolent with lavender, vineyards, and olive groves, and the towns we visit welcome you with their rich history and beautiful architecture. Many of our walking paths are only accessible by sea, so there is a real sense of exploration as we follow ancient paths to deserted ruins or bustling farm villages. This really is a unique trip, a wonderful combination of stimulating discovery and indulgent relaxation.
The Boat - There is no better way to explore these beautiful islands than by one of the many luxurious "gulets" available for charter. A "gulet" is an all-wood two-masted sailing ketch. They are broad-beamed for extra stability and deck space, and our "Andi Star" is 26 meters long (84 feet). All cabins have an en suite bathroom and shower. The boat allows us to get to parts of the islands that are only accessible by sea. Using a boat means we can unpack for a week and yet our floating hotel has a different view every day! Furthermore, it means that some members of the group can choose to stay on the yacht, enjoy a swim, try sea kayaking, or just relax on deck while the others walk. The crew of three are very friendly and available to serve you drinks and snacks. The crew cleans your cabin daily, and sheets and towels are changed every three days. All of the sea travel is done during the day, so nights are generally serene (no seasickness!).
The Walks - We will be walking through cities, along farm properties, through woods and over scrubby terrain. It is often rocky (hiking shoes are a must) and there are some short climbs. We walk anywhere from 2 – 5 hours a day, with options to extend or shorten the walk. Of course, the boat allows us the option of really relaxing and watching the beautiful coastline unfold as you lie on deck with a good book. The choice is yours.
Day 1 - Friday: Arrival in Split and Welcome Dinner
Arrive independently in Split, there are several flights a day from European hubs. We will arrange for you to be picked up at the airport and transferred to our hotel in the historic center of Split. The city was built around the Roman Emperor Diocletian's Palace and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Meet at 7:00 p.m. in the hotel for a welcome drink with the group and then dinner together in the old town. Overnight in Split. Hotel and dinner included.
Day 2 - Saturday: Morning visit of Split then board yacht
Optional guided visit of Split and Diocletian's Palace. Built in 295 AD as the retirement home of the Roman Emperor (the only one ever to retire!), it covers more than 3,000 square meters and contains materials brought from Egypt and Greece. The palace included exquisite temples, vast reception chambers, and extensive private apartments within its huge walls. It was once the largest private residence in antiquity and now forms the nucleus of the modern city of Split. After the visit you have free time to peruse the shops and wander the beautiful city streets. Lunch is on your own, then we reconvene at the old port to board our private yacht, the "Andi Star." We will cruise out into the sparkling Adriatic and head to the island of Šolta to get settled in and enjoy a swim. Later in the afternoon we will put into one of the tranquil beautiful bays along the north coast for a short hike and a chance to explore the small fishing villages along the coast. Dinner on board.
Day 3 - Sunday: Skrip - Dol (Brac Island)
This morning we sail over to the northern coast of Brac Island, the largest in the Croatian archipelago. Brac has a dry, rugged climate and produces wine, olive oil, figs, almonds and cherries, but mostly it produces stone. Diocletian's palace in Split and the White House in D.C. were built from its lustrous white stone, which is still quarried and exported. There are remnants of a Neolithic settlement in a cave near Supetar, and the Illyrians, Greeks, and Romans all left their mark on the island. This morning we walk inland to visit the medieval village of Skrip. An imposing castle sits in the center of town near the church, and the island's best archaeological museum is housed in an old stone house that dates back to Ilyrian times. From here we walk between the vineyards and olive groves to Dol, another ancient town that now boasts several small restaurants and a winery. Walk back to the coast to pick up our boat for a swim, then drinks and dinner. Dinner on board.
Day 4 - Monday: Bobovišca - Milna (Brac Island)
Today we have a full day of walking, allowing us to explore the western side of the island. We will put into the tantalizingly blue waters around Stipanska Bay and then walk through the olive groves to the lovely seaside town of Bobovišca. Have some lunch or a drink by the water, then continue on with our walk, heading first up to the historic village of Ložišca before dropping down into the colorful bay of Milna, which harbored the ships of Emperor Diocletian during Roman times. Dinner in the village.
