Croatia Island Hopping Holiday (South)

Spend three days discovering the city’s medieval streets, walking the mighty city walls, or riding the cable car for panoramic views across the Adriatic. Boat trips to the Elaphiti Islands are easily arranged, or simply enjoy swimming, promenades, markets, and waterfront cafés. With no car required, everything is at your doorstep.

Additional sightseeing suggestions include a day trip to either the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro or Mostar in Bosnia & Herzegovina on an organised excursion.

A fast catamaran whisks you from Dubrovnik to Korčula, one of Croatia’s most atmospheric islands. Stay within easy reach of the old town, a compact maze of marble walkways and Renaissance façades said to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. Spend your days swimming in sheltered coves, taking gentle coastal walks, or joining a local wine tasting in nearby Lumbarda, known for its unique Grk grape. Evenings are perfect for dining along the harbour, watching the yachts drift in as the sun sets over one of the best preserved Mediaeval towns in the Mediterranean.

With the catamaran schedules it is also possible to have a reasonably full day on Mljet Island's national park whilst staying on Korcula (this can be pre-booked as part of your itinerary).

[Alternatively, take the catamaran to Pomena on Mljet Island and stay in a hotel overlooking the bay. On this island you are surrounded by nature, plenty of opportunities to explore on foot and on the sea.]

Another fast ferry takes you to Hvar Town, a lively but refined island base with a Venetian square, stone alleys, and a hilltop fortress overlooking the bay. You can join a boat trip to the Pakleni Islands, swim off rocky platforms in crystal-clear water, or simply wander the promenade lined with cafés and small bars. Inland Hvar is surprisingly peaceful, with lavender fields, old villages, and vineyards—easy to explore with a local taxi or organised excursion.

NB. depending upon your choice of hotel in Hvar Town we can also include an arrival transfer and/or luggage assistance for you.

[Alternatively, take the catamaran to Bol on Brac Island and stay in a hotel overlooking the famous Zlatni Rat or Golden Horn Bay. On this island you are surrounded by nature and plenty of opportunities for activities and sightseeing.]

A free day to explore Hvar Town, we suggest a walk up to the castle before it gets too hot.

Optional Tour: Hvar Town Sightseeing Tour. When we think of Hvar - we think about the island of heather, sunshine and crickets, the island of lavender, sage and wine and the island of rosemary and secluded coves.

Optional Excursion: Visit Pakleni Islands. The most popular beaches of Hvar are situated on the Pakleni islands archipelago (about twenty islets right opposite the town of Hvar). This archipelago is the most beautiful part of the Hvar Riviera and can be easily reached by frequent taxi boats from the harbour, just outside the Arsenal. Pakleni islands have numerous bathing places and a myriad of small, secluded beaches.

Sail to Split for your final two nights, staying close to Diocletian’s Palace, where ancient Roman walls and temples sit alongside bustling markets, restaurants, and the lively Riva promenade. From Split you can take the small passenger ferry across the bay to Trogir, a UNESCO-listed medieval town or go by bus or taxi to visit nearby places of interest such as the Roman ruins of Salona and the Kliss Fortress 

Optional Tour: Old City of Split. Today's Split is the product of 17 centuries of building, renovating and remodeling. At the core of this sprawling cityscape is the palace that Emperor Diocletian built for his golden years at the turn of the 4th century. What began as an imperial residence and fortified camp is today an intriguing warren of narrow cobblestone streets, where pre-Romanesque churches live alongside Gothic chapels, history-filled museums abut galleries of contemporary art and restaurants compete with bustling cafes for the attention of passers-by.

Add an extra night - lots of good reasons.... 

* for active options, take a day trip to the Cetina Valley near Omiš for rafting, hiking, or the multi-zip-wire adventure.

* Local wineries and small villages inland also offer opportunities for half-day excursions, allowing you to experience a quieter, rural side of Dalmatia.

* not too far away is the fabulous Krka National Park and the historic city of Sibenik.

Private departure transfer to Split Airport for your flight home.