Leslie Hsu Besner and Family
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
ARRIVE INTO CROATIA
Welcome to Croatia! Upon your arrival to Split airport you will be welcomed by your chauffeur for a private transfer to Cornaro Hotel. This centrally located hotel is unique in its location and well-located for exploring.
Croatia’s second-largest city, Split (Spalato in Italian) is a great place to see Dalmatian life as it’s really lived. Always buzzing, this exuberant city has just the right balance between tradition and modernity.
Step inside Diocletian’s Palace (an Unesco World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most impressive Roman monuments) and you’ll see dozens of bars, restaurants and shops thriving amid the atmospheric old walls where Split has been humming along for thousands of years. Add to this an impressive backdrop of dramatic coastal mountains and the glistening waters of the Adriatic, and it is not difficult to see why the locals frequently claim that theirs is, “The most beautiful city in the world”.
Overnight Cornaro Hotel
Day 2
EXPLORE SPLIT AND TROGIR AND LUNCH WITH CHEF TATJANA
This morning, your local guide will meet your hotel and you’ll head out on your private guided tour of Split and Trogir.
Split is one of the Adriatic’s most amazing seaports and Croatia’s second-largest city. It’s well known for its unique history. Split’s city center has never expanded beyond the original, walled palace that still exists today. With your guide, you’ll learn about the local way of life and culture within and outside the city walls.
After touring Split, your driver and guide will take you to Trogir for a walk along the beautiful narrow streets where you will learn about this traditional, island oasis. A large bridge connects Trogir to the mainland and is a great example of the area’s Greek, Roman and Venetian history. After a short walk of the old town, enjoy our exclusive experience with Tatjana’s in her impressive, 13th century palace home.
Tatjana brings to life the essence of Dalmatia and takes you on a journey of discovery and indulgence as you learn about the incredible ingredients and preparations of local food and culture. After lunch, return to Split and enjoy your evening at leisure.
Overnight Cornaro Hotel
Day 3
MODRIĆ CAVE AND KRKA WATERFALLS
In the morning, after breakfast, your driver will collect you from your hotel, and you’ll head towards Zadar Hinterland where you will explore Modrić Cave with an expert guide!
Afterward, enjoy traditional lunch in a local restaurant before proceeding towards Krka Waterfalls National Park.
Skradin is small town that feels magical, due to its being nestled beneath beautiful waterfalls at the mouth of the Krka River. Known for it’s incredible wine, the region’s food is also unique and includes specialties such as Skradin Risotto. A labor of love, the risotto takes over 12 hours to prepare as shown on Anthony Bourdain’s World famous show “No Reservations: Croatia.”
Head to Krka Waterfalls National Park, Visovac and Roški Slap, where you will explore the area with your guide. The River Krka has seven falls, the last one being the amazing Skradinski Buk Waterfall. Stroll along the winding wooden paths of the park checking out all of the waterfalls and make your way to the restored watermill, now housing an ethnographic museum and local craft shop. After the tour, you’ll transfer back to Split to enjoy rest of your day at leisure.
Overnight Cornaro Hotel
Day 4
HIKING IN DALMATIAN HINTERLAND, PICNIC LUNCH, STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING
Today, meet up with your guide for a Dalmatian hiking tour.
Once you arrive, you will be joined by your local, expert guide, Domagoj, who will give you insight into the culture and nature of this beautiful mountain landscape. Spend the morning exploring the Dinaric Alps, starting your hike along the Cetina River with gorgeous views of valleys, the Bosnian mountains, pristine rivers, springs, and old abandoned mills.
Once it’s lunch time, the guide will arrange lunch in a picturesque spot and cook your meal using, local fresh ingredients! They’ll grill meat and fish dishes that will be served with home-grown vegetables, all seasoned with wild Dalmatian Mountain herbs! You’ll also have the chance to enjoyed specially cured meats, homemade cheeses, and fine wines.
After lunch, head to the mountain lake where you’ll enjoy a fun stand-up paddle board session!
Later, return to your hotel and relax or take a walk and have dinner at a local restaurant. Remember to pack your bags and be ready for tomorrow’s exciting boat trip en route to Hvar.
Overnight Cornaro Hotel
Day 5
SPLIT TO SUTIVAN, BRAČ ISLAND, CAVES AND COVES OF VIS AND BIŠEVO, HVAR ISLAND AND THE BLUE CAVE
Explore Dalmatia`s most beautiful islands of Hvar, Vis and Biševo by boat.
