Croatia: Sibenik & the Kornati Islands

5 Days | Discover hotspots and lesser-known treasures on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast

4.8 out of 5 based on 10 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
EUR €1,450
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Eat, walk, swim and wander to your heart’s content on a five-day exploration of Croatia’s Central Dalmatia region. This slice of the country delivers in both natural wonders and cultural treasures while offering up something to entice all those who set foot on its shimmering shores. Walk in the shoes of a local in the city of Sibenik, dig into the past in Zadar, have lunch with new friends on the spectacular Kornati Islands, venture into the wonderland of Krka National Park and discover the charming streets of Trogir. History? Incredible. Food? Unforgettable. Scenery? Couldn’t be better. This is a place that ticks all the boxes.

Trip overview

Map of Croatia: Sibenik & The Kornati Islands including Croatia
Start
Split, Croatia
Finish
Split, Croatia
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
Croatia
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
ZLSL
This trip generates 48 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • See a different side of Sibenik as you explore the city with a local guide who will the hidden gems of the town before taking you to a tucked-away tavern for a traditional snack.
  • Take a boat trip to the little-known Kornati Islands where you’ll hike through stunning scenery, enjoy lunch with a welcoming local family and sample olive oil produced on the islands, all through our local partner - non-profit organisation MEET.
  • Enjoy an ecotourism experience in the ethereal Krka National Park, where you’ll explore waterfalls and ancient relics with a local guide in the part of the Park that's more off the beaten track.
  • Get to know the dynamic city of Zadar, Dalmatia’s former capital. Discover remnants of the past wherever you go and check out the city’s famous ‘Sea Organ’.
  • Walk the charming streets of Trogir, with a local guide on hand to point out fascinating examples of Romanesque, Renaissance and baroque architecture.

Is this trip right for you?
  • Please be aware that the Croatian coast is very hilly and mountainous, which means lots & lots of steps are an inherent feature of the landscape. You will have to be able to easily lift your luggage and carry it up and down stairs and inclines. Also, stone streets become very slippery when wet. Some people may find Croatia's topography very demanding.
  • Summer temperatures can be extreme in many of the regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Additionally, please be aware that July, August and the first half of September is high season along the Croatian coast, which means that the local infrastructure is under a lot of pressure with a lot of people in the towns we visit. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.
  • Please note that in Sibenik we are staying in private apartments that locals rent out. These are in various centrally located buildings. The apartments are not hotels, which means there's no reception, room service or daily cleaning service, no televisions or washing machines, but plenty of charm. They differ in layout and facilities, can vary in size and most don't have air-conditioning and wi-fi but we do try to book rooms with private facilities. This is the most effective way of staying in the centre of town.
  • If you have more time to explore the region you can start your trip earlier in Dubrovnik to explore more of the Dalmatian Coast. Check out our trip 'Explore Croatia' (trip code ZMSF). Most departure dates are designed to create this perfect combination trip.
  • If you have more time to explore the region you can extend your trip to explore more of Dalmatia with our longer 'Highlights of Dalmatia' trip (trip code ZLSOC), starting in Dubrovnik. Most departure dates are designed to create this perfect combination trip.
  • On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.

Itinerary

Map of Croatia: Sibenik & The Kornati Islands including Croatia

Inclusions

Meals

1 lunch

Transport

Public bus, Boat, Private vehicle

Accommodation

private apartment (4 nights)

Activities
  • Sibenik - Marenda Snack
  • Sibenik - Cathedral of St James
  • Sibenik - Walking Tour with Local Guide
  • Kornati Islands - Full Day Boat Cruise
  • Kornati Islands - Home-cooked Lunch with Local Family
  • Kornati Islands - Olive Oil & Honey Tasting
  • Kornati Islands - Snorkelling
  • Zadar - Orientation Walk
  • Krka National Park - Day Excursion
  • Trogir - Old Town Walking Tour with Local Guide
Add on activities
  • Zadar - Archaeological Museum - EUR5
  • Zadar – Gold and Silver of the city of Zadar Museum - EUR6
  • Zadar – Museum of ancient glass - EUR6
  • Zadar - Roman Forum - Free
  • Zadar - Church of Saint Donat - EUR4

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. This trip starts with a welcome meeting at 9:30am on Day 1 at Split's central bus station. This trip ends in the late afternoon in Split on Day 5. No accommodation is included for Day 5. Please take this into consideration for your post tour arrangement.
2. A single supplement is bookable for this trip. Availability is limited due to small property we use. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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Reviews

4.8 out of 5 based on 10 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Johanna · Traveled June 2023
This trip gives you an excellent insight into some of the most beautiful places of the Dalmatian coast. I particularly loved the trip to the Kornati islands and the visit to the locals - a wonderful, warm-hearted family. The itinerary is just the right lenght. Be prepared for the heat in the summer months (end of June, Juli, August). Special thanks to our guide, Hrvoje, who made this short trip memorable!
Review submitted 09 Jul 2023

William · Traveled September 2022
Overall, it was an excellent trip. We had a really enjoyed having a small group of people, only 10. A great group which was also had on all of our Intrepid tour visits. Though we missed part of Dubrovnik because of our arrival problems, the highlights of the highlights were the home cooked lunch with the family on one of the Kornati islands, the dinner at Hora Farm Restaurant, the day trip to the Mljet Island National Park, and the Krka waterfalls. For seniors, the travel to the accommodations were challenging at times, many stairs. Our tour guide, Olga, was excellent. She guided us from town to town over land and water. He knowledge of Croatia was excellent. Being seniors, she helped us with our luggage and assisted us to plan our side excursion to the island of Vis where my wife’s ancestors lived before emigrating to the United States.
Review submitted 03 Dec 2022

Dawn · Traveled July 2022
This is a great trip to get a taste of Croatia. You will want to come back for more.
Review submitted 24 Jul 2022

Christina · Traveled July 2022
I would recommend this trip anyone who wants to get a taste of Croatia. I was I initially concerned that we would be spending too much time traveling to teach location and not having enough time to enjoy the experience at each location but it turned out great. The travel time was minimal and we had plenary to time to get to know each area. Croatia is a beautiful country with crystal blue waters and charming towns and villages. Our Intrepid guide was fantastic and the accommodations were comfortable.
Review submitted 24 Jul 2022

Jan Sin · Traveled June 2022
I enjoyed the trip a lot. Everyday there was a completely different highlight combined with excellent food. Also had an excellent tour leader where I learned a lot about the country and its culture. I can highly recommend this tour.
Review submitted 05 Jul 2022
Croatia: Sibenik & the Kornati Islands
From
EUR €1,450