Croatia
Island Hopping in Croatia (2-weeks)
This two-week trip takes you along the best of Croatia’s sparkling coastline from the Dubrovnik Riviera far in the south heading north to the island of Brac and the town of Split. Along the way, you will take in the country’s most spectacular coastal scenery, enjoy plenty of activities, soak up the history and have ample opportunity to swim in the extraordinarily clear and enticing waters of the Adriatic.
If you are travelling with younger children we are happy to discuss any adaptations that you might like.
Highlights
Walk the Dubrovnik city walls
Chill out on the Riviera
Cycle on Korcula Island
Glimpse history at Blaca Monastery
Taste local olive oil and honey
Kayak the islands just off Brac
Discover ancient Split
14 days from £3,250 pp
Plus international flights starting at £200 direct.
A two-week itinerary for a family of four to Croatia typically costs from £13,000 including simple accommodation, car hire and a range of activities. Upgrade to more luxurious accommodation and additional activities from £16,000 for a family of four.
Island Hopping in Croatia (2-weeks) day-to-day itinerary
Day 1, Dubrovnik Riviera
Welcome to Croatia – Dobrodosli! Upon your arrival at Dubrovnik airport, you will be met by a Stubborn Mule Travel representative and transferred to your hotel. Staying in a location within easy reach of Dubrovnik but without the crowds, the area is peppered with charming Dalmatian villages and it is wonderfully pretty here.
This evening why not try out some seafood at one of the many excellent local restaurants?
Day 2, Dubrovnik Riviera
A free day to simply relax or explore the area. Immerse yourselves in the clear waters at the nearby beach and stroll around the quaint harbour. Treat the children to ice creams, sunbathe, enjoy a rejuvenating swim, grab a coffee or go for a coastal walk. Other small seaside towns are a short bus or boat ride away, nestled on the edge of the Adriatic. Boats bob around in the harbour, cafes line the bays and the backdrop of the Dalmatian mountains is beautiful. Further afield, the picturesque Konavle Valley is one of the most fertile parts of coastal Croatia, with fragrant groves of orange and olive trees together with tall spindly cypresses.
Day 3, Dubrovnik
Today you might like to take a day trip to the iconic city of Dubrovnik, known as the Pearl of the Adriatic and with good reason. It is impossibly, improbably pretty, surrounded by the azure waters of the Adriatic, which contrast strikingly with the terracotta roofs and imposing city walls. Perhaps spend the day exploring the town, following the weaving pedestrianised streets past medieval buildings. 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. In the late afternoon, a walk around the city walls is highly recommended.
Day 4, Dubrovnik Riviera – Korcula
Take the ferry to Korcula this morning, the sixth-largest island in Croatia and one of the most beautiful. The hills here are covered with pine forest, vineyards and olive groves and the coastline is dotted with quiet coves and sandy beaches. It is quieter than its more well-known neighbours of Brac and Hvar, with a lovely feel that makes it perfect for families. The main town of Korčula is exquisite and known as ‘Little Dubrovnik’ because of its medieval squares and likeness to its famous namesake.
Day 5, Korcula
A free day to relax and enjoy the beach or head out and explore the island. Korčula town itself is gorgeous, as is Vela Luka on the west of the island. Here there is also an organic olive oil museum which is great fun to visit and receives rave reviews. Alternatively, spend the day on the beach at Lumbarda, drop into a vineyard for some wine tasting or hire kayaks to explore some of the quieter parts of the island.
Read More Day 6, Korcula cycling and tasting Day 7, Korcula day out by private boat Day 8, Korcula – Brac Day 9, Brac Day 10, Blaca Monastery & Olive Oil Museum Next stop is the charming Museum of Olive Oil, located up in the hills and offering an interesting insight into the centuries old processes, including how their delicious olive oil is made today. Try your hand at pushing the olive press – not easy! After a tasty and light ‘tasting lunch’ in the cosy restaurant, return to your hotel in the afternoon. Day 11, Brac kayaking Day 12, Day trip to Split If you’re feeling energetic perhaps walk up through the medieval part of the city to a look-out point from where there are commanding views over Split as the sun starts to dip. Grab a drink and soak up the views, before returning to Brac. Day 13, Brac Day 14, Departure
Head off on two wheels pedalling through small farms and villages, with Mt Saint Ilija in the distance and the occasional ancient vineyard offering a magical glimpse of the past. Discover the eastern side of the island, home to wonderful beaches and famous for its wine-making tradition dating back earlier than the Greeks. Drop into a fabulous family-run winery for some wine and food tasting. Afterwards, continue to one of Lumbarda’s beaches, genuinely one of the loveliest areas of the South Adriatic. There will be time for refreshments and relaxing before riding back to town where the day ends.
Board your private boat for a relaxing day exploring the stunning Adriatic coastline. You’ll visit several locations on today’s boat tour, including Mokalo village (on the Peljesac peninsula), famous for the sunken merchant ship ‘Boka’, which was stranded in 1981 during a storm and is now an excellent artificial reef and perfect for snorkelling. Badija is one of the area’s best known islands, with its gorgeous turquoise lagoon, historic 15th century church and monastery, and not least the relatively tame deer that roam the island! Stops are flexible; perhaps take a walk to the old Vrnik quarry, swim at the pebble beaches or grab some lunch at a local restaurant. Enjoy the spectacular coastal views and crystal clear water before returning to Korcula in the early evening.
After breakfast, take the ferry to the beautiful island of Brač. Brač is the largest of the islands in the Adriatic Sea, known for its gorgeous beaches, crystal clear waters, and stunning landscapes. The island is also famous for its white stone, which was used to build famous buildings such as the White House in Washington DC and Diocletian’s Palace in Split.
A free day to either relax or head out and explore the island. The old town of Bol is completely charming, with its narrow streets and picturesque historic buildings. Zlatni Rat Beach is well worth a visit, voted one of the most exceptional beaches in the world, thanks to its particular shape which changes depending on the wind, tide and current. The island has the most gorgeous coastline, so you’ll be sure to find the perfect sun-soaked spot to watch the world go by… Other activities include snorkelling or scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters, renting bikes or going on a longer guided ride, windsurfing, sea kayaking or paddleboarding – you won’t be short of options!
Spend the day getting to know the island, starting with the summit of Vidova Gora and its expansive views. After time for photos and a short drive, hike a moderate downhill trail through Blaca Canyon, home to the wonderfully remote Blaca Hermitage, dating back to the 1550s. Founded by the first priests here, the monks amassed wealth through production of wine and honey, establishing a world-famous observatory from where they practiced astronomy. This unique hermitage is packed with fascinating artifacts and every room is like a time capsule.
Take to the water today as you set off on a guided sea kayaking expedition to explore the island’s peaceful coves and stop to swim off beautiful beaches.
Head to the mainland and spend the day exploring Split. The second-largest city in the country, Split is a beguiling mix of ancient and modern sandwiched between mountains and sea. The old town centres around the magnificent Diocletian’s Palace, built in 305 AD by the Roman Emperor Diocletian. Surrounding the palace is a lattice of narrow cobbled streets, peppered with attractive street-side cafes. You can wander for hours through the picturesque streets of the city, pausing for a drink or a gelato along the way. In the afternoon perhaps hire bikes and cycle around the Marjan Peninsula, stopping along the way to swim.
A further free day to explore Brač Island. We’ll discuss options with you and check if you would like to book any activities in advance.
Take a passenger ferry back to the mainland, from where you will be met and transferred to the airport in Split for your flight home.
Croatia in pictures
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