Itinerary

Day 1 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Depart US/Fly overnight to Dubrovnik

Depart from the U.S. for Croatia. The particulars of your arrival overseas are detailed with your flight itinerary and airline tickets.

Day 2 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Arrive in Dubrovnik/Begin your Trip Extension in Dubrovnik

Upon arrival at the airport, a VBT representative meets you and helps you transfer to your centrally located hotel, where you receive a welcome package with information about things to see and do during your stay.

Once settled, you have the rest of the afternoon to explore Dubrovnik and its ancient walled city overlooking the Adriatic. This is an independent extension with no VBT Trip Leader.

Day 3 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Independent Exploration of Dubrovnik

After breakfast, the day is yours to explore all that has made this city the new darling of Southern Europe. Stroll Dubrovnik's Stradun (the Old City's main thoroughfare), take a guided walk atop the fortress wall, or enjoy a refreshing swim at the beach near your hotel. You may book an optional guided tour of the old city at your own expense—you must reserve this optional tour with your VBT representative upon arrival.

Day 1 of AIR PACKAGE Depart US/Fly overnight to Croatia

Depart from the U.S. for Croatia. The particulars of your arrival overseas are detailed with your flight itinerary and airline tickets.

Day 4 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Independent Exploration of Dubrovnik

After breakfast at the hotel, explore more of this world-class city on your own. You may book an optional tour of Mostar and Medugorje at your own expense—you must reserve this optional tour with your VBT representative upon arrival.

Day 2 of AIR PACKAGE Arrive in Split, Croatia and transfer to hotel in Trogir

Upon arrival at the Split airport, claim your luggage and clear customs. Our local representative, who will be holding a VBT sign, meets you outside the customs area in your arrival terminal. (At this time, please plan ahead: Verify with your airport representative the time of your end-of-trip transfer from your Split hotel to the airport.) Today, VBT's local representative arranges your minibus transfer (approximately 30 minutes) to your hotel in Trogir, where you begin your trip.

At the hotel, you receive a City Information Packet, which includes a map to help you explore the city. (If you arrive early, your hotel room may not be available until noon. You can store your luggage at the Reception Desk.)

On a tiny island behind medieval walls lies the old town of Trogir – just steps away from your hotel. Its streets form a maze and a collection of Romanesque and Renaissance edifices wait around every corner. Masterpiece architecture and a magnificent cathedral have earned Trogir World Heritage status from UNESCO. Outside the walls of the old town you will find a seaside promenade lined with bars and cafes and luxurious yachts in the summer.

Day 5 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Transfer to Trogir/Join VBT Air Package guests

This morning your VBT representative meets you and helps you transfer up the coast to Trogir. (Your transfer time is given to you upon arrival at your Dubrovnik hotel.) This journey by coach takes approximately four and a half hours. Ensure you have your passports available as you cross into the neighboring country of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On a tiny island behind medieval walls lies the old town of Trogir – just steps away from your hotel. Its streets form a maze and a collection of Romanesque and Renaissance edifices wait around every corner. Masterpiece architecture and a magnificent cathedral have earned Trogir World Heritage status from UNESCO. Outside the walls of the old town you will find a seaside promenade lined with bars and cafes and luxurious yachts in the summer.

Day 1 of WALKING TOUR Meet Trip Leaders/Transfer from Trogir to Split and ferry to Brač/ Warm-up walk

VBT No-Air Package guests: Your VBT Trip Leaders and the rest of the group meet you at the Hotel Trogir Palace in Trogir (address: Put Gradine 8, 21 220 Trogir, Croatia; telephone: +385 (0) 21 685 555 at 9 a.m. If you are scheduled to arrive at the Hotel Trogir Palace later than 9 a.m. or if you are delayed, you must take a taxi, a ferry, and then another taxi at your own expense.

In the event of a late arrival you will need to travel on your own to Hotel Pastura in Postira on the island of Brač (approximate cost 30 euros/$39 USD, travel time approximately 2 hours). Please contact Hotel Pastura (telephone: +385 (0) 21 740 000) to advise the staff of any travel delays or changes, and they will pass the message on to your VBT Trip Leaders.

