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Croatia Island Hopping

Croatia - Trip code DC Discovery
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308Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

Enjoy sun and sea with a side of culture, island hopping along Croatia's Dalmatian Coast. Tick the highlights off your list, uncovering the history of the country's terracotta-roofed cities, as well as the charm and beauty of its island life. Take every opportunity to unwind, with daily dips in the azure waters of the Adriatic, swimming, kayaking.

Why we love this trip
  • Dubrovnik - Explore the ancient history and architecture of the walled city's UNESCO-listed Old Town.
  • Korcula - Get off the beaten track to uncover the island's untouched corners and meet locals at a traditional farm.
  • Brac - Try stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking on one of Croatia's most- iconic beaches, Zlatni Rat - otherwise known as the Golden Cape.
  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 8

    Lunch: 1

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Local Guide(s)

  • Transport

    Bus

    Boat

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    Accommodation

    5 nights comfortable hotel

    2 nights premium hotel

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    Trip pace:

    Moderate

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    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 16
    Explore Average 11

Itinerary

Day 1 - Join trip in Split

Our tour starts today in Split, Croatia's second-largest city, picturesquely located on the Adriatic coast. With its blend of old and new, it provides the perfect introduction to Dalmatia.

If you'd like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Split Airport (SPU), which is a 35-minute drive from our hotel.

For those arriving on time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for a welcome meeting. Afterwards, for those who wish, there's the chance to go for dinner to sample local cuisine, followed by a walk through Split's old town, which has been granted UNESCO World Heritage status thanks to its historic charm. If you miss the welcome meeting, your Tour Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

If you arrive earlier in the day, there's plenty to see in Split. The historic sites within the Palace of Diocletian are well worth a visit. Built to honour the Roman Emperor Diocletian, this huge residence makes up around half of the old city and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's widely regarded as the world's best-preserved Roman Palace. The city is also brimming with culture and has a host of excellent museums.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 2 - Ferry to Brac and discover Zlatni Rat Beach

This morning, you have the option to join a walking tour of the old town, guided by a local historian, or discover the winding streets independently. Meeting up in the late morning, we'll make our way to the harbour and board a ferry to Brac. Renowned for its beautiful beaches and rich cultural heritage, tranquil Brac offers a more authentic Croatian island experience than its neighbour island, Hvar. The journey takes one hour, crossing the azure waters with panoramic views of the coastline.

Our base for the next two nights is a premium hotel in Bol. Most well-known for Zlatni Rat beach, rated as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Bol has plenty on offer. After a short orientation tour and lunch in the town centre, we'll have free time to explore the island independently.

You might like to head straight to Zlatni Rat Beach, which is only a short walk from our hotel, alternatively, you can relax by the pool. You can also hire bikes from the hotel to cycle along the scenic coastal roads of Brac, immersing yourself in the island's landscapes and discovering hidden gems. Another option is to rent a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard to get out on the turquoise waters and marvel at the stunning coastline.

In the evening, there is a wide variety of restaurants and bars to choose from. Most restaurants offer local and Mediterranean specialities, the most popular being 'lamb on a spit' and 'octopus under Peka.' If you like trying different food, you should definitely try 'Vitalac,' which is an authentic dish from the island.

Accommodation:

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 3 - Visit to Vidova Gora and hike to Blaca Hermitage

We'll begin our day with a scenic bus ride to Vidova Gora, the highest peak on the Croatian island of Brac and the tallest point on all Adriatic islands. After pausing to capture the stunning views, we'll embark on a downhill hike to Blaca Hermitage, one of Croatia's best-kept secrets. Located in a remote canyon, this site was established in the 16th century by Glagolitic priests seeking solitude. The hike is approximately 40 minutes (2 kilometres/1.2 miles) along a picturesque trail leading to the hermitage. While not particularly challenging, sturdy and comfortable footwear is recommended.

At the monastery, we'll step back in time to explore its unique architecture and historical artefacts, gaining insight into the monks' way of life and their harmonious relationship with nature.

Following our tour, we'll hike back uphill to rejoin our bus, which will take us to Humac for a optional lunch break at a delightful local tavern. In the afternoon, we'll return to Bol, where you'll have the evening free to relax or explore at your own pace.

Accommodation:

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 4 - Morning sail to Korcula Island, hike in the Kocje Nature Reserve and agro-tourism farm visit

After breakfast, we'll leave Brac behind us and take a scenic fast ferry (a two-hour journey) to Korcula, lying in the centre of the archipelago. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the mesmerizing views of the Adriatic Sea as we sail towards our next destination.

