Croatia’s Cities and Island Beauty: The Ultimate Tour of the Sparkling Dalmatian Coast
Embark on a seven-day, once-in-a-life-time adventure through Croatia, exploring its exquisitely-preserved ancient wonders and diving into the glistening turquoise Adriatic. Begin your journey in the vibrant port city of Split, with its Roman palace fit for an emperor, before sailing by private motor yacht to sleepy island idylls where time stands still. Round off your adventure in Dubrovnik, a magical coastal city spectacularly encased by 13th-century walls.
Trip Highlights
- Explore the best-preserved Roman royal residence in the world alongside a local expert guide.
- Savor an innovative Dalmatian meal in the 13th century palace home of one of Croatia’s most beloved chefs.
- Explore the Dalmatian islands at your own pace aboard a private motor yacht.
- Sipping regional wine and indulging in an intimate meal in a family-owned winery.
- Relax under the bright Adriatic sun beside a private, flower-lined pool
- Witness a silk presentation and savor a home-cooked meal at a private estate.
Itinerary Summary
On this exclusive seven-day tour through Croatia, discover the unique charm of no fewer than five idyllic Dalmatian islands, and explore the imposing ancient cities of Split and Dubrovnik. Spend your first two days in historical Split, home to the spectacular Diocletian’s Palace, an imposing and pristinely-preserved Roman complex which comprises over half of the city’s Old Town. In the nearby medieval town of Trogir, dine with locals in their home within the ancient town walls, then live the Adriatic dream on an island-hopping trip aboard a private motor yacht. Spend two blissful nights on the breathtaking island of Brač, before cruising onwards to Dubrovnik with an en-route stop in the nearby island of Korčula to explore its charming medieval town. For your final day in paradise, discover the magic of Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Every day, enjoy the insights of your private guide, taste authentic cuisine, and live through thousands of years of history.
Itinerary at a Glance:
Days 1–3: Split
Days 3–5: Brač
Days 5–7: Dubrovnik
Trip Length: 7 days
When to go: May-October
Day 1- Arrival to Split and settle into your boutique hotel inside the Diocletian Palace
Meet your private chauffeur on arrival for a seamless transfer to your hotel, where you will spend the next two days experiencing the wonders of Split, from regional cuisine to a soaring Roman residence and coastal towns full of living history.
Spend your nights in the centrally located Judita Palace, a heritage hotel for lovers of culture and old-world charm. Walk through the spacious patrician home with its peaceful internal courtyard and gaze down from your private balcony onto Pjaca Square, a lively plaza full of shaded cafe terraces.
Day 2- Private tour of Split and Trogir with an exclusive signature meal with a local chef
After a leisurely morning, step back in time with your local guide to discover the ancient roman history of Split inside the imposing walls of Emperor Diocletian’s palace, built in the 4th century. One of the best-preserved examples of a Roman royal residence in the world, the sprawling stone fortress is the ancient heart and foundation of present-day Split. Combining remarkably-preserved Roman, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture, the palace’s two-meter-thick walls have stories to tell from over 1,400 years ago.
Continue your tour in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Trogir, a walled port city on a small island just off the mainland, 45 minutes from Split. Explore the Romanesque-Gothic architecture of the old town, home to the magnificent Cathedral of St Lawrence and the Duke’s Palace. For dinner, discover the authentic flavors of Dalmatian cuisine at the 13th-century palace home of one of the most creative and charismatic chefs in the region, then return by private transfer back to Split.
Day 3- Discover the best islands of the Adriatic on an island-hopping adventure
No visit to Dalmatia would be complete without exploring hidden caves, snorkeling the turquoise blue waters, and lounging on the beaches of Dalmatia`s most beautiful and pristine islands.
Today, cruise to the untouched waters and beaches of Vis, Biševo, and Pakleni Archipelago, famous for their secret inlets and caves, like Modra Špilja (also known as the Blue Cave), which is illuminated with a brilliant azure color when sunlight bounces off the seafloor.
