Dubrovnik & the Dalmatian Coast

Dubrovnik, Korcula and Hvar: 10 Night – 11 Days

Hotel Options:
3 Nights – Dubrovnik, Hotel Croatia Villa Dubrovnik
3 Nights – Korcula, Hotel Croatia Lesic Dimitri Palace
4 Nights – Hvar, Hotel Croatia Adriana

Explore the best of Dalmatia by combining the rich history and impressive architecture of Dubrovnik with the sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and relaxed atmosphere of two of the region’s most beautiful islands, Hvar and Korcula..

Description

Dubrovnik is the jewel in the crown of the Dalmatian coast and a fitting place to start your holiday exploring this stunning region. George Bernard Shaw was enchanted by this beautiful city, about which he famously said “those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik and see Dubrovnik”. A magnificent series of walls surround marble streets and baroque buildings that exude an almost ethereal light in the Adriatic sun. The main pedestrian thoroughfare, Placa, is lined with cafés, shops and ice cream parlours. Churches, monasteries and museums ornamented with finely carved stone recall an eventful history and a vibrant artistic tradition.

There is plenty to keep you entertained for a few days in the city itself and your private English-speaking guide can help bring the city to life with an afternoon or evening tour of Dubrovnik. Sea kayaking around the ancient walls of the Old Town is also a great way to experience the city from a unique and more tranquil perspective. If you do want to venture out, Peljesac peninsula is famous for its vineyards, where you can while away an afternoon sampling the regional vintages at a local winery. For the more active, horse riding tours along the hillsides of the Konavle Valley are a great way to experience the countryside outside city. After your stay in Dubrovnik head north to your first island stay: Korcula. The ancient walls of the Old Town are still standing here and although the moat that surrounds them is now dry, visitors must still pass over the drawbridge in order to enter. The town itself dates back over a thousand years and features relics from the Illyric and Greek settlements, the Roman Empire and the Venetian Republic. The explorer Marco Polo famously lived here and it is claimed that his journey along the Silk Road originated on the island. Just beyond the impressive masonry and architecture of the Old Town lie several sandy beaches, while nearby Lumbarda offers some of the best beaches in the area, including Vela Przina, Bilin Zal and Tatinja.

From Korcula take a boat north to the island of Hvar to spend your final days relaxing and soaking up the local culture. The sandy beaches and pretty central harbour are incredibly popular during the summer months and with good reason, however it is the little explored interior of the island that is arguably the most beautiful, with lavender fields, peaceful villages, rolling vineyards and pine-covered hills. Your local guide can help you explore the hidden corners of this beautiful island by car, foot or bicycle. Hvar is becoming particularly well-known for its wines and a tour of the local vineyards is highly recommended, while foodies will love the opportunity to enjoy a traditional lunch cooked over an open fire in a hidden village, high in the hills overlooking the azure sea.

When to travel
The warmest months of the year are July and August, when the daytime high temperatures will hover around the low 30°C’s. The coldest months of the year on average are January and February, during which time the daytime highs will be around 12°C. The rainiest months of the year are generally November and December, with the summer months being fairly dry.