Road Scholar : Home
Walking the Hidden Treasures of the Dalmatian Coast

Program Number: 13402RJ
Start and End Dates:
9/5/2012 - 9/18/2012; 9/4/2013 - 9/17/2013; 9/18/2013 - 10/1/2013; 5/7/2014 - 5/20/2014; 9/17/2014 - 9/30/2014;
Duration: 13 nights
Location: Croatia
Price starting at: $4,280.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Walking/Hiking Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 34; 12 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 11 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian; Low Fat    

Greek ruins and Adriatic views: the Dalmatian Coast glimmers with tranquility and the rich influences of Central Europe and the Mediterranean. Discover the history, architecture and natural environment as you walk through seaside towns and mountain trails, Diocletian’s fourth-century palace and the ancient streets of this once-embattled and ever-beautiful region. Meet local residents and learn about the original trails that unite the villages and people of the Dalmatian Coast.




Highlights

• Sample Dalmatian vintages during a lunch at a local home.
• Learn about the former pirate stronghold of Omis as you boat on the crystal-clear water of the Cetina River.
• Study flora and fauna as you hike along the waterfalls and lakeshores of Krka National Park.



Activity Particulars

Walking and hiking 4-8 miles, approximately 3-5 hours per day on paths and mountain trails, up and down over mixed terrain; may be rocky and steep with ascents and descents. Walking boots required.



Itinerary Summary

Arrival Split; Trogir, 3 nights; Makarska, 6 nights; Dubrovnik, 3 nights; departure.



Overnight flight from the USA
1 night
Arrival Split
Coach to Trogir
3 nights

Start at the Zedno village walking along the Ciovo island with splendid views of the Adriatic Sea. Explore the village of Trogir including the chapel "gospa od prizidnice." Continue to Krka National Park for a walking lecture introducing the park’s history and its unique flora and fauna, which includes more than 200 species of birds. Hike to the largest waterfall, Skradinski Buk, before continuing by boat upstream to Roski Slap to study the historic mills and a 14th-century monastery.



Coach to Makarska
6 nights

Explore Split, where today's residents live amid the shining ruins of the fourth-century palace once belonging to Emperor Diocletian. Field trips to Lokvicici and the Grabovac winery and a brief stop at the Imotski Blue and Red lakes. Share the wonder of this area with a journey by ferry to the island of Brac, famous for its white stone, which was used to build the White House. There, a guided walk describes what you see from the highest point in the Adriatic islands. Continue to the charming harbor village of Bol. On the mainland, discover the village of Gornje Tucepi and Makar with an excursion to the botanical garden in Kotisina, and the ancient history in the Cetina River gorge. Travel the Sveti Jure winding road with spectacular views of the Biokovo Mountain range. Walk the switch back trail up to Mt. Vosac with its incredible view of the Makarska Riviera.



Coach to Dubrovnik
3 nights
Departure

The rival of fellow sea trader Venice during the Middle Ages, Ragusa -- now Dubrovnik -- today has few rivals to compete with its stunning Adriatic coast and silhouette of massive fortifications. Examine these 14th-century walls, as well as the small village of Cilipi in the Konavle Hinterland, where you learn about southern Croatian traditions.




