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Croatia: Sibenik & the Kornati Islands

Croatia: Sibenik & the Kornati Islands

From $ 2,345 AUD

Description

Eat, walk, swim and wander to your heart’s content on a five-day exploration of Croatia’s Central Dalmatia region. This slice of the country delivers in both natural wonders and cultural treasures while offering up something to entice all those who set foot on its shimmering shores. Walk in the shoes of a local in the city of Sibenik, dig into the past in Zadar, have lunch with new friends on the spectacular Kornati Islands, venture into the wonderland of Krka National Park and discover the charming streets of Trogir. History? Incredible. Food? Unforgettable. Scenery? Couldn’t be better. This is a place that ticks all the boxes.

Trip Name
Croatia: Sibenik & the Kornati Islands
Last Updated
2024-03-12
Days
5
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • See a different side of Sibenik as you explore the city with a local guide who will the hidden gems of the town before taking you to a tucked-away tavern for a traditional snack.
  • Take a boat trip to the little-known Kornati Islands where you’ll hike through stunning scenery, enjoy lunch with a welcoming local family and sample olive oil produced on the islands, all through our local partner - non-profit organisation MEET.
  • Enjoy an ecotourism experience in the ethereal Krka National Park, where you’ll explore waterfalls and ancient relics with a local guide in the part of the Park that's more off the beaten track.
  • Get to know the dynamic city of Zadar, Dalmatia’s former capital. Discover remnants of the past wherever you go and check out the city’s famous ‘Sea Organ’.
  • Walk the charming streets of Trogir, with a local guide on hand to point out fascinating examples of Romanesque, Renaissance and baroque architecture.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. MUSEUM VISITS & OPENING TIMES Many sites, attractions and museums are closed on Mondays (and sometimes Tuesdays). We recommend checking the opening times of anywhere you're interested to visit and making reservations where required/possible.

Day 1 - Split / Sibenik
Welcome to Croatia! Your adventure starts off today with a 9.30am meeting at Split's central bus station, where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers; but you won’t hang around for long – the wonders of Central Dalmatia are waiting! Do as the locals do and hop aboard a bus bound for Sibenik, a beautiful city on the Adriatic coast with a spellbinding history. Settle in on arrival then head out to get to know the city in the best way possible – through the eyes of a local. Meet with an inhabitant of Sibenik who will show you a side of their city that most don’t get to see as you explore the winding cobbled streets of the Old Town. Our local guide will then take you to a little-known tavern down a quiet alleyway to experience marenda, a light meal between lunch and dinner and a big part of the culture in Sibenik. Later this evening, you may like to head out for dinner in the town with your new travel companions and get to know each other over a glass of local rakija.
Day 2 - Kornati Islands/Sibenik
Rise bright and early for a transfer to the port, where you’ll jump aboard our private boat to the incredible Kornati Islands archipelago. The islands are best explored on foot, so on arrival you’ll set off on a hike to uncover the history and legends of Kornati. Sharing food and drink is a big part of Croatian culture, so for lunch today you’ll sit down with a local family, enjoy some homemade local specialties, and hear firsthand stories about life on the island to get a glimpse at what daily life looks like. You’ll hear about the importance of olive oil production to the Dalmatia region and learn the true meaning of the olive tree from the locals who know it best. And of course no visit to Dalmatia would be complete without an olive oil tasting session. This afternoon you'll see the islands from a different perspective as you snorkel through the clear waters, then it’s back to the mainland via boat for another night in Sibenik. The evening is yours to explore more of what this fascinating city has to offer – your leader will know all the best spots for an authentic dinner experience!
Day 3 - Zadar / Sibenik
This morning, hop aboard a local bus to Zadar (approximately 2 hours), the former capital city Dalmatia. Remnants of Zadar’s past are visible all over the city, which you’ll discover on an orientation walk with your leader on arrival. Walk on marble streets through the Old Town and see Roman ruins scattered among medieval churches. Visit the musical steps of the ‘Sea Organ’ on Zadar's waterfront, representing its important relationship with the sea. The rest of the afternoon is free for your own discoveries. You may like to check out St Donat's Church, St Anastasia's Cathedral or the Roman Forum. While in Zadar, you can’t miss the chance to try the city’s famous liqueur, Maraskino – it’s been produced here since 1759 and is a local favourite to this day. Return to Sibenik by bus late this afternoon.
Day 4 - Krka National Park / Sibenik
Travel this morning by private vehicle to Krka National Park. Like something straight out of a fairy tale, the park amazes with its tiered waterfalls, vibrant Krka river, beautiful woodlands and Roman ruins – it’s a truly magical place. Venture into the park with a local guide at the helm, allowing you to dodge the tourist hotspots and explore without the crowds. Traverse criss-crossing paths, bridges dotted with old watermills and little stone houses immortalised as museums as you walk from waterfall to waterfall. Pass by an ancient Roman amphitheatre on your way to the Krka monastery, built above Roman burial catacombs. After a day of exploring, return to Sibenik for an evening at leisure.
Day 5 - Trogir / Split
Hop on a local bus to Trogir this morning. On arrival, you'll meet a local guide who will take you on a walk to get acquainted with this delightful seaside town, whose medieval walls are bursting with beautiful Romanesque, Renaissance and baroque buildings. Take some time to explore, perhaps have lunch, then catch a transfer back to Split. You can expect to arrive in the late afternoon, at which point your adventure will come to an end. If you’d like to stay on in Split, just get in touch ahead of time and we’d be happy to arrange additional accommodation (subject to availability).

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
22-06-202426-06-2024AUD $ 2,440-
20-07-202424-07-2024AUD $ 2,345-
24-08-202428-08-2024AUD $ 2,345-
21-09-202425-09-2024AUD $ 2,465-
14-06-202518-06-2025AUD $ 2,465-
05-07-202509-07-2025AUD $ 2,465-
09-08-202513-08-2025AUD $ 2,465-
23-08-202527-08-2025AUD $ 2,465-
06-09-202510-09-2025AUD $ 2,465-
20-09-202524-09-2025AUD $ 2,465-

Accommodation

private apartment (4 nights)

Transport

Public bus,Boat,Private vehicle

Map