Adriatic Dream: 10-Day Croatian Journey including Bosnia & Montenegro

10 Day Tour of Split and Dubrovnik

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Trip Map
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10 Days 9 Nights

Best Time: Jan-Dec

Beach Lovers

Exploring Scenic Countryside

Take a captivating 10-day adventure through Croatia’s breathtaking Adriatic coastline. Enjoy an immersive experience in Split and Dubrovnik, blending stunning landscapes, historic cities, and serene beaches. Discover the ancient Roman ruins of Diocletian's Palace, the lively atmosphere of Hvar Island, and the tranquil beauty of Lokrum Island. Wander through the narrow, cobblestone streets of Dubrovnik, explore the majestic Elafiti Islands, and take exciting day trips to Bosnia and Montenegro. With private guided tours and comprehensive travel guidance through our mobile app, you will uncover the rich history, culture, and natural beauty.

Marvel at the ancient Roman architecture in Split's Diocletian's Palace.
Relax on the pristine beaches and enjoy the lively vibe on Hvar Island.
Travel to the enchanting town of Mostar in Bosnia and see its iconic bridge.
Discover Dubrovnik's iconic city walls and picturesque Old Town.
See Kotor's medieval charm in Montenegro on a day trip, combining history, mountains, and seaside.

Marvel at the ancient Roman architecture in Split's Diocletian's Palace.
Relax on the pristine beaches and enjoy the lively vibe on Hvar Island.
Travel to the enchanting town of Mostar in Bosnia and see its iconic bridge.
Discover Dubrovnik's iconic city walls and picturesque Old Town.
See Kotor's medieval charm in Montenegro on a day trip, combining history, mountains, and seaside.

Diocletian’s Palace

Castles & Chateaux

Bačvice Beach

Natural Beauty

Veli Varoš & The Marjan Peninsula

Architecture

Old City Walls

Historic Landmarks

Dubrovnik's Beaches

Natural Beauty

Mount Srd

Natural Beauty

Game of Thrones

Adventure Seeking

Sea Kayaking

Hiking, Biking & Kayaking

Lokrum Island

Churches & Monasteries

Must see sights

Diocletian’s Palace

Castles & Chateaux

Bačvice Beach

Natural Beauty

Veli Varoš & The Marjan Peninsula

Architecture

Old City Walls

Historic Landmarks

Dubrovnik's Beaches

Natural Beauty

Mount Srd

Natural Beauty

Game of Thrones

Adventure Seeking

Sea Kayaking

Hiking, Biking & Kayaking

Lokrum Island

Churches & Monasteries

Starting from

$2750

per person

4.8 (365 reviews)

Not included

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Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Split

Day 1

Arrive Split

To Be Determined

Transfer from Airport by Taxi or Shuttle Bus

Split has one main airport, Split Airport, also known as Resnik Airport. Taxis are available directly at the terminal exit, or you can arrange a private transfer for added convenience. UberX is also available in Split for those with the mobile app. It will cost about 250 HRK to reach the city by car. Keep in mind that if staying in Old Town, your driver will likely need to drop you off near your hotel as cars are not allowed in the pedestrian zones. If you need help with your bags, you should arrange it beforehand with your hotel or a private transfer. If you want to save money, there is a direct shuttle bus line for 35 HRK which departs from in front of the terminal and drops off at the Split bus station, from where it is a relatively short walk to the historic center of Split. If you really want to save money, the public bus line no. 38 picks up near the airport as well, but of course you'll need to make a lot of stops along the way and it may not be the most convenient way to travel if you have bags.

Day 1

Arrive Split

To Be Determined:

Transfer from Airport

Mid-Day/Afternoon:

Diocletian's Palace

Late Afternoon/Early Evening:

Bačvice Beach

Day 1

Arrive Split

Day 1

Arrive Split

To Be Determined

Transfer from Airport by Taxi or Shuttle Bus

Mid-Day/Afternoon

Explore Palace Ruins & Venetian Alleyways in Old Split

Split's Old Town started out as a luxurious retirement palace for the Roman Emperor Diocletian. As Roman emperors often met bloody ends, about half of the palace consisted of a less luxurious fortress designed to accommodate a large garrison of loyal Roman soldiers. Within the palace's high walls there were also temples, streets, and large courtyards, meaning it was only natural that long after the Diocletian was gone and the empire fallen, much of the palace was incorporated into Split's Old Town. Indeed about half of the Old Town consists of the former palace area. Despite falling into disrepair and constant reconstructions over the intervening millennia, the Palace remains one of the best-preserved examples of Roman architecture in the world. It's principal set-piece buildings, such as Diocletian's mausoleum and the Temple of Jupiter still remain. But the palace is far from being just an archeological site and it continues to this day as a living and breathing historical monument with 2,000 to 3,000 people still resident within its ancient walls. This means that so much tinkering has gone on over the centuries that it's no longer immediately recognizable as an ancient Roman structure. On the other hand, up close and personal you can still make out the remains of some of the imperial apartments that are used today as outdoor bars and cafes and shops. And the medieval tenements built by the Venetians were built in large part from the stones scavenged from Diocletian's original buildings. The tangled mass of alleyways, small squares, and narrow lanes just outside the Palace is also well worth exploring. The Venetian architecture makes the setting particularly enchanting (Split was ruled by the Republic of Venice for centuries).

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

Swim and Sun with the Locals on Bačvice Beach

A rare sandy beach, Bačvice is a favorite among Split locals and hence a great place to indulge in some covert people watching while lapping up the sun. Just a few minutes' walk from the bus and train stations and the ferry terminal, Bačvice beach is also the spiritual home of the traditional Croatian water sport of picigin - a form of volleyball in which a group of players tries to keep a ball in the air in shallow water using the most athletic and acrobatic moves possible. There are showers and changing rooms at both ends of the beach, while Café Zbirac has a reputation for good food and drink. Immediately behind the beach is a swanky modern three-tier pavilion with several cafes and a couple of chic eating places inside. It's a popular venue for after-dark drinking and feasting whatever the time of the year. A coastal path leads from Bačvice past a couple smaller bays and many more cafes; it's a pleasant area for late afternoon or evening perambulations all year round.

Day 2

Split

Day 2

Split

Day 2

Split

Day 2

Split

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Walking Tour of Split Old Town & Diocletian's Palace

This two-hour guided tour will take you to the Roman emperor Diocletian's 1700-year-old palace which was built as his personal rest home. Walk from the Bronze Gate through the central hall of the ancient cellars is the main communication line between the busy waterfront promenade, the Riva, and the palace's main forecourt, the Peristyle. You'll also stop by the Cathedral of St Duje, one of the most beautiful cultural attractions on the Adriatic coast, the Roman temple of Jupiter (latterly a Christian baptistry), the fabulous Golden Gate, and the medieval Croatian bishop who introduced the Croatian language in religious services.

Mid-Day/Afternoon

Excursion to Klis Fortress

For thousands of years the mighty and imposing Klis Fortress, with its grand views of the Dalmatian Coast, has been guarding the strategic mountain pass just above Split. For many modern visitors, however, more significant than the real history of the castle is its use as a film set for the city-state of Meereen in Game of Thrones. In either case, ciimbing the fortress's steep trails and exploring its ruins makes for a fascinating visit. The remarkably intact structure with grand views of the Dalmatian Coast was first fortified by the ancient Illyrian tribe of the Dalmatae, and later by Romans. In medieval times it was a seat of power for the expanding medieval kingdom of the Croats, even repelling a Mongol army in 1242. Klis was later defended by a band of irregular Croatian defenders, the Uskoks, who managed to hold off repeated sieges by the Ottoman Turks until finally being defeated in 1537. Within the fortress you'll find an interesting exhibit on the Uskoks. Retaken from the Turks in 1648, the fortress changed hands several more times, and saw its last military action during the Second World War when it was a stronghold for Italian and German occupation forces. These days, you can easily conquer the fortifications yourself via the local bus line 22 from Split. Even more easy is the Promet tourist bus which leaves from the main bus station and reaches the fortress in 20 minutes. Of course most convenient is take a guided tour which can explain both the real and the cinematic story behind the fortress.

Afternoon to Early Evening

Marjan Peninsula & the Fisherman's Quarter of Veli Varoš

Veli Varoš is a neighborhood situated at the western end of the old town that is crammed full of charming old stone houses and apartments characteristic of Dalmatia, and narrow cobbled streets that wind up the Marjan Hill. The district once represented the poorer part of Split developed by farmers and fishermen looking to make a better living in the city and seeking shelter from Ottoman military incursions. Today property prices have accelerated northwards, but it's still well worth reconnoitering the maze of paths and traffic-free lanes as you head to the top of the neighborhood to catch magical views of the city. Venture beyond the Fisherman's Quarter and you will be surrounded by typically Mediterranean forest landscape on the Marjan Peninsula.

