Croatia: Sibenik & the Kornati Islands
Experience Overview
Eat, walk, swim and wander to your heart’s content on a five-day exploration of Croatia’s Central Dalmatia region. This slice of the country delivers in both natural wonders and cultural treasures while offering up something to entice all those who set foot on its shimmering shores. Walk in the shoes of a local in the city of Sibenik, dig into the past in Zadar, have lunch with new friends on the spectacular Kornati Islands, venture into the wonderland of Krka National Park and discover the charming streets of Trogir. History? Incredible. Food? Unforgettable. Scenery? Couldn’t be better. This is a place that ticks all the boxes.
Highlights
- See a different side of Sibenik as you explore the city with a local guide who will the hidden gems of the town before taking you to a tucked-away tavern for a traditional snack.
- Take a boat trip to the little-known Kornati Islands where you’ll hike through stunning scenery, enjoy lunch with a welcoming local family and sample olive oil produced on the islands, all through our local partner - non-profit organisation MEET.
- Enjoy an ecotourism experience in the ethereal Krka National Park, where you’ll explore waterfalls and ancient relics with a local guide in the part of the Park that's more off the beaten track.
- Get to know the dynamic city of Zadar, Dalmatia’s former capital. Discover remnants of the past wherever you go and check out the city’s famous ‘Sea Organ’.
- Walk the charming streets of Trogir, with a local guide on hand to point out fascinating examples of Romanesque, Renaissance and baroque architecture.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3187
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport:
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: ZLSL
Starts: Split / Sibenik, Croatia
Finishes: Trogir / Split, Croatia
Duration: 5 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Basic
Includes
Meals: Lunch (1),Accommodation:
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,115 ($423 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Croatia! Your adventure starts off today with a 9.30am meeting at Split's central bus station, where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers; but you won’t hang around for long – the wonders of Central Dalmatia are waiting! Do as the locals do and hop aboard a bus bound for Sibenik, a beautiful city on the Adriatic coast with a spellbinding history. Settle in on arrival then head out to get to know the city in the best way possible – through the eyes of a local. Meet with an inhabitant of Sibenik who will show you a side of their city that most don’t get to see as you explore the winding cobbled streets of the Old Town. Our local guide will then take you to a little-known tavern down a quiet alleyway to experience marenda, a light meal between lunch and dinner and a big part of the culture in Sibenik. Later this evening, you may like to head out for dinner in the town with your new travel companions and get to know each other over a glass of local rakija.
Included Activities:
- Sibenik - Marenda Snack
- Sibenik - Cathedral of St James
- Sibenik - Walking Tour with Local Guide
Accommodation:
- private apartment (Number of Nights: 1)
Rise bright and early for a transfer to the port, where you’ll jump aboard our private boat to the incredible Kornati Islands archipelago. The islands are best explored on foot, so on arrival you’ll set off on a hike to uncover the history and legends of Kornati. Sharing food and drink is a big part of Croatian culture, so for lunch today you’ll sit down with a local family, enjoy some homemade local specialties, and hear firsthand stories about life on the island to get a glimpse at what daily life looks like. You’ll hear about the importance of olive oil production to the Dalmatia region and learn the true meaning of the olive tree from the locals who know it best. And of course no visit to Dalmatia would be complete without an olive oil tasting session. This afternoon you'll see the islands from a different perspective as you snorkel through the clear waters, then it’s back to the mainland via boat for another night in Sibenik. The evening is yours to explore more of what this fascinating city has to offer – your leader will know all the best spots for an authentic dinner experience!
Included Activities:
- Kornati Islands - Full Day Boat Cruise
- Kornati Islands - Home-cooked Lunch with Local Family
- Kornati Islands - Olive Oil & Honey Tasting
- Kornati Islands - Snorkelling
Accommodation:
- Private apartment (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, hop aboard a local bus to Zadar (approximately 2 hours), the former capital city Dalmatia. Remnants of Zadar’s past are visible all over the city, which you’ll discover on an orientation walk with your leader on arrival. Walk on marble streets through the Old Town and see Roman ruins scattered among medieval churches. Visit the musical steps of the ‘Sea Organ’ on Zadar's waterfront, representing its important relationship with the sea. The rest of the afternoon is free for your own discoveries. You may like to check out St Donat's Church, St Anastasia's Cathedral or the Roman Forum. While in Zadar, you can’t miss the chance to try the city’s famous liqueur, Maraskino – it’s been produced here since 1759 and is a local favourite to this day. Return to Sibenik by bus late this afternoon.
