Walking Croatia: Islands & Mountains
Experience Overview
Enjoy the very best of Croatia: the coast and islands, the beautiful towns, near-perfect national parks and spectacular mountains. Starting in the fascinating city of Dubrovnik, we begin our journey along the coast where the crystal-clear sea forms the backdrop for many of our early walks, followed by the peaceful sound of waterfalls as we head into the national parks of Paklenica and Krka. Here we have a chance to visit Skradinski buk waterfalls and enjoy walks through spectacular gorges, forests and mountain scenery.
Profile
— Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (hotels) — Six days trekking — Group normally four to 16, plus leader — Luggage transported by private vehicle — Altitude maximum 3,707ft (1,130m), average 1,913ft (583m) — Option to travel by train to your adventure
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (hotels) — Six days trekking — Group normally four to 16, plus leader — Luggage transported by private vehicle — Altitude maximum 3,707ft (1,130m), average 1,913ft (583m) — Option to travel by train to your adventure
Trip For You
This tour is graded Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
The majority of the walking routes are on clearly defined paths. The paths can get steeper in places and some sections can be rocky. No specific technical experience is required but we recommend that you are comfortable walking in hilly and mountainous areas. Anyone with a reasonable level of fitness should be comfortable with the daily distances and height gained.
Group Description
Normally four to 16, plus leader and driver.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts are included. For breakfast you can expect a large continental buffet with meats and cheeses, bread, jams and pastries, plus tea and coffee.
Croatian cuisine is a mixture of fine seafood, grilled meat, pizza, pasta and salads, with influences from central Europe, Italy and the Balkans. Some specialities that we highly recommend include squid-ink risotto and octopus salad.
Transportation
Travel will be by private bus, scheduled ferry services and local public bus in Dubrovnik.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Dubrovnik Airport (DBV)
Getting to the start hotel
Take an Exodus transfer
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Make your own way
You can reach the start hotel relatively easily by public transport. Take a 25-minute Platanus shuttle bus to Pile Gate (Old Town) from the airport. Services leave about 30 minutes after every flight and you can purchase a one-way ticket from the counter or on the bus for around €8.85. From there, take the number 4 bus for nine stops to Lapad Bay. Tickets, costing €2, can be bought on the bus. The hotel is across the street from the bus stop. For more information and service times, visit www.platanus.hr/shuttle-bus/.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to Zadar Airport (ZAD) that is scheduled to align with a flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join.
If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Weather Information
Croatia has one of the sunniest climates in Europe, and some regions are notoriously free from rain. We generally travel off-season, so you should expect some variation in temperature and possibly some rainfall. Temperatures can be high, particularly in July, averaging around 30C (86F).
Spending Money
Allow €45 per day for meals that are not included; this would cover a good-size lunch and a standard three-course meal in the evening. It is certainly possible to spend a lot more depending on what you choose to eat and drink.
The bus into Dubrovnik town centre is not included. Please allow for approx €7 (€1.73 per journey). The Dubrovnik Card is a cost-effective way to explore the city, providing you with entrance and discounts to many attractions and bus travel. Visit https://www.dubrovnikpass.com/ for more information. Your leader can assist you in getting one of these either at your hotel or at Pile Gate. Walking poles are available to hire from our local team for €10 for the duration of the trip. Please request this with Exodus at the time of booking so we can reserve poles for you.
Tipping
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus. Tipping is at your discretion, but many clients wish to tip their leaders and driver at the end of the trip. We suggest €13-€20 per client for the guide and €7-€13 for the driver. Most groups prefer to present the money to the leader at the end of the week with two separate envelopes (one for the leader and one for the driver). This is completely at your own discretion and to be used as a guideline only.
Highlights
— Walk idyllic coastal and mountain routes — Discover the Unesco-listed town of Dubrovnik — Experience the wilderness of Krka and Paklenica national parks
Trip Details
Product Code: 4364
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: ubrovnik.
