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Croatia in 3 Years, Part 1: Southern Dalmatia

8 Days / 7 Nights

Dubrovnik, Korcula, Cavtat

from$2,200 per person

Travel and LeisureFodorsUSA TodayNew York TimesNational GeographicWashington PostVogue
This circle itinerary suits a number of purposes. It's a condensed and travel-time-minimized introduction to Croatia. Perfect for the first-timer, and as the title suggests, hopefully, the first of your Croatian journeys over several years. Most Croatia itineraries make use of the country's multiple international airports to avoid any doubling back. This one instead is a round-trip from Dubrovnik airport, focused on the south of Dalmatia.

You'll start out in Dubrovnik, the magical walled city on the Adriatic. A short ferry ride will get you to Korcula, one of the country's largest islands. There you'll stay in Dubrovnik's little sister, Korcula Town, purported to be Marco Polo's hometown. The journey back in the direction of Dubrovnik is by road so you can make some stops on the Peljesac peninsula to try Croatia's finest red wines. We've mixed things up for your last night with an overnight in the small coastal town of Cavtat. Much closer to Dubrovnik airport than Dubrovnik itself, Cavtat is the perfect relaxed "doviđenja" (that's Croatian for "till next time") to this wonderful country.

This itinerary can be used as a starting point for further customization. Start your trip on any date, and add nights or destinations as you wish. We've included some of our favorite excursions, but you can choose anything from the options we have available. To get a rough idea of price, you can use the Price Guide function on this page to enter the month, date, preferred star level of hotel, and number of travelers to get in an instant price estimate.
Route for Dubrovnik, Korcula, Cavtat tour

3 Nights in Dubrovnik

3 Nights in Dubrovnik

4 days in Dubrovnik
4 days in Dubrovnik

3 Nights in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik offers an unusual blend of modern culture and ancient traditions. Marble-smooth polished limestone streets, a labyrinth of alleyways, and breathtaking architecture compose the unique atmosphere of the Old Town. You’ll experience a true variety of sightseeing, leisure, and outdoor adventures here. Dubrovnik’s most stunning feature is the 82-foot tall city wall which extends more than a mile. Game of Thrones fans will be in luck, as we offer a special tour to local set locations. King’s Landing never looked so good! There’s a rich selection of live performances for music lovers here, as concerts are performed daily, and in July and August the Dubrovnik Summer Festival of music, theatre and dance brings incredible performers from around the world. The nightlife is also exciting, with restaurants, cafes and bars that will keep you socializing until dawn. You’ll be staying in beautiful accommodation within short walking distance to all the major sites, so you’ll be able to sample a little of everything. But there are also several exciting day trips and cruises to enjoy. From kayaking through hidden coves to an authentic Croatian cooking class, vineyard tours, and trips as far afield as Montenegro, you’ll have more than enough to fill your itinerary.

Dubrovnik offers an unusual blend of modern culture and ancient traditions. Marble-smooth polished limestone streets, a labyrinth of alleyways, and breathtaking architecture compose the unique atmosphere of the Old Town. You’ll experience a true variety of sightseeing, leisure, and outdoor adventures here. Dubrovnik’s most stunning feature is the 82-foot tall city wall which extends more than a mile. Game of Thrones fans will be in luck, as we offer a special tour to local set locations. King’s Landing never looked so good! There’s a rich selection of live performances for music lovers here, as concerts are performed daily, and in July and August the Dubrovnik Summer Festival of music, theatre and dance brings incredible performers from around the world. The nightlife is also exciting, with restaurants, cafes and bars that will keep you socializing until dawn. You’ll be staying in beautiful accommodation within short walking distance to all the major sites, so you’ll be able to sample a little of everything. But there are also several exciting day trips and cruises to enjoy. From kayaking through hidden coves to an authentic Croatian cooking class, vineyard tours, and trips as far afield as Montenegro, you’ll have more than enough to fill your itinerary.

Day 1

Day 1 - Arrival in Dubrovnik

After your flight arrives in Dubrovnik, we will have someone meet you at the airport and bring you to your accommodation. Duration of the drive is about 30 minutes.

Our representative will then meet with you to answer any questions you have and to get you settled for the rest of your trip.

Night and the City

Suggestion to explore on your own

Discover the beauty of Dubrovnik while strolling down the cobbled streets at night and have a drink in one of the bars on the main street to just watch the world go by. Or visit the famous Buza Bar. With a name translating to "Hole in the Wall," Buza is not just a great bar, but a lovely location, with breathtaking views of incredible scenery at sunset.

Night and the City

Day 2

Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik Private Walking Tour

Explore Dubrovnik's Center on Foot

Included in your vacation package price.

