LUXURY TOURISM ON THE CROATIAN ISLANDS ( Brač, Vis, Hvar, … )

Free time, resting, sunbathing and swimming. The proposal for individual activity, those who want to spend their time actively, on the island of Brač have the following options: “Zmajeva špilja” The dragon cave. Above the village of Murvica on the southern slopes of Vidova Gora is the Dragon’s Cave, a 9th-century hermit monastery in a cave. You reach the cave with a challenging one-hour climb, believe me, it’s worth it! We recommend a visit with a guide. To walk to the dragon’s cave, it is advisable to wear sports shoes and enough water. At 778 m, Vidova Gora is the highest peak on the island of Brač and the highest inselberg in the entire Adriatic. Vidova Gora offers a beautiful view of Bol, the popular beach “Zlatni rat” and the island of Hvar. It is located on the southern part of the island of Brač, above Bol. In the deep northern bay of the island of Brač, the beautiful stone town of Pučišća arose. Pučišća has long been known for its stone carving culture. The harmony and unity of peasant houses, Renaissance palaces and Baroque buildings sprouting from the white Brač stone will enchant you. The tradition of stonemasonry continues to this day in the stonemasonry school in Pučišća, which tourists love to visit and admire the students’ works. Nerežišća is located at the crossroads of the island’s main roads, along the largest Brač field. For a long time, this picturesque little place was the administrative and economic center of the island, and it was here that the Brač princes resided. The Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel dominates the place, and around it are harmonious complexes of noble houses built of stone and richly decorated. One of the most beautiful destinations on the Adriatic is certainly Bol on Brač, a famous meeting place for the local and international elite. It is located at the foot of the Vidova Gora mountain, the highest peak of the Adriatic islands, known for the most attractive Adriatic beach. Zlatni rat is probably the most famous beach on the Adriatic and is located in Bol on the south coast of the island of Brač. Due to its uniqueness and beauty, it is one of the most recognizable symbols of Croatian tourism. This phenomenon is a pebble beach about a thousand meters long, surrounded by the turquoise clear sea. The special thing about the beach is that it changes its shape and position depending on the wind.

Accommodation in a hotel, free time, dinner overnight.

Split is the second largest city in Croatia and the largest Dalmatian city. The history of Split has lasted for 17 centuries since Roman Emperor Diocletian decided to build a palace on this peninsula where he would spend the last years of his life in peace. The palace slowly developed into a city that today attracts with its rich tradition, great history and beauty of natural and cultural heritage. Diocletian’s Palace and the entire historical core of Split have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, not only because of the exceptional preservation of the palace itself, but also because the palace and its city continue to live to the fullest. Historical layers from ancient Rome through the Middle Ages to the present day. Strolling through the ancient city you can travel through time, top examples of ancient architecture such as the peristyle, medieval Romanesque churches and Gothic palaces, Renaissance portals of noble houses, baroque facades to modern architecture… It’s no wonder that the people of Split like to describe their city with the words “Nima Splita do Splita” (“There is no Split like Split”). Morning sightseeing of Split – Diocletian’s Palace: Cathedral, Crypt, Baptistery, Treasury, Bell Tower… Free afternoon, dinner, overnight.

Ferry Split – Island of Vis town of Komiža 3,5 h, 35 mi Accommodation in a hotel in Komiža, free time, dinner overnight.

Half-day boat excursion to the island of Biševo and the Blue Cave. Biševo deserves the status of Destination at the End of the Adriatic World With so much natural beauty in such a small space, it deserves to be lonely and almost unreachable for many “at the end” of the Adriatic world. Since 2019 this beauty is part of the Geopark Vis Archipelago under the protection of UNESCO. Man has carved his furrow into this island, so that the famous Blue Cave, a typical dolomite-limestone creation, received its entrance thanks to human hands. According to many world travelers and dignitaries, the Blue Grotto surpasses in beauty the world-famous “Grotta Azzurra” on the island of Capri near Naples. The specific phenomenon of the blue and silver tones of the sea creates the recognizability and splendor of the Blue Cave of Biševo. Sunlight enters the underwater opening and is first refracted, resulting in shades of blue. Depending on the time of day and the angle of refraction of light in the cave, the colors blend into each other, so that the sea in the cave sometimes has the color of liquid silver. The cave has two openings, a smaller one artificially deepened so that a rowing boat can pass through the opening, and this opening does not affect the lighting in the cave. The second opening is much wider, on the south side of the cave below sea level and sunlight penetrates through it. Free afternoon, dinner overnight.

