From Hilltop Motuvun to Medieval Trogir

Croatia: Istria and the Dalmatian Coast

Croatia, Slovenia

11 Days

From $6,195

Overview

    Book Online Download Itinerary

    Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

    Overview

    On the sunny northern Dalmatian Coast (and away from the cruise ships), we bring you a journey of vineyard hikes, walks in truffle and olive oil country, island hopping, and seaside rambles along the blue Adriatic. We'll hike to castle-topped Motovun, with a walk on its ancient walls, explore the Kvarner Gulf by sailboat, enjoy swim stops, and see the grand Roman amphitheater at Pula. Along the way, our Trip Leaders introduce us to fascinating people, great wines, and regional delights (think freshly grilled calamari, enjoyed waterside!). Our journey begins in Slovenia's lovely capital, Ljubljana, and our finale is in the medieval island-town of Trogir, a World Heritage Site.

    Arrive: Ljubljana, Slovenia

    Depart: Split, Croatia

    Highlights

    • Hike to the stunning hill towns of Motovun, Gracisce, and Lubenice
    • Discover the amphitheater at Pula, whose amazing state of preservation brings the Roman world to life
    • Explore exquisite Rovinj, Veli Lošinj, and islands of the northern Dalmatian Coast
    • Enjoy private tastings of regional delights and sample great local wines

    Overview

      Book Online Download Itinerary

      Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

      Itinerary

      Download Itinerary Expand All Days
      From castle-topped Ljubljana, we head to Croatia's Istrian Peninsula for a hike through truffle country to the hill town of Motovun, entering town through its original gates. After our hike on the Parenzana Trail, which links Slovenia, Croatia, and Italy, we visit the artists' haven of Groznjan, once a Venetian fortress town.
      We walk another scenic stretch of the Parenzana, then head to Porec, climbing up the bell tower of its majestic cathedral for Adriatic vistas. At Pula, we explore its impressive Roman amphitheater. Overnights are in Rovinj, with its quayside cafes, yachts, Venetian mansions, and delightfully Italian flavor.
      On rugged Cres, an island of tiny stone villages, we hike from clifftop Lubenice down through pine forests to the bay of Martinšica for a picnic and a swim. We walk along the seaside promenade to the village of Veli Lošinj, set around a natural harbor, and up a ridge to the church of St. Ivan, overlooking the sea.
      By private sailboat, we head to the Renaissance-era island of Rab, and we'll hike in Krka National Park to enjoy its karst landscape of cliffs and canyons. Our trip ends in Trogir, with its medieval Old Town surrounded by the sea. Depart on Day 11 via Split or extend to Dubrovnik.

      Dates & Pricing

      Pricing below is per person and based on double occupancy. The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have. WT also has the most generous cancellation and transfer policies in the industry, we make it easy if you change your mind. Have a small group of your own? Take over an existing date or choose your own. You’ll have your own private guide–and the adventure–all to yourselves!

      Payment & Cancel Schedule

      $600 due at time of reservation
      90 days prior to departure: Balance

      Cancellation & Transfer Schedule

      Up to 91 days prior to departure: No Charge!
      61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost
      46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost
      45 days or less: 100% of trip cost

      Included
      • Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
      • Accommodations in hotels and comfortable inns
      • A glass of wine or beer with dinner
      • All ground transportation and baggage handling from meeting until departure
      • All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
      Not Included
      • Travel to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
      • Additional hotel nights outside the trip's scheduled dates
      • Optional gratuities to Trip Leaders or staff
      • Optional travel insurance
      • Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)

      Accommodations

      Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

      Hotel Cubo

      Ljubljana, Slovenia

      Day 1 (1 night)

      Old World charm meets modern styling at the Hotel Cubo, set in the center of downtown Ljubljana. With views of the hilltop castle and only a short walk to the Old Town center, the hotel has a welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff. Spacious guestrooms have plush bedding and chic bathrooms,...

      Kastel Motovun

      Motovun, Croatia

      Days 2-3 (2 nights)

      The charming Kastel Motovun is a converted castle-fortress perched high on a hill above Motovun, looking out over the green expanse of the Istria valley. The hotel's setting at the top of the hill is just magnificent—sunset views from atop the castle walls are memorable.

      Villa Angelo d'Oro

      Rovinj, Croatia

      Days 4-5 (2 nights)

      This small inn nestled in the walled medieval section of Rovinj served as the bishop's palace during Rovinj's 17th century heyday. As with all converted historic buildings, rooms vary in size and shape but all are comfortable. Breakfast is served in the stone-built courtyard.

      Boutique Hotel Alhambra

      Losinj, Croatia

      Days 6-7 (2 nights)

      Set on a corner of magical Cikat Bay on the island of Losinj, this 51-room, villa-like hotel is a blend of Art Nouveau architecture and contemporary design that's simply elegant. The full-service spa area includes a heated indoor saltwater swimming pool and fully equipped gym, and the Alfred Keller Restaurant...

      Hotel Arbiana

      Rab, Croatia

      Days 8-9 (2 nights)

      The Arbiana is a boutique hotel in the historic center of the island of Rab.  Some rooms may be a bit small by US standards but all are well appointed, and most have balconies overlooking the beautiful harbor and the blue Adriatic. The garden dining area is partly enclosed...

      XII Century Heritage Hotel

      Trogir, Croatia

      Day 10 (1 night)

      Located on the waterfront promenade in medieval Trogir, the 15 rooms of this quaint hotel are individually designed, each with modern amenities and private bathrooms. Breakfast is served in the dining room or out on the terrace where you can enjoy the breeze from the Adriatic as ships come and...

      Trip Leaders

      Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. For more information, including client comments about them and which specific trips they will be leading, please click on their profiles below.

      Nena Rifelj

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      Jirí Rohel

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      Stanislav Simicic

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      Kristina Dragun Simicic

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      Tomo Petek

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      Richard Bell

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      Zuzana Sochorova

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      What the Trip is Like

      This trip is rated a Level 2+ (Easy to Moderate) according to our trip grading system. You will need to be comfortable hiking 8 miles a day and being on your feet for up to 4 hours a day. Trail conditions, weather, and the group's level of fitness can affect hiking times and pacing.

      Average Hiking Day
      • 5-6 miles
      • 3-4 hours
      • 200-350 feet gain/loss
      Review Trip Level Details
      The terrain can be hilly and rocky with many sets of stairs on both ascents and descents. There are a couple short, steep downhills, including one that is exposed. Some hikes are very rugged, and hiking poles are recommended.
      Spring and fall are the best times to visit, as it is less crowded and humid. The climate is typical of the Mediterranean. It can be cool and pleasant, hot and muggy, or damp and chilly, and cool breezes and showers are possible at any time.
      Our accommodations are in charming inns and hotels. Since they are often in historic buildings, the rooms are not always of uniform or international size. Our leaders do their best to assign rooms in a fair way so that all participants experience an equal advantage throughout the trip as a whole. Hotel Angelo D'Oro doesn't have an elevator, but the staff will help with your bags. Single rooms can be requested but are not always available, due to the limited space in the hotels. If you prefer a single room, please make your request as early as possible.
      Our lunches are in restaurants, on boats, or picnic-style. Dinners are at local restaurants or our hotel. The cuisine is typical of the Mediterranean with salads, vegetables, pasta, meat, and seafood. Please note that in Europe, the dinner hour is considerably later than what it is in the US. We do our best to secure early reservations for our groups, but most often the evening meal will be at 7:30 pm.
      Our van will transport the group's luggage, so you only need to carry a daypack for items you need for the day (rain gear, sweater, camera, water bottle, etc.). Trip members are always free to skip a day's hike and travel to the next destination in the support vehicle (or remain at the hotel if we are not transferring that day).

      Extend Your Trip

      Client Testimonials

      "This was an amazing overview of the region, and we covered a lot of ground and different kinds of territory. The walks were beautiful and the people were great. I really enjoyed my time on this trip!"

      Andrea B.

      New York, NY

      "Our guides were superb—professional, friendly, knew their culture, excellent hiking guides, connected openly and warmly with everyone. A+ people and guides all the way around."

      Bruce F.

      Berkeley, CA

      "This was our fifth trip with Wilderness Travel and they all have been excellent!"

      Carolyn S.

      Santa Rosa, CA

      "A terrific trip, with nice diversity of hikes and cultural opportunities."

      Charlie and Cathy K.

      Santa Fe, NM

      "This was a great trip for seeing Croatia. You captured the essence of the country and got us away from the crowds between Split and Dubrovnik."

      David S.

