The Highlights of Croatia
Trip highlights
- Go island hopping between Hvar, Vis and Biševo by private boat
- Learn to cook Croatian food with a chef in Split
- Head out on a unique cultural exploration of Hvar Island
- Walk inside the ancient walls of Dubrovnik
- Visit the forested Elaphiti Islands
- Spend time with a boutique winemaker on the island of Hvar
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Island hopping in Hvar
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Cooking peka with hot coals
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Channel walk in Vrboska, Hvar
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Dubrovnik old town
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Elaphiti Islands
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Croatian vineyards
Bespoke trips with Jacada
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
- Days 1-4 Split
- Days 4-5 Hvar
- Days 5-8 Dubrovnik
- Days 1-4 Split
- Days 4-5 Hvar
- Days 5-8 Dubrovnik
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Welcome to Split
Although Croatia’s second largest city, Split is often viewed as a jumping off point for adventures to the islands beyond. It won’t take you long to realise that it’s very much a destination in its own right. Explore the town, savor the local flavours, and then spend a day island hopping between Hvar, Vis and Biševo.
Where you could stay
Split
Overview
In the heart of the Diocletian’s Palace beside the ancient Roman vestibule walls, this exclusive and delightful boutique property has just seven contemporary rooms and suites in the city’s most romantic and historic setting.
The intimate Vestibul Palace is a merger of three distinct architectural styles, Roman, Gothic, and Renaissance. In contrast, the rooms and suites are modern in design highlighting the original architectural features as does the striking glass atrium just off the reception. A restaurant, bar, and wine cellar are also tucked into the property.
Step outside the door into the middle of a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, surrounded by the city’s ancient history and its magnificent monuments. The ruins of ancient Salona, the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia and the central Dalmatian Islands are also nearby.
→ Find out moreSplit
Overview
Step inside this charming heritage hotel, located in Spilt’s elegant main square next to the UNESCO-protected Diocletian’s Palace, and you’ll be transported back to medieval Split. Occupying four stories, the five-star Palace Judita dates back to the 16th century and showcases architecture from the Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance periods.
The entrance to this spacious patrician home is located in an internal courtyard which features a historic wellhead. Climb the staircase to the hotel’s balcony and you’ll enjoy a pleasing view out over the square. With just 11 rooms, the hotel offers superb attention to detail and service. Each room features exposed stone walls, parquet flooring, elegant furniture, and luxurious bathrooms with bathrobes and slippers provided for your comfort.
Venture out of the hotel and you’ll find yourself transported into the Split of old. Diocletian’s Palace is upon your doorstep, and strolling through the narrow little streets it’s easy to imagine yourself as an ancient citizen of the city. For a modern take on Split life, wander 10 minutes from the hotel to the lively Bacvice Beach and join in on the beach-side activities.
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Make it mine
Explore on foot
Visual history
Get cooking
Get cooking
Private walking tour
On this private walking tour you’ll see some of the highlights of Split, including a variety of Roman, Gothic, Romanesque, Renaissance, and other architectural remains. After your tour you’ll have the chance to enjoy a lunch and wine-pairing.
Tour of Trogir
The pretty town of Trogir is connected to the mainland by a bridge and is filled with Greek, Roman and Venetian history. Visit the St. Lawrence cathedral, the Palace of Cipico, home to one of Trogir’s most prominent families, and the Tower of Kamerlengo which served as the Venetian governor’s palace. You’ll discover the masterpieces of local sculptors who helped to create the magnificent visual history of this charming town.
Exclusive cooking class
Taste and learn how to work with local ingredients and Adriatic delicacies in a creative cooking class with chef Tatjana Ciciliani. You will prepare two to three dishes and enjoy a hearty lunch after the class, paired with delicious family wine.
Elegantly rustic Hvar
Hvar is both flashy and fantastically rustic. Beyond the show stopping, Venetian splendor of Hvar town’s elegant main square, steps lead to art galleries, quirky shops, and hole in the wall wine bars. The further you stroll the reaches of the promenade, more choices of a spot to spread your towel will appear – though the music and stylish loungers of Hula Hula may nab you first.
Where you could stay
Hvar
Highlights
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Beach access
- Swimming pool
- Spa, yoga, meditation and wellness
- Children's club
Overview
Maslina Resort, a seafront property, has struck the perfect chord between eclectic design and celebration of its routes. The decor creates a sense of Japan in some elements with wooden baths and bamboo-like poles decorating the external wall. These combine with natural materials from the area and a Mediterranean simplicity with French art styles.
