Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Croatia – Dubrovnik – Korcula – Split
100% customisable for you
Early morning alarms don’t feel so bad when a trip to Croatia is on the horizon. Head to the airport, whizz through security and bundle the little ones onto the plane for the three-hour flight to Split, where the sparkling Adriatic provides plenty to admire from above (cue the inevitable debate over the window seat).
When you touch down, you'll be whisked away by private transfer to your hotel in the heart of the city – your home for the next three nights.
With your bags dropped, embark on a guided walking tour of Split’s Old Town, stopping by Diocletian’s Palace, Jupiter’s Temple and the ancient crypts of the Cathedral of Saint Domnius. And as you explore the maze of Romanesque streets, expect plenty of Horrible Histories-worthy tales from your guide, setting little imaginations running wild with thoughts of secret chambers and long-lost loot...
When hunger strikes this evening, make your way to a local restaurant and spend the evening chit-chatting about all the adventures ahead.
Have a family of thrill-seekers on your hands? You’re in for a real treat today. Fuel up over breakfast with a cup of kava (Croatian coffee) for the grown-ups and some fresh fruit juice for the little ones before heading to the Cetina River for an exhilarating rafting adventure.
Strap on your life jackets, bundle into your inflatable raft, grab a paddle and work together to navigate the river’s twists and turns. The route also features calmer stretches, giving you the chance to catch your breath (phew) and soak up the lush canyon scenery before the next burst of adrenaline. Expect plenty of big splashes, even bigger laughs and, by the end of the day, you’ll have racked up some seriously cool parent points.
The rest of the day is all yours, but we recommend slipping into full R&R mode after the hair-raising escapades of this morning, before ending the day the Croatian way with another delicious meal shared around the table.
If your family is happiest in the great outdoors, then today’s bound to be a highlight.
After the one-hour drive to Krka National Park, take a stroll along the wooden boardwalks that weave beside the sparkling Krka River, where cascading waterfalls tumble into crystal-clear azure pools. Pause at the park’s most spectacular viewpoints (perfect for some family selfies), breathe in the fresh forest air and admire vivid birds flitting through the treetops. Who’ll be the first to spot a dazzling blue kingfisher? Consider it the first family game of the trip...
And when little legs start to tire (and the snack requests begin), claim a shady picnic spot for a well-earned breather. Stretch out, soak up the peaceful surroundings and bask in that oh-so glorious Croatian sunshine before heading back to Split this afternoon.
After a jam-packed day, bypass any dinner deliberations with a restaurant recommendation from our local Concierge – just tell them what your little ones are craving.
Bid a warm farewell to Split this morning as you’re picked up and driven ten minutes to the port, where it’s all aboard the two-and-a-half-hour ferry to the dreamy island of Korcula. As you sail across the Adriatic, keep your eyes peeled (and fingers crossed) for a pod of dolphins leaping through the waves. They’re regular visitors to these waters, and spotting some is sure to spark a chorus of excited squeals from the little ones.
When you arrive at Korcula, you’ll be privately transferred to your beachfront villa – your home away from home for the next three nights.
Drop your bags, slip straight into sandals and arm the children with some buckets and spades for a stroll along the shore. Cue the youngsters making a beeline for the water while grown-ups settle into a sun lounger – perhaps with a cocktail to celebrate your arrival?
Today is all about embracing Korcula’s laid-back way of life. Enjoy a lazy start to the day before the irresistible aroma of freshly made fritule (bite-sized doughnuts) lures you into Korcula Old Town.
With the whole family’s sweet tooth satisfied and smiles all round, amble around the cobbled streets of this charming town, affectionally nicknamed Little Dubrovnik for its stone buildings adorned with elegant Venetian facades.
Hoping to curate the ultimate family holiday photo album? The town’s historic clock tower is well worth the climb, rewarding you with sweeping views over Korcula’s terracotta rooftops and the sparkling Adriatic beyond. Then, come back down to Earth for lunch in one of Korcula’s sun-drenched squares, where a smattering of local restaurants are perfect for an al fresco meal.
Spend the afternoon exploring by bike, wandering a nature trail or opt to head to the breezy coast to make a splash with some watersports – you might just discover you have a budding windsurfer in the family...
Rise and shine for another fun-filled day in Korcula. This morning, lather on the sunscreen and wander down to the nearby beach, where the whole family can search for iridescent seashells and tiny crabs skittering across the rock pools before cooling off with a paddle in the crystal-clear shallows.
