Compare Dubrovnik & the Dalmatian Coast by Exodus Travels vs Delights of Dalmatia by Kensington Tours

Day 1 Start Split Airport

The adventure starts our hotel in the Unesco-listed town of Trogir, a 10-minute drive from Split Airport. We’ll be staying in the atmospheric old walled part of town. Accommodation: Hotel Tragos (or similar)

Day 2 Explore Trogir; transfer to Split, free time in Split before a ferry ride to Korcula

We look around Trogir in the early morning before a short transfer to Split, another Unesco-listed city. There will be free time in the beautiful old centre before we catch a catamaran in the late afternoon to Korcula island (approximately 2hr to 2hr 30min). The medieval walled town here, reputedly the birthplace of Marco Polo, is often described as a mini-Dubrovnik. Like the larger city, it is a warren of small lanes and alleys: a great place to explore and a photographer's paradise. After, we take a short transfer to the village of Lumbarda, where our hotel is situated. Accommodation: Hotel Borik (or similar)

Day 3 Circular walk around Lumbarda village and wine tasting

It's time to stretch our legs and roam the surrounding area of Lumbarda. We walk through vineyards and olive groves and admire beautiful beaches, where we can stop for a drink or a quick swim. We also visit the renowned Grk winery to sample local wines. In the evening, we transfer to Korcula town for dinner. Accommodation: Hotel Borik (or similar)

Day 4 Travel by boat to Mljet Island; walk to the peak of Montokuc for panoramic views

After breakfast, we transfer to Korcula in time for the catamaran to Mljet Island, whose national park status has ensured limited development. The island is a tranquil place to walk, cloaked in forest, and dotted with tiny hamlets. Our goal today is the peak of Montokuc (840ft/256m), which offers panoramic views of the beautiful Dalmatian Coast, and to enjoy a picnic lunch on the island, before returning to our Korcula hotel. The path on the way up to Montokuc is rocky, good walking shoes are required to walk this route. Those who do not wish to walk up Montokuc can take a flat circular walk around the lake, have a swim and enjoy a drink overlooking the water. If the catamaran cannot operate due to bad weather, there are alternative excursions, or we will stay on Korcula island and visit Vela Spilja, one of the most important prehistoric archaeological sites in Europe. Accommodation: Hotel Borik (or similar)

Day 5 Ferry to mainland; visit Ston en route to Dubrovnik

After breakfast, we transfer to the port and take a 15-minute ferry ride to the Peninsula Peljesac. Upon arrival, we drive along a scenic mountain road with views of the coast and vineyards. We stop at a farm and enjoy a local olive and produce tasting just next to the old town of Ston. In Ston, we recommend walking up the magnificent old walls that overlook the town – the view from the top is fantastic. The town is also a seafood hotspot, the mussels and oysters here are among the best in the country. After, we transfer about 37mi (60km) to Dubrovnik where we have the rest of the day to relax. In the evening, we can go into the old town for dinner and a wander. Accommodation: Hotel Splendid (or similar)

Day 6 Dubrovnik city tour

We enjoy a full day in the remarkable old city of Dubrovnik, which includes visits to the Rector's Palace and the Franciscan Monastery. Dubrovnik exudes old-world charm with a location right on the Adriatic, fine religious buildings surrounded by heavily fortified walls, and a jumble of red-tiled roofs. The cobblestone streets of the old town, or Stari Grad, feature fountains, churches, palaces and museums – all built from the same light-coloured stone. There are no motor vehicles in the city but the streets come alive at night as locals and visitors stroll along Stradun, the main street. Following the walking tour, you have time to walk along the city walls: this is optional and costs approximately €35 for entrance (or is included in the Dubrovnik Card). Accommodation: Hotel Splendid (or similar)

Day 7 Free day to relax in Dubrovnik, or take an optional trip to Lokrum and explore the surrounding area

We have a free day today. Relax in the many eateries or chill on the beach. Alternatively, enjoy an optional visit to Lokrum Island; a 20-minute boat ride will take you from the Old Town port to this beautiful green island, home to a botanic garden full of exotic plants. Bring your swimming costume and a good book – after your stroll, you will definitely want to enjoy a swim in the Adriatic. Accommodation: Hotel Splendid (or similar)

Day 8 End Dubrovnik

The trip ends in Dubrovnik after breakfast. If you’d like a little more time to explore this fascinating city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Day 1: Split

Accommodation: Marmont Hotel Heritage

You’ve arrived

Enjoy your private airport transfer to your hotel with vehicle and driver. For your added comfort, an English speaking assistant will help you to check in and walk you through the welcome package documents, your itinerary and answer your questions.

A welcome package with a city map and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

Set out on foot with your private guide as you embark on a walking tour of historic Split, a 1700-year-old town widely recognized as home to Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll visit this living monument, initiated back in 293 AD as a place for Roman emperor Diocletian to live out his final days. You'll discover the basement halls of the Palace and the unique role they played in the history of Split. Discover the Peristyle, the monumental courtyard of the Palace which gave access to the imperial apartments, Diocletian's mausoleum, and the three temples built to the west. You'll visit the Cathedral of St. Domnius (named after the patron-saint of Split), the temples of the Palace, as well as the suites of the Emperor. Afterward, explore the waterfront promenade of Split, the lively open green market and monuments not only from antiquity, but also from the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Baroque periods. When your tour concludes, feel free to enjoy some time at your leisure to immerse yourself into the town’s famous Mediterranean charm, the mixture of historic layers, and the silent beats of history.

