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Croatia: Islands & Ancient Cities
Ancient Streets. Island Life. Unforgettable Croatia.
Split → Hvar → Dubrovnik
No obligation. No pressure.
8 Days/7 NightsBalanced coastal pace
Split to DubrovnikAdriatic route
6–12 GuestsMaximum 16
Hand-Selected HotelsDistinctive stays
Tour CaptainHosted throughout
Croatia was meant to be felt from the water
Where Ancient Cities Meet the Adriatic.
Croatia: Islands & Ancient Cities was created for travelers who want Split, Hvar and Dubrovnik without turning the Dalmatian coast into a race.
This is a hosted, thoughtfully paced Journey built around old cities, island life, local wine, private coastal travel and enough open time for Croatia to feel personal.
“Every day, every place, every meal, every experience was amazing.”Edward K., Now Journey guest
Your Journey Ahead
Three Croatian Chapters.
One Adriatic Story.
From Split to Dubrovnik, three complete chapters connected by the rhythm of the Adriatic.
Your Journey at a Glance
Scroll through chaptersSwipe through chapters
- 01SplitRoman stone, palace courtyards and the first glow of Dalmatia. Arrive gently and let the Adriatic set the pace.
- 02HvarLavender hills, village lanes, island wine and long harbor afternoons. Hvar is where the Journey exhales.
- 03DubrovnikA private coastal approach, limestone walls and golden-hour streets bring Croatia to its cinematic finale.
Split → Hvar → Dubrovnik
Why travelers choose Now Journey
Coastal, not crowded.
Croatia changes when the group is smaller and the route is designed around atmosphere. The best moments are not only the famous sights, but the ease between them.
What's included
The details are handled. The coast still feels yours.
Your eight-day Journey includes seven hotel nights, daily hotel breakfast, itinerary-listed sightseeing, planned coastal transportation and a dedicated Tour Captain.
7 Nights & Daily Breakfast
Two nights in Split, two on Hvar and three in Dubrovnik.
Dining & Local Flavor
Welcome dinners, Hvar wine pairings and a farewell aperitif.
Sightseeing & Transfers
Guided visits, transfers, ferries and a private Adriatic crossing.
International airfare, optional experiences and the optional Santorini extension are not included in the base Croatia Journey.
Explore the Complete Journey from Split to Dubrovnik
The Complete Itinerary
Everything you need to know about this eight-day small-group Journey along Croatia's Dalmatian coast.
Chapter One
Days 1–2
Split
Roman stone, palace courtyards, market life and the first glow of Dalmatia introduce Croatia at a human pace.
Living history, not history behind glass.
Split opens the Journey inside an ancient city that still moves to an everyday rhythm of cafes, bells, markets, courtyards and sea air.
Day 1
Welcome to Split
Arrive in Split and transfer to your hotel. After time to settle in, meet your Tour Captain for a Discovery Walk that introduces the practical rhythm of the Journey and the old city's living atmosphere.
The first evening gathers the group for a welcome dinner and an unhurried beginning beside the Adriatic.
Included Today
- Arrival transfer in Split
- Hotel check-in support
- Tour Captain-led Discovery Walk
- Welcome dinner
Day 2
Ancient Split & Diocletian's Palace
Explore Split's Old Town and the layered world of Diocletian's Palace, including the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, the Peristyle, Green Market and the Riva.
Continue toward Marjan Hill before the day opens into leisure time for independent wandering, lunch or a slower afternoon by the water.
Included Today
- Split Old Town discovery
- Diocletian's Palace and Peristyle
- Cathedral of Saint Domnius
- Green Market, Riva and Marjan Hill
Where You Stay
Your Home in Split
Heritage Hotel Antique Split, Cornaro Hotel or similar. These centrally located stays keep the palace lanes, Riva and evening city rhythm close at hand.
Stay: 2 nights, with daily hotel breakfast.
Chapter Two
Days 3–4
Hvar
Lavender hills, Stari Grad lanes, island wine and enough open time for Hvar to feel like a place rather than a stop.
The Journey exhales.
Hvar is the island chapter: a balance of old villages, vineyard country, harbor life and the freedom to let an afternoon unfold naturally.
Day 3
Across to Hvar
Travel by ferry to Hvar and begin with Stari Grad, one of the island's oldest settlements. Continue through the Stari Grad Plain and Velo Grablje, where stone, fields and village life reveal another side of the island.
The day includes an exclusive winery experience with local wines and pairings.
Included Today
- Ferry transportation to Hvar
- Stari Grad and Stari Grad Plain
- Velo Grablje village
- Winery experience with local pairings
Day 4
Hvar at your pace
Enjoy a leisure day in Hvar Town. The day can be as relaxed or active as you wish, with time for the fortress, seaside cafes, beaches, markets or a long harbor afternoon.