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: TVD
Starts: Dubrovnik, Croatia
Finishes: Dubrovnik, Croatia
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
— All breakfasts — All accommodation (see below) — All transport and listed activities — Tour leader throughout — Free group arrival and departure transfers availableAccommodation
Hotels in Dubrovnik, Brac and Starigrad PaklenicaWe typically stay in three-star properties, all well-located in towns and villages with a good variety of restaurants, allowing you to indulge in the fantastic local cuisine. Below are the hotels we typically use. Dubrovnik: Hotel Vis or Hotel Komodor (annex) (nights 1-2) Our first two nights are spent at either Hotel Vis or Hotel Komodor (above), both three-star beachside properties. The 151-room Vis hotel, sandwiched between pine trees and the Adriatic, has a rooftop terrace, bar, and a seaside restaurant serving local and international cuisines. The 113-room Komodor is split between a main stone building built in 1934 and a 50-room annex, which we stay in. It is close to restaurants and bars, and the bus stop for the Old Town is just in front of the hotel. A pebble beach is nearby or you can enjoy the outdoor pool. Bol, Brac: Villa Daniela (nights 3-4) This family-run hotel is a 15-minute stroll to the beloved Golden Horn beach. Katarina is one of the friendliest receptionists you'll meet and her father has a lovely traditional restaurant you can visit – it will be a dinner to remember. Traditional dishes made from local produce and vegetables grown in their garden will possibly be the culinary highlight of your trip. Starigrad Paklenica: Hotel Vicko (nights 5-7) Hotel Vicko is a short stroll from a public beach, ideal for a quick dip after walking through beautiful Paklenica National Park, and there is a good restaurant serving local dishes. This hotel truly understands the meaning of a hiker tourist; they never complain about muddy shoes or a wet overcoat and will help you dry out. Their breakfast has various choices, and their restaurant menu comprises secret family recipes spiced with medical herbs from the great mountain of Velebit. Worth knowing In recent years, Croatia has regained its place as a popular tourist destination with visitor levels nearly as high as before the Balkan conflict. Unfortunately, many hotels were damaged beyond repair during those years and demand now heavily outstrips supply. As a result, hotel prices are high and Croatia is not the cheap destination some might expect. Hotels tend to be more functional than luxurious with Communist-era architecture and facilities. We work with several hotels to ensure availability and a comfortable place to rest.Some hotels we use don’t have lifts.If you opt for the single supplement, please note that in some hotels, this may mean having a single bed, rather than double. If you would like to upgrade to a double bedded room this is subject to availability at an extra charge.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3,135 ($392 /day)
Itinerary
The tour starts in the fascinating old city of Dubrovnik. Situated right on the Adriatic Sea, the fine religious buildings surrounded by heavily fortified walls and the jumble of red-tiled roofs make this a truly enchanting place. In the evening, we may have the opportunity to take a walk around the city (subject to flight arrival time) and go out for an optional group meal where we will have a briefing about the tour. Accommodation: Hotel Vis or Hotel Komodor (or similar)
After breakfast we take a short transfer (about 25 minutes) to the village of Gornji Obod. From here we follow a path that zig-zags up to the village of Velji Do. After a break, the walk continues up to Strazisce Peak; at the top we are rewarded with spectacular views back over Dubrovnik and can see the commemorative cross in memory of the US aircraft that crashed delivering aid in 1996. We return to Velji Do and then catch a bus back to Dubrovnik where we have the afternoon to enjoy the city. The shelling of Dubrovnik by Serb troops in 1991 and 1992 outraged the world. Fortunately, great care has been taken over the last decade to rebuild and the city has now returned to its former glory. The cobblestoned streets of the old town, or Stari Grad, feature fountains, churches, palaces and museums – all built from the same light-coloured stone. There are no motor vehicles in the city, but at night the streets come alive as people take an early evening stroll along the Stradun – this is the main street and is covered in smooth shiny marble. Accommodation: Hotel Vis or Hotel Komodor (or similar)
After breakfast, we will transfer by bus to Tucepi. This transfer takes about 3hr 30min, including a coffee break en route. Once in Tucepi we begin our walk to Makarska, through the Biokovo mountains. The Biokovo massif rises steeply above the Makarska Riviera in three spectacular shelves, providing hiking for all levels and fabulous views. Our destination of Makarska is a small but lively town, tastefully restored in stone after a devastating earthquake in 1962. It has a fantastic 1.2mi (2km) stretch of beach, so if we have a bit of time we can take a refreshing dip before we head for the island of Brac. We will catch the ferry from Makarska and transfer to Bol, by far the biggest draw on Brac. Accommodation: Villa Daniela (or similar)
We start today with a 20-minute transfer to the small village of Gazul, where we begin our walk to the peak of Vidova Gora (2,559ft/780m above sea level). The first part of our walk will take us through woodland for around 90 minutes as we gradually ascend 755ft (230m) to the summit of the highest point on Brac. The views from the top of Vidova Gora are spectacular; we can see all the way to the island of Hvar in the distance and the 1,640ft (500m) long spit of Zlatni Rat jutting out to sea in the foreground – this view is one that features on many postcards in Croatia, so make sure to bring your camera. From here, our walk is downhill for around two hours towards the town of Bol. In the afternoon you can make the most of the glorious beach of Zlatni Rat. It is south-facing – ideal for an afternoon of rest and relaxation. Accommodation: Villa Daniela (or similar)