Day 3

Split

Day 3

Split

Day 3

Split

Day 3

Split

Early Morning to Evening

Excursion to Beautiful Hvar Island

Hvar has a reputation as the Croatian Ibiza, i.e. lots of young people partying as if their lives depended on it, but it's actually much more than that and remains relatively unspoiled and comparatively affordable in relation to the mainland coast. Both of its main towns, Hvar and Star Grad, are lovely medieval towns full of traffic-free alleys surrounded by ancient stone houses; these act as a romantic backdrop to the towns' many cafes from where you can indulge in people-watching and view the fancy yachts filling up the harbor. In the summer, you can take a passenger-only 1-hour catamaran trip directly to Hvar Town. In other months, Hvar is still relatively easy to get to via a 2-hour car ferry to the main island port of Stari Grad. If you do take the ferry, it's still just a short bus or taxi ride to Hvar or Stari Grad - you can even walk to Stari Grad from the ferry port. Keep in mind though that you must be quick off the ferry to catch the bus. If you can afford it, taking a private boat is the ultimate way to experience Hvar, as you can swim, snorkel, and sunbathe along the way. Also keep in mind that while Hvar is happening in the warmer months, it is quite sleepy in the off season. Many restaurants and attractions will be closed, but if you enjoy exploring in peace and quiet, it is the perfect time to visit.

Day 4

Split

Day 4

Split

Day 4

Split

Day 4

Split

Early Morning to Evening

Excursion to the Idyllic Brač Island

The third-largest of Croatia's islands, Brač is also the nearest major island to Split and therefore the easiest to get to with ferries running regular 50-minute trips to Supetar, an attractive former fishing village with shallow and swimmable pebbly beaches. On the opposite side of the island is the similarly picturesque village of Bol, boasting the magnificent beach of Zlatni Rat, pictures of which adorn just about every advertising brochure there is on Dalmatia's islands. Zlatni Rat has a mild-breezy climate that makes it perfect for windsurfing. Bol is accessible from Supetar by public bus, but to get around the island to see smaller coastal settlements like Postira, Pučišća, Povlja, and Milna, and the highest peak of Vidova Gora, it's best to take a guided tour, hire a taxi, or rent a car. Renting a bicycle is also a great option for exploring the island. This will also give you the chance to explore the island's beautiful interior, with its scrub-covered rocky uplands interspersed with fertile valleys, where you'll find vineyards, olive groves, and orange trees. You'll also see the great man-made piles of limestone built up over centuries by small farmers clearing a place to grow their crops. Just keep in mind that if you visit Brač in the off season, it will be very sleepy. This is great if you like to explore without crowds, but not so great if you mind closed restaurants and attractions.

Day 5

Split to Dubrovnik

Day 5

Split to Dubrovnik

Day 5

Split to Dubrovnik

Day 5

Split to Dubrovnik

12:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Private Transfer from Split to Dubrovnik via Mostar

Your own personal driver will pick you up from your hotel and drive you all the way to the southern Dalmatian coastal city of Dubrovnik via a detour to the beautifully reconstructed old Ottoman town of Mostar in Bosnia-Hercegovina. Mostar was heavily damaged in the Balkans wars of the early 1990s, but the historic core of the town has been restored to its glorious former self, including its iconic arched bridge from which you can watch daredevil divers plunging into the rather shallow waters below, and all its old mosques. IMPORTANT NOTE: Please be aware the car service can fit up to 1 checked item of luggage and 1 personal item per person, such as a purse or small backpack. If you think you will have more baggage, please inform your travel consultant as this may result in an additional fee.

Day 6

Dubrovnik

Day 6

Dubrovnik

Day 6

Dubrovnik

Day 6

Dubrovnik

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Guided Walking Tour of Dubrovnik's Old Town

Dubrovnik was able to accumulate vast fortunes as a safe trade route into the Balkan hinterland and thus create a remarkably beautiful city and gargantuan fortifications that remain astonishingly well preserved to today. On this two-hour private guided walking tour, you will experience the supreme delight of viewing the old town almost as it was centuries ago and learning about the history and culture of the city through the ages.

