Luxury Island Hopping in Croatia: Brac, Hvar, Korcula & Dubrovnik - 7 Days

Highlights

• Lounge poolside at the opulent adults-only Lemongarden Hotel
• Hike up to the Dragon's Cave on the island of Brac
• Swim and snorkel in the luminous colors of Vis' Blue Cave
• Enjoy a private tasting of the exclusive wines of Korcula's Lumbarda region 
• Stroll the ancient, winding streets of Dubrovnik's Old Town

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Split, Boat to Brač, Free Day to Explore 

Dobro došli! Welcome to Croatia! Your flight lands in the city of Split, where you'll meet your private driver and travel to the port for your boat transfer to picturesque Brač, the largest island in the Adriatic Sea and home to the famed white pebble beach of Zlatni Rat (Golden Cape). Upon arrival in Brač, you'll travel by private transfer to Hotel Lemongarden. This adults-only escape features a private beach, a gorgeous outdoor pool, and vibrantly decorated rooms with marble floors, custom-made furniture, and options for rooftop terraces that offer sea views.

After check-in, you can decompress at the hotel, taking advantage of its many amenities, or head out on a self-guided exploration of the island. Start in the village of Supetar, where you can stroll along the harbor's lively promenade. Visit Sveti Petar, a church that sits atop a small hill and is considered the town landmark, and stop in at the Ivan Rendić Gallery, which showcases the works of the famous Croatian sculptor. Head to Škrip and visit the Olive Oil Museum, or explore the waterfront shops and restaurants in Pučišća⁩⁦.

Of course, it wouldn't be a trip to Brač without some beach time. Check out the famous Zlatni Rat, a spectacular stretch of pebbled beach that forms an unusual "V" shape and is a popular destination for windsurfers. You can swim, snorkel, or take in some sun, and not far from the beach, you'll also find the ancient ruins of a Roman villa hidden in the trees. Other beaches include Martinica Beach, a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, Lovrečina Beach, a secluded spot near the town of Postira, or the peaceful shores of Milna Town's Lučice Beach. 

Day 2: Morning Hike to Dragon's Cave, Ferry to Hvar, Traditional Peka Dinner 

Check out of your hotel this morning before taking a privately guided tour to Murvica, a lovely coastal town with a wealth of historic sites. Meet your guide in the lobby and make the quick drive to the village, where you'll hike up to Zmajeva Špilja, or Dragon's Cave. Here, you'll find incredible Christian and pagan reliefs carved into the cave walls, many dating back to the 15th century. Admire the stalactites and stalagmites within the cave while your guide shares information about the history and legends of the carvings, including the dragon carved by a resident monk in the 1400s.

After the tour, travel back to the port with your guide, where you'll catch a one-hour ferry to the island of Hvar, known for its beautiful beaches, top-notch restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. Then, take a private transfer to your accommodation at Beach Bay Hvar, a lush, eco-friendly retreat with elegantly appointed rooms, endless sea views, and access to a variety of amenities.

This evening, experience Croatian cooking at its best with a traditional peka dinner at a local restaurant. Created from a mix of basic ingredients (potatoes, meat, and herbs), which are baked using a peka (an iron bell covered in hot embers), this deceptively simple dish will surprise you with the depth of its flavors. Paired with local island wines, it's the perfect way to experience authentic Croatian gastronomy.

Day 3: Discover the Caves & Beaches of Vis by Boat 

Today's full-day adventure takes you to the neighboring island of Vis and its amazing Blue and Green Caves. Depart Hvar by private boat with your guide in the morning and make your first stop at the Green Cave, which is so named because of a tiny hole in the ceiling carved out during one of Croatia's wars. Enter by boat (or swim or snorkel in, if you wish) to see an emerald-green hue created by a small stream of light penetrating the cave through this hole.

Afterward, spend some time on one of Croatia's most beautiful beaches, Stiniva. Sail through a narrow channel to find this hidden beach surrounded by rocky cliffs, keeping the pebbles in the shade all day. The only other way to reach the beach is by trekking down to the water following a steep goat path, making for an adventurous descent that takes you directly to the sea. Next, head to the Blue Cave, which visitors can only enter in the company of a guide.