We begin with a morning ferry transfer to Split, the second biggest city in Croatia. The old centre is compact and easily explored on foot; many make a beeline to the best-known attraction, Diocletian’s Palace. The town as a whole is a lively and friendly place with a cafe culture. Stop, have a coffee and soak up the atmosphere. We then have a transfer (approximately 52mi/84km) by bus to Krka National Park. Here we begin our walk to Skradinski Buk, a series of waterfalls dropping down in 17 dramatic steps. The area is accessed by wooden walkways and forest paths. It’s also a fantastic spot for wildlife – an important sanctuary with several endemic species, some now extinct elsewhere in Europe. The walk will take around 2hr 30min and all on easy paths. In the late afternoon, we transfer to Starigrad Paklenica. Accommodation: Hotel Vicko (or similar)
In the morning we take a transfer to the western part of Paklenica National Park where we start our hiking tour passing old villages and fields, hidden among rocky towers and ridges of this limestone realm. After reaching the highest point of the day (approx. 760m), offering splendid views of Velika Paklenica Canyon from the west, we go down to the main canyon and descend to the entrance of the park, admiring the mighty walls of Velika Paklenica along the way. As one of the most popular climbing destinations in the region, Paklenica attracts climbers from all over the world. While hiking down the canyon, you will be able to admire the courage and determination of climbers whom we will see high above us in the vertical world of Paklenica cliffs. We end the hike at the park entrance and take a short (10min) transfer back to the hotel. Accommodation: Hotel Vicko (or similar)
Today we have another opportunity to explore the wonderful wilderness of Paklenica National Park and complete the most challenging hike of the trip. We walk to the saddle of Pod Jaginim Kukom, which has a great view up to Bojin Kuk. The Bojinac group is made of a vast area of limestone, with the karst scenery forming towers of rock, furrowed limestone cliffs, caves and green meadows creating a contrast against the severe rock. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty and a walker’s paradise. Today's walk takes about five to six hours, the terrain is quite challenging and rocky and requires concentration, steady footing and good balance. En route, we pass the unusual Mirila graves. This afternoon, we return to Starigrad Paklenica in time for a swim and relaxation before leaving Croatia tomorrow. Accommodation: Hotel Vicko (or similar)
Enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel this morning, before starting your return journey home. Of course, if you’d like a little time to explore Zadar, home to Roman ruins and intriguing art installations, speak to your sales representative about extending your hotel stay.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
Paul Lucey - Traveled, April 2023
Croatia hiking tour This is an excellent exposure to a lovely country. There is a healthy amount of exertion with beautiful scenery and challenging but not killer hikes. There is enough time to explore a number of the coastal towns, but each could use a full day or two on its own. The island of Brach was such a treat with it’s sleepy, but beautiful resort feel to it. Croatia was a wonderful country with friendly people, exceptionally clean cities and countryside and gorgeous scenery. I had a feel that we were visiting sunny seaside resorts from 60 years ago. I mean that in the best way, as the country does not (yet) have over the top big high rise hotels, with the fast paced scenes and crush of tourists. Lot of families enjoying the waterfront and great walks along promenades overlooking the beach. I loved the exertion of the hikes, but also loved the times to simply relax and wonder through the towns and along the beach. Also I was shocked by the amount of the populace that spoke really good English. If you like a good deal of exertion in a clean, friendly, beautiful country that still has a relatively understated tourist feel this is a great tour. (There are tourists, but in late May it was not a crush of humanity by any means) Thoughts on Group Leader Evan was the guide and was exceptional. He had a tremendous sense of humor with great people skills. He was truly knowledgeable about his beloved country and informed us about the history, politics and flora and fauna of Croatia. Again, his humor and graceful motivating kept the group on task and upbeat, and his personality added so much to the enjoyment of the tour. Advice for Potential Travellers This is a wonderful combination of hiking and time to tour some of the beautiful coastal cities, especially Dubrovnik and Split and the island of Brach. The entire coastal geology is made up of limestone. Because of this, the hiking does have a great deal of loose small rock and scree. Though the uphills were not exceptionally hard they do require a healthy amount of effort and balance. So, not a trip for someone looking for a leisurely hike. It does have beautiful scenery and just the right amount of rewarding exertion. Suggestions Not joining the group from the UK does make the final connection a bit challenging. You start in Dubrovnik and end the tour 4 hours up the coast near Zadar. Zadar has a small airport with flights mainly to Europe. Only way back to Dubrovnik is a private driver, car rental or 8 hour bus ride. One might consider flying into and leaving from Split which is about halfway from both cities with easier connections. Plus Split is a wonderful city worth an extra day to explore.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/17/2023
Samantha Cook - Traveled, September 2021
Beautiful Croatia - Sept 2021 Great way to see lots of Croatia in a short space of time. The tour takes you along the coast from Dubrovnik in the South to Zadar in the North via islands, waterfalls and beautiful beaches. It’s quite a fast paced tour but Exodus has got the itinerary down to a fine art and the schedule is well thought out and works well. Most Inspirational Moment I loved Day 3 in Makarska. Lovely walk with open views out to sea & not too challenging so that I could look up, rather than at my feet! In the afternoon we went swimming off the beautiful beach; very refreshing after hiking in the warm temperatures of mid September. We then had a sunset ferry trip over to the island of Bol which was our base for the next two nights. All the worries of 2020/2021 seemed a world away! Thoughts on Group Leader Ivan is honestly one of the best group leaders I have ever travelled with. He is so attentive and hard working - he feels like part of the group rather than a leader. Full of good humour, knowledge of his country & was meticulous in thinking ahead, choosing restaurants for us, making sure we are all okay and counting us all the time! Advice for Potential Travellers I would recommend bringing a walking pole even if you are reasonably fit and used to walking - the limestone terrain is a bit tricky at times and a walking pole definitely helped me. Suggestions Bad weather on our last day forced us to shorten our planned hike and instead spend an afternoon in Zadar itself. Zadar was a pleasant surprise - really enjoyable to sit by the sea and listen to the Sea organ (architectural sound art) which plays music by way of sea waves. Also lovely to just to wander around with an ice cream. Recommend visiting that city if you have a chance towards the end of the tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/23/2021
