DALMATIAN COAST – HISTORY, CULTURE AND NATURAL BEAUTY

Below is one of our suggestions for spending your vacation visiting the Croatian coast. The Dalmatian Coast, nestled along the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea, is one of the most enchanting regions in Europe. Rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, it’s no wonder this area of Croatia is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

From ancient Roman ruins to medieval fortifications and stunning natural parks, the Dalmatian Coast offers a unique blend of cultural and natural heritage preserved for centuries. Let’s embark on a journey to explore these magnificent sites.

Bespoke tour:
(for individual or group travelers)

The itinerary is just an example of our experiences and customer feedback. The route can be adapted and tailor-made. Prices depend on the season, category of hotels, and services included.

DAY 1) ZAGREB
Arrival at Zagreb airport and transfer to the hotel. Overnight.

*Optionally you can also arrive at Dubrovnik airport and start exploring the pearl of Croatia on the first day.

DAY 2) ZAGREB – PLITVICE – ZADAR
Breakfast and departure to Plitvice National Park, one of the most impressive natural sites in Croatia, which was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. This stunning park is known for its cascading lakes, crystal clear waters, and lush forests. Sixteen interconnected lakes, ranging in color from turquoise to emerald-green, are separated by natural travertine barriers and linked by a series of waterfalls.

Visitors can explore the park via a network of wooden walkways and hiking trails that wind through the landscape and offer close-up views of the waterfalls and lakes. Plitvice is also home to various wildlife, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers. In the afternoon departure to Zadar. Overnight in Zadar.

DAY 3) ZADAR
In the morning you will visit the first town on the Dalmatian Coast. The old city of Zadar is situated on a peninsula, surrounded by ancient walls and crisscrossed by cobbled streets. At its center is the Roman Forum, built in the 1st century BC, where visitors can still see the remains of Roman columns and foundations.

Nearby stands the iconic church of St. Donatus, a pre-Romanesque circular church from the 9th century, which is one of the best-preserved monuments of early medieval architecture in Croatia.

Zadar’s promenade is home to two of the city’s most famous modern installations: the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation. The Sea Organ, an innovative architectural masterpiece, creates music from the movement of the sea waves, producing a peaceful and harmonious sound. The Sun Salutation is a solar-powered art installation that comes alive at night with colored lights, paying homage to the beauty of Zadar’s sunsets, which Alfred Hitchcock once described as the best in the world.

DAY 4) ZADAR – TROGIR – SPLIT
Continuing south of the Croatian coast, today we visit the historic town of Trogir which is a magnificently preserved medieval town reflecting the artistic and architectural styles of the Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque periods. Its compact old town is full of narrow alleys, old stone buildings, and historical treasures.

The most notable monument is the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, a Romanesque-Gothic masterpiece with a magnificent portal. The entire city of Trogir is an open-air museum, where every corner reveals layers of history influenced by Greek, Roman, Venetian, and Croatian rulers. Afternoon arrival in Split. Free afternoon and overnight in Split.

DAY 5) SPLIT
Today you will visit one of the most famous cities in the Balkans – Split. In the heart of Split is one of the best preserved Roman architectural wonders, the Diocletian’s Palace. Built at the end of the 4th century AD by the Roman Emperor Diocletian as a retirement residence, this extensive palace complex combines elements of a Roman military fortress, an imperial palace, and a small town.

Today, Diocletian’s Palace is the living heart of Split, with its ancient walls intertwined with lively cafes, stores, and apartments.

The palace complex houses notable buildings such as the Cathedral of St. Domnius, originally the mausoleum of Diocletian, and the Peristyle Square, a large space that still retains its Roman charm. Strolling through the narrow streets of this palace, the visitor is transported to a bygone era while still feeling the pulse of modern life. Free afternoon to enjoy the atmosphere. Overnight in Split.

DAY 6) SPLIT – DUBROVNIK
Before leaving Split, we recommend visiting one of the islands in the Adriatic Sea by ferry. If one wishes to combine history with elegance, the Island of Hvar will be a success. The most striking place on the island, the town of Hvar, is an elegant and lively destination that perfectly balances historical charm and modern sophistication.

The town is home to impressive Venetian architecture, such as the 16th-century Fortica Fortress, which overlooks the harbor and offers panoramic views of the town and the nearby Pakleni Islands. Hvar’s St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the elegant Renaissance-style Arsenal are other notable landmarks that reflect the island’s rich history, dating back to Roman and Venetian times.

Hvar Town is also known for its glamour, attracting yachts, celebrities, and visitors in search of upscale restaurants, trendy bars, and lively nightlife. The promenade is lined with luxury hotels, elegant cafes, and restaurants offering fresh seafood and local wines.

DAY 7) DUBROVNIK
Today on a guided tour you will get to know Dubrovnik, often called the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, and is arguably the most famous destination on the Dalmatian Coast, and rightly so. Dubrovnik’s old town, surrounded by massive stone walls, is a symbol of medieval power and wealth. These imposing fortifications were built between the 12th and 17th centuries to protect the city from invaders and remain largely intact today.

Visitors can walk the entire length of the walls, which offer breathtaking views of the terracotta rooftops and the glittering Adriatic Sea. Inside the walls, the city is a treasure trove of Baroque and Renaissance architecture, with monuments such as the Sponza Palace, the Rector’s Palace, and the impressive Franciscan Monastery.

Dubrovnik’s Old Town has also served as a filming location for popular movies and series, such as “Game of Thrones”. Afternoon free to enjoy the famous Stradun Street. Overnight in Dubrovnik.

DAY 8) DUBROVNIK – MAKARSKA
After breakfast, depart to enjoy the beaches of the Croatian coast. Makarska, a charming seaside town located along the stunning coast, is one of Croatia’s most popular tourist destinations. Nestled between the spectacular Biokovo Mountain and the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea, Makarska offers a perfect combination of natural beauty, Mediterranean charm, and a relaxed seaside atmosphere. Overnight in Makarska.

DAY 9) MAKARSKA
Makarska is most famous for its long and stunning pebble beaches, which stretch along the Riviera and offer perfect spots for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

The town is home to some of the most beautiful and well-kept beaches in Croatia. Makarska’s beaches offer something for everyone, from lively, well-equipped stretches perfect for families and water sports enthusiasts to more secluded, hidden coves for those seeking some quiet time. Whether you’re looking for a lively waterfront scene or a quiet natural hideaway, Makarska’s diverse beaches are sure to impress.

DAY 10) MAKARSKA
Enjoy an extra day of beach atmosphere in Croatia and head to Brela, a picturesque village located just north of Makarska, on the famous Makarska Riviera. It is an Adriatic gem known for its stunning natural beauty, crystal clear waters, and pristine beaches. This charming destination offers a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere than the bustling nearby towns, making it a perfect getaway for visitors seeking serenity amidst breathtaking scenery.

Brela’s coastline stretches along 6 kilometers of lush, pine-covered hillsides that slope gently down to meet the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea.

The town is famous above all for the beach of Punta Rata, which has been repeatedly recognized as one of the best beaches in Europe. This beautiful pebble beach, surrounded by fragrant pine trees and with panoramic sea views, is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the warm Mediterranean sun.

DAY 10) MAKARSKA – END OF TRIP 
Breakfast and departure to Dubrovnik/Split airport. End of trip.