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Follow the stunning Dalmatian coast from Dubrovnik to Split.

Discover the true heart and soul of Croatia with an eight-day seaside exploration of some of the Dalmatian Coast’s finest locations. Walk the walls of the Old Town of Dubrovnik, island hop between Korcula, Mljet and Hvar, and wander the harbourside of Split. Sampling regional specialties and local wine along the way, your Croatian discovery is full of nature and relaxation. Be impressed by the white stone villages dotted on the coast, be fulfilled with local produce and engaging history, and be reinvigorated by the turquoise waters of the Adriatic. Get ready to explore Croatia’s sparkling highlights and live like the locals.

Start
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Finish
Split, Croatia
Destination
Croatia
Style
Original
Theme
Explorer
Code
ZMSF
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Dubrovnik's charms reach far beyond the famed beautiful city walls. Discover the undisputed jewel of the Dalmatian Coast, and perhaps cruise to Lokrum Island where a botanical garden, Benedictine monastery, and excellent swimming spots await.

  • Indulge in specialty foods, local wine and some tranquil swimming spots on the island of Korcula – a quiet escape full of vineyards, olive groves and sleepy villages.

  • Spend a full day exploring the green island of Mljet – with its small seaside villages, lush national park trails, shimmering waters and largely untouched environment, you’ll never want to leave!

  • Hvar Island seems to have it all: Renaissance architecture, beautiful beaches, lush green landscapes and excellent Dalmatian cuisine.

  • Split is a haven of relaxation and culture. Unwind with a walk along the waterfront promenade and take time to explore the impressive ruins of Diocletian's Palace.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Please be aware that the Croatian coast is very hilly and mountainous, which means lots & lots of steps are an inherent feature of the landscape. You will have to be able to easily lift your luggage and carry it up and down stairs and inclines. Also, stone streets become very slippery when wet. Some people may find Croatia's topography very demanding.

  • Summer temperatures can be extreme in many of the regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Additionally, please be aware that July, August and the first half of September is high season along the Croatian coast, which means that the local infrastructure is under a lot of pressure with a lot of people in the towns we visit. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.

  • As accommodation on this trip is twin share, single travellers will share a room with another traveller of the same sex. This trip is a great opportunity to get to know other like-minded people, so embrace it while you can. However, if you’d prefer not to share, a single room supplement is available at an additional charge. Please ask your travel consultant for more details. Also, hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together.

  • Please note that on the islands of Korcula and Hvar we are staying in private apartments that locals rent out during the summer months. These are located in various buildings spread across town, but all are within a 15-minute walk of the main square. The apartments are not hotels, which means there's no reception, room service or daily cleaning service, no televisions or washing machines, but plenty of charm. They differ in layout and facilities, can vary in size and most don't have air-conditioning and wi-fi. This is the most effective way of staying in the centre of town. Please also note that individual rooms are allocated on a same gender twin share basis, however the apartments itself are allocated on a mixed gender basis, which means you will be sharing a two, or three room apartment with the other members of the group. Apartments may only have one bathroom which will be shared between the group members staying in the same apartment. If you have booked a single room, you will be allocated one, however, this again will be a single room in a shared apartment with shared bathroom facilities, not a single or studio apartment.

  • If you have more time to explore the region you can extend your trip by continuing your travels to Bled in Slovenia, and exploring more of the Dalmatian Coast. Check out our trip 'Dubrovnik to Bled' (trip code ZMSUC). Most departure dates are designed to create this perfect combination trip.

