Highlights
- Enjoy floor-to-ceiling views from your luxury room at the Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik
- Shop with a professional chef at Split's lively markets and prepare a Croatian meal
- Escape to the islands of Hvar and Korcula for private walking tours and boat trips
- Swim, snorkel, and sunbathe along the protected shores of Stiniva Beach
- Visit a local vineyard and taste the delicious wines of the Pelješac peninsula
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Dubrovnik, Guided Tour of Dubrovnik's Old Town | Dubrovnik |
| Day 2 | Transfer to Split, Authentic Croatian Cooking Class | Split |
| Day 3 | Ferry to Hvar, Half-Day Island Tour | Hvar |
| Day 4 | Discover the Caves & Beaches of Vis by Boat | Hvar |
| Day 5 | Ferry to Korčula, Walking Tour of Korčula Town | Korčula |
| Day 6 | Oyster Tasting & Farming Experience in Ston Bay, Return to Dubrovnik | Dubrovnik |
| Day 7 | Depart Dubrovnik |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Dubrovnik, Guided Tour of Dubrovnik's Old Town
Welcome to Croatia! Your flight lands in Dubrovnik, one of Europe's most ancient fortress cities. Meet your driver upon arrival and travel to your accommodation at the Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik, an exclusive 5-star retreat carved into the cliffs above Miramare Bay. Enjoy incredible views from the floor-to-ceiling windows, luxe rooms with a clean, contemporary style, and an on-site spa and restaurant.
Dubrovnik's long and storied history is showcased by its historic Old Town, an ancient district of well-preserved buildings surrounded by massive stone walls. You'll see more of this fabled city this afternoon on a private walking tour. Enter the medieval Old Town via its 16th-century Pile Gate, navigating the narrow winding streets as your expert guide highlights the history and culture of various landmarks. Walk along Stradun, the main street that was formerly a canal, and see Onofrio's Fountain, built in the 1400s as part of the water supply system.
Stroll by the incredible architecture of the 15th-century Rector's Palace, see Luza Square and the Church of St. Blaise and discover the café-lined streets of Brsalje Street—a great place to stop for a snack. Visit the quarantine buildings, where travelers stayed in isolation until cleared of potential illnesses, and end at the clock tower, a 100-foot (30 m) landmark that dates back to the 15th century. The rest of your day is free to explore on your own, or you can head back to your hotel to enjoy some of the many amenities on offer.
Day 2: Transfer to Split, Authentic Croatian Cooking Class
Your next destination is Split, the second-largest city in Croatia and the largest in the region of Dalmatia. Split offers a wealth of history and culture, with charming cobblestone streets, Roman and Venetian architecture, and endless sea views. After breakfast and hotel checkout, depart with your private driver for the scenic, three-hour drive.
Arrive at the Hotel Ambasador, a luxury accommodation in central Split near the famed Riva promenade. Rooms here offer understated decor, with options for private balconies that overlook the sea, and amenities include a rooftop terrace, fine dining restaurant, and on-site spa. Enjoy some downtime at the hotel or step out and see a few of the city's sights. You can stroll along the Riva, explore the works of the renowned sculptor Meštrović at the Ivan Meštrović Gallery, or shop for artisanal wares at the markets.
This afternoon, gain a better understanding of Croatia's food-obsessed culture with a private cooking class. You'll start at Split's lively markets, meeting with a professional chef and assisting them in sourcing ingredients. Then, head to their studio, where you'll take a deep dive into Dalmatian cuisine. Prepare dishes such as soparnik, a savory pie with onions, or buzara, a delicious seafood stew, as your chef shares insights into the importance of these foods in Croatian culture. End by enjoying the fruits of your labor with wine and lively conversation. Dobar tek! (bon appétit!)
Day 3: Ferry to Hvar, Half-Day Island Tour
After breakfast, head to the ferry terminal for the two-hour ride to the island of Hvar, known for its beautiful beaches, top-notch restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. Arrive and meet your driver, who will transport you to your luxe lodgings at Palace Elisabeth. This 5-star property offers an elegant decor incorporating stunning Venetian elements, paying homage to the building's 13th-century history. Relax in a city or sea view room, enjoying the opulent linens and over-the-top marble bath and shower, or spend some time at the on-site spa with its endless amenities and refreshing pool.