BARTLETT RHOADES - Traveled, September 2021
Good...But... Overall, the trip was quite good. It gave one a pretty good taste of the mountains and islands of Croatia. Most Inspirational Moment The city of Dubrovnik is a very special place to visit...probably the largest occupied old walled city that I have seen. I spent 4 days there before the hike began. The Krka Waterfalls were very special...and could be viewed from various walkways with historical buildings along the way. On my own, I visited Plitvice Lakes National Park which is probably the #1 natural attraction, but would probably add an additional day on to the tour. Thoughts on Group Leader Our guide, Zelko Zarak (sp?), was very good. Not only did he know the hiking trails very well, but he also had a wealth of information about all the areas we were visiting. He provided information on the numerous changes that have taken place since Yugoslavia was abolished and the creation of several independent republics and the resultant conflicts. Hi kept a close watch over his (sheep) so they would not get lost. He also provided me with several good suggestions as to what to see after the tour was over. Thoughtful, considerate, and helpful. Advice for Potential Travellers - The weather, and time of the year, is probably the most important. Of course, you can prepare for the very cold, rainy, or very hot weather...I've found that just after the very beginning of September the crowds are smaller and the weather can be ideal. -Consider the Covid restrictions. Not only where you are going, but also returning home. While I had made airline reservations for one month in the Balkans departing from the US, and was planning to spend about 9 days in Bulgaria, I discovered a few days before departure that Bulgaria was not allowing visitors from the US. So, I had to make plans on my own as to where to go and what to see/do. When I went to Ljubljana airport for my departure, I discovered that I needed a test...even though I had been vaccinated. Fortunately, the lady from Lufthansa Airline helped me to get the test and make it to my flight. Suggestions The communication from the home office in the UK was not as good as I had hoped for. (They very well could have been understaffed due to Covid 19 restrictions.) While the forms I had to fill out required my name to be typed exactly as appears on my passport (which has my Middle Name), the forms returned to me never had my middle name. I was assured that it would be ok ...and it was. But there was still a conflict in the guidance. The correspondence that I received on the name of the hotel we were staying in for the beginning of our tour was changed twice on the same day! It seems that the people on the home office were not aware of what was going on locally. As to how to reach the hotel for the start of our tour in Dubrovnik, I was informed that I would have to follow certain directions and that I would then walk along a path to the hotel. These directions may have make sense when the original hotel had been selected, but for the new hotel, which was at a major intersection, they didn't make sense...and the hotel was not far from a regular bus stop. I had the option, when selecting the tour, to request the rental of poles for 10E...which I did. When I asked our guide for the poles he said that he was never informed of this request. This was a big disappointment. If it wasn't for the above issues, especially re the poles, I would have rated the tour as 5 stars. Show less
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/23/2021
June Egglestone - Traveled, May 2023
Lovely country, great walks, excellent ice cream Croatia was lovely and I would definitely recommend the country and this tour. Good walks and then a dip in the sea/pool to look forward to. Most Inspirational Moment Every day was different, cant pick one thing, it was all good. Thoughts on Group Leader Ivan was an excellent group leader, you will be in safe hands if he is your guide. Advice for Potential Travellers Recommend walking poles as there is some downhill on scree which is a bit unstable underfoot. I flew into Dubrovnik and out of Split, so I could fly direct to/from Gatwick. Getting from Dubrovnik airport to hotel was fairly straightforward, airport shuttle bus then local bus. At the end of the tour I stayed in Zadar for 3 nights so I could visit Plitvice Lakes, and spend time in Zadar which was also nice. To get there I took advantage of the group transfer to Zadar airport, and then got the airport shuttle bus from there into Zadar. Taxi's are an expensive option, so I wouldnt recommend unless you are able to share the cost with others. The buses are fairly easy to use. On return, 2.5 hour bus ride to Trogir, wander round, then local bus to Split airport later that day. Suggestions I would recommend this tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/12/2023
Lesley fysh - Traveled, September 2021
Great mixture of hiking and sightseeing Really enjoyed the variety in this trip. There was a walk every day plus the chance to visit the historic parts of Dubrovnik, Split and Zadar. Most days there was an opportunity to swim in the sea. Some of our group opted out of the hardest walks, which gave them time to have a relaxing day by the sea. Most Inspirational Moment There wasn’t one single moment, but I particularly enjoyed all the views from the various high points that we walked to. We were lucky with the weather and didn’t get rained on all week. Thoughts on Group Leader Our leader Jelco (Zelco? Not sure of spelling) was excellent. He was endlessly patient, very organised and fun to be around. Advice for Potential Travellers I approached this as a walking holiday, so didn’t pack properly for the swimming. I wish I had taken swim shoes as getting in and out the sea is on stones at all locations and was painful. I also only took a travel towel and didn’t take a beach cover-up. The Lufthansa flights weren’t at the most convenient of times and transited via Frankfurt. In these COVID times it makes sense to use group flights in case of cancellations. In normal times I may have considered booking my own flights instead.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/24/2021
