Photo: Contiki
Looking to spend a blissful few days under a scorching sun aboard a boat? Whether you’re after the island life or the pirate life (minus the plundering), you really can’t go wrong with a Croatia Sailing trip, and we have a perfect one all packaged and ready for you. That’s right: beach and ocean without any of the planning!
8 days on the Dalmatian coast – this is the ultimate Croatia itinerary.
Day 1: Split to Hvar
This adventure starts in Split, one of Croatia’s dazzling coastal gems! Meet the cast and crew of your summer season in the palm-tree-lined city, and board the boat you’ll be calling home for the next few days.
The first stop is Hvar: a glamorous playground filled with some gorgeous historic architecture! We’ll take a walking tour of some of the ancient highlights, and then we’ll partake in some delicious alfresco dining by sampling some of the foods Croatia is known for! Think Mediterranean diet – perfect.
Day 2. Hvar to Korčula
The next island on the list is Korčula and we’ll be sailing there (of course) on a mission to explore the fortified city. The shining white walls have been standing since the 13th century and have been home to a bustling city ever since. Mountains flank them, giving the scene a dramatic feel, and the turquoise waters at the edge give everything an even more regal gleam.
Of course, there’s not just history, there’s also plenty of bars and beaches and brilliant sunsets to watch.
Day 3: Korčula to Dubrovnik
On day 3 of this Croatia itinerary we arrive at one of the most iconic cities in the country: Dubrovnik! Game of Thrones fans rejoice because we’re here to stay for 2 whole nights! With winding cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and rugged cliffs, it’ll seriously feel like you’ve been dropped in Westeros – though hopefully there’s less drama and war and other conflict… We’ll take a walking tour to get to know the area better.
Image source:Contiki
Day 4: Dubrovnik
You’ve got a free day in this gorgeous city to discover exactly why it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Between the hikes that lead to views overlooking the sea, the iconic Old Town, and the Minceta Tower, there’s so much to see and do. Might we suggest a spot of kayaking? You can get a really cool view of the walls from here, and maybe run into some marine wildlife!
Day 5: Dubrovnik to Trstenik
We’re sailing out of Dubrovnik and over to Trstenik instead for some really interesting culture. This sunny island is dotted with vineyards and plenty of green, and you’ll have the opportunity to sample local wine! Visit a family-owned winery who specialise in this region’s most famous drink, and discover Croatian flavours.
For dinner tonight you can opt into the very special Captain’s Dinner which will be a three-course meal of total deliciousness.
Image source:Contiki
Day 6: Trstenik to Makarska
While Trstenik is quite idyllic and tranquil, Makarska will bring back some of that energy! Palm trees and seafront walk-ways lined with glitzy boats. You can swim and walk and shop! And we’ll also be discovering a classic cooking ingredient: olive oil! Croatia is known for its olive oil production, and now you get to learn a little more about the importance and history, and even sample a few goods yourself.
Day 7: Makarska to Split
We’re sailing back to where we began and this time you can actually have a whole day to yourself to explore. Ruins from the Roman Empire, totally quirky museums, delicious ice cream – the day is yours.
We’ll meet up for a final farewell dinner in the heart of the city to enjoy one last round of good food and wine and even better company.
Image source:Contiki
Day 8: Split
Your ultimate Croatia itinerary has come to a close now, though it doesn’t have to totally be the end…
If you’re so inclined, or feel like tacking on another Eastern European Contiki trip, you can take a few day trips from Split! For example, a short drive away is Krka National Park and Plitvice Lakes: two gorgeous natural areas which boast aquamarine waterfalls and forests all around! It might be a nice getaway with your new found friends to avoid saying goodbye for a little while longer…
How many days are enough in Croatia?
It depends on what you want to do and see, but the above itinerary is designed to give you the best of Croatia’s Adriatic coast and a taste of some of the beautiful islands in just over a week! You could consider it a sort of trial run and extend your trip some more as there’s so much to do and see in Croatia.
Image source:Contiki
Is 7 days enough for Croatia?
The short answer is absolutely! Whether you’re island hopping in Croatia or discovering the mainland and all it has to offer, 7 days is enough. Though, if you want to do both, we’d recommend staying longer…
What is the best time to visit Croatia?
Between May and October is the best time to visit Croatia as this is when the weather will be at its golden peak. Sunny days with very little rain, you can just soak up all the good vibes on walks and hikes and sailing trips. Stick to May or October if you’d like to avoid the crowds, or head over in July and August if you really want to get stuck in the thick of it and enjoy other summer activities like music festivals.
