It's usually a choice. Do you choose a destination with history, culture, and natural beauty or do you go for sun, sea, and a laid-back island atmosphere? The Dalmatian Coast is both. Catch rays on the deck of a boat, then experience the Venetian-influenced architecture of Hvar Town. Enjoy a fresh Adriatic bounty at lunch with locals, then hit the trail and explore. Visit vestiges of a 15th-century monastery, then take to the waters of secluded rocky coves. On and on you'll go from "enlightenment" to relaxation. When you come to the Dalmatian Coast, you'll enjoy two of the best vacations you've ever had.
Day 1 Dubrovnik, an architectural masterpiece and World Heritage site
with 82-foot-high fortified walls 
A path along rolling hills and past cypress trees seduces you with stunning views - ocean on one side, mountains on the other Join the Brautovic family in their tiny village for a home-cooked meal with ingredients from their garden - even the bread and wine are homemade.
Days 2-3 Island-hop in the sun-drenched Adriatic
Hike along the Peljesac Peninsula, passing hamlets and vineyards Discover Korcula Town, one of Eastern Europe's best-preserved medieval centers - a reputed home of Marco Polo Trek to the secluded swimming oasis of Stracincica Bay Chic sunny Hvar, here we come! During our sail, you may be inspired to jump into the refreshing waters.
Day 4 Hike amid olive groves, undulating lavender fields and jagged cliffs
with sapphire sea views A lavender cultivator shares a nip of her homemade brandy Savor homegrown vegetables and other specialties at a local home Care for a sunset stroll? Head to Hvar's scenic harbor.
Day 5 The freshest seafood and local cuisine
Boat to quiet Brac Island, known since ancient times for its milky-white marble The pebble beach of Zlatni Rat (or "Golden Coast") juts dramatically into the sea Amble between water and limestone hills to ruins of a 15th-century monastery with a gorgeous perspective on the Adriatic.
Day 6 Explore the reborn Dalmatian Coast,
gaining insight into its culture After walking to Brac's oldest town, dotted with Roman ruins, sample olive oil and dessert wine made by our friend Luca Ferry to Split, home to Diocletian's Palace.
Trip Highlights
- Explore the reborn Dalmatian Coast, gaining insight into Croatia's history and culture
- Island-hop and swim in the sun-drenched Adriatic
- Dubrovnik, an architectural masterpiece with an impressive fortified wall
- Hike amid olive groves, undulating fields and jagged cliffs with sapphire sea views
- The freshest seafood and local cuisine
Casual Inns
Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik (1 night): Located just outside the old town gates with plentiful amenities and a history of entertaining dignitaries and celebrities. (pool)
Hotel Indijan (1 night): In the center of town, a family-run beachside inn surrounded by mountains. (pool, spa)
Hotel Riva (2 nights): A chic boutique hotel hovering on the Hvar waterfront in the heart of town.
Deskovic Palace (1 night): Set on the waterfront, a welcoming Renaissance family palace and registered cultural monument dating from 1497.
Routes 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.
| Daily Route Options | ||||||||||
| Day | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | ||||||
| miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | |
| 1 | 3.7 | 500 | ||||||||
| 2 | 5.6* | 700 | ||||||||
| 3 | 5.7 | 200 | ||||||||
| Guided walk of Korcula Town (1 hour) | ||||||||||
| Boat to Hvar Island (2.5 hours) | ||||||||||
| 4 | 7.3 | 200 | ||||||||
| 5 | 4.7 | 500 | ||||||||
| Shuttle and boat to Brac Island (2 hours) | ||||||||||
| 6 | 2.0 | 100 | ||||||||
| Boat to Split (1.5 hours) | ||||||||||
* Includes a shuttle
2013 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 5/19-24 Price: $4198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $760 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/2-7 Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $760 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/1-6 Price: $4198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $760 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/8-13 Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $760 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/15-20 Price: $4198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $760 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/22-27 Price: $4198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $760 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/29-10/4 Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $760 for sgl. occ.)
*Prices may change. 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. 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
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
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
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
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
You've never let us down! There is always high energy and enthusiasm with your trips.- Weston, VT
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
This was a wonderful trip!! The hiking trails offered challenges and spectacular views. This trip offered us an outstanding vacation in a part of the world that we may not have visited on our own. Each day offered a fresh look into the area through hiking and the trips on the boat. Our guides provided insight, knowledge and guidance which were invaluable.- Dallas, TX
This was our second trip with Backroads, the first being a biking trip in Italy. Once again, we totally enjoyed every minute of our trip from the leaders to the other guests. How else could one visit the beautiful Dalmatian Coast and get a flavor for the people and the area than with such an organized company. Thank you for providing with a beautiful week in Croatia.
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