Today you’ll be exploring the elegant main streets and picturesque paths of Dubrovnik, with your own personal guide. This truly is one of the most beautiful medieval cities on the Adriatic. The Franciscan Monastery, Onofrio’s Fountains, Sponza Palace, Orlando’s Column, the City Bell Tower, the Church of St. Blaise (the city’s patron saint), and Rector’s Palace, the seat of the Republic, and the Cathedral. This is the perfect orientational tour of the Old town and will give you the best insight into the rich history of Dubrovnik. You’ll learn what there is to see and do in Dubrovnik and how to get around.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 1 hour and 30 minutes

After Your Tour: City Walls, a Cable Car, and Lokrum Island

Suggestion to explore on your own

Continue your day in Dubrovnik after the tour with a ride on the cable car up Mount Srd' to take in the views. You'll find the bottom station of the cable car by exiting the city through the Buža Gate. Walking the circumference of the ancient city walls themselves is a way to get another view of the town. It's a bit of a climb to the top of the Minceta Tower, but highly recommended.
If you also want to see Dubrovnik from afar, then take a boat trip to Lokrum Island, an oasis of nature and tranquility just ten minutes from the Old Town harbor. This island has peacocks and monastery ruins hidden among its pine, cypress, and olive trees, as well as a diverse botanical garden.

Post-Tour Delights: City Walls, Cable Car, and Lokrum Island
Eat and Meet with Locals Group Dinner

Eat and Meet with Locals Small Group Dinner

Included in your vacation package price.

Looking for a unique dining experience in Dubrovnik? The best and the most authentic meal you can have in Dubrovnik is definitely with a local family. We'll secure you a spot for a Dalmatian dinner experience with Marija, an expert home cook whose cooking and food knowledge was recognized by the Wall Street Journal and National Geographic. Indulge in an enchanted evening of learning about real Dubrovnik and Dalmatian cuisine. Marija will prepare a multi-course meal with a local highlight, peka - a traditional style of cooking usually translated as "under the bell" and accompanied with great local wines. Our marketing director, a gourmand, described this as the best meal he's ever eaten in Croatia. Find out why!


Activity Level : Easy
Duration : 3 hours

Day 3

Day 3 - Your Second Full Day in Dubrovnik

Kayaking and Lokrum Island Visit - Half-Day Group Tour

Kayaking and Lokrum Island Visit, Half Day Group Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

See Dubrovnik and paradisiacal Lokrum Island from a new angle, with the help of a private guide and your own sea kayak. No experience is required, and the kayaks are equipped with waterproof chambers so you don't need to worry about soaking your camera! You'll leave the town's port, getting a scenic perspective of the historic city walls as you paddle past. Soon you'll arrive at Lokrum's hidden Betina Cave, an excellent opportunity for swimming and snorkeling. Lunch will be provided at the beautiful Lacroma, a restaurant in Lokrum's peaceful center. Strolling around, you can visit the island's botanical garden (with its 500 types of plants), museum, Game of Thrones center, and much more. With no residents or cars, the island is always calm and quiet, save for the cicadas and peacocks!


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 4 hours 30 minutes

Dubrovnik's Zenith and Nadir

Suggestion to explore on your own

If you’re interested in learning more about Dubrovnik's past, the city will be happy to help. Housed in a former 16th century granary, the Rupe Ethnographic Museum will teach you about the rural economy of Dubrovnik's surroundings, while offering a rich collection of folk costumes and hand-crafted textiles. In Fort Imperial on Srđ hill, be sure to check out the Museum of Contemporary History's "Dubrovnik in the Homeland War 1991-1995" exhibit. During the fighting in the 90s, the fort was Dubrovnik's first line of defense, and a symbol of its defenders. In the St. John fortress, visit the Dubrovnik Maritime Museum containing objects, paintings and documents related to the most important activity in the history of the city - maritime trade.

Dubrovnik's Zenith and Nadir

Day 4

Day 4 - Traveling to Korcula by Ferry

Today our driver will pick you up from your accommodation and drive you to the ferry for Korcula. The journey with the ferry lasts about 2 hours.

If you prefer a little more comfort and the opportunity for extra sightseeing on the way, we can arrange a door-to-door private transfer for an additional fee. You will be able to enjoy the lovely drive up the scenic Dalmatian coast and across the Peljesac peninsula. At an extra cost we can also arrange stops for wine tasting at the local vineyards or a boat trip combined with an oyster tasting around Ston.

