A Family Adventure in Beautiful Croatia
Trip highlights
- Go kayaking around the city of Dubrovnik
- Wander through Hvar's quaint Old Town
- Take a private motor boat trip to explore caves and islands around Split
- Go on a thrilling rafting adventure along the Cetina River
- Enjoy an exciting archery lesson at Klis Fortress
- Spend some time spelunking in Modric cave
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Dubrovnik kayaking
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Hvar Old Town
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Split cave
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Rafting in Cetina
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Archery lesson
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Modric cave
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 Dubrovnik
- Days 4–6 Hvar
- Days 6–9 Split
- Days 9–12 Zadar
- Days 1–4 Dubrovnik
- Days 4–6 Hvar
- Days 6–9 Split
- Days 9–12 Zadar
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.
Dazzling 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.
Where you could stay
Dubrovnik
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
Explore on foot
View from on top
On the water
On the water
Private walking tour of Dubrovnik Old Town
Take a pleasant walk through Dubrovnik’s Old Town. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979, and a magnificent curtain of walls surrounds marble streets and baroque buildings that exude a pearly light in the Adriatic sun. The main pedestrian thoroughfare, Placa, is a mélange of cafés and shops with outstanding monuments at either end. Churches, monasteries, and museums ornamented with finely carved stone recall an eventful history and a vibrant artistic tradition.
Dubrovnik cable car ride
Enjoy a bird’s-eye-view of the beautiful city of Dubrovnik as you ascend in the cable car to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Elaphiti archipelago, the terracotta roofs and majestic city walls.
Kayaking tour around Dubrovnik and Lokrum island
This unique sea kayaking adventure lets you appreciate the city from a totally different angle. You’ll head out towards the island of Lokrum, passing under Dubrovnik’s magnificent city walls. Discover hidden caves and beaches while paddling past impressive rock formations. There is the opportunity to swim and snorkel and you’ll enjoy a stop on Lokrum to explore its beautiful botanical gardens.
Two nights in Hvar
Averaging a record number of sunshine hours a year, long and narrow Hvar is Croatia’s sunniest island and one of Europe’s most sunlit spots. Rivalling even France’s famed Saint-Tropez in terms of glamour, it’s become Croatia’s most popular destination and attracts luxury yachts, sun-seeking adventurers, and visitors of all kinds.
Where you could stay
Hvar
Overview
Occupying a sympathetically restored 19th-century building, Apolon overlooks Stari Grad’s charming, boat-filled harbour, just a short distance up the bay from the main square. As the oldest town in all of Croatia and a former Greek colony, Stari Grad is still one of the most charming towns on the Croatian coast.
Despite the pink neo-classical facade’s aristocratic vibe, Apolon remains unpretentious, offerring instead a delightfully laid back retreat in authentic historic surroundings. There are just three rooms and four suites, all with wooden floors, oriental rugs, and chintz bedcovers and curtains and most enjoy views through large windows across the bay. Bathrooms are spacious and feature free-standing bathtubs and under-floor heating.
The terrace restaurant is popular with the passengers of passing yachts who often moor up their vessels on the quay out front. Food here is focussed on the use of local seasonal ingredients such as fresh Adriatic seafood, lamb, and organic garden produce, all accompanied by Dalmatian wines. Service is personalised and professional, with local staff on hand to arrange a number of tailored activities such wine tasting, cultural excursions, hiking, and boat trips.
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Vibrant Split
Although Croatia’s second largest city, Split is often viewed as a jumping off point for adventures to the islands beyond. The peninsula on which it rests might jut out invitingly into the Adriatic, but visit vibrant Split today and it won’t take you long to realise that it’s very much a destination in its own right.
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.
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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
Walking tour
Swords and arrows
Rafting adventure
Rafting adventure
Split walking tour
Originally the palatial walled summer residence of the Emperor Diocletian, Split became a city in itself after the Roman Capital of Dalmatia, Salona, was sacked in the 7th century. Fleeing refugees were given asylum inside the two-meter thick walls of the palace and over the next 1000 years, the “city” of Split gained a reputation as a safe haven. Because of this, the city never grew beyond the same walls that exist today. As a result, the remarkable ensemble of Roman, Gothic, Romanesque, Renaissance and other architectural remains are all still visible. Today there are more than 3,000 people still living inside these ancient walls.