      Carson City, NV

      "Great guides, good food, nice hotels, and many beautiful, memorable walks. Lovely mixes of scenery with wildflowers and olive groves, coastal walks with views of the Adriatic, walks with views of villages with red tile roofs—many photographic moments!"

      Dorothy D.

      Denver, CO

      "Excellent trip all around. Fantastic guides and great travel companions—our small 9-person group was a plus."

      Gary J.

      San Francisco, CA

      "Great trip, lovely scenery, friendly people, easy hiking—and great seafood almost everywhere!"

      Jay B.

      San Rafael, CA

      "Excellent trip—loved the places we visited!"

      Karen S.

      Tesuque, NM

      "We really enjoyed this trip. Itinerary was really well designed with a perfect mix of culture and hiking and swimming. The days went quickly but we never felt rushed."

      Marcella S.

      Los Altos, CA

      "Thank you for offering this trip. It is wonderfully choreographed experience in beautiful countries that includes hiking, expertly guided tours, a national park visit, boat and ferry rides and showcase of local cuisines. We are very grateful to the leaders, Stan and Ingrid, and to the Wilderness staff for all the work it takes to put together this experience. Thank you very much."

      Pat D.

      Cambridge, MA

      "First-class all the way—a lot of fun!"

      Ron K.

      Scottsdale, AZ

      "I'm so glad that I chose the Croatia trip. The itinerary was beautiful and provided a mix of hiking, history, culture, and even boating! Both of the trip leaders are top notch. Bravo, Wilderness Travel!"

      Susan M.

      Woodbury, MN

      "I had a blast!"

      Tiffany D.

      Nashville, TN

      "This trip delivered so much more than I was expecting! Every day, it seems, I was surprised, impressed, and wowed by something."

      Tori H.

      Cincinnati, OH

      Book your trip today

      Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

      Itinerary

      Submit the form below to download itinerary

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      Trip Levels

      With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

      Level 1 – Easiest

      Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.

      Level 2 – Easy to Moderate

      Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.

       

      Level 3 – Moderate

      Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.

      Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous

      Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.

       

      Level 5 – Strenuous

      Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.

      Level 6 – Very Strenuous

      Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.

