Sample Itinerary Croatia & Slovenia: The Ultimate Hiker’s Tour May, 2015 DUBROVNIK – KONAVLE – LOPUD – TRPANJ (PELJEŠAC PENINSULA) – IMOTSKI REGION – SPLIT – TROGIR – ZADAR – PAKLENICA National Park – PLITVICE – BLED – LJUBLJANA Visiting Croatia and Slovenia is a life changing experience. To visit time and again is to re-affirm life. Blessed with magnificent scenery and incredible history and enriched with folk traditions and delicious regional foods and wines, here is a region so divine that it has been named one of the best travel destinations in the world. Mediterranean, European, and Balkan influences have formed an ancient and distinctive culture throughout its pastoral countryside to its shimmering coastlines. Powerful mountain ranges have carved legacies in their midst while fairy tale castles and walled seaside villages stand as a testimony to its tumultuous past. Once the site of one of the bloodiest crossroads between Europe and Asia, it gained international recognition and independence in 1992 and today is a gorgeous and peaceful land that beckons passionate travelers from all over the globe. From its lush national parks teeming with flora and fauna and stunning waterfalls to its glistening chain of lavender and citrus scented islands in the sun drenched Adriatic Sea, this is truly one of the most beautiful spots on Earth. A journey to Croatia and its surrounding countries is a lovely and indelible memory that lives with you forever.

Day 1 - DUBROVNIK Dubrovnik is a medieval city on the Croatian side of the Adriatic coastline and treasure trove of cultural, historical monuments that were created throughout its thousand-year existence. In the past, it was a City-Republic, and alongside Venice one of the most famous cultural-economic centres on the Mediterranean. In more recent times, it has become the centre of modern cultural and tourist events: a city of summer festivals – an international parade of top musical and theatrical achievements, a city of museums and galleries. These values have turned Dubrovnik into a place that offers a rich selection of various experiences and excitement, but also a complete holiday in a quiet and calming, mild Mediterranean ambience and wonderful seaside landscapes.

Time (approx) Itinerary Service TBC Meeting with your driver upon arrival and a

private transfer from Dubrovnik Airport to Dubrovnik hotel Time at leisure and an overnight in Dubrovnik

Private transfer from Dubrovnik Airport to Dubrovnik hotel Accommodation in Dubrovnik Hotel 5*, double room, sea view, BB basis

Day 2 - DUBROVNIK – KONAVLE – DUBROVNIK

Explore scenic Dubrovnik countryside and mountain region of the highest peak in southern Croatia Mount Snježnica is a beautiful mountain above the Adriatic coast and Konavle valley, just a 45 minutes drive from Dubrovnik. Depart from the small village Kuna deep in the hillside and after 2.5 hours hiking, you will enjoy the spectacular views of the Croatian coast, islands and two other countries: Montenegro & Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Time (approx) Itinerary Service Join your guide and chauffeur after breakfast for

a private walking tour of Konavle region and climb on the Snježnica Mountain (Duration of this trip is app 5-6 hours without transfers) Stop along the way for a private picnic lunch. Return to your hotel in the early afternoon. Enjoy the rest of the your day at leisure.

Private hiking tour of Konavle region with picnic lunch (driver + guide) Accommodation in Dubrovnik Hotel 5*, double room, sea view, BB basis

Day 3 - DUBROVNIK – LOPUD – DUBROVNIK

Lopud is a beautiful island known for its sandy beaches, calm seas and pristine scenery. The island is without roads and cars. Lopud town, the only settlement on the island, is a charming town of just 200 inhabitants. Through the centuries Lopud has acquired an interesting combination of old stone houses, palm tree parks, and old mansions surrounded by orchards of colorful lemon, orange, kiwi, and palm trees. A walking trail between the island’s two prominent hilltops bisects the island, connecting Lopud town with Šunj Beach, one of Croatia’s best sandy beaches. A Spanish fort sits on top of one of Lopud’s two hilltops; a 10th century church on top of the other. It’s hard to be in a hurry on Lopud; the island’s moves at the gentle pace of nature. It slowly awakens in the late spring; the island shifts to its relaxed Dalmatian summer mode as the days grow longer; and again settles back into off-season slow gear in mid-September.

