Croatia Luxury Island Hopping

Your luxury island hopping trip begins in Split, birthed when Roman Emperor Diocletian decided to build his retirement residence here over 1,700 years ago. Upon arrival to Split International Airport, private transfer will bring you to your accommodation. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure to rest after a long journey, explore, or 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.

This morning our local guide will bring 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. Afterwards enjoy the afternoon to yourself.

Your expert guide will meet you at your hotel for a tour of Krka National Park, famous for its lakes and waterfalls. At Skradinski Buk, made up of 17 falls plunging over 160 feet into serene turquoise pools below, you can enjoy a refreshing dip. Next visit medieval Sibenik, a spectacular 1,000-year-old city with grand stone palaces like the Prince’s Palace and the country’s most important Renaissance monument, St. James Cathedral – “Game of Thrones” fans may recognize it from Season 5.

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Split before hopping on a catamaran to Hvar Island, known for its lavender fields, vineyards and yacht-filled harbor, attracting international jetsetters and celebrities who come to take advantage of the world-class eateries, legendary beach bars, and nightclubs in Hvar Town. It’s also 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 – the view from Fortica Fortress is breathtaking.

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. All the memorable moments you’re sure to enjoy from the idyllic beaches to the stunning underwater world will be captured with a GoPro camera. Near the trip’s conclusion, relax with a drink as your guide shares the photos so that you can share them with your family and friends.

There’s a lot more to Hvar Island than Hvar Town and today you’ll get to explore it on a tour that includes some of the locally produced wine. Visit charming villages in the countryside while enjoying views of endless lavender fields and vineyards. Discover Croatia’s oldest town, Stari Grad, settled in the 4^th-century BC, and explore Vrbovska, known as “Little Venice” with picturesque stone bridges and a narrow, winding canal. You’ll get to sample some of the tasty island-produced wine too.

Transfer to the densely forested island of Korcula this morning, with time to get settled into your accommodation before taking 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.

From Korcula you’ll transfer 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’ll be taken to your hotel where you can relax and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

A 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.

On your last full day, you can choose to stick around Dubrovnik and spend it at your leisure or take an optional day trip to Croatia’s eastern neighbor, Montenegro. This excursion will bring you to more breathtaking scenery, including a visit to the city of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built between the 12^th and 14^th centuries along the Bay of Kotor. Its defensive stone walls stretch for over two miles while jaw-dropping fjord-like mountains surround the sapphire waters of the bay.

Unless you have plans to stay in Croatia a bit longer, after enjoying breakfast your private driver will meet you for the transfer to Dubrovnik’s airport so that you can catch your flight home. If you extend your time here, you can transfer to your local hotel instead. For those who’d like to add on another adventure, reach out to our travel experts, the options are practically endless!