ISTRIA, KVARNER AND NORTH DALMATIA WALKING HOLIDAYS
Discover the beautiful Croatian peninsula called Istria, which is considered Croatia’s “Little Tuscany”. Enjoy the magical Kvarner islands of Lošinj and Cres. Explore the well-known Paklenica and Telaščica National Parks.
Croatia is an extraordinary landscape where the rich inland meets the Adriatic coast.
This walking holiday covers three beautiful and diverse regions: Istria, often called “little Tuscany”; the scenic Kvarner Bay with its stunning islands, including the most beautiful of them all – Lošinj; and Cres – and northern Dalmatia, rich in diversity and natural parks. It is a hiking tour for true connoisseurs – for all lovers of pleasant walking experiences in exceptional natural locations.
The program includes two protected national parks (with Krka National Park as an optional addition), two nature parks, and charming towns full of Mediterranean architecture and rich history. The diversity also shines through in the cuisine – from the culinary richness of Istria to the unique flavors of Dalmatia with its own special gastronomic traditions..
Available days for the start of the tour:
March 1st–May 29th → Possible start on Tuesdays
May 30th–Jun 26th → Possible start on Sundays or Tuesdays
Jun 27th–Aug 31st → Possible start on Fridays, Sundays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays
Sep 01st–Sep 28th → Possible start on Sundays or Tuesdays
Sep 29th–October 30th → Start on Tuesdays
€1,695.00
Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Activity
Self guided walking (6 days)
Difficulty
Easy-Moderate
Season
March 1st–October 30th
Accommodation
Hotels ***/****, twin or double room with breakfast
Booking
Departure (start of the tour) is possible on various days of the week, but not every day.
Start of the tour
Rovinj, Croatia
End of the tour
Zadar, Croatia
Istrian peninsula – the wine growing region of Croatia. | Experience the breathtaking scenery of Kvarner Islands. | Walk on great and gentle trails on beautiful Croatian Islands. | Discover unique coastal towns of Rovinj, Pula, Zadar, Mali Lošinj, … | Explore Zadar with an unforgettable walk in the old town. | Walk around in Rovinj old town and explore Kamenjak Nature Park. | Experience the remarkable Roman amphitheatre — the Arena in the city of Pula. | Stay in charming Mediterranean accommodations. | Taste the culinary richness of Istria, Croatia's “Little Tuscany”. | Explore Paklenica in Telaščica National Park. | Take a walk to the beautiful village of Lubenice on the island of Cres. | Enjoy a great and original itinerary, prepared by us. | 26 years of experiences with tours and holidays in Croatia.
Inclusions
Items that are included in the cost of the self-guided tour price:
- Full organisation of the walking tours and holiday.
- Introductory briefing in Rovinj on day 1 (face to face).
- Booklet LIFE Croatia with detailed itinerary and route instructions, ferry and buses timetables and details with all vouchers for accommodations, ...
- Digital maps with marked routes - course.
- GPS routes/tracks (all stages - all days) - mobile phone or Garmin device.
- APP for navigation (login with smart phone).
- Emergency contact number and 24/7 support.
- Daily collaboration and tracking on the communication app - additional customer support.
- 7 nights in 3/4* hotels, breakfast included.
- All sea transfers according to the itinerary (catamarans and ferries).
- All luggage transfers according to the itinerary.
- All land transfers according to the itinerary.
- Tourist tax and VAT.
Exclusions
Items that are not included in the cost of the tour price:
- Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip - holiday.
- Food and drinks: lunch and dinner on all days.
- Items of personal nature.
- Travel Insurance.
Optional Extras
- High season surcharge (June 1st–Sept. 30th): €380 /person.
- Single room supplement: €480 /person.
- Solo traveler supplement: €880.
- Extra night in Rovinj /Zadar (upon request): approx. €250 /room.
- Optional transfer from Zadar to Split Airport or Split: €180 /for 7 people.
Itinerary
- Arrival at the location.
- Morning or afternoon brieffing/Meeting.
- Hotel ****, Rovinj.
The hiking holiday begins in the beautiful town of Rovinj, a stunning coastal Istrian town with charming architecture and true character. On its eastern side lies a wonderful forest – one of the few on the Adriatic – where pleasant walking trails run right along the sea, blending the scents of the sea and pine trees.
- Breakfast in hotel.
- Walking tour | Stage 01 | Walking from Rovinj to Polari via Zlati rat | Circle walk
- Walking trails – 90%, Gravel roads – 10%
- A leisurely hike with no technically challenging terrain.
- Hotel ****, Rovinj.
A hike in the exceptional surroundings of Kamenjak Nature Park – a circular route full of bays, rocky beaches, forests, and stunning views of the nearby islands. One of the most beautiful hiking tours on the Istrian peninsula.
- Breakfast in hotel.
- Short private transfer to the start of the tour – Premantura.
- Walking tour | Stage 02 | Walking from Premantura via Kamenjak Nature park | Circle walk
- A leisurely hike with no technically challenging terrain.
- Bus transfer back to Pula from Premantura.
- Hotel ****, Pula.
