Croatia & The Dalmatian Coast

Itinerary

DAY 1 TROGIR – SPLIT – TROGIR

Your Adriatic adventure begins in fitting style in Trogir, one of Golden-roofed towns and pristine national parks. Tranquil islands lapped by turquoise waters. Ancient sites and time-honoured traditions. Our South Croatia tour takes in all this and more, inviting you to discover one of Europe’s most enticing destinations. the oldest cities in Croatia. We won’t be the first visitors to this ancient site – the Greeks, Romans and Venetians all called this ancient harbour home. After touring the centre we journey to Split, a UNESCO World Heritage city beside the azure Adriatic. The best way to explore the quirky centre is by guided walking tour. Our trail takes us into the white walls of Diocletian’s Palace, a vast fortress built in the 4th century. As we wind through courtyards and under stately archways, you’ll discover this is very much a living palace – over 200 buildings have sprung up within the walls, including boutiques, bars and restaurants. We also take in the Grgur Ninski Statue and must-see sites, including the cathedral and the Bell Tower of St Domnius, before taking a seat at a family-owned tavern for an authentic meal – and warm Croatian welcome. (D)

Overnight: Hotel Pasike (or similar)

DAY 2 TROGIR – KRKA NATIONAL PARK – TROGIR

This morning sees us seeking the crystalline lakes and meandering rivers of Krka National Park. While here we stroll through forest glades in search of waterfalls that are sure to star in many holiday photos. Then it’s on to hidden treasure BIBICh Winery for an afternoon of pure indulgence. At this small, family-owned establishment we’ll be treated to local wines paired with gourmet tapas while learning the history of winemaking in the region. We round off our day with free time to relax back in Trogir. (B)

Overnight: Hotel Pasike (or similar)

DAY 3 TROGIR – KORCULA

Today we leave the mainland behind, catching the ferry from Split to Korcula, our home for two nights. This spellbinding island brings together tranquil coves with gnarled olive groves, rolling vineyards with timeless fishing villages. Reputed to be the birthplace of Marco Polo, it’s hard to see why he would’ve wanted to leave. After checking in to our hotel, we get our bearings with a walk through the old town. Our steps take us down narrow, twisting lanes lined with terracotta-topped houses – all watched over by St Mark’s Cathedral, a Gothic and Renaissance masterpiece. Then it’s time to enjoy a well-earned meal at a traditional restaurant. (B, D)

Overnight: Hotel Korcula (or similar)

DAY 4 KORCULA

Wake in your own time, knowing the whole day is to spend just as you wish. Lounge at a nearby beach, or find a cafe to get to know the local cuisine. If exploration is on the cards, hop aboard a taxi boat to Vrnik, a gem of an island popular with locals and in-the-know travellers. Or step into the past at the town museum, housed in the atmospheric surrounds of 16th century Gabrielis Palace. (B)

Overnight: Hotel Korcula (or similar)

DAY 5 KORCULA – PELJESAC PENINSULA – KOTOR

Bidding farewell to Korcula, we sail to the nearby Peljesac Peninsula – a hotspot for wine making since the days of the Roman Empire. Savour the fruits of this ancient tradition on a tour of a local winery, before we briefly leave Croatia for a night in Montenegro. With steep mountainsides plunging into deep, turquoise waters, Kotor Bay is a soul-stirring sight. And at the centre lies UNESCO listed Kotor town, seemingly untouched by time. Spend your free evening here circling the medieval walls, taking in beautiful views of the town and bay. (B)

Overnight: Hotel Vardar (or similar)

DAY 6 KOTOR – DUBROVNIK

This morning we delve into Kotor’s history, wandering cobbled streets and exploring the cathedral of Saint Tryphon and the picture-perfect harbour. After stopping off in charming Perast, we board a boat out into the Bay of Kotor to the simply gorgeous island of Our Lady of the Rocks. While here, we explore the intriguing Byzantine-style church, before heading back to dry land. By afternoon we arrive at Dubrovnik, an achingly beautiful city that seems straight out of a storybook. A guided tour takes us into old town, where we see top-draw sites including the Franciscan Monastery, Sponza Palace, the Cathedral of Our Lady and the Old Port. If the weather is on our side, we climb Mount Srd by cable car to see the late afternoon sun turn the rooftops golden. After this perfect introduction to Dubrovnik, we sample the famous hospitality in a local restaurant. (B, D)

Overnight: Hotel Zagreb (or similar)

DAY 7 DUBROVNIK – ELAPHITE ISLANDS – DUBROVNIK

A new day sees us setting sail once more, this time to Kolocep, Sipan and Lopud islands in the Elaphite archipelago. Dotted with pine forests, peaceful bays and sleepy villages, they provide the perfect contrast to the buzzing city. Finally, we share a farewell lunch of succulent grilled fish accompanied with Dalmatian wine before returning to Dubrovnik, where our tour ends. (B, L)

Pick-up & Drop-off

This tour commences from Hotel Pasike, Sinjska, Bb, 21220 Trogir, Croatia at 9.00am. Please ensure you are at the meeting point at least 15 minutes prior to departure.

The tour finishes at 5.30pm at Hotel Zagreb, Šetalište kralja Zvonimira 5, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia.