Compare Premium Split to Dubrovnik by Intrepid Travel vs Island Hopping in Magical Croatia by Road Scholar

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.   

Day 1 In Transit to Program In Flight

Day 2 Arrive, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner Trogir

Check-in available from 2:00 PM.

At leisure.

At a local restaurant, enjoy a festive Welcome Dinner. Unless otherwise noted, dinners on this program are typically a three-course set menu. Please note that water is included in the program cost at all meals.

Day 3 Split, Free Time Trogir

Today’s activities include up to 2.5 hours of walking on cobblestone streets, including long periods of standing. Some stairs without railings.

We will head out on an expert-led walking tour of the city of Split. We will begin at Diocletian’s Palace, a palace and fortress built by Roman Emperor Diocletian shortly after abdicating his throne at the turn of the 4th century. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, this palace is considered one of the most significant monuments of the Roman Era. It’s remain lie on what is considered the old town of Split, and after our visit, we will continue our exploration of the old town by visiting the Peristyle, the Cathedral, and some of the majestic statues of Ivan Mestrovic – the greatest Croatian sculptor of the 20th century.

Free Time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions. Upon returning to the hotel, we will all gather together for a lecture by a local expert about Croatia.

At leisure.

In the hotel dining room, our breakfast buffet offers a daily selection of breads, cheeses, cold-cuts, yogurt, fruit, cereals, juice, milk, coffee, tea and water.

On your own. This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to explore local fare. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

At a local restaurant.

Day 4 Ferry to Brac, Pucisca Bol

Ferry ride from Split to Brac is approximately 1 hour. Today’s activities include up to 2 hours of walking on cobblestone streets, including long periods of standing. Please note that ferry scheduling may cause slight changes to the itinerary.

We will check-out of our hotel and transfer to the port, where we will board a ferry to the island of Brac. The island of Brac is famous for its radiant white stones, used to build the iconic Diocletian Palace of Split and according to some, were even used in the construction of the White House in Washington D.C. Upon arrival to the port of Supetar, we will drive via motorcoach to the nearby quarry of Pucisca, where we will visit a local stonemason school and learn how the island’s beautiful, white stones are cut.

We will transfer by bus to the city of Bol, where we will check-in to our new hotel. Take some time to settle into your rooms and relax before dinner.

At leisure.

In the hotel dining room.

On your own.

At the hotel.

Day 5 Skrip, Vidova Gora Bol

Today’s activities include up to 2.5 hours of walking on cobblestone streets, including long periods of standing. Some stairs without railings. Please note that in the case of bad weather, we will not be able to drive up to Vidova Gora.

At the hotel, we will begin our morning with an expert-led lecture about the maritime history of Dalmatia. We will then board a motorcoach and drive to Skrip, the oldest settlement on Brac, to learn about the history of the island. We will visit the island’s small museum, where a collection of photographs, books and other archeological findings are displayed.

We will take a drive up to Vidova Gora, the highest peak on all of the Adriatic islands (2,552 feet), to enjoy a spectacular view of the Adriatic Sea.

At leisure.

In the hotel dining room.

At a local, family-run, olive oil farm.

On your own.

Day 6 Ferry to Hvar, Hvar Town, Free Time Hvar

Ferry ride from Brac to Hvar is approximately 1 hour. Today’s activities will include up to 3 hours of walking on cobblestone streets, including long periods of standing. Several stairs without railings. Please note that ferry scheduling may cause slight changes to the itinerary. Fast ferries do not run when there are strong winds, in which case the transfer to Hvar will take approximately 2.5 hours.

We will check-out of our hotel and transfer to the port, where we will board a fast ferry to the island of Hvar. Considered the queen of Dalmatia, Hvar is sometimes referred to as the “Croatian Madeira”, and has the most days of sun that any other part of the country. Despite this dry weather, Hvar is still very green and covered in fields of lavender, rosemary and heather. Upon our arrival, we will enjoy a short expert-led walking field trip of the area, discovering the impressive stone carvings and old architecture of Hvar Town while learning about its time under Venetian rule.

