Four night Dubrovnik and Cavtat short break

Day 1 - Day of arrival

The transfer from Dubrovnik Airport to the hotel will take approximately 30 minutes depending on traffic. The 3 star Hotel Aquarius is owned and run by a Croatian family. It stands at the end of a beautiful garden housing the outdoor pool and outdoor terrace with trees and shrubs surrounding. The hotel is in the Lapad Bay area with its many shops, cafes and restaurants. It's an easy stroll from the hotel to where it’s all happening. So, take advantage of this first day to get your bearings. Dinner can be at the hotel’s outdoor terrace or at one of the many restaurants in Lapad Bay.

Hotel Aquarius, Dubrovnik

Day 2 - Exploring Dubrovnik old town

It takes around 15 minutes by bus from a bus stop near the hotel to Dubrovnik old town, by far the easiest and cheapest way of getting there. Make an early start because you will need the whole day to explore the old town, as there is much to see and experience.

Dubrovnik is the most famous walled city on the sea in Europe and, if you have the energy, then a walk on the massive ramparts that surround the old town is a must. At a reasonable pace, this takes around 1.5 hours, longer if you stroll. Stalls selling cold drinks are located in a couple of spots on the walls. From there you will have a panoramic view of the old city, the Adriatic sea and the Napoleonic fortress on Mount Srdj behind the city. Dubrovnik’s old city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is possibly the most famous place in Croatia and a popular stop for cruise ships and therefore, understandably, it is often busy. Best times to visit are from 8.30am or after 3.30pm. The early spring months March and April can be a little quieter. We can arrange a guided tour, or you can simply explore on your own.

The cable car is really worth taking from the city to Mount Srdj. Enjoy the view, have a drink or a meal at the restaurant terrace or explore the Homeland War museum housed within the fortress which tells the sad story of the conflict in the region which ended almost 30 years ago. News reports by renowned broadcaster Paul Davies of ITN play on a continuous loop at the exhibition since he and his crew were the last international journalists to remain in Dubrovnik. Overnight at Hotel Aquarius, Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Day 3 - Transfer from Dubrovnik to Cavtat

Your transfer from Dubrovnik to Cavtat will take approximately an hour using the Adriana regular boat line which is a great way to reach Cavtat from Dubrovnik. You will pass by the bays of Mlini, Srebreno, Plat and the beautiful waterfront villas. The boat line arrives and departs from the centre of Dubrovnik old town, at the old town harbour, at the Ploce Gate end of town.

Your accommodation for the night is Hotel Villa Pattiera. The property is now a four-star, family-run boutique hotel and once a 19th century private villa, formerly the home of Croatian opera singer Tino Pattiera, hence the name. It’s a custard-colored building that still looks like a private residence at first glance if it weren’t for the restaurant terrace in front. Located at the beginning of the promenade in the old town of Cavtat, this is one of the prettiest spots on the Dubrovnik Riviera, lined with palm trees, café terraces and water taxis coming and going.

There’s an excellent restaurant scene in Cavtat from cool tapas-style places to stylish yet casual seaside restaurants. The hotel’s Restaurant Dalmacija has a rustic interior section and a lovely open glass terrace area. You certainly will not have a problem finding somewhere to eat!

Hotel Villa Pattiera, Cavtat

Day 4 - Day at leisure in Cavtat

Cavtat is built around a U shaped bay, protected to each side by a wooded peninsula. The old town centres on a seafront promenade lined with bars, restaurants and small shops, not forgetting some majestic palm trees. Sailors love this spot and there are always some stylish yachts and motor craft moored here. Famous BBC television reporter Martin Bell, OBE has a soft spot for Cavtat and it was his favourite place for a few days off when reporting from the Balkan conflict almost 30 years ago. About Cavtat he said “there is more than a touch of Saint Tropez about it. Away from the bustle of Dubrovnik yet close enough to visit, Cavtat is utterly charming”.

Use this day to relax. Beaches in Cavtat are a mix of small pebble and stone decks located to the east of the town near the large hotels or at at the northern end of the Riva near the church of Our Lady of the Snow. The sea water around Cavtat is especially crystal clear and this is a good area for snorkelling and diving due to the number of Roman amphorae on the seabed and portions of old wrecks.

Cavtat, Croatia

Day 5 - Day of departure

Cavtat is only a 10 minute transfer to Dubrovnik Airport. But don’t worry, as the nature of landing and take offs means that Cavtat is rarely troubled by excessive aircraft noise.