Take some time to regroup, then join your local guide for a privately guided tour around the island. Trek along the island's vineyard-covered hills, passing by fragrant rosemary fields and through lush olive groves. Find your way to the abandoned 16th-century village of Malo Grablje, then continue to Velo Grablje. Once home to a thriving lavender industry, this sleepy 14th-century town is slowly undergoing a revival.
Stop at a family-run konoba (tavern) for a traditionally prepared meal accompanied by some of their fine local wines, then end with a visit to the Stari Grad Plain to see the ancient agricultural landscapes and take a stroll through Stari Grad, Croatia's oldest town. Return to Hvar Town and treat yourself to a beverage at one of the piazza cafés, taking in views of the seventh-century Venetian loggia, or take a walk on one of Hvar's many beautiful beaches.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Discover the Caves & Beaches of Vis by Boat
Today's adventure takes you to the neighboring island of Vis and its amazing Blue and Green Caves. Depart Hvar by private boat with your guide in the morning and make your first stop at the Green Cave, which is so named because of a tiny hole in the ceiling carved out during one of Croatia's wars. Enter by boat (or swim or snorkel in, if you wish) to see an emerald-green hue created by a small stream of light penetrating the cave through this hole.
Afterward, spend some time on one of Croatia's most beautiful beaches, Stiniva. Sail through a narrow channel to find this hidden beach surrounded by rocky cliffs, keeping the pebbles in the shade all day. The only other way to reach the beach is by trekking down to the water following a steep goat path, making for an adventurous descent that takes you directly to the sea. Next, head to the Blue Cave, which visitors can only enter in the company of a guide.
Marvel at the shimmery silver hues of the cave's interior, illuminated by the sun slipping in through cracks in the cave and making the water appear to glow blue. While originally only accessible via an underwater entrance, you'll pass through a human-made entrance, large enough for small boats but not so large as to affect the lighting inside. End the day with a stop at the Pakleni Islands and Palmižana Bay, where you'll have time for a late lunch and a stroll around town before heading back to Hvar.
Day 5: Ferry to Korčula, Walking Tour of Korčula Town
You're off to Korčula today, a small island approximately two hours from Hvar. After breakfast and hotel checkout, you'll make your way to the port and board the ferry. Arrive and meet your private driver for transport to the fabulous Tara's Lodge, a boutique hotel located steps from the beach. You'll have the option of swimming in the sea or relaxing by the beautiful pool, all while enjoying tastefully appointed rooms that offer sea or garden views, luxury linens, and walk-in showers. Settle in, then explore Korčula Town on a privately guided walking tour.
The town is known for its rustic charm and rich history spanning centuries. Meet your guide and start at the Land Gate, a 14th-century arched gate near the 15th-century Revelin Tower. See the lion relief sculpture on the gate, a nod to the town's Venetian history, and climb to the terrace for panoramic views of the island. Continue to St. Mark's Cathedral and its Gothic-Renaissance architecture, and stop at the Bishop's Treasury to see its small but impressive art collection. End with a visit to the house thought to be the birthplace of Marco Polo, with options to visit the attached museum.
Day 6: Oyster Tasting & Farming Experience in Ston Bay, Return to Dubrovnik
You'll head back to the mainland and Dubrovnik today, but not before stopping on the beautiful Peljesac peninsula to sample the region's famous oysters and wine. As you make your way down the peninsula, your driver will detour to a local winery for a tasting, then continue to Ston, where you'll have some time to explore this historic walled town. Next, head down to the harbor and step onto a boat to visit the oyster farms of Ston Bay. The bay's waters are an unusual mix of freshwater and seawater, conditions that help make Ston's oysters some of the best in the world.
You'll get a firsthand look at the farming process on this private tour, learning more about how the oysters are grown and harvested as you sample the delicacies directly from the sea (accompanied by a glass of the local white). Afterward, get back on the road and continue to Dubrovnik, where you'll have the rest of the evening free.
Settle back into the luxury of the now-familiar Hotel Bellevue, then head out to see any of the city sights you may have previously missed. Visit landmarks such as Minčeta Tower and the gardens of Trsteno (just north of the city), where HBO's "Game of Thrones" series was filmed. Have dinner at a local café, or check out Buza Bar, a bar built into the city walls with fantastic sea views. This is also a great time for any last-minute souvenir shopping!
Day 7: Depart Dubrovnik
Your Croatia adventures end today. Meet your private driver at your hotel for a 30-minute transfer to the airport. Safe travels home or to your next destination!
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