A morning boat trip from Pula to the island of Lošinj, to the town of Mali Lošinj. The island of Lošinj is known as the island of vitality, with lush nature, wonderful fragrances, and a pleasant breeze. It is the most open island to the Adriatic Sea in the Kvarner region and northern Dalmatia. In the afternoon, a lovely hike follows on the most beautiful trails between Mali and Veli Lošinj. An extraordinary setting, an unforgettable experience!Breakfast in Hotel.
- Catamaran transfer from Pula to Mali Lošinj.
- Walking tour | Stage 03 | Walking from Mali Lošin to Veli Lošinj and back | Circle walking tour
- A leisurely hike with no technically challenging terrain.
- A gentle hike with some elevation gain and light technical terrain (rocky sections, etc.).
- Hotel ****, Mali Lošinj.
Morning transfer to the island of Cres, unique and truly special in its natural beauty. A hike from the remarkable village of Lubenice, perched on top of rocky cliffs overlooking the Kvarner Bay and the Istrian peninsula. A pleasant hiking trail along the western part of the island, passing through small villages, vineyards… all the way to beautiful Martinšćica town near sea and the village of Belej.
- Breakfast in hotel.
- Morning private transfer to start of the walk – 55 min. – Lubenice village.
- Walking tour | Stage 04 | Walking from famous Lubenice to Belej village via Martinjščica on Cres island.
- A leisurely hike with no technically challenging terrain.
- Afternoon bus back to Mali Lošinj from Belej.
- Hotel ****, Mali Lošinj
Morning panoramic catamaran ride from the island of Lošinj to Zadar – passing by numerous beautiful islands that are part of Kvarner and northern Dalmatia. A short drive from Zadar takes us to the entrance of Paklenica National Park. This stunning natural environment leaves no one indifferent – it’s simply something that must be experienced. The entire canyon is an extraordinary natural formation, where the sound of the river intertwines with the mighty cliffs, among which Aniča Kuk stands out with its impressive height.
- Breakfast in hotel.
- Morning panoramic catamaran transfer from Mali Lošinj to Zadar (120 min) and transfer from Zadar to Paklenica National Park (30 min.)
- Walking tour | Stage 05 | Walking in Paklenica National park |
- Option 1: Circle walking tour to Mala Paklenica, Option 2: Paklenica walk to mountain hut and back to sea.
- Local bus transfer from Stari Grad to Zadar.
- Walking trails – 100%.
- A gentle hike with some elevation gain and light technical terrain (rocky sections, etc.).
- Hotel ****, Zadar
Waking up in Zadar. In the morning, a boat transfer from Zadar to the town of Sali on Dugi Otok. This is the starting point for a wonderful hike in Telaščica National Park, which is truly exceptional. The rocky, wind-shaped landscape and the mighty cliffs give the park its remarkable uniqueness and, for any hiker, undoubtedly a very special experience.
- Breakfast in hotel.
- Morning ferry transfer from Zadar to Sali (Dugi otok)
- Walking tour | Stage 06 | Walking from Sali via Telaščica National Park | Circle walk
- An easy hike, with some stone/technical sections.
- Afternoon boat transfer back to Zadar.
- Hotel in Zadar****, Zadar
- Breakfast in hotel.
- Departure.
- Optional: Krka National Park walk (with transfer to Šibenik – Krka National Park (60 min).
Accommodation
Accommodation is in 3* and 4* hotels (comfortable with en-suite).
Day 1: Hotel***/**** in Rovinj, double or twin room with breakfast.
Day 2: Hotel***/**** in Rovinj, double or twin room with breakfast.
Day 3: Hotel***/**** in Pula, double or twin room with breakfast.
Day 4: Hotel***/**** in Mali Lošinj, double or twin room with breakfast.
Day 5: Hotel***/**** in Mali Lošinj, double or twin room with breakfast.
Day 6: Hotel***/**** in Zadar, double or twin room with breakfast.
Day 7: Hotel***/**** in Zadar, double or twin room with breakfast.
Travel and Hiking Expert
Every company needs a responsible person behind the scenes. Every hiking tour needs someone who knows the destination, is knowledgeable about outdoor activities, understands the specifics of hiking, and is, among other things, a passionate mountain enthusiast dedicated to exploration. For you and with you on hiking tours is Matej, who has been a hiker, climber, and alpinist for three decades. He is an excellent connoisseur of destinations in Slovenia, Croatia, Austria, Italy, and further across the Balkans.
Matej has traveled to various corners of the world and explored remote places. He is also the creator of over 50 hiking routes, products, programs, and the conceptual leader of the Triglav Trail Run event, considered one of the most beautiful in the region. Regarding hiking content, he advises destinations and collaborates with the industry in developing hiking trails, creating long-distance hiking paths, working for development agencies and destinations. He is here primarily for you, to advise you before the tour, during the tour itself, and, along with the rest of the team at LIFE Hike, to be your greatest help on the tour and during your vacation. To ensure that your hiking holidays are an unforgettable experience.
Istria, Kvarner and North Dalmatia Walking
Discover the beautiful Croatian peninsula called Istria - Croatia's “Little Tuscany”. Enjoy the magical Kvarner islands of Lošinj and Cres. Explore the well-known Paklenica and Telaščica National Parks.
Searching Availability…