Tour itinerary
Day 1
After joining the trip in Dubrovnik you transfer to Zaton Bay, a charming and picturesque bay stretching over two kilometres. Located 10 kilometres north of Dubrovnik, the beach is pebbly with rocky crags which you can explore on foot or by kayak. There are many cosy restaurants beside the sea where you can savour local Dalmatian specialities. Your accommodation throughout the holiday is in a traditional stone house.
Traditional Stone House – 7 nights
Day 2
You begin the day with some sea kayaking instruction in the safe, warm waters of Zaton Bay. Then in the afternoon, to build some confidence, you will kayak along the local beaches to the islands of Daksa and Lapad Bay. There is no pressure to go fast; you kayak along at your own pace.
(B)
Day 3
Today you will be kayaking in the area of Kolocep Island. During paddling breaks you can enjoy swimming, sightseeing and snorkelling before returning to Zaton in the afternoon in time for an evening promenade followed by dinner.
(B)
Day 4
Today you begin to explore the beautiful Elafiti Islands. You take a ferry to Lopud Island, the second smallest of the Elafiti Islands and a haven of peace and tranquillity. Its landscape is typical of many around the Mediterranean with pine forests, olive groves, towering cypress trees and even palm trees. The warm climate is ideal for growing grapes, figs, carob, pomegranate and a variety of citrus fruit. Its many beaches provide a perfect playground for you and the kids. You could have a go at playing “Picigin” volleyball in knee-deep water with an egg-sized ball! Alternatively you can become familiar with life on the island by walking through the lovely pine forests and traditional stone built Mediterranean fishing villages. In the evening you return to Zaton.
(B)
Day 5
This morning you transfer to the south of Dubrovnik to an area previously ravaged by the war. The Konavle Valley was occupied by enemy forces and life is only just returning back to normal. The valley itself is flat-bottomed with a large number of natural and man-made streams flowing through it. The area is fertile agricultural land with fruit and cereals being the main products. There is a lot of water in the valley and this has been channelled over the years to ancient mills still functioning today. The area is beautiful and the riding is not too challenging although you may get your feet wet!
(B)
Day 6
After a day off the water you transfer from Zaton to the beach just south of Dubrovnik city. From here you paddle around the city walls and see Dubrovnik as marauders from the middle ages would have seen it. Depending on how strong a kayaker you have become, you can either paddle out to the islands near to Dubrovnik or head down the coast to Betina Cave, a delightful cave with its own beach which can only be accessed from the sea. After lunch you paddle along the coast back to Dubrovnik and transfer back to Zaton.
(B)
Day 7
This morning you again transfer to the south of Dubrovnik. From your start point you walk along the cliff tops in the Cavtat region. There is a quiet car-free path along the top of the cliffs with tiny paths that lead down to secluded coves and beaches below. The views are stunning especially back towards Dubrovnik.
If you are feeling a little tired and would prefer a more relaxing day, the bus can drop you off in the city on the way through to the start of the walk. Lunch is not included if you decide to do this. Please pre-arrange your pick up time with the rest of the group.
There are many wondrous monuments in this city including the 15th century Rector’s Palace, monasteries with cloistered gardens and fine baroque churches with copper domes. The main pedestrian promenade, once a shallow sea channel, is now paved with glistening white limestone in stark contrast to the warm red terracotta roofs. It’s hard to imagine a more beautiful city.
A walk around the city walls (2km) is a highlight not to be missed, taking about an hour and providing panoramic views over the city’s roof tops and out across the Adriatic Sea. The walls are on average 24m high and 3m thick on the seaward side. It is rare for such features built centuries ago to have a modern use but the eight-month siege of the city in the early 1990’s proved their worth. Thankfully most of the damage done has now been repaired. Later you return to Zaton. (B, L if doing walk)
Day 8
The trip ends in Dubrovnik for Land Only clients.
(B)