Mid-Day/Afternoon

Excursion to the Top of Mount Srd

Mount Srd, towering above the ancient city of Dubrovnik, undoubtedly offers the best panoramic views of the old town and the surrounding coastline. You can ascend the 412m (1352ft) peak via an ultra-modern cable car near the old city walls, or get the blood pumping by hiking up a steep zig-zag trail to the top. Apart from the astonishing scenery, there's also a museum dedicated to the 1991-95 Croatian War of Independence. The original cable car was built back in 1969 but had to be completely rebuilt after suffering extensive damage during the conflict of the early 1990s. On a clear day, you can see up to 60 km (37 miles). It's for this reason the neighboring Imperial Fortress was built by the French on this spot back in the early 19th century. The cable car runs as soon as there are enough passengers, and the last departure from the lower station is thirty minutes before closing time, which can be as early as 4pm during the winter, and as late as midnight in the summer.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon

Walk Dubrovnik's Old City Walls

The mighty walls of Dubrovnik are considered to be among the greatest defensive fortifications of the Middle Ages. Impregnable throughout their history, the walls run for an incredible 2km (1.24mi), encircling the entire old city, and reaching a maximum height of 25m (82ft). They are reinforced by 17 towers, 5 bastions, and 3 fortresses. No wonder enemy sieges were ultimately unsuccessful, including the Serb siege during the Croatian War of Independence in the early 1990s when the ancient walls proved more effective at resisting modern weaponry than contemporary structures on the city's periphery. A dedicated walk along the entire length of the walls offers unsurpassed views of the city. The City Walls are paid entrance and are open all year round (but keep in mind that they close at 3:00 PM between November and March. The best time to do the walk in summer is early in the morning or as late in the afternoon as possible when the numbers of other people touring the walls are fewest. There are three entrances to the City Walls: at the start of the main thoroughfare called the Stradun, at St John's Fortress, and at St Lucas's Fortress.

Late Afternoon to Evening

Explore Dubrovnik's Famous Old Town

The intricately fortified city of Dubrovnik acquired fabulous wealth as the Republic of Ragusa, which pursued a policy of strict neutrality and was managed by a semi-democratic system of government. It prospered for several centuries until the Napoleonic Wars brought its independence to an end. The income it earned from facilitating Mediterranean trade with the Balkan hinterland was used not only to build its impregnable stone walls and fortresses, but also to construct sumptuous churches, monasteries, and palaces inside the city walls. These remain so well preserved, even despite the military conflict of the early 1990s, that you could be mistaken for thinking you'd been transported back in time while exploring the maze of alleyways and back streets. The first thing to know about Dubrovnik's Old Town is that it gets very, very crowded during the high tourist season, and so if possible, it's best to tour it as early as possible. The main problem is caused by cruise liners that disgorge hundreds of passengers at a time; there can be up to six gargantuan liners in town at any one time, placing huge pressure on the city's facilities and infrastructure and leading to bottle-necks of tourists.

Day 7

Dubrovnik

Day 7

Dubrovnik

Day 7

Dubrovnik

Day 7

Dubrovnik

Morning/Mid-Day

Excursion to Lokrum Island

Almost a stone's throw from Dubrovnik's walled city, the island of Lokrum is the perfect getaway spot if you're looking for some quiet walking, lounging in the sun or bathing in crystal clear waters from rocky beaches far from the clamor of the crowds and motorboats. There's also an exquisite little green lagoon on the island connected to the sea by a tunnel through the rocks that makes for an impossibly romantic swimming spot. Plus there's an atmospheric old Benedictine monastery with a good quality restaurant, a handful of cafes and ice-cream booths, and a botanical garden to which admission is normally included in the price of the ferry to the island. Getting there is easy - during the warm months there is a ferry that leaves Dubrovnik's Old Port every 30min beginning at 9 am and finishing at 7 pm. Once arrived its easy to explore since the island is criss-crossed by trails.

Afternoon to Early Evening

Swimming at Dubrovnik Beaches

Dubrovnik is much more than just the Old Town and there are a number of attractive beaches in and around the city where you can enjoy a swim in near pristine waters or simply soak up the sun on a rented deck chair; there's never a cafe or ice-cream seller too far away. Croatia's beaches are usually quite rocky, but in Dubrovnik, they're often pebble beaches or a mixture of fine shingle and sand, although there's also a beach called Copacabana that has imported sand. Locals talk about their favorite bathing spots like the British discuss the weather; we make it easy to discover the place that's right for you so you don't have to ask. When you first arrive in Dubrovnik and you're touring the Old Town it's often not immediately apparent where the swimming beaches are. You'll see people swimming in the sea around the city walls, but usually they're sunning themselves and jumping into the water from rocky outcrops that can be difficult to access if you don't know where exactly to go. There are, however, a good dozen sandy or pebbly beaches in the greater Dubrovnik area, with two or three within an easy walking distance of the old town. Other good beaches can be reached without too much trouble by boarding a municipal bus from Pile Gate or other nearby stops according to where your hotel is located.

