Wilderness Travel 2018 Catalog of Adventures

Croatia: Istria & the Dalmatian Coast IDYLLIC ISLANDS, MEDIEVAL HILLTOWNS, AND CULINARY DELIGHTS

We’ve crafted a superb hiking journey on the northern Dalmatian Coast—far from the cruise ships—and filled it with vineyard hikes, walks in truffle and olive oil country, seaside rambles along the crystal-clear Adriatic, island hopping, and enjoying the good life of this history-filled coast. We’ll hike up to the castle-topped hill town of Motuvun, go truffle hunting with a local guide and his dog, explore an immense Roman amphitheater, visit picture-perfect Croatian hamlets, and enjoy private farm-to-table culinary tastings. Along the way, our Trip Leaders introduce you to local people, great wines, and regional specialties (think grilled fresh calamari, enjoyed waterside!). Our journey begins in Slovenia’s jewel-like capital, Ljubljana, and ends in Trogir, a World Heritage Site.

era island of Rab, and we hike in Krka National Park to enjoy its karst landscape of cliffs and canyons. Our trip ends in Trogir, whose medieval Old Town is surrounded by the sea. Depart on Day 11 via Split, or extend to Dubrovnik. DUBROVNIK EXTENSION Discover the beauty of this ancient city and the surrounding countryside with hikes, an insider’s walking tour of the city, biking or kayaking, oyster farms, and more. Call for details.

TIM MANNAKEE

forests and rocky coves. Overnights are in Rovinj, a dreamy town of Venetian townhouses on a peninsula jutting into the sea. Local specialties we can try here include Istrian sheep cheese and egg-noodle pastas. Days 6-7 Cres On the rugged isle of Cres, we hike across lavender- scented hills and along the seaside to Veli Losinj, with opportunities for a swim. We also relax with a picnic and sweeping bay views.

Days 1-3 Ljubljana, Slovenia / Motovun, Croatia / Istria In red-roofed Ljubljana, we stroll the cobbled streets, then cross to Croatia’s Istria Peninsula for a hike through ancient vineyards and a walk through truffle country to the fairytale town of Motovun, entering through the town’s original gates. Here we head out with a truffle hunter and his dog to search for these prized mushrooms. Days 4-5 Groznjan / Rovinj / Pula We visit medieval Groznjan, a town of artists and music, and Porec, where we climb the cathedral’s bell tower for superb views. After a visit to the immense Roman amphitheater overlooking Pula’s harbor, we hike a coastal path through pine

HIGHLIGHTS • Hike to the stunning hilltowns of Motovun, Gracisce, and Lubenice

Days 8-11 Rab / Trogir A private sailboat brings us to the Renaissance-

• Discover the amphitheater at Pula, whose amazing state of preservation makes the Roman world come to life • Explore exquisite Rovinj, Veli Losinj, and islands of the northern Dalmatian Coast • Go truffle hunting with a local guide, enjoy private tastings of local artisan products DETAILS • 11-day trip begins in Ljubljana, Slovenia, and ends in Split, Croatia • 10 nights hotels and inns • All meals included except 3 dinners

Vineyard and coastal hikes, island hopping, medieval hilltowns, and mouth-watering cuisine and wines make this a perfect WT adventure. PHOTO: JASMINA MIHOC

DATES May 3-13, 2018 Jun 26-Jul 6

Sep 19-29

Oct 2-12

TRIP COST $4895 (10-15 members) $5295 (4-9 members) Single supplement: $610 Dubrovnik extension: Call for details TRIP LEVEL 1 2 + 3 4 5 6 7 A mix of easy to moderate walks and hikes, 2-5 hours a day, van support

RUSS BARON

FOR A DETAILED ITINERARY: 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL EUROPE@WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM 81