ITINERARY | HIGHLIGHTS | WEATHER | ACCOMMODATION & ADDITIONAL INFOCroatia 2009
HVAR – walking on one of the world's most beautiful islands.
Often referred to as ‘The Island of Lavender’, Hvar is the longest of the Adriatic Islands. Hvar belongs to the central island group of the Adriatic and lies in an east-west direction at right angles to the coast. The eastern promontory of Hvar is only 4.5 km away from the mainland, while the western one faces the open sea. The island boasts Croatia’s highest recorded sunshine hours and its gentle winters and long warm summers make it a pleasant destination throughout the year. Hvar is also notable for its archaeology, with discoveries of early pre-Illyrian artifacts dating back some five thousand years. But above all it is the natural beauty of the island that impresses. Considered one of the most beautiful islands in the world, Hvar is a breathtaking destination.This is a walking holiday with the addition of two days sailing and sea kayaking, all of it guided whether you join a group on our scheduled departures or come independently on a date to suit you.
PRICE
Group departures 2009 (April 11, April 25, May 23, June 6, September 12, September 26, October 24): £600 per person based on 2 people sharing. Single supplement of £55. Includes 7 nights half board (Breakfast and dinner), transfers throughout stay on island, hiking/walking guide, sailing captain, sea-kayaking guide. Independent departures: (any day except dates as listed above): £535 per person to include 7 nights accommodation (no meals), transfers day 2 to day 7, personal guides for all activities each day. To include breakfasts and dinners and transfers to/from ferry port: £645 per person (£700 in July and August).
INCLUDED
See above
NOT INCLUDED
Flights and transfers not mentioned above, meals according to the programme chosen.
Departure dates 2008:Group departures March 21, April 19, May 3, May 31, September 20, October 4. Independent departures on any day outside these dates according to accommodation availability.
To book email:
walking@star.co.ukT: (44) (0)1242 254353
ITINERARY
Day 1. ARRIVAL ON HVAR - JELSA
Transfer from the ferry port at Stari Grad to Jelsa.
Day 2. HUMAC & GRAPCEVA CAVE
Transfer to Humac, once a shepherds' settlement, located 7 km east of Jelsa, 350 m above sea level, with a bird’s eye view of the valleys and headlands on the west side of the Island, as well as providing a view of the Island of Brac and the coastline of Makarska. The houses of Humac , well preserved, simple and made of stone, belong to a uniquerural type of architecture. From Humac hike to Grapceva Cave, the cradle of Hvar's culture and civilization. The immense stalactites and stalagmites that decorate the cave resemble an ancient organ and together with the absolute silence and solitude offer a magnificent and unforgettable sight.
Hiking: 3 h
Day 3. ST.NIKOLA – HIGHEST PEAK ON THE ISLAND
Transfer to starting point of the walk. The hiking route follows ancient paths leading you through olive groves and vineyards still cultivated as they always have been. The trail takes us along the old stone road, once the only communication between the South and the Northsides of the island.
When you reach the peak of Sveti Nikola at 636 m above sea level, you will have a wonderful view of all the surrounding islands. Descend to the village of Sveta Nedjelja and then along the coast with the chance of a swim in one of beautiful bays on the way.
Hiking: 5 h
Day 4. HVAR TOWN AND SAILING TO PAKLENI ISLANDS
Transfer to Hvar. Spend the morning exploring Hvar town. At midday sail to the Pakleni islands covered with thick pine woods providing refreshing shade even during the hottest summer days. As well as Palmižana beach, the route passes through narrow straits and among the islands to reveal hidden inlets where you can enjoy the privilege of having, at least temporarily, a beach of your own.
Sailing: 4 h
Day 5. VELO & MALO GRABLJE
Transfer to starting point of our hike. Velo Grablje was once a rich and advanced township of industrious people known as the greatest lavender oil producers in Europe. Today Grablje is almost abandoned with only a dozen permanent residents. Visit Motokit, the higest peakon the western part of the island, A day of beautiful deep canyon scenery, together with the architecture of Malo Grablje.
Hiking: 4 h
Day 6. TOR & GROD
We start todays hike from Jelsa. Walk through old part of the town to the Greek Tower of Tor, a square tower built of megalithic (Cyclopean) blocks, which dominates the picturesque valley from Stari Grad to Jelsa. After we continue to Grod, a fortification that was the base ofthe mighty family Slavogost, who rebelled against the Venetians who destroyed this town.
Hiking: 4 h
Day 7. SEA KAYAKING
From Jelsa to Vrboska, the smallest place on the island, but also one of its treasures. Founded in the 15th century, it is a town of gorgeous churches and canals and bridges. After exploring Vrboska, kayak back toJelsa.
Kayaking: 2-4h
Day 8.
Departure.
* WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CHANGE THE ITINERARY DUE TO UNEXPECTED CIRCUMSTANCES (WEATHER CHANGES AND SIMILAR...)
Duration of each activity is given approximately and it depends upon weather conditions and individual ability.
DIFFICULTY OF WALK
Easy to moderate for people of average fitness
If you have done this walk before we would like to hear of your personal highlights.
Mail Us
ACCOMMODATION
All rooms with bath/shower and WC.
LOCATION
Jelsa is situated in the middle of the north coast of the island of Hvar, about 28 kilometres from Hvar town. The settlement is concentrated by the sea while the hinterland is surrounded by densepine woods on the sloping hills of the island's ridge. Jelsa is the only place on the island with an abundance of fresh water, accounting for the luxuriant vegetation.
GETTING THERE
AIR
The nearest airport is Split. Some low cost cariers have flights to Zadar and Dubrovnik.
BY ROAD
Cars can be hired at Trieste Airport and driven into Croatia. You can also arrive by ferry from Ancona to Split, or directly to Stari Grad on Hvar island. Directferry lines between Hvar and Ancona are avalible in June, July, August, September
WHAT TO TAKE:
Sturdy walking boots and walking socks (with a change of socks in rucksack), rucksack/day pack, swimming costume, 1 x water bottle with 1 litre capacity, insect repellent, sun glasses, sunhat, sun block/cream, compass, torch and a first-aid kit
WHEN TO GO
Year round but spring and late summer or early autumn are the best times.
INSURANCE
We recommend that you take out appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for whatever reason.
To book, contact
worldwalks at:
email:
walking@star.co.ukT: (44) (0)1242 254353