Classic Croatia

Upon your arrival at Split International Airport, you’ll be met by our private driver and transferred to your hotel in the city which dates back to the 4th century AD when Roman Emperor Diocletian chose this spot for his retirement residence. After checking in, you might take a walk through his impeccably well-preserved palace complex with the centuries-old buildings transformed into unique shops, galleries, cafes, restaurants, and bars. The waterfront promenade is a lovely place for a stroll and people-watching.

• Preferred Hotel Splendida Palace, Split

After breakfast, it’s time to join our expert local guide for a guided tour of Split and nearby Trogir. Begin the tour exploring Split’s historic center, nearly half of which includes the 4th-century AD Diocletian’s Palace. Discover the truly magnificent buildings with influences by the Greeks, Romans, and Venetians before heading to UNESCO-listed Trogir with its early 15th-century Kamerlengo Castle and 13th-century Cathedral of St. Afterward the tour, spend the afternoon further exploring at your leisure.

• Preferred Hotel Splendida Palace, Split

This morning our private guide will pick you up for a tour of Krka National Park with its rich and diverse flora and fauna where you’ll stroll the scenic paths to visit Skradinski buk, the highest waterfall in the Mediterranean, made up of multiple cascades plunging for over 150 feet into tranquil pools below. You’ll then visit nearby Sibenik with its glistening medieval heart, a stone labyrinth of backstreets, and Croatia’s most important Renaissance monument, St. James Cathedral.

• Preferred Hotel Splendida Palace, Split

You’ll have time for one more breakfast and a walk on the promenade before we transfer you to Hvar, the sunniest and perhaps most sought-after island in the country. In Hvar Town’s harbor, you’ll see plenty of beautiful mega-yachts as it attracts celebrities and other jet-setting types from across the globe. The island is home to beautiful beaches, picturesque historic towns, and a fabulous selection of restaurants. Once you have checked into your hotel, take a walk up to the Spanjola Fortress and enjoy simply breathtaking views across Hvar and the magnificent Pakleni Islands.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Amfora, Hvar

The Pakleni archipelago is made up of some 20 islands known for their hidden lagoons, secluded beaches, and sparkling turquoise waters, all of which are within easy reach of Hvar. Hop on a boat for a tour, winding through the emerald gems as you soak up the sun, the salty sea air, and the scenery, stopping to relax on the gorgeous sands and swim or snorkel in the crystal-clear water.

Optional Alternative:

Visit the Blue Cave on Bisevo Island, famous for its remarkable natural phenomenon that when conditions are right, illuminates the sea grotto with an almost other-worldly aquamarine glow, thanks to sunlight that reflects from the white sandy bottom. (Weather permitting. Entrance fee payable locally)

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Amfora, Hvar

Outside of Hvar Town’s famous old town, the island is best known for its natural beauty and a tour today brings you to see it while sampling some of the tasty locally-produced wines. Journey to the north side of Hvar with our private guide, taking in the scenery with vineyard-covered hills and lavender fields to visit its oldest town of Stari Grad which dates back over 2,000 years. Sip locally produced wines at a sought-after family winery with a stunning underground wine tasting room.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Amfora, Hvar

It’s time to travel to the final destination on your itinerary, Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” Get to know the heart of Dubrovnik and its medieval walled Old City on a private expert-led tour. Our local guide will tell you all about its history and destruction during the Homeland War in the 1990s. It’s been beautifully rebuilt to its former glory which you’ll see from the moment you step through the Pile City Gate with its gothic stone arches. After exploring, hop on the cable car to ride up Mount Srd for a panoramic view of the city, sea, and nearby islands.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel More, Dubrovnik

Today has been left free to either relax and explore at your own leisure or join an optional tour.

Optional Tours:

Private full-day tour of Montenegro
Today you are off to discover Montenegro and experience its beautiful coastline, stunning Fjord-like vistas, and historic Old Towns. The first stop is the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Kotor, for a guided walking tour of this fascinating wonderfully preserved town. Then visit the picturesque seaside town of Perast where you will board a boat to visit the nearby island of Our Lady of the Rocks. You will then return to Perast with free time for lunch.

Half-day home-hosted farm-to-table cooking experience
Learn to rustle up tasty and authentic Croatian food in our educational and fun Home Hosted Cooking Class in the picturesque Konavle Valley. Your warm and welcoming hosts trace their family heritage back over 500 years. Guided by the matriarch of the family, you will prepare the ingredients to create some of the classic and most popular Konavle region dishes.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel More, Dubrovnik

Your Croatia journey has come to an end and it’s sadly time to bid farewell to Croatia as you make your way home. Our private driver will transfer you to Dubrovnik Airport for your return flight home.

Want to customize this itinerary?

If you are looking to extend your stay in Dubrovnik or any of the destinations on this itinerary, please speak to our Croatia travel experts.