Extraordinary Dalmatian Islands

After a short drive from Split airport, arrive to your boutique hotel in the charming town of Trogir. This small enchanting town encased with XV century wall will capture your soul as you explore its tiny medieval streets with eye catching galleries and hidden restaurants. Trogir is a delightful little town that with warm Dalmatian hospitality, and it is conveniently located to explore Central Dalmatia. Take a relaxing walk to the seaside promenade with charming port full of sailboats waiting to take you to the nearby small island with their pristine sand beaches and secluded coves. Enjoy this amazing atmosphere from any of the seaside cafes and restaurants alongside the promenade offering local refreshments and Dalmatian specialties. A pleasing blend of Romanesque and Renaissance architecture, Trogir boasts a spectacular Venetian Cathedral of St. Lovro, a XV century town hall, the Church of St. John the Baptist with its gorgeous carved portal. Trogir is a delightful little town that is conveniently located to explore Central Dalmatia. Brown Beach House, Trogir

Start your private exploration of Trogir in the company of your expert local guide. You will quickly see why it is called a museum city by keeping in mind the many artistic repositories it hosts. Trogir is also included in the UNESCO list of protected world cultural heritage. There is the famous portal of Trogir cathedral and the Renaissance city loggia. And let us not forget the 1000-year old monastery of St. Nicholas. Trogir is indeed a treasure trove of art, and also a stage for young tenors from all over the world who come here each year to engage in singing competition. In the company of your private driver and your local guide, take a short drive to the ancient ruins of the Roman city of Solin (Salona), and the intriguing city of Split, rising from the incredible ruins of Diocletian’s Palace. So begin your sightseeing of Split with a visit to this lofty palace. First, walk the well-preserved ancient cellars; for here is where one can truly experience this magnificent palace. Continue with a visit to the Cathedral, which is considered to be one of the oldest in the world. The Cathedral was built on the remains of an ancient shrine. But don’t forget to experience Split the insider way visiting its markets, boutique specialty shops and tasting local specialties such as fritule, bevanda, sardines, soparnik, prosciutto, olive oil, ice cream, chocolate, vino, mussels, octopus salad, lamb on and the rest of the mouth-watering Dalmatian specialties. Continue your exploration of the extraordinary central Dalmatia by visiting an olive oil production in the village nearby Split. Enjoy an authentic experience of Dalmatia by finding out first-hand about olive growing as you visit the oldest olive tree in all of Dalmatia, taste the oil and to make this experience complete opt in for the home-made dinner of traditional Dalmatian specialties at a 700 year old watermill on Žrnovnica river with homemade peka bread. Brown Beach House, Trogir, (B)

This day is reserved for a full day excursion of Šibenik, Krka National Park, small town of Skradin and a traditional Dalmatian village of Pakovo Selo. A short drive along the scenic coastline with spectacular views of the scattered islands in the company of your private chauffer will take you to Šibenik, the oldest native Croatian city on the Adriatic. Make a stop at a vista near picturesque small town of Primošten for incredible views where you can snap a few of amazing pictures. Continue to Šibenik and in the company of your expert local guide, stroll its narrow winding streets, stony houses, many staircases and the remains of the city walls that give Šibenik that romantic Mediterranean atmosphere. Visit the St. Jacob’s Cathedral, the most famous building in Šibenik constructed over a period of a century, and by many things it is unique not only in Croatian architecture, but in European architecture as well. It is entirely built of stone, no other material was used. Continue to Skradin, more than 2000 year old town which is a starting point for your boat ride to the falls. A short cruise through the magnificent Krka river canyon will get you below the falls where you can hike, swim, relax and explore the old artifacts that depict the way of life from the ancient times. With its seven travertine waterfalls with the overall drop of 242 m, the Krka National Park is a natural phenomenon rich in plant and animal species many of which are endemic, rare or endangered – which makes a true natural haven. Continue to a small village of Pakovo Selo and learn first-hand about Dalmatian customs and tradition. See Dalmatian stone houses, traditional tools and utensils, learn how households were run, experience traditional Dalmatia and so much more. The village experience culminates in a splendid feast for your palette. Taste indigenous Dalmatian food and drinks, Drniški pršut, traditional red and white wine. Return to Trogir for overnight. Brown Beach House, Trogir, (B)

