Deluxe Dubrovnik & the Dalmatian Coast

Day 1  Fly to Dubrovnik, Croatia
Today you will fly to Dubrovnik. On arrival, transfer to the pretty coastal resort of Cavtat, where your hotel has direct access to the beach and is just a short walk from the town centre with its small harbour and quaint streets. 

Day 2  Dubrovnik
The drive to the medieval city of Kotor, in the neighbouring country of Montenegro, offers some of the most dramatically beautiful scenery on the Dalmatian coast. We’ll head here after breakfast, stopping in the ancient village of Perast en route, where we’ll board a boat to visit the historic Our Lady of the Rock island, home to a 16th century church. In Kotor, we’ll wander the old town’s tiny alleys, which are overshadowed by towering cliffs and the high walls of ancient stone houses, discover intriguing squares and enjoy splendid views over the Boka Mountains. More wonderful scenery is on offer as we drive around the breathtaking bay, before returning to our hotel. 

Day 3  Kotor, Montenegro  
Located on the stunning Dalmatian coast, Dubrovnik is famed for its beauty, that we’ll be exploring on today’s included tour. We’ll enjoy lovely views as we travel along the coast road to the city, before strolling through its maze of narrow streets to the UNESCO-listed Old Town. On our half-day tour, we’ll take in more wonderful vistas from the ancient ramparts, and then wander along the famous Stradun (promenade) to the former Rector’s Palace, now a museum, and the Franciscan monastery, which houses the oldest pharmacy in Europe. We will then visit a community project located in central Dubrovnik. Founded during the Balkan war, DEŠA was started when a group of locals from Dubrovnik partnered with refugees and made a small handicraft business. Now, they continue as a women’s centre which provides victim support while acting as a centre of cultural preservation. Following this experience, you will get to try some local delicacies made by the staff at the project. You will then capture incredible photographs as we take the cable car to Srd Hill, which offers spectacular views over the city and the sparkling waters of the Adriatic. 

Day 4  Cavtat, Croatia
Set in a calm shallow bay, the medieval fortress town of Ston is one of the Dalmatian coast’s hidden gems with its rich history and natural beauty. On today’s optional excursion, we’ll enjoy a guided tour and discover the second-longest stone wall in Europe. We’ll also visit a family-owned winery where, of course, we’ll enjoy a tasting along with a traditional light lunch.

Day 5  Cavtat  
Today has been left free for you to explore at your own leisure. Alternatively, embark on an optional half-day cultural journey from Cavtat to the picturesque village of Cilipi, where tradition and craftsmanship come to life. Explore the region's rich heritage through guided presentations, showcasing olive oil production, wine-making, brandy distillation, and the creation of traditional sweets. Delight in a curated tasting of locally produced specialties, including brandy, Prosecco, olive oil, homemade wines, arancini, and dried fruits.

Day 6  Elafiti Islands
The Elafiti Islands boast beautiful beaches backed by scented pine trees and lapped by crystal-clear waters, and we’ll enjoy a cruise here today. We’ll sail in style aboard Karaka, a magnificent 16th century replica of a traditional ship from the era of the Republic of Dubrovnik. Our first stop is Sipan, the largest of these unspoilt gems, where wild herbs fragrance the breeze and Renaissance villas, built as summer getaways by Dubrovnik’s wealthiest families, enhance the landscape. In this picturesque setting, enjoy a lunch of typical Dalmatian cuisine. The area is renowned for its fresh seafood so this is sure to be a real treat. We’ll then set sail for the island of Lopud, where you can take a walk to the hilltop Franciscan Monastery for wonderful views over the islands. Step inside to admire the fine collection of altar paintings. 

Day 7  Cavtat
We’ve left today free for you to explore the pretty area of Cavtat, with its intriguing mixture of old and new architecture, rich vegetation and a waterfront lined with bars and restaurants. You may choose to relax by the pool or beach, or make another visit to Dubrovnik in the company of your travelling companions.

Day 8  Dubrovnik to the UK
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.