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7-day itinerary

Dalmatia Highlights Tour

7-day tour of Split, Hvar, and Dubrovnik

Length
7 days · 27 sights
Pace
Moderate
Estimated cost
€491 per person
Based in
Dalmatia

Day by day

  1. Day 1: Arrival in Split & Diocletian's Palace

    Arrive in Split, Croatia's second-largest city. Explore the UNESCO-listed Diocletian's Palace, the heart of the city, and enjoy a sunset walk along the Riva promenade.

    • 10:00

      Diocletian's Palace Exploration

      Walk through the ancient Roman palace built for Emperor Diocletian. Visit the Peristyle, the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, and the underground crypts.

      About 3 hours

    • 14:00

      Lunch in the Old Town

      Enjoy traditional Dalmatian cuisine in a tavern within the palace walls.

      About 60 min

    • 16:00

      Marjan Hill Walk

      Take a leisurely walk up Marjan Hill for panoramic views of the city and archipelago.

      About 1.5 hours

    Meals:
    Lunch at Diocletian's Palace Area; Dinner at Riva Promenade
    Where to stay:
    Stay in Split Old Town or near the Port for easy access to ferries and attractions.
    Getting around:
    Walking is sufficient for exploring the city center. Use local buses or taxis for Marjan Hill.

  2. Day 2: Krka National Park & Skradin

    Day trip to Krka National Park. Walk along the wooden paths to see the stunning Skradinski Buk waterfall and explore the historic town of Skradin.

    • 08:00

      Road to Skradin

      Travel by road from Split to Skradin, the gateway to Krka National Park.

      About 60 min

    • 09:30

      Skradinski Buk Waterfall

      Hike the marked trails to witness the largest waterfall cascade in Krka National Park. Swim is permitted in designated areas.

      About 4 hours

    • 13:30

      Lunch at the Park

      Picnic or dine at one of the restaurants near the entrance or in Skradin.

      About 60 min

    • 15:00

      Roški Waterfall & Ključica Fortress

      Visit the smaller but equally beautiful Roški Waterfall and hike up to Ključica Fortress for panoramic views.

      About 2 hours

    Meals:
    Lunch at Skradin/Krka Park
    Where to stay:
    Return to Split for overnight stay.
    Getting around:
    Travel from Split to Skradin by road; the bus takes about 1 hour 10 minutes. Walking shoes required for park trails.

  3. Day 3: Hvar Town & Stiniva Cove

    Ferry to the island of Hvar. Explore the vibrant Hvar Town, visit the Fortress, and take a boat trip to the stunning Stiniva Cove.

    • 08:30

      Ferry to Hvar Town

      Fast catamaran from Split to Hvar Town.

      About 1.5 hours

    • 10:30

      Hvar Fortress (Fortica)

      Climb to the Venetian Fortress for breathtaking views of the archipelago.

      About 2 hours

    • 13:00

      Lunch at the Plaza

      Lunch at a cafe on the main square, the Trg Sv. Stjepana.

      About 60 min

    • 15:00

      Boat Trip to Stiniva Cove

      Join a small boat tour to Stiniva Cove, a secluded beach with dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear water.

      About 4 hours

    Meals:
    Lunch at Hvar Town Plaza; Dinner at Hvar Town
    Where to stay:
    Stay in Hvar Town for nightlife and convenience, or Paklenica for a quieter experience.
    Getting around:
    Walking in Hvar Town. Boat rental or tour required for Stiniva.

  4. Day 4: Vis Island & Blue Cave

    Travel to the furthest inhabited island, Vis. Visit the Blue Cave and relax in the secluded Stoncica Bay.

    • 07:00

      Ferry to Vis

      Longer ferry ride from Hvar to Vis Island (Vis Town).

      About 3 hours

    • 10:30

      Blue Cave Visit

      Take a small boat into the famous Blue Cave to see the magical blue light reflection.

      About 2 hours

    • 13:00

      Lunch in Vis Town

      Fresh seafood lunch in the charming harbor of Vis Town.

      About 60 min

    • 15:00

      Stoncica Bay Relaxation

      Visit Stoncica Bay, a pristine pebble beach with turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

      About 3 hours

    Meals:
    Lunch at Vis Town
    Where to stay:
    Stay in Vis Town or Komiža for authentic island atmosphere.
    Getting around:
    Local bus or taxi on Vis. Boat tour essential for Blue Cave.

  5. Day 5: Korčula Island & Marco Polo's Birthplace

    Travel to Korčula. Explore the walled Old Town, often called 'Little Dubrovnik', and visit the Kanavelić Tower.