Time (approx) Itinerary Service 10:00 10:45 3:00 pm 4:20 pm

Join your guide and chauffeur after breakfast and depart for Gruž Port for ferry transfer to the island of Lopud In approx 45 minutes you'll arrive on the island of Lopud and the settlement of the same name This hiking and walking tour will reveal hidden natural beauty of the entire island walking through macadam roads and stopping on the most beautiful stops like the old fortress, old churches and places with panoramic views Duration of this trip is 6 hours with transfers and ferry ride (total walking distance 8 km) , hiking time approx. 4 hours OPTIONAL:Private round trip motor boat transfer to the island of Lopud OPTIONAL: Lunch in a local restaurant on the island of Lopud Return to Dubrovnik, time at leisure and an overnight

Private guided walking tour on the island of Lopud (ferry tickets included) (driver + guide) Accommodation in Dubrovnik Hotel 5*, double room, sea view, BB basis

Day 4 - DUBROVNIK – TRPANJ (PELJEŠAC PENINSULA)

Trpanj is a small littoral village on the Peninsula of Peljesac, which can be reached by ferry from Ploce or by car, via Ston, down the tourist road along the Peninsula. Peaceful atmosphere, picturesque countryside, rocky and pebbly beaches, transparent sea together with the unique hospitality of the villagers will undoubtedly make your holiday unforgettable. When looking at Trpanj from the sea, it is hiding between Milosevica hill from south and seven hills named Glavice from its northern side. Always so green and fresh, it seems that it just came up from blue sea with all his olive trees and of lavender bushes.

Time (approx) Itinerary Service Check out after breakfast and join your guide and

chauffeur for a private transfer to Trpanj on the Pelješac peninsula En route stop in Ston and a visit to Ston walls, famous for its magnificent city walls fortification complex dating back to the 14th century, and of course its oyster beds After walls tour (0,9 km), head to the small bay just a few kilometers away for an oyster tasting and light sea food lunch (mussels)

Private transfer from Dubrovnik to Trpanj with en route stop in Ston for city walls tour and light sea food lunch with oyster tasting (entrance tickets to Ston walls included) (driver + guide) Accommodation in Trpanj B&B 4* privately owned, double room, BB basis and an exclusive welcome dinner with family

After lunch , return to Ston and head on a hiking tour toward the village of Ponikve (approx. 7 km distance) Upon arrival to Ponikve village, meet your chauffeur and take another 30 minutes drive before you reach the small sea side village Trpanj Check in to the charming B&B, enjoy dinner with the owners (family owned & operated) and overnight in Trpanj

Day 5 - TRPANJ (PELJEŠAC PENINSULA) Pelješac peninsula is known as one of the best wine-producing regions in Croatia. This tour allows you to sample the best local wines and enjoy the magnificent peninsula scenery and picturesque vineyards.

Time (approx) Itinerary Service Meet your guide and renound winemaker after

breakfast, and seize the day with a hiking tour throughout the Pelješac peninsula Visit a local winery for wine tasting followed by Dalmatian lunch at the celebrated winemaker's estate Return to Trpanj in the early afternoon, time at leisure and an overnight in Trpanj

Private hiking tour on Pelješac peninsula with lunch at local winemaker’s estate with wine tasting experience (driver/guide) Accommodation in Vatikan B&B 4* privately owned, double room, BB basis

Day 6 - TRPANJ (PELJEŠAC PENINSULA) – IMOTSKI REGION - SPLIT

Time (approx) Itinerary Service Noon 1 pm

Meet your chauffer after breakfast for a private transfer from Trpanj to Split via Ploče ferry harbor Upon arrival in Ploče, head toward Imotski in the Dalmatian hinterland where you will eperience Dalmatia from a completely different perspective Your personal guide will wait for you in Imotski and show you some of the most amazing megalithic sites in Europe; sacred temples, wells, cairns, burial sites and landscapes dotted with astronomical markers Take a walking tour to the Blue lake and nearby Red lake which boasts the reputation as the deepest karst lake in Europe Highlight of the day will be a traditional lunch served at your host's property in Imotski After lunch continue toward Split where you'll arrive in the late afternoon Check in the hotel and overnight in Split

Private transfer from Trpanj to Split via Ploče ferry harbour with en route visit of Imotski and Red & Blue lakes, followed by lunch with the local family (driver + guide) Accommodation in Split Hotel 4*, double room, BB basis

