Pearls of the Adriatic North
Pearls of the Adriatic North
Pearls of the Adriatic North
9 Days Starting in Dubrovnik, Croatia and ending in Split, Croatia
Visiting: Dubrovnik, Slano, Mljet, Korčula, Vis, Hvar, Split
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Pearls of the Adriatic North" tour and discover the enchanting beauty of Croatia's coastline. Begin your journey in the historic city of Dubrovnik, where you'll explore its ancient walls and charming streets. Set sail on a luxurious seven-night Adriatic cruise, visiting stunning destinations like the Elaphiti Islands, Mljet National Park, and the picturesque islands of Korcula, Vis, and Hvar. Experience the rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes, from the medieval streets of Korcula to the untouched beauty of Vis. Enjoy guided tours, local cuisine, and the vibrant nightlife of Hvar. Conclude your adventure in the historical city of Split, with its lively atmosphere and UNESCO World Heritage sites. This tour offers a perfect blend of relaxation, exploration, and cultural immersion, all while traveling in style and comfort.
Must-see Highlights
- Explore Korcula, Hvar and Split with a Local Specialist
- Visit Dubrovnik, Slano, Mljet National Park, Benedictine monastery on St Mary Island, Korcula, Vis, the Blue Cave, Hvar, Zlatni Rat beach near Bol
- See the Elaphiti Islands
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Dubrovnik
Location: Dubrovnik
Accommodation: Lapad
Accommodation Name: Lero
Imposing stone walls encircle the Old Town of Croatia’s most recognisable city. On arrival in Dubrovnik, you'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Your local host will and provide suggestions on how to explore the city’s limestone streets and elegant courtyards lined with remnants of Dubrovnik’s Golden Age as the rest of the day is free for you to explore. In the Middle Ages, Dubrovnik became the only city-state in the Adriatic to rival Venice and remnants of its wealth and stature remain today confined within its centuries-old walls which staved off attacks from all manner of enemies, including the Ottoman Turks. What better way to end the day than finding the perfect café for a nightcap.
Day 2: Dubrovnik From Land And Sea
Location: Dubrovnik
Accommodation: Adriatic Cruise
Accommodation Name: Adriatic Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Stretch your legs as you prepare to set sail on the Adriatic after a leisurely start to your day. Settle into your new home before heading to the city gates for a guided tour of Dubrovnik. Meander through the narrow, car-free limestone streets – worn smooth under the soles of centuries of pedestrians, exploring the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Take the cable car from the Old Town to the Srđ mountain to enjoy scenic views of the mighty ramparts and of the Elaphiti Islands. This evening enjoy cocktails and dinner on board, featuring locally sourced and prepared dishes - a taste of the fine Croatian cuisine to come.
Day 3: Onwards To Picturesque Slano
Location: Slano
Accommodation: Adriatic Cruise
Accommodation Name: Adriatic Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Watch the skyline of Dubrovnik disappear into the distance as you make your way to the Elaphiti Islands where you’ll be tempted to cool off before continuing your journey to the fishermen’s village of Slano. Another firm favorite amongst local island hoppers, Slano has a colorful history and it’s the launch pad for our trip to Ston, a fortified settlement today perhaps most renowned for its oyster trade, but certainly also of great interest for lovers of history who will be fascinated by its rich ecclesiastical history. Here you’ll Dive Into Culture and enjoy a taste of its famous fruits – the oysters grown at a shellfish farm. Ston may be small, but its strategic location has meant it has seen a lot of turmoil over the centuries as you’ll discover during your visit, learning how its fortress was one of the largest construction projects of the time, aimed at defending the saltworks that delivered great wealth to Dubrovnik. The day ends on a high note, with dinner and live entertainment with the Captain, the perfect chance to exchange stories made so far across this beautiful country.
Day 4: Admire Mljet National Park
Location: Mljet
Accommodation: Adriatic Cruise
Accommodation Name: Adriatic Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Cruising north to yet another exquisite Croatian island, arrive at Mljet. As legend has it, the Greek hero, Odysseus, spent several years here when he was captured by the nymph Calypso. The highlight of today for some will be their visit to the island’s famous salt lakes including a boat ride to St Mary Isle to visit the ancient, fortified Benedictine monastery, abbey and 12th-century church, amongst the oldest church complexes on the Adriatic. You could choose instead to hire a kayak, bicycle, scooter or convertible car to see the sights of Croatia’s greenest island at your leisure. Mljet is particularly well-known for its wine, olives and goat’s cheese which you could choose to sample during your exploration, or perhaps pick the ultimate swimming spot to cool off. Both of the island’s salt lakes are popular with locals who believe the water to have therapeutic properties.
Day 5: Continue To The Island Of Korčula
Location: Korčula
Accommodation: Adriatic Cruise
Accommodation Name: Adriatic Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today’s cruise takes you to a land of legends and allegedly the birthplace of Marco Polo. Korčula is one of the best-preserved Medieval cities in the Mediterranean. You’ll be thoroughly enchanted by its incredible Greek heritage as you embark on a guided walking tour through its historic streets laid out in a fishbone street pattern which you’ll learn delivers a natural cooling effect and shelters the surrounding buildings. Discover the 11th-century BC Greek legend that tells of the Trojan warrior who build his home in Korčula “after the burning of Troy” and perhaps spend some time in its Old Town tasting and buying some of the local white wines for which the island is renowned.