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Crowned by a hilltop castle, the city&rsquo;s compact Old Town lends itself to exploration on foot, with a maze of narrow cobbled streets, splendid red-roofed Baroque townhouses, Art Nouveau buildings, open-air markets, a lively caf&eacute; scene, and enchanting pedestrian bridges spanning the meandering River Ljubljanica. We gather this evening for our Welcome Dinner.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":2,"DayTo":2,"Headline":"Hrastovlje \/ Gracisce, Croatia \/ Motovun","ActivityOverview":"Hiking Details:","EstimatedLength":"6 miles, 4 hours, 400' ascent\/descent","ActivityLevel":"Driving Time:","ItinBlock":"A short drive south brings us to the beautiful karst landscape near the border between Slovenia and Croatia. We begin our morning hike below limestone cliffs at the 500-year-old hamlet of Crnotice, crossing rolling vineyards to reach the village of Hrastovlje, with its 12th century Church of the Holy Trinity. We enjoy a visit to the church to see its extraordinary Gothic frescoes, including the famous Dance of Death, a scene of skeletons leading figures into the afterlife. After lunch, a 1.5-hour hike brings us to the lovely village of Gracisce, where time seems to stand still. In the late afternoon, we drive across the Croatian border toward the Motovun area, then walk the rest of the way to Motovun, zig-zagging up the road to this classic fairytale village on a hilltop surrounded by chestnut forests and vineyards. We enter the town through its original gates, replete with stone-carved Venetian lions. A fabulous example of Venetian architecture, Motovun exudes charm at every turn. The late-Renaissance church in the main square, the Church of St. Stephen, was designed by the renowned Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio. A walk on the ancient walls of this town offers spectacular views over the rolling vineyards and rumpled countryside of the Mirna Valley, Istria&rsquo;s wine country. Tonight we enjoy our dinner on the terrace watching the sunset and explore the castle walls on a walk afterwards.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"2.5 hours","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":3,"DayTo":3,"Headline":"Motovun \/ Groznjan","ActivityOverview":"Hiking Details: ","EstimatedLength":"5.5 miles, 3.5 hours, 200' ascent","ActivityLevel":"Driving Time: ","ItinBlock":"The forests surrounding Motovun are the largest habitat of truffles in Istria. These culinary delicacies are uncovered by specially trained truffle-hunting dogs, who look for black truffles in summer months and the prized Istrian white truffle in early spring. At the hotel this morning, we'll watch a 30-minute documentary on the local tradition of truffle production, then head to to the village of Kostanjica, where we begin our hike on the Parenzana Trail to the ruined hilltop town of Zavrsje. After lunch at a local farm where we enjoy prosciutto, cheese, and Istrian olive oil, we head to the artists&rsquo; town of Groznjan. In the Middle Ages, Groznjan was a thriving Venetian fortress town, but later fell into ruin and was abandoned. In the late 1960s, a group of artists moved in and reestablished it as an arts community. Today galleries, workshops, painters&rsquo; ateliers, and restoration studios are bringing the village back to life. We&rsquo;ll explore the town, with its many great photographic opportunities and lovely cafes, then return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner tonight is in a konoba (a restaurant where authentic Dalmatian cuisine is served), known for its truffle specialties.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"1 hour","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":4,"DayTo":4,"Headline":"Vizinada \/ Porec \/ Rovinj","ActivityOverview":"Hiking Details: ","EstimatedLength":"5 miles, 2.5 hours, 250' ascent ","ActivityLevel":"Driving Time: ","ItinBlock":"Today&rsquo;s hike is on another section of the Parenzana trail and begins from Vizinada. Hiking through vineyards and olive groves, we enjoy beautiful views, including a perfect vista of the Adriatic on the horizon. Reaching Visnjan, we meet our vehicles and head to the seaside town of Porec, where we begin to explore the coastal world of the Adriatic, with its legacy of the seafaring Venetians. After lunch in a local pizzeria, we visit Porec&rsquo;s majestic cathedral, the 6th century Basilica of Euphrasias, a World Heritage Site known for its exquisite Byzantine mosaics. A climb to the church&rsquo;s bell tower offers views over the red-tiled roofs of the town and across the blue Adriatic. A short drive brings us to Rovinj (&#8220;ro-veen&#8221;), one of the most beautiful towns on the entire Adriatic coast, picture-perfect with its tall pink clock tower and honey-colored buildings terracing to the water&rsquo;s edge. With its blend of sunny quayside cafes, yachts, working fishing boats, and Venetian mansions, Rovinj has a delightfully Italian flavor. After checking into our hotel, we explore the old part of town on our way to dinner. Tonight, we&rsquo;ll enjoy some delicious seafood in a local restaurant.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"1.5 hours","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":5,"DayTo":5,"Headline":"Rovinj \/ Pula","ActivityOverview":"Hiking Details: ","EstimatedLength":"5 miles, 4 hours","ActivityLevel":"Driving Time: ","ItinBlock":"In the morning, we take a short drive to Pula, a working port city that is full of Roman ruins. We explore the most impressive one, an immense Roman amphitheater built during the reign of Emperor Augustus (31 BC-14 AD), enlarged under Emperor Claudius (541-56 AD), and finally completed under Flavius (69-96 AD). In its day, it could seat 23,000 spectators and is still used today for concerts and plays. We return to Rovinj for lunch in a small restaurant that offers local Istrian specialties, including local Malvasia and Teran wines. In the afternoon, you can join the Trip Leader for an optional walk (2 hours) back to the hotel along a coastal path through pine forests and little rocky coves with views down the coast. Or, you can return to the hotel by van and spend the afternoon at the beach or read a book in the hotel's secret garden. Dinner is on your own this evening. The Trip Leader will be happy to make restaurant recommendations, depending on how fancy or local you want to go.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"1 hour","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":6,"DayTo":6,"Headline":"Cres Island \/ Lo&scaron;inj Island","ActivityOverview":"Hiking Details: ","EstimatedLength":"5 miles, 3 hours, 300' ascent, 400' descent","ActivityLevel":"Driving Time:","ItinBlock":"We get an early start for a drive to the eastern side of the Istrian Peninsula, where we catch a ferry for rugged Cres, an island of tiny stone villages surrounded by an azure sea, reminiscent of Greece 30 years ago. We arrive around lunchtime and explore quaint Cres Town, with its Renaissance center. After lunch, we drive up to Lubenice, a medieval cliff-top village, for a hike over the top of the island through pine forests to the village of Vidovici. Views along the way stretch across the Adriatic to the Istrian Peninsula. Today&rsquo;s hike is on a very rocky trail, and those who wish can relax by the beach instead of hiking. At tonight&rsquo;s dinner, we enjoy Croatian Peka lamb, cooked slowly in a traditional oven instead of a wood fire, at a local restaurant.<br><strong><br>Cres and Lo&scaron;inj Islands:<\/strong> Cres and Lo&scaron;inj (&#8220;lo-sheen&#8221;) are the westernmost of the islands in the Kvarner Gulf, a deep bay that separates the Istrian Peninsula from Dalmatia in the south. They mark an ecological transition zone between the lush greenery of northern Croatia and the bare karst landscapes of the Adriatic. Lush and green on their western sides, the islands are dry, stony, and stark when seen from the mainland, a result of deforestation during the Venetian era, when timber was cut to build ships for the Venetian fleet.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"4.5 hours ","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":7,"DayTo":7,"Headline":"Veli Lo&scaron;inj \/ Mali Lo&scaron;inj","ActivityOverview":"Hiking Details:","EstimatedLength":"5.5 miles, 3 hours, 900' ascent","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We walk along the lungomare (the seaside promenade) to Veli Lo&scaron;inj, a small hamlet with a huge 18th century church and a jumble of ancient houses around a natural harbor, then continue up a steep rocky trail to a ridgetop for a picnic near the tiny church of St. Ivan, with its 360-degree views over the sea. (Note: van support is an option if you&rsquo;d like to opt out of the last, steeper portion of today&rsquo;s hike.) After lunch, we'll visit Mali Lo&scaron;inj&rsquo;s small museum where the original bronze Greek statue of Apoxyomenos is on exhibit. This beautiful statue, discovered on the sea bottom near the islet of Veli Orjule in 1996, represents a powerful athlete, most likely a wrestler. Dinner is on your own this evening. You might want to sample some grilled calamari paired with a crisp white wine.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":8,"DayTo":8,"Headline":"Kvarner Gulf \/ Rab Island","ActivityOverview":"Hiking Details:","EstimatedLength":"2.5 miles, 2 hours, 300' ascent\/descent","ActivityLevel":"Boating Time:","ItinBlock":"We board our own chartered boat for a wonderful morning exploration of the Kvarner Gulf, including a visit to an olive garden. For lunch, our boat crew will prepare a meal of fresh fish for us, and, after time for an afternoon swim, we sail to the small Renaissance-era island of Rab, docking right near our hotel. Rab Town, set along a slender peninsula and dotted with late-Romanesque campaniles, was incorporated into the Venetian Empire in 1409. The town&rsquo;s preserved medieval center is an enticing setting of small piazzas, narrow alleys, Renaissance townhouses, and palaces with ornate balconies.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"3-5 hours","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":9,"DayTo":9,"Headline":"Rab","ActivityOverview":"Hiking Details:","EstimatedLength":"8 miles (5 miles with van support), 4 hours, 200' ascent\/descent","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Rab is one of the most beautiful islands in the Kvarner Gulf. Today we enjoy a hike through the island&rsquo;s lovely forests of holm oak to the nature reserve of Dundo Wood, passing the old monastery of St. Eufemia en route to a lovely bay where we can enjoy a swim. