Highlights of Croatia

Welcome to Split, Croatia!

Split is a stunning 1700-year-old city home to unique historical monuments like Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Peristil, St. Doimus's Cathedral, and the Piazza. The City of Split has something for everyone, whether you prefer culture, fine arts, songs, music, or sports and recreation. Split also has its wild, natural side, which enchants many visitors. The Marjan Forest Park, known as the “lungs of the city,"  proudly guards the urban center. The Marjan Peninsula is an area with black pine trees, Mediterranean plants and herbs, centuries-old churches, and some of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia.
 
 

Join your local city guide and enjoy exploring this more than 1700-year-old jewel. Visit the most prominent sight, the heart of the city, Diocletian's Palace. As the city emerged from the palace, the tour allowed visitors to visit this UNESCO-protected structure that has been home to people from the 3rd century BC until today. After visiting the Palace, it will give you insight into ancient history and all the important sites within the palace.

As you discover the history of Split, you will also have a stop at a local tavern for a short introduction to Croatian Olive oil culture. Guided tasting of four premium Croatian olive oils is perfect for those who wish to have an understanding of the production and means of attaining high-quality olive oil. Olive oil is paired with fleur de sel, aged red wine vinegar, freshly baked bread from our oven, cow and mixed milk cheese, dry fig jam, and homemade tapenade.

Today you will meet your guide at the lobby of the hotel and depart to Krka National Park (about 1.5h drive from Split). The Krka National Park Waterfalls are a series of seven falls you can explore throughout the National Park. Spanning a length of 72.5 km, the Krka River is the 22nd longest in Croatia and is renowned for its natural karst formations, featuring seven waterfalls and a drop in altitude of 242 m. The river springs from the Dinara mountain range, situated 2.5 km northeast of Knin, and it's series of falls is widely known as one of the most stunning locations in the Dalmatian region. The region has been protected since 1985 as one of eight Croatian National Parks. After exploring this natural wonder, our tour will take us to Sibenik, where you can marvel at the magnificent UNESCO protected cathedral.

Return back to your hotel, which is about 1h drive away.

Alternative Day Excursion Options are available in Split as well. Chat with your trip planner about arranging a traditional truffle hunting experience, or adding an adrenaline pumping rafting or canyoning experience at Split's Cetina River. 

This morning, check out of your hotel and transfer to the ferry port. You will take a passenger ferry for a one-hour trip from Split to the historic island of Hvar.

The city of Hvar gained glory and power during the Middle Ages as a notable port within the Venetian naval empire. Today, it is one of the most popular destinations on the Dalmatian Riviera. It is renowned for its distinctive fusion of luxurious Mediterranean nature, rich cultural and historical heritage, Venetian architecture, and mild climate, and is frequently described as something out of a fairy tale. After your ferry, you will be transferred to your hotel in the heart of the town. The rest of this day is yours to explore independently. 

 

Today, discover secrets of the Dalmatian coast and visit the abandoned villages of Malo and Velo Grablje, see traditional architecture, and learn about Mediterranean plants, especially lavender, and their importance to the local villages. After breakfast, meet with your guide in the lobby for a twenty-minute transfer that brings you to your starting point, the village of Velo Grablje, which is approximately 14 kilometers away. The road that leads to the starting point will present you with amazing views of the surrounding islands.Start your walk from Velo Grablje towards Malo Grablje, following the old trail, which in medieval times served as the main road connecting Hvar with Stari Grad on the north side of the island. The entire trail is downhill. Enjoy your lunch at a small local tavern in Malo Grablje. After lunch, continue your hike through villages, where the beauties of traditional architecture and ways of living can be seen. Learn about medicinal herbs, traditions, challenges of island life, and much more.

If you are more inclined towards a day on the water, or sampling the local flavors, chat with your trip planner about sea kayaking in Hvar to a local olive grove for a picnic and olive tasting, or perhaps opt to taste the local vintages on a wine tasting experience on this unique island. 

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before embarking on an exciting kayaking adventure. A mere seven-minute stroll from the city center, and you'll find yourself at Krizna Luka beach where you will begin, ready to explore the breathtaking Pakleni Islands. Before hitting the water, your expert guides will provide a short safety briefing and introduce you to basic sea kayaking techniques.

Set off across the channel to the Pakleni Islands, immersing yourself in the stunning natural beauty and learning about the area's physical landscape from your knowledgeable guides. Stop at  picturesque pebble beaches to swim or relax, and enjoy an optional beach restaurant lunch or drinks. This three- to four-hour tour is the perfect way to discover Hvar's rich culture and the enchanting Pakleni Islands.

This evening, back on Hvar, take some time to explore the town independently before you head out tomorrow.

 

This morning you will check out from your hotel and depart towards your next stop, the stunning city of Dubrovnik. Board on a passenger ferry from Hvar to Dubrovnik for the 4 hour voyage. Upon arrival at the Dubrovnik port, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel.

Dubrovnik is a city of exceptional beauty, referred to as the Pearl of the Adriatic. It used to be the seat of the Republic of Dubrovnik. It is a world-renowned city that everybody falls in love with at first sight. The majestic city walls, the Minceta, Lovrijenac, and Revelin fortresses, Onofrio's fountain, St. Vlaho's Church, and Stradun, the main street, are inevitable photo stops that you can explore.

In the afternoon, meet your guide at the hotel and stretch your legs  with a two-hour guided tour of Dubrovnik. Soak up the Old Town after the crowds of the day have depleted and learn the rich history this spectacular city hides within its walls. 
 

This morning, meet your driver and guide at the hotel lobby and depart on a day trip on the Peljesac peninsula, which includes wine tasting, visiting the oyster farms, and visiting Ston, famous for the longest city walls in Europe.

On the way to visit with local winemakers, you will drive through the picturesque vineyards of Peljesac. After learning the regions winemaking history and tasting local varieties of wine, you will next travel to the small coastal town of Mali Ston, well known for its amazing seafood and oyster production. Here you will embark on a boat and sail out into the bay to  learn about the oyster beds and have the opportunity to taste fresh oysters paired with mussels, local wine, and the regional grappa. After lunch, continue your journey back to Dubrovnik, arriving in the late afternoon and giving you free time to relax or explore this evening.


Dubrovnik offers a wide array of culinary and tasting delights! Let your trip planner know if a cooking class or wine in Konavle tasting may be more your style today than a day on the water. 

 

Explore this magnificent town at your own pace on this free day to explore. Enjoy its small streets, stairs, and shops, or maybe hop on a cable car ride to Mount Srd for breathtaking views of the city. Visit Lokrum Island to take in the scenery or spend the day enjoying the beautiful beaches. If you would like a more active day, your trip planner can assist with arranging additional tours today as well.

Let your trip planner know if you would like to add a day of sea kayaking to Locrum Island or perhaps venture out onto some of Dubrovnik's historic hiking routes and panoramic trails with a guide. 

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and depart for home or towards your next destination.