SAMPLE ITINERARY

Explore the famous medieval walled city of Dubrovnik, built between the 11th and 17th centuries, with its magnificent palaces, churches, chapels, monasteries, cloisters, squares, museums, mansions and huge ramparts. Today it is better known as the location for the hugely popular TV series, the ‘Game of Thrones’.

You can stay near the Old Town or on the lovely Lapad Peninsula. If you would prefer a quieter location, you can stay in a town such as Orasac, Slano, Mlini or Cavtat outside the city.

There is much to do in and around Dubrovnik, in addition to exploring the old city. Other sights include the Trsteno Arboretum, the Peljesac Peninsula including Ston and its defensive Great Walls, the traditional Konavle Valley and Mostar in neighbouring Bosnia & Herzegovina. Day excursions are available to the Elaphiti islands, Korcula, Split or even neighbouring Montenegro and there is a regular shuttle boat to Lokrum Island.

You can also visit Mljet National Park on Mljet Island, where the two main bodies of water appear to be lakes, but are actually narrow inlets connected to the sea. The larger lake is home to St Mary’s Island with its Benedictine monastery, and has relatively flat walking and biking trails. The Dubrovnik Summer Festival is held between mid-July and late-August each year, and don’t forget to take the cable car up Mount Srd for breathtaking views.

Afterwards spend some time relaxing on the beautiful Dubrovnik Riviera or on one of the stunning Dalmatian Coast islands.

The Dubrovnik Riviera offers many beautiful relaxing spots close to the city, yet away from the crowds. Orasac is 25 minutes north of Dubrovnik, with regular bus, taxi and taxi-boat services. In this quiet spot you will find lush Trsteno Arboretum tucked away in a secret garden estate. The Peljesac peninsula and Great Walls of Ston are also within easy reach. Further north is Slano, a pretty traditional Dalmatian coast village with a marina and lovely waterfront, with a few bars and restaurants. Local boat trips are available and there is a bus service to Dubrovnik. Totally natural Jakljan Island is an hour away.

20 minutes south of Dubrovnik, the small village of Mlini is named after an old watermill. It has a lovely pebble beach with some sandy areas and a few restaurants and bars. A taxi-boat connects the village with Dubrovnik. Just a little further south is Cavtat, which has a scenic waterfront and French-style Riviera with a wide seaside promenade. It consists of a jumble of old stone houses, churches with towers, cafes and restaurants. A coastal path winds up through woods to the magnificent white Racic mausoleum. The Konavle Valley with its rivers, olive groves, fruits and traditional farming is only a short drive away. On Sundays you can see traditional dancing in the nearby village of Cilipi.

Korcula is one of the largest Croatian islands and combines well with Dubrovnik. It is said to be the birthplace of Marco Polo and offers rolling countryside, farming terraces, olive groves, vineyards, deep valleys, pine forests and almost 200 small coves and pebble beaches. Korcula Town is enclosed by stone walls, with narrow streets radiating out from the central square and many restaurants, bars, cafes and shops. At sunset the town is the colour of pale honey. There is also a lovely marina and a Franciscan monastery. From here you can take day trips to Ston and its Great Walls, Mljet Island, Trsteno Arboretum and Orebic on the Peljesac peninsula, with its strong maritime heritage and wines, especially the full bodied Dingac. You can also take a water taxi to tiny Badija island.

Sipan is the largest island in the Elaphiti chain. Only 9 km long and 2.5 km wide, this green island with its orchards, olive groves and wild herbs is easy to explore on foot. Here you can find the ruins of summer villas of old Dubrovnik nobility. It is a quiet island with only a few bars and restaurants, but perfect for relaxing.

Mljet is a tranquil green and forested island. In the north-west of the island you will find Mljet National Park, which has two spectacular salt water lakes that are actually inlets from the sea. The monastery of Saint Mary is built on an island in the middle of Veliko Jezero (the ‘Big Lake’). You can rent paddle boats and bicycles here and there are several relatively flat walking paths. There is only one road across the island, so its perfect for nature lovers. The town of Pomena only has a couple of bars and restaurants near the harbour. In summer, it is an easy day trip to Korcula Island.

Lopud is a small car-free island, with a strong seafaring tradition. It has pastel-coloured houses, church spires, stone cottages, tall palm trees and a long sandy beach at Sunj. It is another quiet spot, with only a handful of restaurants and bars.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. Dubrovnik airport transfers & flights from London are included, with regional departures on request. Car hire can be arranged on request.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance and an appropriate driving licence, if you intend to hire a car. The AA and FCO should also be consulted.