Sword and archery lesson at Klis Fortress
Visit Klis, a medieval fortress situated above a village bearing the same name, near the city of Split. From its origin as a small stronghold built by the ancient Illyrian tribe Dalmatae, it become a royal castle that was the seat of many Croatian kings. A large fortress during the Ottoman wars in Europe, Klis Fortress has guarded the frontier, being lost and re-conquered several times throughout its more than 2,000-year-long history. Here you will step back in time and enjoy sword and archery class to see how people would have helped defend the fortress.
Rafting on the Cetina River
Your adventure starts in Omiš, a small central Dalmatian town and harbour situated at the mouth of the Cetina River and surrounded by huge gorges. Rafting on the Cetina reveals a different Dalmatia, one which which usually remains hidden behind the mountains. Discover the beauty of the crystal clear water, magnificent waterfalls, deep canyons, spectacular forests, hidden caves, river islands and mild rapids.
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Through the air
Make a splash
Birds of a feather
Birds of a feather
Zipline through the Cetina Canyon
Get the heart pumping as you descend through the canyon along a steel wire rope, secured with a belt. After a safety briefing you will make your way to the canyon of the Cetina River, passing through beautiful natural scenery. One guide will hook you up at the beginning of each wire while another waits for you at the other end. There are eight wires covering 2100m and you’ll whizz your way down each one to the finishing point.
Krka Waterfalls National Park tour
Travel to the picturesque Skradin and the Krka Waterfalls National Park. On its green path, River Krka has seven falls, the last one being the amazing Skradinski buk. Thanks to the constant process of travertine building, the Krka River is a karst phenomenon, carving a spectacular canyon along its 70-kilometre journey from the foothills of the Dinara Mountains to the beautiful estuary under the walls of historic Sibenik. Walk the winding wooden paths through the main park area and visit the Ethno Museum and shops housed in the old mills at Skradinski buk.
Dubrava Falconry Center tour
Visit Croatia’s only falconry centre in the little village of Dubrava close to the centre of Šibenik. Enjoy observing these majestic birds of prey in flight and see them eye to eye up close. You’ll also learn about the history of falconry in Croatia and the centre’s work rearing, rehabilitating and releasing rare species.
Explore Zadar
Intriguingly unique, Zadar is a northern coastal hub with a very particular character. Although it’s definitely less busy than the tourist centres further south, it is one of Croatia’s larger metropoles and a living, vibrant city. You’ll be greeted with a mix of ancient Roman relics, Hapsburg elegance, and clever, cutting edge art installations.
Where you could stay
Zadar
Overview
Aptly named, Hotel Bastion benefits from a very unique position: it occupies the remains of an old 13th century Venetian medieval fortress in Zadar’s historic centre.
Each of the 28 luxury rooms features a display panel from which you can do everything from adjusting the room temperature to calling housekeeping and activating a “do not disturb” sign.? Relax at the Kristal aperitif bar and enjoy a cocktail, tea, or coffee, while you gather an appetite. Then make your way to the restaurant for a meal of finely-crafted Mediterranean and local dishes. You can choose to dine al fresco on the terrace if you’d like to catch some sun.
You’ll find that you’re perfectly placed to explore Zadar’s fascinating Sea Organs and Sun Salutation installations as well as historic monuments and islands further afield.
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Overview
The Art Hotel Kalelarga is situated on and takes its name from the main and most famous street in Zadar, a road perhaps even older than the city itself, stretching from the People´s Square (Narodni Trg) to the famous Roman Forum.
Ten thematically designed guest rooms are characterized by functionality, neutral colours, and fine materials. The continuation of a stone pavement into the interior creates a sense of expansion from the Kalelarga Street through the space of the building.
The restaurant, Gourmet Kalelarga, offers a relaxing and enjoyable Dalmatian atmosphere. Here you can start your day with coffee and fresh pastries from its own bakery before enjoying fresh, seasonal dishes and selected wines in the afternoon and an evening spent relaxing with a glass of champagne.
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Make it mine
Go spelunking
Island exploration
Spelunking in Modric cave
This small, long cave is so beautiful that each step is a unique discovery. The cave is not accessible for large groups ensuring a very personal caving adventure. Prepare to crawl and squeeze your way through the magical Modric cave, lit up by the carbide light on your safety helmet.
Motor boat tour of Kornati National Park
Kornati is an archipelago of more than 140 uninhabited islands. The story goes that after God created the world, there were still a few gems left in his hand so he threw them over his shoulder into the seas, and the Kornati islands were born. You’ll get to explore on board a motor boat.
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.
