Explore Croatia

Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Croatia. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm in Dubrovnik – the undisputed jewel of the Dalmatian Coast. With the sparkling water of the Adriatic in the background, this gorgeous city is full of character and can easily be covered on foot. If you arrive early, maybe head out to one of the Elafiti Islands, like Lopud – a quiet island popular for hiking, clean beaches and a ruined castle – or Kolocep – great for scenic walks for every fitness level. Tonight, maybe get to know your fellow travellers over dinner.

Beat the crowds with an early morning walk along Dubrovnik's city walls that surround the Old Town. Soak up the views of the sea from the fully intact medieval structure, then enjoy all that Dubrovnik has to offer with the remainder of the day free for you to explore. Visit Big Onofrio's Fountain – a masterpiece built by famous European architect Onofrio della Cava. Check out the Franciscan monastery with one of the world's oldest, continuously functioning pharmacies, founded in the 13th century. This afternoon, board a catamaran to Hvar. When you arrive, the rest of the evening is free for you to explore at your own pace.

This morning, join your local leader on an orientation walk through the island. Known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife, maybe explore Franciscan Monastery, visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Stari Grad or discover Vrboska – a small town known for its fishing boats and bustling harbour. After, maybe hike to the top of Spanjola Fortress for panoramic views over the region, relax on the beach or find a local restaurant and try some local dishes like pasticada (traditional stewed beef) and some fresh grilled vegetables with olive oil, usually served with fresh goat and sheep cheeses (and maybe some smoked ham to tie it all together).

A morning boat trip takes you to the neighbouring island of Vis. In the heart of the Adriatic Sea and off the Dalmatian Coast, Vis is known for its ancient city walls and remains of thermae (public bath). As you cruise around the island, stop at Green Cave for a swim. Then, maybe snorkel at Blue Cave before continuing to Stiniva Beach – a secluded cove with dramatic cliffs and a narrow entrance. This afternoon, return to Vis. Tonight, maybe relax on the gorgeous beaches or wander through the island’s bars and restaurants – aperitif at sunset, anyone?

This morning, set out on a military tour through Vis Island. The island used to be a military base in Yugoslavia which did not allow access to tourists. Here, you’ll visit local properties, indulge in local produce and hear historical stories of the island’s military background. Discover military facilities such as the rocket launcher base, cannon base and submarine tunnel, then sit down for a local wine and food tasting at the family property, Komiza. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe wander through the lavender fields, visit St Stephen’s Cathedral or simply unwind on the beach.

Catch a boat to Split this morning. Situated on a small peninsula on the eastern shores of the Adriatic Sea, Split is the second largest city in Croatia. When you arrive, join a local guide for a walking tour of the seaside town and get to know its history. See the original and well-preserved basements under the city, the Cathedral in Diocletian's Palace and Jupiter's Temple. Explore the impressive ruins of Diocletian's Palace – Split's most imposing structure and some of the most interesting ruins on the Adriatic coast. Portions of the Palace are over 1700 years old! After, maybe grab a drink at a cafe on the Riva Promenade and people watch for a while. Tonight, maybe get your group together for a harbourside dinner and toast to a great trip.

There are no activities planned for today and you can leave your accommodation at any time. As there is so much to see in Split and the surrounding area, such as Salona, Trogir or Sibenik, you may want to consider extending your time in Split. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.