Croatia: Castles to Coast Self-Guided Walk - Premium

8 days
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Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Enjoy the relatively undiscovered Istrian peninsula; from the sparkling turquoise coastline to inland towns that can take you back 2000 years. The exhilarating walking will take you past tiny hamlets, olive groves and an abandoned railway; with the opportunity to summit Istria's highest peak Mt Vojak (1401m) for panoramic views as far as the Dolomites and Swi...

Overview

Trip type
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Discover Venetian castles and Renaissance palaces
    • Stay in charming hotels
    • Enjoy panoramic walking paths
    • Sample the regional cuisine
    • 6 days point-to-point walking (including 2 optional circular days)
    • Low altitude and well-marked paths
    • Self-guided holiday. Min age 12 yrs
    • 7 nights in 3, 4 and 5-star hotels, all with en suite facilities

What's this trip about?

    Enjoy the relatively undiscovered Istrian peninsula; from the sparkling turquoise coastline to inland towns that can take you back 2000 years. The exhilarating walking will take you past tiny hamlets, olive groves and an abandoned railway; with the opportunity to summit Istria's highest peak Mt Vojak (1401m) for panoramic views as far as the Dolomites and Switzerland. The stunning accommodation is a real highlight of this trip and the evening meals both at your hotels and nearby restaurants will be a delight.Enjoy self-guided walking on the relatively undiscovered Istrian peninsula

Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 6 people
Age range12 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityMotovun
End CityOpatija

Travel Themes

  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Croatia

Attractions

  • Croatia

Activities

  • Hiking
  • Trekking
  • Independent

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 2

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 6

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts
    • 5 picnic lunches and 2 dinners
    • All accommodation (see below)
    • All baggage transport
    • Route notes and maps
    • Arrival & departure transfers - subject to 2 passengers traveling

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map
Flight Inclusive

Day 1 Start Motovun.

A transfer will meet you at Pula airport and transfer you (1 hour) to your 3-star hotel in Motovun. Dinner is included on the terrace tonight, which offers fantastic panoramic views.

Day 2 Circular route in the Kaldir Valley, through orchards of apples, peaches, cherries and plums.

Today's circular route will take you to the Kaldir Valley below Motovun and is well-known locally for fruit. You ascend through orchards of apples, peaches, cherries and plums, passing country shrines and tiny hamlets. A high ridge offers excellent views east to Mt Vo...

Day 3 Transfer to Livade and walk the panoramic track of an old railway.

Today's shorter option starts with a transfer (10 mins) to Livade, whilst the longer option departs from the hotel with a steady descent through vines before reaching Livade, from where a panoramic walking track (originally a railway abandoned in 1935) leads over aque...

Day 4 Enjoy a winding forest trail high above the clear Mirna River; descend to Buzet.

After a transfer (10 mins) to the ghost village of Bentonici, a winding ascent on a forest trail sprinkled with green winged orchid leads you high above the clear Mirna River. Church bells chime across valleys of beech from pointed steeples that crown every hilltop. B...

Day 5 Circular route through small villages and shady oak woods.

High above Buzet, a limestone escarpment runs east to west above shady oak woods peppered with smallholdings. Chickens scatter as you pass through villages leading up onto the ridge for uninterrupted views back to Motovun. You follow the escarpment ridge across wind-s...

Day 6 Enjoy a more challenging walk to the highest point at 1401m; panoramic views of nearby islands and peaks.

Mt Vojak, Istria's highest peak, towers 1401m over the east coast in Ucka National Park, a haven for many protected flowers and plants. After a transfer (40 mins), you zigzag to the summit for 360 degree views of Croatia's islands and Alpine peaks in Slovenia, Italy a...

Day 7 Walk through pretty coves and sea cliffs to Lovran; local bus home.

The Adriatic Riviera was a playground for the social elite in the 19th Century. Impressive villas with opulent gardens rich with local and exotic plants line the waterfront with views over to the Velebit mountains. A panoramic walkway leads along the sea between yacht...

