Walks and Coastal Towns of Croatia

Arrive in Zagreb, a city rich in art, culture and gastronomy, but for a capital city it doesn't experience the huge rush of tourists that most other European capitals do. For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 9pm for the welcome meeting. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Zagreb at any time. If you would like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive at Franjo Tudman Airport Zagreb (ZAG) which is around 30 minutes' drive from the hotel. Should you miss the meeting, your leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose to stroll along the cobbled streets of Gornji Grad (Upper Town), you could take the funicular up from the main street (Illica), it's the shortest cable car in the world! Tonight you might like to try the traditional Zagreb meat and vegetable stew of Cuspajz.

Today we start our day with a city tour of Zagreb. Famously called a city of museums as there are more museums per square foot than any other city in the world it also has many other architectural structures to boast of. Zagreb has a unique blend of Austro-Hungarian architecture and more hard edged socialist buildings. The city's centrepieces are the Gothic Zagreb Cathedral and 13th century Saint Mark's Church. Later in the afternoon we drive down to the magnificent beauty of the Plitvice Lakes, a sumptuous setting of forested hills and beautifully clear lakes that are, with good reason, Croatia's premier tourist attraction. Travertine terraces cascade down through the lush landscapes, presenting the visitor with a series of plunging waterfalls and turquoise, calcium rich lakes that are one of Europe's natural marvels. Little wonder then that this remarkable park was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 1979.

Today we plan to spend our time walking a track of which the second half provides us with far reaching views of the lakes, waterfalls and surrounding pine clad hillsides from a higher vantage point. Over the millennia, the waters of these lakes have dissolved the limestone rock and carved out the valley in which they now lie. Through the sedimentation of calcium carbonate and the build up of special types of algae and moss, minerals have been deposited to form the natural dams that separate these lakes. The dynamic process still continues today, creating new falls as the water breaks through the slow growing barriers. Our route today gives us the opportunity to experience the rich variety of flora in this region, ranging from reeds, bull rushes and willow trees, which shade the lakes and line the wooden walkways, through to the myriad orchids of cyclamen, scabius and smoke bushes which can be found beneath the predominantly oak and beech forests. Today's 12 kilometre/7.4 mile walk to is expected to take around five to six hours over mostly flat terrain.

After breakfast, we transfer to Zavizan to walk stage one of the Premuziceva Trail to Alan. The top parts of northern and central Velebit from Zavizan to Baske Ostarije are connected by a 57km long hiking trail. It was named after its designer, Ante Premuzi, and construction of the trail took only 3 years (1930 - 1933), requiring the labour of many workers from sub-Velebit villages. The trail opened access to the most hidden and the most beautiful parts of Velebit, offering an alternative way to explore the National Park. Later we will transfer towards Paklenica National Park, which lies on the southern edge of the imposing limestone mass of the Velebit Mountains. The impressive mountains that make up this breathtaking landscape present an almost continuous wall of rock, rising up to separate the waters of the Adriatic from the rolling landscapes of the interior. This region contains some of the most spectacular walking country in Croatia, with majestic karst landscapes, plunging gorges and jagged mountain peaks to enchant and captivate the visitor. Today's 16 kilometre/9.9 miles walk to is expected to take around 5.5 hours with 280 metres/918 feet of ascent and descent along a drystone trail.

After breakfast, we set off from the hotel, following a scenic trail that winds through villages scattered along the narrow coastline beneath the majestic Velebit mountain range. This route offers a delightful contrast between the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea and the rugged slopes of the mountains. As we continue, we'll join the hiking path that leads to the summit of Veliki Vitrenik, standing at 433 metres above sea level. At the top, you'll have time to catch your breath and take in breathtaking views of Starigrad, the shimmering Adriatic, and the nearby islands. From the summit, we'll descend to the entrance of Velika Paklenica canyon, where we'll visit the old mill situated by the Paklenica River. Once vital for locals during rainy winters when the river's flow surged, the mill offers an intriguing glimpse into the area's past. Our journey continues into the canyon, where you'll be surrounded by towering cliffs that rise dramatically from the river below. After exploring the canyon, we'll make our way downhill toward the coast. Walking along the shoreline, we'll arrive at the iconic Ve?ka Kula, a site rich in history and a symbol of the region dating back to the 16th century. Here, you'll have the chance to discover the fascinating heritage of the early Dalmatians. It's also an ideal spot to relax by the sea, with optional swimming or unwinding at a charming beach bar. Following this well-earned break, we'll enjoy a pleasant seaside walk back to the hotel. In the afternoon, we'll take a short bus ride to Zadar, a vibrant coastal city with a compact old town and ancient Roman ruins. You'll have free time to explore, enjoy dinner, and experience two of Zadar's unique attractions: the soothing melodies of the Sea Organ and the mesmerising Sun Salutation light display. After soaking up the city's atmosphere, we'll return to Starigrad Paklenica for the evening. This morning's 12-kilometre (7.4-mile) walk is expected to take around 5 hours, with an altitude gain and loss of approximately 430 metres.

A full day in the park sees us follow a different route, affording us with a variety of entrancing views. Leaving the hotel by bus, we will follow a zigzag road with stunning views of the coast, stopping for a visit at the centuries old Mirila; stone monuments signifying the place where the departed would greet the sun for the last time. We then continue on foot to the abandoned summer village of Ramici, occupying the Njive Plateau. Making our way through the broadleafed forest we then descend into the upper reaches of the gorge, following a mountain trail lined with fragrant thyme and sage, all the while surrounded by stunning views of the dramatic karst gorge. We take our time as it is uneven terrain. Continuing up the gorge we will stop for lunch at a traditional mountain hut before returning through the spine of the gorge along a gentle stream. We wind our way through the window and chimney bellflowers and smoke bushes with a steep decent out of the gorge. There is the option to descend the other side of the gorge and continue our walk along pine forested paths, returning to the hotel via a steep ascent with far reaching views. As our route circles back towards the hotel it meets the coast, affording some opportunities for a refreshing swim, if time allows, before we head back for dinner. Today's 18 kilometre walk to is expected to take around seven hours, the easier 10 kilometre option is expected to take around four-and-a-half hours. Please note this walk is weather dependent, if it is not available the Tour Leader will suggest the shorter walk.

Today we transfer to Split. En route we stop at Trogir with free time for sightseeing and optional lunch. Trogir has a rich history that dates back to the 3rd century BC, with a delightful collection of cobble stoned squares and medieval architecture, and a Romanesque cathedral that is considered one of the most exquisite in the entire Adriatic. Spanning some three centuries it boasts a superb entranceway in its west portal, carved in the 13th century by the master mason Radovan. The town also boasts Venetian Gothic mansions, an impressive clock tower and a comprehensive collection of church artwork displayed in the 13th century Church of St John. What makes Trogir such a delight to wander around though are its meandering alleyways, filled with cafes and restaurants and its elegant riverfront promenade, which leads up to the Kamerlengo Fortress, a 15th century edifice with imposing battlements and a huge octagonal tower. After lunch we continue towards Split. Today's Split is the product of 17 centuries of building, renovating and remodelling. There is time to wander the streets independantly or take an optional guided walking tour of the city, you may wish to visit the Diocletian's Palace (optional). The Diocletian's Palace is a well preserved Roman monument and became the mausoleum of the pagan Roman emperor. The building evolved with time into the world's oldest Roman Catholic church, today it is an intriguing maze of narrow cobblestone streets where pre Romanesque churches nestle alongside Gothic chapels.

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Split. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Split at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Split Airport (SPU) which is around one hour's drive from the hotel.