Dubrovnik & the Dalmatian Coast

Name: Dubrovnik & the Dalmatian Coast
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.2 (55 reviews)

Expert Local Guides

Award Winning Adventures

Nature First Adventures

Support Local Communities

8 Days from

CAD 2,575

CAD 3,634

incl. Taxes

4.2/5 from

Culture

Ways to Travel :

Guided Group, Private Group Adventures

Activity :

Culture

Activity Levels :

2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate

Group Size :

4 - 20

Ages :

16+

Trip Code :

ADD

Discover Adriatic islands and the historic cities of Split, Trogir and Dubrovnik

With impressive architecture and some of the best scenery in Europe, the Dalmatian Coast is a destination to rival any of the big hitters. So spend a relaxed week taking in the best of this striking coastal region. We start by exploring the Unesco-listed cities of Split and nearby Trogir, before sampling island life on beautiful Korcula. We complete our trip with three nights in Dubrovnik, possibly the best preserved Renaissance town in the world, with a jumble of narrow streets and red-tiled roofs tucked tightly within the city walls.

Did you know you can travel by train to this trip? Find out more here

Highlights

Visit the Unesco-listed cities of Split, Trogir and Dubrovnik
Enjoy a catamaran ride to Mljet National Park
Sample wines produced on the island of Korcula and the Peljesac Peninsula

Key Information

Seven nights in hotels
Travel by private bus, catamaran, local ferry and public bus
Option to travel by train to your adventure

Countries visited: Croatia

What's Included

Seven breakfasts and one picnic lunch
All accommodation
All transport and listed activities
Tour leader throughout
Wine tasting in Lumbarda
Olive and produce tasting on Peninsula Peljesac
Free group arrival and departure transfers available

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
Visas or vaccinations

Pace:

This is a leisurely discovery holiday and is run at a relaxed pace. Please note that there are two day walks which require a moderate level of fitness though these are optional.

Day 3

7 km / 4.3 miles

Responsible Travel

At Exodus, we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding, and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…

Itinerary

The adventure starts our hotel in the Unesco-listed town of Trogir, a 10-minute drive from Split Airport. We’ll be staying in the atmospheric old walled part of town.

Accommodation: Hotel Fontana (or similar)

We look around Trogir in the early morning before a short transfer to Split, another Unesco-listed city. There will be free time in the beautiful old centre before we catch a catamaran in the late afternoon to Korcula island (approximately 3hr to 3hr 30min).

The medieval walled town here, reputedly the birthplace of Marco Polo, is often described as a mini-Dubrovnik. Like the larger city, it is a warren of small lanes and alleys: a great place to explore and a photographer's paradise. After, we take a short transfer to the village of Lumbarda, where our hotel is situated.

Accommodation: Hotel Borik (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

It's time to stretch our legs and roam the surrounding area of Lumbarda. We walk through vineyards and olive groves and admire beautiful beaches, where we can stop for a drink or a quick swim. We also visit the renowned Grk winery to sample local wines. In the evening, we transfer to Korcula town for dinner.

Accommodation: Hotel Borik (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we transfer to Korcula in time for the catamaran to Mljet Island, whose national park status has ensured limited development. The island is a tranquil place to walk, cloaked in forest, and dotted with tiny hamlets. Our goal today is the peak of Montokuc (840ft/256m), which offers panoramic views of the beautiful Dalmatian Coast, and to enjoy a picnic lunch on the island, before returning to our Korcula hotel. Those who do not wish to walk up Montokuc can take a flat circular walk around the lake, have a swim and enjoy a drink overlooking the water.

If the catamaran cannot operate due to bad weather, there are alternative excursions, or we will stay on Korcula island and visit Vela Spilja, one of the most important prehistoric archaeological sites in Europe.

Accommodation: Hotel Borik (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, we transfer to the port and take a 15-minute ferry ride to the Peninsula Peljesac. Upon arrival, we drive along a scenic mountain road with views of the coast and vineyards. We stop at a farm and enjoy a local olive and produce tasting just next to the old town of Ston.

In Ston, we recommend walking up the magnificent old walls that overlook the town – the view from the top is fantastic. The town is also a seafood hotspot, the mussels and oysters here are among the best in the country. After, we transfer about 37mi (60km) to Dubrovnik where we have the rest of the day to relax. In the evening, we can go into the old town for dinner and a wander.

Accommodation: Hotel Splendid (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

We enjoy a full day in the remarkable old city of Dubrovnik, which includes visits to the Rector's Palace and the Franciscan Monastery. Dubrovnik exudes old-world charm with a location right on the Adriatic, fine religious buildings surrounded by heavily fortified walls, and a jumble of red-tiled roofs.

