Delights of Croatia – Exclusively Solos

A group holiday designed for solo travellers free of hassle and focused on two heavenly Mediterranean islands, Korčula and Hvar. Escape to the Dalmatian Coast, where ancient towns and cultural attractions await. Alongside a group of like-minded travellers, you’ll cover every highlight in comfort and safety while under the guidance of a local expert. From Split to Trogir, this tour will ensure complete immersion into the history and culture of this multifaceted nation. A different perspective of Croatia will be showcased, as the itinerary incorporates the lesser-explored island of Korčula, where Roman archaeological remains and Marco Polo's birthplace can be found. Optional excursions to fortified Dubrovnik and Hvar Island further complement your shared experience on the shores of the Adriatic. Embrace the freedom of self-exploration at your own pace or with your fellow culture and history enthusiasts.

What's Included:

• Eight nights' half-board accommodation in a series of good quality hotels in Trogir (2 nights), Korčula (3) and Vrboska (3)
• Return flights to Split
• A welcome dinner and drinks and a farewell dinner
• A wine-tasting and traditional snack
• A tour of the Stari Grad Plain
• An excursion to Korčula
• A visit to Trogir
• A visit to Stari Grad
• Comfortable, air-conditioned coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

  Highlights:

• Discover the rich history and cultural landmarks of Stari Grad, the oldest town in Croatia
• Explore the island town of Trogir, the most preserved medieval town in central Europe
• Sample local wines and snacks at a vineyard along the Peljesac Peninsula
• Learn about the legends of Korčula, including Antenor, the legendary founder of Korčula, and its Roman past
• Amble around Hvar, calling at its fortress and cathedral on an optional excursion
• Optional visit to the family home of Marco Polo, an Italian merchant, explorer and writer
• Walk across the UNESCO-listed Stari Grad Plain, a preserved agricultural landscape
• Join an optional excursion to fortified Dubrovnik, with its medieval town and ancient city walls

Day 1: Fly to Split and transfer to Trogir

Subsequently arriving at Split airport, you can relax in the care of your friendly tour manager, who’ll introduce you to all the other solo travellers on this island-hopping getaway. You’ll then take a transfer to Trogir, where you’ll be welcomed with dinner and drinks at your sea-facing hotel to start your holiday right.

Day 2: Included visit to Trogir and afternoon at leisure

After breakfast, your tour manager will escort you around the walled, island town of Trogir, the most preserved medieval town in central Europe, and a filming location for the popular Game of Thrones series. You’ll venture to the island over a bridge and through the Land Gate before entering an ancient labyrinth of palaces, churches and hidden courtyards. Despite its small size, Trogir packs a mighty punch when it comes to historical architecture. It’s very typical of other mediaeval towns in Croatia, with a mixture of Romanesque and Gothic elements, however, there are some notable highlights as well. One of these is the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, a striking example of Renaissance architecture, with an unrivalled view of the Adriatic Sea from the top. The rest of the day is then free to amble around the cobbled streets at your own pace, perhaps strolling along the lively promenade and pausing at one of the many bars and cafés to sip on an iced refreshment.

Day 3: Transfer to Korcula and wine tasting with a traditional snack

Following breakfast, check out of the hotel, and sit back as you set off on a scenic transfer to the olive-grove-laden island Korčula, with its medieval town. While driving along the Dalmatian Coast, the group will drop in at a local vineyard by Peljesac Peninsula, where you’ll enjoy a wine tasting paired with a traditional snack. Once you’ve arrived at the hotel, you can check in and spend the evening relaxing.

Day 4: Included tour of Korcula and optional visit to the Marco Polo house

Enjoy breakfast before embarking on a tour of Korčula’s town, observing its Roman influence evident in the archaeological remnants, squares, palaces and churches. Despite being the sixth largest island in Croatia, Korčula isn’t nearly as popular as other islands in the region (probably due to its distance from the major cities), which means you can expect fewer crowds as the group seeks out the major landmarks. The town is enclosed by Venetian fortifications and is known as ‘Little Dubrovnik’ because of its fortress-like appearance. According to legend, the island was founded by the Trojan hero Antenor, a member of the Trojan royal family, in the 12th century BC. However, many people know it as the birthplace of Marco Polo – the writer that introduced Europeans to the wonders of China along the Silk Road. You’ll get the option to visit this influential traveller’s family home, a small stone building, with an ivy-clad tower that overlooks the sea.

Day 5: Optional day trip to Dubrovnik

Once you’ve had breakfast, you can choose to meander around Korčula on your own agenda or join other travellers on an optional excursion to the ancient city of Dubrovnik for the day. Whether you’re exploring the old town’s Gothic-Renaissance and red-roofed buildings or walking along the ancient city walls to take in the surrounding vista, the history and culture ensure a wish-list experience. On the guided tour, you’ll get to see the pedestrianised central street Stradun, running from the Pile Gate to busy Luza Square and overlooked by the carved stone façade of the impressive Sponza Palace, as well as the baroque St Blaise’s Church. Other highlights will include the Franciscan Monastery and the Rector’s Palace, the seat of the government in the former Dubrovnik Republic. The energetic can walk the entirety of the city walls, while others can take a seat in one of the city's many pavement cafés returning to the hotel.

Day 6: Transfer from Korcule to Hvar

Have breakfast, check out and transfer from one beautiful island to the next, Hvar.

Day 7: Included tour of Stari Grad with a visit to Stari Grad Plain

After breakfast, the group will be taken on a tour of Stari Grad, the oldest town in Croatia. Your guide will lead you along the sleepy winding streets while detailing its past and how it was founded in 384 BC by the ancient Greeks. The main attraction, Stari Grad Plain, will be visited, and you’ll have a chance to learn about this 80-hectare agricultural colony, which has been in use for over 2,400 years. Excellently preserved and a testament to the ingenuity of the ancient Greeks, this cultural landscape encompasses an organised system of land division and irrigation. You’ll walk through the olive groves and vineyards, observing a living museum of agricultural history and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stari Grad also boasts numerous cultural landmarks, including the Dominican Monastery, which houses a collection of art and artefacts from the medieval period.

Day 8: Optional Hvar Island excursion

It’s your last day, and once you’ve had breakfast, you can explore on your own agenda or opt for a tour of Hvar, removing the stress of decision-making. The excursion will begin with a visit to the small town of Jelsa before travelling to Hvar’s old town, a teeming hub of activity with vibrant nightlife, pristine beaches, and remarkable architecture. Formally known as Pharos, Hvar’s historical legacy dates back to Neolithic times. The group will explore the town's historic landmarks, including the 13th-century Hvar Cathedral and the imposing Fortica Fortress. You’ll also experience a leisurely drive through the island's countryside while marvelling at the landscapes, peppered with olive groves, vineyards, and lavender fields. Next, you’ll arrive at Vrboska, known as the ‘Little Venice of Croatia’ for its charming canal system and unique architecture. The village Brusje will follow, with its beautiful view of the sea, and then the coach will continue through Grablje and Selca to reach the medieval town of Stari Grad. Lastly, you’ll visit Renaissance-style Tvrdalj Castle, the summer residence of Croatian poet Petar Hektorovi, built in the 16th century. During the final evening, a farewell dinner will be served with your newfound friends – the perfect opportunity to reflect over the week and share memories.

Day 9: Transfer from Hvar to Split for flight back to the UK

Following breakfast, you’ll check out of the hotel and a catamaran will take you to the Split port, where you’ll then be transferred to Spilt airport for your flight.