There are rooms, suites and villas available at the hotel, all offering the finest in mindful luxury. The interiors are a celebration of nearby villages; terracotta, Brac island stone, and brushed brass, all balanced by the warmth of local wood. Private pools and sea views are available, along with views to the gardens and swimming pool.
The hotel restaurant offers both indoor and al fresco dining and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The food here is created with fresh ingredients and is a blend of traditional and modern, local and global. The spa, Pharomatiq Wellness, is inspired by Hvar’s healing environment and the Mediterranean lifestyle. Along with treatments and massages there’s also dedicated spaces for yoga and meditation.
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Make it mine
Back in time
Raise a glass
Cultural tour
On this cultural exploration of Hvar you’ll spend time connecting with the people and places. Begin in Stari Grad with a visit to Tvrdalj fortress built by Renaissance poet Petar Hektorović, and living heritage site Stari Grad Plain, an agricultural colony established by the Ancient Greeks. You’ll also visit the picturesque rural village of Vrisnik.
Wine tasting and lunch
In the village of Pitve, you’ll meet and spend time with charismatic boutique winemaker Tonci Marijan. He produces Plavac Mali grapes and award-winning wines. After the tour, you’ll get to enjoy a traditional lunch at a local tavern.
Enchanting Dubrovnik
Glimmering on the Adriatic coast, enchanting Dubrovnik is Croatia’s most up-market destination. Lauded by George Bernard Shaw as “Paradise on Earth”, the city delights with its Mediterranean-style culture and the marbled streets of its UNESCO World Heritage old town. Take a walking tour through the old town and discover a mélange of cafés, shops, monuments and museums.
Where you could stay
Dubrovnik
Overview
Perched upon a cliff-top overlooking a secluded pebble beach, the Hotel Bellevue certainly lives up to its moniker. Set a little around the bay from Dubrovnik’s Old Town, a stay here combines the peace and privacy of a five-star resort with the convenience of the vibrant city centre which is within walking distance.
The Bellevue’s 91 rooms and suites enjoy views across the blue waters of Miramare Bay and beyond, each decked out in a subtle nautical theme with elegant furnishings, stylish accessories, and state-of-the-art technology. Balconies have a clear glass balustrade accentuating the views and the modern bathrooms are tiled in light marble.
During your stay you can look forward to relaxing on the beach, rejuvenating at the wellness centre – one of the finest in Dubrovnik, and enjoying fine Croatian wine at the Spice Lounge bar. Choose to dine on modern Mediterranean cuisine at Vapor or sample fresh seafood at Nevera’s sun-drenched terrace. The winding streets of the Old City are a short walk away and diving, yacht charters, and waters sports can all be arranged. For those looking to explore further afield, day trips to historic attractions such as Mostar, Orasa and Konavle, the vineyards of Peljesac, or even Montenegro are all a possibility.
→ Find out moreDubrovnik
Overview
You’ll find Hotel Kompas in the most peaceful part of Dubrovnik, near a pebbly beach and the popular promenade. Although the hotel has one of one of Dubrovnik’s most vibrant streets on its doorstep, it’s surrounded by lush vegetation for the perfect blend of relaxation and fun.
With 173 rooms, the hotel has charm and character in abundance. Each spacious room has been decorated in a modern style, and features flat screen-TVs with satellite channels and balconies with views over Lapad Bay. Bathrooms have a bath for your comfort and come supplied with plenty of luxury toiletries. You’ll enjoy your meals at the hotel’s restaurant. After dinner, relax with a digestive in either of the two bars.
When you’re not out discovering Dubrovnik’s charms – the Old Town is just a 15-minute drive away – take in the sights of the glistening Lapad Bay from your comfortable deck chair on the spacious sunbathing terrace. Refresh yourself with a drink at the Luna Bar, which is next to the beautiful outdoor swimming pool. There’s also a full service spa and wellness area with an indoor pool, fitness equipment, and various body and facial treatments.
→ Find out moreDubrovnik
Highlights
- 158 rooms and suites
- Three restaurants and piano bar
- Wellness and spa centre
- Large indoor swimming pool
- Private beach area
- Motor boat and yacht charters
- Scuba-diving and water sports
Overview
Sitting on a stunning seafront with Dubrovnik’s Old Town just a 10-minute walk away, the iconic Excelsior has been setting the standard for luxury Adriatic hotels since 1913.