Korcula is known for its interior of dense pine forests, which once supplied the Venetians with timber for their vast fleets. It's also known for its vineyards, which produce some excellent white wines from their indigenous Grk variety of grapes - you might like to enjoy a tipple while we're here.

We'll make our way to the Kocje Nature Reserve, a hidden gem known for its untouched forests, interesting rock formations dressed in moss and resident fairies (according to local legend). We'll head towards a family farm where traditional agricultural practices are upheld, making them the first ecological olive oil producers on the island. We'll meet the family and learn about their history and the different produce that's grown on the estate before indulging ourselves in a food-tasting experience featuring a variety of locally sourced delicacies such as freshly harvested fruits, artisanal cheeses, homemade preserves, and other traditional delights that showcase the rich culinary heritage of Korcula.

Following the tasting, we'll say goodbye to the family and walk through the nature reserve observing strange rock formations and tall trees. The subdued daylight that permeates through the trees, gives you the feeling of being in the middle of a jungle. As we explore the trails, keep an eye out for native wildlife and unique plant species.

Today's leisurely 6-kilometre/3.7-mile hike is expected to take around two hours with some short uneven sections with boulders.

We'll transfer back to the charming town of Korcula where we'll explore the medieval streets, see the historic sites, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this ancient, fortified town. In the evening, you're free to explore Korcula's renowned restaurants or taverns.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Full day excursion to Mljet Island with the option to walk, swim, kayak or cycle

This morning, we'll take a 40-minute fast ferry out to the lush and beautiful Mljet Island. Awarded National Park status in 1962, the island is the greenest in Croatia and home to just one hotel. It's otherwise made up of verdant green forests, turquoise lakes, sheltered coves lapped by crystal-clear waters and white-sand beaches.

Our tour leader will give us a short orientation walk to the lakes to get your bearings and will run through your options for today. The rest of the day is free. There are a variety of ways to explore the island's lush interior and lakes either by foot or bicycle on well-signposted trails or perhaps by kayak. Near Pomena there are plenty of beaches to choose to relax on, and a choice of restaurants serving up locally produced food and wine.

The ferry this evening back to Korcula is due to depart at 5pm.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 6 - Travel to Dubrovnik via the Peljsac peninsula, wine tasting and visit the walled city of Ston

This morning, we'll start our journey with a short ferry transfer to the Peljesac peninsula before continuing through the picturesque Croatian countryside by minibus, making our way towards Dubrovnik.

Our first stop will take us to a charming winery, where we'll have the opportunity to indulge in a delightful wine-tasting experience. We'll sample a selection of exquisite local wines, learn about the winemaking process, and savour the unique flavours that this region has to offer.

We'll continue our journey, making our way to the town of Ston. Known for its impressive defensive walls, which are the second longest in the world, Ston offers a fascinating glimpse into Croatia's rich history. We'll take a leisurely stroll through the town, admire the ancient architecture, and perhaps indulge in some local delicacies, such as the renowned Ston oysters or delicious seafood dishes.

After our visit to Ston, we'll travel to our final destination, the spectacular walled city of Dubrovnik. Like many Croatian cities, Dubrovnik has seen its share of conquerors and settlers, each adding their own contributions to the city we see today. Extensive renovations during the 1990s and into the 2000s have meant that the city is excellently preserved, its old walls housing tiled roofs and white-washed buildings in all their splendour that give the illusion of stepping back in time.

Upon arrival in Dubrovnik, we'll settle into our premium accommodation where we'll have the evening at leisure. Our hotel is located in the sought-after Lapad peninsula with its beautiful promenade by the sea, where you can find plenty of local restaurants and bars. If you prefer to have dinner in the Old Town, you can easily reach it by bus or taxi.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 7 - Morning guided walking tour of Dubrovnik, free afternoon to explore the UNESCO World Heritage city

In the morning, we'll take the public bus to the Old Town for a walking tour led by a historian.

Starting from Pile Square on the eastern side of Dubrovnik, we'll snake our way through the maze of narrow streets and lively piazzas to take in the Sponza Palace, housing the city's archives, and the intricately carved baroque church of St Blaise. Continuing through the main thoroughfare of Stradun, we'll walk down the Jesuit Staircase, perhaps better known as the 'Steps of the Great Sept of Bailor' used for the 'Walk of Shame' scene in Game of Thrones. Finally, we'll end at the magnificent Rector's Palace, another filming location but an incredible example of Gothic architecture in its own right.

