Dive into the coastal culture of Croatia's Dalmatia region with this seven-day journey beginning in Split. Experience incredible national parks, sail among beautiful islands, and explore the country's most popular city, Dubrovnik. From the historic streets of Split to the culinary acumen of the Konavle region, you'll see and do many of the best activities the country has to offer in just one week.

Highlights

  • Walk among the beautiful, lush lakes and waterfalls of Krka National Park
  • Drink in the history and culture of Split's streets and architecture
  • Visit Ston to see the fortress and taste incredible fresh oysters
  • Walk Dubrovnik's Old City Walls for a breathtaking view of the Adriatic
  • Learn to cook like locals in the Konavle region with a culinary class

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Split Split
Day 2 Split Walking Historical & Gastro Tour Split
Day 3 Visit Krka National Park Split
Day 4 Transfer to Dubrovnik via Peljesac Peninsula Dubrovnik
Day 5 Walking Tour of Dubrovnik, Sea Kayaking Around Lokrum Island Dubrovnik
Day 6 Day Trip to the Konavle Region Dubrovnik
Day 7 Depart Dubrovnik  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Split

Split, Croatia
Split, Croatia

Welcome to Croatia! After arriving in Split, you will be provided with a private transfer from the airport to the hotel. Check into your room and rest or drink in your first moments with a walk about the city before dinner and turning in.

Day 2: Split Walking Historical & Gastro Tour

Take a walking tour of historical Split

In the morning, go for a private gastro tour of the old town, where you will learn about the history of the area while stopping to enjoy local delicacies. Your first stop will be the Pazar–Split market, where you will meet locals and get a taste of Dalmatian prosciutto and cheese combined with rakija, a traditional aperitive. On your next stop, you will learn how soparnik, a type of pie that dates back to Ottoman times, is made. After the tour, you will have lunch at a local restaurant.

Let your guide take you back in time with thrilling stories about the history of Diocletian's Palace, with an exciting visit to Diocletian's cellars included too. Spend the afternoon at leisure, or visit Trogir–a nearby town with a UNESCO-protected old town center.

Day 3: Visit Krka National Park

Krka National Park
Krka National Park

Take breakfast at the hotel before departing for a day trip away from Split. We suggest a trip to Krka Waterfalls, which is the perfect opportunity to escape the city streets of Split and spend a day out in the protected nature of the national park.

Afterward, visit the historic town of Trogir, which has its historic city core under UNESCO Heritage. It's a picturesque and charming city to wander through.

Plan your trip to Croatia
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.

Day 4: Transfer to Dubrovnik via Peljesac Peninsula

Watch the sunset from the Peljesac Peninsula

Enjoy breakfast before checking out of the hotel. A private transfer from Split to Dubrovnik, the Pearl of Adriatic, will be arranged to pick you up that morning.

Stop for a culinary experience in Ston and the Peljesac Peninsula on your way. Ston is famous for its defense walls, known as the Walls of Ston, Ston Saltworks, and the world-famous oyster culture in Mali Ston Bay. Stop at an oyster farm for an oyster tour and tasting, then continue to one of the famous Peljesac wineries for a sample of their robust reds.

Continue your journey toward Dubrovnik with a full stomach and a smile across your face having tasted some of the best oysters and wine in Croatia. Once you arrive at your hotel, check in and take your bags to the room to settle in and unwind before a leisurely dinner with a view.

Day 5: Walking Tour of Dubrovnik, Sea Kayaking Around Lokrum Island

Church of St. Blaise on Stradun
Church of St. Blaise on Stradun

Start your day early, around 8 am, to avoid the crowds and embark on a tour of Dubrovnik, where you'll meet your expert guide outside the entrance to the medieval city at the 16th-century Pile Gate. Entering Old Town, you'll uncover centuries of the city's rich history as you listen to stories of local life and legends and of the importance Dubrovnik once held in the era of the Republic. Highlights include Onofrio's  Fountain, the 15th-century Rector's Palace, Luza Square, the Church of St. Blaise (St. Vlaho), and the café-lined streets of Brsalje Street.

After touring the streets and alleys, you'll head for Lovrijenac Fortress as well as the city's impressive defensive walls, the second-largest set of city walls in the world. At certain places, the wall rises 75 feet high, offering excellent vantage points for photos of the coastline.

In the afternoon, head to the water for a guided kayaking adventure around the city and Lokrum Island—the closest island to Dubrovnik. Starting from Banje Beach, you will paddle to Lokrum Island, where you can enjoy a swim in the saltwater lake named the Dead Sea, explore the 15th-century Benedictine monastery, and trek along the car-less trails through overgrown gardens. This is a great way to experience the cultural and historical sites of Dubrovnik from a unique perspective.

Day 6: Day Trip to the Konavle Region

Konavle wine region, Photo taken by Kay M
Konavle wine region

Today you will take an "off the beaten path" tour that will be a true highlight of your trip: a visit to a local family estate with a traditional cooking experience planned too. You'll also enjoy a cycling tour, with a return transfer included. Additionally, the Konavle region is most notable for being the undiscovered gem of the region right next to Dubrovnik.

Your first stop will be Cavtat, a picturesque little town that holds much of the art and cultural heritage of the region. You will make a short stop here to explore the town. Afterward, you will continue toward the countryside of the Konavle region, where you will meet a local family on their estate. On an afternoon visit, you will enjoy the peacefulness of the area, hop on a bike with your hosts, and go exploring. Taste their homemade wine and join them in preparing dinner with fresh ingredients from their garden. Return to Dubrovnik with free time at leisure.

Day 7: Depart Dubrovnik

Old Town glows at dusk
Old Town glows at dusk

Depending on your departure details, you may have time to visit one of Dubrovnik's museums, like the Franciscan Monastery and Museum. This large complex houses many treasures, including the world's third-oldest pharmacy dating from 1317. Or, for a collection of 15,000 pieces of interesting works, visit the Rector's Palace and Cultural Historical Museum. Wander this well-preserved palace-turned-museum and explore its exhibits, some detailing life in the Republic of Ragusa during medieval times.

When you are ready to head for the airport, a private transfer will pick you up with plenty of time to arrive and get through security. The drive typically requires 45 minutes with normal traffic.

More Great Croatia Itineraries

 

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Croatia? Check out these other Croatia itineraries, explore different ways to spend one week in Croatia, or discover the best time to visit Croatia.

 

Map

Map of Best of Split & Dubrovnik  - 7 Days
Map of Best of Split & Dubrovnik - 7 Days