TurlyCroatia.com
Experience southern Dalmatian over the course of 11 days, visiting Split, Hvar, Dubrovnik, and many spectacular places in between. Learn about Croatian history and traditions such as olive oil, wine, and of course food. Highlights include Plitvice Lakes National Park, Blue and Green Caves, Mljet National Park, and much more. This tour can be customized to your interests, preferences, travel dates and preferred budget.
Split
Trogir
Salona
Klis
Plitvice Lakes
Hvar
Blue and Green Cave
Pelješac
Ston
Mljet
Dubrovnik
Day 1 - Split
Join us within the walls of Diocletian’s Palace, and our trained olive master will guide you through the world of olives, from ancient tradition to modern production. Learn how to smell, taste and enjoy three different types of olive oil, pairing them with Dalmatian delicacies. Guided tasting of three premium olive oils is perfect for those who wish to learn about Croatian traditions, customs, and ways of recognizing quality olive oil. Olive oil is paired with fleur de sel, aged red wine vinegar, freshly baked bread from our oven, cow and mixed milk cheese, dry fig jam, and homemade tapenade.
What’s Included
- Split airport arrival and private transfer to hotel
- Olive Oil Tasting and Light tapas experience
- 3 nights accommodation in a 4* or 5* hotel, including breakfast and tourist taxes
Day 2 - Split - Dalmatian Highlights Experience - Split
Discover and experience the most interesting Dalmatian highlights in the rich historic area between Split and Trogir, including guided tours of Split, Klis, Salona, and Trogir.
Split is Croatia’s second-largest city and the largest on the Adriatic coast, filled with history and atmosphere. In the 3rd century, the Roman Emperor Diocletian decided to spend his last days in the sunny harbor of Asphaltos, where he built an amazing palace (UNESCO Heritage listed) whose walls have stood through the centuries and are still a part of the old City. Visit UNESCO protected town of Trogir, which will amaze you with its lively narrow streets, stone houses, and Venetian architecture. For more Roman sights, we visit the remnants of Salona, the ancient city and capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia dating from the 1st cent. A.D. Lastly, before returning to Split, visit a medieval sight and enjoy a spectacular view as we head to the picturesque village of Klis. Stippled with vineyards and olive groves is the home to a beautiful medieval fortress bearing the same name that was a seat to Croatian dukes and kings.
What’s Included
- Private van and driver, fuel, tolls, and parking
- Split City and Dalmatian Highlights Tour
- Guided tours of Split, Klis, Salona, and Trogir
- Entrance tickets for Split cellars, Klis and Salona
Day 3 - Split - Plitvice Lakes - Split
The unity and harmony of 16 lakes and their rare natural and cultural value are famous throughout Croatia and worldwide, earning this remarkable National Park a coveted place on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites.
Arriving at Plitvice, walk through these ancient woodlands led by our experienced guide. The path takes us first across Upper Lakes, a system of 12 lakes separated by travertine barriers. Then it’s time for a serene short boat ride towards the Lower Lakes. Wherever you are in Plitvice, it’s easy to see why its travertine marble formations are such an extraordinary natural phenomenon. The barriers, sills, and other forms created in these lakes, karst rivers, and streams are still ongoing processes shaping the wonderful landscapes that make your walk through the park so enjoyable.
Before returning to Split, we stop at a local restaurant for an optional lunch. The approximate drive time is 2 hours and 30 minutes each way.
What’s Included
- Private van and driver, fuel, tolls, and parking
- Guided tour of the park and boat ride, entrance tickets
Day 4 - Split - Hvar
Hvar is a natural paradise whose fields are famous for their grapes and olives, producing world-class products. Ride from Stari Grad through the Stari Grad Plain, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to Vrboska, known locally as Little Venice. After a ride along the seashore to Jelsa, we will stop for a short wine tasting with top-quality wine and olive oil. On our way back, we will visit a family farm where you will enjoy traditional lunch made of organic food and wines. After a wonderful half-day exploring Hvar island, the tour ends with a car transfer back to your hotel.
What’s Included
- Private transfer from Split hotel to port
- Fast ferry tickets from Split to Hvar
- Private Guided Cycling Tour with wine tasting and lunch
- 4 nights accommodation in a 4* or 5* hotel, including breakfast and tourist taxes
Day 5 - Hvar
The island of Hvar is a paradise for walkers and nature lovers. Hike along the old shepherd’s paths and lonely tracks, and experience wonderful views and untouched nature overflowing with the intense colors and fragrances of lavender, sage, and rosemary. Lavender blooms are seasonal, typically blooming in May or June, depending on the year.
Explore this beautiful island, its rugged coastline, cliffs and mountains, small villages, olive groves, lavender fields, and vineyards. Climb the hills for beautiful panoramic views and then descend through olive groves and vineyards to the coast, offering nature lovers unforgettable impressions! Find secret places and special moments off the beaten path and discover the hidden creatures while learning things others do not know about. Enjoy an authentic experience that tells the story behind the scenery.
