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Where: Croatia / Montenegro Description: • Trip Highlights Visits to three stunning national parks and three beautiful coastal cities Activities such as hiking, rafting, boat tours, wine tasting, and local food experiences Optional 3-day extension to Montenegro (April 29 - May 2) requires at least 4 participants • Group Details 16 spots available (including me) Accommodation is based on twin sharing; single room is EU 875 extra Currently, 6 single rooms are available (more may be arranged if needed) • Meals & Logistics Meals included are marked on the itinerary: B (Breakfast), L (Lunch), D (Dinner) Included: daily breakfast, 2 lunches, 2 dinners Welcome dinner in Zagreb on April 19 Please list dietary preferences on your registration form • Travel Notes Please plan to arrive in Zagreb on April 19 (airport transfer not included). Taxis/Ubers are recommended, though I can help arrange a transfer through Finisterra if preferred. The group will depart early on April 20 for Plitvice National Park. We’ll be moving frequently, so I recommend packing light. Laundry service is available (extra cost) in Split on Day 5. Return transfers from Dubrovnik to the airport on April 29 are included for those not joining the extension. • Important I strongly recommend purchasing travel/medical insurance, as our itinerary includes many activities. Deposits (or full payments) are required to secure your spot. If you need to cancel, please contact Finisterra early so others on the waiting list can join. Thank you for your interest in our upcoming trip to Croatia from April 19–29, 2026! I’ve been working with an agent from Finisterra, and our itinerary is now finalized (see following). Day 1: Arrive in Zagreb, Welcome Dinner Welcome to Croatia! Your guide will meet you at your hotel in the late afternoon for a brief trip overview (exact time TBD, likely around 4-5pm). We’ll then take a short walk around Croatia’s lively capital city, followed by a welcome dinner and drinks. Lodging: 3star hotel in Zagreb; Meals: D Day 2: Plitvice Lakes National Park Hiking After breakfast in Zagreb, we have a 2.5-hour drive to Plitvice Lakes National Park. Plitvice was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 because of its stunning sequence of turquoise lakes separated by travertine barriers and over 90 waterfalls. As we walk along the park’s wooden paths and bridges, we’ll take in views of 16 gorgeous lakes, fairy-tale forests and cascading waterfalls. The seemingly endless beech and pine forests surrounding the lakes are home to extensive wildlife including deer, brown bears and wolves, numerous caves and an interesting karst landscape. You can enjoy a picnic lunch in this pristine, natural area or purchase food from one of the park restaurants (lunch not included). The hike should take around 5 hours and is 6 miles long with 1,000 ft of elevation gain. After the hike, we’ll take a short bus ride back to the starting point, followed by a 25-minute drive to the hotel. You’ll have the rest of the day free to relax and have dinner on your own. Lodging: 4star hotel in Plitvice area; Meals: B Day 3: Paklenica National Park Hiking This morning we travel south, leaving the region of Lika and heading into Dalmatia. Our destination is Paklenica National Park. Part of the Velebit Mountain Range, Paklenica is a gorgeous spot for hiking and rock climbing, and it is home to the largest and best-preserved forest complex in Dalmatia. We will hike through Velika Paklenica, the park’s main canyon and take in views of limestone cliffs towering above us. If you look closely, you may even see some tiny climbers scaling the numerous multipitch routes over 1200 feet high. The rest of the trail leads us through mostly forested areas towards Ramica Dvori mountain hut. At the top, we’ll enjoy a traditional lunch prepared using a time-honored cooking technique called “peka,” or “under the bell.” Our hosts will show you how they slow-cook the dish by covering the pan with coals in the mountain hut’s “black kitchen.”While enjoying this delicious family-style meal, you’ll have time to relax and enjoy the mountain views while sampling homemade liqueurs from wild herbs and local fruits. If you’re lucky, our hosts may even treat you to a traditional song on the accordion. This is a round-trip hike that will bring us back through the canyon to