VBT Air Package and Pre-Trip Extension guests: Meet your VBT Trip Leaders at 9 a.m. Your Trip Leaders will be wearing VBT staff garments. Please have your bags out for collection before 8 a.m. so they may be transferred to the ferry ahead of the group. The group will leave the hotel at 9:30 a.m. for the 45 minute drive to the Split pier for your ferry, which sails at 11 a.m. to the port of Supetar on the island of Brač.

Across from the ferry terminal in Split, you may purchase something to eat from one of several small restaurants or grocery stores to bring along during the one-hour journey to the island of Brač.

On arrival at the port of Supetar, we will have time to meet our travel companions at a welcome lunch in one of Supetar's cafes. After lunch, minivans transfer the group to the village of Splitska to begin our warm-up walk. Today's walk will introduce you to the beauty of Brač's coast. We will walk to Postira, where we will find the welcoming, four-star Hotel Pastura, our home for the next three nights. Its location is convenient and quiet, and features comfortable, air-conditioned rooms with balconies.

A charming and quiet village now, Postira's history dates back to the 14th century. Eight kilometers from Supetar, Postira is nestled between ocean and hill, embraced by centuries-old olive fields and pine groves. One of this town's most famous sites is the remains of a basilica in Lovrečina, a bay with a very beautiful sandy beach.

In the early evening, you have the option to walk to the picturesque village of Dol, or transfer by minivan. Here, we gather for a welcome cocktail reception on the quaint terrace of a typical small village restaurant, followed by a traditional Brač Island dinner. Your host for the evening will show you the old-world methods of cooking food under a metal bell. Later return to the hotel and fall asleep to the lapping sounds of waves outside your room.

Day 2 of WALKING TOUR Lovrečina beach/ Konopjikova Bay and Pučišća Harbor/Visit stonecutters' school/Home-hosted dinner

We continue our walk along the scenic north coast and pass through simple villages bordered by fig and olive trees. Enjoy views across to the mainland throughout the walk. Our path today is often used by local farmers and their donkeys. Our first visit will be the beautiful Lovrečina Bay and its wonderful beach. Enjoy a quick swim in the transparent sea before continuing on to Konopjikova Bay. From here we have a short transfer to the port town of Pučišća, where we will visit the stonecutters' school for discussion and discovery. Brač's world-renowned stone has been used in the construction of some of the world's most famous buildings, including Diocletian's Palace in Split and the White House in Washington, D.C. See students' work and learn what happens at one of the world's few remaining stonecutting schools.

After lunch on your own, choose to shuttle back to the hotel or take advantage of today's long option, a walk along the western shore of the Pučišća inlet. At the mouth of the inlet, continue your journey with a short boat trip to the opposite side; then walk back to Pučišća. From here, it is a short transfer back to your hotel.

Just prior to dinner, your Trip Leaders will provide an introduction to the Croatian language. Use your newfound skills tonight as you share a simple but authentic Croatian dinner in a local home. We always connect with our hosts during this event, and it gives us a chance to witness daily life on this breathtaking island.

Day 3 of WALKING TOUR Shuttle to Nerežišća / Walk through ancient villages

After breakfast, we shuttle by coach to higher grounds that afford us wonderful vistas of Brač Island and the Adriatic Sea. Our first stop will be the town of Skrip – the oldest settlement on the island and source of the stone that made this island famous. We will visit a 300-year-old wine cellar and museum depicting past life on the island. From here it is a short transfer to the village of Nerežišća, once the capital of the island and the starting point of today's walk through ancient villages.

Our paths today are lined with century-old stone walls marking numerous olive groves. We will pass the unusual natural rock formation of Kolač before arriving in the village of Dračevica. Visit an ancient olive press and learn the process of creating the perfect olive oil. You'll have an opportunity to try some of the local produce during your included picnic lunch today.