Recently refurbished to an exceptional standard, the hotel sympathetically combines the original landmark building with clean modernity. The 158 rooms and suites are a welcoming blend of warm browns, fresh creams, and cool greys, featuring state-of-the-art technology and hand picked accessories. Most enjoy outstanding views of the Old Town, Dubrovnik’s famous fortresses, and the island of Lokrum.
Amongst the tranquil gardens are three gourmet restaurants and an elegant piano bar (home to a rather impressive Wall of Fame), all offering panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and a private beach. The Excelsior also possesses one of the best wellness and spa centres in Dubrovnik. From history and heritage tours to sailing and island hopping, and from adventure Jeep safaris to countryside craft tours, you’ll be well placed to discover the best of Dubrovnik and the surrounding area with an extensive programme of excursions.
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The impact of your stay:
- Hotel Excelsior, with its old wing listed as a protected historical building, has safeguarded the city’s cultural history for a century. Collaborating with the Dubrovnik Conservation department and involving the local community in decision-making, the hotel prioritises careful restoration to preserve the building’s stories, heritage, and iconic nature, all done with environmental sensitivity.
- With a focus on community support, the hotel sponsors local events and allocates profits to fund social initiatives, including a hospitality education program for Croatian students. In collaboration with Dubrovnik Caritas, they contribute to projects aiding children from Ukraine and support Croatian infrastructure, including hospitals, firefighter units, and initiatives for disabled children nationwide.
- Hotel Excelsior is a certified Travelife Gold partner, with exceptional sustainability credentials, a strong commitment to minimising environmental impact and supporting the local artisan community. The kitchen aligns with their sustainability ethos by prioritising produce that minimises food miles, consumes less water and energy, generates less waste, and supports local organic agriculture.
Dubrovnik
Overview
Inspired by Mediterranean tradition, the five-star Villa Orsula Dubrovnik sits adjacent to picturesque cascading seafront gardens with breathtaking views of the Adriatic sea, Lokrum Island, and the Old Town. The gracious stone facade epitomises the historical magnificence of Dubrovnik in 1939 and the hotel underwent a complete refurbishment in 2012.
Inside, you’ll find that each of the hotel’s 11 rooms and 2 suites have been stylishly decorated to combine luxurious vintage aesthetics with modernist minimalism. En suite bathrooms offer generous and exclusive toiletries, hairdryers, and bathrobes and slippers for your comfort while rooms are air-conditioned and augmented by flat screen satellite TVs and mini bars. The Victoria Restaurant and Lounge Bar offers fine, a-la-carte dining featuring Peruvian cuisine with Mediterranean fusion with excellent views over Dubrovnik Old Town. Guests at the hotel have complementary access to the next door Hotel Excelsior’s Spa & Beauty Centre featuring a fresh water pool, two Jacuzzis, a steam bath, a Roman bath, a Finish sauna, a Relax Zone with heated deck chairs, treatment rooms, and a fitness studio with cardio and strength equipment.
Relax in the Villa’s lush gardens while taking in the spectacular views or venture five minutes from the hotel to explore the unforgettable Old Town and its golden walls.
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Make it mine
Island adventure
Village life
Wine tastings
Wine tastings
Sea kayaking off Lokrum Island
Enjoy a private sea kayaking adventure around the island of Lokrum. Discover unreachable caves and hidden beaches, paddling near impressive sea rocks. Experience cultural-historical sites from a wholly new perspective. Enjoy swimming and snorkelling in the crystal clear blue Adriatic Sea.
Elaphiti islands and Mljet
The Elaphiti are a group of 13 islands, of which only three are inhabited. Forested and hilly, these islands and their villages retain the relaxed pace of traditional Adriatic life. Mljet is one of Croatia’s prettiest islands, much of it covered by forest and the rest with vineyards and small villages. The northwestern half contains Mljet National Park, an outdoor lover’s dream with lush vegetation, pine forests and lakes.
Wine tour of Pelješac Peninsula
Spend the day with a Croatian winemaker on the Pelješac Peninsula. You’ll learn about the country and its traditions as well as the art of winemaking. Enjoy three wine tastings, visit vineyards and sit down to a traditional Dalmation lunch at your host’s family winery.
I booked a trip to Croatia with Jacada and it exceeded my expectations on all levels. Travel coordinator, Melania Siriu and concierge agent, Marta Silva planned a wonderful trip that hit all the highlighted towns along the coast from north to south while incorporating day trips to lesser known villages and towns. The boat trip hopping from Split to Havr…
Why book with Jacada
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive Impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.