Day 8 End Opatija. Transfer back to Pula for your return flight.

The tour ends after breakfast. A transfer (80 mins) has been arranged for 08:00 to take you back to Pula airport for your flight home. Alternatively, why not spend extra nights in beautiful Opatija.

Land Only

Day 1 Start Motovun.

A transfer will meet you at Pula airport and transfer you (1 hour) to your 3-star hotel in Motovun. Dinner is included on the terrace tonight, which offers fantastic panoramic views.

Day 2 Circular route in the Kaldir Valley, through orchards of apples, peaches, cherries and plums.

Today's circular route below will take you to the Kaldir Valley Motovun and is well-known locally for fruit. You ascend through orchards of apples, peaches, cherries and plums, passing country shrines and tiny hamlets. A high ridge offers excellent views east to Mt Vo...

Day 3 Transfer to Livade and walk the panoramic track of an old railway.

Today's shorter option starts with a transfer (10 mins) to Livade, whilst the longer option departs from the hotel with a steady descent through vines before reaching Livade, from where a panoramic walking track (originally a railway abandoned in 1935) leads over aque...

Day 4 Enjoy a winding forest trail high above the clear Mirna River; descend to Buzet.

After a transfer (10 mins) to the ghost village of Bentonici, a winding ascent on a forest trail sprinkled with green winged orchid leads you high above the clear Mirna River. Church bells chime across valleys of beech from pointed steeples that crown every hilltop. B...

Day 5 Circular route through small villages and shady oak woods.

High above Buzet, a limestone escarpment runs east to west above shady oak woods peppered with smallholdings. Chickens scatter as you pass through villages leading up onto the ridge for uninterrupted views back to Motovun. You follow the escarpment ridge across wind-s...

Day 6 Enjoy a more challenging walk to the highest point at 1401m; panoramic views of nearby islands and peaks.

Mt Vojak, Istria's highest peak, towers 1401m over the east coast in Ucka National Park, a haven for many protected flowers and plants. After a transfer (40 mins), you zigzag to the summit for 360 degree views of Croatia's islands and Alpine peaks in Slovenia, Italy a...

Day 7 Walk through pretty coves and sea cliffs to Lovran; local bus home.

The Adriatic Riviera was a playground for the social elite in the 19th Century. Impressive villas with opulent gardens rich with local and exotic plants line the waterfront with views over to the Velebit mountains. A panoramic walkway leads along the sea between yacht...

Day 8 End Opatija. Transfer back to Pula for your return flight.

The tour ends after breakfast. A transfer (80 mins) has been arranged for 08:00 to take you back to Pula airport for your flight home. Alternatively, why not spend extra nights in beautiful Opatija.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $1,735
Price per day$217
Last Updated: 8/2/2018

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation (available on request) Compulsory single supplement from GBP161
    • Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation

6 days point-to-point walking (including 2 optional circular days) Low altitude and well-marked paths Self-guided holiday. Min age 12 yrs 7 nights in 3, 4 and 5-star hotels, all with en suite facilities
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
Dinner: All breakfasts, 5 picnic lunches and 2 dinners are included. Croatian food is an amalgamation of flavours and influence, from inland to coastal and from former rulers from Italy and Austria. On the coast pasta, risotto and pizza dishes frequent the menus - a favourite is cuttlefish risotto where the rice is dyed black by the fish ink. In Istria they fish a lot of shellfish and crustaceans, so oysters, crab and prawns feature in many dishes. Sardines are also one of the mainstays of the local diet and are usually served grilled and drizzled with lemon juice on a bed of crunchy salad. Pork and lamb are by far the most popular meats, and you will also find lots of cured meats, usually served with olives. Desserts are often quite heavy and sticky, but there also tends to be a good display of ice-cream on offer thanks to the Italian influence. There is plenty of opportunities to sample the local wine too.
Age Requirements
12 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
exodus-LKA

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