The cobblestone streets of the old town, or Stari Grad, feature fountains, churches, palaces and museums – all built from the same light-coloured stone. There are no motor vehicles in the city but the streets come alive at night as locals and visitors stroll along Stradun, the main street.

Following the walking tour, you have time to walk along the city walls: this is optional and costs approximately €25 for entrance (or is included in the Dubrovnik Card).

Accommodation: Hotel Splendid (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

We have a free day today. Relax in the many eateries or chill on the beach. Alternatively, enjoy an optional visit to Lokrum Island; a 20-minute boat ride will take you from the Old Town port to this beautiful green island, home to a botanic garden full of exotic plants. Bring your swimming costume and a good book – after your stroll, you will definitely want to enjoy a swim in the Adriatic.

Accommodation: Hotel Splendid (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

The trip ends in Dubrovnik after breakfast. If you’d like a little more time to explore this fascinating city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Essential Info

Visa

Croatia

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Croatia. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/croatia
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/croatia
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/croatia/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Croatia.html

Vaccination

Croatia

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Eating and Drinking

All breakfasts and one picnic lunch are included.

For breakfast, expect a continental-style buffet with cold meat, cheeses, bread, eggs, jams, and pastries, plus tea and coffee.

The Dalmatian Coast is dotted with mussel farms and fishing boats, and the seafood along the coast and on the islands is amazing. You will also find grilled lamb, pizza, pasta and salads, and influences from central Europe, Italy, and the Balkans.

Weather

Croatia has one of the sunniest climates in Europe. We generally travel off-season, so you should expect some variation in temperature and possibly some rainfall. Temperatures can be high, particularly on the July and August departures.

Is this trip for you?

This is a relaxed itinerary focussing on sightseeing and exploring. There is a fair amount of walking around towns and cities, plus a couple of gentle, picturesque walks around two of the islands (some paths are rocky, so pack good shoes). The walks are suitable for anyone with reasonable fitness.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as not suitable for full wheelchair users, but it may be suitable for other persons of reduced mobility. Please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Joanie Armstrong

Reviewed September 2022

Thank you Croatia – I’ve fallen in love with you!

The first time I have visited Croatia and although others had told me what a beautiful country it far exceeded my expectations. Although Trogir, Lumbarda, Split and Dubrovnik are the main destinations, the islands were absolutely beautiful. So many different experiences were offered: Catamarans/Ferries, Vineyards, Olive Groves, GRK Winery, Olive & Liquor Tasting & Beaches amongst many. It felt like I had been there much longer than a week, as we visited so many different attractions.. I was concerned initially about being part of a group of 15, but what an amazing group they were! The Hotels were fine, improving as we progressed, with the Hotel Splendid in Dubrovnik, excelling my expectations. Ivan, our guide was absolutely superb and so informative in the history of his country. His patience, assistance and management of such a large group was off the scale. He also had a great sense of humour! Be ‘warned’ – lots of walking and steps!! My Fitbit states: 126,836 steps, 96 km and 236 floors, but it was so worth it!! I can’t recommend this trip highly enough

Most Inspirational Moment

Learning about the history of the country, from Ivan and the 2 local guides

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ivan, our guide was absolutely superb and so informative in the history of his country. His patience, assistance and management of such a large group was off the scale. He also had a great sense of humour and appeared to enjoy our company individually as well as the group as a whole. On some of the more tricky walks, he always made sure myself and others were OK and helped where needed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The hotels do not have lifts, so be prepared for hiking your case up a few flights of stairs. Almost everywhere is accessed by countless steps and some of the terrain had large boulders to manoeuvre. The pavements in Dubrovnik are polished limestone and are slippery if you don't wear shoes/sandals with grippy soles. We were very luck with the weather and only had sun, but they would be lethal if raining.

Suggestions

Just GO!

Donna S

Reviewed September 2022

Beautiful country - highly recommend visiting

End July 2022 visit My first visit to Croatia and I wasn’t disappointed. The places visited and the coastline are beautiful, lovely blue clear waters and great weather. Split, Trogir and Dubrovnik are key highlights of the trip, however the small islands visited are also a much see. This trip doesn’t involve too much time travelling, so you get to experience what Croatia has to offer, the accommodation also gets better as the trip progresses, and the food is amazing. I was part of a group of 13, we all got on really well and had an amazing time. Ivan the guide was super efficient and very helpful, encouraging us to share his love of walking in the many beautiful places we visited. Highly recommend this trip as a Croatia taster, I will definitely be visiting the country again.

