
- Grade:
-
?
Gentle
Suitable for people who enjoy easy-paced walks or exploring the countryside on foot.
Find out more...
Gentle
-
?
- Duration: 7 days from the UK
- Walks on: 4 days
- Private Departures Available
Wander the idyllic islands of the Dalmatian Coast and explore the magnificent historic cities of Split and Dubrovnik.
Highlights
- Stroll along the waterside promenade in Split and walk the wonderful city walls of Dubrovnik
- Explore four distinctive Dalmatian islands on foot - Hvar, Mljet, Korcula and Lopud
- Take in the sumptuous views as you hike to the best island viewpoints
- Enjoy enchanting seaside towns, relax on beautiful beaches and swim in the incredibly clear sea
You will journey north to south from Split to Dubrovnik as you explore Croatia’s delightful Dalmatian coast on this relaxed one week island hopping holiday. Travelling on foot and by ferry you will stay in comfortable hotels as you explore one of the most beautiful and historic coastlines in Europe, where hundreds of sun-soaked islands rise out of crystal clear seas. The region is steeped in history yet Croatia has a cool, contemporary vibe with enchanting coastal towns now infused with bohemian bars, independent boutiques and a good dash of café culture.
Your adventure starts on the mainland in atmospheric Split, Croatia’s second largest city, with its Roman ruins, café culture and spectacular mountain backdrop. Then it is on to glamorous, golden Hvar with its Gothic architecture, and marble streets that literally glow at sunset. Beyond the main town is an island of pine forests, olive groves, lavender fields and vineyards which you will explore on a lovely walk from the interior out along the glorious coastline, stopping to swim in the clear turquoise water. You will then take a ferry to neighbouring Korčula where you have a free day to explore this charming ‘little Dubrovnik’ at leisure. From Korčula you cross to the sleepy island of Mljet for a day. Over one third of this island has been designated as a national park and it has two beautiful salt water lakes, both wonderful for swimming. You will hike on the lakeside trails and take a boat ride on the larger lake to visit a 12th century monastery on a tiny island.
You then travel on to Dubrovnik where you will have a walking tour of the old town while the next day you will take the ferry to the historic island of Lopud, now a quiet back water but once a strategically important port squabbled over by various powerful nations. You will have a final island walk before returning to Dubrovnik to celebrate the end of your Croatian sojourn.
Private Departures

Gentle Walking Islands of Croatia - Private Departures
If you would prefer to travel just with your partner, friends or family, we can arrange a private departure of this holiday. You follow the same itinerary, but travel on dates that suit you. Alternatively we can include elements of this holiday in a bespoke Tailor Made itinerary. Contact our friendly team for details and prices, and to make a booking.
At a glance
Gentle
Duration: 7 days from the UK
Walks on: 4 days
Max. Altitude: 778m/2,552ft, Vidova Gora, Day 3
Private Departures Available
Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 4 clients
Maximum group size: 12
Accommodation types: Hotels
Meal arrangements: 6 x breakfasts, 2 x dinners. Lunches are not included on this trip but your guide will assist you each day in purchasing a picnic lunch. The small supermarkets in each town supply an excellent range of fresh bread, savoury snacks, pastries, fruit, vegetable and local cheese and meat specialities.
Itinerary overview
Day | Activity |
---|---|
1 | Fly to Split. Transfer to hotel. Group dinner with guide. |
2 | Ferry to Hvar. Transfer to Velo Grablje. Hike to Milna via Malo Grabjle and along coast towards Hvar with picnic lunch and swimming opportunities. |
3 | Transfer to Korcula Island. Free to explore at leisure. |
4 | Ferry to Miljet. Hike from Pomona to Malo Jezero. Boat to St Mary’s Island. Boat to Pristaniste and lakeside walk back to Malo Jezero with opportunity for swimming. Return to Korcula. |
5 | Ferry to Dubrovnik and walking tour of old town. |
6 | Transfer to Gruz port and boat ride to Lopud Island and island walk. Return to Dubrovnik by boat and farewell dinner. |
7 | Group transfer to Dubrovnik airport to fly to London. |
Leader: Local Leader Croatia
Your guide will speak good English, have guiding qualifications and in our experience, will guide you with great patience and charm.
