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Discover the hotspots and hidden treasures of Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast

Jump into the very best of Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast on an unforgettable adventure. Traverse the walls of the Old Town of Dubrovnik, island hop between Korcula, Mljet and Hvar, and wander the harbourside of Split. Walk in the shoes of a local in the city of Sibenik, have lunch with new friends on the spectacular Kornati Islands, venture into the wonderland of Krka National Park and discover the charming streets of Trogir. Your Croatian discovery is full of natural wonders, cultural treasures and locals as warm and welcoming as the Adriatic Sea.

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Terms & Conditions
Start
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Finish
Split, Croatia
Destination
Croatia
Style
Original
Theme
Explorer
Code
ZLSOC
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.

  • Explore the green island of Mljet – with its small seaside villages and largely untouched environment, and the Renaissance architecture and beautiful beaches of Hvar.

  • We’ve partnered with non-profit organisation MEET to bring you an ecotourism experience on the little known Kornati Islands where you’ll hike through stunning scenery and enjoy lunch with a welcoming local family.

  • Traverse the fairy tale landscapes of Krka National Park, passing beautiful woodlands and roman ruins as tiered waterfalls tumble overhead.

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.

  • 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 and in Sibenik 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.

  • Want a shorter trip? Check out our trips 'Explore Croatia' (trip code ZMSF) and 'Sibenik & the Kornati Islands' (trip code ZLSL).

Aerial view of old town fortress and harbour, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Peaceful and serene waterfall located in Krka NP, Croatia
Aerial view of Trogir in summer
Intrepid travellers view ocean from Hvar Island, Croatia
Architecture of the Sibenik coastline, Dalmatia coast, Croatia
Intrepid Travel group and local guide on streets of Dubrovnik, Croatia
Intrepid travellers smiling with view of Dubrovnik old town red rooftops, Croatia
Tourists taking picturre of Trogir town, Croatia
Boat on water, Sibenik coast, 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 (twin share with private facilities ) (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).

Start the day by beating the crowds with an early morning walk along Dubrovnik's famous 2-kilometre-long city walls surrounding the old town. Enjoy views of the sea from the fully intact medieval structure, then enjoy all that Dubrovnik has to offer with the remainder of the day free for you to explore. 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 (twin share with private facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Dubrovnik - Dubrovnik Card (1 day local transport and entry to sites)
  • Dubrovnik - City Walls Walk
Optional Activities
  • 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. We try to use apartments with rooms that include private facilities. In rare occasions, apartments may only have one bathroom to be shared between the group members staying in the same apartment and in this case, if you've booked a single supplement, you'll be allocated a single room, but you

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. Start Mljet's exploration with a short hike into the island's interior, followed by a ferry ride to St Mary's Benedictine Monastery, located on an island in one of the lakes. 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
  • Mljet Island - St Mary Island Benedictine Monastery
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'. Upon arrival, get to know the town with its wonderfully preserved Renaissance facades on 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.We try to use apartments with rooms that include private facilities. In rare occasions, apartments may only have one bathroom to be shared between the group members staying in the same apartment and in this case, if you've booked a single supplement, you'll be allocated a single room, but you'll

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. Hike past dramatic jagged limestone cliffs and slow your pace to enjoy the undulating farms, fields of lavender and rosemary, and ancient olive groves. 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 UNESCO-protected fields and farmland, where little has changed since the Ancient Greeks arrived almost 2400 years ago. Taste award winning wines, olive oils and other Dalmatian delicacies like local cheese and prosciutto accompanied with a traditional peka style meal or grill and finish with a Dalmatian desert.
Accommodation
  • Private apartment (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Hvar Island - Dinner at Hora Farm Restaurant Stari Grad
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.

A meeting will take place at 9:30am today in Split's central bus station to welcome any new travellers joining you for the next part of your adventure; but you won’t hang around for long – the wonders of Central Dalmatia are waiting! Do as the locals do and hop aboard a bus bound for Sibenik, a beautiful city on the Adriatic coast with a spellbinding history. Settle in on arrival then head out to get to know the city in the best way possible – through the eyes of a local. Meet with an inhabitant of Sibenik who will show you a side of their city that most don’t get to see as you explore the winding cobbled streets of the Old Town. Your local guide will then take you to a little-known tavern down a quiet alleyway to experience marenda, a light meal between lunch and dinner and a big part of the culture in Sibenik. Later this evening, you may like to head out for dinner in the town with your new travel companions and get to know each other over a glass of local rakija.
Accommodation
  • Private apartment (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Sibenik - Marenda Snack
  • Sibenik - Cathedral of St James
  • Sibenik - Walking Tour with Local Guide
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group will likely change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary. The group meeting will take place at 9:30am in the waiting area of Split's long distance bus terminal. Please look out for your leader who will be waiting in the fixed seating area, holding a sign with the Intrepid logo. Make sure you are on time for this important meeting, as the group will leave Split straight after.