Korcula by Ferry

3 Nights in Korcula

3 Nights in Korcula

4 days in Korcula
4 days in Korcula

3 Nights in Korcula

One of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Mediterranean, Korcula is instantly recognizable from its red-roofed houses and stunning walled-in Old Town, which juts out into the sea. Two of the biggest attractions are the Cathedral of St. Marco and Marco Polo's original home. One of the greenest islands on the Adriatic, Korcula is poised on the edge of nature on both sides, with rolling hills for hiking and biking behind it, and incredible beaches along the coast. This is the ideal stopover between Dubrovnik and Hvar, and is a pleasant destination for a several-day stay. The island produces some of the region’s finest white wines. Just a brief ferry ride away, the neighboring Peljesac peninsula produces amazing red wines. Mljet, a stunning lake with an island complete with its own monastery, is one of the most impressive day trips from Korcula. You can also take the opportunity to go fishing in the alluring blue waters off the coast, or explore the nearby islands by boat. One of the most unique activities in Korcula is Moreska, an incredible combat dance performance performed by knights with swords. But even if you stay in town, there’s plenty to see. Korcula has a long, varied history going back to the ancient Greeks. The local cultural museums are the best way to get in touch with the past here, even as you enjoy the best Korcula has to offer today.

One of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Mediterranean, Korcula is instantly recognizable from its red-roofed houses and stunning walled-in Old Town, which juts out into the sea. Two of the biggest attractions are the Cathedral of St. Marco and Marco Polo's original home. One of the greenest islands on the Adriatic, Korcula is poised on the edge of nature on both sides, with rolling hills for hiking and biking behind it, and incredible beaches along the coast. This is the ideal stopover between Dubrovnik and Hvar, and is a pleasant destination for a several-day stay. The island produces some of the region’s finest white wines. Just a brief ferry ride away, the neighboring Peljesac peninsula produces amazing red wines. Mljet, a stunning lake with an island complete with its own monastery, is one of the most impressive day trips from Korcula. You can also take the opportunity to go fishing in the alluring blue waters off the coast, or explore the nearby islands by boat. One of the most unique activities in Korcula is Moreska, an incredible combat dance performance performed by knights with swords. But even if you stay in town, there’s plenty to see. Korcula has a long, varied history going back to the ancient Greeks. The local cultural museums are the best way to get in touch with the past here, even as you enjoy the best Korcula has to offer today.

Day 4

Day 4 - Arrival in Korcula

When you arrive at the port in Korcula, you'll be met and brought to your accommodation.

First Steps

Suggestion to explore on your own

Marco Polo took his first steps in Korcula (his birth place), and now it is time for you to make yours. This charming town is a small labyrinth of stone houses and streets, where every corner holds its own secrets. Don't be afraid to get lost and explore its hidden alleys, small shops, and cafes, but don't forget to occasionally look up at its beautiful stone balconies adorned by Mediterranean flowers. If you seek an Adriatic feel, walk down the promenade, which wraps around the city and catch a fresh breeze to cool off. To end your day, there is nothing better than a cold glass of authentic local Grk white wine, and a stunning sunset view.

First Steps

Day 5

Day 5 - Your First Full Day in Korcula

Korcula Town Private Walking Tour

All About Korcula

Included in your vacation package price.

The Land Gate, the Town Hall, St. Michael’s Church, the Bishop’s Palace, St. Mark’s Cathedral, St. Peter’s Church, the birthplace of Marco Polo, All Saints’ Church, the Sea Gate… On this tour, you’ll get to know all the major sights of the Old Town. We’ll take you along the streets laid out in a fishbone pattern, pointing out the key elements of an ingenious urban construction. We’ll trace little by little the history of the town, explaining major economic and social changes.


Activity Level : Easy
Duration : 1 hour

Hike to the Fairies Spring Group Tour

Hike to the Fairies Spring Small Group Tour

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

Visit a village seemingly untouched by time, then a natural labyrinth popular among the local mystics. Follow a trail to one of the island's oldest settlements, the village of Zrnovo. This picturesque place is known for its wine, olives, and stonemasonry, and its churches feature different architectural styles. You'll try its homemade jams, grappa, and olives in a historic stone house. Next, you'll continue to Kocje, a labyrinth of strangely shaped dolomite rocks overgrown with ivy and surrounded by oaks and ferns. This verdant labyrinth is said to be home to fairies, and is often visited by locals looking for aromatic herbs.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 4 hours

Day 6

Day 6 - Your Second Full Day in Korcula

Private Boat with Beach Exploration and Swimming Full-Day Trip

Private Swimming Day Trip

Included in your vacation package price.

This is a personalized day-trip with a local who will show you the best of Korcula. From restaurants to beaches, swimming spots to picnic places, you'll get an inside point of view and invaluable local knowledge. See what most tourists miss as you soak up the sun and take in the stunning surroundings. You'll discuss with your skipper the exact pick-up and drop-off times, as well as the details of the itinerary. Have fun!


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 12 hours

Day 7

Day 7 - Traveling to Cavtat by Private Car

Choose your morning Korcula departure time, and a driver will pick you up at your accommodation and bring you straight to Dubrovnik. You will first take a short ride on a ferry to get across to the mainland and then will continue by car to Dubrovnik. We will also arrange for a stop on the Peljesac peninsula along the way for tasting some of Croatia's best wines and a boat ride combined with oyster tasting. You'll have captivating Croatian coast views practically door-to-door.

