DAY 1: Arrive Split, CROATIA
Upon arrival at Split Airport, it is just a 20 minute transfer to your
resort hotel overlooking the clear blue waters of the Adriatic Sea.
Families will appreciate the numerous activities to keep them
entertained including a private sandy beach, indoor and outdoor heated
swimming pools as well as a tennis academy. Whilst younger members of
the family can make new friends at the Penguin Club, parents may enjoy
the Diocletians Spa. ►Suggested hotel: Le Meridien Lav
DAY 2: Roman Split, CROATIA - Krka National Park, CROATIA
Enjoy an overview tour of the eclectic city of Split this morning. At
the heart of the city lies the UNESCO listed Diocletians Palace, built
as a ‘retirement home’ for the Roman Emperor Diocletian. Your guide will
accompany you as you explore the palace which still, today, lives and
breathes as a fully-functioning place where people have their homes,
stores and offices. The palace was built with stone from the island of
Brac, the same stone that built the White House. Also, not to be missed
are the sphinxes from Egyptian antiquity on the entrance gate.
Later, head on out to the stunning Krka National Park, a natural land of
lakes, caverns and cascades. Experience the National Park first by boat,
then have the unique opportunity to swim in among the waterfalls of the
Lower Lake.
If your cultural appetite is still not satiated, you may wish to stop by
the fascinating UNESCO towns of Sibenik or Trogir on your way back to
Split. ►Suggested hotel: Le Meridien Lav
DAY 3: Cetina River Canyon, CROATIA
Enjoy rural Croatia today on a privately guided cycling adventure along
the Cetina River.
Cetina is a beautiful river in southern Croatia. It has a total length
of one hundred and five kilometres and descends from an altitude of
three hundred and eighty five meters at its source to the sea level when
it flows into the Adriatic Sea.
The river is clear and tranquil as it passes through its high canyon.
The mouth of the Cetina River opens into the sea at Omis, a fantastic
setting for a town, separated by a deep ravine which, after many
kilometres of being fairly wide, closes in here to just a few meters
wide. Your route is mainly on paved roads, through the canyon and is
great for cyclists of moderate ability.
After your cycling tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel. ►Suggested hotel: Le Meridien Lav
DAY 4: Brac, CROATIA AND Hvar, CROATIA
Enjoy the admiring glances of fellow hotel guests as you make your way
to the private motor-yacht waiting for you in the Marina. Speed out
across the Adriatic with your skipper headed for the island of Brac to
stop at Croatia's most spectacular beach, known as the Zlatni Rat
(Golden Horn). This natural miracle of an outcrop beach changes its
shape and direction depending on the wind and tides.
Journey onwards right into the heart of Hvar marina where your
waterfront hotel is located. ►Suggested hotel: Adriana, Hvar Spa Hotel
DAY 5: Green Cave, CROATIA and Island of Vis, CROATIA
Enjoy another full day out in the Adriatic today onboard your own
skippered sailing yacht. Sail to the island Vis and explore the wild
beauty of its southern coast. Stop to take photos of Stiniva Bay, once a
huge cave that collapsed, and enjoy swimming in emerald and blue waters
of Srebrna (Silver) beach. Discover the hidden beaches of the little
island of Ravnik where you can see The Green Cave, before sailing to the
beautiful harbor of Vis. The town of Vis (Issa) was the oldest Greek
colony in the Adriatic Sea, founded in 4th century BC by Dionysius the
Elder from Syracuse. Ancient Greeks already recognized the strategic
importance of this island as well as the benefits the island can offer
such as fresh water, fertile land and the richest fishing grounds in
Adriatic waters.
There will also be opportunity to swim and snorkel from the yacht into
the glistening Adriatic waters. ►Suggested hotel: Adriana, Hvar Spa Hotel
DAY 6: Hvar, CROATIA
Join your hiking guide this morning for a short transfer to a nearby
village where the views of the surrounding islands are amazing. Hike
through villages where you can appreciate the charm of the traditional
architecture and way of living off the land, with the opportunity to
taste homemade wine, prosek or grappa on the way. Follow the medieval
trail from Velo Grablije to the hidden village of Malo Grablje, which is
downhill all the way. Continue from here along a gravel path to Milna,
ending up eventually back in Hvar along a small rocky trail. Today is a
real opportunity to discover the beauty of Hvar off the beaten track. ►Suggested hotel: Adriana, Hvar Spa Hotel
DAY 7: Hvar, CROATIA - Dubrovnik, CROATIA
Your driver will join you again today for a drive along the length of
Hvar, through wine groves and lavender fields, then take a short ferry
ride back onto the Croatian mainland. The drive from here down to the
South of the country is one of the most beautiful in Europe, and not to
be missed is the Peljasec Peninsula.
Peljasec is home to some of Croatia’s finest white wines, and Europe’s
finest oysters. Learn how oysters are harvested, and adult members of
the family may also wish to enjoy some of the excellent local white
wines. ►Some suggested Dubrovnik hotels (in alphabetical order): Hotel Bellevue Hotel Excelsior Villa Dubrovnik ►Together, we will find the best choice for you!
DAY 8: Ragusa, CROATIA
The story of Dubrovnik has always been linked to the sea, from the early
days of exploration, trade, piracy and shipbuilding to the continuing
activity of fishermen in small boats today. A visit to the Maritime
Museum and the old harbour will help bring all these to life.
The city walls of Dubrovnik are its most memorable monument. Parts of
the walls date from the 13th century. The ramparts are intact and
encircle the ancient town with a circumference of more than a mile and a
half. Ascending the stairway close to Pile Gate, you will soon reach the
top of the wall where your guide will lead you on a walking tour along
its entire length. You will see the gorgeous Minceta Fortress, St.
John’s Fortress, Maritime Museum, Bokar Fortress, Lovrjenac Fortress
which bears the motto of the Republic: NON BENE PRO TOTO LIBERTAS
VENDITUR AURO – Freedom is not to be sold for any gold of the world. The
charming ochre and red terra cotta roofs of Dubrovnik’s old houses
spread out before you.
Also enjoy a visit to the Sea Aquarium, before taking Dubrovnik’s newest
attraction, the cable car up Mount Srd. The mountain dominates the city
of Dubrovnik, the views from the top of the Adriatic Coastline and
outlying islands are simply superb. ►For Dubrovnik hotel suggestions, see above.
DAY 9: Island of Lokrum, CROATIA
You will have a private transfer down to the sea for your privately led
(English-speaking) sea kayaking adventure on the Adriatic Sea. Your
memorable day begins with paddling your way around the vast walls that
encircle Dubrovnik before making your way to the nearest islands and the
nature reserve of Lokrum. You may wish to find hidden coves around the
island for swimming or explore the inland hiking trails which lead to a
botanical garden, a Benedictine monastery and a sea-fed inland lake
known as the dead sea.
The afternoon is at your leisure to relax and enjoy your hotel’s
secluded private beach. ►For Dubrovnik hotel suggestions, see above.
DAY 10: Depart Dubrovnik, CROATIA
Transfer to Dubrovnik Airport today. Time permitting, an absolute must
is a visit to the natural karst cave which was recently discovered
running underneath the airport runway!