Via Dinarica trekking through national parks and to the highest Croatian peak

Day-by-day itinerary

DAY 1

Discover landmarks of Šibenik – the historic UNESCO protected sites

After the arrival to Šibenik, check in at the hotel. Take a short break, and go on a stroll through the historic centre of Šibenik where you can marvel at the Dalmatian Medieval and Renaissance architecture of the streets and squares. Explore the city's famous symbols – the Cathedral of St. James, which is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and the Šibenik fortresses.

If you're in the mood for a walk by the sea, take the lovely promenade along the Channel of St. Anthony, one of the most beautiful areas on the Adriatic coast and one of the most stunning maritime entrances into the city. The pearl of Venetian fortification architecture and one of the most attractive fortresses in the Adriatic – St. Nicholas' Fortress, almost completely surrounded by the sea – is visible from the promenade. Overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 2

Amazing beauty of nature reveals itself through Paklenica canyons

After breakfast, meeting with a licensed tour guide, after which you will be transferred to the amazing Paklenica National Park, the starting point of our adventure. It is situated on the southern slopes of Mount Velebit and encompasses the torrent flows of Velika Paklenica and Mala Paklenica, and their distinctive canyons hew vertically into the southern slopes of Velebit and the wider area.

After arrival at the national park's reception area, we will continue to the Paklenica mountain lodge. The route that you will be taking is truly awe-inspiring. You will get to see the Paklenica mills, the Velika Paklenica canyon, karst formations, flora and fauna, stream waterfalls as well as Anića Kuk, the most famous rock in Croatia that rises to 712 m above sea level, which also makes it the highest rock on Mount Velebit and a popular hiking spot. Trekking beneath these formidable rocks that rise on both sides of the Velika Paklenica canyon as you listen to the soothing sound of the eponymous babbling stream will provide a total experience of the natural environment of this national park that you will never forget.

You will be stopping at a family-run farm at the foot below the mountain hamlets for a lunch break in the company of our hospitable hosts. Late afternoon return to Šibenik. Overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 3

Gorgeous cascades and waterfalls of the Krka river

Good morning! A new day brings new challenges as we head to another gorgeous national park – Krka, which encompasses the most beautiful area of the Krka river flow, as well as the lower Čikola river, and is world-famous for its abundance of lakes and waterfalls.

You will be leaving the hotel after breakfast. The national park is an area of exceptional beauty and high aesthetic value. You will traverse an 8.5 km long hiking trail that leads next to the wetlands, meadows and terraces perfumed by the fragrant Mediterranean vegetation until you reach the restored water mills of Roški Slap – a vast waterfall area consisting of the 22.5 m high main waterfalls and an array of backwaters, cascades and travertine islands.

After a traditional lunch at a family farm, you will continue towards Oziđana Pećina ("Walled Cave"). In order to reach this special site, which is part of an educational walking trail, we will have to climb 516 stairs. Outside the cave, you can enjoy the captivating view of "Ogrlice" ("Necklaces"), the famous Roški Slap cascades, which is a truly idyllic landscape. Return to Šibenik in the afternoon hours. Overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 4

Jaw-dropping landscape from the top of Croatia

After breakfast, visit Mount Dinara, one of the most beautiful mountains in Croatia after which the Dinarides mountain chain was named. Its summit is Sinjal (1831m), which is also the highest peak in Croatia. The abundance of floral meadows and forests contributes to the otherworldly beauty of Dinara.

You will begin your 6-hour hike to the highest peak in Croatia in the village of Mirkovići at 8.00h. After 3 hours, we will stop at the Brezovac mountain lodge for a brunch. Afterwards, you will go on a scenic climb during which you will be surrounded by the jaw-dropping landscape. And there you’ll be, finally, at the top of Croatia, rewarded with a stunning 360° panoramic view that extends to almost all the mountains in Dalmatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, with Lake Peruča particularly catching the eye far below in the distance. It goes without saying that you will be guaranteed an experience at the top of Croatia. After a break and enjoying the view, we will head back. Overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 5

Urban Hiking Tour of Šibenik

Breakfast. Hotel check-out. If you're in the mood for further activity, we certainly recommend an urban hiking tour of the St. Michael and Barone fortresses in the historic centre of Šibenik, which you can reach by walking up Šibenik's stone-paved streets and climbing its numerous stairs. With 2851 stairs in its historic centre, Šibenik boasts the title of the city with the most stairs in Dalmatia. Make your way up to the gorgeous and newly restored Šibenik fortresses and revel in the scenic view of the entire Šibenik bay and the nearby islands.