Total duration of the journey is about 6,5 hours. Please note that this is a non guided transfer with a local English-speaking driver. 

Dubrovnik by Private Transfer with stop for Wine & Oyster Tasting

1 Night in Cavtat

1 Night in Cavtat

2 days in Cavtat
2 days in Cavtat

1 Night in Cavtat

Cavtat is about as low-key as it gets on the Dalmatian coast while still retaining an air of exclusivity. The town dates back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. There are billionaire's yachts moored in the marina, decent restaurants lining the seafront, a church, a rector's palace, and that's about it. A popular last night stop if you're worried about making it to Dubrovnik's airport in time (it's just 10 minutes away, practically at the end of the runway). If you're looking for a base from which to visit Dubrovnik (without actually staying there), explore the surrounding Konavle countryside, or to nip into neighboring Montenegro, Cavtat is just right.

Cavtat is about as low-key as it gets on the Dalmatian coast while still retaining an air of exclusivity. The town dates back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. There are billionaire's yachts moored in the marina, decent restaurants lining the seafront, a church, a rector's palace, and that's about it. A popular last night stop if you're worried about making it to Dubrovnik's airport in time (it's just 10 minutes away, practically at the end of the runway). If you're looking for a base from which to visit Dubrovnik (without actually staying there), explore the surrounding Konavle countryside, or to nip into neighboring Montenegro, Cavtat is just right.

Day 7

Day 7 - Arrival in Cavtat

Upon your arrival to Cavtat the driver will take you directly to your centrally located accommodation. We suggest using the rest of the day to walk around this beautiful, small town, to grab a bite at one of its restaurants or to go to the local beach.

Stroll the Waterfront Promenade

Suggestion to explore on your own

One thing that everyone loves in Cavtat is the lovely waterfront promenade wraps all the way around the town's peninsula. Have a stroll around the promenade, while enjoying the smell of pine trees and catching the sunset over views of Dubrovnik in the distance. Treat yourself to a lovely dinner at "Bougenville" or "Leut," two of Cavtat's most famous restaurants, and enjoy a drink while watching the world go by.

Stroll the Waterfront Promenade

Day 8

Day 8 - Departure Day

A driver will pick you up at your Cavtat accommodation and drop you off at the airport for your departing flight. Duration of the drive is about 15 minutes.

What's Included

Here are all the services provided as part of your complete vacation package. See what every JayWay trip includes.
Please let us know if you'd like to upgrade any transfers or add any additional tours or excursions to your itinerary.

Dubrovnik

3 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Dubrovnik Airport Arrival Transfer
Dubrovnik Private Walking Tour
Eat and Meet with Locals Small Group Dinner
Kayaking and Lokrum Island Visit, Half Day Group Tour
Dubrovnik Port Transfer
Dubrovnik - Korcula Ferry

Korcula

3 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Korcula Port Transfer
Korcula Town Private Walking Tour
Private Swimming Day Trip
Korcula - Dubrovnik Private Transfer with Oysters and Wine Tasting
Oyster Tasting
Wine Tasting (One or First Winery)
Wine Tasting Peljesac (Second Winery)

Cavtat

1 Night Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Cavtat Airport Transfer

package excludes:


  • Flights to and from Europe.
  • Tips for Tour Guides, Drivers and Local Reps.
  • Meals (other than breakfast if included in room rate and meals listed as included in food tours and excursions, unless explicitly stated otherwise).
  • Parking fees for your Rental Car (if you are booking one with us) unless otherwise indicated. Some hotels provide free parking facilities.
  • Travel Insurance. See the insurance link on our website
Benefits of Traveling with JayWay

A JayWay vacation is more than the sum of its parts. Our team work tirelessly to ensure your experience is memorable for all the right reasons. Your trip is personalized to maximize your enjoyment. You're taken care of every step of the way.

A Travel Advisor who speaks your language

We will make sure that all your requirements and interests are taken into account in preparing your itinerary.

A totally tailored itinerary for your vacation

Your trip is customized for you by  an experienced trip planner and an expert on the region.

A choice of hand-picked hotels and excursions

We've personally inspected and tested all the hotels and local tour providers we work with to ensure quality.

Detailed pre-trip preparation to make the most of every day

Your Europe-based Tour Manager will be in touch by email and phone a month before you arrive to finalize timings.

On-trip Concierge Service to smooth out any bumps in the road

Your tour manager is at your service throughout your journey. We'll provide a local SIM so you can stay connected.

Personalized Guest Page to make sure you're not missing out

Packed with detailed information and recommendations curated by locals on the best things to do, see and eat.
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