This morning we transfer you by private boat to the tiny island of Vis or Issa as it used to be called, with a stop on the island and Šolta and island of Hvar. Šolta is a very little island with rocky beaches, coves and tiny villages. We will make a short stop here just to get the experience of the island that is usually of the visitors travel maps. We continue to the island of Hvar. There’s more to Hvar than the glitzy town and its nightlife. Take the roads less traveled through Hvar’s countryside, and discover hidden coves, lush vineyards and olive groves, abandoned stone villages and magic vistas all the way up Hvar’s highest point St. Nikola’s peak. Our expert local guide will take you to the places that most people usually miss. First stop is a small abandoned XVI century village of Malo Grablje followed by the island’s historic lavender growing center of Velo Grablje and a stop in Vidikovac for a perfect view of the island’s deepest bay. Next, climb to the island’s highest peak Saint Nicholas. Enjoy the unobstructed 360 degree view all the way to the islands of Brač, Korčula and Vis. Below the high point of St. Nicholas, on a sloping sunny hillside, lies Sveta Nedija, a village surrounded with steep vineyards which are very difficult to tend. Hang on for the downhill ride which will surprise you by its sheer variety of landscapes: vineyard-covered hills, olive groves and scented fields of rosemary and lavender. Then it’s time to enjoy an authentic island lunch in the beautiful setting in an olive grove. After lunch break through to the island’s south side, one of Croatia’s most well-known, premier steep hill wine-growing areas. Then we’ll wind up our day in Hvar town so you too can finally experience a little bit of Hvar glamour, as well! Continue to Vis by private boat. Vis is the island of fishermen and winegrowers, and one of the smallest and most peaceful and secluded inhabited islands on the Croatian coast with a population a little over 3,000. Vis served as a military naval base during Yugoslavia and reopened to visitors in 1989. Beautiful beaches, pristine nature, ecological agriculture and preserved traditional architecture are unique advantages of this unique island. Enjoy the time at Vis speed where sometimes the only sound is made by the wind and sea and later in a day by few elderly locals lined up on the benches if front of their homes eagerly watching and gossiping “strange” island visitors. Hotel San Giorgio, Vis, (B)

Explore the island of Vis during a privately guided tour of the island in the company of a local expert guide and a driver. Visit the communist tunnels of “The Forbidden Island” and learn why Marshal Tito decided to transform the island of Vis in to the top secret fort of the Adriatic. The most interesting sites of the tour are special marine undermine for boats and submarines, the biggest military complex Samobor, the underground fuel base of former Yugoslav navy, underground press and propaganda center, huge tunnel with warehouses for the land-sea missiles, tunnels of the artillery battery of Stupišće, radar base on Island’s top peak Hum and other locations, as well as many other surprises. Continue your island discovery tour visiting island’s vineyards and wineries unique beaches and coves, towns of Komiža and Vis, quaint fishermen villages, historical fortifications, and end with an optional lunch or dinner at one of the island restaurants enjoying succulent meal and gorgeous sunset. Hotel San Giorgio, Vis, (B)

 

Discover the magic of Korčula town and the entire island in the company of your expert local guide driving through the picturesque hills, country roads, vineyards and olive groves to nearby bays for short swim or meal break. The winding road you follow stays close to the sea so you get some fantastic views along your route. Passing through a number of smaller villages such as Žrnovska Banja or Kneža, you can stop off for refreshments at one of the local restaurants. The peaceful fishing village of Račišće is a welcoming destination and offers some great swimming spots. Continue to the magical town of Korčula. This beautiful town is known for its brightly colored red roofs which stand out against the fiercely blue sea. In the company of your expert local guide, stroll along the streets of the city and visit the cultural and historical monuments. See the Treasury of the Abbey, the City Museum, the Museum of Icons, as well as other places of interest. Find your favorite restaurants along the sea and relax as you admire the breathtaking views. Return back to Vela Luka for overnight. Hotel Korkyra, Vela Luka, (B)

Transfer by private boat to the small island of Lopud with a stop on Mljet Island National park for sightseeing of the island and best swimming experience on the Adriatic. Experience the allure of Mljet Island featuring two connected salty lakes –Great Lake and the Small Lake. Take a boat ride St. Mary’s Benedictine monastery and a small church dating to the XII century. Enjoy lunch and do not miss the opportunity to do what locals do here — swim in the crystal clear waters of the lakes, relax, invigorate and recharge in the deep shade and the serenity of the island. You will be surrounded by beautiful, rich forest and narrow pathways that you will find ideal for hiking and biking. Return to Lopud for overnight. Villa Vilina, Vela Luka, (B)

Lopud is often called Middle Island, and it is a part of the Elaphiti Islands including Koločep and Šipan. It is indeed a serene and romantic place where one feels as if that the time stands still. There are no cars on the island, and stress is not a familiar word here. It is really an unusual place where children are more interested in chasing each other on village squares than in electronic games. It is also easy to mingle with locals here as you can always find them chatting on benches by the sea. So, if you ever wondered if there really is a place on earth where all of this still exist, the answer to you is Lopud, Croatia. So, enjoy the amazing Lopud and turns slowly in harmony with the rhythms of this place. Relax, get rid of the worries of tomorrow, and recharge. Spend your day looking at the local fisherman return with their small boats, followed by few seagulls hoping to find an easy meal. Then slowly follow the daily ritual „briškula “or „trešeta “traditional card games at the local fisherman bar. Villa Vilina, Vela Luka, (B)

Transfer to Dubrovnik by private boat. Start slowly with a private walking tour of Dubrovnik Old Town in the company of your expert local guide and visit its museums, architectural landmarks, outdoor markets and local specialty shops. Perhaps take a full day optional tour of the Dubrovnik countryside in Konavle region and learn how life used to be hundreds of years ago in small villages around Dubrovnik. Hotel Excelsior, Dubrovnik, (B) Transfer to Dubrovnik by private boat. Start slowly with a private walking tour of Dubrovnik Old Town in the company of your expert local guide and visit its museums, architectural landmarks, outdoor markets and local specialty shops. Perhaps take a full day optional tour of the Dubrovnik countryside in Konavle region and learn how life used to be hundreds of years ago in small villages around Dubrovnik. Hotel Excelsior, Dubrovnik, (B)

Transfer to Dubrovnik airport.