Enjoy some free time to explore Hvar Town on your own. Among some of the sites you may want to explore are the gothic palaces, the city wall, and the Arsenal building - which housed the first public theater in Europe. Afterwards, we will all transfer as a group to our new hotel, where we will check-in and enjoy an afternoon lecture.

At leisure.

In the hotel dining room.

On your own.

At the hotel.

Day 7 Jelsa, Stari Grad Hvar

Today’s activities include up to 2.5 hours of walking on cobblestone streets, including long periods of standing. Some stairs without railings.

We will begin our day with a visit to the small, seaside town of Jelsa. Travel along the narrow stone streets of this traditional town, marveling at the Renaissance and Baroque style of its stone buildings and churches.

We will board a coach and take the scenic road towards Stari Grad. First settled by Greeks in 384 B.C., this town is the oldest town in all of Croatia and among one of the oldest in Europe. Led by your Group Leader, enjoy a walking excursion of the Old Town of Stari Grad, with its iconic orange-tiled rooftops and narrow alleys. After our visit, we will make our way back to our hotel in Hvar Town.

At leisure.

In the hotel dining room.

At a local farmhouse. Enjoy a meal including a selection of Croatian wines, local cheeses and cured hams.

On your own.

Day 8 Ferry to Korcula, Old Town, Free Time Korcula

Ferry ride from Hvar to Korcula is approximately 1 hour. Today’s activities will include up to 3 hours of walking on cobblestone streets, including long periods of standing. Several stairs without railings. Please note that ferry scheduling may cause slight changes to the itinerary. Fast ferries do not run when there are strong winds, in which case the transfer to Korcula will take approximately 3 hours.

We will check-out of our hotel and transfer to the port, where we will board a fast ferry to the island of Korcula. Once there, we will enjoy a walking excursion of the Old Town. This historic site sits on a fortified point jutting out into the sea, and its stone buildings with red tile roofs create one of the most picturesque images along the Croatian coastline. Among the most significant sites we will visit during this excursion are Saint Mark’s Cathedral and the Town Museum, which showcase the cultural and commercial milestones of the town from prehistory to the present. The collections include traditional crafts such as masonry and shipbuilding, as well as household objects representing daily life.

Enjoy some free time to independently explore the Old Town of Korcula. Afterwards, we will make our way to our new hotel, where we will enjoy an expert-led lecture before dinner.

At leisure.

In the hotel dining room.

In local restaurant

On your own.

Day 9 Ferry to Peljesac, Walls of Ston, Transfer to Dubrovnik Dubrovnik

Ferry ride from Korcula to Peljesac is approximately 20 minutes. Motorcoach ride to Ston will take approximately 1 hour, as will the drive from Ston to Dubrovnik. Today’s activities will include up to 2 hours of walking on cobblestone streets, including long periods of standing.

We will check-out of our hotel and transfer to the port, where we will board a ferry to Peljesac. We will then head via motorcoach to explore the famous Walls of Ston, which have protected the Peljesac Peninsula since the 15th century. When originally constructed, the Great Wall of Ston was 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) long and one of the longest defense walls in Europe – however, centuries of battles and several earthquakes has left only 5.5 kilometers (3.4 miles) standing.

Transfer via motorcoach to the city of Dubrovnik. Upon arrival, we will check-in to our hotel and have some time to settle into our rooms and relax.

At leisure.

In the hotel dining room.

At a local restaurant in Ston, where we will enjoy the cuisine of the area including oysters.

On your own.

Day 10 Dubrovnik, Free Time Dubrovnik

Today’s activities include up to 2.5 hours of walking on cobblestone streets, including long periods of standing. Some stairs without railings.

We will begin our morning with a lecture about present-day Croatia presented by a local expert. We will then take a public bus to the Old Town of Dubrovnik for a walking field trip. Surrounded by its famous city walls, Dubrovnik is a city where culture and history thrive harmoniously with modern life. During our field trip, we will visit sites such as Rector’s Palace, Franciscan Monastery, Onoforio Fountain and St. Blaise’s Church.

Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most in Dubrovnik.

At leisure.

In the hotel dining room.

At a local restaurant, enjoy a delicious Farewell Lunch.

On your own.

Day 11 Program Concludes In Flight

Check-out until 12.00 PM.

In the hotel dining room.