Luxury Island Hopping in Croatia: Split, Brač, Hvar, Korčula & Dubrovnik - 14 Days

Highlights

• Hike among the pristine lakes and waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park
• Relax on your private terrace at the opulent, adults-only Lemongarden Hotel
• Meet Hvar Island's most famed winemakers and taste their local varietals
• Explore the Green and Blue Caves of the island of Vis by boat
• Cruise to the tranquil Elafiti Islands to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Split, City Highlights Walking Tour

Dobro došli! Welcome to Croatia! Your flight lands in 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. Meet your driver on arrival and head to your accommodation at the Cornaro Hotel, a historic 5-star property just steps from some of Split's most popular sightseeing spots. Rooms here offer a timeless grandeur, with luxury furnishings and options for sea or city views, not to mention a fabulous rooftop pool and bar.

After check-in, explore the city with a private guide on a two-hour tour through the Old Town, where you'll see sites such as the Cathedral of St. Domnius, built in the fourth century, and a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture. Be sure to climb the bell tower for amazing views of the city. Visit Diocletian's Palace, one of the best-preserved Roman buildings in the world, and Peristyle Square, then finish with a hike up Marjan Hill. Nicknamed the "lungs of the city," you'll find centuries-old churches, large pine trees, and incredible views. Relax at your hotel tonight, or take an evening stroll around town.

Day 2: Private Boat Excursion to Blue Lagoon & Island of Šolta

See more of Croatia's natural beauty with an excursion to the Blue Lagoon and the island of Šolta. In the morning, meet your guide and head to the port to board your private boat for the 30-minute ride to the Blue Lagoon. Located between the islands of Drvenik Veli and Krknjaš Mali, this body of water, protected from the elements by the surrounding islands, offers calm, clear water, perfect for viewing the more than 7,000 animal and 6,000 plant species that inhabit the Adriatic Sea. 

You'll have time to swim and snorkel, then cruise to the island of Šolta, where you'll find fishing ports, olive groves, and lush vineyards. Visit the village of Maslinica and see its historic Martinis Marchi castle, then continue to Nečujam Bay. One of the coves here hides the ruins of an old shipwreck, which sits just 6 feet (2 m) below the surface and is a perfect spot for more snorkeling.

End your day with a stop at the small fishing village of Stomorska, located on Šolta's northeastern coast. Your captain will pull up to a local family restaurant with a terrace directly on the water, allowing you to hop right from the boat to your seaside table. Enjoy a delicious Dalmatian meal and relaxing views of sailing boats and kaići, small wooden fishing boats, before returning to Split.

Day 3: Day Trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park

Spend a full day exploring Plitvice Lakes National Park, a must-visit highlight for any traveler to Croatia. After breakfast, travel inland for 2.5 hours with your private driver to this UNESCO-protected area. The pristine reserve encompasses 74,000 acres (30,000 ha), with a chain of 16 terraced lakes and more than 90 cascading waterfalls flowing into a limestone canyon. With wooden walkways for easy access and several hiking trails, you'll join a private guide to explore the lakes surrounded by beech and pine forests.

Follow your guide through dense greenery, walking along the trails of your choice past emerald green and blue travertine lakes as you discover an abundance of fish, birds, and other wildlife. Learn about the park's ecosystems and history as you walk, and finish with a boat ride that takes you across crystal-clear lakes and right up to cascading waterfalls. Then, after an active day of being in nature, return to Split for dinner and watch the sunset over the sea.

Day 4: Ferry to Brač, Discover the Dragon's Cave

This morning, head to the port and hop on the ferry to Brač, the largest island on the Adriatic Sea and home to the famed white pebble beach of Zlatni Rat (Golden Cape). Upon arrival, you'll travel by private transfer to Hotel Lemongarden. This adults-only escape features a private beach, a large outdoor pool, and vibrantly decorated rooms with marble floors, custom-made furniture, and options for rooftop terraces that offer sea views.

Take some time to decompress at the hotel, then meet your private guide and drive to a nearby village, where you'll hike up to Zmajeva Spilja or Dragon's Cave. Here, you'll find incredible Christian and pagan reliefs carved into the cave walls, many dating back to the 15th century. Learn about the carvings' history and legends (including the dragon carved by a resident monk in the 1400s) and walk among the stalactites and stalagmites growing in the cave. Return to Brač in the afternoon, where you can continue exploring on your own or enjoy some beach time.