Included Activities:
- Zadar - Orientation Walk
Optional Activities:
- Zadar - Archaeological Museum (5 EUR)
- Zadar – Gold and Silver of the city of Zadar Museum (6 EUR)
- Zadar – Museum of ancient glass (6 EUR)
- Zadar - Roman Forum - Free
- Zadar - Church of Saint Donat (4 EUR)
- Zadar - Cathedral Bell Tower (2 EUR)
- Zadar - St Anastasia's Cathedral - Free
Accommodation:
- Private apartment (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel this morning by private vehicle to Krka National Park. Like something straight out of a fairy tale, the park amazes with its tiered waterfalls, vibrant Krka river, beautiful woodlands and Roman ruins – it’s a truly magical place. Venture into the park with a local guide at the helm, allowing you to dodge the tourist hotspots and explore without the crowds. Traverse criss-crossing paths, bridges dotted with old watermills and little stone houses immortalised as museums as you walk from waterfall to waterfall. Pass by an ancient Roman amphitheatre on your way to the Krka monastery, built above Roman burial catacombs. After a day of exploring, return to Sibenik for an evening at leisure.
Included Activities:
- Krka National Park - Day Excursion
Accommodation:
- Private apartment (Number of Nights: 1)
Hop on a local bus to Trogir this morning. On arrival, you'll meet a local guide who will take you on a walk to get acquainted with this delightful seaside town, whose medieval walls are bursting with beautiful Romanesque, Renaissance and baroque buildings. Take some time to explore, perhaps have lunch, then catch a transfer back to Split. You can expect to arrive in the late afternoon, at which point your adventure will come to an end. If you’d like to stay on in Split, just get in touch ahead of time and we’d be happy to arrange additional accommodation (subject to availability).
Included Activities:
- Trogir - Old Town Walking Tour with Local Guide
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Johanna - Traveled, June 2023
This trip gives you an excellent insight into some of the most beautiful places of the Dalmatian coast. I particularly loved the trip to the Kornati islands and the visit to the locals - a wonderful, warm-hearted family. The itinerary is just the right lenght. Be prepared for the heat in the summer months (end of June, Juli, August). Special thanks to our guide, Hrvoje, who made this short trip memorable!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/09/2023
William - Traveled, September 2022
Overall, it was an excellent trip. We had a really enjoyed having a small group of people, only 10. A great group which was also had on all of our Intrepid tour visits. Though we missed part of Dubrovnik because of our arrival problems, the highlights of the highlights were the home cooked lunch with the family on one of the Kornati islands, the dinner at Hora Farm Restaurant, the day trip to the Mljet Island National Park, and the Krka waterfalls. For seniors, the travel to the accommodations were challenging at times, many stairs. Our tour guide, Olga, was excellent. She guided us from town to town over land and water. He knowledge of Croatia was excellent. Being seniors, she helped us with our luggage and assisted us to plan our side excursion to the island of Vis where my wife’s ancestors lived before emigrating to the United States.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/03/2022
Dawn - Traveled, July 2023
This is a great trip to get a taste of Croatia. You will want to come back for more.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/24/2023
Christina - Traveled, July 2022
I would recommend this trip anyone who wants to get a taste of Croatia. I was I initially concerned that we would be spending too much time traveling to teach location and not having enough time to enjoy the experience at each location but it turned out great. The travel time was minimal and we had plenary to time to get to know each area. Croatia is a beautiful country with crystal blue waters and charming towns and villages. Our Intrepid guide was fantastic and the accommodations were comfortable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/24/2022
Jan Sin - Traveled, June 2022
I enjoyed the trip a lot. Everyday there was a completely different highlight combined with excellent food. Also had an excellent tour leader where I learned a lot about the country and its culture. I can highly recommend this tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/05/2022
Amy - Traveled, June 2022
Brilliant trip to a beautiful country. The usual quality itinerary and guide that I've come to expect from Intrepid. The visit to the local island family running the honey farm and the home cooked food was the highlight.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/05/2022
David - Traveled, May 2022
really enjoyable trip, especially the boat trip to Kornati Islands and the National Park visit. Excellent leader. Picked the right time to go (May) - weather was sunny but not too hot. Croatia is beautiful, very friendly - you really should go!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/24/2022
Umi - Traveled, September 2021
Amazing trip to the lesser known parts of Croatia. A truly local experience with amazing people, great food, and brilliant sights!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/05/2021
Neringa - Traveled, September 2021
During this trip we've discovered less known parts of Croatia which was incredible. We explored some stunning locations, met lots of lovely locals and tried amazing food. Trip to the Kornati Islands was definitely the highlight of the tour! Would recommend this trip to anyone seeking for a truly unique travel experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/24/2021
Erin - Traveled, September 2021
An amazing tour through less traveled areas of Croatia! Very authentic feel and beautiful scenery.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/06/2021
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