Exploring Croatia

Welcome! Welcome to Croatia. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 18:00. You can arrive at any time during the day as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. Although it suffered devastation during the war in the early '90s, the historic center of Dubrovnik remains the undisputed jewel of the Dalmatian coast. With its terracotta roofs and white stone buildings, the old town remains as enchanting as ever. Extensive restoration has been carried out to return it to its original splendor, and repair works are still ongoing today. With the sparkling waters of the Adriatic as a backdrop, Dubrovnik is picturesque, full of character, and can be easily explored on foot. If you arrive early, why not visit one of the Elaphiti Islands? There's Lopud, a tranquil island with beautiful hikes, clean beaches, and a ruined castle. Kolocep is a sleepy enclave boasting walks for every fitness level and Sipan, which is the most populated of the islands and is said to have the most hospitable inhabitants. Alternatively, you might simply choose to lounge on one of Dubrovnik's beaches and people-watch for hours.

We start the day beating the crowds with an early morning walk along the famous 2-kilometer city walls of Dubrovnik, which encircle the old town. Enjoy the view of the sea from the completely intact medieval structure, then take in all that Dubrovnik has to offer with the rest of the day free to explore. Visit the Onofrio's Great Fountain, a masterpiece built by the famous European architect Onofrio della Cava. This 15th-century landmark was constructed to supply water to the city, flowing from the taps into the surrounding catchment basin. Be sure to check out the Franciscan monastery with one of the world's oldest working pharmacies, founded in the 13th century. If you're still feeling energetic after a day spent exploring the city, you can take the switchbacks leading up Srd Hill behind Dubrovnik for a spectacular view of the city and the Dalmatian coast. Otherwise, the newly restored cable car can whisk you to the top in no time. The hill is topped by a Napoleonic-era fortress, which today houses the Croatian War of Independence Museum.

Our tour continues to Korcula (about 4 hours) along the narrow and scenic Peljesac peninsula to its tip. The last stretch to Korcula will be by car ferry. For the next two nights, stay with generous hosts, locals who rent out their rooms during the summer season. The rooms, although simple, are the best way to put money back into the local economy. In the evening, perhaps go to a local restaurant. Make sure to try the traditional Dalmatian meatloaf, or pasticada (traditional beef stew), 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. Don't forget to have some travarica (a drink similar to grappa made with a herb called verbena) and some Korcula cakes for dessert.

Today we leave for a one-day trip to the beautiful island of Mljet. Mljet is the greenest island of Croatia, with a large section of its north-western coast being part of a national park. The island is well-known for its two saltwater lakes - Veliko Jezero and Malo Jezero (big lake and small lake) - located at the northern tip of the island. With some of the clearest waters in the world, any island in the Adriatic shines in the sunlight, but Mljet is truly special. Start exploring Mljet with a short hike into the island's interior, followed by a ferry trip to the Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria, situated on an islet in one of the lakes. Spend the day discovering its small towns scattered across the island, the winding and twisting coastline full of nature walks and scenic spots, and of course, the sandy beaches, quiet coves, and turquoise shores that beckon to be explored. Mljet is a bit further away and less visited than the tourist destinations of Brac and Hvar, so you can get away from the crowds and have this peaceful paradise all to yourself. Return to Korcula in the afternoon for a relaxing evening, possibly filled with delicious food and excellent local wine.

A hydrofoil takes you to the nearby island of Hvar (about 90 minutes). The beautiful Hvar has a Venetian air and is known as the queen of the Dalmatian islands. Upon arrival, discover the town with its wonderfully preserved Renaissance facades during an orientation walk. Later, you might want to visit the 16th-century Spanish Fortress, from where you can have spectacular views of the town and this part of the Adriatic. Feel the history as you wander through the backstreets of quirky galleries and unique boutiques, watch the fishermen bring in the day's catch at the harbor, and relax with some cocktails at a seaside bar.

Today is a free day to explore this island at your leisure. Perhaps take a bus to the interior of Hvar Island where you can enjoy a pleasant hike through the abandoned villages of Velo Grablje and Malo Grablje, gently descending to the sea at Milna Bay. Along the way, you can witness what remains of the typical Mediterranean life that flourished on the Croatian islands in the 18th and 19th centuries. Cross dramatic jagged limestone cliffs and slow down to enjoy the rolling farms, fields of lavender and rosemary, and ancient olive groves. Refresh yourself in the sparkling waters upon arrival in the town of Milna, where the hike ends. Alternatively, there are many other exciting activity options in town. Maybe take a short boat trip to the nearby Pakleni Islands, largely uninhabited and often described as among the most beautiful in the world. If you're not feeling very energetic today, spend the day relaxing on one of the island's many quiet beaches and enjoy a sunset stroll along the harbor promenade. In the evening, head to Hora, a local farmhouse-style restaurant, where you will have dinner included amidst fields and agricultural land protected by UNESCO, where little has changed since the ancient Greeks arrived almost 2400 years ago.

Let's take a boat to Split (about 1 hour). Located on a small peninsula on the eastern shores of the Adriatic Sea, Split is the second-largest city in Croatia. Join a local guide for a walking tour of this beautiful seaside city and learn about its history. Admire the original and fantastically preserved basements under the city, as well as the Cathedral in Diocletian's Peristyle and the Temple of Jupiter. Explore the imposing ruins of Diocletian's Palace, the most imposing structure in Split and some of the most interesting ruins on the Adriatic coast. Parts of the palace are over 1700 years old and there's plenty of time to stroll around. Split was born from Diocletian's Palace and you can almost see it evolve in a multitude of different ways right before your eyes. Some cultures might have turned the palace into a museum, but Split is a dynamic and vibrant place, and now the palace hosts many commercial activities and residences. If your feet are tired, why not grab a drink at a bar on the Riva waterfront and watch people for a while? Make sure to gather your group for a dinner at the harbor: it's time to relax even more!

No activities are scheduled for the last day, and you can leave the accommodation at any time. Given that there's so much to see in Split and the surrounding areas, such as Salona, Trogir, or Šibenik, you might want to consider extending your time in Split. We are happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).