After lunch we continue our sojourn through rocky terrain passing newly created vineyards before arriving at the hillside village of Ložišća, famous for the most beautiful bell tower on the island of Brač. You may transfer back to the hotel for an afternoon swim and relaxation or continue with a longer, optional afternoon walk along the coast between the villages of Sultivan and Mirca.

Tonight, you may explore the typical Croatian restaurants in town. Your Trip Leaders can make recommendations.

Day 4 of WALKING TOUR Transfer to Bol / Zlatni Rat Beach / Explore Hvar town and fortress

This morning we transfer by coach from the north to the south shore of the island to the lovely seaside village of Bol, the location of the most famous beach in all of Croatia, Zlatni Rat (meaning “Golden Horn”). This spit of land reaches into the water with a gently sloping beach. Your walk this morning is a leisurely loop walk from Bol. You will have ample time to enjoy the Zlatni Rat Beach and swim in the Adriatic's crystal-clear water before lunch on your own in the town of Bol.

Just after lunch, board a private boat to Jelsa on the island of Hvar. Nearly 42 miles long and 7 miles wide, and only 3 miles at its narrowest point, Hvar is the most famous and seductive Adriatic island. Along with Bali, Zanzibar, Mykonos and Capri, Hvar has been called “one of the most beautiful islands in the world” by Conde Nast Traveler magazine. Its permanent population of 12,000 people clusters on the west of the island, adjacent to its most fertile and protected land.

Our afternoon walk will begin in Jelsa and continue around Vrboska Bay to the lovely port village of Vrboska. From here we have the option to continue our coastal walk around the Glavice Peninsula. Then, board a coach for the ride to your hotel in the center of Hvar town. Or join another optional walk from the 12th century Hvar Fortress down to Hvar town.

Your hotel's central location affords the perfect vantage point to explore Hvar town, a medieval Croatian town with a strong Venetian influence dating to the 16th century. Visit the Arsenal, built in 1612 as the first municipal theatre—Europe's oldest and perhaps its smallest. Its purpose was to bring the aristocratic and bourgeois classes together, and it stands as a symbol of reconciliation between social classes and for the abolition of privilege. Women were not admitted until the second half of the 19th century. Take in the expanse of Saint Stephen's Square, the largest square of the Adriatic after Saint Mark's Square in Venice.

Tonight, walk to a nearby home for a delicious dinner hosted by Margita and Boris. Together, learn how to prepare some of the best local dishes during a group cooking lesson.

Inclement Weather Itinerary:
Inclement weather may make the above promoted activities impossible. If rough weather makes it impossible for our chartered ferry to operate, you will instead travel between Brač and Hvar on the large car ferries that operate via Split. This creates a longer travel day. The two ferry rides are separated by a two-hour visit to Split, and we will enjoy a discovery walk before pausing for lunch on your own.

Day 5 of WALKING TOUR Brusje / Villages of V. Grablje and M. Grablje / Milna

After a leisurely breakfast, we will transfer past fields of poppies, rosemary and lavender. Our walk starts from the village of Brusje, and rewards you with a sparsely inhabited and dramatic landscape crisscrossed by a seemingly endless number of stone walls. Views stretch across the sea to neighboring islands and the mainland.

An additional optional morning walk will be mostly downhill along the lovely bed of a dried-up brook. We will get glimpses into the stone villages of Velo Grablje and the deserted village of Male Grablje clinging to the steep rock sides of the mountain. Our trail will end in the lovely seaside village of Milna where we will sample regional cuisine during our included lunch.

After lunch we will have the option to transfer back to Hvar town for further afternoon exploration, or continue with a lovely coastal walk and swim in the blue Adriatic waters before returning to our hotel by foot.

Enjoy the evening at leisure as you dine on your own in one of the many wonderful restaurants just steps away from your hotel in Hvar town.

Day 6 of WALKING TOUR Old Napolean Road / Maslinica Bay / UNESCO site of Stari Grad Plain

Today's walks encompass some of the oldest and most historical pathways on the island.
We begin with a transfer to the St. Rok chapel where we will begin our downhill walk along the original road built by Napoleon to link the towns of Hvar and Jelsa. Soon we arrive in the town of Maslinica where we walk around Maslinica Bay to the historical town of Stari Grad, originally known as Faros when founded by the Greeks in 385 BC. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the town and have lunch on your own.

