Storied Past of the Croatian Islands Tour

Just west of Dubrovnik is an alluring archipelago that consists of thirteen islands that are nestled amid the sparkling Adriatic Sea. These Islands are known as the Elaphiti Islands, and only three of them are inhabited. This trio of island beauties are Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan, and they just happen to be the delightful destinations that beckon to you today.

Far away from the urban traffic and throngs of tourists on the mainland, these alluring islands will offer you a welcoming reprieve, an ultimate day of relaxation, and an abundance of historical information that will delight you to no end. By departing Dubrovnik in the morning, you will board a state-of-the-art-liner that will be helmed by a private captain and staffed with a cabin crew and your private guide.

You will then venture to Sipan, where your knowledgeable captain and guide will show you the secret coves and inlets that only the locals know about. While here, you will enjoy free time to spend as you desire amid the sun, sand, and sparkling waters before indulging in one of the absolute best meals of your life at one of the island’s locally owned eateries. While feasting on Dalmatian fare, including some of the freshest seafood you will have tasted, you will secretly be wondering just how you can extend your stay, so you do not have to return home.

You will then journey to Lopud, where the lion’s share of your time will be spent soaking up the sun and enjoying the various ocean activities that this astoundingly beautiful island offers. Whether it be snorkeling, sunbathing, fishing, hiking, or relaxing onboard, your wish will be the crew’s command.

The final stop on this fun-filled day is Kolocep, which has an abundance of intriguing history to delve into, including picturesque pre-Romanesque churches from the 9th and 11th centuries. At the conclusion of your tour, you will return to Dubrovnik, where your driver will meet you at the docks and return you to your luxurious accommodation.

Day three dawns and brings with it the promise of another batch of historical gems to discover. Today’s adventure will find you departing Dubrovnik aboard a state-of-the-art liner and venturing to a trio of Croatian treasures: Korcula Island and the small villages of Ston and Orebic.

Upon your arrival at Korcula, you will be led by a knowledgeable guide on an in-depth tour of the island. The Old City will amaze you with its towering fortress, and after hearing about the reasons for why the town’s streets were designed in a unique herringbone-shaped pattern, you will come away with a brand new appreciation of this intriguing enclave.

Your next stop will be the seaside fishing village of Ston, which is a true treasure trove of historical gold. Here, you will learn all about the ancient era of this locale, such as when it was inhabited by the Illyrians and Greeks before the Roman era was ushered in. You will also learn all about its salt production and role that it played in the economy in addition to being provided with a glimpse at actual salt as it is produced. The final destination of the day will be Orebic, which is nestled on the edge of the Peljesac Peninsula and is famous for its wine, fisheries, salt pans, and oyster and mussel farms. After a private wine tasting and a short visit to a local oyster farm that will be complete with a fabulous tasting of its freshest selections, you will sail back to Dubrovnik and be returned to your hotel.

Today will combine the best of both worlds: history and nature. This morning, you will make your way to Mljet Island. The awe-inspiring beauty of this island is enough of a reason to indulge in a trip to its stunning shores, but the interesting history that Mljet possesses is what sets this idyllic enclave apart from the other Croatian Islands.

As it is home to the famed Mljet National Park, you must delight in a hike along one of the many nature trails. Upon your arrival to Mljet, your private guide will lead you on a lovely nature walk through the wondrous and awe-inspiring scenery of the pristine park, which includes an abundance of forested paths and a pair of saltwater lakes.

After hiking the trails and swimming in the lakes, you will make your way to the largest lake in the park, where a small islet that is known as Melita or St. Mary’s, is located. It is on this islet that the historical portion of your tour will begin, and after indulging in a short boat ride to the islet, you will be delighted to find a magical monastery. Your guide will enlighten you with the story behind this sacred haven as you wander around its environs. As you make your way back to Dubrovnik, you will sense the specialness of this excursion, and you will know that this day and the locations that you were able to visit were experiences that few ever get the pleasure of having. You will then be returned to your luxurious accommodation in Dubrovnik.

Today, you will have a full day’s tour that will lead you to several island destinations. This fun-filled day includes a guided tour of Hvar Island in addition to a stop by its neighboring islands. You will even be provided with the opportunity to witness the world-famous Blue Cave Grotto. Afterward, you will venture to an abandoned village that will absolutely delight the history buff in you.

After departing Dubrovnik, you will sail to Hvar Island, where your private guide will enlighten you on the fascinating history behind this haven while introducing you to its iconic landmarks that include the Hvar Cathedral and the Spanish Fortress. You will then transfer to the Paklinski Islands next, where you will have some free time to enjoy your pick of swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing on the ship

The Blue Cave will then beckon you from nearby Bisevo Island, and after being mesmerized by its iridescent glow, you will briefly visit Vis Island and the Blue Lagoon on Budikovac island. The historical highlight for today will come as you make your way to the abandoned village of Malo Grablje, which is a picturesque locale that is dotted with stone houses and streets. It is also complete with a rich history. After learning all about the culture and people that once thrived in this beautiful corner of the world, you will sail back to Dubrovnik.

Your last full day will be one to cherish as you set sail from Dubrovnik to nearby Lokrum Island. This forested island is a favorite among residents and visitors, and many come to take advantage of the great swimming that there is to be had here, which is how you will spend the afternoon.

Your first stop of the day will actually be the medieval Benedictine monastery. If you are a fan of the wildly popular HBO series Game of Thrones, then you will certainly recognize certain areas of this enclave where filming occurred. There is even a reproduction of the iconic Iron Throne onsite. As your private guide leads you on a comprehensive tour, regaling you with the fascinating history of this sacred space, you will be amazed and inspired. A final stop through the beautiful botanical and cloister garden will serve to add even more beauty and inspiration to your tour.

After a brief visit to Fort Royal in the center of the island, you can spend the afternoon relaxing in the sea and sunbathing to your heart’s desire. As the sun sets, you will sail back to Dubrovnik, where you will enjoy your final experience: a private cooking class with a master chef. Your chef will not only show you how to craft a fantastic meal but will also enlighten you on the cultural and historical significance of the dish and its ingredients as you prepare it. After indulging in the fruits of your labor, your private driver will return you to your luxurious accommodation, happy and satisfied.

As you wake up to your final morning in this magical country, you will wish that you had many more weeks to delve into its history. Luckily, you do have one last meal to sweeten your departure. For your last Croatian meal, you will be treated to a brunch that features all of the nation’s signature dishes, and each will be presented with its historical or cultural significance.

Once you have finished your meal, your private driver will be waiting to take you to the airport for your flight home.