Luxury Croatia to Montenegro Walk, Bike & Kayak 6D5N (Split to Dubrovnik & The Bay of Kotor), Fully Guided

TWO BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 33km (20 miles), Elevation gain: 427m (1400ft)
Level 3, Approx. 41km (25 miles), Elevation gain: 609m (2000ft)

Meet your leaders at 6 a.m. on the outside terrace of Restaurant Nodilo in the Cornaro Hotel, located at Sinjska 6 in Split, about a 15-minute walk from the ferry, bus and train terminals. Restaurant Nodilo is located on the main floor in between the two hotel lobbies. Arrive dressed in comfortable clothing, including a wind layer, for our catamaran ride to the island of Korčula. Bring your luggage and a daypack with your biking gear, rain gear and anything else you may want for today's activities (your luggage will be transported to our first night's accommodation).

Welcome to the central European venture in picturesque Croatia, a lauded country for its angelic beaches. After we gather in Split, we proceed to the renowned ferry port after a brief stroll around Diocletian's Palace, once a Roman empire, now occupied by dwellings, restaurants, and shops. Marvel at its magnificent architecture as you make your way to the port. Then we begin our camera-friendly catamaran ride to Korčula, an island stippled with olive groves, vineyards, forests of pine, oak, & cypress, small settlements and medieval landmarks and surrounded by sandy and pebbly shores. The uncrowded Korula island offers divine nature, quaint architecture, and secluded beaches for its admirers.

As you step your feet on the island, we take a walk to the Aminess Korčula Heritage Hotel to relish refreshments and start our bike journey. Explore the Dalmatian Coast beginning with the picture-perfect spin through the hushed Lumbarda vineyards standing along the east coast. Our journey continues in Korula Town, the magnificent hub of the island and purported birthplace of Marco Polo. Continue pedaling after lunch until you reach the beach town of Račišće, or put your bike away for the day. The scenic port town scattered around a wide bay and dotted with white houses and red roofs will gladden your rambling spirit.

You’ll stay at a picturesque boutique hotel, residing in the core of medieval town, a sea-facing landmark constructed in 1912 and is the first hotel on the island. Unwind at the marvelous terrace boasting sweeping views of the ocean or take a lovely stroll at the nearby pebble beaches. This evening, before dining at Lešić Dimitri Restaurant, we congregate for a welcome reception.

THREE BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 25km (15 miles), Elevation gain: 214m (700ft)
Level 2, Approx. 41km (25 miles), Elevation gain: 580m (1900ft)
Level 3, Approx. 57km (35 miles), Elevation gain: 793m (2600ft)

After a delicious breakfast, the rustic nature and historic enthrallments of Croatia await you as you commence your venture on a private boat across the channel to Orebic on the Pelješac Peninsula. A quick shuttle will land you on a hilltop which is a winemaking region of Pijavicino, the starting post of our cycle ride. Inhale the fresh countryside Croatian air and espy the wondrous passing scenes of impressive vineyards, and stone dwellings that stretch all the way to the seashore. You'll see innumerable mussel and oyster farms as you bike, giving you a feeling of the significant role the sea and its abundance play in the nearby villages. Be treated to a mouth-watering Croatian lunch prepared from the fishermen’s catching as you pedal down a fishing country.

After lunch, board the shuttle for the picturesque trip to Dubrovnik, a city with spire-filled buildings, amber-tiled roofs, and streets made of marble. The scenic Dubrovnik is reckoned the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ and boasts one of the venues in the Game of Thrones. We pause on route to explore the ancient salt flats that provided Dubrovnik with her prosperity for centuries.

Arrive in the town of Ston, a thankworthy spot when it comes to witnessing its famed salt production. Awe at its renowned 3 and 1/2 mile-long mediaeval stone wall, one of the world's largest defensive walls. The leisurely fishing town offers spectacular views of huge stone walls, olive groves, oyster fields and gripping sea lines.

You’ll stay at an 18-th century baroque palace just steps away from the Stradun Promenade in Dubrovnik Old Town. Bask in the sunshine with complimentary access to the exclusive Banje Beach with parasols and sun loungers, just 600m away. This evening, gather together for a delicious Croatian dining affair in town.

TWO HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 5km (3 miles), Elevation gain: 153m (500ft)
Level 2, Approx. 9km (5 miles), Elevation gain: 336m (1100ft)

Our journey across Croatia continues with a boat excursion to the Elaphiti Islands near the Dubrovnik Rivera. The Elaphiti Islands is a network of several scenic islands featuring a silent life away from the bustling ambiences. Before the Republic of Ragusa was seized by Napoleon in 1808, affluent sea captains lived on the ancient Lopud Island, where we disembark. This island is known for its solitude, historic footpaths, and panoramic sea views, Lopud now provides unmatched beauty and top-notch trekking.

Set off on foot past historic buildings that reflect the island's Slavic and Greco-Roman past. The island holds great popularity and is a region where just a few hundred people reside and cars aren’t spotted. Fix your eyes on the famed monasteries of the island and follow the trail to discover the only sandy beach in this Adriatic region.

