Premium Split to Dubrovnik - 8 Days

Dobro dosli! Welcome to Croatia. Your adventure begins in Split – located on the Adriatic coast, this is Croatia’s second-largest city. You’ll be met by a local representative at the airport and transferred to your hotel when you arrive, ready for your welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, you might like to visit the Mestrovic Gallery, which displays the remarkable work of one of Croatia’s greatest sculptors. After the meeting, get to know your fellow travellers and group leader over dinner at one of Split’s local restaurants and maybe try some brudet (a rustic seafood stew) and rozata (a creamy custard pudding). Tonight, you’ll stay at Santa Lucia Heritage Hotel in the heart of Split – your Feature Stay, with a history dating back to the 18th century as the first cafe in the city.

This morning, head out on a walking tour with a local guide to see the highlights of this historic city. Led by a licensed heritage interpreter, you’ll stroll through the streets of Split, discover some of the city's less-visited spots, including parts of the ancient Diocletian's Palace, and get a glimpse into local life. Wander through cobblestoned streets in the footsteps of past emperors and kings and learn about how Split has evolved over the centuries. Explore the workshops of local artisans and witness the skill and passion of their creations. Round off your tour with a stop to try soparnik, a traditional Dalmatian savoury pie that was Croatia’s first street food. This afternoon is free for you to explore this seaside city at your own pace – maybe find a seafood restaurant with sweeping views of the coast and tuck into some fresh catches over a glass of wine. Or, head back to your Feature Stay and chill on the la luce terrace or in the secret garden.

Take a private transfer to Imotski – a quiet, lesser-known town in the Dalmatian Hinterland where you’ll get an insight into authentic Croatian life away from the crowds. When you arrive, go on a walking tour with your leader. Learn about the town’s history and its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue and Red Lakes. This evening, you’ll visit Topana Fortress. Built in the 13th century, the fortress is perched on a cliff, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Take in the scenery as the sun sets while you sip on a glass of local wine and snack on some local produce like prosciutto – all accompanied by live music – and revel in the laidback atmosphere as the day fades into night.

Today is a free day for you to explore Imotski at your own pace. You might like to stroll through the narrow streets in the town centre or visit the Blue Lake for a glimpse of the blue-green water and maybe even a scenic swim. In the afternoon, join your group for a traditional dinner of Peka – a Croatian meal of meat or seafood with potatoes and veggies, cooked under a clay or cast-iron lid placed on hot coals. Experience warm local hospitality and sample the flavours of this region, paired with locally produced wine.

Travel to the seaside town of Orebic by private vehicle, swapping inland karst landscapes for views of the shimmering Adriatic. Along the way, you’ll stop at the Bacina Lakes, where you’ll board a small boat for a leisurely sail through this string of freshwater lakes set between the mountains and the coast. Then, continue south along the Peljesac Peninsula to Mali Ston. This village is known for having some of the best oysters in Europe. Hop aboard another boat and head to an oyster farm that has been run by generations of shellfish farmers who have perfected their craft. Learn how oysters and mussels are cultivated in these nutrient-rich waters, then taste them straight from the sea—briny, fresh and perfectly paired with a glass of local wine. This afternoon, you’ll continue to Orebic. Start to settle into the slower pace of life here in the quieter side of Croatia with a walk along the waterfront or perhaps wind down the day with a swim.

Visit the island of Korcula, located just off the Dalmatian Coast and known for its rich folkloric traditions. Begin your daytrip by taking the short boat ride to the island, then go on a walking tour of the town centre with a local guide. Visit the main sites of this relaxed seaside town and learn about the history of the island. You’ll also see some of the traditional costumes used in local celebrations. Head to the Vela Luka promenade, on the west of the island, to take part in a project aimed at creating the longest mosaic in the world. Learn about the craft of mosaics, then have a go yourself! After, head to the village of Blato for lunch and a wine tasting at a small, family-run winery in the hills. Return to Orebic later this evening.

Journey to Dubrovnik today, stopping at Trsteno along the way. In this small village just outside of Dubrovnik, you’ll tuck into a brunch made using fresh, local produce from a family-run farm, surrounded by a vibrant garden. Then, take part in an olive oil tasting (a bottle of this locally produced kitchen necessity makes for the perfect souvenir!). Visit the Trsteno Arboretum next door for a Signature Experience – this is the oldest monument of garden architecture and the only arboretum in Croatia that dates back to the 15th century. This is also a Game of Thrones filming location, but is far less crowded compared to Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Spot locations you recognise from the show with natural scenery surrounding you rather than crowds. Take in the views of the Elaphiti Islands and the Adriatic Sea below. Continue to Dubrovnik for a tour of the medieval city walls, then join your group at a restaurant in the city’s Old Town for a farewell dinner – here’s to a trip well-travelled!

With no further activities planned, your trip ends after breakfast this morning. If you're looking to extend your stay to see more of Dubrovnik, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.