Highlights
- Hike across the rugged terrain of Durmitor National Park in Montenegro
- Paddle the open sea around the city walls of Dubrovnik
- Discover local flora while trekking across the island of Hvar
- Go rafting down the Cetina River, then zipline over the canyon
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Kotor (Montenegro), Free Time | Kotor |
| Day 2 | Transfer to Žabljak, Durmitor National Park Hiking Experience | Žabljak |
| Day 3 | Whitewater Rafting on the Tara River | Žabljak |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Dubrovnik (Croatia), Konavle Region Culinary Experience | Dubrovnik |
| Day 5 | Dubrovnik Walking Tour & Sea Kayaking, Visit Mount Srđ | Dubrovnik |
| Day 6 | Ferry to Hvar, Half-Day Island Tour | Hvar |
| Day 7 | Hvar Hinterland Hiking, Visit the Pakleni Islands | Hvar |
| Day 8 | Ferry to Split, Walking Tour of Diocletian's Palace | Split |
| Day 9 | Cetina Canyon Adventure Day: Rafting & Ziplining | Split |
| Day 10 | Depart Split |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kotor (Montenegro), Free Time
Welcome to the Balkans! You've landed in Montenegro, where a private driver will be waiting to make the short transfer from Tivat Airport to your accommodation in the medieval coastal town of Kotor. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built on a sloping mountain and abounds with Venetian palaces and Romanesque churches. This afternoon is yours to explore as you wish. Wander the well-preserved Old Town, then ascend the ancient city walls to reach the top fortress. Here, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the bay and surrounding mountains.
If you're keen for an adventure on day one, then lace up your boots and hike the Ladder of Kotor—a thrilling ascent with breathtaking views—or sail across the bay and visit the charming town of Perast, home to the iconic Our Lady of the Rocks islet. Later, stroll along the picturesque waterfront, where you'll find cafés and seafood restaurants.
Day 2: Transfer to Žabljak, Durmitor National Park Hiking Experience
Montenegro might be small, but there are plenty of secrets in its hills. Today, a private driver will collect you for the three-hour drive into the Durmitor Region, where you'll explore the rugged terrain of northern Montenegro. You'll arrive in Žabljak, a charming and vibrant town that serves as the gateway to Durmitor National Park. Žabljak is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a perfect base for exploring the pristine wilderness that surrounds it—which is why it will be your base for the next two nights.
Durmitor National Park's mountainous landscapes and pristine wilderness encompass the majestic Durmitor range, characterized by rocky peaks, deep canyons, and glacial lakes. After getting settled, you'll meet an experienced local mountain guide and set out to hike the national park. Enjoy exploring the terrain while admiring the mountains, which seem to pierce the sky with their sharp cliffs and serrated ridges. The highest Durmitor crest is called Soa Nebeska, which means "Altar of the Sky."
Day 3: Whitewater Rafting on the Tara River
A true gem of Montenegro is the stunning Tara River. Its waters have created the deepest canyon in Europe, and the Tara is the longest river in the country—creating an ideal playground for thrill-seekers. Meet today's adventure guides in town, then set out for a day of whitewater rafting. More than a physical endeavor, whitewater rafting along the Tara is a full sensory immersion thanks to the dramatic natural surroundings.
Once you're geared up, it's time for a true adrenaline rush! The river's turbulent rapids, ranging from mild to challenging, provide an adrenaline-fueled experience. Its waters carve their way through sheer cliffs, dense forests, and untouched landscapes—and best of all, the river is safe to drink. Navigate your way through foaming rapids and enjoy moments of calm as you drift through Durmitor National Park and appreciate the beauty of Tara River Canyon.
Day 4: Transfer to Dubrovnik (Croatia), Konavle Region Culinary Experience
Wave goodbye to the remote natural beauty of the Durmitor region when a private transfer whisks you from the Montenegro hills to Croatia's coastal fortress city of Dubrovnik. The "Pearl of the Adriatic" is one of the most ancient fortress cities in Europe, and within its walled UNESCO-listed Old Town, you'll find well-preserved Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque structures, including the City Walls and Sponza Palace. Check into your hotel, then set out to explore the Old Town at your leisure.
In the evening, you'll be whisked out to a family farmhouse in the countryside. Meet your hosts and learn about regional gastronomy and Croatian culture and history. You'll help pick fresh vegetables and prepare a four-course Croatian dinner. When it comes time to sit down and taste your efforts, you'll get to pair each dish with homemade wines. Živeli!
Day 5: Dubrovnik Walking Tour & Sea Kayaking, Visit Mount Srđ
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
This morning, you'll explore your surroundings on a private guided walking tour of the historic center. Entering the medieval Old Town through the 16th-century Pile Gate to uncover centuries of the city's rich history as you listen to stories of local life and legends and of the importance Dubrovnik once held in the era of the Republic. This 90-minute walk includes highlights such as Onofrio's Fountain, the 15th-century Rector's Palace, Luza Square, the Church of St. Blaise (St. Vlaho), and the café-lined streets of Brsalje Street.
