Treasures of Croatia

Arrive in Split, where you are met and transferred to your hotel. This evening, join your Resident Tour Director and fellow guests for a welcome dinner. Stay: Hotel Ambasador (D)

Explore Split, starting with the Palace of Diocletian and its synagogue, and view St. Domnius Cathedral. Stroll Split's old town and harbour-front promenade. Visit the daily market, and then enjoy your afternoon at leisure before dinner. Stay: Hotel Ambasador (B/D)

Rise early for a ride by ferry along the stunning Dalmatian coastline to picturesque Hvar, a lush, mountainous island where Venetian palaces grace narrow backstreets and secluded coves beckon. Upon arrival, visit the old town of Stari Grad, before heading to the family-owned winery of renowned winemaker Andro Tomic for a Chef's Table experience that includes a wine tasting. Later, on the scenic drive to Hvar Town, stop to view the gleaming limestone Spanjol Fortress. Tonight, enjoy fine dining while overlooking the waterfront. Stay: Palace Elisabeth (B/L/D)

This morning, walk the historic centre of Hvar Town, pausing to take in the Cathedral, the Arsenal and the Benedictine Nunnery where resident nuns produce the world-famous agave lace. Afterward, enjoy your afternoon at leisure, free to enjoy this beautiful town and its island lifestyle. Stay: Palace Elisabeth (B)

Head to Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” stopping en route in Ston, renowned for its oysters, which you may wish to sample when you enjoy lunch in a typical Dalmatian restaurant. Stay: Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik (B/L/D)

Stroll through Dubrovnik with your local guide to see the Dominican Monastery, the Rector's Palace and Dubrovnik Cathedral. Mingle with local traders and craftspeople in its markets. Later, on a fascinating artisan visit in Konavle watch silk weavers at work, carrying on a tradition practiced in the region since at least the 16th century. Learn how the threads from silk-worm cocoons are teased out into the long single strands used to create a variety of garments, from dresses to decorative waistcoats. Return to Dubrovnik for a private cruise, enjoying a Scenic Sundowner and taking in the fantastic city views. Stay: Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik (B/L)

Today, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.

• Take Part in a Cooking Class with Wine Tasting, and then savour what you created for lunch.
• Embark by Sea Kayak on a refreshing, tranquil paddle around Dubrovnik's Old Town and Lokrum Island.
• Seek Out the City's Hidden Gems on a guided walking tour to several of Dubrovnik's less-visited historic sites.

Tonight, gather for a farewell dinner in a fine local restaurant. Stay: Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik (B/D)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to depart. (B)