    • 08:00

      Ferry to Korčula

      Ferry from Vis to Korčula Town.

      About 2 hours

    • 10:30

      Korčula Old Town Walk

      Explore the narrow streets, St. Mark's Cathedral, and the alleged birthplace of Marco Polo.

      About 3 hours

    • 13:30

      Lunch with a View

      Lunch at a restaurant overlooking the harbor.

      About 60 min

    • 15:00

      Kanavelić Tower

      Visit the 15th-century defensive tower on the eastern side of the old town for Adriatic views.

      About 1.5 hours

    Meals:
    Lunch at Korčula Town; Dinner at Korčula Town
    Where to stay:
    Stay within the walls of Korčula Old Town for a historic experience.
    Getting around:
    Walking is best for exploring the walled town.

  6. Day 6: Omiš & River Cetina

    Day trip to Omiš, known for its pirate history and dramatic canyon. Rafting on the Cetina River and visiting Mirabella Fortress.

    • 09:00

      Bus to Omiš

      Short bus ride from Split to Omiš.

      About 60 min

    • 10:30

      Mirabella Fortress

      Hike to the 13th-century fortress for panoramic views of the Cetina River mouth.

      About 3 hours

    • 13:30

      Lunch by the River

      Traditional meal at a restaurant along the Cetina River.

      About 60 min

    • 15:00

      Cetina River Rafting/Boat Tour

      Optional: Take a boat tour or raft down the Cetina River to the sea.

      About 3 hours

    Meals:
    Lunch at Omiš; Dinner at Split
    Where to stay:
    Return to Split for the final night.
    Getting around:
    Bus from Split to Omiš. Walking or local transport in Omiš.

  7. Day 7: Mljet National Park & Departure

    Final day exploring Mljet Island, known for its two saltwater lakes and ancient monastery. Departure from Dubrovnik or Split.

    • 08:00

      Ferry to Mljet

      Ferry from Korčula or Split to Mljet Island (Pomena or Sobra port).

      About 2 hours

    • 10:30

      Mljet Lakes & St. Mary's Island

      Visit the two large saltwater lakes and take a small boat to the 12th-century Benedictine monastery on St. Mary's Island.

      About 3 hours

    • 13:30

      Lunch on Mljet

      Fresh fish lunch at a local konoba.

      About 60 min

    • 15:30

      Mljet Forest Walk

      A gentle walk through the pine forest covering the island.

      About 2 hours

    Meals:
    Lunch at Mljet Island
    Where to stay:
    Departure from Dubrovnik (via ferry/bus) or return to Split for flight.
    Getting around:
    Ferry to Mljet. Local bus or taxi on the island.

Practical information

The optimal time to visit the Dalmatian coast is during the shoulder seasons of May–June or September–October. These periods offer mild temperatures ideal for sightseeing and hiking, with significantly fewer crowds than the peak summer months of July and August. While summer guarantees warm sea temperatures for swimming, it brings intense heat, high humidity, and congested ferries or roads. If traveling in peak season, book all transport and accommodation months in advance to secure availability and better rates. Getting around Dalmatia efficiently requires a mix of public transport and private options. The primary hubs are Split and Dubrovnik, both of which have international airports and extensive bus networks connecting major towns. For island hopping, such as trips to Hvar, Brač, or Korčula, Jadrolinija ferries are the standard public transport, though they can be slow. To maximize time in a seven-day itinerary, renting a car is highly recommended for flexibility, allowing you to explore inland attractions and remote beaches that ferries do not reach. However, be aware that parking in historic centers like Split and Dubrovnik is scarce and expensive; consider parking outside the old towns and walking or using local shuttles. Accommodation should be strategically chosen based on your daily route. Split serves as an excellent base for exploring the northern Dalmatian islands and Diocletian’s Palace. For the southern leg, staying in Dubrovnik or nearby Cavtat provides easy access to the city walls and southern excursions. On islands like Hvar or Korčula, staying in the main towns offers better dining and transport links than secluded villages. Budget-wise, expect higher costs for island accommodations and peak-season car rentals. Most tour packages exclude meals, local taxes, and entrance fees to historical sites, so allocate daily cash for food, coffee, and museum tickets. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for summer heat, but include layers for cooler evenings and potential wind, especially on islands. Comfortable walking shoes with good grip are essential for cobblestone streets and uneven historic terrain. Bring a universal power adapter (Type C/F), sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle, as tap water is generally safe in urban areas but may taste different. Finally, carry a physical copy of your ferry tickets and hotel confirmations, as mobile signal can be unreliable in remote coastal areas or during network outages.

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