Split & Dubrovnik Escape

It all begins with your arrival at Split International Airport where you’ll be met with a warm welcome from our driver who will provide a transfer to your hotel, just a two-minute stroll from Diocletian’s Palace. You’ll explore it on a tour tomorrow, but you might want a preview by walking the ancient streets on your own after checking in. Many of the centuries-old buildings now serve as independent shops, galleries, boutiques, cafes, wine bars, and restaurants, providing plenty to explore. If you want to stretch your legs a bit more, climb to the top of nearby Marjan Hill for a fabulous bird’s-eye view of the city.

• Preferred Hotel Piazza Heritage Hotel, Split

Today you’ll get an in-depth look at Croatia’s history, heritage, and culture with your own private guide. Start by traveling to medieval Trogir to admire the many Renaissance buildings and enjoy a walk along the waterfront promenade with a view of Kamerlengo Castle/fortress. Returning to Split, take a walking tour of the historic Old Town, including Diocletian’s Palace with its impressive Roman architecture. You’ll enjoy free time to sample the mouthwatering cuisine in one of the local eateries and shop for souvenirs. Of course, with your hotel here, you can easily continue your explorations, perhaps a stroll along the Riva seaside promenade.

• Preferred Hotel Piazza Heritage Hotel, Split

An optional full-day tour brings you to multiple Croatian islands while enjoying unique experiences, starting with several swim stops. Visit some of the most beautiful places for leaping into enticing crystal-clear blue waters, including Stiniva Beach on Vis Island, uninhabited Budikovac, and the Pakleni Islands. One of the highlights is a tour of the Blue Cave on Bisevo Island, where you’ll enter in a small boat to marvel at its interior, illuminated in blue when conditions are right. Finally, visit Hvar Island, with a stop for lunch and time to explore its shops and historical landmarks, or relax with a glass of wine.

• Preferred Hotel Piazza Heritage Hotel, Split

Today is saved for a private guided tour of Krka National Park with its renowned waterfalls and historic Sibenik. Your private driver/guide will meet you at your hotel and you’ll travel to the small town of Skradin which sits at the entrance to the park. From here, hop in a boat, and cruise the river Krka to access a trail that will bring you to see the magnificent cascades. Skradinski Buk is the crown jewel, made up of 17 falls that plunge for a total of almost 150 feet. In Sibenik, marvel at the most important Renaissance monument in Croatia, St. James Cathedral.

• Preferred Hotel Piazza Heritage Hotel, Split

It’s time to head to Dubrovnik, with your private driver/guide meeting at your Split hotel upon checkout. Along the way, you’ll spot to enjoy a unique experience near the village of Ston. It’s world-famous for its oysters, said to be some of the world’s tastiest due to the high concentration of salt and minerals in Mali Ston bay. A boat will bring you out into the bay for a tasting while you learn more about the delicacies. Continue to your hotel where you’ll check into a sea-view room with the remainder of the day at your leisure, perhaps enjoying the pool, beach, or spa.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel More, Dubrovnik

Look forward to a highlight of your trip, a private guided tour of Dubrovnik’s Old City. You’ll stroll the limestone-paved streets to marvel at the many historical landmarks from Onofrio’s Fountain to Rector’s Palace and Sponza Palace with their breathtaking Renaissance- and gothic-style architecture while learning about the stories behind them from your expert local guide. Afterward, we’ve arranged for you to enjoy a ride on the Mt. Srd cable car which provides an incredible view over the city, its walled historic center, and the endless blue of the sea. Perhaps conclude with dinner in a rooftop eatery with a sea and sunset view.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel More, Dubrovnik

If you prefer, enjoy the day to yourself, perhaps joining a kayak tour to nearby Lokrum Island. We highly recommend the optional Montenegro day trip, however, as you’ll journey to Croatia’s neighbor for a scenic ride that brings you to Kotor’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. Once there, embark on a guided walking tour of landmarks like St. Tryphon Cathedral, the Clock Tower, Square of Arms, Buca, and Pima palaces. Then head to seaside Perast to board a boat that visits Our Lady of the Rocks island. On the return to Dubrovnik, stop at a family-run winery to enjoy local wines, light bites, and a spectacular view.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel More, Dubrovnik

After an unforgettable week exploring Split, Dubrovnik, and beyond, your trip comes to an end. With so many possibilities to extend your travel, our experts will be happy to create a bespoke addition to your itinerary if you’re not ready to go. Otherwise, your private driver will meet you upon checkout at your hotel to bring you to Dubrovnik’s airport where you’ll begin your journey home.