
Dalmatian Coast Walking
Hugging the eastern shore of the Adriatic, Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast is a mere 100 miles from Italy as the seagull flies, and is renowned for its warm waters, wooded islands and towns steeped in history. Join Backroads for hiking and sailing on our private boat through the unspoiled region between Dubrovnik and Split. Explore the forested island oasis of Mljet and the verdant isle of Korcula, reputed to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. On the sun-soaked island of Hvar, wander amid stunningly preserved Renaissance façades and fragrant lavender fields.
Day 1 Mljet National Park
Meet in the World Heritage site of Dubrovnik
Sample fresh mussels pulled directly from the sea
Sail to Mljet, a ruggedly beautiful island whose pine-clad hills rise steeply above the sea
Warm up your legs on a panoramic walk through Mljet National Park on an ancient Roman path that leads to two saltwater lakes
Continue your hiking among the famous lakes of Mljet National Park.
Day 2 Brna
Sail to Korcula Island, covered with olive groves and forests of pine, oak and cypress
Hike along the Peljesac Peninsula, passing through hamlets, ruins and vineyards
Explore Korcula Town, one of Eastern Europe’s best-preserved medieval centers, to experience its rich Venetian heritage.
Days 3-4 Hvar Town
Greet the day with a walk in the hills
Sail through the Adriatic to the chic and sunny isle of Hvar
Hike in a dramatic seaside landscape of jagged limestone cliffs and undulating fields of rosemary and lavender
Go for a swim at one of the island’s many quiet beaches
Enjoy a sunset amble along the harbor and a meal of delicious regional specialties.
Days 5-7 Pucisca
Embark on a scenic cruise to Brac, an island known since ancient times for its milky-white marble
Walk along picturesque dry stone walls shaded by cypress, orange and olive groves
Hike to the island’s highest point for panoramic views
Back on the mainland in Split, stroll to the lighthouse at Pucisca harbor.
DALMATIAN DREAMING: Casual Inns
Hotel Odisej (1 night): Enjoy serene simplicity in a beautiful setting in the heart of the park.
Hotel Feral (1 night): Set against the Bay of Brna in a thick pine woodland, and offering a swimming pool and rocky beach.
Hotel Podstine (2 nights): Surrounded by palms, pines and citrus trees, this hotel has a private beach and tennis courts.
Deskovic Palace Hotel (2 nights): This exquisitely decorated four-star hotel, once a Renaissance family palace, is a registered cultural monument.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 2
2 Route Options Available
- 3.1, 5.3 miles
- 0 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Level 1
1 Route Option Available
- 4.3 miles
- 0 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 2
2 Route Options Available
- 4.7, 5.2 miles
- 0 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 2
1 Route Option Available
- 3.6 miles
- 0 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Level 1
1 Route Option Available
- 4.3 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Levels 2 to 4
2 Route Options Available
- 5.2, 9.2 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 7
- Level 1
1 Route Option Available
- Optional 2 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Trips For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Average Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biking | Walking & Hiking | ||
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
2009 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 5/15-21Price: $4698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $800 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/25-31Price: $4698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $800 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/3-9Price: $4698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $800 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/21-27Price: $4698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $800 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/9-15Price: $4698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $800 for sgl. occ.)
Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
This was my 5th Backroads trip - and it was by far the best one yet. First and foremost because of the scenery and region itself . But a very close second because of the hard work that went into developing the itinerary, which was beyond perfect. Every hike was unique and memorable. Every set of logistics was handled so seamlessly that the trip had fluidity to it that made it impossible not to be fully relaxed and engaged in every activity. This was the first trip that I can honestly say I enjoyed EVERY day because each day was such a well constructed, balance of physical activity, culture and down time. I understand this is a new trip and would imagine the temptation would be to tweak it. However, I would say don't mess with what isn't broken. The research that the Backroads team did to prepare for it paid off. This was a memorably fabulous vacation. So thank you!- New York, NY

The trip exceeded expectations - every aspect was well planned and enjoyable. It was my first Backroads trip - I'm not typically a group traveler but the combination of our knowledgeable and engaging guides, the Croatian destination, panoramic hikes, gorgeous ship, superb meals, lovely accommodations and spirited fellow travelers made the Dalmatian Coast an especially memorable trip. I look forward to planning my next Backroads adventure.- Minneapolis, MN

It was my first backroads trip and I was traveling by myself. I wasn't sure what to expect. Everyone was so nice and welcoming. I had a wonderful trip and made a lot of new friends.- Isle of Man, United Kingdom

You've never let us down! There is always high energy and enthusiasm with your trips.- Weston, VT

This trip was magical. Backroads continues to exceed my expectations. I understand how challenging it is to logistically satisfy a group of 18 people, and our leaders accomplished this seamlessly with smiles on their faces.- Shrewsbury, NJ

I thought the trip was very well planned and loved the idea of getting places on the boat and the great meals. I can't think of anything I would improve.- Jupiter, FL

Backroads did an excellent job on delivering on the "backroads" experience, particularly with the hiking routes, which were truly stunning & interesting. I felt like I got to see places, meet people, and do things that I would not have been able to do on my own with a guidebook. Our trip leaders were extremely enthusiastic, accommodating and entertaining.- New York, NY

I've been on other Backroads trips in the past - Provence, Sicily and Umbria - but in this case Backroads, and especially the two leaders, really outdid themselves. The experiences on this trip - from fresh oysters and mussels the first day to fresh fish thrown out of the water and onto the grill the last day - lunches on the boat - fantastic times traveling on the boat - were absolutely fantastic and absolutely could not have been duplicated traveling alone. Trip was a 10++ in every way!!- New York, NY

The combination of hiking and cruising that Backroads offers is the best way to explore the rugged coastline of Croatia. The cultural experiences and the superb staff made this trip made this trip extraordinary! West Port, CT

We had a blast! The country is beautiful, the food was GREAT, the boat, crew and meals were wonderful and the Croatian people were very nice! I'd recommend the trip to anyone.- Cashiers, NC

Great, great trip. Our third Backroads trip but first Classic trip. The intimate exposure to several local people and first-hand exposure to culture made this a wonderful trip. The transportation by boat was wonderful and relaxing. The islands were gorgeous.- Needham, MA

We had a great trip and were very impressed with all aspects of the organization and implementation of the journey. We were always confident and secure that we were safe and that every detail was being attended to. We couldn't have asked for more. The time on our beautiful boat was a special treat! The crew was great and approaching the Dalmation islands from the sea added so much to the entire experience. This trip was a "ten" in every way!- Sea Girt, NJ