Day 7 - SPLIT – TROGIR – SPLIT

Olives, indigenous aromatic plants, brilliancy of white stone against the verdant vegetation and the towering mountain massif of Biokovo whose spurs reach all the way to the sea – yes, this is indeed an exceptional part of the country, and its beauty is made all the more enchanting by numerous historic events and monuments, and cultural manifestations. When, in the year 305, the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who ruled the entire world at that time, decided to build his leisure time abode - in which he intended to spend the rest of his life - he had no doubt as to exactly where build to it. In the very heart of Dalmatia, in the bay of Aspalathos (Split), well protected from the sea by the islands of the Split archipelago, and defended on its landward side by high mountains, Diocletian created a special point on the map of the Adriatic: the future city of Split.

Trogir, a harmonious stone town on a small island that is connected to the mainland and the island of Čiovo by bridges. The old town, under UNESCO protection, is a treasure trove for lovers of art, Renaissance and Baroque buildings, Romanesque

churches... It is called the town-museum which is visible in the famous portal of Trogir cathedral by the craftsman Radovan in 1240, a Renaissance city lodge, the thousand year old Monastery of sv. Nikola [St. Nicholas] which has the ancient famous relief of Kairos preserved in it from the 4th century BC.

Time (approx) Itinerary Service

Breakfast at the hotel and a meeting with your guide for a private tour of Split and nearby town of Trogir Continue to Trogir with en route stop in Kaštela for a wine and delicacies tasting in one of the local family’s place After a guided walking tour of Trogir an exclusive lunch with wine in a private 13th century palace will follow. Your host, Ms Tatjana, is one of the most amazing and creative chefs in the region Return to Split, time at leisure and an overnight

Private walking tour of Split and Trogir with wine & delicacy tasting in Kaštela and exclusive lunch in Trogir Accommodation in Split Hotel 4*, double room, BB basis

Day 8 - SPLIT

Although Solta is the closest island to Split, just 45 minutes by ferry, it remained a place of pristine natural beauty. With only 1,500 year round residents, 24 bays and natural beauty, Solta is a place where you can find peace and tranquility wherever you wander. But the island is more than just a collection of sleepy villages. First mentioned by the Greeks as Olinta, for most of its history, Solta was a wealthy “province” of Split - whether it was the Roman Emperor Diocletian who had a “summer” home here as well as a private fish farm (!), or the wealthy Cindro and Cipiko families. The island is still famed for its olives, honey and wine. Remains of Solta’s Roman, Gothic and other historical periods are everywhere, but you need to take the time to see behind the picturesque and charming to find them. Even the simplest stone house and winding village road can be a surprising treat. Stop and look closely at that graceful archway over a konoba (the ground floor room used for storage, wine-making and olive oil); a pair of gorgeous weather-washed blue wood window shutters; a hand-made iron door latch; the way the stone has been laid on the roof of a small outbuilding that was once used for donkeys and other livestock. Even when restored, the charming original details of these timeless homes never cease to give pleasure. It’s the perfect day trip from Split or Trogir to enjoy the groves and mill and then go for a swim before returning back to your hotel.

Time (approx) Itinerary Service Day at leisure

OPTIONAL: Olive and honey tour on the island of Šolta

Accommodation in Split Hotel 4*, double room, BB basis

Day 9 - SPLIT – ZADAR

The largest part of this amazing river’s course is the national park, which in addition to its natural phenomena abounds with cultural and historical monuments. The most outstanding of these is the Franciscan monastery on the tiny island of Visovac, set in the middle of the lake widening in the river like a precious stone. Within the monastery there is a picture gallery and a church, origins of which are traced back to the 14th century. In the middle of the canyon, upstream of the river, is an interesting Krka Orthodox monastery; while on the high ground above the river several old ruins sit. The old mills, which have been transformed into small ethnographic museums where one can see how wheat was ground in the olden days, are a popular attraction for visitors. Heritage interpreters are dressed in traditional folk costumes, which is particularly interesting and entertaining for children, who are frequent visitors of the park. However, the main attraction of Krka National Park lies in its seven waterfalls. The widest of these is Roški slap, although Skradinski buk is the biggest and most well known.

