Overview
Experience the glorious Dalmatian Coast, with its legendary islands set in the azure Adriatic Sea, fascinating walled cities filled with the echoes of the Venetian Empire, delightful fresh seafood, and a burgeoning wine scene. We’ve created a wonderful Private Journey—with a fantastic array of options—that takes you through the best of this enchanting realm. With your private guide, explore the isle of Hvar, with its charming white-stone towns, hike through villages that seem lost in time, and sea kayak the inviting turquoise waters. On the hilly Peljesac Peninsula, you’ll hike the defensive ramparts of medieval Ston, taste wines at an award-winning winery specializing in traditional winemaking techniques, sample oysters on a secluded island, and hike to hillside monasteries for splendid views of the sea. Your grand finale is the beautiful city of Dubrovnik, where a bike ride in the surrounding countryside reveals a stunning landscape of lush vineyards, olive groves, and tiny stone villages. Our accommodations are in lovely hotels just steps from the water. We’ve wrapped up all the beauty of the Dalmatian Coast in a spectacular—and fun—adventure.
It was wonderful to have a private hour of Croatia. All the locations we visited were different and very interesting.
— Bobbie P., Glen Ridge, NJ
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-2
Explore Hvar Island
On the gorgeous isle of Hvar, enjoy a walking tour of Hvar Town with your private guide. An optional half-day sea kayaking tour brings you into the beautiful turquoise waters surrounding Hvar, and a hike in the central hills, brimming with fields of lavender and other aromatic herbs, reveals ancient hamlets with traditional architecture. You may also have the chance to taste prosek, an outstanding dessert wine, or travarica, an aromatic herbal grappa.
Days 3-4
Korcula Island
Head to the beautiful island of Korcula, the alleged birthplace of Marco Polo and an ancient fortified Venetian arsenal, known for its white wine called Posip, dense forests, and sandy beaches. The town of Korcula is encircled by medieval walls, and its charming squares, streets, palaces, and churches are a delight to explore. A hike to the village of Zrnovo, one of the oldest on the island, will reveal island life as it was in years gone by, and you’ll sample homemade liquors and marmalade at a local farm.
Days 5-7
Ston / Oyster Tasting / Dubrovnik
In the enchanting medieval village of Ston on the Peljesac Peninsula, enjoy a short walking tour of the town, with its clusters of houses with terracotta roofs, and hike on the ancient city walls. Heading to Hodilje, set on a bay where oyster and mussel farms thrive, boat out into the waters with a local guide who introduces you to the fascinating process of farming oysters, and taste them fresh from the sea. Visit the winery of Frano Milos, a famous Croatian winemaker who produces the best red wines and organic olive oil in the area. Enjoy a full day in Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” with its dazzling late-medieval walled city of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. The aromatic countryside outside of Dubrovnik is yours to explore on Day 7 either by bicycle or foot. Enjoy landscapes of vineyards, orchards, and olive groves, and finish the afternoon with a wine-tasting in a centuries-old cellar.
Days 8-9
Popovo Valley / Old City of Mostar / Depart
Drive along the coast and the border of Bosnia and Herzegovina through the scenic Popovo Valley, visiting Blagaj, a Dervish monastery that’s nearly 600 years old, set at the base of a cliff on the scenic Buna River, as well as the Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar, a UNESCO World Heritage site and historic Ottoman frontier town. Return to Dubrovnik and depart on Day 9.