Day 5 - Tuesday: From Komiza we follow ancient paths that take us into the interior of the island past a number of abandoned villages to the main port of Vis Town, which is comprised of both humble cottages and noble Baroque villas from the Venetian era. On the east side of town is the picturesque 16th century residential quarter of Kut. A Franciscan monastery juts out on a small peninsula while the small port is lined with cafés and restaurants. During the Napoleonic wars the British established a Naval base at Vis. Two forts that the British built to guard the approaches to the harbor now lie in ruin. Lunch, swim and then cruise to the island of Korcula.
The 6th largest island in Adriatic, Korcula is nearly 47 km in length and 5-8 km wide and reputed to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. The interior is rich in vineyards and olive groves, and dotted with small villages and hamlets. The Romans conquered the island in the 1st century, giving way to the Slavs and eventually the Venetians, who maintained control for 800 years. Under Venetian rule it became known for its stone quarries and ship building. Agriculture still thrives, with cereals, vegetables, citrus, olive oil and wine, especially the dessert wines cultivated around the village of Lumbarda. Korcula town (pop. 3,000), on the northeast tip of the island, hugs a small, hilly peninsula jutting into the Adriatic. With its round defensive tower and compact cluster of red-roofed houses, it is a typical medieval Dalmatian town, a peaceful little place with grey-stone houses, rustling palm trees, and a lot to see and do. Dinner in the village.
Day 6 - Wednesday: Blaca Monastery - Bol (Brac Island)
Cruise around to the south side of the island this morning and disembark at the village of Farska to begin a climb toward the Blaca Hermitage, an impressive monastery complex built into the cliff by monks fleeing the Turks in 1550 and also a UNESCO World Heritage site. From here we walk down toward the lovely seaside resort town of Bol, passing the dramatic and unique Zlatni Rat beach. We'll have lunch, cool off with a swim, and have time to explore the town's side streets before heading back to our boat for dinner. Dinner on board.
Day 7 - Thursday: Brusje - Malo Grabjle - Hvar town (Hvar Island)
Today we take a transfer up to the village of Brusje at the western summit of the island. The dramatic ride through stony fields and past cliffside vineyards will give you an idea of why Hvar is among the "Ten Most Beautiful Islands in the World," according to a recent poll. We disembark in the town and then begin our walk down to the deserted village of Malo Grablje, a haunting reminder of this island's (and the nation's) difficult past. We can have lunch here or continue on to the seaside towns of Milna, Zarace, or historic Hvar town. The town of Hvar is one of the most beautiful in Croatia, and it attracts all of the "beautiful people" to its shores! Come and join them for a stroll along the waterfront, then return to the boat for dinner. Dinner on board.
Day 8 - Friday: Back to the mainland and the "Makarska Riviera"
We hit the mainland this morning and begin our walk along the panoramic ridge that follows the coast. We skirt beneath dramatic limestone cliffs, past deserted villages and through fields of wildflowers, then stop for a picnic lunch with stunning views down over the coast. We continue walking and finish up with a cold beer or refreshing glass of wine at a local winery in Srida Sela. We transfer back down to Makarska, which features an impressive palm-lined seafront promenade built around a large cove. Founded by the Romans, Makarska was alternately held by the Goths and Byzantines until 1499 when it was conquered by the Turks who were eventually pushed out by the Venetians in 1646. Under Venice the economy thrived, as witnessed by the elegant Venetian town houses that ring the town square. Dinner on board.