After breakfast, meet the skipper of your private boat. First, you’ll head toward the stunning caves and coves of Vis and Biševo Islands. While it’s only five nautical miles from Vis Island, in Bisevo you will find one of Croatia’s most unusual natural phenomena. Switch to a smaller boat so you can explore the spectacular Blue Cave (Modra Spilja) with its striking and deep blue color, which is created by sunrays that come through a single crack in the rock. You’ll have time to experience the beautiful natural surroundings and impressive sandy beaches as well.
After your visit to the Blue Cave and Bisevo Island, you’ll go to visit the island of Vis where you can see a historically genuine Mediterranean culture and way of life. Enjoy the crystal clear sea; beautiful, secluded beaches, and many small coves and isles that are a must see for anyone visiting the region.
Afterward, cruise toward Hvar Island and Pakleni Archipelago, located off the Southwest coast. The island of Hvar is listed is among the top 10 islands in the world and known for its sunny weather, crystal blue waters, ancient villages, Venetian palaces, charming lavender fields, olive plantations, vineyards, and quaint cobblestone streets.
Arrival to Sutivan in the late afternoon and check in to your hotel, the Lemongarden.
Overnight Hotel Lemongarden
Day 6
SUTIVAN – LEISURE DAY
Today is at your leisure, enjoy the private beach or hang by the pool.
Perhaps book yourself a spa treatment or take out the bikes to explore the area on your own.
Overnight Hotel Lemongarden
Day 7
EXPLORE BRAČ ISLAND – HIKING TOUR WITH HOME-COOKED DINNER
Enjoy your morning at leisure.
Later, meet your guide, Dom, in the early afternoon for unique discovery tour of Brač Island. This is Croatia’s largest island with beautiful historic towns, monasteries and caves in the interior of the island! Visit Škrip, the oldest settlement on the island and stroll its streets and dabble in its history.
Today’s highlight will be visiting the charming small village of Dol where you will enjoy home cooked dinner with a local family where you are made to feel at home while also learning about Croatian traditions.
After dinner and your guide will take you back to your hotel where you can enjoy your evening at leisure.
Overnight Hotel Lemongarden
Day 8
DEPART SUTIVAN FOR DUBROVNIK
Check out after breakfast and meet up with your driver for a private transfer to Dubrovnik (driving and ferry crossing approx. total travel time of 5-6 hours.)
Upon arrival, check in to your hotel, the recently renovated, Hotel Kompas. Kompas has all the modern day amenities and is located in a charming location along Lapad Bay. Only 10-15 minutes from the Historical, Old Town Dubrovnik, Hotel Kompas is also well located near shops, restaurants and a boardwalk for strolling.
In the evening, meet up with your private guide and head on a pleasant walk through Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Referred to as the “the pearl of the Adriatic Sea” you’ll see why this city is so enchanting. Head to the main pedestrian walking area where you can enjoy numerous outdoor cafés and shops with outstanding monuments at either end.
After your intro and tour of the city, your guide will recommend a nice restaurant in the old town for dinner on your own. Enjoy your evening at leisure and return to your hotel after dinner on your own (may require an Uber or private taxi ride.)
Overnight Hotel Kompas
Day 9
DUBROVNIK – PRIVATE BOAT TO ELAPHITE ARCHIPELAGO
Today your driver will collect you and transfer you to Dubrovnik Marina where you’ll board your private boat.
Cruise through the crystal blue waters of the Adriatic to the Elaphite islands. The archipelago comprises 13 islands, islets and prominent rocks that make for quite a scenic journey. Check out cute towns with little cafes and also cliffside walks where you get an insight into the well-preserved, island lifestyle.
The rugged coastline is comprised from a web of rocks, caves, hidden beaches and coves. Jump in for a refreshing swim in the Adriatic, and enjoy the quaint bays, underwater caves and grottos.
In the afternoon, return to your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure.
Overnight Hotel Kompas
Day 10
DUBROVNIK AND DAY AT LEISURE
Today you can explore on your own and choose to hire a local car and driver or just enjoy the sites of Dubrovnik at your own pace.
Areas of possible interest in the nearby region are:
- The town of Cavtat is only a short drive south of Dubrovnik and is a quintessentially Mediterranean seaside town.
- Srdj Hill, is an ideal spot for a spectacular panoramic vista of the red rooftops against an impressive view of the surrounding islands.
- Picturesque seaside villages, such as Trsteno and other nearby beaches of interest.
Overnight Hotel Kompas
Day 11
Departure
Meet your driver for a private transfer to Dubrovnik Airport for your outbound flight.
