The Trip
We will travel the picturesque coast from Dubrovnik to Skradin. You will tour all the landmark sights, plus all the wonderful, less-known treasures of this enchanting country. We will motor to Dubrovnik, take boat trips to the islands of Brac and Hvar, sample the wonderful wines of Croatia at local vineyards and have some fabulous meals that feature local specialties. We will have some very full days and also some time to relax. You may want to spend some time on the beach, walk along the promenade into the center of Brela for the world’s best cappuccino, or just sit on the terrace soaking up the scenery. The more ambitious people may want to schedule an optional trip, go scuba diving, jet skiing or parasailing. This is your experience and you determine how active you want to be.
Croatia Only Tours specializes in:
- Small groups that lend themselves to a more intimate and accommodating touring environment
- Flexible schedules that combine full days of sight-seeing along with days to relax and savor local sights
- Treasures to explore that locals know about, not found in guidebooks and museums
When you arrive in Brela, you will unpack just once at a beautiful stone pension, just meters from the sea. And when you see this coastal town, you will understand why Brela has won recognition and awards, and why we have chosen it as the place to call home for the entire tour. Brela is located approximately 40 km from the city of Split. The town is surrounded by natural beauty; it's backdrop are the dramatic Biokovo Mountains and it rests on the Adriatic Sea overlooking the island of Brac. Brela boasts beautiful beaches, clear seawater, a lovely coastal promenade upon which you may stroll into town to sample one of the excellent seafood restaurants (a local specialty), or any of a number of cosmopolitan fare. From Brela, we will embark on exciting and authentic day trips to our favorite destinations along the Adriatic coastline. (See the day-by-day itinerary below)
We offer this experience to a small, intimate groups of 8 to 16 travelers per tour. This group-size allows us to travel in our own private chartered van and to experience the country and culture in a manner not conducive to larger groups. (See photos from previous trips)
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Split Airport
Proceed by private van to Brela. Located on the Adriatic Sea, Brela was named by Forbes Magazine as The Most Beautiful Beach in Europe and one of the six most beautiful beaches in the world. In addition, Brela has been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag Award by the European community the past dozen years for having one of the cleanest, most beautiful beaches in all of Europe. We will meet for dinner and review the schedule for the remainder of your time. D
Day 2: Makarska
After breakfast we will walk to the center of Brela along the promenade where we will board the van for the short ride to the seaside town of Makarska. Here you will have time to walk along the sea, visit the local sights in this picturesque town and have lunch. Evening is free. B & L
Day 3: Mostar and Pocitelj
After breakfast, we will travel by van today to Herzegovina and the town of Mostar. Prior to arriving in Mostar, we will make a stop at Pocitelj, which is a small, fortified village dating back to Turkish occupation. It is believed that parts of the fortress date back to the 4th Century. The town also boasts a beautiful mosque dating back to the 16th Century. We will sample local cuisine for our lunch here. Mostar is located on the Neretva River and is known for its’ Turkish bazaar, cobbled-stoned streets, and its famous bridge. It is also said to be the place where the east meets the west. You will be able to tour a mosque, sip Turkish coffee, shop and have dinner along a picturesque river close to Joe’s village. We will also squeeze in some time for wine tasting. B, L & D
Day 4: Biokovo
Late in the morning we will travel by van into the Biokovo Mountains to a local farmers market where you may buy anything from a goat to hand-made sickle. From there we will drive to Omis, a scenic town located at the base of the Mosor Mountains. The salt water of the sea is met by the fresh water of the river and was once a hiding place for pirates that would loot the ships that came from Venice. The river meanders through the base of the mountains and provides for a wonderful boat ride and a destination for a lovely lunch served by the river in a grove of trees. Bring your camera, the scenery is spectacular. Evening is free. B & L.