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the beautiful setting or explore the town. Dinner is on your own this evening. Try one of Rab's many popular restaurants&mdash;as you might expect, seafood is tops on the menu!","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":10,"DayTo":10,"Headline":"Velebitski Kanal \/ Krka National Park \/ Trogir","ActivityOverview":"Hiking Details:","EstimatedLength":"5 miles, 3 hours, 300' ascent\/descent","ActivityLevel":"Driving Time:","ItinBlock":"Returning to the mainland, we head out for a beautiful morning drive along the Adriatic Coast, contouring along a spectacular bay, with the mountain ridge of Velebit rising from its shores. Along the way, we stop for a walk on the wooded trails of Krka National Park, which protects the beautiful karst landscape along the Krka River. Pristine waterfalls, towering cliffs, and bubbling streams cascading through winding canyons make this a wonderful place for a walk. In the late afternoon, we arrive in Trogir, a World Heritage Site. The core of its Old Town, surrounded by the sea, was completed between the 13th and 15th centuries and is full of enchanting architectural treasures including the Venetian Governor&rsquo;s Palace in the main square. This evening we gather for our Farewell Dinner.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"4 hours","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":11,"DayTo":11,"Headline":"Depart","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Transfer on your own to the ferry terminal or Split airport, or join our Dubrovnik extension. If you need any assistance arranging your transfer, your Trip Leaders will be happy to help.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":1,"DayTo":3,"Headline":"Ljubljana, Slovenia \/ Motovun, Croatia \/ Groznjan","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"From castle-topped Ljubljana, we head to Croatia's Istrian Peninsula for a hike through truffle country to the hill town of Motovun, entering town through its original gates. After our hike on the Parenzana Trail, which links Slovenia, Croatia, and Italy, we visit the artists' haven of Groznjan, once a Venetian fortress town.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":4,"DayTo":5,"Headline":"Rovinj \/ Porec \/ Pula","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We walk another scenic stretch of the Parenzana, then head to Porec, climbing up the bell tower of its majestic cathedral for Adriatic vistas. At Pula, we explore its impressive Roman amphitheater. Overnights are in Rovinj, with its quayside cafes, yachts, Venetian mansions, and delightfully Italian flavor.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":6,"DayTo":7,"Headline":"Cres \/ Lubenice","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"On rugged Cres, an island of tiny stone villages, we hike from clifftop Lubenice down through pine forests to the bay of Martin&scaron;ica for a picnic and a swim. We walk along the seaside promenade to the village of Veli Lo&scaron;inj, set around a natural harbor, and up a ridge to the church of St. Ivan, overlooking the sea.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":8,"DayTo":11,"Headline":"Rab \/ Trogir","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"By private sailboat, we head to the Renaissance-era island of Rab, and we&apos;ll hike in Krka National Park to enjoy its karst landscape of cliffs and canyons. Our trip ends in Trogir, with its medieval Old Town surrounded by the sea. Depart on Day 11 via Split or extend to Dubrovnik.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true}],"itinpdf":[{"ItinYear":"2024","docType":"1","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/portal\/croatia-istria-and-the-dalmatian-coast-itinerary-2024.pdf"},{"ItinYear":"2024","docType":"2","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/portal\/croatia-istria-and-the-dalmatian-coast-predeparture.pdf"}],"whattoexpect":[{}],"highlights":[{"DisplayOrder":1,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Hike to the stunning hill towns of Motovun, Gracisce, and Lubenice","Image":"","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":38834,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":2,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Discover the amphitheater at Pula, whose amazing state of preservation brings the Roman world to life","Image":"","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":38834,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":3,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Explore exquisite Rovinj, Veli Lo&scaron;inj, and islands of the northern Dalmatian Coast","Image":"","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":38834,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":4,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Enjoy private tastings of regional delights and sample great local 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Room","VendorName":"Kastel Motovun","CustomFields":{"Custom_slug":"kastel-motovun","Custom_Location":"Motovun"}},{"VendorID":71099,"Day_Number":4,"Sequence":10,"Duration":2,"Description":"Standard Room","VendorName":"Villa Angelo d'Oro","CustomFields":{"Custom_slug":"villa-angelo-doro","Custom_Location":"Rovinj"}},{"VendorID":71100,"Day_Number":8,"Sequence":10,"Duration":2,"Description":"Standard Room","VendorName":"Hotel Arbiana","CustomFields":{"Custom_slug":"hotel-arbiana","Custom_Location":"Rab"}},{"VendorID":72151,"Day_Number":1,"Sequence":10,"Duration":1,"Description":"Standard Room","VendorName":"Hotel Cubo","CustomFields":{"Custom_slug":"hotel-cubo","Custom_Location":"Ljubljana"}},{"VendorID":72494,"Day_Number":6,"Sequence":10,"Duration":2,"Description":"Standard Room","VendorName":"Boutique Hotel Alhambra","CustomFields":{"Custom_slug":"boutique-hotel-alhambra","Custom_Location":"Losinj"}},{"VendorID":72801,"Day_Number":10,"Sequence":10,"Duration":1,"Description":"Standard Room","VendorName":"XII Century Heritage Hotel","CustomFields":{"Custom_slug":"XII-century-heritage-hotel","Custom_Location":"Trogir","Custom_Additional_Emails":"","Custom_Addtional_Address":"","Custom_Accommodation_Types":"","Custom_Capacity":"","Custom_Amenties":""}}],"inclusions":[{"DisplaySequence":3,"Type":"C","Description":"All meals included except 3 dinners as indicated in Detailed Itinerary","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":1,"Type":"E","Description":"Travel to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in Detailed Itinerary","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":2,"Type":"E","Description":"Additional hotel nights outside the trip's scheduled dates","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":3,"Type":"E","Description":"Optional gratuities to Trip Leaders or staff","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":4,"Type":"E","Description":"Optional travel insurance","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":5,"Type":"E","Description":"Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":1,"Type":"I","Description":"Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":2,"Type":"I","Description":"Accommodations in hotels and comfortable inns","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":4,"Type":"I","Description":"A glass of wine or beer with dinner","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":5,"Type":"I","Description":"All ground transportation and baggage handling from meeting until departure","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":6,"Type":"I","Description":"All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""}],"destinations":[{"DestinationID":264,"Name":"Balkans"},{"DestinationID":68,"Name":"Croatia","Type":"Country"},{"DestinationID":46,"Name":"Europe","Type":"Region"},{"DestinationID":103,"Name":"Slovenia","Type":"Country"}],"activities":[{"ActivityID":217,"Name":"Cultural","Primary":0},{"ActivityID":220,"Name":"Walking","Primary":0}],"guides":[{"GuideID":850856,"First_Name":"Nena","Last_Name":"Rifelj","BioShort":"Nena Rifelj is a passionate adventurer who has traveled throughout the world but also loves to introduce visitors to the mountains and cultures of her native Slovenia. She was a professional alpine ski racer for nine years and taught skiing in Italy, the US, and Slovenia. When she finished her ski racing career, she took up snowboarding and became a snowboard instructor. She speaks English, Italian, and Croatian. When not guiding, you can find Nena skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, and enjoying outdoor adventures with her family.","BioLong":"Nena Rifelj is a passionate adventurer who has traveled throughout the world but also loves to introduce visitors to the mountains and cultures of her native Slovenia. She was a professional alpine ski racer for nine years and taught skiing in Italy, the US, and Slovenia. When she finished her ski racing career, she took up snowboarding and became a snowboard instructor. She speaks English, Italian, and Croatian. When not guiding, you can find Nena skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, and enjoying outdoor adventures with her family."},{"GuideID":851091,"First_Name":"Jir&iacute;","Last_Name":"Rohel","BioShort":"Jiri Rohel has been a guide since 2011. Based in the Czech Republic, he earned a Master&apos;s degree in English and music, spent a month trekking the Annapurna range, and climbed to the highest summit in the Austrian Alps. When not leading trips, Jiri enjoys playing music&mdash;he is a talented clarinetist&mdash;and loves being outside hiking, climbing, trekking, cycling, and skiing.","BioLong":"Jir&iacute; Rohel, from the Czech Republic, has been a guide for WT since 2011. He holds a master&apos;s degree in English and music and studied clarinet at a conservatory. Jir&iacute; loves mountain life and spent a month trekking in Nepal&apos;s Annapurna range. He has also climbed to the summits of Mont Blanc in France, Mt. Elbrus in Russia, the Matterhorn in Switzerland, and the highest peaks in the Austrian Alps. Having grown up in the Czech Republic, Jir&iacute; can share his experience of living in Communist Czechoslovakia and the transition to life in today's modern Czech Republic. When not leading trips, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing music with his dulcimer band, taking photographs, and being outside in nature, whether hiking, climbing, trekking, cycling, or skiing."},{"GuideID":850880,"First_Name":"Stanislav","Last_Name":"Simicic","BioShort":"Stanislav Simicic, of Croatia, is a graduate of a culinary academy in Osijek. A fine chef, he was awarded a second-place ranking among all young Croatian chefs in a competition in 1997. Stanislav later worked as a chef at a restaurant in Pore&eacute; for three years, then began to manage several yachts that ply the Adriatic. He has been working with us as a chef and Trip Leader since 2007, bringing a thorough knowledge of Croatian history and culture to the trip, along with wonderful cuisine. Stanislav is fluent in English and German. When not guiding, he spends time exploring Croatia's many beautiful places with his wife, son, and friends.","BioLong":"Stanislav Simicic, of Croatia, is a graduate of a culinary academy in Osijek. A fine chef, he was awarded a second-place ranking among all young Croatian chefs in a competition in 1997. Stanislav later worked as a chef at a restaurant in Pore&eacute; for three years, then began to manage several yachts that ply the Adriatic. He has been working with us as a chef and Trip Leader since 2007, bringing a thorough knowledge of Croatian history and culture to the trip, along with wonderful cuisine. Stanislav is fluent in English and German. When not guiding, he spends time exploring Croatia's many beautiful places with his wife, son, and friends. \"Come to Croatia, a secret garden of beauty in the warm and sunny Mediterranean,\" he says. \"You'll discover a country of a thousand islands with beautiful nature, interesting traditions, and a rich cultural heritage.