Elizabeth Parker - Traveled, May 2019
Excellent way to visit Croatia The previous reviews say it all, a great way to experience Croatia. I had already visited Dubrovnik and Split so for me the mountain hikes were what I enjoyed most especially those in the Paklenica National Park. On the Thursday hike we stopped at a mountain hut for delicious bean soup. Vegetarian choices in restaurants were available and the home cooking at the restaurant on the second evening in Bol was delicious! Most Inspirational Moment The views from the mountain tops and the abundance of wild flowers. The waterfalls in Krka National Park were amazing and certainly worth visiting, although very busy with tourists. Thoughts on Group Leader Our guide Ivan Rakonic was excellent. Very knowledgeable about the geography and history of the country, very friendly, great mountain guide and the bonus of a good sense of humour! He looked after the group very well and made sure everyone was enjoying themselves. Advice for Potential Travellers Good hiking boots and walking poles to help on the rocky terrain, especially for downhill in the Paklenica National Park. Suggestions It would be good to include packed lunches prepared by the hotels which is what I've experienced in past Exodus trips. A great trip, highly recommended!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/10/2019
Stuart Dickinson - Traveled, June 2019
Croatia: Islands and Mountains A fine mix of culture- Dubrovnik and Split, with daily walks. Brac was a sample of Dalmatia’s islands and Bol was both a quiet characterful resort, and ferry port. The long linking distances were made in a comfortable mini bus and the travel linked first rate scenic highlights. The northern Krka National Park with its superb waterfalls; and the sharp, bare fluted limestones mixed with rich pine and beech forests of the Paklenica National Park made a memorable finale. Our guide was excellent and the choice of restaurants for the evening meal together was generally much appreciated. Most Inspirational Moment The orchids that bloomed in dark pine forest- birds nest orchid and sword leaved white helleborine; and pyramidal orchid and bee orchid that grew on open limestone pasture. Thoughts on Group Leader Very warm and professional. Advice for Potential Travellers Be prepared for hot walking. When you are away from shady woodland it can be exposed take water and sunscreen and a hat. Suggestions Slightly disappointed to have to provide our own picnic. In previous trips the leader usually shops and the picnic is shared out and carried by the party members. Not here.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/28/2019
Andrew Bowden - Traveled, June 2019
Croatia holiday Good walking, good food and accommodation, good leader, convivial group. Sight seeing was considered to be a little rushed (so we booked a few extra days in Dubrovnik, Split and Zadar on our own) Most Inspirational Moment The walls of Dubrovnik and the limestone canyon in Velika Paklenica national park Thoughts on Group Leader Very good, friendly and considerate. He coped well with two weak members of the group and found them alternative walks when we did the hardest routes. Advice for Potential Travellers Bring walking poles as one or two walks in the National Park were very rough and steep. These were goat tracks not wide paths. Suggestions Trip notes need to be more specific as to the difficulty of the terrain. A few more hours needed in both Split and Dubrovnik. Zadar worth a visit.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/21/2019
Terri Markle - Traveled, October 2018
Amazing 7-Day Tour of Croatia I highly recommend this tour if you want to see the Dalmatian Coast and Croatia’s mountainous terrain. I have never visited Croatia so I was eager to see the big cities-Dubrovnik and Split-but I also wanted to hike in Croatia’s National Parks. With this tour, I could do both plus write about them for my blog (www.femalesolotrek.com). It was a writer’s dream. Our guide was Mario, a native who taught us so much about his country, the war and the Croats. He was high energy and great fun. I would definitely do a tour with Mario in the future. I think it is a great decision by Exodus to stay at a seaside Dubrovnik hotel for the first two nights because it features wonderful walks to view the Adriatic Sea (plus friendly cats). There was also a great restaurant for our first night out (order the black risotto with cuttlefish) plus the local grocery store to purchase food for lunches during our hiking days. I highly recommend that your group pay the extra fee for a walking tour of Old Town Dubrovnik to learn about its history. I also chose to pay to walk the fortress walk. It took about 90 minutes. It was an incredible experience. If you are a cat lover, you will cherish all the time to play with the street cats in Dubrovnik. They are so friendly. In quick succession over the next seven days, we visited the Island of Brac, Split, Krka National Park (the waterfalls), Starigrad Paklenica and National Park Paklenica. I loved each location but the stay in Brac was particularly memorable. We had an old fashioned Croatian dinner featuring roasted meats and potatoes. I also loved the goulash served at a mountaintop restaurant/inn. It was a great treat after climbing all morning on Thursday. You don’t visit Zadar as part of the tour. But the group flight departs from Zadar airport so you can make your own tour on the last day. Our group had several people who chose to take a van back to Split to fly home. Most Inspirational Moment It was standing at the summit on each of our hiking days in Croatia’s mountains and marveling at the beauty of this country. I loved the people, the scenery and the adventure. Thoughts on Group Leader Our guide was Mario, a native who taught us so much about his country, the war and the Croats. He was high energy and great fun. I would definitely do a tour with Mario again. Advice for Potential Travellers October is a great time to do this tour. Our temperatures averaged mid 70s which made it very comfortable to hike. Do not book this trip during August. Our guide Mario said his group had a difficult time hiking during the heat wave this summer. Suggestions This is my third tour with Exodus in the past year. I love the small group size, the avid hikers and the unusual places we see.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/25/2018