Ilija Miloš is one of our leaders for this trip. Ilija is an experienced guide, certified by the Croatian Mountain Rescue organisation to lead walking, trekking and cycling trips. He is great company and enjoys sharing his extensive knowledge of all things Croatian, especially history which he studied at university. When he’s not working as a guide Ilija enjoys travelling, sea-kayaking, playing competitive football and rowing for his local clubs.

Holiday Itinerary
Day 1 - Fly London to Split.
On arrival at Split airport there will be a single group transfer to your hotel. This is timed to fit the Mountain Kingdoms group flight, please check with us for further information.
Your guide will meet you late afternoon for a brief orientation meeting followed by a welcome dinner together.
Split is Croatia's second largest city; here contemporary architecture sits alongside UNESCO palaces, old city walls and a beautiful palm-lined waterside promenade (the Riva), all set beneath a spectacular mountain backdrop. At the UNESCO protected heart of Split is Diocletian’s Palace. This living museum, built for the Emperor Diocletian, is undoubtedly the grandest Roman ruin in Europe and a wonderful place to wander and explore.
After regrouping in the evening you’ll head out to one of the many fantastic restaurants that are to be found this town.
Overnight: Marmont Heritage Hotel, Split
Day 2 - Ferry to Hvar - 30 minutes. Walk from Veliko Grabje to Hvar - 3-4 hours.
Today you travel to your first Croatian island… and what an island! You take the ferry to glamorous Hvar with its beautifully restored historic buildings, chic shops and excellent restaurants. Beyond the town there are secluded emerald coves, white pebble beaches and groves of wild lavender, rosemary and olive trees to explore.
After a quick stop to buy your picnic lunch, probably from one of the excellent bakeries, you head up the stone steps through the old town to Fortica Španjola, the 16th century hilltop fortress which dominates the bay. After exploring the fort, you have a short road transfer into the interior of the island to the small village of Veliko Grabje where you start today's walk. You descend toward Malo Grablje, an abandoned stone village which dates back to the 9th century, and is built in traditional Croatian style. There is a short unavoidable section on a rarely used tarmac road before you continue on small footpaths following the dazzling coastline back round towards Hvar. You'll stop for your picnic lunch in one of the many beautiful bays en route and there will be a chance to take a swim from the beach at either Mekicevica or Pokonji Dol. Finally the walk concludes under the fragrant shade of dwarf Aleppo pines and past desirable seafront properties back into the delights of Hvar harbour.
Total walking distance approximately 12km with negligible ascent and 360m/1,181ft descent.
If you prefer to spend more time to relax on the beach at Mekicevica or Pokonji Dol, the walk back round the headland and into Hvar is easy and simple to find.
Hvar's strategic location in the Adriatic has made the island an important trade base over the centuries. The Venetians in particular played a crucial part in the development of the town from the 1400s, building churches, monasteries and palaces whilst the Venetian fleet overwintered in Hvar's sheltered harbour. Their influence can still be seen everywhere.
The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to explore the town, maybe visit the small museum and stroll the harbour promenade lined with the elegant yachts of the rich and famous. Alternatively you may like to take a taxi-boat across to one of the tiny islets opposite the harbour.
Overnight: Hotel Villa Nora, Hvar
Day 3 - Take a ferry to Korčula Island. Day at leisure.
After a leisurely breakfast you will leave your hotel in Hvar and transfer to catch the ferry to the neighbouring island of Korčula. The ferry ride takes around 1hour 20 minutes although this can vary depending on the route and type of ferry. Once you arrive, you will have a full day to explore at leisure.
You will no doubt want to spend time in the Old Town - often referred to as 'Little Dubrovnik' it is equally as attractive but much less touristed then its larger counterpart. Set on a peninsula, and surrounded by medieval stone walls, the town has a main thoroughfare with lots of intriguing, narrow side streets to wander through, where you'll find plenty of cafes, shops and bars to while away the time. St Mark's Cathedral stands in the small town square and you can climb to the top of the bell tower (for a small fee) to get an overview of the town and island. Just a short walk from the Old Town, the Bay of Uvala Luka is also worth a visit, with its deep-blue waters, colourful boats, terracotta roofs and mountain backdrop.