Most Inspirational Moment

I enjoyed visiting Dubrovnik and hearing about its history, walking the walls in Dubrovnik is a must.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ivan the group leader was brilliant, really well organised and super helpful to all of us in the group. Arranging great places to eat and unique experiences along the way.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack some beach shoes as some of the beaches can be made up of sharp stones.

Juliet Yager

Reviewed August 2022

Miss

This is a brilliant trip. The itinerary is varied and you really feel like you have seen this beautiful coastline. Our guide (Ivan) was superb. He was very organised and looked after everyone in the group. This is a holiday that you should sign up for it you love culture!

Justina Mclaughlin

Reviewed May 2022

Great trip with some breathtaking scenery

I can highly recommend this trip. I arrived a day early on the Saturday and relaxed in Trogir which I would definitely endorse. It’s a lovely town and fun to explore and photograph. Plus it provides a more relaxing start to the tour. Every place we stayed on the itinerary was picturesque and each day was interesting and enjoyable. A good mix of history and scenery. The walks were also at a leisurely pace. Great places to eat, good company and comfortable accommodation. There’s a good mix of group activity and some personal time if you prefer some space from the group. We had a small group of 9 who were all like minded travellers and good fun. If you aren’t sure Croatia is for you please give it a go. This is a terrific week away and a beautiful country. I will definitely go back.

Most Inspirational Moment

Tough to choose just one but the day on Mljet island hiking to the Peak and the beautiful views was special particularly as I got to swim in the small lake at the end of the walk its stunning and very refreshing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vanja was great she had a knack for organising us and yet allowing us all space to do our own thing. She picked great restaurants and I actually looked forward to activities with the group. She’s one of the best tour leaders I’ve experienced with Exodus in a while and good fun to boot. We loved that she set up a WhatsApp group so we could send messages and pictures we had taken to each other. Vanja took several group photos and very generously gave us a copy at the end. She’s a credit to Exodus and Croatia !!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring a pair of sandals or reef shoes for swimming in the sea or lakes as the water is crystal clear and so inviting but the ground is stony. Also have a good budget for eating out. The food in Croatia is delicious but it comes at a fair cost. The Exodus budget of £50 a day was about right I personally spent more!

Suggestions

I would have liked more time in Split. Dalmatian’s Palace takes time to explore and we only had 3 hours including lunch before we had to leave on the ferry.

Helen Bouchami

Reviewed September 2019

Relaxed itinerary but plenty to do

This was the most relaxed itinerary of any Exodus holiday I’ve been on. No early morning starts or long journeys, yet we managed to pack a lot in, I think due to this trip focusing on a limited geographic area.
Three nights in each of two hotels.
I enjoyed the variety of the trip. Split and Dubrovnik are ‘must sees’, but it was good to escape the cruise crowds with two visits to nature reserves on islands, and the smaller town of Trogir was lively and picturesque enough without being overwhelmingly busy.

Most Inspirational Moment

Mljet Island; walk to the peak of Montokuc. Beautiful island with its internal 'lakes' and pines. The climb was not difficult (256m) with steeper sections interspersed with level ones. Lovely views at the top. We did one leg of the journey by boat on the lake, stopping briefly on an island with a monastery. With the walk around the small and big lake + the climb approx. 8.5 miles - a good leg stretch without being overly demanding. Those who didn't want to climb had the option of remaining at the lakeside for an afternoon's swimming.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ivan was a warm, friendly and organized leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The Dubrovnik card is not necessary. The city tour includes a couple of museum visits and we were then given a museum pass to use during the rest of our stay. The entry ticket for the (optional) walk around the walls also includes the fort, which can be visited that day or the next. Steps are definitely a feature of this coastline - even within the hotels. For anyone with knee problems, a stick or walking pole might be helpful. Mussels and oysters are specialties along the coast, but I found both overly salty. But the langoustines (scampi) at the More restaurant on Korcula were delicious. Because the coast is steep and rocky, there are few sand beaches and entry into the water for a swim can be hard on the feet/ slippy. Protective shoes are available for sale, or if you have some, bring them.

Suggestions

There is also a darker side to the history of this region. A map in Dubrovnik shows the damage caused by the war with Serbia etc. and the bright red of newer roof tiles stands out as you walk around the walls. The small Jewish synagogue and museum are worth a visit.

Stuart Whitehouse

Reviewed May 2019

Fantastic holiday

An excellent holiday, with beautiful scenery and good food.