Early Evening/Evening

Dining Out in Dubrovnik

Due to the mass tourism which often overwhelms the city, Dubrovnik doesn't have a particularly great reputation as a purveyor of haute cuisine, and many restaurants favor high prices over quality. Nonetheless, you can find some really great restaurants in the city, which is only as it should be considering Dubrovnik's seaside location and the quite wonderful Dalmation culinary tradition which it has to draw upon. Indeed, the atmosphere of the city, with its ancient stone buildings and al fresco cafes lining the cobblestone streets, makes for a perfect dining setting. Meaning that if you choose well, you have all the ingredients necessary for an ideal culinary experience.

Day 8

Dubrovnik

Day 8

Dubrovnik

Day 8

Dubrovnik

Day 8

Dubrovnik

Morning to Late Afternoon

Self-Guided Trip to the Elafiti Islands

A day trip to one of the lush, vegetation-carpeted Elafiti Islands presents the perfect opportunity to savor the Croatian Adriatic at its unspoiled, get-away-from-it-all best. The largest three islands – Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan – are the ones you will likely aim for as it's only those that are permanently inhabited and serviced by ferries. All the islands have nice beaches, attractive harbor towns and are peppered with enchanting stone churches and old fortresses. Tourism in the Elafiti remains very low key despite the influx of day-trippers and numerous boat excursion operators; the almost total absence of cars contributes to the relaxing ambiance, as private vehicles on not allowed on any of the islands except Šipan.

Late Afternoon to Evening

Self-Guided Sea Kayaking in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is the perfect place to try out some sea kayaking if you've never done it before; even experienced kayakers will enjoy this adventure. The water is warm, crystal clear and very smooth, and you get to see the old city walls of Dubrovnik from a different angle. Accompanied by English speaking instructors, you will set off to explore the caves and sights of Lokrum island, also called 'The Land of Love'.

Day 9

Dubrovnik

Day 9

Dubrovnik

Day 9

Dubrovnik

Day 9

Dubrovnik

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Guided Excursion to Montenegro

Barely one hour from Dubrovnik, the Montenegro Littoral provides visitors with incomparable natural beauty and a dizzying array of historical sites. On this private excursion, your driver will take you to the mouth of the Bay of Kotor and along a road that snakes through the towns of Risan and Perast to the port city of Kotor.

Day 10

Depart Dubrovnik

Day 10

Depart Dubrovnik

Day 10

Depart Dubrovnik

Day 10

Depart Dubrovnik

To Be Determined

Transfer to Airport by Taxi or Bus

Dubrovnik has one main airport, Dubrovnik Airport, also referred to as Čilipi Airport. The most affordable way to reach Dubrovnik airport is by public bus (2 EUR), however, this will take quite a lot of time. You can still save quite a bit of money in comparison to a taxi by taking the direct Atlas Shuttle bus (6 EUR). The buses pick up near the western entrance to Dubrovnik, Pile Gate, and departs roughly every 30 minutes during the day. Your hotel can arrange a reliable taxi which will cost roughly 35-50 EUR. UberX is also available, or you can also arrange a private transfer for added convenience. If you are picked up about 2 hours and 45 minutes before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with over two hours to spare, depending on traffic. Keep in mind that if staying in Old Town, the taxi cannot pick you up directly from the hotel, meaning you will have to walk to the Pile Gate with your bags. If this is an issue, be sure to arrange assistance with a private transfer service or with your hotel beforehand.

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Adriatic Dream: 10-Day Croatian Journey including Bosnia & Montenegro

10 Day Tour of Split and Dubrovnik

$2750

Secure Your Customizable Trip Enter your details to embark on a journey that can be tailored just for you.

Craft Your Own Itinerary Select your interests and destinations for a trip plan inspired by you.

Trip Map & Itinerary

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Transfer from Airport by Taxi or Shuttle Bus

Secure Your Customizable Trip
Enter your details to embark on a journey that can be tailored just for you.

Craft Your Own Itinerary
Select your interests and destinations for a trip plan inspired by you.