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10 Days: Experience Dalmatian Coast And Islands From Split To Dubrovnik

Soul-of-croatia-hiking-cycling-hvar-tours-adventure-walls

10 Days: Experience Dalmatian Coast And Islands From Split To Dubrovnik

This trips will take you to some of most known location on beautiful Dalmatian coast, and to some hidden gems on Dalmatian islands.

We always try to do signature trips and provide more of the country for the complete experience in a period of time. On this trip, you will explore Croatia from Split to the Dalmatian coast and islands. You will visit  Old towns, medieval fortresses, and learn all about Croatian history and culture – local specifics of the areas you are visiting, the uniqueness of the architecture, and local legend and stories.

Starting in Split, famous for its Diocletians palace, your  adventure will take you to one of most scenic national parks, Krka known for beautiful waterfalls. Next you will go to Hvar island, and Hvar town, one of the most popular places on Croatian coastline. Your rout will take you to Korčula island  and town known for is charming Gothic-renaissance old town, and then to Pelješac, kingdom of red wines in Croatia,and unique small town Ston. You will finally finish your trip  in the Pearl of the Adriatic- Dubrovnik. Overall, this is a great overview of Dalmatian in given amount of time.

Why us and why this tour?

Why us and why this tour?  We will take you to places you would not see on your own and try to the avoid crowd as much as possible!

This covers a lot of Croatia, and you will it see-through local eyes and learn about it. It is done by local-born, experienced, and awarded licensed guides who mostly work via word of mouth because we care and give flexibility like no other. All pictures are our own, 100% authentic, and represent the trips as it is! The trip can be done for 2 people only, and it is great for a group of friends.

On-demand this trip can be done as a self-guided version as well!

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HIGHLIGHTS

    • Split and Diocletian’s palace
    • National park Krka
    • Hvar town and island
    • Korčula town and island
    • Pelješac peninsula and Ston
    • Elafiti islands
    • Dubrovnik

BRIEF ITINERARY

DayActivitiesLocationOvernight
1Arrival in Split - WelcomeSplitSplit
2Split and Diocletian's palaceSplitSplit
3Explore National park KrkaKrkaSplit
4Visit to Hvar town and islandHvarHvar
5Explore Hvar or visit neighboring islands Vis and BiševoHvar areaHvar
6Visiti to Korčula town and islandKorčulaKorčula
7Pelješac peninsula and StonPelješacDubrovnik
8Private boat trip to Elaphiti islands - Lopud and KoločepDubrovnik regionDubrovnik
9Dubrovnik old town and the city wallsDubrovnikDubrovnik
10Departure from Dubrovnik

FULL ITINERARY

10 Days: Experience Dalmatian Coast And Islands From Split To Dubrovnik

Day 1: Arrival in Split - Welcome

Soul-of-croatia-Split-private-cycling-tours
Welcome to Croatia and Split. Today is your arrival day and there is no fixed schedule as it depends on your arrival time.You will be welcomed at the airport with your name on a sign by the local representative and transported to your accommodation for the first overnight.Once again, welcome and we are looking forward to showing you beautiful Croatia!

Day 2: Split and Diocletian's palace

split-soul-of-croatia-tours-dalmatian-coast-private-trip-diocletians-palace
Today you will explore the biggest town on the Dalmatian coast called Split. Split is known for Diocletian’s palace, built as a retirement home for Roman emperor Diocletian at the turn of the fourth century AD as a haven. Although the palace has changed its appearance over the centuries, with its surroundings becoming a medieval city, it is still one of the best-preserved examples of antique palaces. Some not-to-be-missed sites within the palace include the Peristil, Golden Gate, and St Gregory statue, and the cathedral and local promenade. Diocletian’s palace is built in the 4th century and since 1979 it is on a UNESCO heritage list as one of 12 UNESCO locations in Croatia. The picturesque center is perfect for sightseeing and long walks among its numerous streets and historical monuments, beautiful architecture from Roman to modern times. We suggest visiting the substructures of the palace since they are very well preserved and in original size as in Roman times. 

Day 3: Explore National park Krka

soul-of-croatia-tours-hiking-krka-skradinski-buk
Today you will explore another beautiful highlight of Croatia, the National park Krka. Krka is the name of the 72.5 km long river and the river itself with 7 waterfalls for most of that length is a National park. After exploring the biggest waterfall, Skradinski Buk, you will drive to see another waterfall and area called Roški slap. Roški slap is a less busy area, and it offers an opportunity for nice walks or hikes in the area. For the end, we suggest visiting little Islet Visovac in the middle of the river with a still active Franciscan monastery on it. You probably will not see any monks but the local guide will take you on a 20 min tour of the island. Apart from the beautiful waterfalls, the Park is also well known for its multiple endemic species of birds, fish, and amphibians. Did you know: You can also visit, as part of the park, a place which used to host the oldest power plant( 1895) in Europe. People in the neighboring Šibenik area were the first ones in Europe with electricity.  

