Compare Explore Croatia by Intrepid Travel vs Croatian Island Hopping by Great Value Vacations

Day 1 Dubrovnik

Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Croatia. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. You can arrive at any time during the day as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. Although it experienced devastation during the war in the early 1990s, Dubrovnik’s old town is the undisputed jewel of the Dalmatian Coast. With its tiled roofs and white stone buildings, the old town remains as charming as ever. Extensive restoration has taken place to return it to its original splendour, and even today repairs are still being undertaken. With the sparkling water of the Adriatic in the background, Dubrovnik is picturesque, full of character and can easily be covered on foot. If you do arrive early, why not head out to one of the Elafiti Islands? There's Lopud, a quiet island with lovely hikes, clean beaches and a ruined castle. Kolocep is a sleepy enclave that boasts walks for every fitness level and Sipan, which is the most populated of the isles and reputedly has the most hospitable inhabitants. Alternatively, you might choose to simply laze about on one of Dubrovnik's beaches and people-watch for hours.

Day 2 Dubrovnik

Start the day by beating the crowds with an early morning walk along Dubrovnik's famous 2-kilometre-long city walls surrounding the old town. Enjoy views of the sea from the fully intact medieval structure, then enjoy all that Dubrovnik has to offer with the remainder of the day free for you to explore. Visit Big Onofrio's Fountain, a masterpiece built by famous European architect Onofrio della Cava. This 15th-century landmark was built to supply water to the city, flowing from the spigots into the collection trough surrounding it. Be sure to check out the Franciscan monastery with one of the world's oldest, continuously functioning pharmacies, founded in the 13th century. If you still feel energetic after a day exploring the city you can take the switchbacks leading up Srd Hill behind Dubrovnik for spectacular views of the city and the Dalmatian coastline. Otherwise, the newly restored cable car can whisk you to the top in no time. The hill is topped by a castle of Napoleonic times, which now houses the Museum of the Croatian War of Independence.

Day 3 Peljesac Peninsula / Korcula Island

Journey to Korcula today, along the narrow and scenic Peljesac Peninsula to its very tip. The last stretch to Korcula will be done by car ferry. For the next two nights, stay with generous hosts – locals who rent out their rooms in the summer season. The rooms, while simple, are the best way to put money back into the local economy. When you arrive, head out for a sunset hike to Zrnovo village. Wind through old villages next to olive trees and soak up the view over Peljesac Channel. End your hike when you arrive at a family-owned restaurant in Zrnovo village and sit down for an included dinner of local ingredients, including traditional Dalmatian meat loaf or pasticada (traditional stewed beef) and some fresh grilled vegetables with olive oil, usually served with fresh goat and sheep cheeses (and maybe some smoked ham to tie it all together). Return back to Korcula via private vehicle and use the evening to relax.

Day 4 Mljet Island National Park / Korcula Island

Today, head on a day trip to the stunning Mljet Island. Mljet is Croatia’s greenest island, with a large section of the north western shores part of a national park. The island is well known for its two salt lakes – Veliko Jezero and Malo Jezero (big lake and small lake) – that are located at the north end of the island. With some of the clearest waters in the world, any of the Adriatic islands shimmer in the sunlight, but Mljet is extra special. Start Mljet's exploration with a short hike into the island's interior, followed by a ferry ride to St Mary's Benedictine Monastery, located on an island in one of the lakes. Spend the day discovering its tiny towns dotted around the island, the weaving and winding coastline full of nature walks and scenic lookouts and, of course, the sandy beaches, tranquil inlets and turquoise blue shores calling out to be explored. Mljet is a little further away and less visited than the tourist hotspots of Brac and Hvar, so you’ll be able to stray away from the crowds and have this peaceful paradise to yourself. Head back to Korcula in the afternoon for a relaxing evening, hopefully full of delicious food and some great local wine.

Day 5 Hvar Island

A hydrofoil ferry takes you to the neighbouring island of Hvar this morning. . Beautiful Hvar has an air of Venice about it and is known as the 'Queen of the Dalmatian Islands'. When you arrive, get to know the town with its wonderfully preserved Renaissance facades on an orientation walk. Later, you can enjoy your included hop on hop off taxi boat pass that departs every half hour to the nearby Pakleni islands – largely uninhabited and often described as being among the most beautiful in the world. All three islands have gorgeous beaches and walking trails to explore and also boast plenty of bars and restaurants, so you'll have no shortage of lunch, aperitif and dinner spots to choose from!

Day 6 Hvar Island

Today is a free day to explore this island at your leisure. Maybe take a bus to the interior of Hvar Island where you can take a leisurely hike through the abandoned villages of Velo Grablje and Malo Grablje, gently descending all the way down to the sea at Milna Bay. On the way you can witness what remains of the typical Mediterranean life that flourished on the Croatian islands in the 18th and 19th centuries. Hike past dramatic jagged limestone cliffs and slow your pace to enjoy the undulating farms, fields of lavender and rosemary, and ancient olive groves. Cool down in the shimmering waters upon arrival into the little town of Milna where the hike ends. Alternatively there are plenty of other options for exciting activities in town. If you’re not feeling super energetic today, spend the day lounging at one of the island's many quiet beaches and enjoy a sunset stroll along the harbour promenade.

