Day 1 - Arrive Split

Upon arrival at Split airport you are met in the arrivals hall by your local Guardian Angel, and transferred to your hotel where you are assisted with check-in procedures. 

When Pope John Paul II visited Split and saw the Diocletian Palace, he remarked: "Here history talks!" The largest city on the Adriatic coast, Split was founded between the 3rd and 4th centuries AD. Work on the Palace began in 295 AD when the Roman Emperor Diocletian ordered a palace to be built in preparation for his retirement; it is now considered to be one of the best preserved monuments of Roman architecture in the world.

Whilst in Split it is definitely worth visiting some of the excellent museums including the Museum of Croatian Archeological Monuments, the Maritime Museum, the Museum of Croatia and the Mestrovic Gallery, designed by Mestrovic himself and housed in his summer residence. 

Additionally Marjan Hill, the landmark loved by the citizens of Split, gives you a wonderful view of the city and its surroundings.

Overnight: Hotel Park, Split

Day 2 - Split & Trogir

Today’s full-day excursion takes place in Split and the surrounding area. Begin by immersing yourself in the fascinating history of Split with an exploration of the impressive Diocletian’s Palace. This extraordinary structure lies in the heart of the city and today forms part of the old town and city centre, making Split one of the most unique cities in Europe. See Peristil Square where the Emperor made his speeches, as well as the mausoleum of the Roman Emperor, which was transformed into a Catholic church in the 7^th century AD. Afterwards, wander through the many charming streets and "piazzas" immediately outside the palace before taking a stroll along the Riva, a chic coastal promenade lined with palm trees, where you can relax in the sun and enjoy a beautiful view of the port and nearby islands. 

This afternoon, you visit Trogir, known as the ‘Jewel of the Adriatic’. The town is renowned for the beauty of its buildings and fortifications, and is considered to be the best-preserved Romano-Gothic complex in Central Europe. Notable structures of Trogir are the City Hall, the C'ipiko Palace, the Loggia and St. Lawrence’s Cathedral, whose portal is a masterpiece of medieval sculpture.

Overnight: Hotel Park, Split

Meal Plan: B

Day 3 - Dubrovnik Walking Tour

This morning depart Split by private vehicle with your English-speaking driver and transfer to Dubrovnik where you can enjoy a half day (4 hours) tour with your expert local guide.  

Proclaimed a city museum by UNESCO, Dubrovnik's old city is surrounded by a circuit of city walls. Over a mile in length, and with a tower in each corner, the city walls are a masterpiece of medieval and renaissance architecture. Take a stroll along the centuries-old main city promenade called Stradun. At one end of this street you will visit the 14th-century Franciscan Monastery whose cloister ranks among the most inspiring sites of the city. At the other end, see the church of St. Blaise, the Sponza Palace, and the Rector's Palace. Also visit the Dominican Church and Monastery, constructed during the 14th-century at the same time as the city’s walls were being erected.

Overnight: Hotel Excelsior, Dubrovnik

Meal Plan: B

Day 4 - Elaphite Islands

After breakfast meet your local guide in the lobby of the hotel. Stoked by the sun and cheered by the breeze, start your private boat tour around the Elaphite islands. This picturesque archipelago in the vicinity of Dubrovnik comprises 13 islands, islets and rocks. Abounding in lush subtropical vegetation consisting of laurel, cypress and pine trees, and fragranced by thyme and rosemary, the islands were formerly the favourite summer residence of the Dubrovnik aristocracy.

On your cruise, visit the three largest islands in the group; Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan. A short stop is made on the island of Kolocep; with an interior covered by a dense pine forest, the inhabitants live in a fishing village that stretches along the sandy beach. Continue to Lopud; dominated by its Franciscan Monastery, the island is home to the beautiful Gjorgic-Mayneri Park. Here you have time at leisure to stroll through the winding streets, to swim on the Sunj beach or to have lunch in one of the excellent local restaurants.

Later you continue to to Sipan, the largest island where you disembark at the port of Sudurad. The hillsides of Sipan are covered with numerous summer villas, renaissance churches and baroque chapels. During the 15th century, many aristocratic Dubrovnik families built villas on Sipan.

Overnight: Hotel Excelsior, Dubrovnik

Meal Plan: B

Day 5 - Depart Dubrovnik

Today you are transferred by private vehicle with English-speaking driver to Dubrovnik airport for your departure flight.

Meal Plan: B