Day 6: Explore The Untouched Island Of Vis
Location: Vis
Accommodation: Adriatic Cruise
Accommodation Name: Adriatic Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Largely undiscovered and after visiting you’ll want it to stay that way, the island of Vis is the farthest inhabited island off the Croatian mainland. Beyond its fascinating history as a former Yugoslavian army base which has left it fairly untouched, you’ll discover its rich Greek heritage as one of the main Greek colonies in 4th century BC. But the Greeks weren’t the only nation to recognise its treasures and you’ll also find the influence of the Romans and Venetians, culminating in a fascinating blend of culture that remains to this day. You may choose to take the optional trip and reflect on its history over a delicious local lunch and wine tasting in an old military cave. The afternoon is a leisurely exploration on your terms from the remains of the Roman baths to the City Museum, housed in a 19th-century Austrian fortress and featuring the largest collection of Hellenistic artefacts in Croatia. Alternatively stretch your legs, smelling the scents of rosemary, capers and sage which grow wild around the island.
Day 7: Visit The Magnificent Island Of Hvar
Location: Hvar
Accommodation: Adriatic Cruise
Accommodation Name: Adriatic Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Enjoy a relaxing swim stop and lunch on board at the Pakleni Islands before arriving in the popular, sun-drench Island of Hvar where you’ll get your bearings on a guided tour with a Local Specialist of this former trading center which has both Greek and Venetian roots. You’ll visit the city’s most impressive building, the Cathedral of St. Stephen still with its original tower and the Historical Hvar Theater, the first communal theater in Europe. For utterly unforgettable views that stretch all the way to the Pakleni Islands, ascend the stairs through the old part of the city to the Fortica that looms above the town. Hvar is known for its nightlife, so you won’t be short on inspiration on where to spend your evening with new friends.
Day 8: Cruise To Historical Split
Location: Split
Accommodation: Adriatic Cruise
Accommodation Name: Adriatic Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Gain a first-hand perspective on island life in the Adriatic during this morning’s visit to Brač, Croatia’s third-largest island and the perfect launchpad for today’s trip to Dalmatia’s most famous beach – Zlatni Rat, often referred to as the Golden Horn. A sandy peninsula jutting out from a Mediterranean pine grove, this expanse of pristine beach is the spot for locals to sun themselves and enjoy a swim in the cool and clear surrounding waters. It’s a landscape you’ll never forget and you’ll wish you could spend the whole day soaking in these stunning surrounds, but Split awaits, and your guided tour with a Local Specialist of this historical town under UNESCO world heritage protection will have you mesmerised with the abundance of things to see and do and its unique lively atmosphere.
Day 9: Disembark And Journey Home
Location: Split
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your fascinating encounter with the history, culture and irresistible beauty of Croatia comes to an end this morning. You’ll disembark your cruise and say a fond farewell to your Travel Director and new friends before taking your transfer to the airport for your departure.
What's Included
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Seven-night Adriatic Cruise
Enjoy a seven-night cruise along the stunning Adriatic coastline.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Stay in carefully selected hotels that are known for their quality and service.
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
Porterage and gratuities at restaurants are included in the tour package.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered in the tour cost.
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Enjoy daily breakfast and up to half of your evening meals included in the tour.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Experience must-see sights and enjoy surprise extras during the tour.
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets are provided for flexible and informative sightseeing.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Travel in comfort with a luxury air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi or enjoy alternative transportation options.
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Optional Experiences and free time
Take advantage of optional experiences and enjoy free time to explore on your own.
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On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
If necessary, hotels of a similar standard and location may be used.
What's Not Included
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Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Flights to and from the tour start and end locations
Flights to and from Dubrovnik and Split are not included in the tour package.
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Optional excursions
Optional excursions and activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.
Dining Summary
8 Breakfast (B)2 Dinner (D)6 Lunch (L)
Dive Into Culture
Ston: Discover the history of oyster farming and how oysters are grown delicately before enjoying some for yourself.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour includes travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi in most countries, and also features a seven-night Adriatic Cruise, providing a unique perspective of Croatia's stunning coastline.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
You will stay at the Lero Hotel in Dubrovnik and enjoy a seven-night Adriatic Cruise. The accommodations are cherry-picked, tried and trusted hotels, with the possibility of similar standard accommodations if needed.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes daily breakfast and up to half of your evening meals. Additionally, there are 6 lunches and 2 dinners included during the cruise.
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What cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a cultural experience in Ston, where you will discover the history of oyster farming and enjoy tasting some of the locally grown oysters.
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What activities are available on Mljet Island?
On Mljet Island, you can visit the famous salt lakes and take a boat ride to St Mary Isle to see the ancient Benedictine monastery. Alternatively, you can hire a kayak, bicycle, scooter, or convertible car to explore the island at your leisure.
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What can I expect to see on the island of Korčula?
On Korčula, you will embark on a guided walking tour through its historic streets, learn about its Greek heritage, and have the opportunity to taste and buy local white wines for which the island is renowned.
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What is special about the island of Vis?
Vis is the farthest inhabited island off the Croatian mainland, known for its rich Greek heritage and as a former Yugoslavian army base. You can explore its Roman baths, City Museum, and enjoy the local flora such as rosemary, capers, and sage.
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What highlights can I expect on the island of Hvar?
In Hvar, you will have a guided tour with a Local Specialist, visit the Cathedral of St. Stephen, the Historical Hvar Theater, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife. You can also ascend to the Fortica for stunning views of the Pakleni Islands.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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