Time (approx) Itinerary Service

Meet your chauffeur and guide in the morning for a private transfer to Zadar with en route stop and walking tour of Skradin and Krka NP. Leaving the splendour of Krka waterfalls behind, continue on to the historic city of Šibenik during a walking tour Afterwards, a gourmet experience over a slow food lunch on the outside terrace of the Šibenik restaurant After lunch continue toward Zadar, check in the hotel, evening at leisure

Private transfer from Split to Zadar with en route stop and guided walking tour of Krka NP and Skradinski buk (entrance tickets included ) (driver + guide) Unique wine pairing lunch in local Šibenik restaurant Accommodation in Zadar Hotel 4*, double room, BB basis

Day 10 - ZADAR Zadar is a treasure trove of archaeological treasures and monuments to the ancient, medieval and Renaissance periods. This is visible by a number of sacral and architectural monuments – the church of sv. Donat [St. Donatus] where every summer the sounds of Zadar's musical evenings echo, the Roman Forum near the main square, Kalelarga - the longest and widest street, the Cathedral of sv. Stošije [St. Anastasia], an Archaeological Museum with its exceptional treasures and many other monuments of cultural and historical heritage (town gate, Arsenal, churches, museums...). In a city with the most beautiful sunset, in a maritime archipelago facing a multitude of islands and islets, which protect the city from the strong winds, enjoy the symphony of the Sea Organ and magical urban light installation Pozdrav suncu [Greeting the Sun] near the new harbour for cruise ships.

Time (approx) Itinerary Service

Meet your guide after breakfast for a private guided walking tour of this magnificent town Time at leisure and an overnight in Zadar

Private guided walking tour of Zadar’s historic centre Accommodation in Zadar Hotel 4*, double room, BB basis

Day 11 - ZADAR – PAKLENICA NP - ZADAR

Paklenica is Croatian National park that cover the most attractive parts of southern Velebit, as well as its highest peaks, all located in Lika region. Paklenica is an area of unusual contact between the sea and the mountain, rich in natural forests of beech, black pine and mountain pine. The main attraction of the Paklenica Park are two impressive canyons of Velika and Mala Paklenica, vertically cut into the mountain from the sea to the Velebit's highest peaks. Walking is the only true way to get to know the park. It has between 150 and 200 km of paths, from tourist ones, which lead from the canyon of Velika Paklenica to the Manita pec cave, the forest lodge “Lugarnica” and the mountaineers’ refuge hut, to mountaineers’ paths leading to Velebit’s highest peaks. All paths in the park are marked with signs and tables. The walk from the canyon to the hut takes around two hours.

Time (approx) Itinerary Service

Meet your chauffeur and guide in the morning and leave toward Paklenica NP Return to Zadar for an overnight

Hiking day tour to Paklenica NP (entrance tickets included) (driver + guide) Accommodation in Zadar Hotel 4*, double room, BB basis

Day 12 - ZADAR – PLITVICE

Plitvice Lakes NP is Croatia’s best known national park and the only one of eight that is listed on the UNESCO List of World Heritage sites. The main attractions of this park, are the 16 small lakes joined by waterfalls created by the sedimentation of travertine, a special type of limestone. This national park encompasses the source of the river Korana, located in the area surrounded by dense forests of beech, fir and spruce. There are also several caves in the park, as well as springs and flowering meadows. The brown bear stands out as one of many protected animal species. The popularity of this park is also boosted by the special means of transport used to ferry visitors around: the panoramic electric trains and the noiseless electro-powered boats. By a network of paths, visitors can get around and access the numerous waterfalls and the rocky lake shores easily.

Time (approx) Itinerary Service

Breakfast at the hotel and a check out Meeting your chauffeur for a private transfer to Plitvice Lakes Upon arrival, check in your hotel In the early afternoon meet your guide for a private guided walking tour of Plitvice Lakes (approx 3-4 hours) Evening at your leisure

Private transfer from Zadar to Plitvice Private guided walking tour of Plitvice Lakes (entrance tickets included) Accommodation in Plitvice Lakes Hotel 4*, double room, BB basis

Day 13 - May 25 PLITVICE – BLED

Bled, the town that exists for thousand years, sheltered by picturesque mountains, with an Alpine lake and the only Slovenian island that reigns in the middle. Lake Bled is truly the jewel of Slovenia with its legendary island in the middle of the lake, castle and hot springs. Its beneficial climate has attracted numerous cosmopolitan visitors for centuries.