Day 4: Visit to Hvar town and island

Soul-of-croatia-hiking-cycling-hvar-tours-adventure-walls
Today you leave Split and explore the Dalmatian coast.  You will visit Hvar, one of the most popular Croatia islands. More than on average 2700 sunny hours yearly makes this island a desirable place to be on and to enjoy all the beauties of the Mediterranean climate. Island has a long history, and has been inhabited for thousand years, as there is a lot of material proof of the old settlements on the island. One of the most important ones is the Old fields in Stari Grad (Old town), being in untouched shape for about 2000 years. or to be more precise since 284 B.C. Today, fields in Starigrad are under UNESCO protection as one of 12 UNESCO locations in Croatia.You will explore the Old town of Hvar, and suggest walking to the fortress above the town for the best scenic view of the whole town and the sea in front. The fortress, called Fortica(Španjola) is mentioned first in the 13th century, and it is part of the gratification system around Old town Hvar. Swimming or wine tasting is always an option while on Hvar. Enjoy!

Day 5: Explore Hvar or visit neighboring islands Vis and Biševo

Soul-of-croatia-custom-trips-private-hvar
Today your schedule is flexible and you can choose what to do.One of the most popular things to do is to visit VIS island as well as Biševo.Vis is known as the possible first land in the Adriatic inhabited by Greeks.Vis got its name from the Greek word ISSA, which was the same name as the home of Greek sailors. We recommend visiting Komiža, a unique fishing village on Vis island.While on Vis we highly recommend doing a Jeep military tour of the island, which will give you a great overview of the island. Although the tour covers the whole island it is called a military tour as the island VIS was not traditionally a tourist destination like Hvar, but a military base, where the former Yugoslavian army built tunnels for boats all over the island.You will also have a chance to explore neighboring islands such as Biševo and visit the famous Blue Cave.You will get to Vis and Biševo islands with a private skipper and speed boat. The cave entrance fee and Possible VIS tour are to be paid on the spot.OPTION 2: You can spend an easy day on the beach, swim, and snorkel or you can be active. Stroll the streets of Hvar, and have a slow coffee break as people in Croatia do. This means you sit and drink espresso for hours. Or just enjoy ice cream in the shade.One of the options is to take a rental car or private driver to see the rest of Hvar, and places like Vrboska, Jelsa, and Starigrad and check small towns, and wineries around the island!The third option is to do cycling on Hvar.

Day 6: Visiti to Korčula town and island

sailing-korcula-dalmatian-islands-soul-of-croatia-classic
Today you will leave Hvar and continue exploring the Dalmatian coast. Your next destination is Korčula island and the town. The name of this Croatian island i derives from the Greek -Korkyra, which gives you an idea that this island was inhabited in B.C in Greek times. Even before the Greeks were here there was life on the island as archeologists found proof of human presence older than 7000 years. Korčula today is known for its beauty, hidden beaches, and authentic indigenous local white gapes and wines, Grk and Pošip. The Old Town Korčula is one of the finest examples of Venetian architecture on the Dalmatian coast, and most likely the birthplace of Marko Polo since it is known that the Polo family originates from this place. Small as it is, Korčula town is easy for exploring on foot!

Day 7: Pelješac peninsula and Ston

Soul-of-croatia-ston-private-tours-and-trips-pelješac-dalmatian-coast
Today you will explore Pelješac, the second biggest Croatian peninsula and a synonym for red wines, or as the locals call it- black wine. Pelješac is situated in Dubrovnik county known for its natural beauty and for 2 brands, Ston and Dingač. Ston is one of the very rare 100% planned and built Croatian cities on the Croatian coast, known for  - the longest fortified system in Europe, Ston city walls,-oldest active salt plant on the whole Mediterranean, still active and still producing salt as they did in the 14th century and for-a long tradition of growing oysters and mussels. Another thing that Pelješac is known for, is red wine. The whole peninsula is basically a wine region and Pelješac is home to the most famous red wine in Croatia, which got its name by the position where is grown - Dingač. This position of Dingač is unique for its steep slopes, up t 70 degrees, and since 1964 its protected by the Geneva convention for its authenticity. Only the wine from these vineyards can be called Dingač and nowhere else in Croatia, or the World. Your route will go through the peninsula and through one of the most scenic roads through the Dingač region along the way, you can stop at some of the most famous local wineries for wine tasting. You would spend the afternoon and evening in Ston. We recommend walking the Ston walls as the main attraction in town.  You would have a flexible schedule today, depending on your preferences.