Karen Cleverly - Traveled, October 2018
Mountain walking in a beautiful country The first part of the week is a whistle-stop tour of some of Croatia’s top spots (Dubrovnik old town, Bol on the island of Brac, Split, Skradinski buk waterfalls), with a walk each day and quite a bit of travelling. The remainder of the week is at one base, with longer, mountain walks in Paklenica National Park and a final few hours in Zadar before the plane home. Our Croatian guide was brilliant and gave us loads of insights into the history of the area, how the mountain people lived as well as taking us to an authentic Croatian restaurant, a mountain refuge and visits to local houses where we sampled local produce. Most Inspirational Moment I loved the sunset at Dubrovnik old town, plus the views from the summits we visited were absolutely stunning (my favourite was probably from Vidova Gora on Brac island). Thoughts on Group Leader Zeljko, our guide, was fantastic. He couldn't have been any better. He was extremely knowledgeable and was able to answer everybody's questions. He loved his country and wanted to share his knowledge with us whenever he got the opportunity. We got a real insight into the complicated history of the country and into the way people live. We were caught out by an unexpected storm while up on a mountain walk one day. The Bora winds were far stronger than forecast and we had to get off the mountain as it was dangerous. Zeljko was calm and professional, got everyone to safety and managed to organise alternative transport for us all to get us to our destination on the island of Brac. He also made sure that everyone got to where they needed to be at the end of the week (as not everyone was travelling home on the group flight). Advice for Potential Travellers If you want to swim, the sea around Dubrovnik was lovely and warm but at Starigrad Paklenica it was chilly (to say the least)! This could just be because of the weather but it's possibly more protected around Dubrovnik. Also the opportunity to swim around the Skradinski Buk waterfalls was not quite what I had imagined. It's fairly touristy and the area for swimming is quite restricted. Also, if you want to wander around the waterfalls on the wooden walkways you won't have time to swim as well. Many of the mountain paths are rocky and loose. If you are used to mountain walking you won't have a problem but some people in the group found this more difficult. We went at the end of September and it was chillier than expected on some days (but very hot on others). As well as light hiking gear, make sure you take a waterproof jacket AND trousers, take some long trousers - not just shorts, and possibly even a pair of light gloves and a hat. Suggestions Croatia is a beautiful country. This trip gave me a really good overview and insight into the Dalmatian coastal region (as well as some very enjoyable walking). I definitely want to go back!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/21/2018
Doug Gossen - Traveled, October 2018
Blown away! Our week in Croatia was a very enjoyable mix of hiking, sightseeing, socialising, food and wine. It also included perhaps a little too much adventure when the bora winds struck. On our second hike the winds, gusting at record speeds, literally blew several of us off our feet. Luckily injuries were limited to bruises and scrapes. Our leader, Zeljko Zarak, managed to get us all safely back despite road closures and emergency conditions. Otherwise the weather was beautiful, the hikes challenging but satisfying and the companionship of the group very pleasant. Some beach time was also included, as well as historical and architectural experiences in Dubrovnik, Split and Zadar. Zeljko provided very interesting and informative background on the history and politics of the country. I liked the fact that dinners were on our own but also appreciated Zeljko arranging several optional meals, particularly a bean soup lunch at the midpoint of one hike and a superb dinner at a family farm in Bol. My girlfriend and I are vegan/vegetarian and were initially concerned by what we heard was a heavily meat-based diet in Croatia. But we were very pleased with the options available to us. We were also told the hotels were very basic but all of them were excellent and each was better than the last as we moved from Dubrovnik to Bol to Starigrad and then Zadar. Most Inspirational Moment When adversity struck in the form of record bora winds I was impressed with the way the group pulled together, helping my girlfriend and I with first aid for our bumps, scrapes and shock. And our leader, Zeljko Zarak, kept everyone together, safe and calm. He got us into a sheltered space and then shepherded us to a nearby inn for warm drinks and comfort while he organised transportation. This wasn't easy as this was a real emergency in that part of Croatia. We heard later about an emergency rescue for other hikers and reports of a windsurfer missing and presumed dead. All the locals said this was very early for the bora winds and that they were stronger than anything in the past 100 years. Roads were closed but Zeljko was able to arrange vans to get us safely back to our hotel. Thoughts on Group Leader Zeljko Zarak was excellent, very personable and helpful. He also provided excellent on the area, its history and politics.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/21/2018
Catherine White - Traveled, August 2018
A great mixture of being active, sight seeing and relaxation All the reviews provide great advice and insights – I recommend reading them and I’ll try not to duplicate their excellent advice. It is a Level 3 hike, so it’s not a stroll in the park on flat surface. You’ll enjoy the trip more if you’ve put some training before hand. Look at Exodus’ training advice. As Kathryn mentioned, the Dalmatian Coast is limestone so lots of different size rocks, and lots of going up, and down. Take good hiking boots and poles are really helpful. For the going up, work on your cardio so you’re not winded and you can enjoy the views. For going down, work into you daily routine going down stairs. Forward and backward lunges using a bosu is also good to help strength your knees/quads for the descents. All of the hotels had access to swimming, so bring a bathing suit. There’s nothing better than going for a swim after a long hike. The beach in Bol is lovely and it was so nice to just relax. Seeing Dubrovnik, Bol, Split and Starigrad were a nice “taste” of Croatia. It was also