Rise bright and early for a transfer to the port, where you’ll jump aboard our private boat to the incredible Kornati Islands archipelago. The islands are best explored on foot, so on arrival you’ll set off on a hike to uncover the history and legends of Kornati. Sharing food and drink is a big part of Croatian culture, so for lunch today you’ll sit down with a local family, enjoy some homemade local specialties, and hear firsthand stories about life on the island to get a glimpse at what daily life looks like. You’ll hear about the importance of olive oil production to the Dalmatia region and learn the true meaning of the olive tree from the locals who know it best. And of course no visit to Dalmatia would be complete without an olive oil tasting session. This afternoon you'll see the islands from a different perspective as you snorkel through the clear waters, then it’s back to the mainland via boat for another night in Sibenik. The evening is yours to explore more of what this fascinating city has to offer – your leader will know all the best spots for an authentic dinner experience!
Accommodation
  • Private apartment (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kornati Islands - Full Day Boat Cruise
  • Kornati Islands - Home-cooked Lunch with Local Family
  • Kornati Islands - Olive Oil & Honey Tasting
  • Kornati Islands - Snorkelling
Meals Included
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today is a long day with an early start, as you'll spend all day cruising the Kornati Islands archipelago. Arrival back on the mainland will be at around 6pm, after which you'll transfer back to Sibenik. To bring you today’s activities, we’ve partnered with MEET, a non-profit organisation which supports local providers in national parks throughout the Mediterranean by giving them the tools to develop community-based ecotourism projects. This partnership gives you the opportunity to visit these protected places in an authentic and sustainable way.

This morning, hop aboard a local bus to Zadar (approximately 2 hours), the former capital city Dalmatia. Remnants of Zadar’s past are visible all over the city, which you’ll discover on an orientation walk with your leader on arrival. Walk on marble streets through the Old Town and see Roman ruins scattered among medieval churches. Visit the musical steps of the ‘Sea Organ’ on Zadar's waterfront, representing its important relationship with the sea. The rest of the afternoon is free for your own discoveries. You may like to check out St Donat's Church, St Anastasia's Cathedral or the Roman Forum. While in Zadar, you can’t miss the chance to try the city’s famous liqueur, Maraskino – it’s been produced here since 1759 and is a local favourite to this day. Return to Sibenik by bus late this afternoon.
Accommodation
  • Private apartment (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Zadar - Orientation Walk
Optional Activities
  • Zadar - Roman Forum - HRK15
  • Zadar - St Donat's Church - HRK20
  • Zadar - St Anastasia's Cathedral - HRK15
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Travel this morning by private vehicle to Krka National Park. Like something straight out of a fairy tale, the park amazes with its tiered waterfalls, vibrant Krka river, beautiful woodlands and Roman ruins – it’s a truly magical place. Venture into the park with a local guide at the helm, allowing you to dodge the tourist hotspots and explore without the crowds. Traverse criss-crossing paths, bridges dotted with old watermills and little stone houses immortalised as museums as you walk from waterfall to waterfall. Pass by an ancient Roman amphitheatre on your way to the Krka monastery, built above Roman burial catacombs. After a day of exploring, return to Sibenik for an evening at leisure.
Accommodation
  • Private apartment (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Krka National Park - Day Excursion
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Please be aware that swimming in the lakes of the national park is no longer permitted.

Hop on a local bus to Trogir this morning. On arrival, you'll meet a local guide who will take you on a walk to get acquainted with this delightful seaside town, whose medieval walls are bursting with beautiful Romanesque, Renaissance and baroque buildings. Take some time to explore, perhaps have lunch, then catch a transfer back to Split. You can expect to arrive in the late afternoon, at which point your adventure will come to an end. If you’d like to stay on in Split, just get in touch ahead of time and we’d be happy to arrange additional accommodation (subject to availability).
Included Activities
  • Trogir - Old Town Walking Tour with Local Guide
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Arrival back into Split will be at around 3:30pm. Please take this into consideration when booking your onward travel. It is possible for you to be dropped at the airport in Split if you wish. Arrival at the airport will be at around 3pm.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Transport

Public bus, Ferry, Boat, Private vehicle

Accommodation

Hostel (twin share with shared facilities) (2 nights), Hotel (1 night), Private apartment (8 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
  • Mljet Island - St Mary Island Benedictine Monastery
  • Hvar Island - Dinner at Hora Farm Restaurant Stari Grad
  • Split - City Walking Tour with Local Guide
  • Split - Diocletian's Palace
  • Sibenik - Marenda Snack
  • Sibenik - Cathedral of St James
  • Sibenik - Walking Tour with Local Guide
  • Kornati Islands - Full Day Boat Cruise
  • Kornati Islands - Home-cooked Lunch with Local Family
  • Kornati Islands - Olive Oil & Honey Tasting
  • Kornati Islands - Snorkelling
  • Zadar - Orientation Walk
  • Krka National Park - Day Excursion
  • Trogir - Old Town Walking Tour with Local Guide

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

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

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 7 (Hotel) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Essential trip information

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