Split | Pearls of Dalmatia

Itinerary What's Included Pricing Hotels Map Request

Discover the diversity and richness of the two southernmost Croatian regions - Central & South Dalmatia. Visit the captivating cities of Split & Dubrovnik and learn about their fascinating history, discover stunning Hvar, the island with the most sunny days on the Adriatic coast, and taste some of the gourmet wonders Croatia has to offer!

Day 1: Arrive Split

Welcome to Croatia! Upon arrival at Split Airport, your driver who will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel located in the centre of the city. Once you have checked in, set out to get acquainted with this lively city. As is customary in many Dalmatian cities and towns, make sure to begin your evening with a walk on the main promenade. This handsome promenade is lined with cafés and bars where you can enjoy a relaxed evening meal. We also suggest visiting some of the most famous bars and clubs in Split, such as Luxor, which you'll find right in the historic centre. Marcvs Marvlvs, a one-of-a-kind jazz bar with a library, is located outside the 15th century Split City Museum and while the Academia Ghetto Club is a bar with the unique gallery. 

Day 2: Split Walking Tour

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then make your way to the Riva Promenade to join a guided walking tour of the city. During the 2-hour tour, you'll explore the Diocletian's Palace, the 4th-century Roman palace which is the city's centrepiece and inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. You will also be visiting the Peristyle, situated at the crossroads of two major ancient roads and dominated by the majestic Cathedral of St. Domnius. Your next stop is the magnificent Golden Gate, which was exclusively used by Diocletian and his family members, after which you will continue to the statue of the Croatian bishop Gregory of Nin. You will see that the toe of this colossus has lost some of its lustre, since it is frequently rubbed by passers-by for good luck in the hope that their wishes will come true. The afternoon is free and you can continue strolling the narrow lanes of the old town, visit museums or do some shopping. (B)   

Day 3: Split

Today is free to relax and continue exploring Split as your leisure. Alternatively, you may choose to book an optional tour to the National Park Krka & Šibenik. (B)

Optional - Private full-day tour National Park Krka & Šibenik 
After breakfast, set out with your expert driver/guide in a private vehicle to discover the beauty of the NP Krka Waterfalls. During the drive enjoy the breathtaking views of Trogir, Split and its surroundings. Upon arrival to Krka, your tour guide will suit the itinerary to your wishes & needs and take you through all the major landmarks in the park. Enjoy the sound of the waterfall as you come to Skradinski buk, considered to be one of the most beautiful cliff waterfalls in Europe. Arriving to Roški Slap admire the stunning scenery, one of the most impressive in the park, and then we can offer you the option to enjoy a typical Dalmatian "marenda" (light lunch) at a family farm consisting of homemade traditional food such as prosciutto, cheese, organic vegetables, oil, and wine (not included, payment on the spot). In the afternoon, continue to the seaside city of Šibenik to see its main attractions. Along the way you will enjoy breathtaking views of the coast, the kind professional photographers capture to illustrate Croatian tourist brochures - like the panorama of Visovac islet. So make sure to keep your camera ready! Šibenik is the oldest Croatian city on the Adriatic coast. Its tall stone houses, churches and monasteries, narrow winding streets, endless steps, arched passageways, and the remains of the city walls create an archaic & romantic Mediterranean atmosphere. Built entirely out of stone, the Cathedral of St. James, is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Along the way to Šibenik, you will enjoy the same kind of breathtaking views that professional photographers capture to illustrate Croatian tourist brochures - like the panorama of Visovac islet; take some beautiful pictures. 

Day 4: Split to Hvar

After breakfast, check out and transfer to the port where you'll board a fast ferry (catamaran) to the island of Hvar, a popular destination due to its natural setting, mild climate, and the fact that it has more UNESCO Heritage "badges" than any island in the world. Check into the hotel and then set off to explore Hvar town at your leisure. Highlights of this picturesque town include its 13th-century walls, a hilltop fortress and the main square anchored by the Renaissance-era Cathedral. We suggest taking a short hike up to the 16th-century Španjola Fortress from where you can enjoy sweeping views of the island, Hvar town, and the nearby Pakleni Islands. Then treat yourself to a drink and a snack in the ancient piazza of Hvar overlooking the Venetian loggia and the oldest municipal theatre in Europe. (B)

Day 5: Hvar Speed Boat Tour

Do you like sea caves? Why not swim in one? Today you'll set out on a full day speedboat tour from Hvar. Departing from Hvar at 10:30, the first stop is the Green Cave, a most unique location for swimming. Inside the cave is a spot that, according legend, brings luck to anyone who touches it - a pillar of sunlight hitting the bottom and whoever touches the bottom will be happy forever. Legend or not, swimming here is still an unforgettable experience. Your next stop will be the famous Blue Cave on the Croatian Island of Bisevo. It is one of 26 caves on this tiny island and without question one of the most famous caves in Croatia. Stiniva was declared the most beautiful beach in Europe by National Geographic. This small pebble beach with crystal clear sea and magnificent location is a perfect spot for your next swimming stop! Then, depending on the group’s wishes, weather conditions & captain’s recommendation, the next stop can be at Budikovac Island, Stončica bay, military tunnels of Vis Island, or maybe some lone beach for you to enjoy. On the way back to Hvar, we will stop at Palmižana Bay, considered to be the most beautiful among the Pakleni islands, where you'll have free time for lunch (not included) at one of a few restaurants in the bay. Finally, we’ll take a short cruise through the labyrinth of the Pakleni islands and arrive back at Hvar town between 5 and 6 pm. Please note - tickets to caves are not included (approx. €25 person) and payable on the spot. (B)

