Walking Montenegro and the Croatian Islands

Croatia, Montenegro - Trip code WCM Walking and Trekking
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215Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
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Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

Discover the surreal beauty of Montenegro and the Croatian Islands on this week-long walking holiday. Meander from the stunning Bay of Kotor to paradise-esque Dubrovnik, via some of Croatia's most-loved islands. Follow coastal, mountain and village trails via picturesque forests and lakes, fuelling up on local dishes and tipples along the way.

Why we love this trip
  • Discover Kotor - Explore the imposing ramparts of the old town with breathtaking views over the bay.
  • Visit the Croatian Islands - Uncover the lakes on Mljet, the Green Island, and follow the coastline around Korcula.
  • Walk into Dubrovnik - See the highlights of the UNESCO-designated medieval town on foot.

  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 7

    Dinner: 1

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Driver(s)

    Local Guide(s)

  • Transport

    Ferry

    Minibus

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    Accommodation

    7 nights comfortable hotel

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    Walking grade:

    Leisurely and Moderate

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    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 16
    Explore Average 11

Itinerary

Day 1 - Join trip at Dubrovnik Airport, drive to Dobrota in Montenegro

Our tour starts at Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) at 12pm today. We'll travel to our hotel in Dobrota (around a 90-minute drive) as a group so make sure your flight arrives before 11.30am so as not to miss the transfer.

Dobrota is a quaint little seaside town, backed by mountains and within walking distance of the walled city of Kotor. Described as one of Kotor Bays' more stylish enclaves, the seafront at Dobrota is lined with old captain's villas, restored as seaside cafes and small hotels offering picturesque views of Mt Vrmac and the bay itself.

Accommodation:

Hotel Marija 2 (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: None

Day 2 - Walking tour of Kotor ramparts, optional boat trip to Lady of the Rock

This morning, we'll set out to explore the prettiest city in Montenegro, Kotor. The old city of Kotor is a well-preserved urbanisation typical of the Middle Ages, situated on one of the world's most beautiful bays. The town's walls date back to the 14th century and tower an astounding 20 metres high. To get the best views of the fjord and the maze-like cobbled streets of the city itself, we'll walk to the top of the walls (a steep walk of around 1350 steps and a series of switchbacks).

This afternoon, we'll have the option to take a boat trip to the Lady of the Rock and Perast Town in the bay of Kotor. The Lady of the Rock is a man-made island created over centuries. Legend has it that, after they found an icon of Madonna and Child on the rocks, local seamen kept an ancient oath to lay a stone in the bay every time they returned safely. Over the years, the islet was formed and now is home to the Church of Our Lady of the Rocks.

Today's 2.5 kilometre/1.5 mile moderate walk is expected to take around two-and-a-half hours with 300 metres/984 feet of ascent and descent.

Accommodation:

Hotel Marija 2 (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 3 - Walk to Vrmac Fortress for views over Kotor and Tivat

Today, we'll visit one of the most iconic viewpoints in Kotor. Starting from our hotel, we'll hike up a zig-zagging path on Vrmac Mountain. This long limestone ridge separates Kotor Bay and forms the backbone of the peninsula between Tivat and Kotor. The first part of our hike leads through forested terrain, gradually ascending along an old Austro-Hungarian stone pathway to the highest point of the Vrmac Ridge. From here, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of Kotor's inner bay on one side and the Adriatic Sea and Tivat on the other. The trail, an easy and straightforward route along an old military road, offers panoramic vistas of the Dinaric Alps, Boka Bay, and the picturesque villages scattered along its shores. After a short descent, we will meet our minibus, which will take us back to town.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure. You could opt to visit the island church of Our Lady of the Rocks, built in 1452 on the site where fishermen discovered an image of the Virgin Mary.

Today's moderate 7 kilometre/4.3 mile hike is expected to take around 3 hours with 460 metres/1509 feet of ascent and 210 metres/ 866 feet of descent. Please note, the accent is steep and rocky in places- comfortable shoes with ankle support are recommended.

Accommodation:

Hotel Marija 2 (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 4 - Drive to Bosanka in Croatia and walk into Dubrovnik, catch ferry to Mijet

After breakfast this morning, we'll drive to Bosanka hill on the edge of the UNESCO-listed walled city of Dubrovnik. We'll walk down into the city, entering through the ancient walls on foot. The short 40-minute walk rewards us with great views of the surrounding area. From Dubrovnik, we'll then take a catamaran to Mijet Island, known for its lush green forests, serene saltwater lakes, and tranquil ambience. When we get off the catamaran in Pomena, we'll head to our hotel, just a short walk away. The rest of the evening is at your leisure.

