Self-Guided Walking in Southern Dalmatia

[Dubrovnik and Adriatic Islands]

Summary

Rediscover Dubrovnik and its surrounding region; its beautiful coastal area, the islands and countryside through numerous walking paths. 

START / FINISH - Dubrovnik

Activity code: CR-TR03

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. [Participants should be in good physical condition with some relevant hiking experience.]

Duration: 8 days (5 day short version available)

This self-guided walking holiday will show you the natural beauty of the old villages in the Konavle Valley countryside, the Elaphiti islands (near Dubrovnik) and Mljet island, much of which is a national park.

Exploring the Croatian coast and islands on foot offers a unique opportunity to experience the stunning landscapes, the ancient towns and cultural heritage that makes Dubrovnik and southern Dalmatia one of the must-see destinations in the world. The Croatian Adriatic coast and islands will show you the country in a way that brings a smile and joy for simple things like unspoiled nature, crystal blue sea, sunny days, friendly locals and much more from the local way of life and its rich history.

Although a small country, Croatia has a great variety of beautiful landscapes and preserved natural areas from mountains to plains, from rivers to sea with a long and rich history. Croatia is alive with well-preserved old towns, castles, palaces, monuments and native architecture. Together with the traditional folklore, art and music, Croatia is a unique and exotic place to discover.

A shorter version of this trip, which concludes on day 5 and so doesn't include Mljet Island, is available upon request.

Departure dates

  • Any reasonable date between April 1st and October 31st

Essential Information

Activities: Hiking, walking and sightseeing are included in the program as everyday activities and are suitable for people of all ages who live an active life. Croatia has pleasant temperatures in Spring and Autumn and our routes do not use and dangerous paths or those which are too physically demanding. Although, please make sure to bring comfortable walking shoes.

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Prices based upon 2 persons travelling.

Prices from £650 per person

  • 5 Day version (from): £ 425 per person

  • Single supp. (5 days): £ 86 per person

  • Single supp. (8 days): £ 188 per person

What does your Walking Holiday include:

  • 7 nights accommodation in private apartments and small guest houses
  • Breakfast on all days (except day 1)
  • 5 days walking routes
  • Local taxes
  • Round trip airport transfers
  • Private transfers between locations
  • Ferry / catamaran tickets
  • Materials, maps and directions for self-guided walking tours (route notes), time-tables of buses, ferries and other useful information: e.g. shops, markets, restaurants…
  • Services for orientation by our local representative for each destination
  • FREE travel app with all your documents, maps, weather & much more
  • All local taxes.

Highlights

Itinerary

The Konavle Valley is the most southern part of the region of Dubrovnik. It is well known for its natural beauty and contrasting scenery, starting with its green hills, numerous charming villages and vineyards all the way to its exceptional cliffs, stretching above the sea.

Your self-guided walking tour starts at your accommodation in the Konavle countryside and continues by walking through the village, across the valley, through the forest and vineyards and visiting the old water mills on the Ljuta river prior to returning to Gruda for a well-earned dinner.

  • Transport: Dubrovnik Airport to the area of Konavle and the village of Gruda.

Stay in a private guesthouse in Gruda, Konavle (2 nights on B&B).

Self-guided walking tour to Tusici, Radovcici & Popovici. Starting at your accommodation in the Konavle countryside walk uphill to Radovcici which is towards the sea and then back to Gruda and Tusici via the old railway.

  • Route: up to 12 km.

After breakfast check out from your guesthouse in Gruda and transfer to Dubrovnik (included). During the morning you can join an optional guided historical walking tour of the Old City of Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik is a beautiful city of lovely red-roofed buildings, crammed full of history and all surrounded by impenetrable walls. This highlight of any stay in this area is a UNESCO World Heritage site. As George Bernard Shaw once said, "those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik ..." The tour includes an orientation city tour with a guide of up to 2 hours.

Stay in Dubrovnik at a private guesthouse (2 nights on B&B).

This morning embark on a local ferry from Dubrovnik Gruz port to Lopud Island (duration approx. 45 mins.), returning during the afternoon.

Lopud is famous for its Mediterranean vegetation, mild climate with plenty of sunny days, old stone houses, churches and a number of noble palaces. This island is a perfect getaway from Dubrovnik for a day hike - you can explore several small hiking trails or take on the big one which makes the whole circuit around the island. There are old forts, churches, a botanical garden and the magnificent views over the cliffs to discover along the way.

Lopud is one of the Elaphite islands, centrally located in the group, the main town is also called Lopud which is in a picturesque bay overlooked by a Franciscan monastery. The hiking trail starts at Lopud port, continues along the enchanting small streets and visits magnificent view points, for example at Fort Kastio and St. Ivan’s church. The next location is Sunj beach and the cliffs on the southern part of the island; the trail finishes once again in Lopud town.

  • Late afternoon return to the port of Lopud where the boat departs to Dubrovnik.
  • Route: up to 12 km.

Mljet, often called "the green island” because of its lush vegetation is a pearl in the Adriatic and
one of the eight Croatian National Parks. As with Lopud, there is beautiful Mediterranean vegetation, clear blue sea, numerous bays, beaches and cliffs... but also two lovely salt lakes - warm even early in the year.

The day starts with a transfer to the port of Dubrovnik, from where you will take a boat to Polace on Mljet. The walking begins on arrival at the village of Polace behind the ancient remains of a Roman palace dating from the 2nd Century and continues through the National Park and around the salt lakes.

  • The walk averages around 4 hours and there is the chance to swim and enjoy lunch in a local tavern before your return to Polace.
  • Route: up to 14 km.

Stay in a private guesthouse Polače, Mljet (2 nights B&B).

Today, your self guided walking tour takes you to another area of the national park; we suggest walking to the highest peak in the area, Montokuc Hill near Govedjari. On your way back down from Montokuc you can head through the pine forests to the salt lakes near Babine Kuce.

  • The walk averages around 3 hours and there is the chance to swim and enjoy lunch in a local tavern before your return to Polace.
  • Route: up to 8 km.

Transfer to your accommodation in Dubrovnik where you have a free day.

Stay in Dubrovnik at a private guesthouse (1 night on B&B).

Transfer to Dubrovnik airport.

Flexible Tailor-Made Holidays

  • We believe passionately that no two holidays should be the same.
  • With our flexible tailor-made holiday options you can travel at your own pace.
  • Rediscover a city, a resort or an island in a weekend or longer.
  • Take a small group tour or embark upon a more adventurous trip.

Travel Knowledge

  • We have all travelled extensively and will be happy to share our experiences.
  • Personally-chosen hotels, riads, guest houses & apartments in places we know and love.
  • Individual sightseeing recommendations and route planning.
  • Add excursions, activities and food & wine experiences (one of our passions).

Trusted Service

  • ATOL cover for flight inclusive holidays.
  • One of us at Rediscover the World is very likely to have visited the hotels and travelled along the routes on your itinerary.
  • Dynamic, comprehensive travel app with all your documents, maps and much more.
  • Full financial protection for your holiday (TTA).