Day 6: Hvar to Dubrovnik

Today it is back to the mainland. Following breakfast, check out and catch the fast ferry (catamaran) to Dubrovnik. A three-hour catamaran ride and a short transfer from the port, and you are at your Dubrovnik hotel. Check-in and take a little time to rest and freshen up, and then head out for a walk to explore your new surroundings or the old town. Have dinner in one of the famous restaurants in the Old Town, and taste local dishes such as pašticada with gnocchi, cheese in oil, and the traditional dessert of Dubrovnik - "rožata". (B)

Day 7: Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is known as one of the world’s finest and most perfectly preserved medieval cities in the world. Its long and storied history is told in its beautiful Gothic, Renaissance, and baroque churches, monasteries, palaces, and fountains all found within its imposing fortress walls. After breakfast, make your way toward the old town for your guided walking tour. Starting from Pile square on the eastern side of Dubrovnik Old Town, your guide will lead you guide through the maze of narrow streets, lively piazzas, past palaces like the stunning 16th-century Sponza Palace and famous churches such as the baroque St. Blaise church. Enjoy the moderate tempo of your walk as you stroll down the main thoroughfare of Stradun, all the way to the Cathedral and the Rector’s Palace, where you will discover a fine synergy between governance and faith which kept Dubrovnik afloat as the independent Republic of Ragusa for 450 years. If you are a Game of Thrones fan you'll also have a chance to see some of the places where memorable scenes of this cultural phenomenon were filmed. The afternoon is free to continue exploring Dubrovnik and its surroundings on your own. We suggest taking a walk along Dubrovnik's he 2 km long city walls and enjoy the views of the fortresses, picturesque squares, and the hidden narrow streets below. Or visit the Franciscan monastery, one of the oldest buildings in town, with its gorgeous mid-14th-century cloister. Located next to Pile gate, the monastery houses one of the oldest, continually in-use pharmacies in Europe. And in the early evening, you can get stunning panoramic views over the city and the Adriatic by taking the cable car up to Srđ Mountai. (B)   

Day 8: Dubrovnik

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel and full day to enjoy Dubrovnik as you please. Alternatively, you may choose to take part in an optional tour such a Full-day Cruise to the unique Elaphite Islands or a Private Tour to Montenegro - The Bay of Kotor.

Optional -  Full-day unique Elaphite Islands Cruise
Let us take you to the beautiful Elaphite Islands where you can enjoy magnificent scenery, sandy beaches, and picturesque small towns. During the cruise, you will get to know each of our unique islands, which will be introduced to you by an experienced local guide. Your first stop will be Koločep, also known as Calamotta - the island closest to Dubrovnik. This island is blessed with stunning natural beauty and there you will have the opportunity to join a hiking tour. From Koločep, the cruise continues towards the island of Šipan and the small town of Suđurađ with its 16th-century castle. In addition to enjoying nature and sightseeing, here you'll also have the option for some wine tasting. Going further towards the island of Lopud, you will have the opportunity for swimming on beautiful sandy beaches and using the snorkeling masks available onboard. Then relax and enjoy the breeze of the crystal blue Adriatic Sea as you cruise back to Dubrovnik. A BBQ lunch is included in your cruise. Note: Tour is subject to weather conditions and may be cancelled or the itinerary may be changed. (Duration approx. 8 hours) 

Optional -  Private Full-day trip to Montenegro - The Bay of Kotor
Following an early breakfast, meet your driver/guide and start your full-day tour to Montenegro. Departing Dubrovnik, drive south along the Adriatic coast passing the town of Cavtat and Konavle region and soon cross the border to Montenegro (do not forget your passports). Experience the magical scenery of the Bay of Kotor, Europe’s most southern fiord, and visit Our Lady of the Rocks - 16th century artificial island with a stunning Baroque church and museum. Your driver will then take you to Perast, the town of captains and pirates, before heading to Kotor, a medieval walled city with rich maritime & trade history nested at the very bottom of Kotor Bay and surrounded by formidable verticals of neighboring mountains. Here you will have time to explore the town known for its Venetian Palaces, Orthodox Church, St. Triphon Catholic church, massive city walls and St. John fortress on your own. On your return, you will not be drive along the same way back to Dubrovnik but take a ferry crossing from Lepetani to Kamenari. Before that, depending on the time available, you can opt for a short visit to the coastal town of Tivat. 

Day 9: Depart Dubrovnik

Today marks the end of your Pearls of Dalmatia Tour. Enjoy breakfast before your driver arrives to transfer you to Dubrovnik airport with ample time to board your in time for your departure flight. (B)

Daily Departures