This afternoon, climb aboard a traditional wooden boat (known as a kata) for a cruise around Korcula’s bays. Your private skipper will chart an epic course through the idyllic archipelago stretching between Korcula, Orebic and Lumbarda, gliding past pine-cloaked islets, secluded pebble beaches and hidden coves.
Come golden hour, the anchor will drop in a prime spot to watch the setting sun cast the Adriatic aglow. Here, grown-ups can raise a glass of something sparkling, and there’s plenty of fruity juices to keep the little sailors happy. Cheers, or rather zivjeli, to that.
Round off the day salt-speckled and ruddy-cheeked at a local restaurant, where seafood and crispy fries are a match made in heaven.
Prise the youngsters away from island life this morning and head back to the port for the two-hour ferry to Dubrovnik. Claim your favourite spot on deck, feel the sea breeze in your hair and, as the city’s mighty stone walls come into view, little explorers are sure to start dreaming up tales of swashbuckling pirates and daring voyages.
When you arrive, you’ll be privately transferred to your charming guesthouse, your base for the next four nights.
After a few jam-packed days, it’s time to dial things down a notch. Relax by the pool, crack open those holiday reads and keep everyone refreshed with a chilled glass of pipi (Croatia’s beloved lemon-flavoured fizzy drink).
In the evening, don’t shy away from dressing up – this city is all about glitz and glamour. Take a sunset saunter through its enchanting Old Town, where candlelit bistros serve up the very best flavours of the Med. And for dessert, how does some gelato sound?
Another day, another adventure. This morning, lace up your comfiest trainers for a private walking tour of Dubrovnik’s Old Town.
Follow your guide (and keep your camera poised) as medieval walls, ornate palaces and centuries-old convents showcase the city’s Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque heritage – all bound to spark plenty of oohs and aahs.
This is a go-with-the-flow kind of experience, so as you amble through the mosaic-embellished streets, simply follow what catches your eye. If you have any avid history buffs in tow, pop into one of the city’s many museums, or, if grown-ups are in need of an afternoon pick-me-up, pause for a cup of Croatian-style Turkish coffee – a lasting legacy of the Ottoman era.
Your guide will also know exactly where to find the best burek (a flaky filo pastry traditionally filled with cheese or minced meat), usually a big hit with the youngsters. That’s lunch, sorted.
Are your young explorers still beaming after their last sailing expedition? They’re sure to love what’s in store today.
Head down to the port, where a motorboat awaits to whisk you away. With your private skipper at the helm, settle into a sunny spot on deck as you glide across the glimmering Adriatic towards the Elaphiti Islands.
Weave between a string of 13 islets, of which only Kolocep, Lopud and Sipan are inhabited. That leaves plenty of hidden coves and castaway-worthy beaches to discover, where you can flop on the sand while little ones burn off energy racing along the shoreline. Back on board, cool off with a plunge into the turquoise bay, showing off your finest diving techniques (graceful swan dive or full-on belly flop – no judgement here), before cruising back to Dubrovnik.
Round off the day sun-kissed and satisfied with an aromatic bowl of brudet (a Dalmatian fish stew), a meal fit for a true sailor.
Make your way to Dubrovnik’s waterfront this morning, where you’ll slip into a kayak, grab your paddles and see who can find their rhythm first, before letting the inevitable family race commence...
Drift into one of the beaches on Lokrum Island for a well-earned breather before kitting out the whole family in masks, snorkels and flippers to plunge into crystal-clear waters teeming with shimmering schools of fish.
Then it’s back in the kayaks, tracing Dubrovnik’s coastline and keeping score of all the weird and wonderful rock formations you discover along the way, before rounding off your adventure beneath the city’s mighty walls.
Back on dry land, take another stroll around the Old Town, and let the children take charge of souvenir duty. From handmade jewellery to Game of Thrones mementos, the shops are brimming with tempting finds.
And for your last evening, leave dinner plans in the hands of our local Concierge, who’ll know just the spot for a celebratory final meal.
Time flies when you’re having fun and, sadly, it’s time to say goodbye to Croatia today. Tuck into one last hearty breakfast, soak up those final rays of vitamin D and grab a bag of freshly made fritule to keep everyone smiling on the journey home. You’ll then be privately transferred 30 minutes to the airport, before boarding your flight back to the UK.
You’ll spend around three hours in the air – plenty of time to flick through your photos and relive the highlights. And if the youngsters are feeling a little teary-eyed that the adventure has come to an end, nothing lifts the spirits quite like planning your next adventure...
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire now
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from checking you in for your flights to our network of local Concierges
