Premium Split to Dubrovnik - 8 Days

Dobro dosli! Welcome to Croatia. Your adventure begins in Split – right on the Adriatic coast, this is Croatia’s second-largest city. You’ll be collected from 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 in your Feature Stay – Santa Lucia Heritage Hotel in the Pjaca (the most beautiful square in Split).

This morning, head out on a sustainable Urban Adventure – ‘Unveiling Split’s Living History’. Led by a licensed heritage interpreter, you’ll stroll through the historic streets of Split, discover some of the city's hidden gems and get a glimpse into the lives of the locals. Wander through cobblestoned streets in the footsteps of past emperors and kings and learn about how Split has evolved over the centuries, now embracing eco-friendly initiatives like solar power and waste management. Explore the workshops of local artisans and witness the skill and passion of their creations. This afternoon is free to explore the seaside city at your own pace – maybe find the perfect seafood restaurant with sweeping views of the coast and tuck into some fresh cuisine 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 morning ferry to Korcula – a gorgeous island off the Dalmatian Coast. When you arrive in the afternoon, head out on a walking tour of Korcula Town with a local guide. See the main sites of this seaside spot and learn about the history of this island, whose population is almost entirely made up of ethnic Croats. Korcula is famed for its folkloric traditions and you’ll get special access to the see the traditional costumes used in local celebrations. After, maybe hit one of the hidden beaches like Vela Przina or Proizd, wander the orange-topped architecture in the Old City or soak up some of the local wine culture among the olive groves.

Today you’ll head out on a custom-made half-day tour around Korcula. Explore the rich history of the island and visit places that are less impacted by tourism, supporting the local community. First, visit the Ethnographic Museum Barilo in Blato and explore the impressive collection, which includes agricultural tools, ceremonial clothes, traditional costumes, kitchen utensils and handicrafts that give a unique insight into the daily lives of the owners' ancestors. Wander the house and garden, then join your hosts for a tasting of local liqueurs, brandies, arancini, fried almonds and dried figs, prepared according to traditional recipes. After, head to Vela Luka to see the 20,000-year-old Vela Spila archaeological site and cave. Take a short walk over the cave for panoramic views of the archipelago and the bay below, then head to a local village for lunch and a wine tasting of local drops at a small family winery in the hills. 

Today is a free day in Korcula. You might like to spend the day lazing at one of the hidden beaches and soak up the sun, taking a dip in the bay. Alternatively, maybe head to another local winery and support the local community by induling in some local cuisine and a glass of wine (or three). Perhaps continue your explorations of the Old Town tonight, taking in the stocky Revelin Tower and impressive defensive walls before stopping for dinner in one of the island’s many restaurants.

You’ll begin the journey to Dubrovnik today, stopping at Trsteno along the way – a small village just 20 km away from Dubrovnik. Here, you’ll tuck into a delicious brunch of local products made by a local family on their farm and presented by the famous Croatian chef Katija Paseta. Soak in the garden views and morning sun and then be treated to an olive oil tasting (a bottle of this locally produced kitchen necessity makes for the perfect souvenir!). Visit the arboretum next door – 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 with fans than Dubrovnik’s Old Town. As you spot locations you recognise from the show (well away from the tourist crowds), take in the views of the Elaphiti Islands and the Adriatic Sea below. Continue to the medieval walls of Dubrovnik, where you’ll have a free evening to find the best spot for dinner.

Today is free to explore Dubrovnik at your own pace. Maybe visit Rector's Palace to see the ornate Venetian-Gothic architecture or sip a beer on the terrace of one of the city’s cliff bars. Take a Game of Thrones walking tour to a few more filming locations or just people-watch over an espresso. Tonight, you'll be treated to a sunset sail on the Adriatic. On a private boat, sail to the Elafiti Islands, taking in the coastal scenery during golden hour. Go for a couple of swims off the boat, then hit land and visit the fisherman's village of Lopud. Here, you can share your favourite moments from your trip with the group over a farewell dinner of local cuisine. Sail back to Dubrovnik just in time to enjoy the view of Old Town from the sea during sunset and toast to an unforgettable memory with some local wine.

Your trip ends after breakfast this morning. If you're looking to extend your stay and soak more of Dubrovnik's unique beauty, additional accommodation can be arranged for you – just speak to your booking agent.