Day 5: Hike to Brač's Hidden Spots, Relax on Zlatni Rat Beach

After breakfast, depart with your private guide for the day to explore the unparalleled beauty of Brač. Start with a hike to the best-hidden spots on the island, trekking from Dol to the top of Vidova Gora mountain. With an elevation of 2,552 feet (777 m), this is the highest point of the Adriatic islands and one of the most scenic. On the 9-mile (16 km) trail, you'll walk past archaeological monuments, protected forest areas, and incredible viewpoints. At the top, see other islands in the distance, with the sea stretching far into the horizon, before hiking back down and enjoying a light lunch at a local estate.

Later today, it's all about sun and fun as you explore the famous Zlatni Rat, a beautiful stretch of pebbled beach that protrudes over 1,641 feet (500 m) into the Adriatic Sea in a "V" shape, surrounded by deep blue and turquoise water. The shape of the beach changes with the wind and water current, adding to its uniqueness. Those same winds and currents make it a popular destination for windsurfers. You can swim, snorkel, or take in some sun. Not far from the beach, you'll also find the ancient ruins of a Roman villa hidden in the trees. Tonight, enjoy your last evening on Brač with dinner at a local restaurant. 

Day 6: Ferry to Hvar, Traditional Peka Dinner at a Local Restaurant

Today, you'll catch a 50-minute ferry to the island of Hvar, known for its beautiful beaches, top-notch restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. If you're there between May and mid-June, when the lavender fields bloom, you'll notice a heady perfume permeating the entire island. On arrival, take a private transfer to your accommodation at Beach Bay Hvar, a lush, eco-friendly retreat with elegantly appointed rooms, endless sea views, and access to various amenities.

Spend the afternoon relaxing at the hotel, or take advantage of its central location and embark on a self-guided tour around town. Stroll along the Hvar promenade, where you can shop and grab a bite to eat or sunbathe on the lovely pebbled beach next to the hotel. You can also visit St. Stephen's Square, where you'll see the historic Hvar Theatre and the Renaissance bell tower of St. Stephen's Cathedral.

Later this evening, experience Croatian cooking at its best with a traditional peka dinner at a local restaurant. Created from a mix of basic ingredients (potatoes, meat, and herbs), which are baked using a peka (an iron bell covered in hot embers), this deceptively simple dish will surprise you with the depth of its flavors. Paired with local island wines, it's the perfect way to experience authentic Croatian gastronomy.

Day 7: Kayak the Pakleni Islands, Discover the Vineyards & Wineries of Hvar

Explore the most beautiful part of the Hvar Riviera today on a private four-hour excursion to the Pakleni Islands, a collection of 14 unspoiled wooded islets known as Pakleni otoci, and a favorite retreat for locals seeking to escape the summer heat. Grab your swimwear and head to the Hvar beachfront, where you'll meet your guide, and (after an equipment and safety briefing) head out on a guided kayak tour.

Follow your guide through turquoise water to the Ždrilca Channel, an area with calm seas perfect for kayaking. Weave in and out of the islands' inlets and picturesque coves with your kayak, then take a break from paddling on one of the pebble beaches along the coastline of Marinkovac Island. Relax, swim, snorkel, and enjoy the fresh scent of Mediterranean pines, then grab a bite to eat in one of the restaurants before returning to Hvar.

In the afternoon, depart with a private guide on a wine-tasting excursion to the towns of Jelsa or Vrboska. There, you'll visit one of the region's most famous wineries: Tomić, Carić, Plancić, or Duboković. Many of these wineries have been in production for centuries, as Hvar's wine-growing history stretches back thousands of years. Taste a selection of wines together with the island's finest local appetizers while your expert guide offers information on the individual wines, their cultivation, and the winemaking process.

Day 8: Private Boat Trip to the Caves & Beaches of Vis

Today's full-day 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 9: Ferry to Korčula, Tour Korčula Town, Wines of Lumbarda & Konoba Dinner

Your next destination is Korčula, a densely forested 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, who will take you to Tara's Lodge, a luxury boutique hotel located along the beachfront, 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, luxe linens, and walk-in showers. Check 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.

