Croatia Island Hopping

Arrive in Split. Our hotel is about 35 minutes drive from the airport.

For those arriving on time your Tour Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for the welcome meeting. Following the welcome meeting, there is an opportunity to go out for dinner and sample traditional Croatian cuisine and go for a walk in the old town of Split, a UNESCO heritage site, with enchanting history and incredible atmosphere.

If you arrive early, Split has plenty of things to do, especially the historic sites within the Palace of Diocletian. Built to honour the Roman Emperor Diocletian, this huge residence makes up around half of the old city and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is widely regarded as the world's most complete and well-preserved Roman Palace. The city is also full of culture and has a host of excellent museums. The city is also full of culture and has a host of excellent museums.

If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Split Airport (SPU). Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Tour Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. Stay: Cornaro Hotel Split (Comfortable)

This morning, we make our way to the harbour and board the ferry to Brac. Renowned for its beautiful beaches and rich cultural heritage, Brac offers tranquillity and a more authentic Croatian island experience than its neighbour island, Hvar.

The journey takes us across the azure waters and panoramic views of the coastline, and we will reach the beautiful island of Brac in around one hour. Our premium hotel for the next two nights is located in Bol. Most known for its Zlatni Rat Beach, which is often rated as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Bol has a lot to offers to suit everyone. After a short orientation tour, the afternoon is left free for you to experience one of the many activities the island has to offer.

Enjoy the breathtaking Zlatni Rat Beach which is only a short walking distance from the hotel or relax by the pool.

You can also easily hire bikes from the hotel to cycle along the scenic coastal roads of Brac. Immerse yourself in the island's landscapes, discover hidden gems, and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace. Another option is to rent a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard to go and glide along the turquoise waters and marvel at the stunning coastline. In the evening, Bol offers a wide variety of restaurants and bars to choose from. Most restaurants offer local and Mediterranean specialities, the most popular being 'lamb on a spit' and 'octopus under Peka.' If you like trying different food, you should definitely try 'Vitalac,' which is an authentic dish from the island. Stay: Hotel Elaphusa (Premium) (B)

This morning we drive up into Brac's rugged interior and to the village of Vidova Gora, the highest peak of all Croatian islands. The views from the top are absolutely stunning. To the northeast, the Croatia coastline is visible, on a clear day from Makarska to Split. Across the Adriatic Sea, you can see Hvar, Korcula, Lastovo, Vis and Solta. Looking down Vidova Gora mountain is the town of Bol and the iconic Zlatni Rat Beach.

Afterward, we take a short drive and hike to one of Croatia's best hidden gems, Blaca Hermitage, a secluded canyon where Glagolitic priests established a hermitage in the 16th century. The hike is about 30 minutes along a scenic trail leading to the monastery. The hike is not very difficult, but it requires some stamina and proper footwear. Once arrived, the monastery offers a glimpse into a different era when monks lived in harmony with nature. Explore the hermitage's architecture, historical artifacts, and learn about the hermits who once resided here.

After the visit, we return to Bol where we have the rest of the day at leisure. Stay: Hotel Elaphusa (Premium) (B)

After a delicious breakfast, we depart from Brac and hop on a scenic catamaran ride to Korcula, lying in the centre of the archipelago. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the mesmerizing views of the Adriatic Sea as we sail towards our next destination. Korcula is known for its interior of dense pine forests, which once supplied the Venetians with timber for their vast fleets. It's also known for its vineyards, producing some excellent white wines from their indigenous Grk variety of grape. Our base for the next two nights is in the palm-lined streets of Korcula Town, a medieval settlement that enjoys a low-key rustic charm.

After settling in at our hotel, we make our way to the Kocje Nature Reserve, a hidden gem known for its untouched forests, interesting rock formations dressed in moss and resident fairies (according to local legend). Led by a knowledgeable guide, we walk through the nature reserve observing strange rock formations and tall trees. The subdued daylight that permeates through the trees, will give you the feeling of being in the middle of a jungle. As we explore the trails, keep an eye out for native wildlife and unique plant species.

