An incredible magic washes over Croatia's Dalmatian Coast, where centuries of history meet miles of beautiful shoreline - and islands that are each an oasis unto themselves. Starting in Split and ending in Dubrovnik, your week-long itinerary will ensure you encounter the best of both worlds: learning of the two cities' fascinating pasts, while dedicating time in between to total relaxation in a quiet island town. Strolling and sailing by day, during the evenings you will savour delicious fresh seafood and stay at a trio of hotels that are a true cut above. Dalmatia is undeniably attractive - and you may just find yourself wanting to stay on for a little more island hopping.
ESSENTIAL CROATIA
HIGHLIGHTS
- Admire Emperor Diocletian's Summer Palace in Split
- Sail between jewel-like, sandy islands in the Adriatic Sea
- Walk Dubrovnik's historic city walls and battlements
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Arrive
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Day 1 Arrive in Split
Arrive in historic Split today and collect your hire car. Make your way to settle in at the Hotel Cornaro, situated just a short walk from the Golden Gate; the main entrance through the city walls to Split's Old Town. This former Post Office is built from Brac stone and has a wonderful rooftop bar for fabulous views over the city - and a jacuzzi. Spend the remainder of your day exploring on foot, or ask to hire one of the bicycles at the hotel. Head to the Riva - the tree-lined waterfront promenade which is the perfect place to relax with a coffee or enjoy a delicious fish supper.
Overnight: Hotel Cornaro
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Day 2 Diocletian's Palace
Split's history - and the city's very layout - revolves around the sprawling Diocletian's Palace, built in 305 A.D. for the Roman emperor's retirement. It covers about half of the Old Town: a walled marble and limestone complex full of grand gateways, former temples and a peristyle that has been wonderfully conserved and restored, making it easy to envisage life as it was nearly 2,000 years ago. This morning your guide will show you its treasures, with the afternoon at leisure to further explore Split's antiquarian past, wander narrow streets filled with local boutiques or perhaps scale medieval bell towers for outstanding views.
Overnight: Hotel Cornaro
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Day 3 Ferry to Brac
Take the ferry to the island of Brač, where you will stay overlooking the harbour in the small pedestrian town of Sutivan, on its north-west coast. Hotel Lemongarden is set within three flawlessly restored 300-year-old stone buildings, and its spa and restaurant are quite excellent. The hotel's eponymous blooms are matched by countless rows of colourful bougainvillea and roses that give it a dreamlike - and wonderfully fragrant - air, especially surrounding the outdoor pool.
Overnight: Hotel Lemongarden
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Day 4 Beaches, rocky coves and watersports in Brac
Soak up the island's delights today: explore rocky coves, try a spot of watersports or unwind on Brac's fine sandy beach that reaches out into the Adriatic. Venture into quiet towns and pine forests, and learn about the strikingly white stone once taken from the island to build Diocletian's Palace.
Option: A private motor yacht will take you on a relaxing cruise to islands such as Vis, with its famed Blue Grotto.
Overnight: Hotel Lemongarden
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Day 5 Ston and Dubrovnik
Sail back to the mainland and travel along the coast, perhaps stopping for an oyster lunch at the walled town of Ston, a delicacy farmed from the salty waters here for centuries. Continue to Dubrovnik, leaving your hire car the airport as you will not need it when staying so close to town - all of the city's attractions can be explored on foot. Hop in a taxi and check into the Hotel Excelsior, an early 20th-century villa with a late 20th-century tower, offering sleek rooms, exceptional service and incomparable views of the medieval Old Town walls. This evening enjoy an Old Town tour with a local guide, discovering the highlights of this remarkable city, filled with Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture.
Overnight: Hotel Excelsior
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Day 6 Exploring Dubrovnik
Spend the day at leisure, perhaps exploring Dubrovnik's historical splendours, its modern gallery devoted to photo journalism or learning about its naval past in the Maritime Museum. Walk the perfectly preserved battlements, take the cable car to the top of Srdj Mountain and visit the Croatian Civil War museum. Spend your evening at one of the Buza bars perched on the cliffs under the towering walls, watching the sunset and swallows dip to the boats below.
Option: Perhaps hire a private motor yacht for the day and explore the verdant Elaphiti Islands, or take to the waters in a kayak and paddle around the city walls.
Overnight: Hotel Excelsior
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Day 7 Depart
At the appropriate time, you will be privately transferred to the airport for your flight home.
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Depart
GUIDELINE PRICES - Per Person
| Low | $ 2,622 |
| High | $ 3,226 |
BOOKING NOTES
- Prices are per person based on two people sharing a room.
- Hotel Lemongarden is for adults only – families will prefer to stay on the western tip of Hvar island, at Hotel Adriana, a modern and minimalist harbourside hotel.
- During low season (November – April) the Hotel Lemongarden is closed, Hotel Adriana in Hvar will be used instead.
- If you are interested in adding any of the optional enhancements listed, please speak to your specialist about prices and how best to fit them into the itinerary.
INCLUSIONS
- All accommodation as detailed in the itinerary.
- Daily breakfast.
- All sightseeing, entrance fees and guide services as detailed in the itinerary.
- Car hire for five days.
- Ferry Split to Brač and to Makarska.
- Private transfer Dubrovnik hotel to airport.
EXTRAS
- International flights.
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, gratuities (discretionary).
- Entrance fees and excursions not specifically mentioned as included.
- Travel insurance or visa fees.
- Local car hire fees where applicable.
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REASONS TO BOOK
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