Adventures in Croatia
Croatia Only Tours is introducing its’ new venue for tours and that is the Adventure Tours. No, the adventure part of the tour is not having you move every other day. We decided that the adventure part will be the experience you have rafting, bicycling, hiking, canoeing, kayaking and swimming. Croatia has been called the “New Riviera” and the “New Tuscany,” but no matter what you call it, it is amazingly beautiful.
We will stay the entire time in the town of Brela which was rated by Forbes Magazine to be the most beautiful beach in all of Europe. When you see it, you will know why. The tour includes hiking a road in the Biokovo Mountains that was walked by Napoleon and his army, rafting the Cetina River, biking the Island of Hvar, canoeing the river in Bosnia/Herzegovina and hiking through a National Park. And of course, no visit to Croatia would be complete without a trip to Dubrovnik, otherwise known as the “jewel of the Adriatic.” (See the day-by-day itinerary below)
Your hosts will be Joe and Bette Mandich. Joe was born in Croatia, speaks the language and is completely familiar with all the areas you will visit. Bette likes to think that she is Croatian, but she is just a “Croatian Want-To-Be.” We will use local guides from the area and will travel by private van. We believe that your experience will not only be authentic, but will be filled with the beauty of Croatia and offer you a variety of activities.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at the Split Airport for pick-up on Saturday
We will proceed by private van to Brela. Take the remainder of the text from traditional tour description. D
Day 2: Biokovo Mountains - Hiking
Today we will take a hike into the Biokovo Mountains, pass through ancient villages and walk the area that Napoleon and his army traveled. Biokovo is the largest and highest mountain in Dalmatia. It rises above the coast to a height of 1762 meters. On clear days one can see all the Dalmatian Islands and even the peak of Monte Gargano in Italy. It is a four hour hike and we will have lunch on the mountain. We will be back in the late afternoon, just in time for a swim. B & L
Day 3: Herzegovina - Canoeing
We are off to Joe’s village for a canoeing river adventure to the most exciting karst areas of Herzegovina. This river follows its’ course along picturesque rocky canyons. After instructions by an experienced canoeist we will set across the calm and crystal waters. We will have lunch along the river banks and watch cascading waterfalls. After completing our canoe trip we will go to Joe’s favorite restaurant and eat a dinner that is prepared in a traditional fashion and served in a unique and truly special setting. B, L & D
Day 4: Island of Hvar - Biking (4 hours)
We have an early departure today for a ferry ride to the Island of Hvar. The New York Times described Hvar as “a mountainous, lavender-scented isle set in the blue, sun-blasted Adriatic Sea of the Dalmatian coast of Croatia.” Hvar is considered one of the most beautiful islands in all of Europe and when you see it you will know why. After we tour Hvar City we will travel by bike to Humac which was once a shepherds’ settlement where the old stone house are well preserved. This settlement is considered an ethnographic monument. We will lunch on specialties that are prepared on an open fire. There is no electricity in this village, but they do have lavender fields, grape vineyards and the village to explore. The views will be spectacular as you take your bike ride. Have you camera ready. B & L
Day 5: Cetina River - Kayaking or Rafting (3 hours)
Enjoy the magic of the Cetina River and its beautiful canyons. This river is one of the most beautiful places in Croatia for fresh water kayaking and is definitely the place to go for white water rafting. It is situated in a luscious region surrounded by quaint little villages and it is very important both historically and archaeologically. The town of Omis, where the trip concludes, was once looted by pirates. You have a choice of either kayaking or rafting. Lunch will be prepared over an open fire at a restaurant located in a pine grove on the river; this setting is spectacular. You will have time for a walk or run along the promenade in Brela when we return in the late afternoon or whatever you choose do. B & L
Day 6: Krka National Park - Hiking (6-8 miles)
Krka National Park is our destination today. The park is truly a paradise. Amid the limestone mountains is a beautiful canyon that has been carved out by the flow of the Krka River. The waterfalls are surrounded by dense vegetation and there are many cascades and caverns to be explored along with rich Mediterranean flora and fauna. The waterfalls were used in the generation of electric power in the year 1898. From Krka we go to the seaside town of Sibenik for a walk through the town and then for dinner. B, L & D
Day 7: Dubrovnik - Sea Kayaking
No trip to Croatia would be complete without going to the very famous walled-city of Dubrovnik also recognized as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. This city is known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic" by George Bernard Shaw who was enchanted by this beautiful city and said: "those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik and see Dubrovnik for themselves." This day includes a half-day kayaking adventure on Lokrum Island where you may explore the caves and beauties of this island. After lunch and snorkeling you will kayak around the old city walls and have the opportunity to get to know Dubrovnik not only from the seaside, but then have the opportunity to walk inside this amazing structure. This will be an unforgettable experience. B, L & D
Day 8: Split
We will give you a little time to catch up on your sleep before we head off to Split and Diocletian’s Palace. Emperor Diocletian built his summer palace between the 3rd and 4th centuries and this city is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It far transcends local importance because of its degree of preservation and represents one of the world’s most complete remains of a Roman Palace. You will have the opportunity to explore on your own and then with a professional guide. After the tour, we head back towards Brela, but take a detour into the hillside where we will have dinner. Once again, everything is home grown here and we will have vistas of their wine vineyard and the small towns below. B & D
Day 9: Depart
Terms and Conditions
We reserve the right to cancel and reschedule any tour with less than 8 travelers.
Payment Policy:
A deposit of $400.00 per person is required to secure a confirmed reservation.
Single Travelers please add $450.00.
Cancellation Policy:
All cancellations must be in writing. The following cancellation charges will be assessed for all written cancellations received prior to departure up the scheduled time of tour arrival.
| Cancellation Received: |
Charges: |
| (days before arrival) |
| 95+ days |
Full Refund |
| 94-65 days |
$375.00 |
| 64-45 days |
25% of tour price |
| 44-30 days |
50% of tour price |
| 29-0 days |
No Refund |
Itinerary Changes:
Itineraries are subject to change and may need to be altered based on weather conditions.
Important note:
This tour will include daily walks of up to 1-2 miles over steps and uneven ground, which are also not wheelchair accessible. Many of these destinations that we will visit are not accessible by motorized vehicles. In order for you to fully experience and enjoy your Croatian journey, we advise that all guests be in good physical condition.