Croatia

Flanked by Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia, and other Balkan states, Croatia’s crescent-shaped border reveals the transformative history of foreign invasions and more recent Communist collapse. More than 1,700 tiny inlets and islands sprinkle the nation’s Adriatic coast, while beneath the water’s surface rest shipwrecks and cargo from the Greeks through World War II. Seaside promenades in Split attract admirers, as do the mountains outside Zagreb.
Accommodations
Trogir: Picturesque hotel in city center in Old Town. Makarska: Harbor-side three-star hotel on the promenade. Dubrovnik: Elegant hotel in a Mediterranean garden and private beach.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Brigitte Tennyson
A native of Austria, Brigitte Tennyson has been leading walking adventures throughout Europe since 1984. Fluent in English, German and Italian, Brigitte is studying Croatian as she splits her time between Croatia and Austria. Brigitte shares her interest and expertise in European history, music and environmental issues with participants as she leads them on mountain walks and explorations of European towns.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Hotel Fontana
  TROGIR, Croatia 3 nights
   Hotel Biokovo
  Makarska, Croatia 6 nights
   Argosy Hotel
  Dubrovnik, Croatia 3 nights
 Hotel Fontana
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: Situated in the "old" town of Trogir, exactly in the center of this UNESCO town. Picturesque hotel built in the highest quality and ecologically materials.
  Contact info: Obrov 1
Trogir,  HR 21220 Croatia
phone: +38521885744
web: www.fontana-trogir.com
  Room amenities: AC, satellite TV, telephone, alarm clock, minibar, refrigerator, hairdryer, iron.
  Facility amenities: Free Wi-Fi, 24-hour reception, laundry, dry-cleaning, restuarant with 2 terraces situated along the promenade with magnificent views of the sea. Bar/lounge, ublic areas
  Smoking allowed: No
  Additional nights prior: n/a Request additional nights in writing to European Walking Tours; e-mail, fax or post. Upon receiving confirmation the participant will be notified of the cost and given the opportunity to accept or decline the reservation.
  Check in time: 2:00 PM

 Hotel Biokovo
Type: Three-Star Hotel
  Description: Located in the center of Makarska on the Main "riva" street. Perfect spot for activities, combined with the serentity of the sea and the charm of the Mediterranean.
  Contact info: Obala kralja Tomislava b.b.
Makarska,  21300 Croatia
phone: +385 216-15244
web: www.hotelbiokovo.hr
  Room amenities: AC, telephone, TV, hairdryer, mini bar.
  Facility amenities: Restaurant, Pizzeria (known to be the best in town), cafe bar with sea view and terrace. Additional services include massage, manicure, pedicure and other cosmetic treatments. Internet corner, faxing and printing facilities.
  Smoking allowed: No

 Argosy Hotel
Type: Resort
  Description: The hotel's tag name is "garden of peace" as it is located amidst the luxuriant greenery on the shores of the Babin Kuk peninsula and near to the city centre of Dubrovnik. Magnificent sea views toward the Dubrovnik Bridge and the the island of Daksa and the splendid Mediterranean gardens. The hotel brings the beautiful foliage into the hotel with the lush atrium lobby with cluster of orange leander, palm and pine trees color the lobby terrace.
  Contact info: Iva Dulcoca 41
Dubrovnik,  20000 Croatia
phone: +38520446100
web: www.valamar.com
  Room amenities: AC, satellite TV, direct dial telephone, WiFi internet access, safe deposit box, balcony or terrace, mini-bar, hair dryer on request, 220 V.
  Facility amenities: Hotel restaurant serving buffet breakfast and dinner with the authentic tastes of Croatia, lobby and pool bar. Fresh water pools, one for adults and one for children including deck chairs, outdoor shower, and three (3) beaches to choose from with the beach located at their "sister" hotel the President is rated a "blue" flag which means it has the highest ecological standard for sea and beach cleanliness. Please note: at the beaches the chairs and umbrellas there is a charge for usage. Aerobic classes are offered in the morning and there is a gym. At the nearby President hotel for an extra charge you are able to utilize the spa, indoor pools and various beauty treatments. The hotel also offers a gift shop, beauty salon, internet point, wireless service at the reception, money exchange service, regular bus service to the historical Dubrovnik Old Town.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights after: N/A European Walking Tours will ONLY arrange extra night accommodations at program site hotel(s).
  Check out time: 10:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Split, Croatia. Hotel check-in is at 02:00PM You will be staying at Hotel Fontana that night.
  End of Program:
Dubrovnik, Croatia. Hotel check-out is at 11:00AM You will be staying at Argosy Hotel the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the return date to the U.S.
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
  Train or bus availability: Local transportation.
To Start of Program
  Location:  TROGIR
  Nearest city or town:  Split
  Nearest airport:  Split
  Transportation to site: Airport to first site via private coach approximately 10 minutes. The main group transfer time will not be known until approximately five (5) weeks prior to program commencement, and then the Program Coordinator will send the information in the final document packet
  From End of Program
  Location:  Dubrovnik
  Nearest airport:  Dubrovnik - 45 minutes
  Transportation from site: Program Only Participants can take a taxi from the hotel to the airport. It is approximately a 15 minute journey. There are local buses that stop at the airport on the way to villages along the coast but they are not frequent.
Elevation Note: A couple days above 3000 - highest being one day 5800 feet.

