Exploring Croatia

FAQ

Where does the trip begin and end?

The trip begins at Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), where the group meets at 1:00 pm on Day 1 for the transfer to Motovun.
The trip ends in Dubrovnik, with an included airport transfer on Day 11.

What airport should I fly into/out of?

• Arrival: Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)

• Departure: Dubrovnik Airport (DBV)

Do I need to arrive early in Venice?

If you can arrive by midday on Day 1, you can join the scheduled 1:00 pm group transfer. If not, arriving the night before is recommended.

What is the activity level of this trip?

This trip is rated moderate. Daily walks range from 3–10 miles, with mixed elevation and terrain. You’ll experience:

• Forest paths

• Coastal trails

• Island hills

• Boardwalks and wooden pathways in Plitvice Lakes

• Cobbled streets in ancient towns

Guests should be comfortable walking several hours a day.

Are there any particularly challenging days?

A few days are longer or include more elevation:

• Day 4 (Plitvice Lakes): ~10 miles of walking

• Day 10 (Lopud Island): ~1,574 feet ascent/descent

• Day 6 (Hvar): Long downhill stretch into town

However, none require technical skills, and pacing is moderate with breaks.

What are the accommodations like?

You’ll stay in comfortable boutique hotels and guesthouses including:

• Family-run guesthouses

• Coastal hotels on the islands

• A modern hotel in Dubrovnik

All rooms have private bathrooms.

Do I have to carry my luggage?

No. Your luggage is transported for you between all accommodations. You'll need to transport your own bags for a short distance in Split since cars cannot enter the fortress we stay within. 

Are meals included?

Most meals are included and noted in the itinerary:

• B = Breakfast

• S = Snack or lunch

• D = Dinner

A few dinners are on your own so you can explore local restaurants in places like Hvar and Dubrovnik.

What is the terrain like?

Expect varied terrain:

• Gentle hills in Istria

• Forest and gravel paths

• Wooden boardwalks at Plitvice Lakes

• Stone villages and cobblestone streets

• Island coastal paths

Good hiking shoes are essential.

How much time is spent driving?

There are several scenic transfers:

• Day 1: Venice to Motovun (4 hrs)

• Day 3: Hum to Plitvice Lakes (4.5 hrs)

• Day 5: Plitvice Lakes to Split (4 hrs)

Island ferry rides range from 40 minutes to 2 hours.

Will we visit multiple islands?

Yes! You’ll explore Hvar, Kor?ula, Mljet, and Lopud Island via ferries and coastal transfers.

How fit should I be?

You should feel comfortable walking 5–10 miles per day, sometimes on uneven ground. Regular walking or light hiking before the trip is enough for most guests.

What are the highlights of the trip?

• Truffle hunting with local foragers

• The turquoise cascades of Plitvice Lakes National Park

• Diocletian’s Palace in Split

• UNESCO-protected Dubrovnik city walls

• Island-to-island hiking on Hvar, Kor?ula, Mljet, and Lopud

• Atmospheric medieval villages in Istria

Is this trip suitable for solo travelers?

Absolutely. Many guests travel solo.

What is the weather like?

Weather varies by region:

• Istria & Plitvice: cooler, forested, and mountainous

• Dalmatian Coast & islands: warm and Mediterranean

Expect daytime temps between 65–80°F during most travel months.

Do we hike inside Plitvice Lakes?

Yes—Day 4 is a full walking day inside the park, using boardwalks and trails around the lakes and waterfalls. It is one of the most scenic days of the entire trip.

Are museum or site entrance fees included?

Yes, all scheduled entrances—such as Plitvice Lakes and Dubrovnik city walls—are included.

How large is the group?

Groups typically range from 8–13 travelers.

What happens on the final day?

After breakfast on Day 11, you’ll be transferred to Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) for your flight home or onward travel.