Croatia Adventure

Begin your adventure in Split, a coastal city where Roman history meets Adriatic flair. Its centrepiece, Diocletian's Palace, has been the beating heart of the city for more than 1,700 years, now alive with cafes, courtyards, and local life. Around 6pm, say zdravo to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and hear more about the adventures ahead.

Your tour leader then ensures a big Croatian welcome by arranging a group dinner featuring traditional Dalmatian dishes. Want more time in Split? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative. Upgrade your room today – speak to your sales representative for more details. Stay: Art Hotel Depandanca (or similar) (D).

Take the one-hour ferry to Brač island this morning, renowned for its white limestone once used in Diocletian's Palace and, some say, The White House. We transfer (20 minutes) from Supetar to the tiny hamlet of Gažul, where our hike begins. The trail to Vidova Gora, the highest point on the Adriatic islands (2,560ft/780m), rewards us with far-reaching views over Hvar, Korčula, and the Pelješac Peninsula.

Along the route, our tour leader shares insights into Brač's natural and cultural heritage, from ancient archaeological sites to the distinctive karst landscape. After descending, we visit the Museum of Olive Oil in Škrip for a tasting and light lunch before returning to Split by ferry. Upgrade your room today – speak to your sales representative for more details. Stay: Art Hotel Depandanca (or similar) (B).

Today, you can tailor the day to your interests: Option 1: Full-day boat excursion to Vis, the Blue Cave and Hvar Leaving Split at 7. 30am, journey across the Adriatic to visit the Blue Cave on Biševo island, pause for coffee in Komiža on Vis, admire Stiniva Bay, swim at the Blue Lagoon, cruise past the Pakleni Islands, and explore Hvar town before returning in the evening. Option 2: Marjan Park e-bike tour Ride through Split and up into Marjan Hill Park, a forested peninsula offering scenic views across the Adriatic.

Stops along the way provide opportunities to photograph the coastline and learn how the local people use this green haven as their backyard playground. Alternatively, enjoy a free day in Split, perhaps visiting the Palace cellars or taking a swim at Bačvice Beach. Upgrade your room today – speak to your sales representative for more details. Stay: Art Hotel Depandanca (or similar) (B).

Travel south by ferry or catamaran (three hours) to Korčula, a medieval walled town said to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. After checking in, we set out for a sea kayaking adventure along the coastline, paddling past small islets and pine-fringed shores with time for a swim.

In the evening, stroll the narrow lanes of Korčula Old Town or sample local pošip wine in a family-run konoba (tavern). Stay: Aminess (or similar) (B).

A morning catamaran (approximately 45 minutes) takes us to Mljet, often called Croatia's greenest island. We cycle a circular route around Veliko and Malo Jezero, two tranquil saltwater lakes surrounded by pine forest. There's time to visit St Mary's Islet, home to a 12th-century Benedictine monastery, before returning to Korčula in the afternoon. Stay: Aminess (or similar) (B).

Departing Korčula by ferry (approximately 30 minutes), we reach the Pelješac Peninsula, famous for its Dingač and Plavac Mali reds. We stop at a vineyard for a tasting paired with local snacks, before continuing (approximately two hours) to Dubrovnik.

This afternoon, a guided walking tour reveals the highlights of the UNESCO-listed Old Town – from the limestone-paved Stradun to Renaissance palaces and mighty city walls that once guarded the Republic of Ragusa. Stay: Hoteli Maestral (or similar) (B).

You've hiked to Brač's highest point, paddled around Korčula, and tasted Pelješac wines, but now it's time to begin your return journey home. Alternatively, if you'd like to extend your adventure, speak to your sales representative to discuss our range of extension options in Dubrovnik or beyond (B).