This evening, experience an exclusive private wine tasting followed by dinner at a konoba (tavern). Meet your guide for a scenic drive along the coast, passing historic sites, vineyards, and quaint villages. Visit a family-run winery in Korčula's legendary wine-growing Lumbarda region and learn about grk, a local white grape variety that produces some of Croatia's best wines, and the red plavac mali, which acts as a pollinator for grk vines. Sample the wine of each as you enjoy a traditionally prepared dinner before returning to your hotel in Korčula. 

Day 10: Day Trip to Mljet National Park

Discover Mljet National Park, part of nearby Mljet Island, encompassing more than 13,000 acres (5,300 ha) on today's day trip. Meet your private guide in the morning and board a speedboat or ferry to the island, where you'll spend the day touring the national park and taking advantage of the many outdoor activities offered there.

Explore one of the park's many hiking trails with your guide as they share information about the island's history. Be sure to see the 12th-century Benedictine monastery on Melita Island in the middle of Veliko Jezero—one of two saltwater lakes in the national park. Your afternoon is free to hike in the park, swim, rent kayaks, or have lunch at a nearby café in Pomona. Then, return to Korčula in the late afternoon, just in time for a stroll around town before resting up for tomorrow's adventures. 

Day 11: Ferry to Dubrovnik, Explore the Historic Old Town

Today, you're off to Dubrovnik, one of Europe's most ancient fortress cities. After hotel checkout, take a private transfer to the ferry terminal for the two-hour crossing. Upon arrival, meet your driver 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, 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. On a private walking tour, you'll see more of this fabled city this afternoon. Make your way along the Old Town's narrow, winding streets with your guide while they highlight 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.

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. Spend the rest of the day sightseeing on your own, visiting sites 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. 

Day 12: Oyster Tasting & Wines of the Pelješac Peninsula, Free Time in Dubrovnik

After breakfast, meet your private driver for a scenic drive along the coast to the settlement of Ston, famed for its 14th-century fortified walls and the oyster farms and salt beds of Ston Bay. Take some time to walk around town, then head out on a boat to savor oysters fresh from the crystal-clear waters, along with a glass of wine, and learn firsthand from the skipper how these delicacies are grown and harvested.

Enjoy a firsthand look at the farming process in the bay, which is an unusual mix of freshwater and seawater—an essential component to growing the perfect oyster. As a result, Ston oysters are considered some of the best in the world. Return to shore and enjoy lunch at a local seafood restaurant, then continue farther into the Pelješac peninsula, where you'll visit a local vineyard for a private wine tasting before driving back to Dubrovnik. 

Later, you can see more of Dubrovnik on your own and maybe check out some of the excellent museums on offer here. Visit the Rector's Palace, which gives insight into the lives of Croatian nobility, or the Maritime Museum, which showcases the city's seafaring past. You can also stop by the Franciscan Pharmacy and Museum, one of the oldest working pharmacies in Europe, which has a monastery museum inside. Finish at the Red History Museum and learn about the years Croatia was under communist rule. 

Day 13: Private Boating Excursion to the Elafiti Islands

This morning, embark on an exclusive full-day boating trip to visit the tranquil Elafiti Islands, or Elaphites, an archipelago of 13 islands just off the coast of Dubrovnik. Along the way, you'll stop to swim and snorkel in the hidden coves and peaceful waters of the Adriatic Sea and visit the three main islands (the only ones inhabited), which all offer great swimming beaches and a very relaxed vibe.

Visit Koločep, the smallest of the main islands and closest to Dubrovnik. This "car-free" island has multiple walking trails that take you through restful green forests and along quiet beaches. With two villages on the island, both within walking distance of each other, you can sit down for a relaxed lunch here or check out some of the historic buildings, including the pre-Romanesque St. Anthony and St. Nicholas churches.

Next, you'll stop at the island of Lopud, where you can spend time on Šunj Beach, a peaceful spot with calm, shallow waters. Just above the beach, make the easy hike to the 15th-century church of Our Lady of Šunj, which has an unusual wooden Renaissance-Baroque altar. End the day on Šipan, where you'll find more beaches, restaurants, and bike rentals to cruise around the island before returning to Dubrovnik in the early evening.

Day 14: Depart Dubrovnik

Your luxury Croatian getaway ends 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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