Croatia: Istria and the Dalmatian Coast

On the sunny northern Dalmatian Coast (and far from the cruise ships), we've crafted a journey of vineyard hikes, walks in truffle and olive oil country, island hopping, and seaside rambles along the blue Adriatic. We'll hike up to the castle-topped hill town of Motovun, with a walk on its ancient walls, explore Kvarner Gulf by sailboat, enjoy swim stops, and see the grand Roman amphitheater at Pula. Along the way, our Trip Leaders introduce us to local people, great wines, and regional delights (think freshly grilled calamari waterside!). Our journey begins in Slovenia's lovely capital, Ljubljana, and our finale is in majestic Trogir, a World Heritage Site.

Itinerary

Days 1-3
Ljubljana, Slovenia / Motovun, Croatia / Groznjan 
In Ljubljana, we stroll cobbled streets, then cross to Croatia's Istria Peninsula for a hike through truffle country to the hill town of Motovun, entering town on a walk through its original gates. After our hike on the Parenzana Trail, we visit the artists' haven of Groznjan, once a Venetian fortress town.

Days 4-5
Rovinj / Porec / Pula 
We walk another stretch of the Parenzana, then head to Porec, climbing up the bell tower of its majestic cathedral for Adriatic vistas. At Pula, we explore its impressively intact Roman amphitheater. Overnights are in Rovinj, a dreamy town of Venetian townhouses set on a peninsula jutting into the sea. With its quayside cafes, yachts, fishing boats, and Venetian mansions, it has a delightfully Italian flavor. 

Days 6-7
Cres / Lubenice 
On rugged Cres, an island of tiny stone villages, we hike from a clifftop Lubenice down through pine forests to the bay of MartinÅ¡cica for a picnic and a swim. We walk along the seaside promenade to Veli Losinj, set around a natural harbor, and up a ridge to the church of St. Ivan, overlooking the sea. 

Days 8-11
Rab / Trogir 
By private sailboat, we head to the Renaissance-era island of Rab, and we hike in Krka National Park to enjoy its karst landscape of cliffs and canyons. Our trip ends in Trogir, with its medieval Old Town surrounded by the sea. Depart on Day 11 via Split or extend to Dubrovnik.