\""},{"GuideID":853433,"First_Name":"Kristina","Last_Name":"Dragun Simicic","BioShort":"Kristina Simicic, the wife of our longtime and beloved Trip Leader Stan Simicic, will be joining this tour on her first co-leading experience&mdash;another local Croatian to bring her experienced touch and knowledge to our trip! Born and raised in Croatia, she is a teacher and also participates in local ecological and environmental projects in her and Stan&apos;s hometown. When not working, she loves to dance and sing in the local Croatian tradition and explore the outdoors throughout Europe with her family.","BioLong":"Kristina Simicic, the wife of our longtime and beloved Trip Leader Stan Simicic, will be joining this tour on her first co-leading experience&mdash;another local Croatian to bring her experienced touch and knowledge to our trip! Born and raised in Croatia, she is a teacher and also participates in local ecological and environmental projects in her and Stan&apos;s hometown. When not working, she loves to dance and sing in the local Croatian tradition and explore the outdoors throughout Europe with her family."},{"GuideID":851073,"First_Name":"Tomo","Last_Name":"Petek","BioShort":"With a degree in economics and tourism, Tomaz &ldquo;Tomo&rdquo; Petek created a vagabond lifestyle, traveling to different continents. From Italy to India, Morocco to Belize, he immersed himself in new environments, and picked up a few languages along the way (he&apos;s fluent in four, to be precise). Yet after so much time away from his home country of Slovenia, he decided to return and has been guiding trips ever since. &ldquo;My wish came true&mdash;I live in a country with a lot of natural beauty and I have one of the best jobs in the world,&rdquo; he says. When not leading trips, Tomo enjoys climbing, cycling, and photography, and has become a certified yoga teacher.","BioLong":"With a degree in economics and tourism, Tomaz &ldquo;Tomo&rdquo; Petek created a vagabond lifestyle, traveling to different continents. From Italy to India, Morocco to Belize, he immersed himself in new environments, and picked up a few languages along the way (he&apos;s fluent in four, to be precise). Yet after so much time away from his home country of Slovenia, he decided to return and has been guiding trips ever since. &ldquo;My wish came true&mdash;I live in a country with a lot of natural beauty and I have one of the best jobs in the world,&rdquo; he says. When not leading trips, Tomo enjoys climbing, cycling, and photography, and has become a certified yoga teacher."},{"GuideID":850623,"First_Name":"Richard","Last_Name":"Bell","BioShort":"Richard Bell was born and brought up in Yorkshire, on the northeast coast of the UK, and has been an avid traveler all his life. Richard has been a guide now for almost 20 years and leads exclusively for Wilderness Travel in Europe. His passion for the outdoors is as great as it ever was, and he is always eager to share his wealth of experience and enthusiasm for the culture, stunning scenery, varied cuisine, and natural history of these fascinating areas. He makes his home in Cornwall in southwest England, and when not leading trips, tends to his fruit and vegetable garden, loves to cook, and, with his wife, often travels back to the same places where he leads trips to explore even further.","BioLong":"For a man who has traveled to more than 100 countries, been a trip leader for Wilderness Travel for more than 20 years, and has an ever expanding palate to cook exquisite dishes with global infusion (ask him about his infamous slow-cooked lamb with pomegranates), Richard Bell still takes as much pride in each trip he leads as he did when he first started traveling around his hometown in Yorkshire, on the northeast coast of the UK. &ldquo;My experience of being a guide for over 20 years has allowed me to create trips that I know will appeal to our clients,&rdquo; he says. &ldquo;I combine a unique hiking experience with cultural interactions in whatever country I may be in. Anyone who has hiked with me before, will already know that my trips are quirky, individual, interesting, and full of humor and good times.&rdquo; Now in his 60s, Richard says he has graduated with honors from the University of Life, and is delighted to be able to share his experiences with our travelers. When he is not leading hikes, he tends to his fruit and vegetable garden at his home in Cornwall in southwest England, and of course, loves to cook (seriously, get that slow-cooked lamb recipe)."},{"GuideID":850769,"First_Name":"Zuzana","Last_Name":"Sochorova","BioShort":"","BioLong":"Zuzana Sochorova comes from the southeastern part of the Czech Republic, a region full of sunshine and vineyards, and has a degree in Economics and Marketing from the University in Ostrava. She loves her work as a guide and takes great delight in meeting new people and showing them the most beautiful and fascinating aspects of the Czech Republic. When not guiding or studying, Zuzana enjoys long walks with her dog, taking belly dancing lessons, and skiing."}],"guestreviews":[{"GuestNames":"Andrea B.","GuestLocation":"New York, NY","GuestReview":"This was an amazing overview of the region, and we covered a lot of ground and different kinds of territory. The walks were beautiful and the people were great. I really enjoyed my time on this trip!"},{"GuestNames":"Bruce F.","GuestLocation":"Berkeley, CA","GuestReview":"Our guides were superb&#8212;professional, friendly, knew their culture, excellent hiking guides, connected openly and warmly with everyone. A+ people and guides all the way around."},{"GuestNames":"Carolyn S.","GuestLocation":"Santa Rosa, CA","GuestReview":"This was our fifth trip with Wilderness Travel and they all have been excellent!"},{"GuestNames":"Charlie and Cathy K.","GuestLocation":"Santa Fe, NM","GuestReview":"A terrific trip, with nice diversity of hikes and cultural opportunities."},{"GuestNames":"David S.","GuestLocation":"Carson City, NV","GuestReview":"This was a great trip for seeing Croatia. You captured the essence of the country and got us away from the crowds between Split and Dubrovnik."},{"GuestNames":"Dorothy D.","GuestLocation":"Denver, CO","GuestReview":"Great guides, good food, nice hotels, and many beautiful, memorable walks. Lovely mixes of scenery with wildflowers and olive groves, coastal walks with views of the Adriatic, walks with views of villages with red tile roofs&#8212;many photographic moments!"},{"GuestNames":"Gary J.","GuestLocation":"San Francisco, CA","GuestReview":"Excellent trip all around. Fantastic guides and&#160;great travel companions&#8212;our small 9-person group was a plus."},{"GuestNames":"Jay B.","GuestLocation":"San Rafael, CA","GuestReview":"Great trip, lovely scenery, friendly people, easy hiking&#8212;and great seafood almost everywhere!"},{"GuestNames":"Karen S.","GuestLocation":"Tesuque, NM","GuestReview":"Excellent trip&#8212;loved the places we visited!"},{"GuestNames":"Marcella S.","GuestLocation":"Los Altos, CA","GuestReview":"We really enjoyed this trip. Itinerary was really well designed with a perfect mix of culture and hiking and swimming. The days went quickly but we never felt rushed."},{"GuestNames":"Pat D.","GuestLocation":"Cambridge, MA","GuestReview":"Thank you for offering this trip. It is wonderfully choreographed experience in beautiful countries that includes hiking, expertly guided tours, a national park visit, boat and ferry rides and showcase of local cuisines. We are very grateful to the leaders, Stan and Ingrid, and to the Wilderness staff for all the work it takes to put together this experience. Thank you very much."},{"GuestNames":"Ron K.","GuestLocation":"Scottsdale, AZ","GuestReview":"First-class all the way&#8212;a lot of fun!"},{"GuestNames":"Susan M.","GuestLocation":"Woodbury, MN","GuestReview":"I'm so glad that I chose the Croatia trip. The itinerary was beautiful and provided a mix of hiking, history, culture, and even boating! Both of the trip leaders are top notch. Bravo, Wilderness Travel!"},{"GuestNames":"Tiffany D.","GuestLocation":"Nashville, TN","GuestReview":"I had a blast!"},{"GuestNames":"Tori H.","GuestLocation":"Cincinnati, OH","GuestReview":"This trip delivered so much more than I was expecting! Every day, it seems, I was surprised, impressed, and wowed by something."}],"Extensions":[{"TripID":10300,"ExtensionTripID":10442,"Trip_Code":"DUBROVEX","Trip_Name":"Dubrovnik Extension"}],"SimilarTrips":[{"TripID":10300,"SimilarTripID":10302,"Trip_Code":"CZECH","Trip_Name":"From Bratislava to Prague"},{"TripID":10300,"SimilarTripID":10389,"Trip_Code":"DANRIV","Trip_Name":"Grand Danube"},{"TripID":10300,"SimilarTripID":10310,"Trip_Code":"SLOVENIA","Trip_Name":"Hiking in Slovenia"},{"TripID":10300,"SimilarTripID":10325,"Trip_Code":"MONTENEG","Trip_Name":"Hiking Montenegro and the Adriatic Coast"}],"Specialists":[{}],"TripSegments":[{"VendorID":72151,"ProductID":84626,"SelectType":"Optional","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Extra Hotel Night","Vendor":"Hotel Cubo","Address1":"Slovenska cesta 15","Address2":"","City":"Ljubljana","State":"","Postal":"1000","Product":"Pre-Trip Extra Services: Hotel Cubo (DATES, 1 night)","Day":0,"Sequence":20,"Duration":1,"PropertyDescription":"<p>Old World charm meets modern styling at the Hotel Cubo, set in the center of downtown Ljubljana. 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The easiest way to get from the Ljubljana Airport to the Hotel Cubo is by taxi. It takes approximately 40 minutes and costs &euro;50. Taxis are queued up outside the arrivals area of the terminal. You can also reserve your airport taxi in advance by going to <a href=\"http:\/\/www.mnj.si.\">www.mnj.si.<\/a> <br \/><\/p>","Custom_Arrival-_Meeting_Place":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-24T17:59:38 --><p><strong>Hotel Cubo<\/strong><\/p><p>Slovenska cesta 15<\/p><p>1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia<\/p><p>+386 1 425 60 00<\/p>","Custom_Arrival_Transfer":"","Custom_Departure":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-24T17:59:59 --><p><strong>DEPARTING SPLIT<\/strong><br \/>The Split Airport is three miles from the XII Century Heritage Hotel. You can coordinate a transfer to the airport through the hotel or ask your Trip Leaders to arrange it for you. The 10-minute ride should cost about &euro;15 per taxi. <br \/><\/p>","Custom_Extra_Services":"","Custom_Contact_Information_for_Friends_and_Family":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-24T18:00:18 --><p>If friends or family wish to contact you during the trip, we encourage them to call, text, or email you directly. Another option is to reach you by calling the hotel (please see the enclosed Hotel List). If they are unable to reach you directly, please instruct them to call our office in Berkeley, California, and we will get a message to you as soon as possible. If they need to reach you outside of our office hours, we ask that they reach out to our local contact (contact information is listed below) and also leave a message with our Berkeley office, so that we can follow up with our team on the ground.