the parking area, with a total hiking time of about 5 hours. The trail is around 8 miles long with 1,700 feet of elevation gain. We then have a one-hour drive to the charming town of Skradin, where we will spend the next two nights. You will be able to relax and explore the historic town center on your own in the evening. Your guide will recommend a few spots for dinner. Lodging: 3* hotel in Skradin; Meals: B, L Day 4: Krka National Park Hiking We start our day in Skradin, the gateway to Krka National Park. There are two options for the hike today: 1) We can hike from Skradin along the Krka River into the main part of the park. The trail features a series of wooden bridges and winds past numerous waterfalls that tumble into turquoise and emerald pools. We will also get the chance to see the worlds second-oldest hydroelectric power plant and tour an Ethno Village with 19th-century watermills and a small museum featuring traditional outfits and textiles from the region. The hike is around 7 miles long and is relatively flat. It should take us 4-5 hours, including breaks to enjoy the scenery. 2) We can take a boat from Skradin along the Krka River into the national park. We’ll then enjoy a shorter walk (around 2 hours) along the wooden bridges and footpaths winding past gorgeous waterfalls. We’ll also have the chance to visit Visovac island and monastery, which dates back to the 14th century. The walk is around 2 miles and mostly flat. After touring the park on foot, we’ll take another boat ride to a special spot for lunch. Located just next to the Krka River and Roski Waterfall, this small family restaurant has tables in the shallows of the river, so you can dine with your feet in the water. We’ll enjoy homemade prosciutto, cured meats and cheeses that are traditional for this part of Dalmatia. After lunch, you can go for a swim beneath the waterfalls before we take the boat back to Skradin. You’ll have the rest of the day free to explore and have dinner on your own. Lodging: 3star hotel in Skradin; Meals: B, L Day 5: Split Old Town - exploring and guided walking tour After breakfast and a relaxed morning in Skradin, we’ll make our way south to the city of Split (1- hour drive). We’ll explore the historic core on foot with a guided walking tour taking us through the ancient cobblestone streets. You’ll visit the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace, learn about the rich history of this coastal city, and experience Split’s laid-back modern culture. After the walking tour, you’ll have free time for lunch and exploring on your own. Before sunset, we’ll meet for an optional hike up to Marjan Hill. The area is home to beautiful mediterranean forests and offers a stunning view of Split and surrounding islands. After enjoying the sunset from this unique vantage point, we’ll return to the city on foot. The hike is 5 miles long with 600 ft of elevation gain and should take about 2.5 hours to complete. You’ll have the rest of the evening free to have dinner and explore Split on your own - your guide will be happy to offer restaurant recommendations. Lodging: 3star hotel in Split; Meals: B Day 6: Boat trip to Hvar Island and wine tasting Our next stop is one of Dalmatia’s most iconic islands - Hvar. After breakfast at the hotel in Split, we’ll board a boat and begin our adventure to Hvar. You’ll have a chance to see the island’s breathtaking coastline and surrounding islands as we approach Hvar from the sea. We’ll stop in Hvar Town, where you’ll have the chance to stroll through the streets and view the city’s medieval architecture. You’ll have some free time to have lunch and take an optional walk up to a 16th-century fortress on your own (the route is 1.5 miles with 285 ft of elevation). Next, we’ll visit one of Hvar’s local wineries, where you can taste the island’s acclaimed wines and snack on some of the local delicacies. You’ll also learn about grape cultivation and wine production in the area, which dates back to ancient times. We’ll return to Split in the late afternoon by boat, and you’ll have the rest of the day free. Lodging: 3star hotel in Split; Meals: B, Light Lunch with wine tasting Day 7: Cetina River Rafting and exploring Omis Today we’ll enjoy a white water rafting trip on the gorgeous Cetina River. We will start with about a 1.5-hour drive to the starting point for rafting. We’ll paddle through crystal clear water, over