Walking Croatia: Islands & Mountains

The tour starts in the fascinating old city of Dubrovnik. Situated right on the Adriatic Sea, the fine religious buildings surrounded by heavily fortified walls and the jumble of red-tiled roofs make this a truly enchanting place.

In the evening, we may have the opportunity to walk around the city (subject to flight arrival time) and go out for an optional group meal where we have a briefing about the tour. Stay: Hotel Vis or Hotel Komodor (or similar).

After breakfast, we take a short transfer (about 25 minutes) to the village of Gornji Obod. From here, we follow a path that zig-zags up to the village of Velji Do.

After a break, the walk continues up to Strazisce peak; at the top, we are rewarded with spectacular views back over Dubrovnik and can see the commemorative cross in memory of the US aircraft that crashed delivering aid in 1996. Return to Velji Do and then catch a bus back to Dubrovnik, where we have the afternoon to enjoy the city. The cobblestoned streets of the old town, or Stari Grad, feature fountains, churches, palaces and museums – all built from the same light stone. There are no motor vehicles in the city, but at night the streets come alive as people take an early evening stroll along the Stradun, the main street covered in smooth shiny marble. Stay: Hotel Vis or Hotel Komodor (or similar) (B).

After breakfast, we transfer (3hr 30min, including a coffee break) by bus to Tucepi. There, we begin our walk to Makarska, through the Biokovo mountains. The Biokovo massif rises steeply above the Makarska Riviera in three spectacular shelves, providing hiking for all levels and fabulous views.

Our destination of Makarska is a small but lively town, tastefully restored in stone after a devastating earthquake in 1962. It has a fantastic 1. 2mi (2km) stretch of beach, so if we have a bit of time, we can take a refreshing dip before we head for Brac island. We catch the ferry from Makarska and transfer to Bol, by far the biggest draw on Brac. Stay: Villa Daniela (or similar) (B).

Start with a 20-minute transfer to the small village of Gazul, where we begin our walk to the peak of Vidova Gora (2,559ft/780m). The first part takes us through woodland for around 90 minutes as we gradually ascend 755ft (230m) to the summit of the highest point on Brac. The views from the top are spectacular; we can see all the way to Hvar island in the distance and the 1,640ft (500m) long spit of Zlatni Rat jutting out to sea in the foreground – this view is one that features on many postcards in Croatia, so make sure to bring your camera. From here, our walk is downhill for around two hours towards Bol.

In the afternoon, you can make the most of the glorious Zlatni Rat beach. It is south-facing – ideal for an afternoon of rest and relaxation. Stay: Villa Daniela (or similar) (B).

Begin with a morning ferry to Split, the second biggest city in Croatia. The old centre is compact and easily explored on foot; many make a beeline to the best-known attraction, Diocletian's Palace. The town is a lively and friendly place with a cafe culture. We then transfer (approximately 52mi/84km) by bus to Krka National Park.

Here, we begin our walk to Skradinski Buk, a series of waterfalls dropping down in 17 dramatic steps. The area is accessed by wooden walkways and forest paths. It's also a fantastic spot for wildlife – an important sanctuary with several endemic species, some now extinct elsewhere in Europe. The walk takes around 2hr 30min and is all on easy paths. In the late afternoon, we transfer to Starigrad Paklenica. Stay: Hotel Vicko (or similar) (B).

Take a transfer in the morning to the western part of Paklenica National Park. Here, we start our hiking tour, which passes old villages and fields, hidden among the rocky towers and ridges of this limestone realm. After reaching the highest point of the day (approximately 2,495ft/760m), offering splendid views of Velika Paklenica Canyon from the west, we go down to the main canyon and descend to the park entrance, admiring the mighty walls of Velika Paklenica along the way.

As one of the most popular climbing destinations in the region, Paklenica attracts climbers from all over the world. While hiking down the canyon, admire the courage and determination of those on the cliffs. We end the hike at the park entrance and take a 10-minute transfer to the hotel. Stay: Hotel Vicko (or similar) (B).

We have another opportunity to explore the wonderful wilderness of Paklenica National Park and complete the most challenging hike of the trip. We walk to the saddle of Pod Jaginim Kukom, which has a great view up to Bojin Kuk. The Bojinac group is made of a vast area of limestone, with the karst scenery forming towers of rock, furrowed limestone cliffs, caves and green meadows, which contrasts against the severe rock. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty and a walker's paradise. Today's hike takes about five to six hours, the terrain is quite challenging and rocky and requires concentration, steady footing and good balance. En route, we pass the unusual Mirila graves.

This afternoon, we return to Starigrad Paklenica in time for a swim and relaxation before leaving Croatia tomorrow. Stay: Hotel Vicko (or similar) (B).

Enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel this morning, before starting your return journey home. Of course, if you'd like a little time to explore Zadar, home to Roman ruins and intriguing art installations, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay (B).