Day 8: Private boat trip to Elaphiti islands - Lopud and Koločep

Koločep boat trip Dubrovnik
Today in the morning you will explore Dubrovnik Archipelago and Elafiti islands. Some of the most popular ones are Lopud and Koločep as this is the best 1-day boat trip in the area.  Small as they are, with no cars on the islands are the perfect crowd getaway. Both of these islands have only about 100+ people living on them. These islands are also rare places with real sandy beaches on the Dalmatian coast. Most of the coast is rocky and rugged, so places like this are highly appreciated in Croatia. The Lopud island once functioned as the summer residence for Dubrovnik’s nobility, while also being an important agricultural spot, but nowadays tourism became the focal point of the local economy. There is only one village on Lopud with the same name. Lopud and Koločep boat trip The interesting fact is that the highest palm trees on the whole Mediterranean age grow on this little island. Another island - Koločep, is the Southernmost inhabited island in Croatia. It is only 2.4 square miles big, with approximately 100 people living on it during the whole year. There are no cars on Koločep, or as the local people call it Kalamota, and it is great for walking/hiking on it. This jewel of green oases is only 20 minutes from Dubrovnik with a boat and once you walk on it seems like you are somewhere far away from the city crowd. Local secret: on this island, you will find a great little family-run restaurant that serves the best-grilled calamari you will find in Croatia! If you like scenic walks both of these two islands have a beautiful seaside path on the Southside of the islands.Today, you will have options for swimming, snorkeling, easy walking, hiking, and cave visit, you name it. 

Day 9: Dubrovnik old town and the city walls

Dubrovnik and city walls
Dubrovnik- as titled - The Pearl of the Adriatic, UNESCO site with the biggest walls in Europe. You will be introduced to a rich history of Dubrovnik on a guided tour if preferred, where you will be encouraged to ask any questions you might have about this fascinating place. You will walk the main street Stradun, see Onorfious fountain, Rectors palace, Old port, Orlando's column, and more. We suggest walking the city walls, the second biggest in the world. At places, the wall is approximately 75 ft high, which makes it a great sightseeing point to take photos of beautiful scenery. We also recommend visiting Mt SRĐ, where at the very top of the hill still proudly stands a fortress Imperial built at the beginning of the 19th century by Napoleon’s army. At the top of the hill, you will see Dubrovnik and the area as on your palm. You can take the cable car to go to Srđ, hike up, take a taxi, or you will be taken there if part of your program! We are sure you would like to explore the city, so do not be afraid to get lost in many stone streets. The town is quite small and where ever you go you will end with the walls, or just go down and you will always end on the level of the main street. In the last couple of years, Dubrovnik gained some popularity by being Kings Landing in the series Game of Thrones, so you might recognize a few movie locations as you walk around. Dubrovnik is full of restaurants and there are lots of options to choose from for lunch or dinner. If you would like to go for a swim, on both sides of the Old town there are pebble beaches! Enjoy!

Day 10: Departure from Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik sunset departure
Today is your departure day.You will be transferred to the airport in accordance with your schedule!Thank you very much for visiting Croatia, hope you had a nice time while exploring, and that you will go home with nice memories! Those who are staying extra time in Croatia will be given instructions according to their schedule. If someone would like to stay more in Dubrovnik on their own or extend their stay in Croatia, we will be happy to help or assist in any way.
Additional notes
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      Please contact us for pricing info at info@soulofcroatia.com

      The price depends on the time of the year, number of people and level of accommodation.

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    Think outside the box. Your trip can be anything you choose it to be. We can customize any kind of itinerary, so feel free to choose any combination of activities or places or add something from your bucket list and contact us to create your perfect trip.









      Reviews

      Oct 28. 2024 byDale M

      Superb job in Croatia and Slovenia

      Soul Of Croatia did a suberb job for us in the fall of 2024. We opted for a two week coastline trip, starting in Ljubljana, Slovenia all the way down to Dubrovnik with side trips into Bosnia and Montenegro. Our group of six didn't want to drive a large vehicle (nor multiple vehicles) in unfamiliar countries and Robi (at SoC) set us up with several excellent drivers (shout outs to Baldo The Great and especially Mario!) who were all knowledgeable and entertaining the entire time. Robi had lots of good advice and suggestions on which locations were don't-miss, timing between places we wanted to see, and even insight into restaurant suggestions ("Tell them Robi sent you!" :-D ). We peppered him with questions throughout the trip via WhatsApp and he was always quickly responsive with suggestions and ideas. Overall, we all could not have have been happier with Robi and the whole Soul Of Croatia crew!

      Oct 21. 2024 byRita Z

      Sailing trip with friends

      This trip surpassed our expectations. Every single minute was perfect. Our captain, Goran and first mate/guide, Borna were hospitable, fun, informative and experienced. We couldn’t ask for a better trip. Thank you for your hospitality, time and fun!

      Oct 20. 2024 byAllan Ptack

      6 Star Experience with Daniela and Rob

      Words cannot describe what a fantastic trip we had in Croatia. Daniela and her husband Rob were put together the perfect itinerary that exceeded expectations. Accommodations (mix of hotels and air b&b's, activities, transfers, transportation....everything was like a well oiled machine. Everyday, we looked forward to receiving the next day's activities with pins for all destinations, food recommendations from best gelato to best seafood! We felt like we had a guardian angel and were always able to contact them via What'sApp. Indeed, on our way home, we left our mobile phone in the cab. We called Rob and within 15 minutes the driver returned to the airport. Crisis averted!Honestly, the quality of our trip; the reassurance that all accommodations were solid; knowing we had a reliable contact in case of any issues was worth every penny! We won't hesitate to book another trip and for anyone considering travel to Croatia Rob and Daniela were 6 stars!

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