Map of Explore Croatia including Croatia
Boats in harbour of Hvar, Croatia
Intrepid travellers smiling with view of Dubrovnik old town red rooftops, Croatia
Intrepid travellers view ocean from Hvar Island, Croatia
Aerial view of old town buildings and harbour, Split, Croatia
Old town street in Hvar
Close view of old ruins, Diocletian Palace, Split, Croatia

Itinerary
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Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Croatia. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. You can arrive at any time during the day as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. Although it experienced devastation during the war in the early 1990s, Dubrovnik’s old town is the undisputed jewel of the Dalmatian Coast. With its tiled roofs and white stone buildings, the old town remains as charming as ever. Extensive restoration has taken place to return it to its original splendour, and even today repairs are still being undertaken. With the sparkling water of the Adriatic in the background, Dubrovnik is picturesque, full of character and can easily be covered on foot. If you do arrive early, why not head out to one of the Elafiti Islands? There's Lopud, a quiet island with lovely hikes, clean beaches and a ruined castle. Kolocep is a sleepy enclave that boasts walks for every fitness level and Sipan, which is the most populated of the isles and reputedly has the most hospitable inhabitants. Alternatively, you might choose to simply laze about on one of Dubrovnik's beaches and people-watch for hours.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will have you arrive at the hotel by early evening, you may wish to arrive a day early. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Today is a free day for you to enjoy all that Dubrovnik has to offer. Enjoy views of the sea from the 2-kilometre-long city walls surrounding the town. Visit Big Onofrio's Fountain, a masterpiece built by famous European architect Onofrio della Cava. This 15th-century landmark was built to supply water to the city, flowing from the spigots into the collection trough surrounding it. Be sure to check out the Franciscan monastery with one of the world's oldest, continuously functioning pharmacies, founded in the 13th century. If you still feel energetic after a day exploring the city you can take the switchbacks leading up Srd Hill behind Dubrovnik for spectacular views of the city and the Dalmatian coastline. Otherwise, the newly restored cable car can whisk you to the top in no time. The hill is topped by a castle of Napoleonic times, which now houses the Museum of the Croatian War of Independence.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Dubrovnik - Dubrovnik Card (1 day local transport and entry to sites)
  • Dubrovnik - City Walls Walk
Optional Activities
  • Dubrovnik - Lokrum Island Boat Trip - HRK150
  • Dubrovnik - War Photography Museum - HRK50
  • Dubrovnik - Franciscan Monastery - HRK30
  • Dubrovnik - Game of Thrones Tour - HRK200
  • Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Museum of Croatian War of Independence - HRK30
  • Dubrovnik - Hike up Mt Srd - Free
  • Dubrovnik - Church of St. Blaise - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
A 'Dubrovnik Card' is included in the price of your trip. Apart from free use of public transport it also gives free entry and discounts to a number of museums and sights. Please see details at dubrovnikcard.com.

Journey to Korcula (approximately 4 hours). You will travel along the narrow and scenic Peljesac Peninsula to its very tip. The last stretch to Korcula will be done by car ferry. For the next two nights, stay with generous hosts – locals who rent out their rooms in the summer season. The rooms, while simple, are the best way to put money back into the local economy. In the evening perhaps head out to a local restaurant. Make sure you try the traditional Dalmatian meat loaf, or pasticada (traditional stewed beef), and some fresh grilled vegetables with olive oil, usually served with fresh goat and sheep cheeses, and maybe some smoked ham to tie it all together. Don't forget to have a bit of travarica (a grappa-like drink made with a herb called verbane) and some Korcula cakes for dessert.
Accommodation
  • Private apartment (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Please note that on Korcula we are staying in private apartments that locals rent out during summer. They are spread across town, but all are within a 15-minute walk of the main square. The apartments are not hotels, which means there's no reception, room service or daily cleaning, and no televisions, but plenty of charm. They differ in layout and facilities, can vary in size and most don't have air-conditioning and Wi-Fi. This is the most effective way of staying in the centre of town. Individual rooms are allocated on a same gender twin share basis, however the apartments itself are allocated on a mixed gender basis, which means you will be sharing a two or three room apartment with the other members of your group. Apartments may only have one bathroom which will be shared between the group members staying in the same apartment. If you have booked a single room, you will be allocated one, however, this again will be a single room in a shared apartment with shared bathroom facilities.