After lunch venture on easy, level terrain through the Stari Grad Plain – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This agricultural landscape was developed by Greek colonists in the 4th century BC and remains in use today. The ancient layout has been preserved with its stone walls for over 24 centuries and provides a good example of the cultural landscape of the original Greek colonists.

We transfer back to Hvar town at the end of the day and enjoy a festive farewell dinner on our hotel's terrace overlooking the harbor. Dalmatia is known for its Prosek (sweet wine) and Plavac (local red wine), and we'll taste both tonight.

Day 7 of WALKING TOUR Transfer to Split/ VBT No-Air Package ends

VBT No-Air Package guests: After breakfast, transfer back to the port of Split, arriving at approximately 1:15 p.m. (Important: Flight departures from Split airport prior to 4 p.m. are not recommended. If you depart earlier, you must make transfer arrangements from the last hotel at your own expense. Taxi cost from Split harbor to Split airport is approximately 300 Croatian Kuna /$60 USD; travel time is about 40 minutes.)

VBT Air Package guests: Transfer after breakfast by ferry and walk to the Art Hotel in Split for your final overnight stay (travel time approximately three hours). Arrive around 2 p.m., then spend the rest of the day shopping or relaxing in one of the city's outdoor cafes.

Day 8 of AIR PACKAGE Depart for US or begin your optional extension in Split

After breakfast*, transfer to the Split airport for your departing flight**.

Please note: Ensure that you are ready in the hotel reception area at the designated time.
VBT recommends you check the time of your transfer with your Trip Leaders during the week. The transfer is prearranged and prepaid.

* Note: For guests with early-morning departures, breakfast at the hotel may not be available. Please check with the Front Desk to verify the times that breakfast is served.

** VBT transfer times and departure points are finalized in advance and cannot be modified for individual guests. If you extend your stay beyond the scheduled program dates, return transportation to the airport will be at your own expense.

Day 1 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Independent exploration of Split

If you have chosen the Post-Trip Extension, continue to explore Split on your own during your independent trip extension. VBT provides you with a City Information Packet that includes information and recommendations about what to see and do in Split during your stay.

Now a modern port city, Split's old town center remains charming. The center grew up around the Emperor Diocletian's vast Roman palace, which remains one of the largest and best-preserved from the Roman period. Visit the medieval Brace Radica Square in the southwest corner of the palace: Its tall Marina Tower is all that remains of the imposing castle, built by the Venetians in the second half of the 15th century. When you're ready for a rest, head to Split's Riva promenade to sip coffee, grab an ice cream and enjoy the view.

Day 2 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Independent exploration of Split

Today is yours to further explore Split or take a day trip to explore one of the many other Dalmatian Islands such as Korčula – birthplace of Marco Polo. You may also opt to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park, which was granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 1979. The beauty of the National Park lies in its 16 lakes, inter-connected by a series of waterfalls, and set in deep woodland.

Day 3 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Split Extension concludes/Depart for home

After breakfast*, transfer to the Split airport for your departing flight**.

Please note: Ensure that you are ready in the hotel reception area at the designated time.
VBT recommends you check the time of your transfer with your Trip Leaders during the week. The transfer is prearranged and prepaid.

* Note: For guests with early-morning departures, breakfast at the hotel may not be available. Please check with the Front Desk to verify the times that breakfast is served.

** VBT transfer times and departure points are finalized in advance and cannot be modified for individual guests. If you extend your stay beyond the scheduled program dates, return transportation to the airport will be at your own expense.