Equipment Requirements: Ankle high walking boots.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Overnight Flight
(Wednesday, September 5)
   
 Afternoon: Board flight from the US.

Day 2: Arrival Day in Split, Croatia and transfer to Trogir, approximately 15 minutes.
(Thursday, September 6)
   
 Afternoon: Upon arrvial private coach transfer to the hotel for check-in.
 Dinner: Introduction to Croatia, orientation - welcome drink followed by dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Fontana
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 3: Ciova Island; Zedno village and Trogir. Field Lecture: "Trogir-A Treasure of Art"
(Friday, September 7)

Note: 3 hours of walking on dirt trails and pavement.
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast served at hotel.
 Morning: Transfer by coach to Zedno (704 feet) village, the starting point of today?s walk along the Ciova island with splendid views of the Adriatic Sea.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local establishment in Trogir.
 Afternoon: A field trip through the old town of Trogir, a treasure of art and a World Heritage since 1997. Excursion to the chapel “Gospa od prizidnice”.
 Dinner: Selected menu served at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Fontana
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: "Krka National Park"; largest waterfall "Skrandinski Buk, and boat to Roski Slap. Lecture: "Krka National Park"
(Saturday, September 8)

Note: 1.5 hours of walking on dirt trails in the park.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Transfer by private coach to the entrance of the Krka National Park and begin a circular walk in the area of the largest waterfall ?Skradinski Buk? before continuing by boat upstream to Roski Slap (48 feet) passing the island of Visavac and where a Monastery built in the 14th century is located.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local establishment.
 Afternoon: Return to the hotel by private coach - remainder of the afternoon independent.
 Dinner: Selected menu served at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Fontana
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Transfer Day to Makarska via Split; Palace of Diocletian a world heritage site. Lecture: "Split - the City"
(Sunday, September 9)

Note: 2.5 hours of walking on paved surfaces.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Private coach to Split for a walking field trip through the old town and an excursion to the Palace of Diocletian - world heritage site.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local establishment in Split.
 Afternoon: Continue the coach transfer to Makarska. Check-in, explore the little town on your own or join the group leader for a stroll along the nearby beaches.
 Dinner: Prior to dinner at the hotel, an early evening walk along the nearby beach.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Biokovo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: "The Country Behind the Mountains"; village of Lokvicici, Grabovac winery for a wine tasting and the Imotski lakes. Lecture: "Dalmation Wines"
(Monday, September 10)

Note: 3 hours of walking on dirt trails, and through vineyards.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: Transfer by minibuses to the old village of Lokvicici (1920 feet). Excursion to the nearby cemetery with its large family tombs covered with lots of flowers. Walk through the vineyards to the Grabovac winery for a wine tasting and a ?special? lunch hosted at one of the local?s home.
 Lunch: Lunch hosted at a local's home in Lokvicici.
 Afternoon: Return to the hotel by minibuses with a brief stop at Imotski Blue and Red lakes.
 Dinner: Selected menu served at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Biokovo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: "Island of Brac/Vidova Gora"; Brac island famous for white stone, Vidova Gora-highest point of the Adriatic islands, and harbor village of Bol. Lecture: "The Island of Brac"
(Tuesday, September 11)

Note: 2 hours of walking and 1.5 hours optional walking on the island of Brac through Mediterranean landscape of pines and macchia.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Begin today by ferry transfer to the island of Brac (1775 feet), famous for its white stone, which was used to build the White House. Walking field trip starts on a slightly uphill trail through typical Mediterranean landscape of pines and macchia to Vidova Gora (2559 feet), the highest point of the entire Adriatic islands. Enjoy the sweeping view of the nearby islands and the Dalmatian coast.
 Lunch: Picnic at a mountain guesthouse.
 Afternoon: Continue by coach to the charming harbor village of Bol, return to Makarska by boat. Optional walk offered after lunch to the village of Bol.
 Dinner: Selected menu at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Biokovo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: "Village Walk"; Village of Gornje Tucepi and Makar. Lecture: "Croatian History since WWII"
(Wednesday, September 12)