We, then head towards a family farm where traditional agricultural practices are upheld, making them the first ecological olive oil producers on the island. We meet the family and learn about their history and the different produce grown on the estate before indulging ourselves in a food tasting experience featuring a variety of locally sourced delicacies such as fresh harvested fruits, artisanal cheeses, homemade preserves, and other traditional delights that showcase the rich culinary heritage of Korcula.

We say goodbye to the family and journey back to the charming town of Korcula where we explore the medieval streets, see the historic sites, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this ancient, fortified town.

In the evening, you are free to explore a number of Korcula's renowned restaurants or taverns. Stay: Marko Polo Hotel (Comfortable) (B)

This morning we take a 40-minute catamaran out to the lush and beautiful Mljet Island. Awarded National Park status in 1962, the island is the greenest in Croatia and home to just one hotel. It's otherwise made up of verdant green forests, sheltered coves lapped by crystal-clear waters and white-sand beaches.

The Tour Leader will provide a short orientation walk to get your bearings and will run through your options for today, before leaving the rest of the day free to explore at our leisure. Basing ourselves in Pomena, there are a variety of ways to explore the island's lush interior either by foot or bicycle on well-signposted trails, or perhaps explore the coastline by kayak. There are plenty of beaches to choose to relax on, and a choice of restaurants serving up locally produced food and wine.

The catamaran this evening back to Korcula is due to depart at 17.20. Stay: Marko Polo Hotel (Comfortable) (B)

This morning, we start our journey in the comfort of a minibus, and a short ferry transfer to the Peljesac peninsula, enjoying the picturesque views of the Croatian countryside as we make our way towards Dubrovnik. Our first stop will take us to a charming winery, where we have the opportunity to indulge in a delightful wine tasting experience. Sample a selection of exquisite local wines, learn about the winemaking process, and savour the unique flavours that this region has to offer.

We continue our journey, making our way to the town of Ston. Known for its impressive defensive walls, which are the second longest in the world, Ston offers a fascinating glimpse into Croatia's rich history. Take a leisurely stroll through the town, admire the ancient architecture, and perhaps indulge in some local delicacies, such as the renowned Ston oysters or delicious seafood dishes.

After our visit to Ston, we travel to our final destination, the spectacular walled city, Dubrovnik. Like many Croatian cities, Dubrovnik has seen its share of conquerors and settlers, each adding their own contributions to the city we see today. Extensive renovations during the 1990's and into 2000's has meant that the city is excellently preserved, its old walls housing tiled roofs and white-washed buildings in all their splendour that give the illusion of stepping back in time.

Upon arrival in Dubrovnik, we settle into our premium accommodation where we have the evening at leisure. Our hotel is located in the sought after Lapad peninsula with its beautiful promenade by the sea lined with trees and where you can find plenty of local restaurants and bars. If you prefer to go and have dinner in the Old Town, you can easily reach it by bus or taxi. Stay: Hotel Ariston (Premium) (B)

In the morning, we take a short transfer to the Old Town for a walking tour led by a historian. Starting from Pile Square on the eastern side of Dubrovnik, we snake our way through the maze of narrow streets and lively piazzas to take in the Sponza Palace, housing the city's archives, and the intricately carved baroque church of St Blaise. Continuing through the main thoroughfare of Stradun we walk down the Jesuit Staircase, perhaps better known as the 'Steps of the Great Sept of Bailor' used for the 'Walk of Shame' scene in Game of Thrones. Finally, we end at the magnificent Rector's Palace, another filming location but an incredible example of Gothic architecture in its own right. The afternoon is left free to explore the city by yourself. There is so much to see and do in this charming city. Particular other highlights include the cable car to Mount Srd, a walk out in Konavle Valley or there are specialist tours based around Game of Thrones if that is of interest. If you want to walk along the Dubrovnik City Walls, we suggest you to buy a Dubrovnik Card which gives you access to many sights and public transport around Dubrovnik. Stay: Hotel Ariston (Premium) (B)

There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Dubrovnik at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you need to depart from Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) which is a 25 kilometre, 35 minute drive from Dubrovnik. (B)