The name "Dalmatia" is mentioned for the first time in the time of the Illyrian tribes. Today, Dalmatia is the largest tourist region in Croatia, comprising a total of four counties and stretching over an approximately 400 km long coastline. The coast has become a geographical phenomenon and a symbol of beauty and is characterized by a combination of incredible natural beauties: the turquoise sea, numerous inhabited and unfamiliar green islands and islets, mountain ranges, spectacular karst landscapes and raging rivers inspire every visit New. Cities like Split, Trogir, Korčula, Dubrovnik enchant you with their rich cultural heritage and their beautiful architecture. Narrow, romantic streets, scents of rosemary, lavender, sage, olive groves or cypress trees, dreamlike hidden bays, a play of colors between wild gorges and emerald green water ... that's exactly how you can describe a relaxing holiday in Dalmatia. The traditional Mediterranean cuisine, where the wild spices such as basil, sage or laurel give the dishes their special aroma, and high-quality, award-winning wines round off the experience.
INCLUDED SERVICES:
- Welcome drink
- 2x overnight stay including half board on the island of Hvar
- 2x overnight stay including half board on the island of Korčula or the Pelješac peninsula
- 2x overnight stay including half board on the island of Brač
- Continuous German-speaking tour guide including all guided tours
- Excursion island of Hvar tour
- Pelješac peninsula with a visit to a local wine cellar including ham and cheese wine tasting
- Korčula city tour
- Excursion island Brač tour
PROGRAM SUGGESTION:
DAY 1: Arrival on the island of Hvar by ferry from Split or the Makarska Riviera. Welcome drink.
DAY 2: Island of Hvar, the sunny lavender island
In the south of Croatia, on the Dalmatian coast, the island of Hvar is the fourth largest island in the country with an area of almost 300 km2. It is not surprising that the island has been inhabited since prehistoric times, given the fact that it is considered one of the most beautiful islands in Croatia and even in the whole world. Thanks to an average of 2,700 hours of sunshine per year, the island is proudly known as the "sun island". At the same time, Hvar is also called "Lavender Island", because in the early summer months the lavender transforms the island into a sea of breathtaking purple tones. Pine trees, Mediterranean pine forests and wild herbs offer a resinous scent. What is special about Hvar and what the island is known for, you will learn from your guide on today's excursion. Today's program includes the sights in the city of Hvar: the fortress (Španjola) was built in the middle of the 16th century on the ridge above the old town, the Hvar cathedral, the Hvar theater (and arsenal), one of the first civil theaters in Europe, Founded in 1612. The interior of the island is green and fertile. Here the visitor will find the vineyards and olive groves that are very typical of the island. The countless lavender and rosemary bushes give the island a Mediterranean scent. Hvar is also very famous for its good honey and the best sardines. Vrboska and Stari Grad are also on the program. Vrboska has a beautiful little island in the middle of the bay that is connected by bridges and is therefore called the 'Little Venice'. Stari Grad is the oldest city in Croatia, here we take a walk through the beautiful old town with our tour guide.
DAY 3: Pelješac, the wine peninsula
After breakfast drive to the ferry Sućuraj - Drvenik. Arrived on the Makarska Riviera (Drvenik), we drive along the coast via Ston to Orebić or continue with the ferry to Korčula, depending on the hotel choice, where we check into our hotel. On the way we visit a nice wine cellar, where a wine tasting with local ham and cheese awaits us, because being in this part of Dalmatia and not tasting any wine is like a sin. We are also happy to organize a mussel tasting in Ston, after which the area is also known (for a surcharge).
DAY 4: Korčula, the famous city of Marco Polo
Visit Korčula, one of the most beautiful medieval towns on the Adriatic coast and the birthplace of Marco Polo. Take a stroll through the streets with Renaissance palaces, the city box and the beautiful cathedral of Saint Marcus, the city's protector. According to legend, the town of Korčula was created by the Trojan hero Antenor, the founder of Padua, but this is only a legend. The town and island of Korčula were founded as early as the 10th century, but civilization on the island dates back much further into the past. The city of Korčula is surrounded by walls, and is one of the most romantic coastal cities in Croatia, which is a popular destination for many cruise ships. Did you know that the famous navigator Marko Polo was born on the island of Korčula in 1254th in a family of traders?
The island of Korčula undoubtedly enjoys a special status among the Croatian islands. There may be more legends, stories and monuments here than anywhere else. Famous stonecutters, shipbuilders and sailors from Korčula have left their mark all over the world, but this is best seen in your town. Enjoy the narrow streets, beautiful churches and magnificent palaces in one of the best preserved medieval towns on the Adriatic. As part of the tour, you will also visit the cathedral, the city museum, and the house believed to be the birthplace of the famous navigator Marco Polo.
Note: if you choose a hotel on the Pelješac peninsula, there are ferry costs from Orebić to Dominče (Korčula). The crossing takes about 15 minutes. Or a boat trip from the hotel to the town of Korčula (without a ferry).
DAY 5: Korčula island or Pelješac peninsula - Brač island
After breakfast we leave Korčula (take the ferry to Orebić) or the Pelješac peninsula and take the Trpanj - Ploče ferry to the mainland, then continue towards Makarska. We drive along the beautiful coastal road to Makarska and there take the ferry to the island of Brač (Makarska - Sumartin). After about an hour's drive we reach the island of Brač. Arrival at the hotel, dinner and overnight.
DAY 6: Brač Island, a little piece of paradise for nature and culture lovers
The island of Brač is one of the more than 1,200 islands and islets and at the same time the third largest island in Croatia. The wonderful nature, crystal clear sea, mild Mediterranean climate, the Dalmatian hospitality and traditional Mediterranean cuisine are just some of the many reasons why this picturesque island is worth a visit. You will be delighted by the island's famous cuisine with fresh fish, meat, olive oil and cheese. Be sure to try one of Brač's many premium wines. Everywhere on the island you will see fertile vineyards and olive groves, which were created with the enormous diligence of the people living there. A well-known feature of the island is easily the "Golden Horn", a long pebble beach and natural phenomenon. The beach is shaped like a horn, with the tip of the beach changing shape depending on the wind.
Stone is also very important for the island, as it is famous for its quarries from which the "white stone of Brač" is extracted. The marble-like limestone is known worldwide and has already found its place in many buildings, including the White House in Washington. There is also a stonemasonry school on Brač, the only one in Croatia and one of the few in Europe. You will find out this and much more on today's tour of this wonderful island.
DAY 7: Journey home
Hotels: on the islands of Hvar, Korčula and the Pelješac peninsula
Extension days possible. Receive offers for overnight stays with us.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE JOURNEY:
- The most beautiful islands of Dalmatia