great to have a couple of nights in each location so you didn’t always feel like you arrived and then had to pack up and go. Most Inspirational Moment A lot of people have asked me this and I have a hard time picking one thing. The trip is a great blend of many, many elements from traditional sight seeing to the hiking. I love being active during the day and then going back to the hotel for a swim and a lovely meal at a local restaurant. The people on my tour and our conversations were also a highlight. We were a diverse group (Canada, UK, US and Germany) from mid 30s to 60s, with different backgrounds (artist, engineers, health professionals, IT, lawyer, marketing, publishing, teachers, etc). I know I've made some new friends on this trip. Thoughts on Group Leader Ivan is awesome and it's easy to underestimate how good he is. Herding 16 adults is a challenge and he did it with skill and diplomacy. As I mentioned, we're a diverse group and we all had different ideas of what we wanted out of our holiday and he took into account. This was my first Exodus trip and I'm looking to do another trip in part based on Ivan. Advice for Potential Travellers As noted above, put in time before hand to do some training so you can enjoy the trip. While going up is harder for cardio, most people have more challenges with going down. A couple of months before add going down stairs. It will help to build up your quads and strengthen your knees. I did this leading up to the trip and I didn't have any problems. I was given this advice before going to do the Inca Trail and I didn't listen to it. On the Inca trail I was stiff but in Croatia I didn't have any issues. (Exodus also rates their Inca Trail trip a Level 3.) Suggestions It's a great trip. Highly recommend it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/27/2018
Sudie Ghosh - Traveled, August 2018
Absolutely amazing..... The trip was amazing – made so by the friendliest and most accommodating tour guide, great tour group, and the beautiful trails and amazing food. Most Inspirational Moment I have done group tours before and this was my first with Exodus, and honestly was the best tour group I could have asked for. Everyone clicked and we all got along and enjoyed our hikes and chats along the way. Needless to say the Dalmatian Coast did not disappoint. I enjoyed our hikes, the picnics, the breakfasts together, the beautiful sea. The van rides were very comfortable too. Thoughts on Group Leader The tour guide Ivan, was simply the best. He paid attention to each and everyone of us and listened to what we had to say. He sang and chatted with us along the trails, on the bus and the meals. He took care of specific needs and requests as well. It will be tough for future guides to get a better rating. Advice for Potential Travellers Yes, do this trip!!!! Suggestions I hope that the other Exodus trips are equally good.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/26/2018
Kathryn Jankowski - Traveled, August 2018
Limestone! Limestone everywhere! Be sure to wear good hiking boots. This rock can be jagged or super slippery. It comes in all sizes, large, small, crushed, pebbled. It’s everywhere! And you’ll be walking on it. There are very little earthed paths in this itinerary. That aside, I felt I saw a lot of Croatia on this tour. The hikes were varied, but most were ascending, to get the best views of Croatia’s best attribute – the sea and the shoreline. Food was amazing. And our guide was the best guide I’ve had to date – and I’ve had a lot of guides. Ivan was proactive, considerate and he went out of his way to be available for all our needs – including arranging a doctor’s visit for my daughter when she wasn’t feeling well. From touristy Dubrovnik to quieter areas, such as Bol and Zadar, this tour offers the best of Croatia. If you are a hiker, I’d recommend this tour. Just be sure to wear good boots! Most Inspirational Moment My favourite day was the hike in Paklenica with lunch in the mountains. Homemade brandy and accordion playing topped the day. Thoughts on Group Leader Ivan is THE best! Don't ever lose him!!!! Advice for Potential Travellers Hiking boots, definitely. Suggestions Yes, much confusion on the last day. The itinerary says the tour ends in Zadar. We had booked a hotel room for the night of the day the tour ended, in Zadar, because of this. We found out, on the last day, that the tour ended in Starigrad. We felt stranded and lied to by Exodus. Truly disappointing. This was my second Exodus tour and it left me feeling that the Brits are better serviced by your company and if us, non-Brits, want to tag along we could but that the itinerary didn't consider us. Not sure I would use Exodus again, on this point. Not happy. Going to Patagonia with G Adventures. More consistent service offering for everybody on the tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/22/2018
Nina Soorma - Traveled, August 2018
Excellent trip but very hot in August Wonderful scenery, great food and lovely people. The trips were well organised and Mario our leader was brilliant. The trip is very full on, but the trekking is worth it to see the beautiful country that Croatia is. August was hot so be prepared wear light walking boots and take clothes to wear out in the evenings. Great trip, loved it. Most Inspirational Moment The views, they were amazing. Most probably one of the most beautiful countries I have ever visited. Thoughts on Group Leader Mario was great. Informative and very sociable. Advice for Potential Travellers Be aware of the temperatures in August and therefore the heat makes the trekking a little harder. Terrain is tough in places, make sure you have the correct boots.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/24/2018
Kath Singleton - Traveled, May 2018