Today's leisurely morning walk covers 1.2 kilometres/0.7 miles and is expected to take around 40 minutes with 200 metres/656 feet of descent. It's worth noting that, in parts, the ground is uneven and cobbled.

Accommodation:

Hotel Odisej (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 5 - Loop walk around Malo and Veliko Jezero lakes

Over 70% of the western side of Mljet is covered by forest, earning it the nickname the Green Island. Today, we'll follow a looped hiking trail starting out from our hotel and taking us around Malo and Veliko Jezero, or the Small and the Great Lake in Mljet National Park. The lakes are salt water and interconnected by a very narrow canal and we'll have the opportunity to swim in the lakes along the way today.

The larger lake, Veliko Jezero, is home to the small island of Sv Marija, upon which sits a 12th-century Benedictine Monastery - we'll take a short visit across to the island to have a look at the monastery and its church. During its time on the island, the monastery has taken on various guises, including a hotel during Tito's administration. The war in 1991 ended that phase and the monastery and church were left vacant with the possibility that the Benedictines may return to reclaim and reopen it.

We'll return to Pomena for our next boat trip to the island of Korcula and our overnight stay in the village of Lumbarda.

Today's moderate 10 kilometre/6.2 mile trek is expected to take around four hours with 300 metres/656 feet of ascent and descent.

Accommodation:

Hotel Borik (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 6 - Coastal walk Lumbarda to Korcula Town, drive to Dubrovnik

Lumbarda is a small fisherman's village situated on the eastern coastline of Korcula island, well known for its vineyards and a 'unique' white wine known as GRK.

Our walk today will follow the shore from the beautiful sandy beaches at Lumbarda itself to the town of Korcula. On route, we'll enjoy wonderful views of the archipelago and its 22 islets, including Vrnik and Badija. We'll finish our walk in the medieval walled town of Korcula where we'll have free time to explore.

The Old Town of Korcula is shaped a little like a fishbone with a succession of narrow streets coming off the main street (or backbone). This design was said to reduce the effects of the wind and sun and keep its occupants sheltered. During your exploration, you might like to visit the 15th-century, Gothic Renaissance-style cathedral of Saint Mark or the alleged birthplace of Marco Polo and its impressive tower that gives amazing panoramic views of Korcula. We'll then take the ferry to Orebic and transfer by road to Dubrovnik, for the last two nights of our holiday.

Today's leisurely 7 kilometre/4.3 mile trek is expected to take around three hours with 100 metres/328 feet of ascent and descent.

Accommodation:

Hotel Vis (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 7 - Guided tour of Dubrovnik, free afternoon

George Bernard Shaw once wrote, 'those who seek paradise on earth should come to Dubrovnik'. Today, we'll get to grips with the stunning city with a guided walking tour. The Old Town retains its unique charm and UNESCO has granted it World Cultural Heritage status as one of the world's finest examples of a fortified Medieval town. After our tour, there'll be free time to explore at your own pace. You might like to walk the length of the city walls (1,940 metres/6,364 feet in total) or take a cable car to view the city from above.

This evening, we'll meet as a group for a farewell dinner and toast to our week of walking.

Accommodation:

Hotel Vis (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 8 - Trip ends in Dubrovnik

Our trip ends this morning at our accommodation in Dubrovnik.

There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Dubrovnik at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) a 30-minute drive from the hotel.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

Croatia

Climate

The Croatian Adriatic has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm, dry, sunny summers. There is a chance of sporadic rain in spring and autumn, though generally it is in the form of short showers. Thunderstorms can occur in summer, generally helping to cool the air. Hvar Island gets the most sunshine in summer with 10-12 hours each day, followed by Split, Korcula Island and Dubrovnik with around 7-8 hours. Temperatures from May to October are generally in the low to mid 70's (in °F), but can reach into the 30's (in °C) in July and August. Trip itineraries with boat cruises can occasionally be disrupted due to bad weather.

Time difference to GMT

+1

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Roman Catholic

Language

Croatian

Montenegro

Climate

Montenegro's coastline has a Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild winters, whereas the more mountainous inland areas have a sub-alpine climate with warm summers and very cold winters with frequent snowfall. There is a chance of sporadic rain in spring and autumn in the coastal areas, though generally this is in the form of short showers. In the mountains rainfall tends to be more frequent including around the Bay of Kotor. Temperatures from May to October are generally in the low to mid 20's (in °C), but can reach into the 30's (in °C) in July and August.

Time difference to GMT

+1

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Christian (mainly Serbian Orthodox)

Language

Montenegrin

Budgeting and packing

Optional activities

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.