Marvel at the shimmery silver hues of the cave's interior, illuminated by the sun slipping in through cracks in the cave and making the water appear to glow blue. While originally only accessible via an underwater entrance, you'll pass through a human-made entrance, large enough for small boats but not so large as to affect the lighting inside. End the day with a stop at the Pakleni Islands and Palmižana Bay, where you'll have time for a late lunch and a stroll around town before heading back to Hvar. 

Day 4: Ferry to Korčula, Walking Tour of Korčula Town, Wine Tasting & Dinner

Your next destination is Korčula, a small island approximately two hours from Hvar. After breakfast and hotel checkout, you'll make your way to the port and board the ferry. Arrive and meet your private driver, who will take you to Tara's Lodge, a luxury boutique hotel located along the beachfront, steps from the beach. You'll have the option of swimming in the sea or relaxing by the beautiful pool, all while enjoying tastefully appointed rooms that offer sea or garden views, luxe linens, and walk-in showers. Check in, then explore Korčula Town on a privately guided walking tour.

The town is known for its rustic charm and rich history spanning centuries. Meet your guide and start at the Land Gate, a 14th-century arched gate near the 15th-century Revelin Tower. See the lion relief sculpture on the gate, a nod to the town's Venetian history, and climb to the terrace for panoramic views of the island. Continue to St. Mark's Cathedral and its Gothic-Renaissance architecture, and stop at the Bishop's Treasury to see its small but impressive art collection. End with a visit to the house thought to be the birthplace of Marco Polo, with options to visit the attached museum.

This evening, experience an exclusive private wine tasting followed by dinner at a konoba (tavern). Meet your guide for a scenic drive along the coast, passing historic sites, vineyards, and quaint villages. Visit a family-run winery in Korčula's legendary wine-growing Lumbarda region and learn about grk, a local white grape variety that produces some of Croatia's best wines, and the red plavac mali, which acts as a pollinator for grk vines. Sample the wine of each as you enjoy a traditionally prepared dinner before returning to your hotel in Korčula. 

Day 5: Day Trip to Mljet National Park

Discover Mljet National Park, part of nearby Mljet Island, encompassing more than 13,000 acres (5,300 ha) on today's day trip. Meet your private guide in the morning and board a speedboat or ferry to the island, where you'll spend the day touring the island and taking advantage of the many outdoor activities offered there.

Explore one of the park's many hiking trails with your guide as they share information about the island's history. Be sure to see the 12th-century Benedictine monastery on Melita Island in the middle of Veliko Jezero—one of two saltwater lakes in the national park. Your afternoon is free to hike in the park, swim, rent kayaks, or have lunch at a nearby café in Pomona. Then, return to Korčula in the late afternoon, just in time for a stroll around town before resting up for tomorrow's adventures. 

Day 6: Ferry to Dubrovnik, Guided Tour of Dubrovnik's Old Town

This morning, you're off to Dubrovnik, one of Europe's most ancient fortress cities. After hotel checkout, take a private transfer to the ferry terminal for the two-hour crossing. Meet your driver upon arrival and travel to your accommodation at the Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik, an exclusive 5-star retreat carved into the cliffs above Miramare Bay. Enjoy incredible views from the floor-to-ceiling windows, luxe rooms with a clean, contemporary style, and an on-site spa and restaurant. 

Dubrovnik's long and storied history is showcased by its historic Old Town, an ancient district of well-preserved buildings surrounded by massive stone walls. You'll see more of this fabled city this afternoon on a private walking tour. Make your way along the Old Town's narrow, winding streets with your guide while they highlight the history and culture of various landmarks. Walk along Stradun, the main street that was formerly a canal, and see Onofrio's Fountain, built in the 1400s as part of the water supply system.

Visit the quarantine buildings, where travelers stayed in isolation until cleared of potential illnesses, and end at the clock tower, a 100-foot (30 m) landmark that dates back to the 15th century. Spend the rest of the day sightseeing on your own, visiting sites such as Minčeta Tower and the gardens of Trsteno (just north of the city), where HBO's "Game of Thrones" series was filmed. Have dinner at a local café, or check out Buza Bar, a bar built into the city walls with fantastic sea views. 

Day 7: Depart Dubrovnik 

Your Croatia trip ends today. Meet your private driver at your hotel for a 30-minute transfer to the airport. Safe travels home or to your next destination! 

More Great Croatia Itineraries

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