Today, head on a day trip to the stunning Mljet Island. Mljet is Croatia’s greenest island, with a large section of the north western shores part of a national park. The island is well known for its two salt lakes – Veliko Jezero and Malo Jezero (big lake and small lake) – that are located at the north end of the island. With some of the clearest waters in the world, any of the Adriatic islands shimmer in the sunlight, but Mljet is extra special. Spend the day discovering its tiny towns dotted around the island, the weaving and winding coastline full of nature walks and scenic lookouts and, of course, the sandy beaches, tranquil inlets and turquoise blue shores calling out to be explored. Mljet is a little further away and less visited than the tourist hotspots of Brac and Hvar, so you’ll be able to stray away from the crowds and have this peaceful paradise to yourself. Head back to Korcula in the afternoon for a relaxing evening, hopefully full of delicious food and some great local wine.
Accommodation
  • Private apartment (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Mljet Island - Day Trip to Mljet Island National Park
Optional Activities
  • Korcula Island - Local Bus to Island Villages - HRK40
  • Korcula Island - Marco Polo Tower - HRK20
  • Korcula Island - Snorkelling Excursion - HRK350
  • Korcula Island - Marco Polo Museum - HRK60
  • Korcula Island - Traditional Moreska Dance Performance - HRK100
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

A hydrofoil ferry takes you to the neighbouring island of Hvar (approximately 90 minutes). Beautiful Hvar has an air of Venice about it and is known as the 'Queen of the Dalmatian Islands'. Wander around a town with wonderfully preserved Renaissance facades, hike past dramatic jagged limestone cliffs and slow your pace to enjoy the undulating farms, fields of lavender and rosemary, and ancient olive groves. Upon arrival, get to know the town with an orientation walk. Later you may want to visit the 16th century Spanjola Fortress, from where spectacular views over town and this part of the Adriatic can be had. Feel the history when wandering the backstreets of quirky galleries and unique boutiques, watch the fishermen bring the day’s catch into the harbour, and chill out over a few cocktails in a waterside bar.
Accommodation
  • Private apartment (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Please note that on Hvar we are staying in private apartments that locals rent out during summer. They are spread across town, but all are within a 15-minute walk of the main square. The apartments are not hotels, which means there's no reception, room service or daily cleaning, and no televisions, but plenty of charm. They differ in layout and facilities, can vary in size and most don't have air-conditioning and Wi-Fi. This is the most effective way of staying in the centre of town. Individual rooms are allocated on a same gender twin share basis, however the apartments itself are allocated on a mixed gender basis, which means you will be sharing a two or three room apartment with the other members of your group. Apartments may only have one bathroom which will be shared between the group members staying in the same apartment. If you have booked a single room, you will be allocated one, however, this again will be a single room in a shared apartment with shared bathroom facilities.

Today is a free day to explore this island at your leisure. Perhaps take a bus to the interior of Hvar Island where you can take a leisurely hike through the abandoned villages of Velo Grablje and Malo Grablje, gently descending all the way down to the sea at Milna Bay. On the way you can witness what remains of the typical Mediterranean life that flourished on the Croatian islands in the 18th and 19th centuries. Cool down in the shimmering waters upon arrival into the little town of Milna where the hike ends. Alternatively there are plenty of other options for exciting activities in town. Maybe take a short boat ride to the nearby Pakleni islands – largely uninhabited and often described as being among the most beautiful in the world. If you’re not feeling super energetic today, spend the day lounging at one of the island's many quiet beaches and enjoy a sunset stroll along the harbour promenade. In the evening head to Hora – a local farm-style restaurant, where you’ll have an included dinner in the surrounds of fields and farmland. It will be a relaxing night for your group.
Accommodation
  • Private apartment (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Hvar Island - Dinner at Hora Farm Restaurant Stari Grad
Optional Activities
  • Hvar Island - Pakleni Islands Half Day Trip - HRK250
  • Hvar Island - Full Day Boat Cruise to Blue Cave, Green Cave and Vis Island - HRK500
  • Hvar Island - St Stephen’s Cathedral - HRK10
  • Hvar Island - Hike from Velo Grablje to Milna Bay - Free
  • Hvar Island - Hiking Options - Free
  • Hvar Island - Spanjola Fortress - HRK50
Meals Included
  • Dinner

