Croatia Island Hopping

Our tour starts today in Split, Croatia's second-largest city, picturesquely located on the Adriatic coast. With its blend of old and new, it provides the perfect introduction to Dalmatia. If you'd like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Split Airport (SPU), which is a 35-minute drive from our hotel. For those arriving on time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for a welcome meeting. Afterwards, for those who wish, there's the chance to go for dinner to sample local cuisine, followed by a walk through Split's old town, which has been granted UNESCO World Heritage status thanks to its historic charm. If you miss the welcome meeting, your Tour Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. If you arrive earlier in the day, there's plenty to see in Split. The historic sites within the Palace of Diocletian are well worth a visit. 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's widely regarded as the world's best-preserved Roman Palace. The city is also brimming with culture and has a host of excellent museums.

This morning, you have the option to join a walking tour of the old town, guided by a local historian, or explore the winding streets independently. Later in the morning, we'll regroup and head to the harbour to board a ferry to Brac. Renowned for its beautiful beaches and rich cultural heritage, tranquil Brac offers a more authentic Croatian island experience than its neighbour, Hvar. The ferry journey takes approximately one hour, crossing the azure waters with panoramic views of the coastline. Upon arrival in Bol, we'll take our private transport for an optional lunch before starting our hike to Blaca Hermitage. Located in a remote canyon, this historic site was established in the 16th century by Glagolitic priests seeking solitude. The hike is approximately 40 minutes (2 kilometres/1.2 miles) along a picturesque trail leading to the hermitage. While not particularly challenging, sturdy and comfortable footwear is recommended. At the monastery, we'll step back in time to explore its unique architecture and historical artefacts, gaining insight into the monks' way of life and their harmonious relationship with nature. After our tour, we'll hike back uphill to rejoin our bus, which will take us to our base for the next two nights- a premium hotel in Bol. Best known for Zlatni Rat beach, rated as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Bol has plenty to offer. Following a brief orientation tour and lunch in the town centre, you'll have free time to explore independently.

Today is a free day to relax and enjoy the island at your own pace. You might like to head to Zlatni Rat Beach, a short walk from our hotel, or unwind by the pool. Alternatively, you can hire bikes from the hotel to cycle along the scenic coastal roads of Brac, discovering hidden gems along the way. Another option is to rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to explore the turquoise waters and take in the stunning coastline. In the evening, there's a wide variety of restaurants and bars to choose from. Most offer local and Mediterranean specialities, such as lamb on a spit and octopus under Peka. If you enjoy trying different dishes, consider sampling 'Vitalac,' a traditional island delicacy.

After breakfast, we'll leave Brac behind us and take a scenic fast ferry (a two-hour journey) 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, which produce some excellent white wines from their indigenous Grk variety of grapes - you might like to enjoy a tipple while we're here. We'll 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). We'll head towards a family farm where traditional agricultural practices are upheld, making them the first ecological olive oil producers on the island. We'll meet the family and learn about their history and the different produce that's grown on the estate before indulging ourselves in a food-tasting experience featuring a variety of locally sourced delicacies such as freshly harvested fruits, artisanal cheeses, homemade preserves, and other traditional delights that showcase the rich culinary heritage of Korcula. Following the tasting, we'll say goodbye to the family and walk through the nature reserve observing strange rock formations and tall trees. The subdued daylight that permeates through the trees, gives 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. Today's leisurely 6-kilometre/3.7-mile hike is expected to take around two hours with some short uneven sections with boulders. We'll transfer back to the charming town of Korcula where we'll explore the medieval streets, see the historic sites, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this ancient, fortified town. In the evening, you're free to explore Korcula's renowned restaurants or taverns.

This morning, we'll take a 40-minute fast ferry 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, turquoise lakes, sheltered coves lapped by crystal-clear waters and white-sand beaches. Our tour leader will give us a short orientation walk to the lakes to get your bearings and will run through your options for today. The rest of the day is free. There are a variety of ways to explore the island's lush interior and lakes either by foot or bicycle on well-signposted trails or perhaps by kayak. Near Pomena there are plenty of beaches to choose to relax on, and a choice of restaurants serving up locally produced food and wine. The ferry this evening back to Korcula is due to depart at 5pm.

This morning, we'll start our journey with a short ferry transfer to the Peljesac peninsula before continuing through the picturesque Croatian countryside by minibus, making our way towards Dubrovnik. Our first stop will take us to a charming winery, where we'll have the opportunity to indulge in a delightful wine-tasting experience. We'll sample a selection of exquisite local wines, learn about the winemaking process, and savour the unique flavours that this region has to offer. We'll 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. We'll 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'll travel to our final destination, the spectacular walled city of 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 1990s and into the 2000s have 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'll settle into our premium accommodation where we'll have the evening at leisure. Our hotel is located in the sought-after Lapad peninsula with its beautiful promenade by the sea, where you can find plenty of local restaurants and bars. If you prefer to have dinner in the Old Town, you can easily reach it by bus or taxi.

In the morning, we'll take the public bus to the Old Town for a walking tour led by a historian. Starting from Pile Square on the eastern side of Dubrovnik, we'll 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'll 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'll end at the magnificent Rector's Palace, another filming location but an incredible example of Gothic architecture in its own right. The afternoon is free for you to explore the city by yourself. There is so much to see and do in this charming city. Other highlights include the cable car to Mount Srd, a walk in Konavle Valley or there are specialist tours based around Game of Thrones. If you want to walk along the Dubrovnik City Walls, we suggest you buy a Dubrovnik Card which gives you access to many sights as well as public transport around Dubrovnik.

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