Highlights
- Stroll along Split's waterfront Riva and relax in Marjan Park Forest, a local favorite
- Discover the rocky Pakleni Islands by kayak and find your personal beach
- Hike through olive groves and vineyards to hidden-away villages on Hvar
- Join a cycling tour of Lumbarda wine country on Korčula
- Climb Ston's historic defense wall for views of glittering saltpans and the Adriatic
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Welcome to Split! | Split |
| Day 2 | Ferry from Split to Hvar, Sunset Sea Kayaking | Hvar Town |
| Day 3 | Hike to the Hidden Villages of Hvar | Hvar Town |
| Day 4 | Ferry from Hvar to Korčula, Cycling & Wine Tasting in Lumbarda | Korčula Town |
| Day 5 | Hike through Pelješac Peninsula | Dubrovnik |
| Day 6 | Depart Dubrovnik |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Split!
From the airport, it's a short (45-minute) drive to the center of Split. Depending on your arrival time, check into your hotel and take the rest of the day to explore the historic port city on your own.
Founded 1,700 years ago by the Roman emperor Diocletian, Split's Old Town consists of a number of impressive sites, including Peristyle, Cathedral of St. Dominus, the Piazza, and Diocletian's Palace, one of the best-preserved Roman buildings in the world. Start in Peristyle Square, taking in the 3,500-year-old sphinxes Diocletian brought back from Egypt before exploring the 4th-century complex. From there pass through the Iron Gate and into Pjaca Square for pretty views of white marble tiles, a Romanesque clock tower with the remains of a medieval sundial, and the 15th-century Town Hall.
In the evening, take a stroll along Split's seafront Riva to admire the waterfront views before finding the off-beat Konoba Dioklecijan restaurant, just to the left of the Bronze Gate for a bite to eat, its outdoor terrace built into the walls of Diocletian's Palace.
Day 2: Ferry from Split to Hvar, Sunset Sea Kayaking
This morning you will catch the one-hour ferry from Split to Hvar and check into your hotel. A Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea, Hvar is a popular destination with tourists due to its natural setting, mild climate, and its historic town of the same name. You'll have the late morning to explore Hvar Town. Visit St. Stephen's Cathedral and climb the steps to the terrace outside of the historic Arsenal to enjoy views over the harbor and the surrounding area.
In the afternoon, pack your swimwear and towel and head to Hvar Town's beachfront for your guided sunset kayaking tour to the nearby Pakleni Islands. The islands are the most beautiful part of the Hvar Riviera and are a favorite retreat for locals seeking to escape the summer heat. Altogether, there are 14 wooded and rocky islets, which you will get a chance to explore by kayak with a striking pink sky as a backdrop.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 3: Hike to the Hidden Villages of Hvar
Lace up your hiking boots for a day hike along rocky paths amid vineyards and olive groves to discover abandoned villages and hidden bays.
You'll meet your guide in Hvar town's port and transfer to Velo Grablje, the starting point of the hike (about 8.5 miles or 14 km away). Velo Grablje was founded 500 years ago when Hvar’s patricians and nobles sought refuge in the hills during a revolutionary period. Today, only a few people inhabit the village throughout the year, but many gather for the lavender festival to harvest and to celebrate the village's saints.
From here you will hike down a canyon, following an old trail—the main thoroughfare in medieval times connecting the north and the south of the island—to the village of Malo Grablje. Enjoy a delicious lunch at perhaps the most authentic of the island's taverns before carrying on the gravel road to the beachside town of Milna.
Depending on your energy level, you will have the option to continue your trek to Hvar town from Milna (1.5 hours) or transfer back to town (20 minutes).
Hiking distance: 3.4 miles (5.4 km)
Hiking time (including stops): 5-6 hours
Day 4: Ferry from Hvar to Korčula, Cycling & Wine Tasting in Lumbarda
Onwards to Korčula! Once on the island, you'll transfer to your hotel in Korčula Town to settle in, drop off your luggage, and meet your guide to join a wine tasting cycling tour across the island. Pick up your bike and with your guide, you'll head to the Lumbarda region on the southeastern tip of the island. You will cycle through fields, villages, and wineries, covering asphalt, gravel, and dirt roads with vistas opening up to the Adriatic Sea as well as to the impressive Mt. Ilija on the nearby Pelješac peninsula.
This gentle route explores the ancient and historical sites of the eastern side of the island as you work your way to the spread-out village of Lumbarda. Boasting beautiful beaches and centuries-old winemaking traditions, the village of Lumbarda is home to Grk, a white grape variety that will pair well with your lunch or dinner. Some of Croatia's best white wines are produced on Korčula and you won't be left wanting.
Spend some time relaxing on one of Lumbarda's beaches before returning to Korčula Town. You'll have the rest of the afternoon to discover this little island's numerous restaurants, taverns, shops, and bars as you roam the maze of gray stone houses, alleys, churches, and squares.
Ferry time (Hvar to Korčula): 1.5 hours
Cycling tour duration: 3-5 hours
Day 5: Hike through Pelješac Peninsula
Start the morning early with a short boat ride to the 15th-century maritime town of Orebić on the Pelješac peninsula. From Orebić, you'll pass by charming stone villas, once occupied by famous sea captains, as you start your hike out of the town. You'll trek along the southern slopes of Mt. Ilija, passing remote vineyards and an old Franciscan monastery.
Along the way, stop to enjoy great vistas of nearby Korčula and the Pelješac archipelago before continuing your hike to the coast and along the waterfront to explore the laid-back Dalmatian villages, Kučište and Viganj.
Later this afternoon, you will make your way to Dubrovnik on the mainland. En route, you will stop in Ston to explore one of the longest defensive stone walls in Europe (originally built to keep predators away from the town's saltpans) and discover the importance this area held in the 14th century. Discover beautiful views over Ston and its glittering saltpans—one of the oldest and still active in the Mediterranean—from a parapet walkway on Ston's wall. Reward your efforts with a light meal of fresh oysters or mussels before transferring overland to Dubrovnik.
Often referred to as the "Pearl of the Adriatic", Dubrovnik is a world-renowned city of exceptional charm. Take the time to explore its 16th-century stone walls, including the Minceta, Lovrijenac and Revelin fortresses, visit Onofrio's Fountain and St. Vlaho's Church, and stroll along the limestone-paved Stradun, Dubrovnik's main street to get your bearings. Dubrovnik offers excellent nightlife and some of Croatia's best restaurants and wine bars.
The remainder of the day will be at your leisure, allowing time for you to wander and explore this historic city.
Hiking distance: 2.5-6 miles depending on route
Hiking time: 2 hours (optional Ston wall walk: 1 hour)
Day 6: Depart Dubrovnik
Depending on when you depart, you may have time to visit one of Dubrovnik's museums, like the Franciscan Monastery and Museum. This large complex houses many treasures, including the world's third oldest pharmacy dating from 1317.
Alternatively, for a collection of 15,000 pieces of interesting works, visit the Rector's Palace and Cultural Historical Museum. Wander this well-preserved palace-turned-museum and explore its exhibits, some detailing life in the Republic of Ragusa during medieval times.
The drive to the airport from Dubrovnik takes around 45 minutes with normal traffic.