The island of Vis ( Town Komiža ) A pearl among Croatian Adriatic islands that have remained untouched in tourist development for so many years. The farthest inhabited island in Croatia from the mainland with a unique historical, cultural and natural heritage, beautiful crystal clear sea, stunning hidden beaches and numerous bays. In 2017, the movie Mamma Mia! Here we go again, filmed in locations on Vis. In 2019 GEOPARK Vis Archipelago became a member of UNESCO Global Geoparks. Parts of Vis are formed from volcanic rock. This is truly an oasis of calm that will take you back at least 50 years through architecture and lifestyle. A rich military heritage, plenty of quality local wines and fine local food will make your stay unforgettable. The town of Vis is situated in a large and naturally sheltered (bay of St. George) on the north-east side of the island of Vis. A belt of high hills (250-300 m) separates the city from the fertile fields of the interior of the island, which were the basis of the economic development of the place viniculture.

Ferry Island of Vis town of Vis – Island of Hvar town of Hvar – (Off season – Catamaran Tuesdays only. Other days transfer via port Split) The island of Hvar is 2021g. declared the best island in Europe. The island of Hvar received a major accolade from the readers of the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler magazine, whose votes placed it at the top of the best islands in the world and earned the title of the best island in Europe! Besides Hvar, the top 5 islands include the Greek islands of Mykonos, Zakynthos, Portugal’s Madeira and the Italian island of Ischia. Condé Nast Traveler points out that Hvar is an excellent year-round destination, especially because of its warm summers and mild winters, and with more than 2800 hours of sunshine a year. There is also a rich cultural and historical heritage of Hvar Town: Fortica Fortress, Hvar Theater (and Arsenal), Hvar Cathedral dedicated to St. Stephen I, Pope, Town Lodge…. Accommodation in a hotel, free time, dinner overnight.

Suggestion for individual activity, for those who want to spend their time actively, we suggest the following: “Tuk Tuk Hvar” for two people, 2.5 hours, transport and local guide. Individual tour of Hvar. (Tuk Tuk is a Vespa tricycle and offers a unique scenic experience as it is a convertible vehicle.) Free time, dinner overnight.

Late morning departure from Hvar for a boat trip to the Pakleni Islands. Spend the day exploring the beautiful islands and bathing in the clear, turquoise Adriatic Sea. Excursion points: Pakleni islands, Crvene stijene (Red rocks – a masterpiece of nature) The trip starts from the port of Hvar, towards Crvene stijene, time for swimming and who wants to jump from the rocks into the sea. The Pakleni islands follow and another stop for swimming. Return late afternoon. Dinner overnight.

Breakfast, Hvar, Ferry Sućuraj (Island of Hvar) – Drvenik 2 h 10 min, 38 mi Transfer, Drvenik – Metković 50 min, 31 mi The town of Metković is situated in the valley of the Neretva river, open to the sea. Due to the fertile delta known for tangerine and other fruit and vegetable plantations, it has traditionally turned to agriculture. It is a natural phenomenon, so you can enjoy boating (photo safari on Neretva River) and famous local specialties (eels and frogs). The Archeological Museum of Narona. The remains of the city of Narona, modern-day Vid, are 4 km away. northwest of Metković, where today the Archeological Museum of Narona was built as the first “in situ” museum in Croatia. Built on the site of an ancient temple dedicated to the first Roman emperor, Augustus, it features a unique collection of ancient statues dating back to the 1st century BC. Private accommodation, free time, dinner overnight.

Breakfast, transfer Metković – Dubrovnik 2 h, 64 mi Free time for touring Dubrovnik, swimming, shopping. Accommodation in a hotel, dinner, overnight.

Transfer to airport, Flight (back to the USA)