The memorable Dalmatian coast

Day 1: Departure to Split

Once you have arrived in Split and collected your rental car, your journey is all set to begin. For the first five nights, you will stay at one of our top hotels in Dalmatia.

Day 2: Historic Split

Your adventure begins with a visit to Croatia's most amazing city centre, the impressive Palace of Diocletian. Long after the death of this Roman emperor, the luxurious flats and accompanying army stables were looted, windows bricked up and new homes sprung up in the rooms. The imperial mausoleum gave way to a grand cathedral. Nowadays, it is a chaotic labyrinth of streets and buildings. This is why the palace has sometimes been called the largest 'squat' in Europe.

Day 3: Trogir - Šibenik

Trogir is a charming medieval town, founded by the Greeks and yet its atmosphere is thoroughly Venetian. The narrow cobbled streets, the quays where boats moor and the St Lawrence Cathedral with its magnificent west portal lend this place an atmosphere from another era. Some 45 kilometres away is the beautiful city of Šibenik with its picturesque medieval centre, its St.-Annafort and its architectural masterpiece, St.-Jacob's Cathedral, Croatia's most famous church. 71 city citizens were chiselled into a frieze of the cathedral for eternity because they did not want to help pay for the construction of this church, which is called a playful revenge by the cathedral builders.

Day 4: The Krka waterfalls or the Kornati islands

Krka National Park is best known for the 17 waterfalls of Skradinski Buk, here the water plunges 500 metres into the depths. There is also a park where children are allowed to swim. Island lovers will prefer an excursion to the protected and untouched Kornati archipelago, 90 barren islands, deforested and stripped of vegetation, accessible only by boat from Murter.

Day 5: The island of Brač or Hvar

From Split there are several daily crossings to the island of Brač, renowned since ancient times for its virgin white limestone which is also popular with architects and sculptors. This limestone was for instance used in the construction of the White House in Washington. Especially the south-west coast with its picturesque villages and harbours like Ložisća and Milna and the Dragonjik quarry along the way give a great overview of this island. Hvar, Croatia's sunniest and trendiest island, is best reached by catamaran from Split. Popular with the jet set, you will find many luxury yachts, fashionable nightclubs and exclusive beaches here. The capital Hvar has many sights and charms: the Spanish fortress, the Arsenal with its theatre, St Stephen's Cathedral and a beautiful coastal road.

Day 6: From the Makarska Riviera to Dubrovnik

After just about 15 kilometres, the landscape changes very quickly, the silhouette of the impressive Biokovo Mountains dominantly towering over every village or town including the beautifully located Omiš or delightful Brela. Makarska is a popular seaside resort and a spectacular combination of sea and mountains. Via Gradac and the fertile Neretva Valley, you cross the border into Bosnia-Herzegovina for about ten kilometres. After a day of exploring, you will continue your journey towards Dubrovnik where you will stay for three nights at a Caractère hotel.

Day 7: Dubrovnik, 'Pearl of the Adriatic'

The former Ragusa sits on a cliff surrounded by high ramparts and is one of the most beautiful fortifications in the world (Unesco World Heritage Site). A walk in the walled city with its impressive city gates or along the Placa will show you the most extraordinary sights: the Onofrio Fountain, the Franciscan and Dominican Monastery and Cathedral, the Square of the Loggia, the Sponza Palace and the Rector's Palace. The terraces at the old port or a walk on the city walls are also lovely.

Day 8: The Elaphite Islands or Ston

Experience the silence of the beautiful coastal landscape best with a boat trip to the Elafites, an archipelago of virtually car-free islands: Lopud, Koločep and Sipan. you can also opt for a trip to the oyster village of Ston, with its five-kilometre-long wall on a mountain ridge. Ston was for many years the northern defensive gateway of the Republic of Ragusa, better known as Dubrovnik, and the fortifications had to ward off attacks from the sea to protect the lucrative salt flats, which still border the village. Renaissance palaces and Gothic houses are still silent witnesses of this turbulent period.

Day 9: Going home

Subject to the timing of your return flight, you can visit the pleasant seaside town of Cavtat en route. After this, unfortunately, your trip in Dalmatia comes to an end and you will return your rental car. Don't feel like returning home yet? We will be happy to extend your stay in one of our boutique hotels in Dubrovnik. Would you like to visit Montenegro as well? That is also possible, make sure to visit Tivat or the Bay of Kotor.