waterfalls and through dense, jungle-like forest as we navigate the 12-km long Cetina River Canyon. In addition to paddling you’ll also be able to try cliff jumping and explore hidden caves. The trip will take about 4 hours in total.After rafting, you’ll have the chance to explore the scenic town of Omis, which was ruled by pirates during the 12th and 13th centuries. If you’d like, you can also join the guide for an optional hike up to a fortress above the town, which offers a stunning view of the Cetina Canyon and Dalmatian coastline (optional entrance to the fortress is not included in the tour - the entrance fee costs 4 euros and must be paid in cash at the fortress). The hike is fairly steep but short - it takes around 2.5-3 hours to complete the 3-mile round trip with 1040 ft of elevation gain. Lodging: 3star hotel in Omis; Meals: B Day 8: Exploring Ston and Dubrovnik Old Town After breakfast in Omis, we’ll continue south towards the Pearl of the Adriatic - Dubrovnik.On the way, we’ll stop in the towns of Ston and Mali Ston, charming villages perched at the base of the Peljesac Peninsula (about a 2-hour drive from Omis). You’ll have some free time to explore the towns, view the impressive defense walls (which experts say are the third-longest in the world), taste Ston’s famous oysters, or visit the ancient salt pans. Next, we’ll head towards Dubrovnik. After checking into our hotel in Mlini, we’ll take a boat ride to Dubrovnik Old Town. You’ll have the chance to explore this breathtaking medieval city on a guided walking tour. As we stroll through the narrow streets, you’ll soak up views of Dubrovnik’s iconic stone houses with terracotta roofs and fortifications wrapping around the city. We’ll return to Mlini by boat in the late afternoon. You’ll have free time to relax and have dinner on your own at one of the town’s seaside restaurants. Lodging: 3star hotel in Mlini (Dubrovnik area); Meals: B Day 9: Hike to Mt. Srd We’ll begin our day with another boat ride to Dubrovnik Old Town, taking in stunning views of the walled city from our vantage point out on the water. You’ll have free time to explore the city, visit some of its numerous museums, walk along the Dubrovnik Walls, or simply wander through the cobbled streets and alleys until we meet back up in the afternoon. Our next adventure is a hike to the top of Mt. Srd, a peak stretching up above Dubrovnik. As the hiking path snakes up towards the summit, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the city of Dubrovnik, Elaphiti Islands, and Adriatic Sea. Starting from sea level in the town, the hike is about 2 miles long and has 1,350 ft of elevation gain. We’ll have dinner at a restaurant on the mountaintop before taking a cable car back to the city and returning to Mlini.Lodging: 3star hotel in Mlini (Dubrovnik area); Meals: B, D Day 10: Departure (or Montenegro Extension) For the part of the group that is leaving the tour today, you will have an organized transfer in the morning to the Dubrovnik airport. The rest of the group will head to Montenegro after breakfast for a guided tour of Kotor Old Town and a walk up to the fortress overlooking Kotor and Kotor Bay. Get your passports ready and prepare for a day of magnificent views and exploration. Upon arrival in Kotor (drive time depends on border traffic, but plan on about 2-2.5 hours), we’ll stop in the historic Old Town for a guided walking tour. The fortified city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring well-preserved Venetian architecture and a labyrinth of charming cobblestone streets. You’ll learn about the area’s rich history as you take in the views of the town framed by dramatic mountains in the background. After free time in the town, we’ll hike up to one of Kotor’s fortresses, which traces its history back to the 6th century. We’ll head to Tivat in the afternoon, where we’ll get settled into our seaside hotel and have the rest of the day free. Lodging: n/a or 4star hotel in Tivat; Meals: B Day 11: Lovcen National Park Hiking Today’s adventure is a visit to Lovcen National Park, one of the most stunning areas in Montenegro. The trip includes a drive on a legendary serpentine road that takes us high into the mountains above Kotor Bay. We’ll visit the Mausoleum of Petar II Petrovic Njegos, Prince-Bishop of Montenegro from 1830 to 1851. This important monument also features one of the best