Day 2: Split

Accommodation: Marmont Hotel Heritage

Chasing Waterfalls

Meet your guide and private driver in your hotel lobby for an exciting exploration of Krka National Park. Stretching along the majestic Krka River canyon, the national park covers a vast area of waterfalls and gorges, offering breathtaking views and amazing sites. Explore the small ethno-village, whose workshops, exhibits and watermills depict the old crafts and traditional way of life. Next, follow a pathway and immerse yourself into a real life fairy-tale of pristine scenery of gushing rivers and stunning waterfalls that make this an unforgettable sight and a true Croatian gem. After your tour, your guide and driver will take you back to your hotel in Split.

Day 3: Split To Brac

Accommodation: Villa Giardino

Sights and Insights

This morning meet your guide and driver at the hotel for a private transfer to Brac Island. Take a morning ferry from Split to Supetar port and start your exciting tour. Famous for its radiant white stone and its glittering beaches, Brac is a beautiful Mediterranean discovery. Explore the island's largest town of Supetar,  take in the Baroque architecture of Saint Peter and Saint Nicholas churches and the scenic waterfront dotted with fishing boats and yachts. Next, continue to the traditional rural setting of the village of Skrip. Visit its charming sites as well as the historic treasures of the quaint Museum of Brac Island and taste golden drops of local olive oil at the Olive Oil Museum, with a light lunch included. After lunch, take a stroll around the seaside village of Pucisca, home to the over 100 years old, Stone Masonry School.

Learn about the importance of the stone that has been quarried from the island since Roman times. Today, these stones can be seen in some of the world’s most iconic buildings, from the White House in Washington DC to Budapest’s Parliament Building. Your day continues as you head to the town of Bol – a real Mecca for sea lovers; hidden in the solitude of the southern coast, Bol is home to the word-famous beach: the Golden Horn. The shape of this fine pebble beach constantly changes, conforming the waves and gentle sea currents. After the tour your guide and driver will take you to your hotel.

Day 4: Brac

Accommodation: Villa Giardino

Vitamin Sea

Meet your driver at the hotel for a private transfer to the village of Postira where your kayaking adventure begins. Paddle along the coast and see Postira from a completely different perspective. Enjoy the natural surroundings as you sail along the Adriatic. Take in the smell of pine woods and olive groves, pass by old handmade dry stone walls, pristine beaches and rocky coastline. Take some time to rest, swim and soak up the sun as you snorkel in the crystal clear sea. Continue on to sandy Lovrecina bay, here you will discover the old archaeological site of the Romanesque-Gothic St. Lovre Church, famous for it's triple naved basilica. At the end of the tour, make your way back to your starting point in Postira. Your driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel.

Day 5: Brac To Makarska To Dubrovnik

Accommodation: Kompas

Taste and Tipple on a Vineyard Visit

Enjoy a private transfer to the port with a driver and vehicle.

Board a shared transfer by catamaran from Bol to Makarska. Approximate travel time is one hour.

Today you will meet your driver for a private transfer to Dubrovnik making a stop along the way in the quaint village of Ponikve. Here you will visit the small family-run winery of Frano Milos. Run by the passionate and charismatic owner Franco Milo and know for making some of the best organic wines in Croatia in the traditional way. The winery grows only the most famous Croatian indigenous variety of Plavac Mali grapes, which are related to Zinfandel. Enjoy a tour around the vineyards, followed by a tasting of their best local wines before you continue on to Dubrovnik.

Day 6: Dubrovnik

Accommodation: Kompas

Along Cobblestone Streets

Meet your private driver for a transfer into the city center of Dubrovnik, from where you'll set out on foot with your private guide for a walking tour of one of the most beautiful stone-built cities in the world. More than a thousand-year history is reflected in every part of the town. As one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Dubrovnik owes its special charm to the historic monuments which testify to its rich history. While strolling with your guide down Stradun, the main street, pause for a visit of the Franciscan monastery of the Order of Friars Minors, preserving one of the three oldest pharmacies in all of Europe. Continue down to the 15th century knight statue known as the Orlando Column, and the 16th century Sponza Palace, then visit the Church of St. Blasius, dedicated to the patron-saint of the town.

You'll also discover the medieval Rector’s Palace, the magnificent structure of the dukes of Dubrovnik, and the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary, home to originals by Tiziano and Rafaelo among other valuable relics. Afterward, you'll part ways with your guide for some time at leisure to explore this stunning town on your own, allowing you to discover some local curiosities nestled in the intricate network of the cobblestone streets. Perhaps take a walk along the city walls (1.5 miles around the old town), visit one of the numerous museums, or take a funicular ride to the top of the Mount Srd. Afterward, make your way back to the hotel independently.

Day 7: Dubrovnik

Until Next Time…

A private transfer will be provided for you today between your hotel and Dubrovnik airport in time for your onward flight.