Day 7 Split

Catch a boat to Split this morning. Situated on a small peninsula on the eastern shores of the Adriatic Sea, Split is the second largest city in Croatia. Join a local guide for a walking tour of this stunning seaside town and get to know its history. See the original and fantastically preserved basements under the city, as well as the Cathedral in Diocletian's Peristyle and Jupiter's Temple. Explore the impressive ruins of Diocletian's Palace – Split's most imposing structure and some of the most interesting ruins on the Adriatic coast. Portions of the Palace are over 1700 years old and there’s ample time to walk around. Split grew out from Diocletian's Palace and you can almost see it evolving in a multitude of different ways right before your eyes. Some cultures might have made the palace a museum, but Split is a dynamic and vibrant place, and now the palace houses many businesses and homes. If your feet get tired, why not grab a drink at a cafe on the Riva Promenade and people watch for a while? Be sure get your group together for a harbourside dinner – it’s time for more of a relax!

Day 8 Split

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. As there is so much to see in Split and the surrounding area, such as Salona, Trogir or Sibenik, you may want to consider extending your time in Split. Just speak to your booking agent.

Day 1 Welcome to Split!

Arrive in the picture-perfect city of Split! Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your first hotel. After you settle in, explore this charming area, which boasts a perfect blend of old-world character, beautiful beaches, and trendy shops and bars.

Day 2 Split

Recharge with a pleasant breakfast, then take on the town! Split, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a gem on Croatia's Dalmatian Coast, is known for its fortress-like complex at its center: Diocletian's Palace! Explore this iconic structure, which was erected by the Roman emperor in the 4th century.

When you get hungry, immerse yourself in local culture at Split Market, where colorful tables of produce, flowers, and prepared foods cover the streets. Simply take a browse or sample the day away!

Day 3 Split - Hvar

Today, you'll hop aboard a boat to Hvar! As a note, the Split Pier is within walking distance of your hotel in Split. Upon arrival on this beautiful island, enjoy a very short walk to your accommodation. Settle in, then spend the night exploring! Treat yourself to a delicious dinner and watch a perfect sunset over the sea.

Day 4 Hvar

Ahh, wake up in sunny Hvar, where lavender fields and vineyards decorate this Mediterranean landscape.

Hvar is a beautiful blend of pristine beaches, a trendy waterfront party scene, and tiny village life. You might want to start your morning with a hike to Mekicevica Bay, where naturists go to explore the immaculate clear-blue water. Then, check out the oldest village in Croatia - Stari Grad! End your night off by unwinding at a fun bar on the coast.

While in Hvar, be sure to try its signature dish of gregada, a stew of fish, potatoes, onions, garlic, and top-quality olive oil.

Day 5 Hvar - Korcula

Soak up one last sunny morning in Hvar, then hop on a ferry to Korcula! During the ride, gaze out at jaw-dropping blue water and take photos of the medieval-looking town as you approach!

Spend the afternoon wandering aimlessly around Korcula's small, incredibly charming city center. Sip on some local wine and watch an unforgettable sunset from a seaside cafe.

For such a small town, Korcula really comes to life at night! After the sun goes down, you'll find street performers and live music filling the streets. Take the opportunity to party it up with the locals!

Day 6 Korcula

Did you know Korcula is the rumored birthplace of Marco Polo? Check out his house, which boasts a tower with amazing sea views.

This is a tiny island with big things to see. Consider renting bikes or scooters to see every nook and cranny of it! Discover hidden beaches and vineyards and take in breathtaking views of the sparkling blue seascape.

Day 7 Korcula - Dubrovnik

After breakfast, sail back to the mainland and explore the fascinating city of Dubrovnik! The first thing you'll see as you approach from the sea are the ancient city walls. Built and rebuilt in the 13th, 14th, and 15th centuries, these walls that were once used to deter invaders are now a tourist favorite. >After you check-in to your hotel, meander through Old Dubrovnik and feel like you've stepped back in time.

Are you a Game of Thrones fan? Many of the series' scenes have been filmed in this city, so if you feel a sense of deja vu or familiarity, don't think you're going crazy. See if you can find all the filming spots!

Day 8 Dubrovnik

Fuel up with a delicious breakfast, then get ready for your last full day in Croatia! Walk around Old Dubrovnik and check out Dubrovnik Cathedral, Rector's Palace, and the Franciscan Monastery. 

In the afternoon, treat yourself to a ride on one of Dubrovnik's cable cars! Glide up and down and feast your eyes on a unique bird's-eye-view of this gorgeous red-roofed city. 

Day 9 Depart Croatia

Enjoy one last Croatian breakfast, then squeeze all your souvenirs into your luggage and meet your transfer. After a convenient ride to the airport, board your plane and spend your flight home dreaming about your next adventure.