<\/p><p>We recommend using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.whatsapp.com\/\">WhatsApp<\/a>, and suggest you download the free app and enter the local emergency contact number(s) in advance of your trip.<br \/><\/p>","Custom_Outfitter_Contacts_Left":"","Custom_Outfitter_Contacts_Right":"","Custom_name_slug":"croatia-istria-dalmatian-hiking-tour","Custom_Meta_Description":"Enjoy hikes and cultural exploration in Motovun, a spectacular walled town, Pula, with its immense Roman amphitheater, the cliff-top village of Lubenice, the harbor town of Veli Lovinj, and the World Heritage Site of Trogir.","Custom_List_Description":"Enjoy hikes and cultural exploration in Motovun, a spectacular walled town, Pula, with its immense Roman amphitheater, the cliff-top village of Lubenice, the harbor town of Veli Lovinj, and the World Heritage Site of Trogir.","Custom_Redirect":"","Custom_PJ_-_Best_Months":"","Custom_After_Dates":"","Custom_Trip_Web_Note":"","Custom_Title_Tag":"Croatia: Istria & the Dalmatian Coast Hiking Tour","Custom_Before_Days":"","Custom_After_Days_Header_1":"","Custom_After_Days_Text_1":"","Custom_After_Days_Header_2":"","Custom_After_Days_Text_2":"","Custom_Choosing_Right_Trip_Office_Contact":"","Custom_About_WT_Expeditions":"","Custom_Arrival_-_Sales":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-17T11:35:15 --><p><strong>Suggested Airport:<\/strong> Ljubljana Jo&zcaron;e Pucnik Airport (LJU)<br \/><strong>Suggested Date &amp; Time:<\/strong> Day 1, by 1:00 pm<br \/><br \/><strong>Meeting Place:<\/strong> You will meet your Trip Leader in the lobby of Hotel Cubo in Ljubljana at 3:00 pm on Day 1. <br \/><br \/>Upon arrival in Ljubljana, trip members are responsible for transferring on their own from the airport to the group hotel.<\/p><p>&nbsp;<\/p><p>The most convenient and quickest way is by taxi. Taxis are available outside the Arrivals area of the terminal. It takes about 40 minutes to reach the downtown hotel from the airport and currently costs about &euro;50.<\/p><p>&nbsp;<\/p><p>You can also take a shared shuttle to the group hotel, which is the cheapest way to transfer to Ljubljana. There are several different shuttle companies that provide door-to-door transfers from the airport and can be reserved in advance at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mnj.si\/en\">www.mnj.si<\/a> or <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ljubljana.info\/airport\/bus\/\">www.ljubljana.info\/airport\/bus\/<\/a><\/p>","Custom_Departure_-_Sales":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-17T13:52:37 --><p><strong>Suggested Airport:<\/strong> Split Airport (SPU)<br \/><strong>Suggested Date &amp; Time:<\/strong> Day 11, anytime<br \/><br \/>The Split Airport is just three miles from the group hotel in Trogir. You can coordinate a transfer to the airport through the hotel or ask your Trip Leader to arrange it for you. The 10-minute taxi ride should cost about &euro;25 per taxi.<\/p>","Custom_International_Air_Travel":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-21T14:13:17 --><p>You are responsible for making your own arrangements for flights to and from Slovenia and Croatia. Travel to Ljubljana, Slovenia, from the US is primarily routed through London, Frankfurt, and Paris with good schedules and fares available on many airlines.<br \/><br \/>There are many online consolidators for booking travel, but for more personal help arranging air transport, you can contact Exito Travel at 1-800-655-4053 in the US or 1-800-670-2605 in Canada. They are very adept at putting flight itineraries together, to even the most far-flung places. More information can be found on Exito's website at <a href=\"https:\/\/exitotravel.com\/\">www.exitotravel.com<\/a>.<br \/><br \/>Depending on your routing, it is necessary to depart from the US one or possibly two days prior to Day 1 of the trip itinerary. The name on your airline ticket must match the name on your passport exactly, and your passport must be valid for at least six months after your date of return to the US.<br \/><br \/><strong>Please do not purchase your tickets until you are confirmed on the trip.<\/strong> Once your tickets have been purchased, please send us a copy of your airline schedule. It is your responsibility to ensure your flight times coordinate with the arrival and departure logistics for this trip.<\/p>","Custom_Extra_Hotel_Nights":"","Custom_Recommended_Hotels":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Header_1":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Text_1":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Header_2":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Text_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_1":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_1":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_3":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_3":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_4":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_4":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_5":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_5":"","Custom_file_name":"croatia-istria-and-the-dalmatian-coast","Custom_Passport":"A valid passport is required for your trip. Be sure to check the expiration date. Your passport must be valid for six months after your date of exit from Slovenia and Croatia. In addition, we recommend your passport has at least two completely blank visa pages for every country you will be visiting. It is very important that the blank pages say &#8220;Visas&#8221; at the top. The last few pages of your passport, which say &#8220;Amendments and Endorsements,&#8221; and the final page of your passport, which may not have a page number, are not considered to be legitimate visa pages. You can request a new passport through <a href=\"http:\/\/travel.state.gov\/passport\/passport_1738.html\">US Passport Services Office<\/a> (the service of adding pages for visas was discontinued as of January 1, 2016) or use a visa service agency, which can take care of your passport renewal and expedite the process, if needed. We recommend <a href=\"http:\/\/www.passportvisaexpress.com\/?affId=2120\">Passport Visas Express<\/a>. Be sure to allow sufficient time to acquire this before your trip. <br><br>It is a good idea to carry photocopies of your passport's photo page and any acquired visa pages for your trip (if applicable) in case your passport is lost or as an additional piece of identification, as well as two extra passport photos.","Custom_Visas_and_Entry_Notes":"US citizens do not need a visa for countries visited on this trip. If you are a citizen of any country other than the US, check with a local consulate for entry requirements.","Custom_Money":"The Euro is the official currency of Croatia and Slovenia. The most convenient way to obtain either currency is to use your debit card at ATMs. To use an ATM internationally, you must have a four-digit PIN. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops in cities and larger towns. If you plan to use your credit cards, inform your credit card company before your departure that you will be using the card abroad.","Custom_Tipping":"Tipping is completely discretionary, but over the years, clients have asked us for tipping guidelines to reward guides for outstanding service. We suggest a tip of $200 or more per trip member for each of the Trip Leaders, preferably in local currency. The Trip Leaders take care of gratuities for hotel and restaurant staff, and for local guides and drivers.","Custom_Food":"Please reach out to us directly to discuss any dietary restrictions or concerns you may have. We can easily make arrangements for most diets, but please keep in mind that certain cultural differences or logistical limitations can make it difficult or at times impossible to accommodate all requests. With this in mind, please inform us at least eight weeks before your trip if you have a special diet, and any food allergies in particular, so we can do our best to meet your needs.","Custom_Communications":"<strong>Telephone:<\/strong> The international dialing code for Slovenia is 386, and for Croatia, 385. Please contact your cell phone company for specific instructions for international use.<br><strong><br>Email &amp; Internet Access:<\/strong> Internet access is available at all of our hotels.","Custom_Electricity":"Slovenia and Croatia have 220-volt current. Plugs usually have two or three prongs.","Custom_Laundry":"","Custom_Ship_Notes":"","Custom_Inoculations":"No inoculations are required. However, it is easy to get a small cut, so a tetanus booster is strongly recommended (good for 10 years). If you take prescription medicines, be sure to bring enough for the duration of your trip.","Custom_International_Health":"","Custom_Malaria_Prevention":"","Custom_Staying_Healthy":"<html><body style='font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;'><\/html>","Custom_Getting_In_Shape":"We strongly urge you to train for your trip, as your enjoyment will be highly dependent on your level of fitness. The best training for a hike is to hike, especially over hills or rough terrain. Next best are running, swimming, bicycling, or other cardiovascular exercise. Stair climbing machines are excellent preparation for hiking uphill. Your feet should also be well prepared&mdash;make sure your hiking boots are sturdy, comfortable, and thoroughly broken-in.","Custom_Medical_Care":"","Custom_Altitude_Considerations":"","Custom_Covid-19":"","Custom_Reading_List":"Elevate your travel experience by delving into this curated collection of books tailored to your upcoming adventure. They will not only entertain but also provide invaluable insights into the history, culture, cuisine, wildlife, mountain trails, or even folklore of the places you're about to explore. Discover the perfect companions for your journey ahead by <a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/lists\/wilderness-travel-croatia\">following the link<\/a> or scanning the QR code.","Custom_Photography":"","Custom_Cultural_Considerations":"","Custom_Giving_Back":"","Custom_Enviromental_Concerns":"","Custom_Shopping_and_Souvenirs":"","Custom_Seasickness":"","Custom_Explore":"","Custom_Additional_Information":"","Custom_Essentials":"<ul><li>Air tickets (or E-tickets)<\/li><li>Passport<\/li><li>One other picture ID, such as a driver's license<\/li><li>Expense money<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Luggage":"<ul><li>Soft-sided suitcase with small padlock (must be unlocked for air travel).