Compare Croatia Island Adventure by National Geographic Expeditions vs Premium Split to Dubrovnik by Intrepid Travel

Day 1: Split, Croatia

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Le Méridien Lav

Arrive in the bustling port city of Split, Croatia. Check into our hotel and gather for a tour the Roman-era palace of Diocletian, built by the Roman Emperor in his hometown. In the medieval era, a village was built within the palace’s walls, forming the center of today’s Split. Enter this beguiling maze of marble streets, churches, and fortified walls.

Day 2: Split/Hvar

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Amfora Hvar Grand Beach

This morning, take a boat to the picturesque island of Hvar, with a landscape of lavender fields, vineyards, limestone cliffs, and emerald coves. Explore the rural interior, dotted with small medieval villages, and join a local artist on her rustic estate for lunch and an olive oil tasting. Then hike an old route across the island to the hamlet of Velo Grablje (once an important producer of rosemary and lavender oils) and through a small canyon to the deserted stone village of Malo Grablje. End at a white pebble beach for a refreshing dip in the Adriatic. (6 miles hiking, 3 hours)

Day 3: Hvar/Pakleni Islands

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Amfora Hvar Grand Beach

Today, kayak in the Pakleni Islands, pausing on a beach to enjoy a picnic lunch of market-fresh delicacies. In the afternoon, tour the charming town of Hvar, walking small cobbled alleys draped with bougainvillea and learning their rich history. The walk ends in a beautiful Hapsburg garden where our guide—a trained aromatherapist—talks about the town’s tradition of making aromatic oils. (5 miles kayaking, 4 hours)

Day 4: Brač

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Amfora Hvar Grand Beach

The largest of the central Dalmatian islands, Brač is famous for rugged natural beauty and for white limestone used for decorative stonework since Roman times. Our private boat drops anchor in the hidden bay of Blaca; hike up to the 450-year-old hermitage surrounded by pine trees, fragrant flowers, and the scents and sights of the sea. The hermitage once traded honey, wine, and olive oil with the Venetians and became known for its gastronomy. Have lunch under old oak trees in a perfectly preserved Dalmatian stone village high in the hills, feasting on local specialties cooked over an open fire. Continue to the top of Mount Vidova, the highest peak in the Dalmatian islands, and shuttle down to the town of Bol, where our boat awaits. (6 miles hiking, 3 hours)

Day 5: Hvar/Korčula

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Indijan

Cruise to the island of Korčula, passing by Hvar’s western shore of craggy cliffs and hidden coves. En route, enjoy lunch and a swim in the sapphire waters of the Adriatic. Arrive at Vela Luka on Korčula and hike to the home of a local producer of Korčula’s renowned Pošip white wine. End the day in the medieval city of Korčula Marco Polo’s hometown, then check into our boutique hotel just across the channel in Orebič, on the Pelješac Peninsula. (4 miles hiking, 2 hours)

Day 6: Pelješac Peninsula

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Indijan

Pelješac’s mixture of hilly slopes, warm Adriatic air, and sunny days is perfect for producing Croatia’s best red wine, Dingač, as well as plump oranges, pomegranates, and figs. Hike up to a 15th-century Franciscan monastery and church, and continue to a viewpoint for an extraordinary vista over Dalmatia’s islands. Follow the footpath past abandoned stone houses and ancient chapels, and descend to the coast for a swim in the sea. Try Dingač wines at a local wine cellar and visit one of the most authentic traditional konobe, or taverns, still found in Croatia to savor homemade salamis and bread and freshly caught fish. (4 miles hiking, 2–3 hours)

Day 7: Ston/Dubrovnik

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Dubrovnik Palace or Grand Villa Argentina

A scenic drive takes us to the town of Ston, with one of the longest defensive stone walls in Europe, built to protect salt ponds that brought wealth to the Dubrovnik republic. Ston is also known for its oysters, and we'll visit a local family of oyster farmers. As a grand finale, explore restored Dubrovnik, which became a major maritime power after breaking with the Venetian Republic in the 14th century. Its marble streets are lined with Baroque architecture from the 1600s and surrounded by medieval walls. You may wish to take an optional sunset kayaking tour before our farewell dinner. (4 miles hiking, 1–2 hours)

Day 8: Dubrovnik

Meals: Breakfast

Transfer to the airport for flights home.

Day 1 Split

Dobro dosli! Welcome to Croatia. Your adventure begins in Split – right on the Adriatic coast, this is Croatia’s second-largest city, combining stunning architecture with timeless tradition. You’ll be collected from the airport and transferred to your hotel when you arrive, ready for a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, you might like to visit the Mestrovic Gallery, which displays the remarkable work of one of Croatia’s greatest sculptors. After the meeting, get to know your fellow travellers and group leader over dinner at one of Split’s excellent restaurants and maybe try some brudet (a rustic seafood stew) and rozata (a creamy custard pudding). Tonight, you’ll stay in your Feature Stay – Santa Lucia Heritage Hotel in the Pjaca (the most beautiful square in Split).