Day 5: Hvar
Steve Dougherty of the New York Times described Hvar as “…a mountainous, lavender-scented isle set in the blue, sun blasted Adriatic Sea of the Dalmatian coast of Croatia.” We will board the boat with our group to travel to this island that has become a haven for the rich and famous. When you arrive, you will know why. Stari Grad (Old Town) is brilliant in the sun with its polished white stones and wide square piazza. The walls of the city were built in the 13th century to defend against Turkish pirates. We will tour and taste the local wine; for which Hvar is well known. B & L
Day 6: Free day
You will have the option of a day-trip to the island Korcula, said to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. The island is a hydrofoil ride away. This walled city has many breathtaking sights and a lake on the island. B
Day 7: Split
After breakfast we will travel by van to Split, an ancient walled city home to the emperor Diocletian’s Summer Palace, built between the 3rd and 4th centuries. The city is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will have the opportunity to tour this incredible site and also be able to meander the many small and narrow walkways. You may also want to view the green market where you can purchase many local wares including: homemade cheese, olive oil, honey, lavender oil and hand embroidered linens. This is a wonderful opportunity to tour and shop. We will have lunch on the riva (harbor). Before returning to Brela we will proceed onto Vidikovac; the highest point in Split where you can view the entire city and harbor. Evening is free. B & L
Day 8: Brac
In the morning we will boat to the island of Brac, known for its’ many quaint villages and its marble-like stone. It also makes claim to the most recognized beach in the country – Bol - a sandy stretch of beach where you can see mega yachts anchored while their quests take dips in the water before departing on their next port of call. We will enjoy a fish picnic and walk into one of the villages known for its’ stone sculpturing school. Here you may purchase art objects made from the stone. B & L
Day 9: Trogir
In the afternoon we will travel to Trogir; an ancient walled city known for its’ ship-building and a favorite harbor for mega yachts. There are many churches and palaces here, the most famous being the Cathedral of Saint Ivan. The cathedral took 300 years to build and was completed in the 16th century. You will have time to tour, shop or just sit at a café. We will have dinner before we return to Brela. B & D
Day 10: Sibenik/Krka National Park/Skradin
Today is a full day starting in the picturesque coastal town of Sibenik located at the mouth of the Krka River. Renaissance and Gothic architecture frame this port city. We will walk along the harbor (riva) and view the old city, where we will have lunch. Next we will ride to the Krka Park known for its’ seventeen waterfalls. In the middle of the park is an island where there is a beautiful monastery built in 1445. The early evening takes us to yet another beautiful town; Skradin. This town is known for its’ melodious Dalmatian music. Here we will dine on local specialties and sample local wines. B, L & D
Day 11: Free Day
You will have the option of a day trip to Soline to visit pre-Roman ruins. Then you will travel on to visit the breathtaking former palace and now museum of Ivan Mestrovic, Croatia’s most accomplished sculptor. B
Day 12: Dubrovnik
Early morning we will travel to Dubrovnik, the very famous walled city also recognized as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. This city is known as the Pearl of the Adriatic and was featured in the fall of 2005 on the Today show. To say this walled city is magical is an understatement. You will have time to walk the wall and discover the many intriguing and narrow streets. We will spend the day there, including an hour and a half with a professional Dubrovnik guide who will show us the highlights of this historic city. B & D
Day 13: Free Day
Time to rest, pack, swim or whatever is your desire. We will have dinner together to reflect on the time we shared and to say good bye to Croatia; a country with exceptional natural beauty, a rich culture, a coastline dotted with breathtaking coves, olive groves, century-old cypress trees, miles of grapes and of course, rosemary and lavender. We hope that you will come back again and again as some of our previous travelers have done to once again explore the culture of Croatia, the rich history and the magnificent natural beauty. B & D
Extras:
There are optional excursions and activities available that we can help to arrange for the traveler. (Korcula, scuba diving, parasailing and jet skiing.)
Terms and Conditions
We reserve the right to cancel and reschedule any tour with less than 8 travelers.
Payment Policy:
A deposit of $400.00 per person is required to secure a confirmed reservation.
Single Travelers please add $450.00.
Cancellation Policy:
All cancellations must be in writing. The following cancellation charges will be assessed for all written cancellations received prior to departure up the scheduled time of tour arrival.
| Cancellation Received: |
Charges: |
| (days before arrival) |
| 95+ days |
Full Refund |
| 94-65 days |
$375.00 |
| 64-45 days |
25% of tour price |
| 44-30 days |
50% of tour price |
| 29-0 days |
No Refund |
Itinerary Changes:
Itineraries are subject to change and may need to be altered based on weather conditions.
Important note:
This tour will include daily walks of up to 1-2 miles over steps and uneven ground, which are also not wheelchair accessible. Many of these destinations that we will visit are not accessible by motorized vehicles. In order for you to fully experience and enjoy your Croatian journey, we advise that all guests be in good physical condition.