The afternoon is free for you to explore the city by yourself. There is so much to see and do in this charming city. Other highlights include the cable car to Mount Srd, a walk in Konavle Valley or there are specialist tours based around Game of Thrones. If you want to walk along the Dubrovnik City Walls, we suggest you buy a Dubrovnik Card which gives you access to many sights as well as public transport around Dubrovnik.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 8 - Trip ends in Dubrovnik

Our trip ends today at our hotel in Dubrovnik.

There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel.

If you'd like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) which is a 35-minute drive from our hotel.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

Croatia

Climate

The Croatian Adriatic has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm, dry, sunny summers. There is a chance of sporadic rain in spring and autumn, though generally it is in the form of short showers. Thunderstorms can occur in summer, generally helping to cool the air. Hvar Island gets the most sunshine in summer with 10-12 hours each day, followed by Split, Korcula Island and Dubrovnik with around 7-8 hours. Temperatures from May to October are generally in the low to mid 70's (in °F), but can reach into the 30's (in °C) in July and August. Trip itineraries with boat cruises can occasionally be disrupted due to bad weather.

Time difference to GMT

+1

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Roman Catholic

Language

Croatian

Budgeting and packing

Optional activities

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.


Split guided tour - EUR100 for groups up to 10 people, over 10 people is €10 pp
Mljet Island - Cycle hire: EUR20 for two hours / ebikes also availble , Kayak hire (2 seater): EUR35 for one-and-a-half hours
Ston- Walking the City Walls EUR35
Dubrovnik- Cable Car EUR27 return trip, Walk the city walls EUR35


Clothing

July and August are the hottest months and lightweight cotton clothing is best. During spring and autumn temperatures can be lower or drop during the evenings and there is also a stronger possibility of rain, although light rainwear may be needed at any time of year. Layered clothing and a warm fleece are recommended for cooler evenings along with a waterproof jacket.

Footwear

Comfortable walking shoes plus sandals/flip flops for relaxing. You may find a pair of old shoes or sandals useful for swimming off rocks and stoney beaches.

Luggage

20Kg

Luggage: On tour

One main piece of baggage and a daypack. Remember that you will have to carry your own luggage between our bus and your accommodation so don't overload yourself.

Equipment

We advise taking a water bottle for our included walks and cycle rides as well as sun glasses, sunscreen and a sun hat, consider bringing walking poles if you usually use them. To cut down on your plastic consumption we would also recommend bringing a reusable drink straw, travel coffee cup and a shopping bag with you. In case of emergency, it is advisable to carry a first aid kit and a torch. You might find mosquito repellent handy and bring a swimming suit and towel for any of the water-based activities.

We strongly recommend that if you intend to take part in the optional bike ride on this tour, you bring your own cycling helmet with you. Cycling helmets will be available to hire locally from a reputable supplier, but we cannot guarantee the structural integrity of local equipment. Most insurance providers require helmets to be worn whilst cycling, so in the event of an accident, it is likely that any insurance claim will be invalidated if you are not wearing a helmet.

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. You may however, want to recognise a leader that has done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It is a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we would recommend €25 to €30 per person per week as a guideline.
Local crew
Although voluntary, tipping is a recognised part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. Accordingly, you should allow approximately £20 of local currency for tipping.



Croatia

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£15 to £35, depending on your location, touristic areas are usually slightly more expensive
Dinner price
£15 to £40 depending on your location, touristic areas are usually slightly more expensive
Beer price
£5 to £10 depending on your location, touristic areas are usually slightly more expensive
Water price
£3 to £5 depending on size
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Euro
Recommended Currency For Exchange
Take the majority of your spending money in Euros cash.
Where To Exchange
We recommend that you change any currency into Euros prior to arrival. Currency Exchange locations are generally only found in major cities and large airports.
ATM Availability
Most towns and cities have ATM's for cash withdrawal.
Credit Card Acceptance
Generally accepted throughout including most restaurants and hotels.
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Bus, Boat

Accommodation notes

On this tour, we stay in a range of premium and comfortable accommodation, chosen based on their location, amenities and standards.

Croatia

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day. 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information

Croatia: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US or Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Ability to swim

Although not mandatory, there a lot of activities on this trip are focussed around or in the water, so to get the most out of the trip, the abiliy to swim is strongly encouraged. If wishing to particpate in any of the water-based activities, the ability to swim is essential.

Croatia

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, but we recommend being up-to-date with your routine vaccination courses and boosters as recommended in the UK including protection against measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis A, typhoid and polio. Tick-borne encephalitis protection is recommended by some medical sources at certain times of the year. Ticks are most active between spring and late autumn. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Discovery information
Award Winning Explore Leaders
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Price Guarantee Promise
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Airport Transfers
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