Day 9 - Saturday: Disembark at Omiš and transfer to Dubrovnik
This morning after breakfast we will get off the boat along the coast at Omiš and transfer by van to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Dubrovnik. After settling into our hotel we have a visit of the old town, known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” The town is encircled by more than a mile of huge stone walls originally built between the 13th and 16th centuries to protect the city from invaders arriving by sea. This fabled medieval city has a long and complicated history and a fierce commitment to freedom and independence. It was badly damaged during the siege in 1991, but has been beautifully restored. This afternoon you can choose between an optional walk on the island of Lokrum or free time in Dubrovnik. Final dinner in Dubrovnik. Hotel and dinner included.
Day 10 - Sunday: The trip ends this morning after breakfast. We will probably have flights at different times, so say good-bye and grab a taxi to the airport on your own. If we should all be leaving more or less at the same time then we can arrange for a shuttle. Breakfast included. Airport transfer not included.
Should any of you wish to stay on for a few more days in Dubrovnik, just let me know and I will be happy to extend your hotel reservation.
General Information
| Note on Itinerary: Although we do our best to adhere
to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for
numerous reasons beyond our control.
Trip Cost Includes: all accommodations (1
night in Split, 7 nights on private yacht, 1 night Dubrovnik); 9 breakfasts & dinners, 8
lunches; at least one Customwalks
guide; passage aboard a luxury yacht (all cabins with en suite toilets,
showers, and air-conditioning); all van and luggage transfers including pick-up in
Split airport; and all visits as noted in the itinerary.
Not Included: Round-trip airfare to Croatia from
your home country; airport/hotel transfer to Dubrovnik at the end of the trip; one lunch in Split; travel insurance; gratuities; beverages
other than water at dinner; and items of a personal nature.
Reservations and payment: In order to reserve a space on the trip, a non-refundable deposit of €200 is required. Please contact us at info@customwalks.com or go to the Reservations page
on our website for more information. We will send you a trip agreement
that outlines the terms and conditions of payment and cancellation.
Trip Cancellation Insurance: Should you have to
cancel your trip because of illness, injury or death to you or a family
member, Trip-Cancellation insurance protects most of your deposits and
payment for both air and land cost. We highly recommend the purchase of
Trip-Cancellation Insurance. If you wish, you can purchase this through
Customwalks, Inc. when you book your trip. Contact us for more details.
Qualifications: This trip is rated moderate to easy. Some
prior hiking experience is beneficial but anyone in good physical
condition will have no problems with the walks. We will regularly be
walking between 10-14 km a day (6-8 miles), which translates into about
3-4 hours of walking a day, more or less equally divided between
morning and afternoon. This may sound like a lot, but there are lots of
opportunities for breaks to take pictures or simply stop and admire the
view. However, a regular conditioning program consisting of
walking/running and a daily stretching regimen is recommended,
beginning at least 2 months prior to departure. This will get you in
shape and ensure that you are able to enjoy fully all that this
wonderful trip has to offer.
Luggage transfers:
One of the beauties of this trip is that you unpack for a week, and yet
the view from your room changes every day! While we walk, the boat
moves along the coast and we often have lunch on board and then embark
on another walk. At any point you can choose not to walk and just relax
on board, have a swim, or practice your Turkish with the cabin crew!
Weather: Late September to early October is an
ideal time to travel to Croatia. The days are still hot while
the evenings are warm enough to eat on deck, and the sea is a perfect
temperature for swimming. May to June is also beautiful with wildflowers, though the sea will be cooler for swimming. Some rainfall is possible on any of the
departures, requiring participants to arrive equipped with appropriate
raingear.
General Information: This trip is subject to the
booking information set forth in the CustomWalks, Inc. reservation
information and trip agreement. Please read this information carefully
and e-mail us (or use the "Contact Us"
page) if you have any questions. We highly recommend the purchase of
Trip Insurance which you can do through CustomWalks, Inc. or by
clicking on the logo below (another window will open up on your screen).
We
look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why
wait? Space is limited. Send us an e-mail or fax to reserve your trip.
Full trip details including detailed pre-departure information, train
timetables, and a gear list are sent upon receipt of deposit.
Come join us! |
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