Lady of the rock 10 to 20 Euros depending in group size
Dubrovnik- Cable Car EUR27 return trip, Walk the city walls EUR35

Clothing

The summer months can be very warm, bring light and comfortable clothing that can be layered according to the temperature. It can become cool, especially at night, so also bring warmer layers. Tops made from wicking materials which keep you drier, a warmer fleece is recommended as a mid layer, and walking trousers are preferable to trousers of heavier material such as jeans.

-Breathable wind and waterproof jacket
-T-shirts
-Long sleeved tops
-Sunhat
-Long trousers
-Shorts (if you prefer to walk in them)
-Swimwear and towel
-Midlayer Fleece/pullover
-Socks (liner and thicker pair)
-Insulated jacket

Footwear

We recommend you bring walking boots/trail shoes with ankle support, make sure that your boots are worn-in and comfortable before the start of the trip. Also trainers or sandals for relaxing and general wear. We suggest that on international flights you either carry your walking boots in your hand luggage or wear them - should your luggage be lost or delayed, your own boots are the one thing that will be irreplaceable.

Luggage

20kg

Luggage: On tour

Bring one main piece of luggage and a 20-30 litre day sack is recommended. You will need to carry what you need for the day which may include a raincoat, jumper, camera, sun-cream, water and picnic lunch. On hot days you will carry fewer clothes but more drinking water.

Equipment

-Sunglasses
-Sun cream
-Small Torch (with spare batteries and bulb)
-Camera
-Walking poles (if you usually use them)
-Personal toiletries
-Personal first aid kit - On each walk a first aid kit is carried but you should have your own blister kit, supply of plasters, aspirin and other essentials.
-Insect repellent
-Small waterproof dry bag (for items such as your mobile phone)
-Reusable water bottle (minimum 1 litre) - Get 15% discount on a Water-to-Go bottle www.explore.co.uk/about-us/responsible-travel/water-to-go-discount-with-explore
-Lunch bag/Tupperware (for packed lunches)

Tipping

Explore leader
At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
Local crew
Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognised part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. Accordingly you should allow approximately £15 for gratuities for local staff.

In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group's tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.

Croatia

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£15 to £35, depending on your location, touristic areas are usually slightly more expensive
Dinner price
£15 to £40 depending on your location, touristic areas are usually slightly more expensive
Beer price
£5 to £10 depending on your location, touristic areas are usually slightly more expensive
Water price
£3 to £5 depending on size
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Euro
Recommended Currency For Exchange
Take the majority of your spending money in Euros cash.
Where To Exchange
We recommend that you change any currency into Euros prior to arrival. Currency Exchange locations are generally only found in major cities and large airports.
ATM Availability
Most towns and cities have ATM's for cash withdrawal.
Credit Card Acceptance
Generally accepted throughout including most restaurants and hotels.

Montenegro

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£20
Dinner price
£40
Beer price
£3
Water price
£2
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Euro.
Recommended Currency For Exchange
Pound Sterling and US Dollars can be exchanged for local currency. Please note if using Pound Sterling then only Bank of England issued bank notes are accepted. Scottish and Northern Irish bank notes are not accepted.
Where To Exchange
Banks or Forex Offices in the main towns and cities. Your Explore Leader will advise you on arrival.
ATM Availability
Most towns and cities have ATM's for cash withdrawal.
Credit Card Acceptance
Credit cards are also generally widely accepted.
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Ferry, Minibus

Accommodation notes

Accommodation on this tour has been chosen for location, comfort, and authenticity. We'll be staying in a number of smaller, family-run hotels and guesthouses, while they might not offer the luxuries of larger, chain hotels, they do give us a warm welcome and a taste of local life.

It's worth noting that lifts and porters might not always be available and you'll need to carry your own luggage to your room - often upstairs - so it's worth packing light.

In Dubrovnik, we'll stay at either Hotel Vis or Hotel Komodor. Both are three-star with comfortable rooms, located close to the beach. Hotel Vis has a rooftop terrace, a bar and a seaside restaurant. Hotel Komodor is just a five-minute walk from the promenade and has a pool to relax in.

Croatia

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day. 

Montenegro

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day. 

 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information

Montenegro: Visas are not required by UK, US, Canadian, Australia and New Zealand citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.

Croatia: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US or Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Maximum altitude (m)

700

Ability to swim

No

Croatia

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, but we recommend being up-to-date with your routine vaccination courses and boosters as recommended in the UK including protection against measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis A, typhoid and polio. Tick-borne encephalitis protection is recommended by some medical sources at certain times of the year. Ticks are most active between spring and late autumn. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Montenegro

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, but we recommend being up-to-date with your routine vaccination courses and boosters as recommended in the UK including protection against measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis A, typhoid and polio. Tick-borne encephalitis protection is recommended by some medical sources at certain times of the year. Ticks are most active between spring and late autumn. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

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Airport Transfers
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