Compare Delights of Dalmatia by Kensington Tours vs Dalmatian Elegance - Lower Deck Deluxe Cabin, Classic Group by Insight Vacations

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.

Day 1: Welcome to the Dalmatian Coast

Your private transfer will collect you from Split airport and take you to Cornaro Hotel, located in the heart of the city. Your Local Host will greet you and be on hand to help you decide how to spend your time. Perhaps wander through the Old Town, situated minutes away from your hotel? Maybe enjoy a wine tasting at your hotel, or take in the views from the rooftop bar?

Cornaro Hotel, Split.

Day 2: Your Elegant Cruise Ship Relaxed Start

After a free morning, your Local Host will accompany you to Split harbour, where your deluxe cruiser awaits. After a warm welcome by your Cruise Manager, settle into your cabin. Join your Local Expert for a stroll through the ancient walkways of Diocletian's Palace, which now forms the historic centre of Split. Walk through labyrinthine streets to see St. Duje's, originally Diocletian's Mausoleum, and the Temple of Jupiter, which today is a baptistery, as well as the Golden Gate. Continue your venture underground to explore the cellars. Return to your cruiser to enjoy a cocktail and Welcome Dinner with wine at your meet-and-greet party.

Avangard/Futura

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 3: Cruise to Korčula Relaxed Start

Early this morning, depart from Split and journey along the picturesque coast. From the comfort of your cabin window or the breakfast table upstairs, enjoy views of sun-dappled islands during your leisurely start to the day. Stop for lunch in one of the secluded bays before arriving in Korčula, on the island of the same name. The locals claim the celebrated globetrotter, Marco Polo was born here. Embark on a fascinating  photography walk with Andrea, a passionate Local Expert who takes you through the herringbone maze of streets and flagstone plazas. Spend time looking for the cultural and natural treasures of the city. Then you are at leisure to indulge your taste buds in the evening at one of Korčula’s many appealing restaurants and bars.

Avangard/Futura

Breakfast, Lunch with Wine

Day 4: Mljet and Dubrovnik Relaxed Start

Voyage south to the Island of Mljet and join your Cruise Manager for a stroll to Veliko Jezero, the Big Lake of Mljet National Park. A gentle ferry ride brings you to the Benedictine Monastery of St. Mary, which rises out of the saline waters on its own small island. After time to explore, return to your cruise ship for a traditional Croatian lunch. Next, set sail for the mighty bastions of Dubrovnik. As the receding sun casts autumnal hues across the endless sky, drift alongside the monumental city walls and enjoy a delicious buffet dinner served on deck.

Avangard/Futura

Breakfast, Lunch with Wine, Dinner with Wine

Day 5: Dubrovnik, a ‘Paradise on Earth’ Relaxed Start

Transfer to the medieval Old Town of Dubrovnik, where the footsteps of endless travellers have buffed the marbled streets and squares to a smooth patina. After your guided walking exploration, take the cable car to Srđ Mountain for scenic views over the famous fortifications and the Elaphiti Islands. Enjoy a free afternoon in the Pearl of the Adriatic - explore at your own pace, shop in the markets or stroll with friends along the ancient ramparts.

Avangard/Futura

Breakfast

Day 6: The Pelješac Peninsula Relaxed Start

Start off your day cruising past the beautiful Elaphiti Islands, a summer playground for Dubrovnik's aristocracy during the 16th century. Continue to the Pelješac Peninsula, renowned for its excellent wines, where you will have the chance to take a dip in the beautiful blue waters. Enjoy time to explore before returning to your cruise ship for an included four-course buffet lunch. After mooring at a small port on the peninsula, transfer to the village of Kuna to see the local church and monastery, followed by a visit to a nearby farm. Meet the locals and treat your taste buds to a typical village feast with a Farm-to-Table dinner of Croatian delicacies, freshly made with their own produce. Late in the evening, return to your ship.

Avangard/Futura

Breakfast, Lunch with Wine, Dinner with Wine

Day 7: A Venetian Dream on Hvar Relaxed Start

Drop anchor at the small island of Šćedro, with quiet coves and pristine beauty offering the most irresistible backdrop for lunch. Cruise west for a chance to swim in the crystal clear waters of the emerald Pakleni Islands. Continue to disembark at Hvar – the island of sunshine, lavender, sage and wine. Follow the gorgeous white stone, laid down by the Venetians to the town’s magnificent main square with your Local Expert, considered one of the country’s most beautiful. Lined with chic cafes, it unfurls onto the yacht-filled harbour, with the photogenic Renaissance cathedral forming a stunning backdrop. Spend time exploring the secluded beaches and tiny seafood restaurants, or visit the crowning fortress for superb views over the town and island-studded bay.

Avangard/Futura

Breakfast, Lunch with Wine

Day 8: Bol’s famous beach on the Island of Brač Relaxed Start

Set sail for Bol in the morning, the oldest town on the island of Brač and one of Croatia’s most famous seaside resorts. Walk along the promenade and swim at the picture-perfect Zlatni Rat, or Golden Cape, a shifting triangle of sandy beaches, protruding into the cobalt waters of the Adriatic. At a local winery, relax with some appetisers and taste some of the revered wines of the island. The evening is reserved for the Captain’s Celebration Dinner with live entertainment.

Avangard/Futura

Breakfast, Lunch with Wine, Dinner

Day 9: Depart Split

Early morning, cruise to Split port, where your trip comes to an end. Transfers are available to Split airport. Please do not schedule flights prior to 12:00.

Breakfast