<\/li><li>Daypack, large enough for rain gear, water bottle, camera, and items you want on the trail.<\/li><\/ul> <br><br>Please pack everything in one piece of luggage, as this simplifies the transportation of luggage en route. Although airline service to Europe is generally reliable, it is best to wear or carry your hiking boots with you on your flights in the event that your luggage is lost or delayed. Likewise, don't pack valuables, such as travel documents, camera gear, or prescription medicines in your checked luggage.","Custom_Clothing":"Bring clothes you find most comfortable for walking. Although it will be warm enough for shorts on most days, bring some lightweight long pants for cooler weather. The weather in late spring and early fall is usually very pleasant, but cooling breezes and showers can occur at any time. Dressing in layers is the best way to stay comfortable. You'll want a change of clothes for the evening, but nothing dressy is necessary. Casual wear is fine, and coats and ties are not required. <br><br>The clothing list below is provided as a guideline only:<br><ul><li>Lightweight rain gear, such as a Gore-Tex rain\/wind shell jacket with hood, and Gore-Tex rain\/wind pants<\/li><li>Fleece jacket or nylon windbreaker<\/li><li>Light fleece sweater or sweatshirt<\/li><li>Long-sleeved shirt. Quick-drying &#8220;travel&#8221; fabrics like nylon are recommended.<\/li><li>T-shirts or short-sleeved shirts<\/li><li>Hiking pants. Synthetic hiking pants are a practical choice. Jeans are not recommended because they can be hot and they take a long time to dry if they get wet.<\/li><li>Hiking shorts, quick-drying fabric<\/li><li>Shade hat with wide brim&mdash; preferably a waterproof one you can use as a rain hat as well<\/li><li>Medium-weight hiking boots with Vibram-type rubber lug soles and good ankle support. They should be waterproofed prior to arrival.<\/li><li>Tevas or running shoes for sightseeing in towns<\/li><li>Hiking socks. Some people like thick Thorlo-type socks with padded toes and heels, or an outer sock and synthetic liner sock.<\/li><li>Underwear\/sleepwear. Synthetics dry faster.<\/li><li>Bathing suit and quick-drying towel for swimming opportunities<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Hiking_Boots":"","Custom_Equipment":"<ul><li>Reusable water bottle, 1 qt. capacity.<\/li><li>Good quality sunglasses with case. A spare pair of sunglasses is a good idea should your first pair be broken or lost.<\/li><li>Collapsible walking stick or trekking poles<\/li><li>Toiletry kit<\/li><li>Stuff sacks or plastic bags to compartmentalize items in luggage<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Personal_First_Aid":"Every trip member must bring a small kit for personal use. Your own experience will influence your choices.<br><ul><li>Sunscreen SPF 30 or higher and lip balm with sunscreen. We recommend mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide because they do not contain harsh chemicals that are harmful to the environment. Brands such as Honest Company, Badger, and Alba Botanica are found in most sporting goods stores and drugstores.<\/li><li>Aspirin, ibuprofen, or Tylenol for muscle pain or headache, Tylenol PM for sleep<\/li><li>Blister kit. Look for the long-lasting gel-type bandages that you can apply directly on blisters, such as Band-Aid<\/li><li>Advanced Healing Bandages or Curad Gel Multi-Day Bandages. &#8220;Liquid band-aids,&#8221; such as New-Skin, are useful because they dry rapidly to form a tough protective cover over a blister.<\/li><li>Prescription medications properly labeled<\/li><li>Spare contact lenses or spare prescription glasses<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Optional_Items":"<ul><li>Voltage converter and plug adapter for appliance use in hotels. Plugs usually have two or three prongs.<\/li><li>Camera, spare batteries, and memory cards<\/li><li>Lightweight binoculars<\/li><li>Reading\/writing material<\/li><li>Travel clock<\/li><li>Small umbrella<\/li><li>Laundry soap for hand-washing clothes<\/li><li>Money belt or neck pouch<\/li><li>Insect repellent<\/li><li>Water shoes or sandals (such as Tevas), for rocky beaches<\/li><li>Washcloth, if you like to use one (most European hotels do not provide them)<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Prohibited_Items":"","Custom_When_to_Go":"","Custom_Children":"","Custom_Tag_Line":"From Hilltop Motuvun to Medieval Trogir","Custom_Lodging":"10 nights hotels and inns","Custom_Meals":"All meals included except 3 dinners","Custom_Difficulty":"A mix of easy to moderate walks and hikes, 2-5 hours a day, van support","Custom_Currency_Exchange_Rate":"","Custom_Fuel_Surcharge":"","Custom_Signing_Up_For_a_Trip_-_Email":"","Custom_Optional_Hotel_Upgrades_-_This_Year":"","Custom_Optional_Hotel_Upgrades_-_Next_Year":"","Custom_Trip_Cost_Misc_Header":"","Custom_Trip_Cost_Misc_Text":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like":"This trip is rated a <strong>Level 2+ (Easy to Moderate)<\/strong> according to our trip grading system. You will need to be comfortable hiking 8 miles a day and being on your feet for up to 4 hours a day. Trail conditions, weather, and the group&#39;s level of fitness can affect hiking times and pacing.<strong><br><\/strong><strong><br><\/strong><strong>Average Hiking Day<\/strong><ul><li>5-6 miles<\/li><li>3-4 hours<\/li><li>200-350 feet gain\/loss<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Terrain":"The terrain can be hilly and rocky with many sets of stairs on both ascents and descents. There are a couple short, steep downhills, including one that is exposed. Some hikes are very rugged, and hiking poles are recommended.","Custom_Getting_in_Shape":"","Custom_Weather":"Spring and fall are the best times to visit, as it is less crowded and humid. The climate is typical of the Mediterranean. It can be cool and pleasant, hot and muggy, or damp and chilly, and cool breezes and showers are possible at any time.","Custom_Accommodations":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>Our accommodations are in charming inns and hotels. Since they are often in historic buildings, the rooms are not always of uniform or international size. Our leaders do their best to assign rooms in a fair way so that all participants experience an equal advantage throughout the trip as a whole. Hotel Angelo D'Oro doesn't have an elevator, but the staff will help with your bags. Single rooms can be requested but are not always available, due to the limited space in the hotels. If you prefer a single room, please make your request as early as possible.<\/body>","Custom_Cuisine":"Our lunches are in restaurants, on boats, or picnic-style. Dinners are at local restaurants or our hotel. The cuisine is typical of the Mediterranean with salads, vegetables, pasta, meat, and seafood. Please note that in Europe, the dinner hour is considerably later than what it is in the US. We do our best to secure early reservations for our groups, but most often the evening meal will be at 7:30 pm.","Custom_Transportation":"Our van will transport the group's luggage, so you only need to carry a daypack for items you need for the day (rain gear, sweater, camera, water bottle, etc.). Trip members are always free to skip a day's hike and travel to the next destination in the support vehicle (or remain at the hotel if we are not transferring that day).","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Header_1":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Text_1":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Header_2":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Text_2":"","Custom_Trip_Level_Note_1":"","Custom_Trip_Level_Note_2":"","System_Choosing_the_Right_Trip":"<p>Adventure travel often involves exotic destinations, unusual levels of physical exertion, or activities you may not have participated in previously. We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please call Wilderness Travel at 1-800-368-2794 or email us at <a href=\"mailto:\/\/info@wildernesstravel.com\">info@wildernesstravel.com<\/a>.<\/p>","System_References":"<p>We&rsquo;d be happy to put you in touch with a past client that has traveled with us.<\/p>","System_Visit_Our_Website":"<p>At <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/\">www.wildernesstravel.com<\/a>, you can book your trip online or find out about added departures, last-minute deals, and one-time Limited Edition adventures that aren&rsquo;t listed in our catalog. You can also access our complete library of detailed itineraries filled with enticing photos and videos, read bios of our Trip Leaders, find descriptions of trip accommodations, and check real-time availability of any trips that interest you.<\/p>","System_Helpful_Links":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:52:03 --><p>Wilderness Travel has compiled a list of useful websites for travelers. Find the Toucan Club tab on the home page of our website and choose Helpful Links: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links<\/a>.<\/p>","System_About_New_Trips":"This is a new adventure and one that we are particularly excited about offering. However, as with all new departures, flexibility and a spirit of adventure are always appreciated! Activities are described in the itinerary but they can vary, sometimes considerably, depending on weather conditions, the group, and other factors.","System_About_Private_Journeys":"<p>Wilderness Travel Private Journeys are designed for people who want to travel with their own small private group, but who still want to experience the same superb itinerary design, great accommodations, and signature quality of Wilderness Travel's escorted group trips. These Private Journeys allow you to choose your own dates and your traveling companions&mdash;and enjoy the WT touch on all aspects of the journey.<\/p>","System_Limited_Edition_Adventures":"This is a Limited Edition adventure&mdash;which means a unique trip we've never run before or offer only every few years. Led by our most experienced Trip Leaders, these journeys often take place in remote destinations with only the most basic infrastructure for tourism. If you see a Limited Edition trip scheduled for this year, now is the time to sign up, as spaces fill very early and the trip may not be back for a while! Planned daily activities and actual timings may vary due to local conditions or the discretion of your Trip Leader&mdash;it is important to bring your spirit of adventure for these special exploratory journeys!","System_Social_Media":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:33:43 --><p><strong>SOCIAL MEDIA:<\/strong> We invite you to share your adventure with us on social media. Tag @wildernesstravel and we may even feature your content on our pages!<\/p>","System_If_You_Miss_Your_Flight":"<p><strong>IF YOU MISS YOUR FLIGHT<\/strong><br>If you miss your flight or are otherwise delayed, contact our Wilderness Travel office, as well as our local partners, with your new flight information. Refer to the Emergency Contact Information listed in this Final Bulletin.