Highlights
- Dine on fresh-caught seafood and traditional Dalmatian cuisine in Split
- Swim and snorkel off the coast of Brac Island
- Sail around the island of Korcula and sample the local grk wine
- Swim, hike, or bike the lush landscapes of Mljet Island's national park
- Sip a cocktail from Dubrovnik's Buza Bar and enjoy the sunset over the Adriatic
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Split, Free Time on the Dalmatian Coast | Split |
| Day 2 | Board Sailboat, Sail to Hvar via Brač | Hvar Town |
| Day 3 | Sail to Korčula & "Little Dubrovnik" | Korčula Town |
| Day 4 | Sail Around Korčula's Coast | Korčula Town |
| Day 5 | Sail to Mljet Island & National Park | Mljet Island |
| Day 6 | Sail to Dubrovnik, Disembark & Explore | Dubrovnik |
| Day 7 | Depart Dubrovnik |
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Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Split, Free Time on the Dalmatian Coast
Welcome to Split, Croatia's second-largest city. This dynamic and ancient coastal destination was founded 1,700 years ago by Roman Emperor Diocletian. Today, its UNESCO-protected Old Town is set within the walls of the expansive Diocletian's Palace, one of the best-preserved Roman buildings in the world. Every step you take here is walking through history as you trundle along the huge stone pavers that once were the halls of the emperor's palace. A private driver will transfer you 45 minutes from the airport to the center of Split. On arrival, check into your hotel and refresh.
The afternoon is yours to explore the city. Start at Pjaca Square for pretty views of white marble tiles, the Iron Gate, a Romanesque clock tower with the remains of a medieval sundial, and the 15th-century Town Hall. Visit the popular Voćni trg or Fruit Square to admire Renaissance architecture, influenced during Split's Venetian era. In the evening, take a stroll along the seafront Riva to admire the views over the Adriatic before finding the offbeat Konoba Dioklecijan restaurant, just to the left of the Bronze Gate. Its outdoor terrace is built into the walls of the palace!
Day 2: Board Sailboat, Sail to Hvar via Brač
This morning, venture down to the port to find your private sailboat. Today, you'll be sailing to Hvar via the island of Brač. The largest of the central Dalmatian islands, Brač is bursting with historical sites dating back to ancient Greece and the Middle Ages. Make your first stop at one of the island's hidden bays to swim and snorkel, and take a short hike if there's time. Enjoy the morning sun as you relax and listen to the sea. If you're lucky you'll, even spot dolphins!
In the afternoon, continue your sailing journey to Hvar, where you'll spend the night aboard the boat, anchored in the Hvar harbor. Hvar is a popular destination with tourists due to its natural setting, mild climate, and its historic port town of the same name. Depending on timing, you might like to explore some of Hvar Town's highlights: the 13th-century walls, the 16th-century Španjola Fortress, and the main square anchored by the Renaissance-era Cathedral.
Day 3: Sail to Korčula & "Little Dubrovnik"
Leaving Hvar in the morning, you'll set course for the island of Korčula, breaking up the trip with stops for swimming, snorkeling, and exploration wherever you like. There are plenty of options for those interested in discovering quieter locations along the coast of Hvar over more popular destinations.
Gradually, you'll arrive at Korčula Town on the island's eastern tip, and dock for the evening. With its fortified walls, well-preserved Old Town, and waterfront setting, you'll soon see why it's often nicknamed "Little Dubrovnik."Take some time to discover restaurants, taverns, shops, and bars as you roam the maze of gray stone houses, alleys, churches, and squares. Try a traditional meal of lamb and goat with a glass of grk white wine before you visit some of Old Town's notable attractions: the 14th-century Land Gate, St. Mark's Cathedral, and the house thought to have belonged to Marco Polo.
Day 4: Sail Around Korčula's Coast
Pull up anchor this morning and set sail to cruise around the whole of Korčula, taking advantage of the winds of the Pelješac peninsula and Korčula channels to add to an exciting day of sun and sea. As you make your way around the island, enjoy a different perspective of Korčula's coastline and choose to stop to swim and snorkel as the mood strikes. Every shore offers something different: from the fortified walls of Korčula Town and the pebbly and pristine beaches of Lumbarda to the rocky shores and lush nature on the small islands of Proizd and Ošjak near Vela Luka.
If you like, you could go wine tasting in the Lumbarda region if you have time. After a full day of sailing, you'll return to Korčula Town's harbor, where you'll dock for another overnight. Disembark for an evening stroll amid medieval walls and narrow streets patterned like a fish skeleton—a design made to reduce the effects of wind and sun.
Day 5: Sail to Mljet Island & National Park
Today, you'll sail farther east to the island of Mljet and its national park. Upon arriving on Mljet, disembark to trek in Mljet National Park. One of the larger Adriatic islands off the Croatian coast, Mljet is a thin strip of land parallel to the Pelješac peninsula and runs 20 miles (32 km) long and up to 2 miles (3 km) wide. The park itself covers an area of 33 square miles (85.5 square km) and is made up of lakes and bays, dense forests, and olive groves.
Rent a bike to explore the unspoiled western side of the park and stop to enjoy a swim in any of the beautiful lush coves of the island. Famous sights worth a visit include Veliko and Malo Jezero (Large and Small Lake)—two salt lakes in the park, connected by a narrow canal, Soline Bay, and a sea belt some 500 miles (800 km) wide off the most prominent cape, the Cape of Mljet. At the center of the largest lake lies a 12th-century Benedictine monastery on St. Mary's Island, which you can take a small scenic boat ride to reach.
Day 6: Sail to Dubrovnik, Disembark & Explore
In the morning, continue sailing east toward the mainland where Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic," lies. Upon arrival at the marina, you'll step off the sailboat for the final time and transfer to your accommodation. Dubrovnik is a world-renowned city of exceptional charm. After checking into your hotel, you'll want to get out and explore. Can't-miss activities include riding the cable car up to Mount Srđ to take in the sunset over the nearby Elafiti Islands, visiting the Lovrijenac and Bokar fortresses, and walking along the smooth, limestone-paved streets of the historic Old Town.
Be sure to find your way to Stradun, Dubrovnik's main street, to get your bearings and to choose from a number of excellent restaurants and wine bars. Alternatively, there's Buza Bar along the water's edge, a great spot to enjoy a cocktail while taking in the sunset.
Day 7: 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.
Later, when the time is right, your driver will pick you up for the 45-minute transfer to the airport to catch your departing flight. This concludes your grand Croatian adventure. Come back soon, and safe travels!
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