Time (approx) Itinerary Service Spend the morning at leisure before a private

transfer to Bled (Slovenia) in the early afternoon Upon arrival, check in your hotel and the rest of the day at your leisure

Private transfer from Plitvice Lakes to Bled in Slovenia Accommodation in Bled Hotel 4* in Bled, superior suite with two bedrooms, BB basis

Day 14 - May 26 BLED

Time (approx) Itinerary Service Meet your guide after breakfast for a hiking

tour of Bled surroundings Starting point will be Mount Blato (1147 m), continue toward Koča and the Pri Triglavskih Jezerih Hut and enjoy beautiful views of Julian Alps Walking distance is approx 3 hours one way Return to Bled and evening at leisure

Hiking guided day tour on Bled (including transportation) (driver + /guide) Accommodation in Bled Hotel 4* in Bled, superior suite with two bedrooms, BB basis

Day 15 - May 27 BLED

Time (approx) Itinerary Service Day at leisure Accommodation in Bled Hotel 4* in Bled, superior

suite with two bedrooms, BB basis

Day 16 - May 28 BLED – LJUBLJANA

Time (approx) Itinerary Service Departure day and a private transfer from Bled

to Ljubljana Airport Private transfer from Bled to Ljubljana Airport

Package includes: ALL PRIVATE and ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDES AND DRIVERS VAT TAX INCLUDED 24hr concierge and in Croatia assistance 3 nights in Dubrovnik Hotel 5*, Dubrovnik, 2 double rooms, sea view, BB basis 2 nights in Trpanj B&B 4* privately owned, 2 double rooms, BB basis 3 nights in Split Hotel 4*, Split, 2 double rooms, BB basis 3 nights in Zadar Hotel 4*, Zadar, 2 double rooms, BB basis 1 night in Plitvice Lakes Hotel 4*, Plitvice, 2 double rooms, BB basis 3 nights in Bled Lake Hotel 4*, Bled, 1 superior suite with two bedrooms, BB basis Private transfer from Dubrovnik Airport to Dubrovnik hotel Private hiking tour of Konavle region with picnic lunch (driver + guide) Private guided walking tour on the island of Lopud (ferry tickets included) (driver + guide) Private transfer from Dubrovnik to Trpanj with en route stop in Ston for city walls tour and light sea food lunch with oyster tasting (entrance tickets to Ston walls included) (driver + guide) Exclusive welcome dinner with family in Trpanj Private hiking tour on Pelješac peninsula with lunch at local winemaker’sestate with wine tasting experience (driver/guide) Private transfer from Trpanj to Split via Ploče ferry harbour with en route visit of Imotski and Red & Blue lakes, followed by lunch with the local family (driver + guide) Private walking tour of Split and Trogir with wine & delicacy tasting in Kaštela and exclusive lunch in Trogir Private transfer from Split to Zadar with en route stop and guided walking tour of Krka NP and Skradinski buk (entrance tickets included ) (driver + guide) Unique wine pairing lunch in local Šibenik restaurant Private guided walking tour of Zadar’s historic centre Hiking day tour to Paklenica NP (entrance tickets included) (driver + guide) Private transfer from Zadar to Plitvice Private guided walking tour of Plitvice Lakes (entrance tickets included) Private transfer from Plitvice Lakes to Bled in Slovenia Hiking guided day tour on Bled (including transportation) (driver + /guide)

Private transfer from Bled to Ljubljana Airport Program price does not include: Meals and drinks not included in the cost Insurance Gratuities, Personal expenses

Trip Terms & Conditions Your deposit is due immediately on booking (50% of program price). The balance is due 45 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, wire transfer or money order. Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary. We are not responsible for any loss, accident, injury, delay, defect, omission or irregularity which may occur, such as changes, additional expenses and cancellations due to weather conditions, ferryboat schedule changes and other changes beyond our control.

Other items of importance Adventures Croatia highly recommends additional travel insurance. Click here for a Travel Guard Insurance Quote Valid US Passport is required for entry into Croatia and surrounding countries. Please have your passports with you on excursions crossing into surrounding countries/border crossings.