Catch a boat to Split (approximately 1 hour). Situated on a small peninsula on the eastern shores of the Adriatic Sea, Split is the second largest city in Croatia. Join a local guide for a walking tour of this stunning seaside town and get to know its history. See the original and fantastically preserved basements under the city, as well as the Cathedral in Diocletian's Peristyle and Jupiter's Temple. Explore the impressive ruins of Diocletian's Palace – Split's most imposing structure and some of the most interesting ruins on the Adriatic coast. Portions of the Palace are over 1700 years old and there’s ample time to walk around. Split grew out from Diocletian's Palace and you can almost see it evolving in a multitude of different ways right before your eyes. Some cultures might have made the palace a museum, but Split is a dynamic and vibrant place, and now the palace houses many businesses and homes. If your feet get tired, why not grab a drink at a cafe on the Riva Promenade and people watch for a while? Be sure get your group together for a harbourside dinner – it’s time for more of a relax!
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Split - City Walking Tour with Local Guide
  • Split - Diocletian's Palace
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. As there is so much to see in Split and the surrounding area, such as Salona, Trogir or Sibenik, you may want to consider extending your time in Split. We are happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Optional Activities
  • Split - Gallery of Fine Arts - HRK40
  • Split - Archaeological Museum - HRK20
  • Split - Ivan Mestrovic Gallery - HRK40
  • Split - Marjan Hill Hike - Free
  • Split - Ethnographic Museum - HRK20
  • Split - City Museum - HRK20
  • Split - Fish Market - Free
  • Split - Sea Kayaking - EUR36
  • Split - Cooking Class including Lunch or Dinner - EUR80
  • Split - Dalmatian Wine and Dine Urban Adventure - EUR100
  • Split - Wars, Warriors and Reforms Urban Adventure - EUR35
  • Split - Game of Thrones Urban Adventure - EUR54
  • Split - Secrets of Split Urban Adventure - EUR47
  • Split - Day Trip to Trogir - HRK60
  • Split - Day Trip to Krka National Park, Trogir & Sibenik - HRK450
  • Split - Cathedral & Tower - HRK45
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
If you haven't had enough of Croatia yet why not join our connecting Croatia & Slovenia tour which continues up the Dalmatian Coast, visits beautiful Plitvice Lakes, and ends by Lake Bled in Slovenia. Most departure dates are designed to create this perfect combination trip, so search the trip code ‘ZMSY’ to find out more.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

2 breakfasts, 1 dinner

Transport

Ferry, Public bus, Private vehicle

Accommodation

Hostel (2 nights), Hotel (1 night), Private room (4 nights)

Included activities

  • Dubrovnik - Dubrovnik Card (1 day local transport and entry to sites)
  • Dubrovnik - City Walls Walk
  • Mljet Island - Day Trip to Mljet Island National Park
  • Hvar Island - Dinner at Hora Farm Restaurant Stari Grad
  • Split - City Walking Tour with Local Guide
  • Split - Diocletian's Palace

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Explore Croatia trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A Single Supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability at the time of booking. The price of the single supplement does not include the following nights, where a single room does not form part of the package. In this case you will be matched up with another traveller of the same gender. If a single room becomes available at check-in for these nights, there may be the option for you to upgrade to a single room and pay the surcharge locally for that night:
- Days 7-8 - Split
Please also note that due to the small properties we use in Europe there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. If you would like to book a single supplement and enquire about availability please speak to your booking agent.

ULTRA FESTIVAL IN SPLIT
Please note that the departure on 4 July 2020 will coincide with the annual Ultra Music Festival taking place from 10-12 July 2020 in Split. The city and the nearby islands will be very busy during this time, so if you prefer a less busy time to visit Croatia please choose any of the other departure dates. But if you are into electronic music this departure may just be what you are looking for. You can find more information here: ultraeurope.com

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

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