Aside from its scenic qualities, Korčula is famed for the production of a white wine called Grk which is only made here and not exported due to its small quantities. Grk (which translates as bitter) is made from the Grk Bijeli grape which is mainly grown around the village of Lumbarda. It is worth trying a glass whilst on the island, perhaps to accompany a dish of Makaruni pasta which is another local speciality.
If you wish to explore further afield your guide will be able to advise on places to visit and how best to reach them.
In the evening, after watching the sun set, you can enjoy a meal at one of the many good restaurants in the Old Town and take a wander through the pretty streets lit up by fairly lights.
Overnight: Hotel Korsal Or Similar, Korcula
Day 4 - Ferry to Mljet - 30 minutes. Explore island on foot and by boat. 3-4 hours walking. Return to Korčula.
Today you discover another island - lush Mljet, which is sparsely populated and completely different in character to your last island. Over one-third of Mljet is protected as national park, and the landscape here is heavily forested with Holm oak, tall stands of Aleppo pine and dense evergreen maquis. Legend has it that Odysseus chose secluded Mljet to hide away for seven years with the nymph Calypso, and it is easy to understand why.
You arrive into sleepy Pomena and, after entering the national park, your walk starts on the smaller of the two lakes, following a small footpath alongside the cool turquoise water. The path is lined with flowers and this is a favourite spot for some of the many butterfly species found in the park.
Reaching the second and larger of the two saltwater lakes, Veliko Jezero, you hop aboard a small boat to the visit the 12th Century monastery on the islet of Sv Marija. This is a pleasant spot for your picnic lunch. The boat the takes you across the lake to Pristaniste where you continue your lakeside walk until you are back at Malo Jezero. There may be time for a swim in the lake's brilliant blue waters before returning to Pomena to catch your ferry back to Korčula..
Total walking approximately 9-15km.
Overnight: Hotel Korsal Or Similar, Korcula
Day 5 - Ferry to Dubrovnik - 80 minutes. Transfer to hotel. Walking tour of Dubrovnik Old Town - 2 hours. Rest of day at leisure.
There is a final ferry south this morning, this time back to the mainland. On arrival you transfer to your hotel and orientate yourself before your guide escorts you to the Old Town. Your guide will also show you how to get back to the hotel so that you have the flexibility to return at any time.
You arrive outside the city walls at the impressive Pile City Gate, and as you pass through the daunting 6m thick ramparts it feels like stepping into another world. Dubrovnik's spectacular limestone thoroughfare, the Stradum, stretches out in front of you beyond the Onofrio's Fountain, the gleaming street lined with baroque stone buildings on either side.
After lunch you will join an official walking tour around the streets of Dubrovnik old town.
The Old Town of Dubrovnik (UNESCO), surrounded by ramparts and fortresses, is a treasure of architectural and cultural masterpieces, almost all well preserved over the centuries. Your walking tour will be led by a city guide who will introduce you to some of the Old Town highlights; the Franciscan Church and Monastery, the cathedral with its treasury housing the relics of St. Blaise, St. Blaise's Church, and of course the City Walls.
The remainder of the day is free for you to explore further and are free to wander at leisure - you may like to walk the city walls, visit the Rector's Palace, take the cable car above the city to the Napoleonic fortress on Mt Srd, or make the steep climb up to the Lovrijenac Fortress.
Your guide will arrange a time late afternoon to meet for the return journey to the hotel or you may prefer to linger in the Old Town into the evening. Sunset over the red roofs of the city is unforgettable.
Overnight: Hotel Lero Or Similar, Dubrovnik
Day 6 - Transfer to Gruz port and boat ride to Lopud Island (55 minutes). Island walk. Return to Dubovnik by boat and farewell dinner.
After breakfast you will make the short transfer to Gruz port to catch a boat across to Lopud Island, a crossing of just under an hour. Nowadays Lopud is a charming and relatively quiet place with good beaches and without cars or traffic, home to a permanent population of under 300 people. In the past however, Lopud was a very important port, with great strategic importance - in the 17th century it is said to have had a population of 14,000 people, mostly involved in seafaring. Formally part of the Republic of Dubrovnik, from the 18th to the early 20th centuries, the French, English and Austrians took turns controlling this strategically located little island. Nowadays there are reminders of the island's more momentous maritime past with the atmospheric ruins of a fortress and palace, churches dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries and a restored Franciscan monastery.
