Croatia Short-Break  day-by-day itinerary

Known as the Pearl of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik is impossibly, improbably pretty. It is surrounded by the azure waters of the Adriatic, which contrast strikingly with the terracotta roofs and imposing city walls. The polished, white, limestone streets of this UNESCO world heritage site have been walked by countless visitors, who marvel at how well the ancient buildings have been preserved, even after attacks and earthquakes.

Day 2, Dubrovnik
You have a full day to explore the town. Follow the weaving pedestrianised streets past medieval buildings and walled fortifications with the shimmer of the Adriatic a constant backdrop. The city is undeniably busy in the summer months but no less impressive for it. The secret is to explore slowly, following some of the backstreets and stopping frequently in a pavement café to watch the world go by and soak up the scene.

Day 3, Dubrovnik, Cycling in Konavle Valley
The Konavle Valley is just half an hour south of Dubrovnik but feels a world away. Here, beneath dramatic craggy cliffs, the Ljuta River meanders through the valley, flanked on both sides by vineyards. You will start your cycling in the old village of Drvenik and will cycle through rolling hills (with just a few uphills) enjoying the bucolic scene en route to the small village of Pridvorje. From here the route is either downhill or flat and takes you through traditional stone villages and a beautiful landscape that offers stunning views of the valley and the Adriatic in the distance. You will stop in an old farm to try local delicacies including dried figs, almonds and candied orange and lemon.

After lunch in a local restaurant, your route continues through fields, orchards, vineyards and farmland. You will be able to visit a small Franciscan Monastery before the ride ends, and you are transferred back to Dubrovnik.

Day 4, Dubrovnik – Elaphiti Islands
After breakfast you will take the ferry to Lopud, one of the Elaphiti Islands. This is where those-in-the-know come to escape Dubrovnik’s crowds and enjoy some R & R. The islands are densely forested and dotted with quiet villages that lead down to picturesque beaches. The water here, as along the whole Croatian coast, is crystal clear and a startlingly bright turquoise.

Although Lopud is quite close to Dubrovnik and is the most popular of the Elaphati Islands, it remains relatively uncrowded. It has a bevy of great little restaurants and café bars for relaxing evening meals overlooking the harbour.

Day 5, Elaphiti Islands
A day of adventure today, starting with one of the best sea kayak routes in the Adriatic as you paddle across a channel to neighbouring Šipan Island. Here you will kayak around the coast through an impressive stone arch before arriving at a natural cave. Don masks and snorkels to swim into the cave, which is illuminated by rays of sunlight that give off a surreal green glow. There’s time to swim and leap into the sea from nearby cliffs

Then swap your kayak for a bike and set off to explore Šipan’s interior. This is fairly flat, and the route is very pretty, passing through ancient olive groves and vineyards, past stone villas and wild fig trees to a local taverna where you will enjoy lunch. After a final swim nearby you will kayak back to Lopud.

Day 6, Elaphiti Islands
A free day to relax on the beach.

Day 7, Elaphiti Islands – Departure
Return to Dubrovnik and transfer to the airport for your flight home.