Included Today
- Full leisure day in Hvar Town
- Tour Captain orientation and recommendations
Where You Stay
Your Home on Hvar
Adriana Hvar Spa Hotel, Palace Elisabeth or similar. The island stay keeps harbor life, cafes and evening walks within easy reach.
Stay: 2 nights, with daily hotel breakfast.
Chapter Three
Days 5–8
Dubrovnik
A private coastal arrival, limestone streets, city walls and Mount Srd bring Croatia to its cinematic finale.
The coast reaches its crescendo.
Dubrovnik gathers the Journey into one final chapter of walled-city history, sea views, leisure and a farewell above the Adriatic.
Day 5
Hvar to Dubrovnik by private boat
Leave Hvar on a private Adriatic crossing designed as an experience rather than a routine transfer. On arrival in Dubrovnik, begin a Discovery Walk from Pile Gate and settle into the final Croatian chapter.
The evening includes a welcome dinner in Dubrovnik.
Included Today
- Private Hvar-to-Dubrovnik boat transfer
- Arrival and hotel check-in support
- Discovery Walk from Pile Gate
- Welcome dinner in Dubrovnik
Day 6
Inside the walls of Dubrovnik
Explore Dubrovnik's Old Town, including the Cathedral, Rector's Palace and the smaller streets that give the city its lived-in texture.
Continue to Mount Srd by cable car for the wide Adriatic view above the walls.
Included Today
- Dubrovnik Old Town discovery
- Cathedral and Rector's Palace
- Hidden streets and historic context
- Mount Srd cable car
Day 7
A final day on the coast
Enjoy a leisure day for your own Dubrovnik, whether that means old-town wandering, the walls, a long lunch or time beside the sea.
Gather later for a special farewell aperitif and one last shared view of the coast.
Included Today
- Full leisure day in Dubrovnik
- Tour Captain recommendations
- Farewell aperitif
Day 8
The Croatia Journey concludes
Transfer to Dubrovnik Airport for onward travel. The primary eight-day Croatia Journey ends here in Dubrovnik.
Guests adding the optional Santorini extension continue separately into the Aegean story below.
Included Today
- Departure transfer to Dubrovnik Airport
- Tour Captain departure support
Where You Stay
Your Home in Dubrovnik
The Pucic Palace, Hotel Imperial Dubrovnik or similar. The final stay is selected for atmosphere and practical access to the historic city.
Stay: 3 nights, with daily hotel breakfast.
Continue the Story
From the Adriatic to the Aegean.
Optional 3-Night Santorini Extension
Some travelers will feel complete in Dubrovnik. Others will want one more blue horizon. This separately priced extension carries the story from Croatia's stone-and-sea coastline into Greece's caldera light.
Dubrovnik to Santorini
Fly from Dubrovnik through Athens, settle into the hotel and join a Discovery Walk through Thera.
Santorini discoveries
Explore wine country near Pyrgos, caldera views, Oia and Fira, with time for the island to breathe.
Leisure & farewell
Enjoy a leisure day, an optional cooking class and a farewell aperitif.
Onward travel
Depart Santorini after the optional three-night extension.
Guest Reviews
The proof is in the way guests talk about it.
These are general verified Now Journey guest reviews. They are not presented as Croatia-specific testimonials.
“I can't say enough about our recent trip to Italy. It was perfection from beginning to end.”Esther P., Now Journey guest
“We all were made to feel special, almost like royalty, with skip-the-line access, personal service by fabulous chefs, and seamless check-ins at our gorgeous hotels.”
Teresa C., Now Journey guest“Our hotel accommodations were all perfect. Now Journey did an exceptional job planning and we even got surprises along the way.”
Tammy A., Now Journey guestNow Journey Hotel Collection
Stay Where the Adriatic Lives.
Where you stay should feel connected to the place outside your door—historic streets in Split, harbor life on Hvar and the atmosphere of Dubrovnik.
Historic-center stays
Heritage Hotel Antique Split, Cornaro Hotel or similar, selected for walkable access to the palace lanes and Riva.
Harbor-side island stays
Adriana Hvar Spa Hotel, Palace Elisabeth, Hvar Heritage Hotel or similar, close to harbor life and evening walks.
A stay worthy of the walls
The Pucic Palace, Hotel Imperial Dubrovnik or similar, chosen for atmosphere and access to the historic city.
The Aegean afterglow
Atrina Canava 1894, Katikies Santorini or similar, used only with the separately priced optional extension.
Properties are examples and may be replaced with comparable hand-selected hotels. Hotel room assignments are typically made around 60 days before the Journey.
Split photograph: Francesco Bandarin / UNESCO, CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO. Hvar photograph: Boris Tylevich, CC BY 2.0.