At the beach, take a dip in the vast blue waters or simply relish a drink under the shade. Keep up the seaside fun or take a hike to visit the Sutvrač Fort and to come into the mesmeric view of the island. The imperial constructions of the 15th-century church of Our Lady of Sunj with Gothic and Renaissance impressions, the 16th-century church of the Holy Trinity, around 30 churches, and a soothing sandy beach are the key fascinations of the quaint island.

We return by boat to the ancient harbour of Dubrovnik after lunch by the sea, where you have the rest of the day to relax. Later, embark on a guided walking adventure of the magnificent old town, a World Heritage site, to learn more about the walled city. Get immersed in the historical fortresses, towers, and renaissance monuments along the giant walls. Tonight, dinner is at your own leisure where you leader will guide you to some of the excellent restaurants to enjoy.

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 47km (29 miles), Elevation gain: 366m (1200ft)
Level 3, Approx. 52km (32 miles), Elevation gain: 641m (2100ft)
Level 4, Approx. 65km (40 miles), Elevation gain: 1066m (3500ft)

After we nosh a savory breakfast, shuttle to the coastal town of Cavtat, a tranquil town homing several historic churches and verdant scenes. Your bike ride commences giving you a close proximity of lush rural views featuring red roofed houses. Inhale the fresh countryside air as you spectate the crystalline ocean on one side and wondrous mountains on the other side of the soothing wine region of Konavle.

After lunch, cycle or hop in the van to cross the border into Montenegro and continue to the Bay of Kotor's untamed beauty, known locally as Boka Kotorska. We board a boat after having our passports stamped and are then taken to Tivat, which is located on the magnificent meandering coastline of the Bay of Kotor. The bay gifts us with scenic natural wonders as well as well-maintained medieval towns having an influence of several cultures. The Venetian-inspired Regent Porto Montenegro, nestled in the UNESCO-listed Boka Bay within a luxury Porto Montenegro Village in the town of Tivat, is your home for the next two nights. Either take a dip in the infinity pool, unwind in the sauna or enliven your leisure time with a spa treatment (at own expense). This evening, gather together and savour your tastebuds for a leisurely dinner of local specialties.

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 8km (5 miles), Elevation gain: 366m (1200ft)
Level 3, Approx. 10km (6 miles), Elevation gain: 426m (1400ft)
Level 4, Approx. 15km (9 miles), Elevation gain: 458m (1500ft)

As we take a morning cruise to Espaola Island, discover the most endemic species of any place in the Our day begins with a morning shuttle to a settlement of Gornja Lastva, a hillside town celebrated for its traditional olive oil production. Lay your eyes on the region’s stone houses at 300 meters above sea level, flanked by the dense vegetation on the slope. Ascend towards the apex of the peninsula’s Vrmac Ridge to give your senses a euphoric experience as you look down at the stunning vistas of the Adriatic Sea, Tivat, the Bay of Kotor and the eye-catching Mt. Lovćen. Take note of the well-preserved hillside fortresses, especially Fort Vrmac, which once proved to be of great significance for the Bay of Kotor’s military defenses for ages. Now we can delve into the past of these structures and witness spectacular panoramas which leave you with a doubt whether this was indeed the location where the World War 1 battle was fought between France and Austria-Hungary, back in 1914.

Enjoy your afternoon meal with a view over Kotor at the far fringe of the peninsula. Then go on foot down an Austro-Hungarian carriage route for breathtaking views of the bay, which will bring you right to the edge of the water. The van will also take you to Kotor, a city that is listed as a World Heritage Site. Nestling at the bay’s head, the city flatters its visitors with the most stunning spectacles in Montenegro. Get absorbed by the wallpaper view of the walled town which went through many invasions and still highlights most of the medieval fortifications. You may explore Stari Grad's (Old Town) meandering cobblestone lanes to find little squares with historic churches and erstwhile aristocratic residences.

Drop by the famed sites in the town - Church of St. Luke, the Maritime Museum and St. Tryphon Cathedral, a marvelous specimen of Romanesque architecture. St. Tryphon Cathedral engrosses the spectators with frescoes and jewels.

Your resort awaits you to indulge in its luxuries after a long day of hiking through the historic fascinations. Pick between relaxing at the spa or taking a stroll along the marina promenade to view the sumptuous yachts or both! Tonight, savor an inviting Mediterranean dish along with a farewell toast before you recall the mind-blowing vacation along the ancient towns and glaring beaches.

Keep your feet on the paddles and take your two-wheeled ride to embrace an aquatic adventure - kayaking, to discover the coastal inlets and get soaked in the extensiveness of the blue waters around the Bay of Kotor.

Give ears to the instructors as they help you learn paddling strokes and safety skills. Kayaks are stable and simple to handle even for the one who hasn’t gone kayaking yet. Kayaking will give you an enthralling view of historic landmarks, lavish yachts, and enormous mountain range, sprinkled with lush vegetation.

Feel free to choose the leisure’s way, sleep in and then enjoy a savor some breakfast at your pace. Later this morning, bid a warm farewell to your tour leaders and board a shuttle for the Tivat airport and Dubrovnik.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.