panoramic views in Montenegro. As we explore the national park further on foot, you’ll enjoy sweeping vistas of the rocky Dinaric Alps and Kotor Bay. The routes consist of several shorter hikes for a total of around 3 miles with 600 ft elevation gain. If the group would prefer a longer hike, we can do a route of around 6 miles with 1070 ft of elevation gain featuring multiple viewpoints overlooking beautiful Kotor Bay (please note hiking options may be limited by weather - snow can stick around in the higher elevations in Montenegro until May or even June, depending on the year). In the afternoon, we’ll return to Tivat. You’ll have the rest of the day free to spend as you please. You can explore Tivat, enjoy the beautiful scenery, go for a swim in the sea, and have dinner on your own.Lodging: 4star hotel in Tivat; Meals: B Day 12: Boat Trip to Our Lady of the Rocks Island, exploring Konavle Valley We’ll explore a different side of Kotor Bay today as we head out on the water. A scenic boat tour will take us to Our Lady of the Rocks. This artificial island is steeped in local legends and traces its roots to the 15th century. After the boat tour, you’ll have some free time to have lunch before we say dovidenja to Montenegro and return to Croatia (2-2.5 hour drive, depending on traffic). Our next stop is the Konavle Valley. You’ll have the chance to see the region’s charming countryside and small waterfalls and watermills on the Ljuta River, which served as the Dubrovnik Republic’s granary for centuries. The vineyards, olive groves, traditional villages, and cypress forests create a stunning landscape known for its relaxing atmosphere. To end the trip, we’ll enjoy a delicious local dinner at a traditional restaurant next to the Ljuta River. Lodging: 3* hotel in Mlini; Meals: B, D Day 13: Departure and dropoff at Dubrovnik airport Today marks the end of the tour. After breakfast at your hotel in Mlini, the group will have a transfer to the Dubrovnik airport in time to catch your flight home. (One transfer is included per group). Lodging: n/a; Meals Cost: EU2695 for 10 days, with optional extension to Montenegro for 3 days for an additional EU 1350 extra. • What included 9 nights accommodation in mostly 3star hotels and some 4star hotels Meals as per the itinerary (breakfast every day, welcome dinner on day 1, lunch on day 3 and day 4, farewell dinner on day 9). Still and sparkling water provided with all included meals. Welcome drinks and farewell drinks (choice of glass of red or white wine or one beer per person) Professional guides (we will assign two guides to a group of 12-16 people) with the group for the duration of the tour All required transportation during the tour Three time slots for airport dropoffs in Dubrovnik on day 9 (other airport dropoffs can be arranged at a rate of 45 euros per transfer for groups of 1-3 people and 60 euros per transfer for groups of 4-7 people) All hikes and excursions listed in the itinerary Entry fees to all stated attractions National park entry fees Local tourist taxes and VAT • Not included Gratuities Alcoholic beverages and drinks with meals (Unless otherwise noted, we provide still and sparkling water with the included lunches and dinners. Breakfast includes a selection of coffee, tea, juices, and water.) Meals not stated in the itinerary Optional excursions during free time Entrance to additional optional attractions during free time Souvenirs and items of a personal nature Travel insurance Airfare • What included: Montenegro 2 nights accommodation at a 4* hotel in Tivat, Montenegro 1 night accommodation at a 3* hotel in Mlini, Croatia All required transportation during the tour Meals listed in the itinerary. Still and sparkling water provided with all included meals. Private guided walking tour of Kotor Old Town Entrance to Kotor fortress Trip to Lovcen National Park & hiking Boat tour to Our Lady of the Rocks (please note that this is a mixed group boat tour, not private) Professional guide (we will assign one guide to a group of 4-8 people and 2 guides to a group of 9-16 people) Local tourist taxes and VAT Airport dropoff in Dubrovnik on day 13 (one dropoff for the group) Leader: If you would like to join, you must send me email directly and I will send you the registration link. Spots are limited, so I encourage you to secure your place soon. |
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