Private Journey Details

Trip Highlights

• Join Stipe Bozic, Croatia's best-known climber and adventure filmmaker, for an insider's walking tour of Split.
• Cruise to the island of Hvar and explore the winding lanes of its old town.
• Explore one of the most splendid ancient towns on the Adriatic: Dubrovnik.
• Venture into Montenegro, one of the world's newest countries, to visit the gem-like town of Kotor, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Itinerary - 8 Days

Days 1 & 2 — U.S./Split, Croatia

Depart on an overnight flight to Split, the economic and administrative capital of Middle Dalmatia. Upon arrival, transfer by private vehicle to your hotel, set along a colorful marina a few miles outside of central Split. Take the rest of the afternoon to relax or enjoy the hotel's many amenities.
Le Méridien Lav

Day 3 — Split

This morning, meet your private guide to explore the lively seaport of Split, first settled by the Romans at the end of the third century A.D. Split's old town is located within the imposing remains of the palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. Venture into its immense interior, and then visit the Cathedral of St. Domnius, topped with an elegant Romanesque bell tower. This afternoon, meet Stipe Bozic, Croatia's best known climber and adventure filmmaker, for a walking tour of Split. Bozic was featured in the "Exploring the New Croatia" article in the November 2005 issue of National Geographic Adventure. Enjoy time on your own later this afternoon to wander the streets of the old town and the palm-lined harbor.
(B)

Day 4 — Split/Hvar

Set out with your guide to the island of Hvar. Board a ferry and glide along the stunning Dalmatian coastline to this long and lovely island, whose town center was built by the Venetian doges. Step into the Franciscan monastery of Our Lady of Grace and explore the 17th-century Renaissance theater-one of the oldest in Europe. Stop for lunch on your own in one of Hvar's charming cafés, and take an afternoon stroll along the harborside.
Hotel Adriana (B)

Day 5 — Hvar/Dubrovnik

Depart Hvar by ferry and cruise to Split. Then drive south to beautiful Dubrovnik, known as the Pearl of the Adriatic, and settle into your hotel, just steps from the old city. Get acquainted with the fabulous cobbled streets, squares, and fountains, and baroque buildings of this ancient town during a free afternoon. At its heyday in the Middle Ages and Renaissance, Dubrovnik was a thriving center of maritime trade, whose wealth and strategic location rivaled that of Venice. Although it sustained damage during the break-up of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s, the old city, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979, has been restored to its former glory.
Excelsior Hotel & Spa (B)

Day 6 — Dubrovnik/Cavtat/Dubrovnik

Set off on a morning walking tour of Dubrovnik with your guide, and visit the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries, the Rector's Palace, and Dubrovnik Cathedral. After lunch at leisure, wander through nearby Cavtat, a picturesque town perched on the Adriatic Sea.
(B)

Day 7 — Dubrovnik/Kotor, Montenegro/Dubrovnik

Drive south along the coast this morning to Montenegro for a visit to the medieval city of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site located on a beautiful bay. Explore its perfectly preserved center, brimming with Roman, Byzantine, and Gothic buildings, including the 12th-century Cathedral of St. Tryphon and the Gothic Drago Palace. Return to Dubrovnik late this afternoon.
(B)

Day 8 — Dubrovnik/U.S.

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the U.S.
(B)

National Geographic Private Journeys are unique itineraries designed for independent travelers. You'll explore fascinating places with private guides, and wherever possible, meet National Geographic experts at work in the field.

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