2019 Wilderness Travel Catalog of Adventures

FRANZ WALTER FRANCO COGOLI

DAVID EPPERSON

JAN WLODARCZYK

Vineyards and seaside hikes, island hopping, medieval towns, and delightful local cuisine make this a perfect WT adventure.

Croatia: Istria & the Dalmatian Coast ISLANDS, HILL TOWNS, AND CULINARY DELIGHTS

We’ve crafted a superb 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, and island hopping. We’ll hike up to the castle-topped hill town of Motovun, with a walk on its ancient walls, visit picture-perfect Croatian hamlets, and enjoy private farm-to-table culinary tastings. Along the way, our Trip Leaders introduce us 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 our finale is in Trogir, a World Heritage Site. Days 1-3 Ljubljana, Slovenia / Motovun, Croatia / Groznjan In red-roofed Ljubljana, we stroll the cobbled streets, then cross to Croatia’s Istria Peninsula for a hike through truffle country to the fairytale town of Motovun, entering through its original gates. After our hike on the Parenzana Trail, we visit the artists’ haven of Groznjan, once a Venetian fortress town.

Porec’s cathedral for views, and then head to Pula to take in the splendor of its impressive Roman amphitheater. Overnights are in Rovinj, a dreamy town of Venetian townhouses set on a peninsula jutting into the sea. With its blend of sunny quayside cafes, yachts, working fishing boats, and Venetian mansions, Rovinj has a delightfully Italian flavor. Local specialties here include delicious Istrian sheep cheese and egg-noodle pastas. Days 6-7 Cres On rugged Cres, an island of tiny stone villages, we hike from a clifftop village down through pine forests to the bay of Martinscica for a picnic and a swim. We walk along the lungomare (seaside promenade) to Veli Losinj, with its ancient houses around a natural harbor, and up to a ridgetop for a picnic near the tiny church of St. Ivan, overlooking the sea. Days 8-11 Rab / Trogir By private sailboat, we head to the Renaissance-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, with its medieval Old Town surrounded by the sea. Depart on Day 11 via Split or extend to Dubrovnik. DUBROVNIK EXTENSION Discover the spectacular walled city and surrounding countryside. Call for details.

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

• 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 • Enjoy private tastings of artisan products and sample great local wines DETAILS • 11-day trip begins in Ljubljana, Slovenia, and ends in Split, Croatia • 10 nights hotels and inns • All meals included except 3 dinners

DATES May 2-12, 2019 Jun 27-Jul 7 Sep 5-15 Sep 19-29 Oct 3-13

TRIP COST $4895 (10-15 members) $5395 (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

Days 4-5 Rovinj / Pula We head to the Adriatic Coast at Porec, with a climb up the bell tower of

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