Day 2 Split

This morning, you’ll head out on a sustainable Urban Adventure – Unveiling Split’s Living History. Led by a licensed heritage interpreter, stroll through the historic streets of Split, unveil the city's hidden gems and get a glimpse into the lives of those who call this 1700-year-old city their home. Wander through cobblestoned streets in the footsteps of past emperors and kings and learn about how Split has evolved over the centuries, now embracing eco-friendly initiatives like solar power and waste management. Explore the workshops of local artisans and witness the skill and passion of their creations. This afternoon is free to explore the seaside city at your own pace – maybe find the perfect seafood restaurant with sweeping views of the coast and tuck into some fresh cuisine over a glass of wine. Or, head back to your Feature Stay and chill on the la luce terrace or in the secret garden.

Day 3 Korcula

Take a morning ferry to Korcula – a paradisical island off the Dalmatian Coast. When you arrive in the afternoon, head out on a walking tour with a local guide dressed in traditional costume to the folklore treasury of Korcula Town. Here, traditional costumes and items are displayed exclusively for Intrepid tour groups (other tour groups don't have permission) and learn about the history of this island, whose population is almost entirely made up of ethnic Croats. After, maybe hit one of the hidden beaches like Vela Przina or Proizd, wander the orange-topped architecture in the Old City or soak up some of the local wine culture among the olive groves.

Day 4 Korcula

Get ready for an exciting, custom-made half-day tour around Korcula today. You'll explore the rich history of the island and visit places that are less impacted by tourism, supporting the local community. First, visit the Ethnographic Museum Barilo in Blato and explore the impressive collection, which includes agricultural tools, ceremonial clothes, traditional costumes, kitchen utensils and handicrafts that give a unique insight into the daily lives of the owners' ancestors. Wander the house and garden, then join your hosts for a tasting of local liqueurs, brandies, arancini, fried almonds and dried figs, prepared according to traditional recipes. After, head to Vela Luka to see the 20,000-year-old Vela Spila archaeological site and cave. Take a short walk over the cave for beautiful panoramic views of the archipelago and the bay below. Visit the archaeological museum before heading out to a local village for lunch and a wine tasting of local drops, at a small family winery among the hills. 

Day 5 Korcula

Today is a free day in Korcula. You might like to spend the day lazing at one of the hidden beaches and soak up the sun, taking a dfip in the glittering waters of the bay. Alternatively, maybe head to another local winery and support the local community with some delicious cuisine and a glass of wine (or three). Perhaps continue your explorations of the Old Town tonight, taking in the stocky Revelin Tower and impressive defensive walls before stopping for dinner in one of the island’s many restaurants.

Day 6 Dubrovnik

You’ll begin the journey to Dubrovnik today, stopping at Trsteno along the way – a small village just 20 km away from Dubrovnik. Here, you’ll tuck into a delicious brunch of local products made by a local family on their farm and presented by the famous Croatian chef Katija Paseta. Soak in the garden views and morning sun and then be treated to an olive oil tasting (a bottle of this locally produced kitchen necessity makes for the perfect souvenir!). Visit the arboretum next door – this is the oldest monument of garden architecture and the only arboretum in Croatia that dates back to the 15th century. This is also a Game of Thrones filming location but is far less crowded with fans than Dubrovnik’s Old Town. As you spot filming locations you recognise from the show (well away from the tourist crowds), take in the gorgeous views of the Elaphiti Islands and the Adriatic Sea below. Continue to the medieval walls of picturesque Dubrovnik, where you’ll have a free evening to find the best spot for dinner.

Day 7 Dubrovnik

The day is free to explore Dubrovnik at your leisure. This gorgeous city offers a wealth of experiences to cater to every taste, so maybe ask your leader for some suggestions. Maybe visit the historical Rector's Palace and marvel at the ornate Venetian-Gothic architecture or sip a beer on the terrace of one of Dubrovnik’s teetering cliff bars. Take a Game of Thrones walking tour to some more filming locations if you're a fan, or just people-watch over an espresso. Tonight, you'll be treated to a sunset sail on the glittering Adriatic waters. On a private boat, you'll sail to the Elafiti Islands, taking in the stunning coastal scenery during golden hour. Go for a couple of swims off the boat and then hit land and visit the picturesque fisherman's village of Lopud. Here, you'll toast to an incredible trip with the group over a farewell dinner of local cuisine. Sail back to Dubrovnik just in time to enjoy the view of Old Town from the sea during sunset and toast to an unforgettable memory with some nice local wine.

Day 8 Dubrovnik

Your trip ends after breakfast this morning. If you're looking to extend your stay and soak more of Dubrovnik's unique beauty, additional accommodation can be arranged for you – just speak to your booking agent.