| 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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Cruise in style on a private yacht!
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View over historic Split
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Baska Voda on the "Riviera"
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The water is crystal clear
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There's plenty of room for everyone
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Relax with a cool local pivo
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Diocletian's palace at the
heart of old Split
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Explore the spectacular coastline
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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: 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, built around the Roman Emperor Diocletian's Palace, 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: Today we offer an optional guided visit of Split and Diocletian's Palace. Built in 295 AD as the retirement home of the Roman Emperor Diocletian (the only Emperor ever to retire!), no expense was spared in its construction. It covers more than 3,000 square meters and was built with materials brought from Egypt and Greece. The palace includes exquisite temples, vast reception chambers, and extensive private apartments within its huge walls. It was said in Roman times that the palace was so big that boats could sail directly into it from the sea. It has the honor of being the largest private residence in antiquity. Afterwards, 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 then cruise out into the sparkling Adriatic and anchor off the island of Brac to get settled in and enjoy a swim. 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, then the Illyrians, Greeks, and Romans settled here. We will cruise to the village of Maslinca where 18th century fishermen's cottages surround the three sides of a narrow bay, protected from the open seas to the west by the scattered islets of the Malinica archipelago, creating a memorable scene at sunset. Here we will disembark for a walk through the island's vineyards and olive groves before rejoining the boat. Dinner on board.
Day 3 - Sunday: We have a full morning of walking as we follow a coastal path that starts from Bol, which is home to the spectacular Zlatini Rat beach. A 5 km walk west of the village brings us to the coastal hamlet of Murvica where we can stop for a rest before carrying on up to the Blaca Hermitage, an impressive monastery complex built into the cliff side by monks fleeing the Turks in 1550. Then we can either carry on with our hike or drop down to the coast and be picked up by the Andi Star. Lunch on board and then cruise to the island of Hvar. Hvar is an island of vineyards, lavender fields and old Venetian coastal villages. We will take you to the south coast of the island which is made up of vertical cliffs that plunge into the sea, and to a series of coves and beaches which are only accessible by boat. Our afternoon walk starts here, skirting along the cliffs and affording spectacular views. Our destination is the tiny stone village of Ivan Dolac which is built into the hillside above the sea. Here we find the best producer of the island's excellent (so I am told!) red wine. A little tipple here before a 2 km walk back to the boat. Dinner on board.
Day 4 - Monday: Our day begins with a short boat ride to the village of Dubovica on the southern coast of the island to pick up our hiking trail, which meanders through lavender fields and olive groves before ascending the limestone ridge of Sveti Nikola. Today's walk is highly panoramic, with views that stretch out from the island of Hvar in both directions over the Adriatic. We descend to the small fishing village of Sveta Nedjelja, on the way the path passes the ruins of a small 15th century Augustinian monastery located in a cave above the village. The yacht will pick us up for lunch while we cruise to the neighboring island of Vis, which is Croatia's furthest inhabited island. We will moor at Komiza village on the west coast, described as a "friendly fishing village built around a small harbor. Old stone buildings with wooden shutters and terracotta tiled roofs line a series of narrow alleys, each of which runs downs to the seafront, where locals of all ages meet for morning coffee, conduct their evening promenade and put the world to rights. Above the village a 13th century monastery surveys the open waters of the Adriatic. Komiza is probably one of the most unspoilt places on all the islands in a fantastic setting and with excellent restaurants." Dinner tonight 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: From the island of Korcula, we transfer by boat to the Peljesac peninsula, home to some of the best beaches in southern Croatia. Our walk begins in the small village of Viganj, where we ascend on a rocky trail through vineyards and stone terraces to a ridge with stunning views of the Adriatic and the island of Korcula. We'll stop along the way for lunch at a local farmhouse, served, of course, with locally produced wine! After a hearty and wonderful lunch we descend to the port of Orebic. The town became part of the Duchy of Dubrovnik in 1333, and a citadel to defend against the Turks was built in 1658. Many houses and exotic gardens that grace present day Orebic were built by prosperous sea captains. A 15th century Franciscan monastery sits on a ridge 152 meters above sea level. On a hill east of the monastery is the Lady of Karmen church next to several huge cypresses, as well as a baroque loggia and the ruins of a duke's castle. After exploring Orebic we will meet the Andi Star in the old port and cruise to the southeastern tip of Hvar island and our anchorage for the night. Dinner on board.
Day 7 - Thursday: This morning we cruise to the village of Sumartin on Brac island. We then shuttle by van to the highest point on the island, Vidova Gora, also known as the summit of the Adriatic since it affords spectacular views. We then get dropped off for the beginning of our walk to the thousand year old village of Gornji Humac, where we visit the working farm restaurant of the Tomic family for lunch. They produce wine, olive oil, honey, cheese, and cured ham. Transfer back down to the yacht and anchor near the sheltered cove of Povija on the north side of the island. Dinner on board.
Day 8 - Friday: We have an early morning drop-off at the trail head for our walk along the mainland coast, passing though the tiny villages of Gornji Tucepi, Šimici, and Podstup before reaching Makarska, the major town on the "Markarsk Riviera." The town 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. There is time in the afternoon to explore the town and its shops. Optional late afternoon walk in the Biokovo Nature Park via the stone hamlets of Makar, Veliko Brodo and Kotisina. Pick up the boat at the neighboring village of Brela. Dinner on board.
Day 9 - Saturday: This morning after breakfast we will get off the boat at Makarska and transfer by van to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Dubrovnik. After settling into our hotel we take a guided 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 coming from the 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. Overnight in hotel 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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