Croatia Mountain Trek 2024

Take on the Croatia Mountain Trek and help us accelerate a positive change for those affected by brain tumours.

The Istria Peninsula in northern Croatia is relatively unknown, a hidden gem which feels a world away from the well-touristed Adriatic coast to the south,

With spectacular, diverse scenery of lush green forested hills and limestone mountain peaks, vineyards and olive groves, meandering rivers, untouched stone villages and medieval hilltop towns, the region offers rich rewards for those who like to trek away from the crowds.

Following the Istria Mountain Trail across the peninsula, we trek from the wooded hills around Buzet east to Ucka National Park, where we crest three mountain peaks, culminating in fabulous views over the entire region from the rocky summit of Mount Ucka.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Fly from UK; transfer to Buzet

You arrive into the region and transfer to the characterful town of Buzet, known for its production of local grappa. There should be time to explore the old town, and visit the local brewery for a chance to sample the different grappa flavours!

Day 2: Buzet – oprtalj – Buzet

A 30min drive takes you to Oprtalj, a small and very picturesque town marking the start of the Istrian Mountain Trail. Your trek starts fairly gently on undulating wooded trails, passing small villages and farmland before climbing to a wonderful viewpoint over the River Mirna, with vistas stretching to Mount Ucka. You then pass the imposing ruins of Pietrapelosa castle as you head downhill into the valley. After more undulating trails passing small villages, you enjoy beautiful views across to Buzret, perched on a forested hilltop, and return there for a night.

Day 3: Buzet – Hum – Buzet

A long but absolutely beautiful day awaits! Walking alongside the river, dwarfed by sheer rock faces, you walk through woodland, gradually gaining height, and pass lakes and waterfalls. You pass an old abandoned village with traditional Istrian stone houses, and an old watermill beside natural pools, before reaching Hum for lunch. You then continue climbing through the wooded valley to a stunning viewpoint, before heading back to Buzet on a scenic, undulating path passing yet more waterfalls.

Day 4: Buzet – Ucka – Lovran

A 30min drive takes you to Brgudac, where you will fill your bottles from the village’s spring water troughs, before setting off. You will trek uphill through oak forests onto a mountainous plateau and onto Korita Peak (1050m); where you can enjoy wonderful views of the Ucka massif. You then continue over the undulating karst plateau to the bare rocky peak of Veliki Planik (1272m), the highest point on the Cicarija plateau. Descencing to a saddle between the mountains, you are spurred on by fabulous sea views to Mount Ucka – your highest point of 1401m. After soaking up the views, you drive to Lovran, a lovely historic town on the east coast of the peninsula.

Day 5: Transfer to airport; fly to UK

After breakfast you will transfer back to the airport for your flight home.

Download your itinerary

What’s Included

All meals except where specified, and accommodation
All flights and transport
Discover Adventure Leader; doctor (group size dependent); local guides and drivers
Local support and back-up equipment
Entry to National Park and any other sites included in the itinerary
Brewery visit and grappa tasting
Airling taxes

What’s Excluded

Any meals specified as ‘not included’ in the itinerary
Travel insurance
Personal spending money, souvenirs and drinks
Tips for the local guides and support crew
Inbound airport departure tax (no tax applied at time of writing)
Optional winter boot rental (approximately 40 Euros)
Fees for any optional sites, attractions or activities
Any applicable surcharges as per Terms and Conditions

Payment Options

Registration fee: £199. The registration fee of £199 is payable directly to the event organisers Discover Adventure.

Fundraising option: £2,400. To guarantee your place on this trek, we ask that you have raised £1,920 (80%) 10 weeks before departure and the final £480 (20%) within 2 weeks of your return.

Registration fee: £199. The registration fee of £199 is payable directly to the event organisers Discover Adventure.

Remaining cost of trip: £250 paid directly to the event organisers Discover Adventure.

Fundraising option: £1,900. To guarantee your place on this trek, we ask that you have raised £1,520 (80%) 10 weeks before departure and the final £380 (20%) within 2 weeks of your return.

Registration fee: £199. The registration fee of £199 is payable directly to the event organisers Discover Adventure.

Remaining cost of trip: £1,200 paid approximately 8 weeks before your challenge to the event organisers Discover Adventure.

Fundraising option: Raise as much as you can!