Croatia and the Dalmatian Coast

Our incredible journey will begin in Split, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city beside the azure Adriatic. Tonight, we'll get to know one another better over a delicious welcome dinner. Stay: Heritage Hotel Fermai Split MGallery (or similar) (D)

Today's history-filled agenda begins with a walking tour of Split – where a local guide will take us into the white walls of Diocletian's Palace, a vast fortress filled with centuries of history. We'll also pay a visit to the Grgur Ninski Statue and the Cathedral of St Domnius, before moving on to medieval Trogir. Here, we'll be taken around the maze of marble streets and Romanesque buildings by a local guide – before going our separate ways to explore this tiny island town and indulge in some delicious local cuisine. Stay: Hotel Pasike (or similar) (B)

This morning will see us seeking the crystalline lakes and energetic waterfalls of Krka National Park. We'll be shown around this mesmerising park by a local guide, before moving on to a local winery. At this quaint establishment we'll learn the history of winemaking in the region – while being treated to a tasting of selected wines. After that, we'll round off the day with some free time to relax back in Trogir. Stay: Hotel Pasike (or similar) (B)

Today we'll say goodbye to Trogir and move on to Split, where we'll catch the ferry to Korčula – an island that's reputed to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. After checking into the hotel, our Tour Leader will take us on a stroll through the Old Town, before we enjoy some free time to delve deeper into the hidden treasures of this medieval island. Then: time to experience some culinary delights! We'll uncover the distinct and unique flavours of Croatian cuisine with an included cooking class – and indulge in its delicious result for dinner this evening. Stay: Hotel Lume (or similar) (B/D)

Today you're free to explore Korčula as you wish. Lounge at a nearby beach or find a café and get better acquainted with the local cuisine. If you're in the mood for exploration, you can even hop aboard a taxi boat to the tiny island of Vrnik. Stay: Hotel Lume (or similar) (B)

After bidding farewell to Korčula, we'll set sail to the nearby Pelješac Peninsula – a hotspot for winemaking since the days of the Roman Empire. Savour the fruits of this ancient tradition with a visit to a local winery before we leave Croatia for Montenegro. Kotor Bay is a soul-stirring sight – and at the centre lies UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kotor town, seemingly untouched by time. Enjoy some free time to explore the picturesque Old Town at your leisure, before reconvening tonight for sumptuous group dinner. Stay: Hotel Cattaro (or similar) (B/D)

First today: a guided walking tour of Kotor. Old Kotor was built like a maze for protective purposes – and it's very easy to get lost here without some local expertise! Following that, we'll make our way to the picturesque Budva. A local guide will show us around as we soak up the town's historic beauty. After, we'll return to Kotor – where you'll be free to spend the rest of the afternoon as you please. Stay: Hotel Cattaro (or similar) (B)

Today we take to the water (passing wonderful scenery, of course). A boat will carry us to Our Lady of the Rocks: a small church on a manmade island. After hearing the fascinating legend behind the church, we'll continue along the road less travelled to the mesmerising ancient city of Dubrovnik where the remainder of the afternoon will be yours to hunt down more local fare, explore the city's cobbled streets or simply put your feet up and relax at the hotel. Stay: Hotel More (or similar) (B)

Today's guided tour of Dubrovnik will see us strolling through the Old Town, where we'll see the likes of the Franciscan Monastery, Sponza Palace, the Cathedral of Our Lady and the Old Port. If the weather is on our side, we'll take the opportunity to climb the spectacular Mt Srđ on a cable car ride. Tonight, we'll come together for one last included dinner – and clink glasses to what an incredible nine days it has been. Stay: Hotel More (or similar) (B/D)

Before our journey comes to an end, there's still plenty of time to round things off with a visit to the beautiful Trsteno Arboretum. After tucking into a delicious lunch at a local oyster farm, we'll return to Dubrovnik – where we'll say our goodbyes. (B/L)