Discover the jewels of the Dalmatian Coast with this eight-day itinerary that explores the history, culture, and natural wonders of Croatia's most spectacular region. Starting at the medieval fortress of Dubrovnik, you'll travel north along the Adriatic islands, hopping through the beaches and caves of Korcula and Hvar before finishing your journey in the ancient Roman port city of Split.

Highlights

  • Explore Dubrovnik's Unesco-listed Old Town
  • Visit Korcula's pristine beaches and pine forests
  • Experience the colorful caves of the Vis Archipelago
  • Wander through history in the 1,700-year-old Diocletian's Palace

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Dubrovnik Dubrovnik
Day 2 Old Town Tour of Dubrovnik & Sailing Dubrovnik
Day 3 Transfer to Korčula Korčula Town
Day 4 Yacht Tour of Vis Island Korčula Town
Day 5 Full Day on Korčula Korčula Town
Day 6 Ferry to Split Split
Day 7 Explore Diocletian's Palace Split
Day 8 Depart Split Split

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik's Old Town
Dubrovnik's Old Town

Welcome to Dubrovnik, famously known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic Sea," which surrounds Southern Croatia. The city's historic charm presents itself through medieval buildings dating back to the 16th century, cobblestoned pathways, and world-class restaurants. Many travelers will enjoy exploring this town by foot or public transport such as the bus and taxi.

Suggested activities include:

  • A two-hour guided tour is the best way to discover Old Town's history, legends, and the local lives of Dubrovnik's residents. You will meet your guide at the entrance of Old Town. Highlights of the tour inside the walled city include seeing Onofrio's Fountain, Rector's Place, Old Port, and more.
  • Walk the city walls. The 75-foot high city walls, which are the second biggest in the world, offer spectacular scenery of Dubrovnik's intersecting streets and medieval buildings.
  • Visit Srđ Hill by cable car. At the top of the hill, you will be greeted with magnificent views and the Fortress Imperial, which is home to an eye-opening exhibition about the war in 1991. 

For dinner, feel free to wander the cobble-stoned streets that are home to numerous restaurants and cafés.

Day 2: Old Town Tour of Dubrovnik & Sailing

Dubrovnik
"Old Town" Dubrovnik

Today you'll be exploring the elegant avenues and atmospheric medieval squares of Dubrovnik. A walking tour of the Unesco-listed Old Town will guide you through its most famous sights: The Franciscan Monastery, Onofrio's Fountain, Sponza Palace, Orlando's Column, the City Bell Tower, the Church of St. Blaise, and Rector's Palace.

After lunch, you'll set sail on the Adriatic and see the city from a different vantage point with a private sailing tour. You'll discover the area's many picturesque natural bays and islands, with the option to snorkel and swim in the turquoise waters before sailing back to Dubrovnik to disembark for the night.

Day 3: Transfer to Korčula

Korčula Town
Korčula Town

Day three starts with a pick-up from your private driver, who'll guide you on a scenic trip up the Dalmatian Coast and across the Pelješac peninsula. Along the way, you'll stop to sample some of the region's best wines or take a quick tasting tour around Ston, the oyster capital of Croatia. From Orebić, a short ferry ride delivers you to the island of Korčula, home of Marco Polo and one of the most romantic islands in the Adriatic. After exploring its dense forests and private beaches, you'll head to the perfectly preserved medieval  Korčula Town for the night.

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Day 4: Yacht Tour of Vis Island

Stiniva Bay, Vis
Stiniva Bay, Vis

Island hop around the Croatian archipelago on day four, starting with a memorable sailing trip to the paradise that is Vis Island: an Adriatic pearl located to the west of Korčula. After visiting the stunning circular cove of Stiniva, you'll sail to nearby Biševo to experience the luminescent phenomenon of its famous Blue Cave before reaching the tiny island of Ravnik, whose Green Cave offers the chance to swim and snorkel in a glowing, emerald grotto. After a friendly meal of Plavac wine and local delicacies, you'll finish the day back in Korčula Town.

Day 5: Full Day on Korčula

View across Korčula Town
View across Korčula Town

Today is free to explore the charms of Korčula in your own time. Wander the narrow alleys and historic walls of red-roofed Korčula Town, head to Lumbarda for crystal clear waters and sandy beaches, or venture into Kočje Nature Reserve for a hike through the dense pine forests.

Day 6: Ferry to Split

Split
Split

Day six has an early start as you hop on a ferry from Korčula Town to the ancient port city of Split. The approach by the sea offers a dramatic view of the city's historic fortified walls, welcoming you to your base for the night.

Day 7: Explore Diocletian's Palace

Golden Gate, entrance to Diocletian's Palace
Golden Gate, entrance to Diocletian's Palace

Today you'll explore Split with a local guide, starting with the UNESCO-listed, 1,700-year-old Diocletian's Palace. The 4th-century Roman fortress takes up almost half of Split's Old Town and includes highlights like the grand cathedral of Sveti Duje, the imposing Golden Gate, and the city's beloved Grgur Ninskiof statue. Wandering through the palace's ancient cellars and Roman temples, you'll learn about the history, architecture, and influence left by Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, and Italian rulers over the centuries.

Day 8: Depart Split

View over Split
Say farewell to the Dalmatian Coast

Bid Croatia doviđenja as you depart your Adriatic adventure this morning, transferring to Split airport for your flight home.

More Great Croatia Itineraries

 

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

 

Map

Map of Highlights of the Dalmatian Coast: Dubrovnik, Korčula & Split - 8 Days
Map of Highlights of the Dalmatian Coast: Dubrovnik, Korčula & Split - 8 Days