Dates & Prices
Choose your Adriatic season.
Prices are per person in US dollars based on two guests sharing a room. The Journey begins in Split (SPU), ends in Dubrovnik (DBV), and has a $2,979 solo supplement.
2026 available departures 6–12 guests | Max 16
Sep 14–21, 2026
$8,879 per person
AvailableRequest a Journey ProposalOct 5–12, 2026
$8,479 per person
AvailableRequest a Journey Proposal2027 departures 6–12 guests | Max 16
May 12–19, 2027
$8,479 per person
Led by Tour Captain Gina Merritt
AvailableRequest a Journey ProposalJun 22–29, 2027
$8,879 per person
AvailableRequest a Journey ProposalSep 14–21, 2027
$8,879 per person
AvailableRequest a Journey ProposalOct 4–11, 2027
$8,479 per person
AvailableRequest a Journey ProposalDeposit and on-tour airfare/ferries
A non-refundable $700 deposit per person is required at booking and is transferable for up to two years from the trip start date. An additional non-refundable $190 per person is required for on-tour airfare or ferries. Total due at booking is $890 per person.
Not sure which departure is best?
Tell us your preferred month, travel style and whether you would like to add Santorini. We will help you compare the options without pressure.
50+ five-star reviewsAmerican owned & operated6–12 guest groupsPersonally reviewed proposals
Plan & Prepare
Practical Information for Your Journey
A few useful details help you arrive prepared while your Tour Captain and the Now Journey team coordinate the Journey's rhythm and transitions.
Walking & historic centers
Expect moderate walking on cobblestones, stairs and uneven old-town terrain in Split, Hvar and Dubrovnik.
Boats & ferries
The route includes ferry transportation to Hvar and a private Hvar-to-Dubrovnik Adriatic crossing. Sea conditions can affect coastal operations.
Luggage
Guests should be comfortable moving through ferry and coastal-transfer environments. Confirm any current luggage-handling guidance with the Now Journey team before departure.
Arrival & departure airports
The base Journey begins at Split Airport (SPU) and ends at Dubrovnik Airport (DBV).
International airfare
International airfare is not included. Planned on-tour airfare or ferries are covered by the separate $190 per-person charge due at booking.
Santorini & deposits
Santorini is optional and priced separately. The non-refundable $700 deposit plus $190 on-tour airfare/ferry charge makes the total due at booking $890 per person.
Is this Journey right for you?
Best for Adriatic coast lovers.
This Journey is comfortable and hosted, but it still includes old-town walking, ferries, coastal transfers and lively historic places.
Right for you if...
- You want Split, Hvar and Dubrovnik in one smooth route.
- You enjoy island wine, coastal history and small-group travel.
- You like a balance of guided time and leisure.
- You may want to add Santorini after Croatia.
Another Journey may suit you better if...
- You want to unpack once and stay in a single hotel.
- You prefer to avoid ferries, boats or coastal transfers.
- You need a no-walking itinerary without stone streets or stairs.
- You want Santorini included in the base price rather than as an extension.
Frequently asked questions
A few clarifying details.
Practical booking and trip-fit details for Croatia: Islands & Ancient Cities.
How many guests are on this Journey?
The Journey is designed for six to twelve guests, with a maximum of sixteen.
How active is the tour?
Expect moderate walking on cobblestones, stairs and old-town terrain, balanced with meaningful leisure time.
Are ferries and boat transportation included?
Planned ferry transportation and the private Hvar-to-Dubrovnik crossing are part of the itinerary. A separate $190 on-tour airfare/ferry charge is due at booking.
How much leisure time is included?
Hvar Day 4 and Dubrovnik Day 7 are designed around substantial open time, with additional breathing room throughout the Journey.
What if weather affects the private crossing?
Coastal operations depend on safe sea conditions. If needed, the Now Journey team will coordinate the safest practical alternative.
Is Santorini included?
No. Santorini is a clearly separate, optional three-night extension after the base Journey ends in Dubrovnik.
Can I travel solo?
Yes. The listed solo supplement is $2,979; ask the team to confirm current room availability.
What hotels do you use?
Examples include Heritage Hotel Antique Split or Cornaro, Adriana Hvar or Palace Elisabeth, and The Pucic Palace or Hotel Imperial Dubrovnik, or comparable properties.
Is international airfare included?
No. International airfare is not included.
Where does the Journey begin and end?
The base Journey begins at Split Airport (SPU) and ends at Dubrovnik Airport (DBV).
Your Journey Begins Here
Can you picture yourself on this coast?
You have seen the islands, the ancient cities, the hotels, the pace and the way the Journey unfolds. If this feels like the Croatia you have been hoping to experience, we would be honored to help you begin.
No obligation. No pressure. Just a thoughtful conversation about your Croatia.