What’s Included
- Private Guided Hiking Tour
- Roundtrip transfer
Day 6 - Hvar - Blue Cave Boat Experience - Hvar
Starting in the morning from Hvar town, the first stop is the Green Cave on Ravnik island, close to Vis. We will have some free time for swimming, snorkeling, and cliff-jumping there. Afterward, we are headed to the Blue Cave on Biševo island. The magnificent cave is definitely a highlight of the tour, with its blue lightning effect that takes your breath away. Due to sea and wind conditions, the cave entrance can sometimes close without advance notice. Cave tickets are purchased locally. Our third stop is another jewel of Vis island Stiniva cove. The beach was voted the most beautiful in Europe in 2016, and it is very well known for its amazing cliffs on the sides and tiny entrance to the bay. Depending on the group’s wishes, weather conditions, and the captain’s recommendation, it can be Budikovac island, Stončica bay, the military tunnels of Vis island, or maybe some lone beach for you to enjoy. On our way back to Hvar, we will stop at Palmižana bay, considered the most beautiful among the Pakleni islands. Enjoy free time for lunch at one of the local restaurants in the bay before returning back to Hvar town.
What’s Included
- Private Speedboat Tour to Blue and Green Caves
- Skipper, fuel, water, and snorkeling gear
Day 7 - Hvar - Pakleni Islands Sailboat Adventure - Hvar
This 4 to 6 hour sailing trip offers you the choice of variable departing times starting in the morning or afternoon for a sunset sailing experience. It offers you just the right amount of time to discover the bays’ hidden beauty in the Pakleni Islands archipelago. Different bays on the island of St. Klement - Zdrilca or Vela Garska Bay on Hvar. All these bays have pristine crystal clear waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and underwater photography. If it’s too cold for swimming, we can visit one of the islands on land. The itineraries of these tours are flexible and depend on the weather conditions. However, our sailing team will bring you to the best spots for swimming and relaxing.
What’s Included
- Half-day private sailing adventure
- Skipper, Fuel, Wine, Water, Snacks, and Snorkeling gear
Day 8 - Hvar - Dubrovnik
Learn about Dubrovnik and its surroundings, history, and contemporary life. Visit the famous Dubrovnik Old Town with a licensed guide. Visit the old town’s historic buildings such as Onofrio’s Fountain, Pile Gate, Franciscan Monastery, Stradun main street, Sponza Palace, rector’s Palace, Cathedral, Saint Blaise Church, Old Town Port, Farmers’ Market. Hear all stories about these places, which will make them come to life. Experience views and excellent photo opportunities outside the Old town from the hill above the town and Dubrovnik Bridge. In a mere 3 hours, get a real feel of Dubrovnik.
What’s Included
- Tickets to fast ferry from Hvar to Dubrovnik
- Transfer from Dubrovnik port to hotel
- Dubrovnik Above and Beyond, Srdj hill panorama, and guided Old Town tour
- 3 nights accommodation in a 4* or 5* hotel, including breakfast and tourist taxes
Day 9 - Dubrovnik - Wine and Oyster Tasting Experience - Dubrovnik
Let our local fisherman take you with his boat to his oyster beds where you will try the most delicious oysters accompanied by his homemade wine. Let your experienced guide immerse you in the history and culture of this area, and learn about the oysters and wines paired with them. Visit one of the family-owned Pelješac wineries and learn about their wine production, visit their cellars, and taste their wine and liqueurs. Take a relaxed orientation tour with your guide through the gothic center of Ston and learn about its huge defensive walls and rich merchant history. Lastly, before returning to Dubrovnik, visit an organic farm in Orašac and experience village life and how olive oil was produced in the past.
What’s Included
- Private van and driver, fuel, tolls, and parking
- Visit an organic farm in Orašac and experience village life and how olive oil was produced in the past.
- Wine tasting some of the finest homegrown wines and vineyards
- A peek into the local salt works and learn about the largest preserved salt works in Europe
- Experience a short boat ride for oyster picking & oyster tasting in Mali Ston Bay
Day 10 - Dubrovnik - Mljet Speedboat Adventure - Dubrovnik
Situated just an hour and a half from Dubrovnik by speedboat, near the peninsula of Pelješac and the island of Korčula, Mljet is one of the many must-see locations of the South Dalmatian coastline. Home to the oldest National Park on the Adriatic, Mljet is the quintessential paradise island: peaceful, unspoiled, and home to fascinating plants and wildlife.
Come and explore this majestic island and forget about the bustle of modern urban life.
What’s Included
- Private speedboat experience from Dubrovnik
- Family-friendly snorkel into Odysseus cave Visit National Park and Salt Lakes Swim in crystal clear Adriatic Sea
- Pickup at your accommodation, private skipper, boat, and fuel
- Wi-Fi, Go-Pro camera, towels, masks & snorkels, floaties for children
- Water, Beer, Wine & Soda
Day 11 - Dubrovnik Departure
After breakfast, meet your driver for your final transfer to Dubrovnik airport. We look forward to welcoming you back one day soon. Sretan put!
What’s Included
- Private transfer from hotel to airport