Note: 3 hours of walking through Mediterranean terrain, dirt trails and pavement at 0 elevation.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Private coach transfer to the village of Gornje Tucepi, the starting point of today's walking field trip. The ancient trail undulates through stunning scenery and gorgeous views of the Dalmation coastline and the archipelago of the Adriatic Islands to the village of Makar.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local establishment in Makar.
 Afternoon: Walk or coach back to the hotel - remainder of the day independent.
 Dinner: Independent dinner to try one of the local establishments.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Biokovo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9: "Cetina Canyon"; Cetina River to Kostanje, boat through the canyon to Omis. Lecture: "Cetina Canyon"
(Thursday, September 13)

Note: 3.5 hours of walking on river banks, small rock trails, vegetation, and pavement.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Transfer by private coach to the bone-gray karst carved by the Cetina River for millions of years, to Kostanje (717 feet), the field trip walk begins slightly on a downhill trail leading to the Cetina gorge.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local establishment.
 Afternoon: Continue by boat on the crystal clear water through the Cetina Canyon to the former impregnable pirate stronghold of Omis (108 feet). Remnants of the old city walls remain. Optional walk offered in the afternoon along the coast (1 hour).
 Dinner: Selected menu served at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Biokovo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: "Sveti Jure - the Biokovo Mountain Range" - 2.5 hours of walking. Lecture: "Biokovo Nature Park"
(Friday, September 14)

Note: 2.5 hours of walking on mountain trails and Mediterranean vegetation.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Unforgettable coach ride along the winding road to the top of Sveti Jure (Saint George) 5800 feet. Breathtaking views on the roof of the Biokovo Mountain range, on a clear day one can see as far as Bosnia Herzogovina. Walk begins below the summit on a switch back trail up to Mt. Vosac (4000 feet) and ending with spectacular views of the Makarska Riviera.
 Lunch: Picnic at a mountain hut.
 Afternoon: At the end of the trail the private coach awaits for the transfer back to the hotel.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Biokovo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Transfer Day to Dubrovnik; coach along the Dalmation coast and stop at the walled village of Ston. Lectures: "Dalmation Coast Line" and "Importance of Ston Then and Now"
(Saturday, September 15)

Note: One hour of walking on pavement.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: Private coach travels along the spectacular Dalmation coast line to Dubrovnik via the walled village of Ston (0 feet) for an walking excursion.
 Lunch: Lunch in a local establishment.
 Afternoon: Continue on to Dubrovnik.
 Dinner: Dinner will be served at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Argosy Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: "The Pearl of the Adriatic Sea"; old town of Dubrovnik. Lecture: "Pearl of the Adriatic"
(Sunday, September 16)

Note: 2 hours of walking on pavement.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: After breakfast depart the hotel for a field trip through the old town of Dubrovnik, the walled and surprisingly compact old town with city walls that stretch for some 2km (1.5 mile) completely surrounding the old town. It's impossible not to be struck by their remarkable size and state of preservation.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local establishment.
 Afternoon: Remainder of afternoon independent. Group Leader will give you suggestions on what to see or do in the city.
 Dinner: Dinner will be served at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Argosy Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: "Coastal Walk to Cilipi"; Cavtat along coastline to Cilipi, then to Velji for a folklore parade. Lecture: "Konavle - Southernmost Region of Croatia"
(Monday, September 17)

Note: 3 hours of walking along the coastline and pavement.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: After breakfast, transfer by minibus to Cavtat. Walk along the coast, taking pleasure in the constant view of the open sea from one side and the Konavle mountain from the other. Continue the walk passing picturesque villages before reaching Cilipi (502 feet), and at this point transfer by minibuses to the modest mountain village of Velji (797 feet).
 Lunch: Lunch at a local establishment.
 Afternoon: Following lunch view a folklore parade in the village and then transfer by minibus back to the hotel.
 Dinner: Farewell evening with a briefing prior to dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Argosy Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Departure Day to the U.S.A.
(Tuesday, September 18)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: Private coach transfer to the Dubrovnik airport.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.


As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.



Specifically, this program includes:

Plus these special experiences...

View the Daily Schedule to see more

And included with all Road Scholar programs:


© Road Scholar 2013 | Call toll-free: 1-800-454-5768