Most Inspirational Moment

The walking tour of Dubrovnik, which included the Franciscan Monastery and the Rector's Palace, was excellent, I could have spent a lot longer learning about the history of the city.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Zeljko was an excellent leader. He was patient and knowledgable, and always had time to help members of the group. He was well-organised without being dictatorial, and his hard work was a major factor in making the holiday a success.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's worth taking swimwear, Hotel Borik in Lumbarda on Korcula has a nice outdoor pool, and the Hotel Splendid in Dubrovnik has a beach on the Adriatic you can swim from.

krystyna kiel

Reviewed May 2019

Pretty territory

Slower paced trip. Lots of free time. Highlights of Dalmatia coast

Most Inspirational Moment

Walks along the sea

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very personable and involved. Went the extra step.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Compared to other Balkan countries, this is a pricey area. Prepare for crowds. I’d go off season, but then swimming in the sea would be challenging. Croatia is certainly ready for the tourist

Suggestions

BRUCE DUNNING

Reviewed September 2018

Stunning coastline

Stunning coastline and some beautiful old towns to wander round .Two lovely walks of about five or six miles along stoney paths but with options if you’re not feeling to energetic.

Most Inspirational Moment

Loved the buildings in Dubrovnik being a craftsman I really enjoyed some of the stone work

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader Sanja was fantastic ,very good at her job and always smiling .i would also like to single out the tour guide we had in Dubrovnik, Antia was excellent she was very informative but also entertaining and funny ,the two hour walk round flew by .

Advice for Potential Travellers

The food in Croatia is great but if you are vegetarian and don't eat fish you will struggle also the trip notes state there is filter water supplied ,this is not the case but we were assured the tap water was safe to drink so we all did with no ill effects .There are no kettles in hotel rooms in Croatia so if you want tea in bed bring a kettle and bring a good insect repellent for Korcula they really liked the taste of me.

Suggestions

No very early starts on this trip ,730 am was the earliest

C N

Reviewed May 2018

ADD Dubrovnik & Dalmatian Coast

This week long trip was a blend of fast paced scenic national parks and city tours. Both having lots of steps! With not a moment wasted you are surprised at what has been fitted in.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational moment for me as a someone who is not the fittest was completing the epic walk to see the fantastic panoramic views at Mljet National Park and then having a splash in the water after.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was Dino who was always friendly, approachable and took the responsibility of leading a full group very well. The city tours we had were informative and I appreciated the Dubrovnik tour guide (Anthea?) always looking for places in the shade.

Advice for Potential Travellers

On this trip the notes were misleading - water is not provided. Start walking especially if your not used to walking especially fast paced, lots of steps, uphill walking in the heat. But the views, ice cream and swim make it worthwhile. Do bring swim wear. If you do walk the walls in Dubrovnik and you want to miss the cruise crowds go after 13.30

Suggestions

The trip has an optional day trip to Mostar - please consider this. To anyone who is interested in this holiday I would say as an introduction to Croatia book it!

Sarah Carter

Reviewed May 2018

Great varied trip, sightseeing, steps, history, steps, marvellous scenery, nature and walks

This was an interesting and varied trip with a wonderful variety of sights, history, walks and scenery.
The pace was great, I like the 2/3 nights in a hotel format.
There were an awful lot of steps involved, I don’t just mean walking I mean up and down sightseeing. Fine for most but maybe worth mentioning. Also the gravelly surface on the up hill part of the Mljet walk in heat made it a more than gentle walk! Trainers were perfectly fine, not walking boot terrain really, walking pole may have helped. The Korkula walk has a bit of a rocky scramble in one tiny section.
The guide Dino, was wonderful, enthusiastic, helpful, compassionate and easy company.
Great restaurant Marco Polo in Korcula and for a light lunch in Dubrovnik Oliva Pizzeria, lovely Greek salad and cold beer! Watch out for prices in Dubrovnik, we found a huge difference for coffees, lemon etc.
Walk the Dubrovnik walls early, we were on them by 8.30, by the time we were off them about 2 hours later (we wandered and took photos and time) there was a steady stream climbing the entrance steps, and it was hot…early May!
That’s it….great trip…go ahead and book it.

Most Inspirational Moment

The walls of Dubrovnik, and Ston...and Mjlet

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was great. Dino did everything possible to make the trip what we wanted it to be. His first trip too, our group will be forever emblazoned across his memory!

Advice for Potential Travellers

OK, see above re walking poles and trainers.

Suggestions

I would have liked a little more information during our walks about the history, flora and fauna...what were those abandoned enclosure walls on Korkula? What is this plant? That's being super picky, it was a great trip.

Read All Reviews

Covid-19 refund commitment

You will get a refund if you have to cancel your trip due to COVID-19.

Availability

This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.

View Trip Notes

Availability

This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.

View Trip Notes

Availability

This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Availability

This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.

Availability

Availability

Availability

Availability

Availability

This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 1 space left. Do not delay your booking!

View Trip Notes

Availability

View Trip Notes

Availability

This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Availability

This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

View Trip Notes