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 begins with a city tour of Zagreb, often celebrated as the city of museums, boasting more museums per square foot than any other city in the world. The city presents a striking mix of architectural styles, from elegant Austro-Hungarian buildings to bold, austere socialist structures. While many buildings still show scaffolding following the 2020 earthquakes, this only adds to Zagreb's story of resilience and ongoing renewal. Highlights include the Gothic splendour of Zagreb Cathedral and the 13th-century charm of Saint Mark's Church, both testaments to the city's rich history and enduring spirit.

Later in the afternoon, we embark on an approximate three-hour drive to the magnificent Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia's premier natural attraction. Set amid forested hills, the park features terraces of travertine that cascade gracefully through lush landscapes, forming a series of plunging waterfalls and striking turquoise lakes rich in calcium- truly one of Europe's natural marvels. It is little wonder that this extraordinary park was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 1979. Tonight, we settle into our hotel, preparing for a full day of exploration at the lakes tomorrow.

Today we will follow a walking trail that offers sweeping views of the lakes, waterfalls, and surrounding pine-clad hills from an elevated perspective. Over millennia, the waters of these lakes have slowly dissolved the limestone bedrock, carving out the valleys we see today. Through the deposition of calcium carbonate and the growth of specialised algae and moss, natural dams have formed, separating the lakes and creating the cascades. This dynamic process continues even now, as water gradually wears through the slow-growing barriers, forming new waterfalls.

Our route also allows us to appreciate the region's rich flora, from reeds, bullrushes, and willow trees that shade the lakes and line the wooden walkways, to a diverse understorey of orchids, cyclamen, scabious, and smoke bushes thriving 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 hike 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 hiking in Croatia, with majestic karst landscapes, plunging gorges and jagged mountain peaks to enchant and captivate the visitor.

For today's walk, you might find walking poles helpful, as a few sections of the trail can be uneven or rocky- adding a bit of extra stability and comfort as you hike. Fit hikers will find the route a satisfying day out, while less-fit walkers may find it challenging but manageable.

Today's 15 kilometre/9 mile hike is expected to take around 7 hours with 460 metres/1500 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 plateau just below the summit, you'll have time to catch your breath and take in breathtaking views of Starigrad, the shimmering Adriatic, and the nearby islands. It is here you will also learn a little bit about Mirila; stone monuments signifying the place where the departed would greet the sun for the last time.

From there, the route starts to turn back down towards Starigrad, offering continuous sea views. Local shepards are often seen on this part of the mountain with their goats.

After, we'll enjoy a pleasant walk back to the hotel, with free time to go swimming or unwinding at a charming beach bar.

In the afternoon, we'll take a short bus ride to Zadar, a lively coastal city with a compact old town and fascinating Roman ruins. You'll have free time to explore, enjoy a stunning sunset, and have dinner at your leisure, as well as experience two of Zadar's unique attractions: the soothing sounds of the Sea Organ and the captivating Sun Salutation light display. After soaking up the city's atmosphere, we'll return to Starigrad Paklenica for the evening.

This morning's 4 kilometre (2.5-mile) hike is expected to take around 2.5 hours, with an altitude gain and loss of approximately 260 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 route through the canyon, enjoying the views of high cliffs dotted with many climbers doing their best to get to the top.

Making our way through the broadleaf 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. For today's walk, you might find walking poles helpful, as a few sections of the trail can be uneven or rocky- adding a bit of extra stability and comfort as you explore. Fit hikers will find the route a satisfying day out, while less-fit walkers may find it challenging but manageable.

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 descent out of the gorge. There will be time for an optional visit to Paklenica Underground city - WWII-era bunkers turned into visitor centre. In a fun and interactive way, visitors are presented with the main theme of the Center: exploration, learning, and experiencing the natural and cultural richness of Velebit Mountain and Paklenica National Park.

Today's 12 kilometre hike is expected to take around five to six hours.

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.