Time permitting, or if you prefer, head to Hvar Town, where you are free to explore the charming historic old town and enjoy lunch at leisure.
Afterwards, travel to the island of Brač and end your day in the sleepy Mediterranean village of Sutivan for two nights of island bliss. Get inspired over a glass of fine regional wine in the enchanting garden or take a dip at the large outdoor pool.
Hidden among flowering hibiscus, fragrant roses, and lemon trees lies the beautiful island hideaway of Hotel Lemongarden. Original 300-year-old buildings are laden in local white marble, an invitation to indulge yourself in the Mediterranean ambiance.
Day 4- Explore Škrip and Blaca on Brač Island
Today, learn the historical essence of Brac during a private tour with a talented and locally-respected guide. Discover why peaceful monks fled to the island during Turkish raids in the 15th century, and how the legacy of that moment can be seen in the majestic monasteries and settlements. At the oldest settlement on the island, Škrip, step through a charming courtyard and into the Museum of Brač, home to a beautifully restored 16th-century tower and Roman mausoleum.
Your next stop is the small town of Blaca, where you will visit its famous hermitage monastery, founded in 1551 as a sanctuary for people to live a spiritual life of profound seclusion. The highlight and last stop for the day is the charming small town of Dračevica to enjoy an intimate wine-pairing dinner at the family-run Senjković Winery. Let your host pamper you with a delicious and innovative dinner perfectly paired with hand-corked wines.
Day 5- Motor yacht day trip to Korčula with a drop-off in Dubrovnik
After breakfast, climb aboard your private motorboat, meet your friendly crew, and set sail for the beautiful island of Korčula, famed for its medieval walled town with layers of Greek, Roman, and Venetian architecture made all the more inspiring for its stunning coastal setting. For lunch, your crew will recommend a cozy spot to sample traditional Dalmatian cuisine to enjoy at your own leisure, before continuing to Dubrovnik.
A mere five-minute transfer from the UNESCO-listed white stone walls of Dubrovnik is the boutique Hotel Bellevue, perched atop a cliff with stunning views of the Dalmatian coast. Stroll down to the hotel’s glistening white-pebble beach and settle in on a lounger, cooling off with a cocktail or a dip in the crystalline sea.
Day 6- Private walking tour of Dubrovnik Old Town and Cavtat & Konavle Valley discovery
After breakfast, take a private tour to discover the walled city of Dubrovnik, whose marble streets and baroque buildings exude a pearly light in the Adriatic sun. Wander through the main pedestrian thoroughfare bustling with charming cafés and eclectic shops, among churches, monasteries, and museums ornamented with finely carved stone that recalls an eventful history and a vibrant artistic tradition.
Meet your driver and transfer to the historic seaside village of Cavtat and the rolling pastoral Konavle valley in the south of Croatia. Framed by the beautiful Sniježnica Mountains, the region is home to the picturesque village of Gruda, where you will witness a presentation on silk production and the delicate embroidery process for which the valley has been known for centuries. In the evening, wind down with a tasty home-cooked meal on the private estate of a local family.
Day 7- Goodbye Croatia
This morning, savor a final breakfast looking out over paradise — the perfect way to say ‘Dovidjenja’ to Croatia, before heading to Dubrovnik airport for your flight home.
Price: USD 7,617 per person*
Trip Amenities:
- Experienced travel experts who plan and coordinate your perfect, bespoke itinerary
- Full support from your travel designer before, during, and after your trip
- In-house concierge so you don’t miss out on a thing
- Recommended must read literature to inspire your upcoming trip
- An Inspired Pocket Guide — made just for you
- 24/7 ground support
What’s Included:
- Meet and greet airport service
- Accommodation with breakfast
- Private transfers and tours
- Private motor yacht excursions to the Dalmatian Islands
- Meals where stated
- Entrance fees
*Our rates are calculated based on two people traveling
