Croatia Luxury Island Hopping

Your luxury island-hopping trip begins in Split, founded when Roman Emperor Diocletian decided to build his retirement residence here over 1,700 years ago. Upon arrival at Split International Airport, our private driver will transfer you to your hotel in the Old Town. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure to rest after a long journey, explore, or do a little of both. Stroll the seaside Riva promenade lined with restaurants, wine, and coffee bars, or climb Marjan Hill for a stunning view over the city, harbor, and beyond.

• Preferred Hotel Judita Palace, Split

This morning our local guide will take you on a tour of Split and nearby Trogir. Begin by walking through Split’s historic center, nearly half of which includes the 4^th-century AD Diocletian’s Palace. Marvel at the magnificently well-preserved buildings with influences by the Greeks, Romans, and Venetians before heading to UNESCO-listed Trogir with its early 15^th-century Kamerlengo Castle and 13^th-century Cathedral of St. Lawrence, one of the finest examples of Gothic and Renaissance architecture in Croatia. Afterward, enjoy the afternoon to yourself.

• Preferred Hotel Judita Palace, Split

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Split before we transfer you to Hvar Island, known for its lavender fields, vineyards, and yacht-filled harbor. The island is home to gorgeous beaches where you can swim in enticing crystal-clear blue waters. Upon your arrival, settle into your hotel and enjoy exploring on your own – we suggest taking a walk up to the  Fortica Fortress which offers simply breathtaking views over the town and the glistening Pakleni islands.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Adriana, Hvar

Today’s tour around Hvar Island explores some of its most charming villages and countryside, famous for its fields of lavender and vineyards. Visit Stari Grad, Croatia’s oldest town, settled in the 4th century BC, and its magnificent fortress. We’ll explore the small town of Vrbovska, known as “Little Venice,” connected by many stone bridges that cross its narrow, winding canal. On the return, you’ll see several other picturesque villages before the finale, an authentic Dalmatian meal at a konoba set in an olive grove.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Adriana, Hvar

Today is free to relax and explore at your own leisure.

Optional Tour – Pakleni Islands and Blue Cave
Embark on a speedboat tour to cruise around the Pakleni Islands this morning, spending the day winding through the labyrinth of green isles, stopping to swim or snorkel in secluded aquamarine bays. You will also get a chance to go inside the enchanting Blue Cave near Vis and visit Stiniva Cove, one of the most secluded beaches in the world. Finish the day with time for lunch on beautiful Palmizana island.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Adriana, Hvar

Transfer to the densely forested island of Korcula this morning, with time to get settled into your hotel before you enjoy an afternoon tour of storybook-like Korcula Old Town. Often referred to as a “mini-Dubrovnik,” its surrounded by defensive walls, ramparts and towers. Learn about its history and why the streets were laid out in a fishbone shape as you walk through marveling at landmarks like the 13th-century Revelin Tower with its winged lion of St. Mark indicating the town’s strong ties to Venice.

• Preferred Hotel Aminess Korcula Heritage Hotel, Korcula

Today is free to relax and explore at your own leisure.

Optional Tour – Food & Wine Tour
Today you will get an opportunity to see more of this beautiful island as our local foodie guide takes you to visit the Lumbarda region of the island. Here you will get to sample local Grk and Plavac Mali wine which is produced on the island. You will also visit a local honey producer to sample their varieties of honey. We end the day with a visit to a local family who produces their own olive oils, preserves, and Rajika (Croatian brandy) accompanied by a walk through their panoramic fields which offer breathtaking views.

• Preferred Hotel Aminess Korcula Heritage Hotel, Korcula

After breakfast our private driver will drive you to medieval Dubrovnik, stopping first at the fishing village of Ston to visit an oyster farm. Enjoy a tasting of fresh mussels and oysters, known as some of the world’s best due to the high mineral and salt content in the bay. Continuing to the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” you will arrive shortly after lunch, in time to check in and enjoy a refreshing drink on your hotel balcony overlooking the sea. This evening we recommend an early dinner in Dubrovnik and enjoy soaking up the evening atmosphere.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Bellevue, Dubrovnik

A private half-day tour will bring you to the delights of Dubrovnik’s walled historic center. Follow our local guide through the marble-paved streets while you’ll learn about the destruction of the city during the homeland war and witness firsthand how it was rebuilt to the glorious splendor enjoyed today. After taking in sights like Rector’s Palace and one of Europe’s oldest pharmacies, in operation for over 700 years, you’ll ride the cable car to the top of Mount Srd for a stunning panoramic view.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Bellevue, Dubrovnik

Enjoy your last full day in Croatia learning to rustle up tasty and authentic Croatian food in our 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. Meats are cooked under a baking lid bell or skewered on laurel sticks. You will learn how to cook traditionally without electricity or kitchen gadgets. Enjoy a celebratory feast and sample the delicious cuisine and local wine.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Bellevue, Dubrovnik

It’s time to bid farewell to Croatia with lots of fond memories of the beautiful cities, nature, and people you have met. Our private driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Dubrovnik Airport for your flight home.

Want to customize this itinerary?

Speak to our Croatia travel experts if you would like to extend your stay on any of the islands you will be visiting on this itinerary.