Treking in Croatia This was my first trip with Exodus & won’t be my last (says it all really!) Good overview of many areas of Croatia – cities, National Parks, coastal towns. Most Inspirational Moment I really enjoyed the final days walking as it was just a little more challenging - I would have liked all the walks to have been longer as we were often finished by 3-4pm. As I went in May it was still Springtime, so the meadows & hedgerows were beautifully green with plenty of wild flowers to be found. The company was great & our Guide made sure we were all included in decision making for stops, meal out etc. Thoughts on Group Leader Mario was excellent - informative friendly, willing to walk at a sensible pace. Lots of interesting discussions during the day & at mealtimes. Advice for Potential Travellers This was my first holiday on my own & I was understandably excited but a little apprehensive. I would have no problems going alone again. In our group we were all 'singles', but it didn't matter.It was well organised & meeting up with the Guide & the group was really easy. Suggestions On the day of departure we were not being picked up for the airport until 1.30pm. As we were in a small but beautiful coastal village there was not a lot to do, especially as we had been there 3 nights. Unfortunately in May the water was too cold for me! If I had realised earlier that we a long wait I would have arranged a boat trip or something similar. This is something that Exodus could consider as an option to fill the time/occupy a morning if there is a half day wait in a small place.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/23/2018
Catherine Clarke - Traveled, May 2018
Fabulous holiday Booked this trip having previously been to Croatia and wanted to explore further. The trip was a great mix of walks, each with fabulous views followed by a refreshing dip in the sea and delicious food recommended by our guide Zeljko. There were also sightseeing oportunities in Dubrovnik and Split and a more relaxed stroll round the beautiful Krka waterfalls. We were a small friendly group of four plus our guide. There were lots of opportunities to chat with Zeljko about the walks, history and culture of his country. We also visited some local people for some grappa and figs. Travel between places was very well organised and we stayed in good accomodation in each place. As a vegetarian I was well looked after. Great food everywhere with Zeljko going out of his way to make sure I ate well. Most Inspirational Moment The views from the summits, particularly the Paklenica walks. Lunch at the mountain hut with spectacular views. Thoughts on Group Leader Fantastic. Warm, friendly and knowledgeable. On the long walks when it was really hot Zeljko made sure we all drank enough water (even providing extra when I didn't take enough on the first walk) and found shade for short breaks. Great company for the week. Advice for Potential Travellers Don't hesitate to book this trip. Croatia is a beautiful country and you get to see lots of fantastic places.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/23/2018
Nick Savage - Traveled, April 2018
An amazing Croatia adventure This is an amazing trip with spectacular scenery and amazing history. It has great variety, with waterfalls, sea views, dramatic gorges and incredible limestone outcrops. On top of all of that, there is a wealth of history with Roman ruins, ancient Christian sites and abandoned farmhouses. The food is also excellent as are the interesting spirits you are offered with almost every meal! My personal favourite had to be the Herb Raki, but there are lots of choices! Most Inspirational Moment The sudden appearance of the dramatic view over the sea at the top of Vidova Gora. Thoughts on Group Leader It is impossible to put into words how excellent a leader Žarak is. As well as being very helpful and friendly and highly competent at leading the group, he has an almost inexhaustible supply of knowledge about the history of the region and seems to know all the locals. He made a great trip into an unforgettable one. Advice for Potential Travellers If you like flowers and are going in April or May, you might want to take a Mediterranean flower book as there are so many flowers to see.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/15/2018
Heather Willson - Traveled, September 2018
Croatia: Islands and Mountains Fantastic trip- great combination of hiking, Brac island, and interesting cities. Fun to meet new people: our group ranged from 29-65yrs with Canadians, Americans and just 3 Brits. Most Inspirational Moment Too many and contrasting to select one: City walls and history of Dubrovnik, Split and Zadar; views from the mountains; swimming in crystal clear sea at Bol and Starigrad. Thoughts on Group Leader Ivan was the perfect leader- friendly, cheerful, organised and informative. Advice for Potential Travellers Take taxi from airport to Lapad, as bus was to central Dubrovnik. Good walking boots and poles needed as very rocky uneven paths in Paklenica National Park, with long descent on the first day there. Suggestions Hotels were of good standard and in good locations. Hotel Zagreb (Dubrovnik) set in beautiful gardens, and near to bus stop to town; all 3 had easy access to a beach.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/23/2018
Lee Whyte - Traveled, August 2018
Gorgeous Seasides & Mountains - HOT August temps Really enjoyable itinerary and the trip leader, Mario, was fun and entertaining and did a wonderful job. The overall rating of “3” moderate is appropriate as a weekly average, although some walks were a “1” and perhaps one day might rate a “4” due to the size of the rocks and boulders along much of the path. The seaside views were stunning and the sea itself lovely for evening swims. Definitely take your togs and plan on swimming. August proved very hot and very crowded during the summer holidays – probably not the best month to see Croatia, and particularly not good timing for Krka N.P. as it was a national holiday and quite honestly over sold for the day. Dubrovnik was beautiful and worthy of adding an additional day on the front end if possible. Accommodations, transfers, flights (we booked our own), and meals were all very good. Most Inspirational Moment The coastal views of the towns and villages....... The old city walls of Dubrovnik..... Diocletian's Roman Palace in Split (we arranged our own guided tour, which was well worthwhile) Thoughts on Group Leader Mario did a great job. He is personable and fun-loving, and everyone enjoyed his company and camaraderie. Advice for Potential Travellers If possible, go outside of the peak tourist season and summary holidays. If you enjoy good food and wine, plan on spending a bit more than the recommended allowances, especially in Dubrovnik and Split - it's well worth it! Walking shoes or boots with decent soles and cushion go a long way on the rocky terrain. Carry a few spare coins for public toilets in the cities. Croatia is a beautiful country and easily traveled. If you have the time and inclination - add a few days on the front or back end to explore. Suggestions Second trip with Exodus and we are looking forward to the next. Keep up the great work and fun itineraries. Show less
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/21/2018
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