<\/p>","System_Valid_Passport":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-16T10:26:21 --><p><strong>VALID PASSPORT:<\/strong> Check that your passport is valid for at least six months from the last day of your trip, and that you have at least two blank pages for any necessary visa or entry and exit stamps.<\/p>","System_Insurance_Policy":"<p><strong>INSURANCE POLICY:<\/strong> If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan, you should have received an email confirmation of your policy. Please bring a digital or printed copy of this policy with you. If you cannot find your email confirmation, please contact Travelex's Customer Solutions team at 844-877-1885 or e-mail customersolutions@travelexinsurance.com. If you have not purchased Travelex insurance already, you have the option to do so up to 24 hours prior to your departure.<\/p>","System_Covid-19_Travel_Requirements":"<p><strong>PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION<\/strong><strong>: <\/strong>Please review your Pre-Departure Information booklet included in this packet for important information regarding Wilderness Travel's COVID-19 protocols, packing lists, recommended reading, tipping, etc.<\/p>","System_Wilderness_Travel_Office":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:07 --><p>Our office in Berkeley, California can be reached at 510-558-2488, or by email at info@wildernesstravel.com. We are available during regular business hours (M-F, 8:30 am-5:00 pm, PST). <\/p>","System_ECI_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:31 --><p>If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan through Wilderness Travel, please remember to bring your Confirmation of Coverages (COC) with you on the trip, including your Plan Number and important emergency contact information.<\/p><p>If you've purchased a travel protection plan on your own, we recommend that you bring a copy of your policy, including all coverages, with you on your trip.<\/p>","System_Face_Masks_and_Hand_Sanitizer":"","System_DidNotPurchase_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-02-28T12:27:44 --><p>Travel Insurance: We recommend that you purchase travel insurance for this trip. For your convenience, we offer Travelex travel protection. Please let us know if you would like us to add the Travelex Travel Protection Plan to this final invoice. You can learn more about the policy on our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/toucan\/travel-insurance\">website<\/a>.<\/p>","System_Purchased_Insurance":"Please remember to bring a copy of your Travelex Confirmation of Coverage and State Specific Policy with you on your trip. You should have received an email directly from Travelex with these documents. If you need this email to be re-sent, please contact Travelex's Customer Solutions team at 844-877-1885 or e-mail customersolutions@travelexinsurance.com. <br><br><br>","System_COVID-19":"The Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 declared by the World Health Organization and the US Department of Health and Human Services expired in 2023. As of March 2024, we no longer require guests who exhibit cold or flu symptoms to test for COVID-19. Guests who test positive for COVID-19 will be required to follow local health protocols, wear a mask in group vehicles and during indoor activities for the remainder of the trip, and may be asked to dine separately. Any travel companion sharing a room with them will also be required to wear a mask at all times in the shared group vehicles for the remainder of the trip.<br><br>We encourage all travelers to actively monitor their own well-being and to use common-sense preventative measures such as regular handwashing (or use of hand sanitizer) and\/or wearing a face mask. If you are feeling sick, we encourage you to self-isolate and\/or wear a mask to protect your fellow travelers. Guests may be required to wear a mask if the Trip Leader believes the situation warrants it.<br><br>Leading up to the trip, we encourage you to do everything possible to stay healthy, including avoiding close contact with anyone displaying cold or flu symptoms and washing your hands often. As always, by traveling with Wilderness Travel, guests agree to be accountable for their own well-being. If you are worried about a fellow traveler's cold or flu-like symptoms, you may opt to wear a mask or distance yourself as needed. It's important to remember that there are inherent risks associated with travel and group settings.<br><br>These protocols will be reviewed and adjusted as guidance evolves. <br><br>","System_Photography":"<strong>Camera Recommendations<\/strong><br>With the many advances in digital technology, a simple compact digital camera or even your smartphone is capable of taking pictures suitable for the needs of most people. For higher quality images and the ability to use long lenses for closer wildlife pictures, a DSLR camera is well worthwhile, though heavier. Most digital cameras and phones have good video options, but you may want to consider a GoPro for a lightweight, waterproof option. Always practice ahead of time with new equipment and bring your manual with you. You may want to consider renting camera equipment for your trip from places such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lensrentals.com\/\">lensrentals.com<\/a>. This is an especially good idea for renting large zoom lenses that you may need for just one trip. Adding their extra insurance fee to cover expensive equipment is recommended. <br><strong><br>Camera Accessories<\/strong><br>We recommend bringing at least two large capacity memory cards or a small digital storage unit (or tablet) to back up your photos, freeing space on your memory cards. Don't forget to bring a battery charger and a backup battery so one is always charged and ready to use. For trips where you may be away from power sources for multiple days, consider looking into a solar-powered battery charger or buying additional backup batteries, and check that you have the appropriate adapter for the electrical outlets in your destination.<br><strong><br>Sharing Your Images<\/strong><br>We would love for you to share photos from your trip, and with your permission, may even use your photos in our marketing materials or on our photo blog. We request that you send us a small sample of your best images. Please email your photos to wtphotoblog@gmail.com or tag us @WildernessTravel on social media.<br><strong><br>Photography Etiquette<\/strong><br>When taking pictures of local people, be aware of cultural considerations. Approaching people with a warm smile and using polite gestures or simple phrases to ask permission to photograph them usually works well. It is always recommended to engage people in conversation before asking to photograph them, but if people do not wish to have their photo taken, please honor their requests. We urge travelers to avoid giving money in exchange for photo opportunities, which makes it harder for future travelers to have a meaningful personal interaction with local people. Please always heed your Trip Leader's guidelines for what is appropriate. ","System_Gear_Store":"To help you prepare for your next WT adventure, we've put together a great collection of top brands including Patagonia, Outdoor Research, Eagle Creek, and more at our WT Gear Store (<a href=\"https:\/\/wildernesstravel.newheadings.com\/\">wildernesstravel.newheadings.com<\/a>).","System_Questions?":"<p>Our Area Specialists are your single point of contact and would be happy to answer any questions about your trip!<br>800.368.2794 | 510.558.2488<\/p>","System_Pricing_Detail-Small_Group_Adventure":" <br><br>To offer the lowest possible cost, our trips are priced according to the number of participants on the trip. All costs are per person, based on double occupancy. If you wish to have a single room, you must pay the single supplement fee. Please note that Wilderness Travel staff, or guests of Wilderness Travel such as travel writers, photographers, or leaders-in-training, are not included in the tier pricing count.","System_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:58:05 --><p>We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance. You can take advantage of a comprehensive Travel Protection Plan designed for Wilderness Travel by Travelex, or purchase other insurance on your own. See our website for details: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance<\/a><\/p>","System_Make_it_Your_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:44:18 --><p>The prices above are for the ready-to-book adventure outlined in this Detailed Itinerary, a popular option that has been handcrafted by our Area Specialists to include the best of every destination. While many travelers choose to book this tour as is, our Area Specialists are also happy to work with you to customize this Private Journey to suit your specific interests and style of travel. We can arrange for longer or shorter stays, offer hotel upgrades (see below for sample costs), or add an extension to additional places of interest. We can even add special activities or customize excursions depending on your interests. We invite you to contact us to discuss your options!<\/p>","System_Signing_up_for_a_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:44:42 --><p>Early reservations are recommended since accommodations often sell out far in advance. Please call 1-800-368-2794 and ask for our [Africa Manager] or email us at [africa@ wildernesstravel.com] with any questions that you may have about this trip. To reserve your Private Journey, we will need to know your preferred dates of travel. We will then check availability and send you a proposed itinerary with exact pricing for your adventure. We can typically hold a provisional booking for one week. At that time, we must collect your initial deposit or accommodations will be released. We accept Visa, Mastercard, or American Express card. Upon receipt of your deposit, we will send you a Welcome Packet that includes a letter of confirmation, Detailed Itinerary, Trip Application, Medical Form, and Pre-Departure Information Booklet with information to help you prepare for your adventure. Please see our Cancellations and Transfer Fee Schedule for specific payment information.<\/p>","System_Trip_Leaders":"<p>Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. For more information, including client comments about them and which specific trips they will be leading, please visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/leaders\/\">wildernesstravel.com\/leaders<\/a>.<\/p>"},"terms":{"PaymentSchedule":"<p>$600 due at time of reservation <br \/>90 days prior to departure: Balance<\/p>","CancelSchedule":"<p>Up to 91 days prior to departure: No Charge!<br>61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost<br>46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost<br>45 days or less: 100% of trip cost<br><\/p>"}}