You will have the day to walk around the island and enjoy its beaches before returning to Dubrovnik in the afternoon and enjoying a farewell dinner in the evening.
Overnight: Hotel Lero Or Similar, Dubrovnik
Day 7 - Group transfer to Dubrovnik Airport. Fly to London.
After breakfast there will be a group transfer to the airport.
We can organise separate transfers to fit other flight departure times or alternate airports, and are also happy quote for extra nights in Dubrovnik if you are looking to extend you time in Croatia. Please contact the office for further information and hotel/transfer prices.
Map
Map Key
-
Airport
-
Point of interest
-
Mountain Peak
-
Day walk in this area
-
Flights
-
Internal Transfers
-
Trek
Loading...
Hold your place
Not quite ready to book? Why not call us on +44 (0) 1453 844400 to hold a no obligation place while you make up your mind?
No Surcharge Guarantee
No surcharges will be applied to your holiday after you book. Prices on this website are updated regularly. The Flight Inclusive holiday price, or Land Only holiday price, will be confirmed to you at the time you make your booking. There will be no surcharges after your booking has been confirmed.
Flight inclusive holidays
The 'flight inclusive' holiday prices shown on this website are based upon our preferred airlines and the best priced economy class fares we are able to secure at the time of publication.
We will be able to advise on fares with alternative airlines, upgrades to Business Class, and the options for flights from regional UK airports, please contact us for more details.
Booking your holiday
-
Deposit
From £400.00
For the majority of our holidays, a deposit payment of £400.00 per person is required to secure your place(s), however a small number of holidays require a higher deposit - please refer to the holiday itinerary for more details. If the holiday departs within 60 days, a deposit of £1,000.00 per person is required.
Book now!
- Book your small group holiday securely online – click the ‘Book’ button next to your chosen departure or visit our How to Book page
- Complete and return a Booking Form available to download here.
- Call us on +44 (0)1453 844400 and one of our travel specialists will talk you through the booking process.
What’s included
- 6 x breakfasts, 2 x dinners
- Accommodation in comfortable, well-located 3* hotels
- Group transfer on arrival at Split and departure at Dubrovnik
- All road transport and the passenger ferries as described in the itinerary
- Entrance fees for Mljet National Park.
- A qualified local trekking guide throughout.
- All excursions and applicable entry fees as described in the itinerary.
- Economy class return air fares from the UK (flight inclusive option).
- Carbon offsetting with the Ecoan Tree Planting Project (for clients taking our flight inclusive option)
- A free Mountain Kingdoms Water-to-Go bottle
What’s not included
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and 3 dinners
- Any personal sightseeing
- Tips
Read holiday reviews by Mountain Kingdoms travellers.
Overall score: 4.6666666666667 (Based on 6 reviews)
This gentle walking holiday was the best way to experience some of the wonders of Croatia. Our guide, Marko was excellent, ensuring the pace of the itinerary worked well for our small group.
A great laidback gentle holiday which had it all - a few hikes, city breaks and island hopping boat trips all coordinated by our equally laidback guide Marco who exuded claim confidence and was a fountain of knowledge. Having only four of us (friends) out of a possible maximum of twelve, we were gently herded along the trails and the itinerary seamlessly amended to suit both our wishes and the weather - and I suspect our joint abilities (average age 70). Not too testing but a great introduction to a beautiful country and we travelled at the right time to miss the crowds and the inclement weather. Highly recommend for those who are not competitive walkers and who like to walk but also linger and observe.
Our guide was wonderful. He was informative, and funny, and he helped me to dive on the day. I would hike with him again. BUT... Gentle Walking I would dispute. The altitude and up and down was not an issue, nor were the distances - the loose rocks on the trails made gentle walking quite hard walking.
We loved the Croatian scenery, the itinerary, the variety of walks ranging from city walks in Split and Dubrovnik to walking in the national park in Mljet and ‘lost villages’ in Hvar, Travelling by ferries made it a different, relaxing and enjoyable experience. Having a local and enthusiastic leader contributed to the enjoyment of the holiday.
A wonderful introduction to the islands of Croatia bookended with guided walks around the cities of Split and Dubrovnik. Marko was a brilliant guide.