South Croatia Fly-Drive Holiday

On arrival in Dubrovnik, collect your rental car at the airport and head to your hotel in Dubrovnik for a 3 night stay.

Allow plenty of time to explore Dubrovnik and its surrounding areas. Cross the wooden drawbridge to the Pile Gate and stroll the famous marble-paved main street where the Franciscan church and monastery can be found, before walking the ancient wall which encircles the city for stunning views over the southern Dalmatian coast and the red roofs of the UNESCO-listed Old City below. For an even better vantage point, take the cable car to the top of Mt Srd. (B)

Free day in Dubrovnik to explore at leisure. (B)

Depart for the island of Korcula today (125km). Drive down through the Peljesac Peninsula to reach the ferry terminal in Orebic. The peninsula of Peljesac is unbelievably beautiful with its orange and lemon plantations and south-facing seaward vineyards. Allow time for a stop in Ston, a small fortified medieval town, which lies at the point where the Peljesac peninsula joins the mainland. The most impressive feature of Ston is its fortified walls, which stretch for just under 5 kilometres. A delicious lunch of oysters is recommended which are served in all the local restaurants, straight from Ston's famous oyster beds. The ferry from Orebic to Domince on Korcula departs regularly and takes 30 minutes (purchase tickets at the dock) from Domince it is only a short drive to Korcula town, where you will spend the next 3 nights. (B)

Free days on Korcula to explore at leisure. Korcula is one of the largest and most attractive of Croatia's many islands with over 190 rocky coves, secluded beaches and extensive vineyards. The main town on the island has a fascinating Old Town. The architecture is mainly Venetian and the wonderful stone walls and tower that surround the Old Town are from the 14th-century. There is plenty to do on Korcula, apart from relaxing, as it is a wonderful place for walking with numerous routes around the island. (B)

Why not opt to take a boat across to the neighbouring island of Mljet where 1/3 of the island is classed as national park. Bike along pine forested trails, swim in the inland saltwater lakes or kayak across them to a marooned Benedictine monastery (this can be organised as a private speedboat tour or by scheduled public catamaran). (B)

Take the daily ferry from Vela Luka (on the western side of Korcula island) to Split. The ferry journey takes approx 3 hours so relax and watch the perfect Adriatic scenery, and the islands of Hvar and Brac, pass by . On arrival, make your way to the hotel in Split. (B)

Discover historic Split, a charming UNESCO Heritage City with its magnificent Diocletian’s Palace and central piazza, Peristil. This popular square is an acoustic-rich setting for a cappella singers at dusk. You can spend hours here wandering the many hidden passages of the old town, dotted with boutique shops, cafes and galleries. The Marjan Hill is also a lovely place to escape the crowds and gain great views of the town below. (B)

Why not visit Krka National Park today to admire the famous waterfalls and walk the pathways flanked by a wide variety of flora and fauna, before heading to Sibenik and Trogir, two lovely small towns where you might think you have landed on a film set as every corner is full of character and locals are ‘busy’ resting in the shade from the warmth of the sun. (B)

Drive south along the stunning coastal road towards Cavtat (250 kilometres), perhaps stopping off for lunch on the Makarska Riveria. (B)

Free day to explore Cavtat. You could choose to drive to Montenegro for the day where amazing mountain scenery and stunning deep-set fjords make the journey worthwhile or head north to Mostar in Bosnia-Herzegovina and enjoy a coffee overlooking the iconic bridge. Alternatively, just relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Cavtat. (B)

Free day at leisure to explore Cavtat further or drive into the hinterland to discover the lushious landscape and rich culture of the Konavle region. (B)