Create lasting memories on this action-packed Croatia family vacation exploring the Dalmatian Coast. Bike through charming villages, hike mountainous coastlines, paddle enchanting bays, and explore the coastal waters of the Mediterranean.
Start - End: Split - Dubrovnik
Total trip: 6 days
Average group size: 12 people
Level: 2
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Smile-inducing moments await adventurers of all ages along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. By day, enjoy azure waters, endearing harbor towns, and picturesque villages, while nighttime brings ample opportunity for you to savor a glass of locally produced wine, while the kids recount the cool things they learned. Discover hidden gems found in Croatia’s idyllic coves and vineyard-clad hillsides. Bike through charming villages, hike mountainous coastlines, paddle enchanting bays, and explore the rich coastal waters of the Mediterranean. Al fresco delights and a fairy-tale backdrop make for a postcard-perfect scene on this all-inclusive Croatia family vacation. Throughout these full days, enjoy the best in regional accommodations and scrumptious fare as Austin’s signature touch of inspired, thoughtful service invites you to relax and hang out with the kids as you fall in love with Croatia’s crystalline waters, picturesque harbor towns and fresh-off-the-boat seafood.
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Discover what each day holds on this fun-filled, family adventure in beautiful Croatia.
(Click the map below to explore)
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We meet in the morning in Split before we ferry to beautiful Hvar Island, disembarking at the quaint harbor town of Stari Grad, home to the fortified Tvrdalj castle, the impressively restored Bianchini Palace and a Dominican monastery. Mount up and pedal to Jelsa, admiring the octagonal Renaissance Church of Saint John. Continue on to Vrboska, also known as “Little Venice” for its plethora of small bridges. Explore the 16th-century church of Saint Mary of Charity and the Renaissance works of Veronese and Bassano at the Church of Saint Lawrence.
We’ll enjoy lunch in Stari Grad, a 2400-year-old city, before a short but steep incline. Your ride will finish with a downhill into Hvar, whose long waterfront promenade, yacht-lined quays, traffic-free marble streets, and tasteful harbor-front bars and cafés offer the perfect retreats for relaxing and people-watching. Explore beautifully ornamented Gothic palaces, a Franciscan cloister, and a historic arsenal before climbing to a Spanish fort for spectacular views of the city at sunset.
This evening we gather for a festive welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Riva Hotel, Hvar
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Biking: Up to 27 miles (43.5 kilometers), easy to moderately strenuous
This morning we set off to explore the peaceful Pakleni Otoci Islands by sea kayak. Scattered off the southwest coast of Hvar and blanketed in the low pine forest, the archipelago originally derived its name from the native paklina, a pine resin once used as a ship sealant. Paddle the idyllic bays of Marinkovac Island and savor the ubiquitous scent of pine, lavender, and rosemary as you coast along the sandy beach at Sv. Klement Island.
This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and try a Croatian specialty such as Cevapi (spiced sausages) with ajvar sauce, mussels, and black risotto.
Accommodation: Riva Hotel, Hvar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kayaking: 3.5 hours including lunch, easy
Travel by private boat from Hvar Town to Vela Luka on Korcula Island for a day of biking. Set on a tiny peninsula on the Peljesac channel, Korcula was first home to Slavic pirates who used the island as a base from which to attack passing ships; in the year 1000, it was taken over by Venice, marking the start of an 800-year on-and-off Venetian rule. Today, the island is renowned for its gorgeous white quarried stone, countless secluded bays, small, uninhabited islands, and breathtaking views.
Make a stop in Konopica to enjoy lunch as a group. Explore several small villages on today’s ride, which culminates in the medieval walled town of Korcula, whose Old Quarter boasts a harmonious mix of 15th-century Gothic and 16th-century Renaissance trimmings. Visit the home of Marco Polo, Saint Mark’s Cathedral with paintings by Tintoretto, the Town Museum, and the Byzantine Icon Museum.
Feast on some fresh and authentic Croatian seafood tonight.
Accommodation: Hotel Liburna, Korcula
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cruise: Travel by boat from Hvar to Vela Luka on Korcula Island
Biking: Up to 30 miles (48 kilometers)
Today we'll travel to the village of Zrnovo where our hike begins through Mediterranean vegetation and along centuries-old stone walls. As we enter the Kocje nature preserve the landscape changes from fields to lush Croatian Oak forests, a canyon with dolomitic rock formations, and a cave with natural spring water.
We then make our way to a farm-to-table restaurant for lunch. After, you'll have the rest of the afternoon to enjoy Korcula and even go for a swim in the Adriatic if you please.
Dinner this evening is on your own.
Accommodation: Hotel Liburna, Korcula
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hiking: 3 miles (4.8 kilometers)
Today we start with an exciting buggy safari heading for Lumbarda beach. Follow your guides along the coastal gravel roads above Lumbarda and Zrnovo villages, pausing to admire the spectacular views and to swim and snorkel on the sandy Przina beach where you’ll enjoy a wine tasting and lunch.
Afterwards a transfer out to Korcula for an optional bike ride along tranquil waters to Racisce bay and back.
This evening we gather for a delectable farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Liburna, Korcula
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Diving/Snorkeling: Snorkel two hidden bays
Biking: Up to 21 miles (33.8 kilometers), easy
Enjoy one last breakfast before you are transferred to the Dubrovnik airport or Dubrovnik town. Most will opt to spend a night in Dubrovnik to explore its picturesque town center which has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast
*Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate.
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On the first morning of the trip, our two pick-up locations are Hotel Luxe at 7:30am or the Split ferry (located at Gat Svetog Duje 1) at 8:00am. You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at this hotel directly or any other hotel in Split, though you must make your own way to one of the two pick-up points at the pre-designated times. Please come prepared in your cycling clothing and footwear for our first ride as a group today.
Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Dubrovnik Airport in time for flights below or a hotel of your choice in Central Dubrovnik around 12pm.
Arrival: We recommend arriving in Split at least the day before your trip starts. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the host city prior to your trip start.
Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing from Dubrovnik after 2pm. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.
We have selected the accommodation on your trip for the stunning settings, unique character and adventuresome feel – it’s not designed as a tour of the fanciest hotels in Croatia. We prefer to stay along the stunning Dalmatian seaside close to historical and very explorable villages, so that you can take advantage of all the region has to offer.
While there are laundry facilities at most locations, they may not be convenient or there may only be one machine to service your entire group. We recommend bringing enough clothing for the entire trip. If you do need to do laundry there are services where they could do it for you at each of the hotels, but expect to pay high prices for these services.
With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading average 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you’ll enjoy a highly personalized experience.
It’s so much easier to relax and enjoy your adventure when you have fun, caring guides who know the land, sweat all the details and whip up incredible meals, too!
When we say all inclusive, we mean it! Meals and snacks, activities, lodging, transportation, guiding services and more. All you need to do is show up!
Every aspect of your trip is thoroughly considered for your safety, from highly vetted partners and well-maintained equipment to extensively trained guides.
Family travel and North American National Parks are our specialty. We’ve perfected our itineraries for decades, ensuring you'll experience your destination to the fullest.
For us, the extra mile is never extra, it’s part of the way! Count on special touches throughout your trip that will amplify your experience.