After, explore Dubrovnik from the water with a 2.5-hour sea kayaking adventure. From the sea, you'll discover amazing views of the Old Town, city walls, and Lokrum Island while your guide shares details about Dubrovnik. You'll start in Pile Bay, paddle around Lokrum Island, pause for a snorkeling break (in the summer), then continue along the city walls. In the afternoon, you might like to hike up or ride the cable car to Mount Srđ for sunset and stunning panoramic views over the city and Adriatic. Stay for dinner at Panorama Restaurant, then ride the cable car back.
Day 6: Ferry to Hvar, Half-Day Island Tour
Early this morning, board a four-hour ferry to Hvar, the most popular island in Dalmatia. This Croatian island set in the Adriatic Sea is popular with tourists due to its natural setting, mild climate, and historic port town of the same name. Admire the 13th-century walls, hilltop fortress, and Renaissance-era Cathedral as you make your way to your hotel. Check in and refresh, then meet a private guide for this afternoon's half-day island tour. Together, you'll set out to explore the undulating island terrain, with vineyard-covered hills, thick olive groves, and fragrant fields full of rosemary.
Visit the abandoned 16th-century village of Malo Grablje before carrying on to the slightly older Velo Grablje. Stop for an authentic dinner at a family-run konoba (tavern) for a traditional meal, then visit a family-owned vineyard or two for a tasting. Cross the Stari Grad Plain to see the agricultural landscape created by the ancient Greeks and meander amid Croatia's oldest town, Stari Grad. After the day's adventures, treat yourself to a drink back in Hvar Town's ancient piazza, which overlooks the Venetian loggia, seventh-century fortification walls, and the oldest municipal theater in Europe.
Day 7: Hvar Hinterland Hiking, Visit the Pakleni Islands
This morning you'll peek at undiscovered parts of Hvar, away from the tourist bustle, on a half-day hike. Discover Hvar's rich flora as you explore with the help of a local hiking guide. More than 2,700 sunny hours per year allow more than 1,500 different plants to flourish unhindered in Hvar's meadows and forests. Lose yourself in the forests of the island and get to know the different plants that grow here. Your guide will even help you taste some native plants as you learn more about the diversity of the island's remarkable ecosystem.
This afternoon, you might like to visit the Pakleni Islands archipelago, a short boat ride from Hvar. On these 16 small islands, you'll find breathtaking beaches, the best snorkeling in Croatia, and some of the archipelago's liveliest beach clubs, bars, and restaurants. Taxi transfers from Hvar take just 15 minutes and can drop you at the main islands of Sveti Klement (the largest), Marinkovac, and Jerolim.
Day 8: Ferry to Split, Walking Tour of Diocletian's Palace
Split is the second-largest city in Croatia and home to the dazzling Diocletian's Palace, a fourth-century haven for the Roman emperor Diocletian. This morning, you'll board a one-hour ferry to the ancient coastal city, which was founded 1,700 years ago by the emperor. The well-preserved palace has been transformed into the heart of the city, and upon arrival, you'll join a guide to explore Split's Old Town to learn all about it. Visit the Cathedral of St. Dominus, and the Piazza, then pause at Peristyle Square to admire the 3,500-year-old sphinxes that Diocletian brought back from Egypt.
If there's time following your tour, climb the Romanesque bell tower of the Cathedral of St. Dominus—considered the oldest Catholic cathedral still in use—for stunning views over the city and Adriatic. If you like walking, continue down the Riva and up the local Marjan Park for beautiful vistas over Diocletian's Palace, the city of Split, and the Adriatic Sea. You'll also find a few historical sites in the park, plus quiet swimming coves and some of Split's most beautiful stretches of sand, like Bačvice Beach.
Day 9: Cetina Canyon Adventure Day: Rafting & Ziplining
In the morning, make your way to Omiš, a historic "pirate town" and the gateway to Cetina River, a popular place for rafting and canyoning. Meet your adventure guide and venture into the hinterland. You'll begin by rafting through a protected area of the river canyon, where gentle sections alternate with second and third-grade rapids to create the perfect combination of relaxation with high-adrenaline adventure. After your rafting experience, pause for a local lunch.
In the afternoon, you'll soar through the forest canopy with a thrilling zipline over the Cetina Canyon. Tighten your harness, clip on your helmet, and get ready to fly! There are eight wires in total running a length of 6,890 feet (2,100 m), the highest wire reaching 492 feet (150 m) above the river canyon. Enjoy incredible bird's-eye views of the surrounding scenery. After the tour is complete, you'll transfer back to Split. When evening falls, the UNESCO-listed coastal city comes alive as the setting sun casts a glow on the palace walls and a maze of narrow cobbled streets.
Day 10: Depart Split
It's your final morning in Croatia, so if you have time, there's still plenty left to explore. You might like to visit the famous Bačvice Beach, walk to Marjan Park, or, if you love being active, follow the long steps to Telegrin—the highest peak of Marjan with a panoramic view of the city. Stroll along Split's Riva promenade one last time to admire the views over the Adriatic before a private driver collects you for a short 45-minute drive to the airport. Safe travels!
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