Walking Croatia's Dalmatian Islands 2011

Pre and Post Trip Extensions

Pre-Trip Extension

Dubrovnik 2011 - 3 nights for only $545

Dubrovnik is one of the world’s most beautifully preserved medieval cities, high on the list of serious travelers. With its strategic coastal position, the city has been an important power since the 13th century. Beautiful Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces and fountains reveal Dubrovnik’s long, storied history. In the medieval, pedestrian-only Stari Grad (Old City), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, explore the Sponza Palace, the Cathedral, the Church of St. Blaise, the domed Onofrio’s Great Fountain and the Franciscan monastery. Browse the paintings, furniture and artifact collections at the 15th-century Rector’s Palace. Encounter the biodiversity of the Adriatic at the Aquarium. And get your first taste of Croatian fare in the city’s many restaurants, pubs and cafés.

Only available with the Air Inclusive Package.

Note: Single supplement for this extension is $345.

Post-Trip Extension

Split 2011 - 2 nights for only $245

Now a modern port city, Split's old town center remains charming. The center grew up around the Emperor Diocletian's vast Roman palace, which remains one of the largest and best-preserved from the Roman period. Visit the medieval Brace Radica Square in the southwest corner of the palace: Its tall Marina Tower is all that remains of the imposing castle, built by the Venetians in the second half of the 15th century. When you're ready for a rest, head to Split's Riva promenade to sip coffee, grab an ice cream and enjoy the view.

Or you may decide to take advantage of Split’s central location and plan a day trip to one of the many other Dalmatian Islands such as Korcula – birthplace of Marco Polo. You may also opt to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park, which was granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 1979. The beauty of the National Park lies in its 16 lakes, inter-connected by a series of waterfalls, and set in deep woodland.

Note: Single supplement for this extension is $145.

Accommodations

Hotel Palace Trogir

Hotel Palace Trogir is the most luxurious hotel in Trogir with excellent service in a comfortable atmosphere. It is only 200 meters from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Trogir. All rooms have air conditioning, a bathroom with tub, minibar, direct-dial telephone, internet connection, safe, LCD TV with satellite and radio programs, as well as laptops if requested. Restaurant "Antonio" serves a rich variety of specialty selected dishes that recall the taste of authentic Croatian culinary tradition.

Hotel Pastura

This four-star hotel has 31 rooms and is located right on Postira’s beach. Hotel facilities include a fresh water swimming pool, a full-service restaurant ‘Pastura’, a bar ‘Par’ plus a café bar ‘Tamaris’, as well as an internet desk, a fitness center, sauna, Jacuzzi, and massage. Rooms feature a balcony, air-conditioning, satellite television, safe and minibar.

Hotel Park Hvar

The Park Hotel Hvar is situated in the heart of Hvar town and once was the palace of the great Ivanić family in the 16th century. It was recently restored and opened to the public in 2006. The hotel is centrally located between the former Rector’s Palace and St. Mark’s church. The boutique hotel consists of only 14 suites and most offer limited views of the spectacular Hvar harbor. All accommodations offer top quality facilities with air conditioning, floor heating, minibar, safes, LCD satellite TV and WiFi internet access.

Art Hotel

The Art Hotel is a small, in-town hotel, located just outside the walled historic center of Split. It’s a 15-minute walk to the main cultural locations, cafés and restaurants in the Old Town. The Art Hotel has 36 rooms. All rooms are air-conditioned and have a direct telephone line, minibar, safe, plasma TV with satellite, fire-protection system, SOS system, Internet connection, and a laptop on guest’s demand. The hotel is modern in style, with bright décor, contemporary bathrooms, and the features you’d expect in a new hotel (the hotel opened on June 1, 2005). There is a bar and restaurant on site.

Rating Level

Easy/Moderate

This tour features a combination of unpaved footpaths, a few paved and gravel roads, and mostly level walking with the option for longer walks with short moderate hills and uneven rocky steps. The trip is suitable for beginners with optional walks for more enthusiastic beginners and experienced walkers. On rainy days the footpaths can often be wet and muddy and the steps can be slippery. It is always very important to wear appropriate shoes with excellent tread to ensure the perfect grip on uneven and rocky terrain. Our VBT minibus is available at specific meeting points for those who need assistance. Both morning and afternoon options are available every day.